Disclaimer – It has come to my attention recently that I unfortunately do not own any part of the Game of Thrones universe or the characters mentioned below. Who knew.
Author Note – I enjoy writing short stories for my own enjoyment but at a suggestion from a friend, I have decided to start posting some of my stories that I am working on or have completed. All feedback is welcome (hopefully constructive!) Looking forward to what you think!
A/N 2 - Just hit another milestone with reading so have included an additional little blurb for you all
Ned looked on contemplatively, "you speak wisely, and the Nights Watch is truly an honorable calling. However, you are still young and seeing more of the world would not be a bad decision before pledging your life to The Watch. Becoming a knight would be a respectable decision, that could lessen the importance of your birth on individuals you come into contact wih. Normally I would be against the idea of letting you go off on your own; however, there may be an opportunity for you to leave home. I was going to tell your brothers and sisters tonight at dinner. But the King is coming here with a large retinue, likely to ask a favor of me."
"I have yet to make up my mind on what to do in response if that is truly the case, however I may be able to at least find you a knight to squire for …possibly …more. As I am not yet decided on my response to the King and I have no idea what his response would be, I would caution you not to get your hopes up. However if anything comes from the chat with King Robert I will let you know. Now run along Jon, the King will be here shortly and I am sure you will be able to find much to do. Off with you now. And have no fears, I will think upon what you ask, for it is a fair question."
The week leading up to the arrival of the king in Winterfell was utter chaos. Jon did not remember the first visit being as such but assumed it must have been. Jon spent much of his time in the yard, in the Godswood, or in the Sept (much to the surprise of everyone in Winterfell, Jon himself included).
The day after his chat with Ned in the Godswood, Jon had joined Robb and Theon in the yard, at Robb's request, in order to practice some sword fighting under the guidance of Ser Rodrik.
Aware of the lack of Longclaw at his side, Jon walked over to the rack of castle-forged swords before Ser Rodrik called out to him. "Oy boy, where do you think you are going? Since when have we ever practiced with real steel?"
Jon stopped in place, shaking his head before walking over to the collection of wooden swords. Looking over the options Jon selected a bastard sword from the pile, aware that this was not his preferred sword from before but drawn by the sense of familiarity with Longclaw.
Noticing the difference, Robb raised his eyebrows, "Trying something new today?"
Jon looked over at Robb, "I thought I would use a different sword, to give you a chance today."
At that they both laughed and took their positions.
Jon starred across at Robb, resting on the balls of his feet, feeling perfectly at ease for the first time since he returned. Planning and lying were not really his forte but put a sword in his hand with a goal in mind and Jon was content. While he felt perfectly comfortable with the act of sword fighting, as Jon looked across to his opponent, he realized he kept readjusting his grip trying to obtain the sense of familiarity with the weapon in his hand that he felt when previously holding Longclaw.
At a signal from Ser Rodrik, their spar begin. Right from the start it was obvious to Jon that he was preforming significantly better than he had in a previous life. His experiences in sword fighting led him to be much better at anticipating Robb's attacks. Something that no doubt surprised Ser Rodrik and Robb himself, for it seemed every time Robb was attacking, Jon was already in position to block the attack or had already shifted his position out of danger. This in turn was leading to Robb getting frustrated, in normal circumstances this would have led to an early end to the fight but Jon was never able to capitalize on slips in Robb's form brought on by his frustration. For he himself was experiencing difficulty. The sword was significantly different, both in weight and balance, from that of a real sword and as such, he could never perfectly time his swings. As such the fight went on for a while. Suddenly Jon noticed a large opening that he could capitalize on. Swinging in an attempt to end the fight…unfortunately Jon missed by inches, throwing his balance off and causing him to stumble slightly. Robb was finally able to take advantage of an opening and with that Jonn felt the wooden blade resting on his neck as he looked over and saw Robb with a huge smile on his face, panting heavily, but smiling none the less.
Ser Rodrik stepped in, "Well done, well done indeed that was a good end to the fight. Taking advantage of moments where your opponent makes a mistake can often be the difference between life and death in a fight. Good recognition of that opening. Go off and take a little break. You deserve it. You can fight Theon next, his greater strength and reach should provide a different challenge compared to Jon here."
The boys took off towards the edge of the yard where Theon stood looking bored.
"Not you Snow, stay here," Ser Rodrik commanded.
Jon watched Robb head off and hung his head preparing for a lecture about the wild swing.
Ser Rodrik looked at him, studying him deeply. "So taken to practicing with real steel have you."
Jon's head snapped up, "What…no…I mean…how did you know?"
Ser Rodrik chuckled, "I have been Master-at-Arms since you were sucking at a nurse maid's teat. I know what it looks like when a man goes from fighting with a steel blade to fighting with a wooden weapon. However, what I can't explain is your significant increase in skills. It looks like you have been fighting for years longer than you had the last time you were in the yard. Your anticipation and awareness of the fight look much improved, if it wasn't for your embarrassingly clumsy handling of the blade this fight would have been over in 25 seconds."
Jon looked at aged knight weighing what he should say before finally choosing the truth,. "Ay I have been practicing with a real sword, I felt the sooner I started using a real sword, the sooner I would be prepared for what comes next." Well…maybe not the whole truth …Jon reasoned.
Ser Rodrik shook his head, "There is a reason we practice with wooden swords first. Technique is important. However, you are lucky. It looks like your technique was …alright." Ser Rodrik said begrudgingly. "It seemed your deficiencies were mostly due to the difference between the blades and inability to accommodate. If you want to keep practicing with a steel sword I will not stop you. However, you need to become comfortable with the differences between weapons. It is unlikely you will use a wooden weapon on a battlefield but if you drop your weapon during a fight, you may be forced to pick up and fight with a weapon that is different from yours. And if you are not able to adapt your style, you will die. As clearly demonstrated by your fight here today."
With that dismissal, Jon started to head off, before Ser Rodrik called to him one last time.
"I don't know why you had chosen to fight with a hand-and-a-half sword. Your technique today was fine, however, you have trained up to this point with a smaller sword and your technique is at least as good. Until you become bigger and stronger, I do not understand the need for you to use a hand-and-a-half sword." With that, Ser Rodrik turned around and called on Robb and Theon to get ready.
As Jon walked away, he was thinking on what the Master-at-Arms had said. He had automatically reached for a bastard sword out of his familiarity with Longclaw and some deep-seated hope that maybe eventually he would once again receive that Valyrian steel sword. However, even Jon realized the odds of that happening without going to the Wall were significantly small. Perhaps he should focus on a sword better suited for him now and work to get back to his previous fighting ability. And if his display on the field was evident, he realized he had a long way to go before he was back to his previous fighting ability.
Deep in thought Jon walked around the castle thinking of the fight and analyzing his moves; he decided that indeed he would need a different sword to better fit his fighting style and current body type, maybe in the future he could go back to a bastard sword but as of now there were better options. When Jon looked up, he was at the entrance to the Sept that his uncle had built Lady Catelyn.
Deciding that he was here already, Jon entered and sat down to reflect on everything that was happening and trying to maintain the feeling of peace within him. Jon sat quietly in the back corner of the room watching several individuals come and go, each with their own reasons for being there. Jon had sat there with his eyes closed for the better part of the afternoon, enjoying the silence of the room and the smell of the candles.
He was not sure how long it had been since the last person had been in the room with him before suddenly he felt a …presence in the room with him. Jon was unsure how to describe it but it was as if he was in the hot springs below the castle in the dark and someone else came in and sat in the water. Jon could not see or hear anyone else in the room but somehow he knew that indeed he was not alone. While this sensation did not feel malevolent there was a certain edge to this impression that left Jon feeling on edge and worried. Almost immediately Jon felt the presence disappear, not before Jon felt a momentary flicker of surprise, as if whatever had entered the room was aware that Jon could perceive it.
Unable to regain his mental state Jon got up to leave, knowing there was several things he needed to see to and was hoping to get finished before the King arrived. Exiting the room and heading down the hall, Jon was completely unaware that as he exited he walked right by an individual who was so shocked at the appearance of Jon coming out of the Sept, she was unable to make her usual snide comment or even shake her head. All that Catelyn Stark could do, was stare as Jon Snow headed down the hallway.
The rest of the week of the week passed uneventfully, much to relief of Jon. He continued to practice in the yard with Robb and Theon, the only difference being he had switched to a 'Knightly Sword' as per the advice of Ser Rodrik. The biggest reason behind this decision was the greater ability to hold a shield with this type of sword and Jon knew that the difficulty in dispatching a wight, due to an injury in a fight, made a shield very helpful. However, Jon also realized that unless he was able to find a Valyrian sword somewhere, and he had no idea where he might, he was likely going to be fighting with a heavier weapon than Longclaw and a smaller weapon would be helpful. After the first session in the yard, Jon quickly regained much of his timing and form with a sword and this resulted in him being able to easily dispatch Theon and relatively easily being able to defeat Robb. As a result, Jon found himself being pitted against members of the guard and even Ser Rodrik.
To everyone's surprise Jon managed to do very well and other than a few fights, where his lack of reach or strength resulted in him losing, Jon regularly won these fights, his speed and agility often making up for his disadvantages. This incredible improvement did not go unnoticed, and as such, Ned Stark started becoming a regular feature in the yard, during the times when the boys were training.
After one such match, where Jon came out victorious against two of the guards at the same time, by forcing them into a position where they had to attack him one at a time, Ned approached Jon, who was distractedly watching Bran across the yard trying to hit his target with arrows.
"You know, you could go over and offer him advice" Ned said, startling Jon.
Jon looked over at Bran and shook his head before looking back at Ned, "I am no great archer, I fear any advice I give will make it more difficult for him to properly learn."
"While you aren't half the archer that you are a swordsman, you aren't as bad as you make yourself out to be. Plus Bran respects you, that in and of itself is an important trait. You don't need to be the best at something before you make a good teacher."
Jon visibly cringed remembering Ser Allister Thorn and his teaching, truly there were few better with a sword on the Wall but Thorn himself was only good at browbeating the trainees. Jon would have been surprised if any of his old brothers who weren't good with a blade before coming to the wall actually learned the skill to an adequate level under Thorn's tutelage.
Jon also realized that part of his unease was that, other than Robb who he had no choice in avoiding, he had spent the last several days hiding from all of the other Stark children. This included Arya who had made a point in the morning to arrive outside his room, knocking and yelling at him loudly where she maintained she would not leave until he came out. She indeed kept her word as she had not left…until the Septa came and dragged her down the hallway. Jon was still unsure how to interact with his cousins.
Ned must have noticed the silence, but mistook the cause, "But I am not here to chastise you. Rather to talk about your sword fighting. When Ser Rodrik came to my solar the other night, I did not believe when he was extolling your improvement. But in his words you went from being a slightly promising pupil to possibly the most skilled sword in Winterfell behind his back."
Jon looked at him guiltily.
"There is nothing to be ashamed of Jon, he was only upset as he was unsure as to when you learned and why you had been holding back in the preceding weeks. But I told him I would come to watch the so called "Sword of the North"."
At this Jon visibly blushed, causing Ned to laugh before he became serious.
"You are certainly all Ser Rodrik said you were and more. When you fight, you have a look in your eye of determination, of pure force of will that you will not lose the fight. I have fought alongside and against many of the greatest fighters in the realm, and have only seen this look in the faces of those who have looked death in the face and know the outcomes associated with losing a fight. What has happened to you that should cause you such an outlook?"
Jon looked at Ned initially unsure how to respond, "why? Is there something wrong with the way I fight? The way I am fighting has indeed seemed to help."
Ned looked at him before responding, "There is indeed nothing wrong with that look in a fighter, it might help save your life, although even without that attitude in a fight you seem to be a natural swordsmen. No I am not worried about Jon the fighter, but rather I am worried about Jon …my son. You are family and you are too young to have developed such an attitude. I ask what has happened that you are this way?"
Unsure of exactly how to respond Jon looked up at his uncle and stated truthfully, "I have had a hard life."
Seeing his uncle lean back as if slapped, Jon realized his uncle must have assumed he was talking about his treatment at the hands of those in the castle over the his parentage. Jon considered clarifying his comment but realized if he negated that assumption he would still be forced into the position when Ned Stark would be looking for an answer he was unable to give. So he looked at Ned, feeing guilty but refusing to say more.
After a minute of silence Ned finally made eye contact with him, "I am truly sorry for what you have had to experience but everything I have done for you was for your benefit. Things likely would have turned out a lot worse for you had I not brought you north or told people of your heritage. But I know you are not happy here and I think I have come up with an alternative, I will chat with Robert when he arrives and if is amenable I will let you know."
With that Ned turned around and headed back inside, preventing Jon from asking Ned what his uncle was up to.
The only other thing of note that happened was when Jon, knowing his life was likely to change dramatically, decided to sneak into the Stark crypts and pay respect to his mother, not knowing the next time he would have the chance.
Even though not expressly forbidden, Jon went through great lengths to make sure he was not caught sneaking into the crypts, as he knew that there is no way he would be able to explain what he was doing paying his respects to his "aunt" without raising suspicions in his "father".
Therefore Jon waited until everyone had gone to bed the night before the King was to arrive, positive that everyone would either be doing their best to get a full nights rest before the King arrived. Or would be too busy with last minute preparations to take notice of one individual walking around.
As Jon stood in front of the crypt preparing himself to go in he heard a voice behind him, "And just what do you think you are doing?" The voice asked.
A voice very familiar to Jon.
A voice of a girl.
A voice of a child.
A voice Jon had been specifically trying his hardest to avoid this last week.
A voice …of Arya Stark.
"Arya, what are you doing out of bed? You should be asleep there is plenty for you to do tomorrow."
"You should be asleep as well. I repeat what are you up to, going into the crypt?"
"Arya, it does not concern you. Please let me be."
"Jon you have been ignoring me all week and now you are adventuring around the castle without me, we used to do this all the time together before."
"I am…This…doesn't concern you. Please let me be."
Arya took a step back in surprise and in a quiet, hurt voice asked, "Was it something I did? Why have you shut me out? Why are you ignoring Bran? You spend time with Robb but only as much as you have to before running away to the Godswood or the library or the freaking Sept. I don't even remember the last time I saw you look at Rickon. What did we do?" Arya asked with tears in her eyes, showing she was not yet the hardened killer that she had become but still his fragile sister. She paused, before she asked in a much harder voice than Jon was aware she was capable of at this time, "Was it mother? Did she say something to you? We are your family. So help me, if she is…".
Jon held up his hand on her shoulder stifling a chuckle, reassessing his previous thought. Possibly not the hardened killer yet, but still made of sterner stuff than most her age.
"Peace Arya, your mother said nothing to me. I have been having a hard time."
Arya's face softened and Jon could see her visibly swallow follow up questions as she let him continue.
"Things in Winterfell and likely all the kingdom are changing. The King has never made a trip this far north in recorded memory and yet he comes to see our father. We find direwolves south of the wall and not just one or two but the exact number of pups as there were for Stark children and then I find one extra pup for me. The Wall has seen greater desertions lately and I fear there might be something worse than Wildlings coming. I feel lost and alone. I know you are my family, I know Robb, and Bran, and Rickon are my brothers. I know Sansa is my sister…well maybe a cousin far removed."
Arya laughed at Jon's attempt to lighten the mood.
Jon continued, "But I feel lost. Unlike you I never had the chance to really know my family, to know who I am, to know where I come from. At best I know half my family, but one half of something is still partially empty. I feel as if I don't know who I am."
Arya looked at his and stated very simply, "You are a Stark, you are one of us."
Jon realized that while he had originally started saying these things to distract Arya from asking why he was here, he was telling the truth. He had always felt as if there was part of him that was hidden away from him. And even when he had found out the facts about this true partentage he never got to learn about them beyond what was written in books and a few stories told here and there. As Jon kept talking he noticed a large weight being released from his chest. Arya's simple declaration had served to almost completely remove the remaining pressure and he felt as if he could breathe.
"Aye I am a Stark, just look at me." He joked again.
This caused Arya to smile, "And do you know what the best part of being a Stark is?" She asked with an even larger smile on her face.
"What is that?"
"We have each others back, we don't let each other do foolish things…at least alone. You are part of a pack." She said firmly.
Jon started to protest before being cut off by Arya.
"You can either let me come with you on this mysterious adventure where you plan to find yourself…or I'll just go grab father and ask him to accompany us. The choice is yours." She smiled with a glint in her eye knowing she had likely won.
"Ugh, fine, little wolf, try to keep up." Jon said trying to be firm and sound disapproving but from the way Arya smirked he knew he failed and worse she knew that he knew that she had won.
Leaveit2Beav - Thanks! Definitely let me know how you enjoy the rest of the chapters!
Sarah F1992 - Thanks I definitely love the GOT universe and the storyline but as with most of the times I read stuff I am always like ooo why did you do that.
Anarra - Thanks! Will definitely keep posting on my schedule, almost 1,000,000 words later, the story is 99.99% done, just trying to get the ending to fully fit
- Thanks! I am pretty sure I am in a majority of people who read or watched and hated the interaction between them, I understand why Catelyn would be angry about the situation but to treat Jon so poorly had me visbily cringing everytime I read or watched one of those scenes. Yikes. I personally love Ned as a character but that had to be almost the worst way he could have handled the situation. Literally could have fostered his bastard out to any of his lords (except maybe Bolton) and it would have turned out better or sent him to squire somewhere. But just watching as he was treated that way was hard to read. So while I don't expect Catelyn and Jon to ever become buddies or mom/son relationship I personally think there is potential for positive storylines rather than whatever exactly GRRM was going for.
Kind Regards,
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Again appreciate all feedback whether positive or positive! Haha but seriously constructive criticism or suggestions are welcome!