Disclaimer: I do not own or have the rights to The Game of Thrones TV Show or books. HBO owns the rights to the Game of Thrones TV Show. Geroge RR Martin is the creator of the ASOIAF/GOT book series. I also do not own the Fate/Stay Night Series. This is a work of fiction.
Chapter 2: A Whole New World
Isle of Mann
The clouds of smoke grew closer as Jon and Ghost continued towards its source. Jon could tell from the state of the smoke that it seemed to more from a cooking fire rather than anything burning. The smoke trailing towards the sky was more of a whitish, gray color rather than the billowing black clouds he grew accustomed to when burning their dead. Jon could not tell how long they walked through the peaceful forest but the growling of both his and Ghost's stomachs told him it was awhile. He had tried to have Ghost go hunt yet it seemed his direwolf had decided he would not leave Jon alone again. It really struck Jon how much his canine friend cared for him. Yet it did not surprise Jon that his direwolf refused to leave him alone. For the time that Ghost was away, Jon had been hurt by his own men. That had effected Jon as he felt it would take time to trust another human, but his trust in Ghost was forever absolute.
As Jon's thoughts quelled within him, his eyes wandered around the forest. It seemed like a dream he was in for he had never seen as much green as he did now. The treetops were a vibrant evergreen which he could not imagine being in the waking world. He had grown used to the dead looking forms of the trees of the Haunted Forest. For if this was a dream than what he experienced at the Wall could only be seen as a nightmare. Even the foliage spread throughout the base of the healthy, thick trunks were a dark green. He had never imagined that plants were this startling color. The animals in the forest were teeming with life for all of them seemed to be well-feed. He could neary see a visible ribcage of the deers and other small critters which scampered around him. He grew even more amazed as the animals did not flee from the presence of Ghost and himself. Had he really grown used to them fleeing as they hunted what wildlife they could find during his tenure at the Wall.
A part of him felt the need to hunt some of the game here for his stomach felt like it would devour itself. He normally would have though his amazement turned those thoughts away for the moment. For the smell of a cooking fire could be smelt in front of him. The smoking scent of cooked meat filled his nostrils as his stomach once again growled out in desperation. Even Ghost his silent companion let out a small whine in response as if to agree with his stomach. Jon had been so amazed by the scenery of where they found themselves that he did not notice the distance they had traveled. For they had found themselves at a campfire faster than he could have predicted. As if both man and beast were hypnotized they exited the foliage of the forest and entered what looked to be a camp where they found their query.
It seemed they were not the only ones there in the campsite though for in front of Jon and Ghost were two young men. The two different parties could only stare at each other before Jon's stomach decided to introduce itself to the young hunters. Jon could only put the icy mask known in his family as inside he died a little of embarrassment. He was a man who was hardened by loss and war, yet he could not even control his stomach at the mere sight of food. The two young hunters seemed more scared than anything as their eyes glanced upon the large form of Ghost as he silently settled by Jon's side. Their eyes went from the large direwolf to the sword at Jon's side in a panic. Before they could even utter a scream from their panic filled visages, Jon decided to introduce himself to the men before him.
"Hoe my goodmen I apologize for the intrusion. But my companion and I were drawn by the intoxicating smell of your cooking fire", stated Jon as his icy-cold exterior cracked a bit with a pleasant smile upon his lips.
His words towards the hunters stirred them from their panic as they looked upon him. Jon grew curious as he felt he did not look too strange. He was still in his ruined black leathers and breeches he usually wore. Even with his ruined clothing it seemed a step-up from the rough-spun tunics and breeches that the hunters wore. It truly seemed this dream was more detailed than he first expected.
Unaware of Jon's thoughts the hunters only shared a stare as they looked upon the tall, well-built man before them. He seemed to be around six feet tall with a build that showed both strength and speed. They could make out what seemed to be toned muscles from the gaps in his ruined black doublet. His face was long though chiseled as their was no trace of fat upon him. He had dark brownish-black hair almost in color to that of a ravens feathers. His face was unblemished without an imperfection on it. They could even make out a small, pleasant smile upon the strangers face after he had introduced himself and his companion. His eyes were the color of steely, gray as he looked inquisitively at them. He looked and talked like a lord, yet a beast followed him like a pup.
The beast itself was the largest wolf they had every seen. It was the size of a small horse, and they feared it may still be growing. The pelt of the wolf was the purest white like that of a fresh snowfall. It's eyes were a crimson red and seemed to be intelligent as its gaze never left either men. The hunters could not tell how such a beast came under the ownership of the man before them, but it seemed well trained as it waited patiently near the strange man. Though they did catch the beast eyeing up their freshly caught game with a growing interest.
The hunters grew less panicked as both man and beast calmy awaited their response. With a nod between the hunters the shortest of the two soon gathered his courage to respond to their uninvited guests.
"Good evening milord. What brings you to our humble camp", said the shortest hunter nervously. His companion could only nod in greeting as he was still too shocked to speak up.
Jon's smile grew a little wider at the pleasant greeting him and Ghost received. It would seem they had found some pleasant company along with the delicious food.
" I am no Lord my goodmen. I am just a humble bastard enjoying the calming scenery of the forest along with my friend. I'd like to introduce myself and my companion. I am Jon Snow, and this great canine is named Ghost", said Jon, "We were wandering around till we smelt the alluring scent of your catch".
"I see Sir Jon and Ghost", said the short hunter questioningly, "That still don't mean why you have come to camp".
"Forgive myself for my rudeness for I am wondering if my companion and I can share a bit of your fine meal", said Jon as he felt his stomach once again rumble. Even Ghost let out a bark of agreement as his crimson eyes looked upon the delectable selection of cooked rabbits and birds.
The two confused hunters could only let out a round of sighs at the question. It would seem they would have more mouths to feed tonight. They may be wary of strangers but the two before them seemed pleasant enough. For while they may be skeptical of them it would not be right to leave the two obviously starving souls without some grub. With a shake of their heads the two hunters each grabbed a skewer of rabbit for their guests. Ghost seemed to perk up as the food was taken away from the campfire. They could even see the wolf's large bushy tail wag in behind it as its pink tongue rolled to side of its opened maw. It seemed well-behaved to wait for the food though the men were slightly put off by the wolf's large fang-filled mouth.
With nary a second of removing the portion for their guests one of the rabbit skewers was devoured in quick succession by the wolf. With a soft chuckle Jon grabbed the remaining skewer from their new companions.
"Thank you for the food. We have been starving since we were in the forest", said Jon as he slowly brought up the skewer to his mouth. With more grace than Ghost Jon set out to eat the delicious meal before him. In a matter of minutes each guest had finished the offered food. Jon could feel the grease of the rabbit flow down his chin as he rubbed his satiated stomach. He felt so satisfied with the meal it had been awhile since they had tasted fresh meat. Jon felt he had grown too used to the smoked meats and rations of the Watch, that he had forgotten the taste of fresh meat.
His attention was taken away from food as the hunters drew their attention upon him once more. Jon had been caught unaware yet what of it was for this was either all a dream or the afterlife. He did not have to be concerned with the state of the living world. He died for what he believed was the right thing to do even if others saw it as a betrayal.
One of the hunters turned to Jon to ask, "So we have fed you Jon what can you offer us in return". Jon contemplated at the question as it seemed only fair to do so. He did not have any form of currency and he would rather die again than give them his sword. He could see their wandering eyes as they gazed upon the white direwolf pommel of his sword. Jon would never give it away as it had been entrusted to him by Lord Jeor Mormont himself.
"I neither have any goods to give in exchange nor any currency to give you in return. At most I can help on the next hunt as I am a decent marksman, and Ghost would be an excellent tracker and could help flush out any hidden game. In the meantime, I can offer you men either a song or tale", said Jon.
The hunters turned to themselves as they divulged into quiet whispers shared only between themselves. With constant whispers being shared for a minute or two they then turned back to Jon.
"We would not be opposed to having an extra hand with a hunt and your beastie could very well help us as well", said the larger of the hunters as he turned to his companion.
The shorter of them picked off where the other left off, "Though for now we feel like a good tune could make this meal even better".
Jon thought of the offer and agreed with a short nod of his head. It had been many moons since he had sung a song. He could remember a time were he would sing for his siblings as he strummed a harp. Jon had a hidden talent for music and singing and was a fond memory of his he shared with them. Though it had not been long till Lord Stark put an end to such practices. He had never understood why his father had made him stop, yet he would still practice his singing in secret. Only Arya still knew of his musical pastime. He had a smile come upon his face at the thought of his favorite song. It was one that sounded of the pain and longing he felt for most of his life. For he longed for his family and Ygritte and was pained at what he endured. With a deep breath in Jon started to sing in a somber tone a song that called out to him. His eyes closed as he felt himself become lost in the music.
(Jenny of Oldstones Lyrics)
High in the halls of the kings who are gone
Jenny would dance with her ghosts
The ones she had lost and the ones she had found
And the ones who had loved her the most
The ones who'd been gone for so very long
She couldn't remember their names
They spun her around on the damp old stones
Spun away all her sorrow and pain
And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
They danced through the day
And into the night through the snow that swept through the hall
From winter to summer then winter again
'Til the walls did crumble and fall
And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
High in the halls of the kings who are gone
Jenny would dance with her ghosts
The ones she had lost and the ones she had found
And the ones
Who had loved her the most
Jon slowly opened his eyes as the camp had grown still and quiet. He looked at the teary-eyed faces of the hunters as they stood in place never uttering a word. Even Ghost had turned his gaze onto him as he sang the song. The only sound that broke the still silent camp was the crackle of the fire. It would still seem he still had the gift as he looked up to the stupor of his newest companions.
"Lad remind me to never have you sing in front of my sister", joked the large of the hunters.
Jon could only feel elated as he threw back his head with laughter roaring out of his mouth. The reactions of people listening to him sing never ceased to amuse him. He could faintly remember the weeping face of Sansa and the look of amazement on Arya's faces when he sung. The face of little Bran when he was younger looking at him in wonder. The annoyed face of Robb as he tried to match Jon. Though he wondered what face little Rickon would have made at his singing. He never did have the chance to share his gift with his littlest brother.
His amusement seemed to be shared between everyone in the camp as the mood turned into a joyous one. Their laughter died down as soon as it had come. Jon could only lay back and look upon the twinkling stars in the distance as the sun had set many hours ago. 'Strange I do not recognize any of them stars', thought Jon.
"So, if ye are still open to helping us with the hunt does that mean you will help us return to our village. We could use another set of hands to help with moving the pelts of the animals we caught. Your beastie should also help us keep away any predators", said the shorter of the two hunters.
With a tired yawn Jon then spoke, "Aye we will help you".
"Good that'll make the journey back to Cregneash go more smoothly", said the larger hunter.
Jon had never heard of such a settlement, and it only made him a little more confused. "If you don't mind me asking but what land is Cregneash apart of", said Jon.
"Ha you hear that Roger our new friend doesn't even know where we are", said the shorter hunter as he laughed a little.
"Oh, Bederick play nice, he must've been in the forest longer than he thought. Give the man some slack it's not like you know every place on the Isle of Mann", said Roger.
Jon could only stay still as his confusion grew even more. He did not know what any of these names or places meant. This was truly a weird dream or even land if this was the afterlife. He could only stay still as his companions continued their conversation. For he grew tired, and this was more for tomorrow. He would seek out the sweet solace of slumber for his body grew tired after the journey today. As Jon grew closer to sleep he never even thought to reconsider where he was. For he was in a whole new world compared to the last one he inhabited.
Author's Note: I felt inspired to write a bit more about Jon's journey in the new world he has found himself in. I also wanted to say that this will be a different Jon Snow than what was portrayed in the books and shows. The Jon in this story will of course at times be very similar to how he is portrayed in the books and in the show. I just feel that before his full realization of where he is he would be more whimsical about it I guess. For he still thinks that where he is not real. As time goes on he will of course be forced to except his situation. I just feel that he would feel freer without being the Lord Commander or had to deal with being a bastard in Winterfell. I also wanted to start this story as more light-hearted before I get into more of the nitty-gritty stuff during the time period he is in. I think I will be updating this story more often since I have felt really inspired lately. Also, what is everyone's favorite Fate series? I have always loved the original Fate/Stay Night and the Unlimited Blade Works that came out a few years ago. I also love what they did with Fate/Apocrypha. Please feel free to leave a review about the story or PM about anything I can add to the story.