A Year and a half Later
The Banesmen Garden had finally finished construction. It crossed two perch* and stood 10 feet. It had a pipe that connected the garden to a stone-encased cauldron. The cauldron lit at the bottom to send steam through the pipe into the perimeter of the garden. The soil and air were warm enough to plant crops. This new development would help the Banesmen last the Winter. And help them cut the costs of food.
Roger had already thought of using the cottage for profit. The people in the nearby village, as well as, Winterfell would need food. They could provide for both and the crops from the Reach could be given to the rest of the North. Thus would begin Little Rog's new task of building another wagon to carry crops. Jon groaned at the thought.
Trina's research took eight moons. She tested and experimented. Had a mini box built to test her theory. In the box, her mother taught her to plant herbs. The first two boxes were failures but the third time was the charm.
It probably wouldn't have taken so long if her research hadn't caused an accidental fire in the woods close to the cottage. Trina had been experimenting with how long a fire could last in a northern storm with a forgotten pipe from the crypts. She then burned and cut her hands trying to experiment on the sand herself. Trina was banned from both apprenticeships for a moon after that.
Then Trina fell sick. She was stuck in Sara's home for a fortnight to get better. Jon was worried for his friend. He went to visit her every day until she got better. Sara said that Trina was overworking herself. No matter how gifted she was, Trina was still very young and needed time to rest.
Jon liked Trina. She was not sweet like other girls. She had no grace, but Trina was true. And she was, smart, kind, and funny when around those who made her comfortable. She never let anyone hold her back. However, she didn't seem to notice those who were envious of her.
Trina made friends with the Stone Mason's children, Hugh and Brenda. The siblings thought Trina was strange. Even though they were friends Brenda still made a point to make slight jabs at her. Downing her studies, and mocking her look. It irked both Jon and Tammy that Trina never seemed to notice, but they assumed that she couldn't tell because Brenda was never outwardly mean. Hugh, on the other hand always ignored the other three children; two were bastards and the third didn't like him.
Jon crawled into bed after dinner with his family. He was relieved and exhausted.
Jon felt himself drift off when he heard a knock at his door. "Jon it's me." He heard his father coming in. Jon moved to get up. "No need to get up. I haven't had time to speak with you for the last few days. You have been busier than I." Ned chuckled and moved to sit at the side of the bed. "Watching the Garden being built, I can understand how tired you have been. I am proud that you stuck it through."
"Yes, Father. The glass house was hard to build." Jon said sitting up. "Carpentry is tiresome work but I am happy you have permitted me to join Little Rog. Uncle Roger says that one day I can join him on the Merry Betty with Tammy and Trina."
Ned shook his head. "It is still hard to believe that an eight-year-old girl designed a glass house. Without a hot spring? The Gods have blessed her." He looked back at Jon. "And you began to learn how to work metal from Mikken. I am proud of you. I was worried that you would hide in Robb's shadow or truly want to go to the wall. There is no life there. You are growing to be a capable young man." he patted his son's knee fondly.
"Tysha came to speak to me about business some moons ago. Two perches could probably feed the entire area with a garden that size. I would be worried about their ambition if I did not know the family so well."
Jon shyly looked at his hands at the praise. "Roger will probably be speaking to you soon to solidify the agreement." he yawned "I'm happy to bring honor to you Father. I don't want to be a man-grown and just be your bastard. Betty says I can make more of myself than just be a ranger at the Wall."
Ned looked down in shame. Lyanna's child did not deserve to doubt himself or live in the shadow of his false shame. "You have always brought me honor, Jon. Being natural born does not mean you are bad or evil. I can see why you feel that way. I will speak to Cat. Her treatment of you is causing a bridge between you and your siblings. Robb is very jealous of your friendship with Trina."
"I do not mean to make him feel bad. The Banesmen make me feel like family. They do not care that Trina or I are bastards. The Banesmen push me to do something useful with myself. And Katie makes me feel special too. It's like having a mother." He said looking away from Ned Stark.
"I will spend time with Robb. Maybe he can come along at times when I have work to do with Little Rog. It's not Lord's work but I think it'll make him very strong. The last two years I've grown as tall as him. We are going to build a new wagon. The smallfolk will like a Lord that can come out and work beside them" Jon finished hopefully.
"I will speak to him about it. I am sorry that you have been feeling this way, son. I will speak to Cat on the morrow. She will have to learn to be less petty with you. You may not be her son, but you are my blood. You are Stark as much as Robb is." said Ned.
Jon beamed despite his eyes getting heavy. "Thank you father" he yawned out. "Goodnight"
"Goodnight Jon," Ned said standing from the bed. "There will be changes tomorrow. I promise" He said somberly. Promise me, Ned.
Ned Stark left his nephew's room with a new look on his household and a determination to fix it.
A week later Robb slumped against the Banesmen Cottage. He was so tired. He never knew how much work it was to build a cart. Jon always spoke of the work but Robb never paid attention in full. However, he was happy to be here. Jon was happy to share this part of himself with his brother.
When his father had told him that Jon wanted him to come along because they hadn't spent much time together, Robb was happy and slightly off-putted. He wanted his brother all to himself but his Lord Father was quick to talk sense into him. Jon had to make his own way and just because he had friends, did not mean he did not care for Robb.
So Robb agreed. When Jon heard, he was so excited. His brother got to meet the Banesmen officially. Jon went on about Katie and Little Rog. Tammy and Betty. Roger and Michael. And his least favorite, Trina. They were all Jon seemed to talk about. And Jon always seemed to run off after his lessons for his apprenticeship. He worked long hours building the Banesmen glass gardens, and when he was home always went straight to bed. And never ate supper with the family because he had already eaten with Trina's family.
When Trina was at Winterfell with her lessons, Jon only paid attention to her. Theon mocked Jon behind his back. How could the bastard fancy that freakish-looking girl? Robb thought Theon was harsh but he would laugh along out of spite. Trina never paid either of them mind. She always curtsied out of respect but it was always haughty with her nose in the air. Returning Theon's nasty snarl, she went on her way.
Robb had tried to make friends with Trina but the girl had put a quick stop to it, stating that it was inappropriate for a Lord to be friends with common children and she did not wish to upset his mother. So Robb continued having a secret jealousy towards Trina. And snapped at anyone who mentioned Jon's friendship with the Banesmen. Now was his chance to try again.
"Come, Milord." Little Rog said, waking Robb from his thoughts. "It's time for supper. You've earned it. You take up to carpentry as quickly as Jon."
Robb took the cloth that Jon held to him and wiped his hands grimacing at the splinters. As if hearing his thoughts, Betty yelled through the door. "No one eats before we clean your hands. Otherwise, we'll have to hear Trina grumbling about infection for the rest of the night."
Everyone laughed as Trina rolled her eyes. "Well, splinters can cause infection. Especially if Lord Robb is not used to splitting and working with lumber. Best to clean and bandage up before you eat."
She sat at the table and beckoned them to sit down. Robb sat across from Trina and offered his hands. He winced as she started tweezing the splinters out and distracted himself by watching the family interact.
Katie scolded Jon for trying to sneak a bite to eat. She cuffed him playfully on the back of the head and pulled him to sit next to Robb so that she could tweeze his splinters. His brother laughed at something Betty had said and turned back to Katie to speak excitedly about his day. She nodded and chimed in when appropriate, smiling at his words.
Robb could not help but watch Jon interact with Katie and Tammy. He was wrong to be jealous of Trina. It was them who were trying to steal his brother. Jon jests with Tammy the way he jests with Robb, and he hugs her the same way he hugs their sisters. Katie treated Jon like her own child. And that shamefully irked Robb. Jon always wanted a mother, someone who would be warm and recognize him. Robb knew it was jealousy that these people seemed to bring out the best of Jon, and the Starks did not.
It was Trina lightly shaking his hand to bring him out of his thoughts again. "Tammy asked how do you like carpentry milord," Trina said.
He did not hear Tammy's voice over the noise. Roger was laughing loudly with Michael. Betty bustled in and out with plates to feed Robb and Jon's guards. Sara, Katie, and Little Rog were also speaking. It was hard to concentrate on one conversation.
Robb turned his attention to Tammy. He could not help but feel guilty at the agitation he felt towards Tammy. "It's different than my lessons or sparring. More... How can I say? Measurement and precision than I am used to."
"Aye, it helps with concentration and lessons too," Jon said standing to clean up the table after Katie finished. Trina was still tweezing the last of Robb's splinters.
"Sorry, milord. I'll be done soon. You're not used to handling wood. You splinter easier than Jon." Trina said.
Jon laughed at Robb's embarrassed face before rubbing his head from another cuff from Katie. "Oi, you had worse splinters than his Lord when you first started, don't laugh at your brother," Katie said. Robb watched half incredulously as Jon looked more sheepish than dejected at Katie's scolding.
Words from Catelyn would have shrunken Jon into the shadows. Here, Jon kept his smile and jested more.
Trina finished wrapping Robb bandages and stood. "Here Robb, its just like Nans." said Jon sliding him a bowl of stew. It smelled delicious.
"Well, Nan taught it to me." Betty laughed. "Eat up. You've had a long day and you have another tomorrow."
"Aye, The wood is cut, shaved and shaped. Tomorrow we put it together." Little Rog said with a mouthful of stew.
"Any extra to make the storing box?" Trina asked.
"We cut down extra for it." said Jon rolling his eyes "You only told us about it yesterday."
"Forgot to mention it," said Trina. "Garden was more important."
"Storing box?" asked Robb.
"Yes, and if you can tell Lord Stark about it, I will be grateful," said Trina. "A box lined with leather, on the inside of the leather will be packed with snow. Then we'll place another leather sack inside to hold crops and meat. Food lasts longer in the cold. But it's nice to have some stored. Having extra meat in the winter will be good."
"But what if bears or wolves try to get inside?" Robb asked.
"We have Mikken welding copper as thin as lace string with spikes. Barbed wire Mikken calls it. Surrounding the box. Gonna be a pain to put it together and connect it to a door." said Little Rog. "And because the lass likes to demand things at the last minute, Trina will be helping."
Trina rolled her eyes and smiled sheepishly. "I would have been able to tell you sooner if I was not punished."
"You set the bloody woods on fire," growled Katie. "Always going on to do your own thing with no supervision. And you're lucky that your punishment was so short. Jon told us about you climbing the forge and sticking your head in the chimney."
"Tattler!" snarled Trina jumping at Jon. He jumped away laughing with the rest of the family. Robb could not help but laugh along.
"What is all this noise?" said Tysha coming in. She shook off her cloak and smiled at everyone. "Good evening all of you. And you Lord Robb. I hope this lot has not been a bother" She did not wait for Robb's reply and walked up the stairs to her room.
"We've been no bother Tysha!" Uncle Roger yelled up the stairs. "The little Lord enjoyed the work."
Tysha walked back down the stairs and looked at Robb. "I did, madam," Robb said nodding his head. "I see how Jon's gotten so strong over the last two years. It is fine work. And your family is very welcoming."
"Good, I know they are loud. Much different than the keep," said Tysha
Michael snorted. "The keep was full of noise when we were children."
The door opened to reveal Lord Stark. Robb looked around expectantly for the family to pay courtesy and was surprised when the room shouted "NED!". Only Roger bowed quickly before smiling.
Michael patted his back. "I was just telling the boys how noisy Winterfell was when we were young."
"With you, Lyanna, and Brandon" Ned chuckled, grabbing a cup and pouring himself some ale. "There was not a moment of peace."
The family laughed and the noise returned. Everyone speaking to everyone.
"Robb did well father," said Jon proudly.
"Good, You have been doing well, this is something good for you two to bond over," said Ned, he took a sip of ale and turned to Robb. "And for you to know Nan's family better. They have always been loyal to House Stark. Its good for us to keep these bonds."
Robb nodded, taking a piece of bread and stuffing it in his mouth. He never expected his father to sit here with a common family and break bread. He always brought someone to his table. Robb's Lady Mother always spoke about how inappropriate it was. But this family knew his father. They knew him so well, that he felt no need to knock on the door or announce himself. They did not feel the need to pay his Lord Father courtesy.
He watched as everyone in the crowded kitchen laughed and spoke. And Robb realized that his father never laughed or smiled wider. Lord Stark looked so free, leaning against the counter and speaking to Little Rog and Betty.
Every so often Robb chimed in. Tammy always pulled him into the conversation and he felt his irritation for her decrease bit by bit.
After a while, Ned told the family that it was time for them to leave.
Robb walked back to the keep with his father and brother. Surrounded by guards. He could not help but feel confused by his fathers presence at the Banesmen cottage.
"Father." Robb started. "The Banesmen are commoners."
He could hear Jon groan but his father replied. "Yes, they are."
"They did not pay respects and they regarded you as if you were equal," said Robb confusedly.
"We are all equal Robb. I am a Lord and it is my duty to rule the North and look after her people. In public, Nan's family have always called me by my title. But in private they are friends. Dear friends. Nan's three sons marched with my grandfather and did not return alive. Betty's father also did not return from the Nine Penny war." said Ned. "Yet they remain loyal. Taking in your brother like their own to deter him from the wall."
"You laughed a lot with them," Robb said
Ned nodded his head. "I always do." he chuckled
"You do not laugh that much at the keep," Robb said dejectedly.
Ned stopped and the rest of the company stopped with him. He looked contemplatively between his sons and then out in the distance. "I was born a second son."
"Yes father, I know," said Robb confused.
"I was not raised to inherit or bear this weight of ruling." Ned sighed. "When I was your age, I was sent to the Vale. And I had much fun with King Robert. I was raised to build alliances and I had more freedom. Honestly, I was more like Jon. I had no place or direction that I could take. No true duties other than serving your Uncle Brandon."
Robb nodded and glanced at Jon who looked pensive.
Ned began walking again and continued to speak "Ruling is tiresome and tedious. The keep is not my home but my place of work. I wake up there as Warden of The North. So when I am with Nan's family, I am allowed to be Ned. Just Ned, as I was when I was your age."
"Will it be the same for me?" Robb asked
"No, you are raised as heir. This will come naturally to you. And I will not make the same mistakes as my father. Jon will learn just as much as you. As will Sansa and Little Arya. Your mother will be upset at the girls learning a Lord's duties but I must be sure that you have a good counsel. Sansa and Arya will run their husbands Keeps but they will only be a Raven away."
"And I will always be here," said Jon, slapping his shoulder encouragingly.
Another Fortnight passed.
Tammy and Jon walked with Katie from the Weirwood clearing outside the village. Neville walked behind them silently, ever-vigilant. It was a nice talk with the Gods. The group made their way to the cottage to wait for Trina and Robb. They planned to go to the village to roam.
"How did your father like the designs of the storage box?" asked Katie.
"He was grateful," said Jon. "He wants to have one built in the village. But have guards for it to ward off thieves."
"Good," said Katie. "Less hungry bellies this winter. Hopefully, we can keep this garden quiet before the crops fully grow. Don't need nosey people in our business."
"It's hard with Brenda always wanting to follow Trina around." Tammy sneered. "I don't know what Trina sees in her."
"Oh dear, do not be jealous of Trina making other friends." Katie scolded
"I am not jealous." Tammy said. "But that dolt is always saying shady things to Trina. She said Trina's eyes are strange."
Jon nodded in agreeance. "And Brenda called Trina a witch. Ginny said so. And when we went to go ask Brenda, she said Ginny was lying."
Katie chuckled. They were starting to have village drama. They were growing so fast. "And how do you know Ginny was not lying?"
"Because Sara, the pub owner, not Auntie Sara, heard her say it," Tammy grumbled. "Brenda tried to be mean to me too but I told her off quick. I'll have none of that nonsense."
"She said Tammy's Dornish skin did not looked strange in the North." Jon said laughed. "You should have heard Tammy"
"What did you say?" Katie sighed
"I said she was going to grow up to look like her father," Tammy said haughtily. "And that she already had his boarish shoulders and crooked teeth."
Jon laughed louder and they could hear Neville chuckling behind them.
Katie tried to hide her smile and chuckle but it was hard. Tammy looked like Tysha but she had Katie's slick nature. "Well, you have to let Trina defend herself," said Katie.
"I know but you know Trina is not good at reading people," said Jon.
"Aye," Tammy said "People have to be mean outright for her to understand."
"She will see in time," said Katie. "Girls like Brenda are never good at hiding their true nature for long."
"Why does she want to be friends with Trina if she does not like her?" Tammy asked.
"She is jealous," said Katie. "Trina gets a lot of attention and she's friends with a Lord's son. You have lots of friends and everyone likes you. I've heard the villagers agree the two of you will be great beauties. Brenda does not feel special."
"She should make herself special instead of following us around and taking jabs at my cousin," growled Tammy.
"I did not feel special to my family and I did not say mean things to Robb." Jon disagreed.
"You are a kind soul. Not many are like you." Katie said, ruffling his hair.
"And you are better than his Lord at the sword," said Tammy. "You had something that made you special. And now you have trade skills. You did not follow people around and suck the life out of everything."
Jon laughed "You sound like Trina," He said opening the cottage door for the two, entering behind them. Neville took his usual seat on the stool next to the door.
Betty sat at the kitchen table as normal and greeted them. "How was your prayer?"
They sat at the table with her and passed the time.
The door opened and Trina came bustling in with a sneer. Robb entered behind her sheepishly. But he stood in the doorway looking back and forth, as if he were looking at someone.
"Oh dear, what happened now?" Betty chuckled
"Lord Theon feels left out and Mother says that he has to come," Trina said through her teeth while glaring passed the doorway, assumingly at Theon who stood outside.
Betty stood and beckoned Theon inside. He walked in with a nervous face but he tried to cover it with an arrogant look. "Welcome Lord Theon," Betty said while Tammy and Katie courtsied. Trina rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Oh Trina, don't be like that. You will have fun."
"As long as Theon doesn't ruin it." Jon laughed only to be shushed by Katie. Theon glared at Jon and blushed when he saw Tammy.
"He's not going to ruin anything," said Robb. "He promised to be nice. And father said Madam Betty can have his hide if he does."
This made Tammy, and Jon roar with laughter and Trina smirked.
"Its not funny." Theon said "I am a Lord and it is not proper." he said arrogantly.
"We should raise Bran from the dead, so he can tell you how proper it is." Betty laughed "I spanked his hide a plenty."
"Well, you all be good" said Katie. "Do not go drenching yourself in the snow. Don't need you lot getting sick just as Winter is setting in."
"We won't," the children said walking out the door.
"I brought you and your guard a horse Jon" Robb said mounting his horse.
"Thank you." said Jon
The girls walked to their own horse, Tibby, and climbed on.
One of the guards called out "Can you girls ride? It's a large mare."
"They ride fine," said Neville. "Their uncle taught them to ride, already."
It was true, that Michael had begun to teach them to ride at five when Tibby was still a pony.
The guard nodded and the company made their way to the village to play in the snow.
Jon sat next to his brother, sisters, and Theon. He listened as Theon and Robb told Eddard about their day playing in the snow with the village children. Eddard laughed and shared his own stories of playing in the snow as a lad.
Theon did not cause any trouble surprisingly. He was nicer to Trina but he was too nice to Tammy. The attention made Tammy blush and Jon felt protective of the sister he chose. Tammy was too young to get that sort of attention, Jon told Robb. Robb rolled his eyes in return before going back to build their snow castle.
Jon felt smug at the puce look on Lady Catelyn's face as they went on about how much fun they had. Though, he did not show it.
Jon was happy with the life he was living now. He had skills and friends. Robb bonded well with his other family and he finally got his wish for a mother, Katie. His father was proud of him and Lady Catelyn had stopped being so terrible to him. Jon did not know what his father told her but he was happy. Her mean jabs stopped and he was never left out of anything.
After Winter passed Jon would join Roger and the girls on the Merry Betty and set sail. His father had not agreed yet, but Jon was sure with more pestering Ned would break.
Jon was looking forward to what else the Gods had in store for him. He knew nothing terrible would be coming. Everything was already perfect.
Hope you like it. I like the idea of Jon following regular trade. I think so many stories have the perspective of Jon needing to be trueborn or following highborn activities to be happy. This is just the perspective of Jon being allowed to live a normal life and then be trusted into highborn bullshit later on.