Jaeron Targaryen

Winterfell, 299AC

For a while, it seemed like the entire place had stilled. Nothing was moving, no snow falling, no cold air blowing in the wind, not even a chirp of a bird. Like sound had disappeared, a loud ringing in Jon's ears at what he had just saw, very much feeling like someone had screamed bloody murder into his eardrum. A sensation he knew well as it was this and dumping freezing cold water that was Arya's favourite wake up call for them all. Well, apart from Sansa, for her it was some sticky goop she concocted and would spread it through her auburn air which took almost an hour to remove every time she did it. But everything came back as soon as Summer howled loud. All the wolves were now howling, but due to how young they were they never lasted long. But this one, it was filled with pain.

With that, Jon ran over towards his cousin, trying to decide if he could move him or not. His legs were all twisted, and he already knew his back had broken as he had heard the snap it made. He knelt beside him with a hand covering his mouth, hoping to find some life in him. Luckily, he noticed his chest was rising and falling, confirming he was still alive. He had to get to Maester Luwin, now. He commanded the wolves to keep guard of him before running towards the courtyard to ask for help. The hunting party had not gotten back yet, and he dreaded what his uncle and Robb would do when they saw. Catelyn was outside watching everyone, but when her eyes landed on him and saw the panic on his face, she knew something had happened.

"Lady Catelyn, it's Bran. He's fallen from the highest window of the broken tower. I couldn't do anything. He's breathing though, but I'm scared to move him in case I hurt him."

Just like that, her skin turned the colour of curdled milk as she ran towards the tower in question, leaving him to find the Maester. It didn't take him long to do so, him in the library reading as he had some time to himself.

"Maester Luwin, it's Bran. You need to come quickly."

From the hurried way he had spoken, the older man knew that what had happened must've been serious. Jon led him in a rush which he was struggling to keep up with in his Maester's robe and heavy chain around his neck. The Lady was knelt beside him, her sobs loud and breaking the otherwise silence. Luwin made his way over to the boy, doing a quick examination. The boy was breathing, that was a good sign. Guilt ebbed deep inside once again, a feeling Jon had become accustomed to as of late with the revelation of who he really was.

"Jon, in my solar you will find a board. Bring it to me, we cannot carry him with limbs in case we injure him more."

He immediately obeyed, castle workers giving him odd looks as he rarely ever showed panic. He found the board quickly which was surprisingly light before rushing back to the tower. Out the corner of his eye, he spotted a few riders coming back, signifying the hunt was now over. They would be expecting someone to greet them, but right now he couldn't care about decorum and formality. Speaking of which, where was the Queen? She hadn't gone on the hunt and he hadn't seen her in hours. He shook his head as that was a question that did not need an answer to just now. Summer had stopped howling by now, seemingly realising they were trying to help, and Ghost as usual didn't even make a peep. With the Maester's instructions, they were able to place the ten name-day old boy onto it and carry him towards the castle. Once in the courtyard, he spotted his uncle and other cousins there. Arya immediately went to launch herself at Jon before noticing what he was helping carry. Her eyes widened and began to well up but Jon calmed her down.

"He fell from the broken tower. He's broken his back and looks like his legs are broken as well, but he's alive. Maester Luwin is going to try to help him."

"But Bran never falls!"

"He did, Arya. This time he did."

Jon had already decided not to tell anyone what he thinks he saw. It was such a high drop; it was a miracle he hadn't perished on impact with the ground. But he knew, deep down, he would never be the same again. If he did see someone, it's not guaranteed he was pushed. Perhaps he did fall even though he never had in the past. Heck, they've all seen him running along the seventy-foot walls of stone that surround Winterfell from the outside! It's not like it was a thick wall, perhaps a little more than a foot, and he could possibly fall on both sides of that. But if he did see a person in the tower and they had pushed him, why? Was whoever it was trying to bring him inside and accidentally grabbed him too hard and caused him to lose his footing? Or had they done it with malicious intent? If so, what did Bran see to cause that?

Once Bran was situated in his own chamber, the Maester ordered everyone outside so he could immediately get to work on trying to set the bones despite it being unlikely. If it were one broken bone he would be able to do so, he's had that enough with Arya from climbing trees and running riot everywhere. But the younger had clearly broken multiple, one of which being his back. Gods, please don't let him be paralysed. That would hurt him more than the fall had. Bran had always said he wanted to be a Knight and would love to be inducted into the Kingsguard.

"Maester, I may have been close enough to break the fall. Would he have been better if I had- "

"No, young Snow. The height in which your brother fell alongside his body weight would've transferred to you. If you tried to break his fall, both of you would be hurt grievously. As horrible as it is, I think your father would rather have four sons over three."

With that, Luwin barricaded the door so he wouldn't be disturbed. Immediately, Catelyn slumped to the ground sobbing with Eddard trying to console her. His uncle looked horrible and he mouthed silently to Jon 'what happened'. He couldn't give an answer though as he wasn't sure if he did see what he did. And if someone had done it- accidental or not- it would be dumb to bring it up in front of the King.

"Robb and I will watch over Sansa, Arya, and Rickon. And we'll try to help with any duties we can so you can stay here for news on Bran. But it does look like he will live, so at least that's something."

Ned gave the two of them a weird look, clearly scared in case anyone got offended or even worse, recognised Jon, but he knew he had to do his duty to his wife by being there for her as their son was being healed to the best of Luwin's abilities. Hesitantly, he nodded, knowing it would be the best thing currently. Like expected, when Jon scooped Arya into his arms she immediately began kicking him, wanting to remain here with her little brother. But she was eleven, no one of such an age should bear witness to this. Both looked around for Sansa and they got their answer as they saw her carrying Rickon to his own room, clearly falling asleep at some point.

Jon's room was the closest so they immediately went there, locking the door behind him. He knew he could trust Robb, and he knew Arya would not forgive him if he kept something like that from her. By now, the youngest had stopped with her tantrum and began crying hard.

"Arya, he's alive."

She took a few deep breaths before nodding into Jon's chest.

"What happened?"

He sighed deeply before eyeing the eggs out the corner of his eyes, wanting to look at anything but his cousins right now.

"He was running around as usual. I was bored so I was walking around too. I ended up at the tower and he was right outside the topmost window, but he wasn't moving. He was just standing there like he was watching something. I didn't think anything was up because I've seen him up higher than that before and he's never fallen. Then I blinked, and I heard Summer howling. He was already more than halfway down when I realised what was happening. I tried to run over to help break his fall by letting him land on me or possibly catch him so the impact wouldn't be as bad, but I wasn't quick enough. But Robb, I don't know if I was imagining it or if it was a trick of the light or something- but I swear I saw someone standing at the window- "

"You what?! Then we need to find out who it was- "

"I don't know for certain if I did, that is a seventy-foot tower cousin. I also don't want to cause trouble for everyone. But don't you think it's odd that Bran has never fallen yet one day into this visit he does?"

He knows he was probably talking out of his arse currently, but somehow he knew. Something was amiss, the timing of it was too coincidental. The King out on a hunt with most of the entourage, The Queen nowhere in sight, a tower that nobody entered unless it was to get some food storage? What did Bran witness?

"You think someone in the King's entourage pushed him, don't you?"

Jon simply nodded to confirm his cousin's suspicions. Robb was of a military and strategic mind, he knew if they went around claiming someone had pushed the ten name-day old Bran from that window, it would be pandemonium. And everything else is chaotic enough as is. Hesitantly, he shut his mouth as he understood Jon's point of view. He would've reacted the same as he was currently. Arya on the other hand had finally stopped crying but she was looking at the eggs with interest. He walked over and picked them up, placing the boiling hot shells on his bed.

"Remember, you promised me you would take me on a ride when they do- "

"No, I didn't. You demanded it then walked out if I remember correctly."

In response, she simply stuck her tongue out at him, causing Robb to chuckle deeply. It felt horrible laughing with what was going on, but they had to distract themselves somehow.

"I don't want to go to Kings Landing now. I want to stay with Bran to make sure he's ok, remain with the pack- "

"You've agreed to go now, Arya. If you backtrack it will come across as an insult. I know what happens when Robert Baratheon is insulted as I'm orphaned because of it and must live in hiding. I don't want either of you to go through the same as me."

She tightened her lips at this and was about to retort, but with a quirk of the boy's eyebrows, she didn't and thought it all through. Jon was correct, he wouldn't be orphaned if it weren't for Robert Baratheon being incapable of taking the word 'no'. How Sansa defended the man when he had wronged her own blood so much was blood boiling, hopefully she comes to her senses and gets her head out the clouds. She'd always wanted to marry someone higher than her, and a Prince being the same age as her, was what she was determined to achieve. She marries Prince Joffrey; it means she will be Queen one day. But she seems to forget there's a literal Prince in Winterfell secretly. Or was he King? It was difficult to say considering she was still learning the rights of succession.

"Come on, I'll meet you outside. I think it's time you learn how to wield a blade."

Just like that, a massive smile broke out on her face. It was only Jon who could bring a smile like that out on her. Not even her nasty pranks brightened her day as well as that. He'd heard what she'd done to Sansa the night prior at the feast. Using her spoon to throw jam, honey, and bits of mashed potato at her. And if talks were true, a blood orange as well which ruined Sansa's dress. There was no denying the redhead was furious at her little sister, she hadn't spoken to her the entire day and Catelyn was giving her stern glares. The Lady doesn't mind the kids playing pranks on one another, she did so with Lysa and Edmure when she was a child too, but not in front of nobility. Once they were out in the courtyard, she immediately removed the knife Robb had commissioned for her during the parades. Where was she hiding it?

"Arya, not with a sharp blade for goodness sake. Go grab a wooden sword."

She pouted at this but her puppy look got her nowhere as she swapped her weapon. A smile came onto Jon's face at the style she had grabbed. A longsword. Mikken gave him a wink which he smiled back at, ignoring the confused glances of the other two. Robb grabbed one that mimicked a shortsword which was his preferred, and Jon like Arya took a longsword. Robb knew there was no way he was going to beat his cousin; he was far more advanced than he was in the art. But they do have completely different fighting styles. With Arya's stature, she would probably be better with speed, meaning Jon would probably be best to teach her as he was rapid when he wanted to be. Him moving slowly was Robb's moving strategically. He showed her how to stand and he frowned at remembering Arya's dominant hand was her left which would make training her rather awkward as not many people were. Once she had her stance down, he instructed he was going to swing at her and she had to try to block.

An hour quickly passed, the young girl picking up things incredibly fast. Whenever she made a mistake, and she was corrected, she never did it again. And Robb was correct in his assessment she would prefer speed. She was short, over a head shorter than the eldest three, and she was extremely skinny meaning she had little to no muscle. This was broken when the Lord came out to greet them. He quirked an eyebrow up at what they were doing and they all looked down sheepishly, but this disappeared as they waited on a response.

"Your brother is alive, and he will make it through. Maester Luwin has managed to repair his legs, but he was unable to do so on his back. He gave him milk of the poppy and we are just waiting on him waking up now before he can run tests to see if he can walk still."

They all nodded at this, all relieved massively that he was going to be okay. Ned eyed his children before asking why they were not in their lessons, both looking down embarrassed before heading off after discarding their wooden swords.

"Whose idea was it to teach Arya sword fighting?"

Jon tightened his lips at this, knowing full well it was him.

"I don't mind her being taught, heck I helped teach your mother when our own mother forbade it alongside Brandon. But be careful, she is only eleven. Have you decided yet?"

At first, he was confused by what he had asked him, then he remembered what he had been offered. He'd been offered an opportunity he likely would never get again, but could he take it? Did he want to risk it? Moreover, did he want to accept now that Bran may be injured in a much worse way than a few broken bones?

"I want to, but I honestly don't think I can. What with Bran and with the possibility of being outed and everything blowing up- "

Ned simply nodded which shut him up from his ramblings, and he tilted his head in a silent 'follow me'. Jon obeyed immediately, feeling immensely guilty over what he had accused his uncle of regarding the King. He's prideful, whether that came from his mother or father he would never know. His father was dead months before he was born and his mother died bringing him into the world. The closest things to parents he would ever have would be his aunt and uncle- the former of which he is only just starting to get along with. There was always going to be animosity between the pair, but both hope to eventually get to a point where they consider one another family because they were- just through marriage and not blood. When they entered the castle itself, they were met with the King, Queen, Prince, Ser Jaime, Ser Barristan, and Tyrion Lannister. All expressed their condolences but Jon didn't fail to notice the slight eye roll the Prince gave but he doubted anyone else noticed it. His stature proving that he wasn't remorseful at all.

"Jon, you don't need to accept right now. I will not uproot someone who is sixteen name-days after something like that. If you ever want to take up my offer, I'm a raven away."

He smiled tightly at this and nodded, making sure not to look him in the eyes. The way he spoke was genuine, a stark change from him and the Prince. Joffrey had seemingly inherited nothing from his father apart from perhaps his sense of entitlement. Then again, his mother was a Lannister and the Lannister's were the wealthiest House in Westeros.

"Bran is asleep, my wife is watching over him, but I think we need to talk."

The younger nodded in response. Ever since he told him the truth, there's seemingly been a barrier between the two. Ned wanting to be there whilst defending the man he called best friend, then there's Jon feeling betrayed by him for defending the man who had murdered his father because he did not take no for an answer. The letters confirmed that Lyanna had told him that she wanted to break off the betrothal after he had shamed her at Harrenhal, something that was not talked about at all. They had met once not long after the betrothal had been set up, but they did not meet again until that fated tourney. One day in to getting to know the man she was supposed to marry and he had already been boasting about fucking two whores at a nearby pleasure house. He was led into his uncles solar and was gestured to sit in front of him.

"How did the hunt go?"

That seemed like a good place to start. They needed to put an end to this animosity. Fighting wars with one another was not a good thing for wolves- and especially not dragons. Everyone knew how the latter had turned out, it almost being the end of the Targaryen line.

"Robert took down a boar, your brother took down a deer, but that was all."

The younger tightened his lips as he realised his uncle did not refer to the King by titles, simply by name. This meant one of two things. He still considered him a friend, or he had saw him for who he really was.

"I'm sorry Jon, for what I said to you regarding forgiveness. It's not right for me to tell you to forgive the man who pretty much started it all. Yes, it was the deaths of my father and brother which kick started it into full-blown war. But this wouldn't have happened if the lie wasn't spread that Lyanna was kidnapped by your father. He's not the boy I grew up with in the Eyrie anymore, a familiar stranger basically."

He remained tight lipped, knowing he had to reign in his temper currently as he wasn't going to argue with Ned. Especially not with what had happened hours before or the fact that they had royal visitors. However, he tried to put himself in his shoes. Deep down, he knew that Eddard was holding on to a tiny slither of hope that he would be reunited with the boy he fostered with under Jon Arryn. Hoping that the death of the Hand would bring them close together again. Clearly, this had not been the case. Either the King had always hidden his wants, he got corrupted over time by power, or he was corrupted by his goodfamily. There would never be a response to that because he knew how stupid it would be to go to Tywin Lannister and accuse him of something like that, and the King would probably just laugh in their faces.

"I spent many years with Robert, Jon. Every day with one another, believing we would be goodbrother's after my sister passed her sixteenth name-day. Yes, marriages can occur from a younger age than this, but my father was stern on that. He wanted her to be a woman grown before she married. Openly, my father was the only person who was able to outdo Robert on his temper. But the day your mother went missing and him coming up claiming your father kidnapped her- that changed everything. He was always fed by adrenaline in a battle, and once he makes his mind up- there's no changing it no matter what you do. Then to me finding your mother in her birthing bed bleeding out with you in her arms after being born hours before. Finding out the truth of it all.

"I've never felt disgust like that in my life. Not even when I walked in to find Robert on that throne being presented with the mutilated bodies of Elia and your older siblings. That act was barbaric, but he had no hand in it. That was all Tywin, so I couldn't hold him accountable for the callousness of that. But her telling me she told him, telling me she had planned with Rhaegar to escape and that he'd had his marriage to Elia annulled when Prince Aegon was a month old so he was free to marry her. That her and Elia were close with one another and the Dornish Princess was fully aware of what it meant for her. I don't know if they were friends, but I know they respected one another greatly. And for Northerners and the Dornish- respect is much more valued than friendship."

As much as it hurt to hear him talking about what had happened, Jon knew he had to get everything out there. There was no need to drag this out longer than intended. Especially as in a few days he will be leaving for Kings Landing with Sansa and Arya. It could be months or possibly years before they see one another again when this happens.

"I wish I could say I regret that I talked highly of him, especially in front of you. But I don't think I can. As much as I don't agree with what he stands for or what he did to further his own agenda, I can't forget the boy I grew up with and considered a brother."

The words stung, there was no other way to put it. However, he understood. Ned grew up with the man, considered him a sibling despite them not being that, and one had betrayed the other in a horrible way. But due to too many memories created it was difficult to let it all go. Something big would need to happen for Lord Eddard to openly condemn the man. The last time he had did so that was known was when he had called him out over laughing at three bodies being presented to him. There are two known Targaryen's in the world, and possibly another two as well even though no one has heard from them in many years. Two either on the run or already dead, one at the wall as a sworn Maester, he was the only Targaryen left who could actively make a difference currently.

"I understand uncle now that you've explained your reasonings. Just, be careful please. Kings Landing holds bad memories for both families, especially with the Lannister's being married into the throne. You're the only father figure I've ever known and will ever know, and I've got five cousins I care deeply for. Even Sansa despite her open support for the Baratheon claim. You've risked so much for me, and I had no right to hold you accountable for it like I did when you told me the truth. You swore an oath to my mother to protect me, and you did that with the threat of being labelled a traitor by everyone. Risking not only your life, but your wife's, your goodfamily, Benjen, your children. I know you hate oaths, but please promise me one thing. You won't do anything stupid, and if you hear anything about my aunt or uncle, please send me a raven. I don't know if they're alive or dead, and I need that closure. As does Maester Aemon."

Eddard Stark

Winterfell, 299AC

Ned remained silent for a few moments before reaching a hand over and gripping Jon's tightly. No words needed to be shared for the oath to be valid. The older knew he was walking into a dangerous position, and he was bringing his daughters with him. His eldest daughter betrothed to Prince Joffrey now. To say he was displeased by the Prince was an understatement. Throughout the entire hunt he had simply been boasting about how he was incredibly proficient in swordplay and could hit the bullseye all the time with a bow. How he had never missed a shot when hunting with Robert in the Kingswood directly on the border of the Crownlands and Stormlands. Something that Robb had stopped when he challenged the young Prince to a spar when they got back, something that Joffrey quietened on and didn't look the heir of Winterfell in the eye the rest of the trip. It was obvious the boy was bluffing, trying to impress everyone, thinking it gained him respect and a sense of superiority. Yes, it gave him the latter, but the former? If anything, the Prince was making himself out to be nothing but a spoiled brat. But Sansa wanted the betrothal, had practically begged for him to agree. And he couldn't say no to his children when they really wanted something.

"My Lord, your wife is requesting to speak to you. She's received a letter."

Ned frowned deeply at this and when Jon nodded, he followed the Maester. What letter did she receive? What was on it? Who sent it? Where was it sent from? He was led to a spare room close to where Bran was still unconscious, and he noticed her frantically pacing the room. Clearly the contents were troubling. She nodded her head to let the Maester know he was welcome to stay in the room, but Luwin refused, boarding the door behind him. Catelyn walked over and handed the note to her husband to read.

Petyr claims to have heard Cersei and Jaime Lannister talking about silencing my husband for good. Says he also has proof there was more to it than a simple fever. I was with my husband for most of the day alongside our son hours before he passed. Sister, I think he was poisoned with something that leaves no trace. I spoke to Grand Maester Pycelle a few days after this enquiring about symptoms Jon had but not naming him, apparently there is a poison that was requested a couple of days prior by Tywin Lannister that matches the descriptions. Tears of Lys. One that is clear, no taste, and leaves no trace.

Upon reading this, all colour drained from Ned's face. A part of him didn't want to hold Lysa Arryn's words to truth because at best she was paranoid. But if what she had written was truth, then she had every reason to be paranoid. Of course, he suspected there may have been foul play at hand, but this seemingly confirmed everything. He turned it over to see the seal and was surprised to see it was sent from the Eyrie. Jon's ancestral home, at the top of a huge mountain and nigh on impregnable. Why had she fled?

"Ned please, call off this agreement. This is too much, it's way too dangerous- "

"Cat, perhaps she's theorising- "

The look he got in response immediately made him shut his mouth.

"Ned, Lysa may be a little odd shall we say, but she's not stupid. If she thinks it's a threat then it probably is. The fact she has fled to the Eyrie, which is hundreds of miles away in the Vale, most likely with her son as he will now be the Lord of said castle and Warden of the East despite his sickly nature and age. She wouldn't have done that if the threat weren't real. Yes, it's possible that Jon did die from a fever through the night, but if the symptoms match a poison that was requested a couple of days prior by the Lannister's- you can't deny that's one hell of a coincidence. And I trust Petyr. Yes, he shamed himself for challenging Brandon for my hand, but I've known him since I was a little girl when he was a ward of my father."

The Lord tightened his lips at her words, her reasoning making an awful lot of sense. But it did little to untie the mess his head was now in. First Robert, then Bran, and now this. In a little more than a day, their lives have turned upside down.

"I don't want to agree to this, and I most certainly don't want to betroth Sansa of Joffrey after seeing what he's like today. But I can't say no to her, she's always wanted to be a Princess, Cat- "

"She still can be. You're forgetting we've got a hidden Prince in this castle right now. That way she is a Princess but she remains home where she is safe."

He sighed at this before handing her the parchment which she immediately threw in the fire so no one else saw its contents. If that fell into the wrong hands they would be in an even worse state.

"She'll kick up a fuss at that. She's determined to marry Joffrey. Plus, she and Jon are cousins- "

"As were your parents, Ned. Cousin to cousin marriages aren't shamed in the eyes of the seven. No, it's not common, but it does happen. Plus, Jon is a Targaryen, to them incest is nothing. Rhaella and Aerys were brother and sister. Aegon wedded both his sisters and got a son from both. It's not the worst match for her."

He could only nod at this, knowing full well it would be a better match for her safety. But it was a match both would probably decline. Jon is still a bastard in most people's eyes, if he were to betroth them to one another, they would need to tell the truth. A bastard marrying the eldest daughter of the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North? No one would stand for that. But they likely wouldn't stand for a Stark-Targaryen match either after everything that had happened.

"It would be a better match for her safety, but the truth of everything would then need to come out which in turn means we may be in an even worse position than we would if she goes through with marrying the Prince."

As much as she hated to admit it, she knew he was correct.

"Just be careful, and don't do anything stupid."

He snorted loud at that, causing her to give him a weird look.

"Jon said the exact same to me when we were talking in my solar. You two are more alike than you think."

Catelyn simply whacked him jokingly across the chest but he could see tears welling up in her eyes. She's terrified, rightfully so. He is too. But he knew one thing, he was going to find out the truth of what happened to Jon Arryn, he would just need to tread very carefully as spies were everywhere in King's Landing. With that said, both left the room to be with their injured son. The Maester had given him a heavier dose of milk of the poppy so he would be asleep for a few days at least to allow his body to heal a little. Throughout the day, the other kids came to see him, Rickon crying immediately as he didn't understand why his brother couldn't get up and play with him.

Upon hearing this, Arya took it upon herself to entertain her little brother. From Sansa's face, it was clear he had run her ragged earlier in the chaos that ensued. The eldest two snorted at that, if he wore the redhead's patience down, he was going to practically break Arya. But they weren't going to say anything on the matter, now is not the time for japes. The next few days were much the same. Bran very much looked like he was dead, it was only the rising of his chest that confirmed he was still alive. Like expected, caring for Rickon was now falling onto Robb and Jon as the girls had both given up on how hyper and borderline wild he was. He was so bad that Catelyn refused to allow Shaggydog to sleep in his room with him, he was even more wild than his human companion.

Jaeron Targaryen

Winterfell, 299AC

The day eventually came where three members of the family were uprooting and going to Kings Landing. A day all but Sansa were dreading. The morning of it she had ignored all decorum protocols by shoving as much food as she could get into her mouth before running to find Joffrey. She was already head over heels for the Prince, and she had gotten it into her head she would be his Princess and his only. But before she could leave the room, Jon stopped her. He hesitated on getting her something considering they were never close and she openly spoke against his claim, but she was his cousin. And the pack stays together, wolf or dragon. He handed her the small box over which she took hesitantly before opening it. Her mouth falling open in amazement.

It was a bracelet, a rather simple one but the clasp was made of two snarling Direwolves. One of which held a stark resemblance to her own wolf Lady. There were some gemstones inlaid in the item, but she had no idea what kind it was. It was a dusty grey and it seemed to change patterns every time the light hit it.

"Thank you."

She didn't hug him or do anything like that. It may be an insult to embrace the bastard of the family. But those two words meant a lot to the older boy.

"Be careful, Sansa. I don't trust him but if he makes you happy I'll support you. You don't need to worry about me pressing on a claim any time soon because I want nothing to do with it. But keep us all updated please."

Now, she had some tears building in her eyes before nodding her head. With that, she walked away. He waited a few minutes before walking towards Mikken who had made him aware the night prior the sword was complete. It was much skinnier than Dark Sister was, the weight and balance considerably lighter, but it would fit Arya perfectly. He found her in her bedroom packing her clothes away in an incredibly messy manner, Nymeria at the bottom of her bed looking at her with interest. How would the wolves fair down south? They were already further south than they had been for hundreds of years, would they be alright? Sansa and Arya wouldn't let any harm come to them though, the girls were incredibly protective over their pets.

"Don't tell father I got you this, ok?"

She eyed him oddly before turning to him, before her eyes landed on the tiny scabbard. Immediately, her eyes widened and she began jumping up and down. He handed it over to her and watched as she unsheathed it to examine it. The hilt was a black leather to make for better grip, the pommel a roaring direwolf, with the same stone in the centre of the hilt as was in Sansa's bracelet.

"It's not Dark Sister, but it's of a similar style. It won't cause a huge amount of damage due to how skinny it is, but if you're quick enough you can poke someone full of holes. Now Arya, this is no toy, you'll need to work at it for at least a couple of hours a day every day. And remember the first thing about swordplay, stick them with the pointy end."

He snorted as she retorted 'I know which end to use'. Carefully, she placed it down on her bed before leaping into his arms one more time, tucking her face into her older cousin's neck as she did so.

"I'll miss you, Arya. But we'll see each other again. And when we do, you can show me how good you've gotten with that. Are you going to name it?"

She went quiet for a few moments before nodding. She pulled away to look him directly in the eye.

"Sansa can keep her sewing needles. I have a Needle of my own."

Jon could only snort loud at the response. Two hours later and they were all saddled up ready to leave. Catelyn was trying desperately not to cry, Robb had a stern look on his face as he was now the acting Lord, but to Jon he could see he was a nervous wreck. Rickon was buried into his mother's skirts openly sobbing as his father and sisters rode out of the courtyard. Life in Winterfell was going to change drastically from now on. It's unknown how long Ned will remain Hand to Robert for, be it a few months or possibly a few years. But they do have communication they can use, and they can make visits on occasion as well. This is not going to be the last time they see one another.