Hey all, I would like to start by giving you all a big thank you. This is my first game of thrones fic and you have all been really kind. You guys thought really strongly about me replacing ghost and I have decided to keep him. I will however add another companion or two, Jon will have many animal and human friends on his journey. A couple people have also told me my paragraph are too long. Reading back now I would say they are right, so I am going to try and make them smaller. Now ladies and gents… ON WITH THE SHOW!

Ned

He sat across the Lord Commander and played with the hair on his chin. It had been three days since he got to castle black with his wounded son, and so far he had yet to wake from his injuries. He watched as Jeor placed his pet raven in its cage, the man gave it one last stroke before sealing it away. Jeor walked back over to his desk and sat down with a sigh. "Any word on your boy's condition"? Ned reached for his ale and took a big gulp, he wiped his mouth dry before placing his cup on the desk. He was careful not to place it on the parchment that littered Jeors desk. "Maester Aemon said his wounds are healing well, there is no sign of infection". Jeor nodded before taking a swig of his own ale, he leaned back in his chair and looked at a piece of parchment on his desk. "Do you know what your boy did Ned? He not only rescued Lord Umber and Robb, he also killed Surlaf of the Thenns. The halfhand says he is the brother of the Magnar of the Thenns, he delt a great blow to them taking that big fucker out. The rangers will rest a little easier knowing he is gone".

Ned nodded solemnly, he looked out the window and watched the summer snowfall. "Aye, I am proud of his achievements. But a part of me is furious he put himself in such danger. He should have come to us when he learned the location of the wildlings. Instead he lies in the Maesters chambers unable to wake from his injuries". Jeor nodded, it was dangerous and stupid what Jon did. A fifteen year old boy, facing a band of wildlings alone, saving Lords and ladies at his own risk. Jeor chuckled, it sounded like a tale the ladies in the southern courts would swoon over. Ned looked at him in confusion, he noticed and laughed before standing up.

"What's done is done, Ned. Besides, if he had come to us, who knows what they would have done with the prisoners. Everyone is alive and safe, the wildlings are dead and the scouts tell me there are none left in the gift". Ned rubbed his head, he supposed Jeor had a point. He stood and joined Jeor at the window, both of them watching the yard's busy activity.

When they got back to castle black, Ned had sent word to Lady Umber back at the Last Hearth. He had informed her and his own lady wife of the events, in response Lady Umber had sent two hundred of her men to make sure her husband would return safely. His own wife was worried of course, however she had sent no men. She had sent him a raven filled with worry and concern for him and Robb, she made no mention of Jon however. He watched as Robb sparred with the Umber soldiers, he had been at it for days now. The next morning after they had arrived, his heir marched into the yard and challenged anyone he could.

He frowned when he noticed Robb brutally put a soldier to the dirt, he didn't even look at him or offer him his hand. He just looked to the onlookers, waiting for his next challenge. "I will have to have a word with him, that behaviour is unbecoming of him". Jeor leaned on the window ledge and shook his head at Robb's display. "Don't be too harsh on the Lad, you know why he is like this don't you"?

Ned shook his head and stroked his beard. Jeor sighed before looking at Ned. "He feels inferior, think about it Ned. He was taken prisoner along with Lord Umber. He had to be saved by his bastard brother, when the fighting started he wasn't there. Jon saved him and Lord Umber, on top of that he killed a score of wildlings, one of them being Surlaf. Your base born son has achieved great things while he did nothing. The men are already talking of the tale as if it was a legend. The black wolf of the Stark family slaying a band of wildlings and rescuing the heir. Robb feels slighted and feels the need to show everyone he isn't some meek pup".

Ned sighed before leaving the window, he made his way to the door of Jeor's chambers. He turned to Jeor and shook his head. "Be that as it may Jeor, I can't let him continue. If Lord Umber asks for me, tell him I will be in my chambers with my son". Jeor didn't bother trying to stop him, he knew Ned long enough to know when the man wanted something done, he would get it done. "Corn, Corn, Corn". He looked at his raven and wagged his finger at it. "That's enough out of you, I have already stuffed ye with corn". He was getting too old to be the Lord Commander of this damned place.

After leaving Jeor's chambers he marched his way through castle black. Along his way to the yard, black brothers and Umber soldiers stopped and nodded their heads to him. He gave them small nods back, not bothering to stop and speak with them.

Soon enough he reached the yard and saw Robb duelling Ser Alliser, he was grateful they were at least using wooden swords. He watched as Ser Alliser caught Robb's sword with his own. He twirled the blade, making Robb's swing open to the left. When Robb's chest was revealed, he punched him in the chest. He grabbed him by the shoulder and shoved him to the floor. Robb hit the ground hard and sprawled out in the dirt. He looked up to see his father staring down at him, he winced before slowly getting up. His father frowned at him before walking over to him. "My chambers, now".

He was shocked at his father's tone, he didn't get a chance to question his father. He only got to watch as his father stomped past him and into the other side of castle black, where his fathers chambers were located. He quickly followed after him, daring not to question what his father wanted with him. When they reached Ned's room, his father entered before pointing at his bed. "Sit", was all he said. Robb nervously sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the floor to avoid his fathers stern gaze.

"Do you want to explain yourself"? Robb didn't say anything, he just kept gazing at the floor. "Look at me when I am speaking to you son. Your behaviour these past couple days has been shocking. Everyone has taken notice". Robb looked up at him and frowned, "So what, all i have been doing is sparring in the yard. Though i would show the recruits what i have got, just like Jon". Ned stroked his beard in frustration and licked his lips. "So that's what this is about is it. Trying to prove you're like your brother, what you have been doing is beating men. Jon had the decency to teach the men after putting them in the dirt, he helped them. All you have been doing is hitting them and sulking in the corner. That won't get you their respect". Robb jumped and snarled at him

"Perhaps I should be more like Jon then. Maybe I will go find a bunch of wildlings and kill the biggest one, hopefully they will have some Lord or Lady that I can rescue. Hopefully then people around here will talk about how amazing I am like they do Jon, the black wolf of the gift they call him. Maybe he should inherit Winterfell, I am sure Lord Umber will be glad to hear it. Maybe mother was right, maybe Jon is trying to steal Winterfell from me. That's what bastards do isn't it, show up there better's so-"

*SMACK*

Robb held his cheek in shock and pain, he looked at his father. He didn't see anger or fury, only disappointment. "Your brother lies in bed, unable to wake from his injuries. He risked his life for yours, Lord Umber told me what he said to get you and him to leave him. He did his duty, he fought those wildlings so you, my heir, could live to see another day. It wasn't about showing you up Robb, it was about doing what is right. Even a bastard like him knows that, I raised you both to do what is right. He may never wake and yet you sulk about complaining how it's not fair. How he stole glory and honour from you".

Robb looked back down to his feet, trying his best to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. "I am proud of both you and Jon, I am also grateful you are both alive. However Jon may not live, he did what he did because he loves you. Yet you repay him like this, i am not angry with you Robb. I am just disappointed, go to your chambers and think about what I said". Robb slowly moved to the exit of Ned's room, he opened the door and turned back to his father. "I am sorry father". Ned sighed before looking out of the window. "Words mean little son, show me your sorry".

Robb nodded his head and closed the door behind him. Now alone Ned could only think about what Robb had said. The comment he made about his wife, how she told Robb that Jon would aim to steal Winterfell from him. He knew his wife held no love for Jon, but he did not think she would put poison in his son's ear. History did not portray bastards in the best light, but he knew it was the actions of a person that defied who they were. It worried him that his wife thought like this, but he had a plan in motion. If everything went according to plan, the issue between his sons and his wife's concerns would be over. He just hoped it would all work.

Jon

He was flying, the wind was flowing through his hair. He flinched as he passed through clouds, he looked down and was met with a foreign land. The roads were black and wide, they stretched for hundreds of miles. He looked ahead and dodged tall black structures, each one shined and glimmered. The stone it was made of looked like nothing he had even seen before, it looked oily yet stronger then any steel. Dragons were carved into it, pictures of men with swords and whips painted an image of battle and conquest. He heard an explosion of sound, the sky blackened and the clouds turned grey. He found a mountain with a lake of lava flowing down it, shooting hot fiery rocks into the sky. He looked to the ground again and watched in horror as people ran in fear, balls of fire killing them and turning them into ash. He was amazed to see dragons falling from the sky, all of them on fire, roaring in pain. "Scary isn't it". He looked behind him, his eyes widened when he came face to face with a woman. He took a step back and took her all in.

She was a small maiden, no older than sixteen. Her hair was a pure white that fell down the side of her face. Her eyes were deep purple, and her cheeks rosy in contrast to her pale skin. She gave him a small smile before looking down at the carnage below. "I tried to warn them, they all called me a silly little girl. The greatest empire the world had ever seen, turned to ash". Jon licked his lips and watched with her as man and dragons died. "This is Valyria, the time of the doom". She nodded and pointed at the erupting mountain in the distance. "Yes, the fourteen flames erupted, and so our empire fell".

Jon looked back to the woman and his eyes softened. "Your Daenys Targaryen, you dreamt of this. I have read about you, you came to Dragonstone and your son Aegon began his conquest". She smiled at him and placed her hand on his cheek. "You know our history, good. Learn from it, yours is a hard path Jon Snow. I know you will do what is right". She removed her hand from his face and began to walk towards a giant ash cloud.

He walked after her. "Wait, what does all of this mean. Why are you showing me this"? She turned to him and smiled one last time. "Because our house's name depends on you … Aemon Targaryen".

He gasped and shot up from out of his bed, he looked round in confusion. He was in what looked like an old library, shelves of books littered the opposite side of the room. He looked ahead and found a cabinet full of vials and jars, each one filled with strange liquids and objects. He winced and looked under the covers to see his right leg bandaged up, a small red circle built up at the centre of the bandage. "Ah, finally awake Jon Snow". He looked to the book shelves and found Maester Aemon emerging from the stacks.

He held his hands out, his fingers stroking the shelves and aged books. He slowly walked over to the chair that was besides Jon's sick bed. He grabbed one of the arms and slowly sat down. "You gave us all a fright boy, your father has come to visit you every day". Jon smiled at the thought, he went to speak but found he couldn't. He began to cough and he felt his throat itch, Aemon picked up a mug of water off the table and held it out to him. Jon eagerly took the offered mug and downed its contect, he wiped his mouth dry and slammed the mug down the bedside table.

"H-how long was i asleep Maester"? The elderly man pulled out some fresh bandages from his robe and gestured to Jon's leg. "You have been out for three days my boy. I must change that dressing on your leg, lest it get infected". Jon looked to his wounded leg and nodded, he moved to the edge of the bed and sat on its edge. His legs now facing the Maester, he watched as the aged man began to trace his hands along the bed. He found his thigh and began to undo the old dressing. "Three days, i don't remember receiving a head injury". The Maester finished putting on the new dressing before looking up at Jon, he put his hand near his neck and chuckled.

"No you didn't, however when Surlaf held you by your throat, he cut off oxygen to your brain. Causing you a small injury to the brain, however it is strange. Typically people wake a day after, you on the other hand took three days". Jon instinctively swallowed at the thought of Suralf choking him, he could still remember how strong the man's grip was. He felt the Maester's hands move from his neck up to his face. He would have pushed another man away, but he knew the old man was blind. He had tended to his wounds and had probably put his hands on other parts of his body, he was probably curious as to what he looked like. The Maester smiled and slowly stood up, he moved away from Jon and disappeared into the stacks again

"It's as I assumed, you are indeed his son". Jon was confused, if he referred to Lord Stark then he must have heard he was his son. He heard a thud, then a scraping sound coming from the stacks. Maester Aemon returned dragging a small crate behind him. He pulled the crate at the foot of the bed before slumping in his chair. His breath became hard and ragged, Jon wasn't surprised. The man had to be at least ninety years old, he was blind and frail yet still serving as a Maester of castle black.

When the Maester gained his breath he turned his head to Jon and smiled again. "Imagine my surprise when Ser Alliser, a man famously known for his calm nature, came storming into my chambers. He paced up and down, nearly wearing out my floor, talking of a boy who bested him in the yard".

Jon grinned and stretched his back. "I never took Ser Alliser as a sore loser". Aemon chuckled and shook his head. "Oh no my boy, it was not the act of losing to this boy, but the boy himself. He spoke of the moves you used, of your hair and the colour of your eyes. He said it was like his days sparring with Rhaegar Targaryen". Jon didn't know how to feel about that, being compared to the man who kidnaped and raped his aunt. The Maester pointed to the chest by the bed. "I thought he had gone mad or was seeing things, however when I felt your face. I knew he was speaking the truth, you are indeed Rhaegar's son".

Jon went wide eyed and looked at the man with fury. "Is this some kind of sick joke? A way to get back at the bastard who beat Ser Alliser, a proud loyalist to your family". Aemon shook his head and frowned, he stood again and reached for the crate. He popped it open and reached inside, pulling out a handful of papers and handed them to Jon.

"Oh I wish this was a joke my boy. When Rhaeger still lived he often wrote to me. He was such a sweet lad, everyone had forgotten me. He however would seek my council, show me his new songs and poems. His ravens however became less frequent and when they did come, all he would talk of was him and Lyanna. He was overjoyed when they found out she was with child, he was confident it would be a boy".

Jon looked down at the letters and began frantically looking through them. All of them were indeed signed by Rhaegar and bore the Targaryen stamp. "When I had heard that he fell on the trident I wept, not as much when I heard Lyanna too had passed. No one spoke of the child so I had assumed he too had died. But I did hear Ned Stark had returned with a bastard child and the bones of his sister. It all makes sense now my dear boy, your father found you with his sister. Robert Baratheon would have killed you if he knew you were Rhaegar's son, so Lord Stark hid you as his bastard".

Jon didn't know what to say, all his life all he knew he was a bastard. He dreamt often of his father asking the king to make him a Stark. His father wouldn't even speak of his mother and when he asked, he always saw the look of sadness on his face. Aemon was right, it did all make sense, the dream he had before he woke up now made sense. But Rhaegar was married, his mother was not his so that would mean he was still a bastard. Aemon saw the look on his face and smiled

"You are no bastard my boy, Rhaegar married your mother on the isle of faces. He annulled his previous marriage to be with your mother. He wrote to me one last time before the battle of the trident, he told me your name would be-

"Aemon Targaryen"

The Maester looked at him in shock before smiling. "You knew, how is that"? Jon licked his lips before placing down the pile of letters. He looked at Aemon and gave a small smile. "Before I woke, I dreamt of the doom. I was flying above the freehold, I watched as it burned. I could hear the cries of dragons and men. I met Daenys Targaryen, she told me our house rested on my shoulders. She was the one who told me my name".

Aemon smiled "Ah Daenys the dreamer, the one who foreseen the doom. It appears that she came to you in a dragon dream". Jon slowly stood and moved over to the crate, looking inside for more clues as to who he was. He looked at Aemon and frowned. " Dragon dreams, what are they"? Aemon huffed before looking at one of the candles on the bedside table. He placed his hand over the flame, his balm untouched by it. "Targaryen's are sometimes blessed with gifts. Many of us do not burn, fire feels like warm water against our skin. Others of our family have dragon dreams, they see the past and future. It has often led some of us to madness, speaking of prophecies and things that are meant to be".

Jon turned away from Aemon and looked back to the crate. "So you're saying I have these dragon dreams. That I have seen the past and may see the future, does this mean I will go mad like Aerys the second"? Aemon laughed and stood to join Jon at the crate. He placed an arm on his back and leaned down into the chest. He pulled out a smaller box and held it in his hands. "Aerys fell to madness for a different reason my boy. After the defiance of Duskendale Aerys saw enemies everywhere. His mind had been warped and he was easily changed by a prophecy he saw in a dream".

Aemon opened the box he had in his hands and showed the contents to Jon. Jon looked in and his eyes grew wide in surprise. Inside of the cushioned box lay what looked like a stone. Its surface looked to be made out of volcanic rock, it had red glowing lines dancing across it. As if the molten lava inside was spilling out. "W-what is that"? Aemon placed the box in Jon's hand and sighed. "This my boy, is the egg of a firewyrm. It was left here by Brynden Rivers before he ventured north of the wall. He tried to hatch it but to no avail, so he left it here hidden in the library. He was fond of sorcery, he tried many times to hatch this egg but could not. He came to me in a dream and told me where he hid it. He also told me of its dark origins".

Jon picked up the egg from the box and looked at it with wonder. "What does this have to do with the Targaryen madness"? Aemon placed a hand on the egg and closed his eyes. "Have you ever wondered why our house words are fire and blood"? Jon let go of the egg and sat back on the bed. "Because when you fight Targaryens, you are met with fire and blood". Aemon laughed before placing the egg back in the box.

"Ah, that is what most people believe but no. Brynden Rivers told me that the Valyrians, during the height of their power, practised blood magic. They found firewyrms near the fourteen flames, and they saw how powerful they were. Creatures that could breathe fire, they could tunnel through the earth as if they were swimming in water. They grew monstrous in size and could destroy armies with a single swish of their tail. Our ancestors decided to try and tame them, break them, but they could not. So they fused them with blood magic, recreating them in our image. What came out of such sorcery are the dragons we all know today. That is why only those of the Valyrian descent can bond with them, we are bound by blood through this magic. So that is why our words are fire and blood".

Jon couldn't believe what he was hearing, none of this was not written down in any of the books he had read. All the books of the Valyrian empire told of their power, how advanced they were. No mention of blood magic or the creation of dragons. Aemon coughed and wiped his mouth of flem. "Dragons are creatures born of magic. We insulted the natural order of the gods, so they cursed us. They made the Firewyrms erupt the fourteen flames, cursing our blood. They made many of our family go mad, they thought they too were dragons. They thought they were invincible, untouchable, now our family is almost gone. Our empire has fallen and the seven kingdoms no longer belong to us".

Jon was at a loss, all of this knowledge had been sprung on him. Three days ago he was Jon Snow, the bastard of Winterfell. Today he was Aemon Targaryen, one of the last of a forgotten empire. An empire that practised blood magic, created dragons and fell to madness. He looked at Aemon and a lone tear fell down his eye. "Why tell me all of this, are you trying to convince me to fight for my throne? To reclaim it and avenge our family and gain everything we have lost. Or are you trying to warn me of my impending madness". The Maester slowly walked over to him, he held out his arms and grabbed Jon by the shoulders.

"My sweet boy, I tell you these things because you need to know them. I do not want you to end up like the rest of our kin. I care not for an iron chair, I don't miss past glory and power. All I care about is you, you deserve to know who you are. Everyone says our lives are destined for things, but not you my boy. We Targaryen's make our own destiny, if you wish to be a stonemason, then be one. If you want to be a sell sword, be one. And if you want to sit on the iron throne, then you will sit on the iron throne. As long as you are happy, I will die in peace". He pulled Jon into a hug and felt the boy's tears soaking his robe, Jon stepped back and smiled at him.

"Thank you Maester, I appreciate it. I do not know what I want to do yet, but at least I know who I am, and where I come from". Aemon nodded and pointed to the chest. "In anycase Jon, those belong to you. They are wasting away here at the wall. When you feel alone, read the letters, hold the firewyrm egg and know, you are not alone". Jon nodded before closing the crate with his new belongings in it. He went to thank the Maester again but the door swung open. He turned and met the surprised face of Ned.

"J-jon you're awake, thank the gods". Ned ran over and embraced Jon, causing him to grunt in pain. Ned held him at arm's length and looked him up and down with a smile on his face. " I am so happy to see you awake son, i worried you wouldn't". Jon smiled back and looked to the floor, it was hard to hear Ned call him son now. Knowing the truth was a blessing and a curse, he loved him as a son would a father, but knowing he lied all his life still stung.

"How are Robb and Lord Umber, are they well"? Ned chuckled and stood up straight. "Aye, Lord Umber and Robb are safe and well. You did an amazing thing Jon, because of you they are alive". Jon nodded before sitting on the bed once again, he seethed when a pain shot through his leg. Ned looked to the Maester with concern. "Maester Aemon, how long will it be before he can travel"? Aemon hummed in though before answering Lord Stark

"He should be fit to travel in two days time my Lord, however I advise no sparring for another week". They all chuckled at the man's words. Ned placed a hand on Jon's shoulder and smiled down at him. "Tonight at sundown, come to the Lord Commander's chambers. There are some things we must discuss. In the meantime get some more rest". Ned turned to leave, he stopped at the door and looked at Aemon. "Maester, thank you for caring for my son". The elderly man smiled towards Jon. "It is my pleasure Lord Stark, I am of service to castle black and all those who are here". Ned gave him a firm nod before finally leaving the chambers.

It was Aemons turn to place a hand on Jon's shoulder. "I know it's hard knowing what you know Jon. I could sense hesitation in your voice when you called Lord Stark father. All I can say to you is this, blood doesn't define family. Family is those who you have memories with, those who you love and would do anything far. Even a blind man like me can see how much Lord Stark loves and cares for you. He is not your father by blood, but he is indeed your father".

Jon didn't say anything, he just looked to his feet and nodded. "Get some rest my boy, tonight you have an important meeting". Jon didn't know what he meant by important meeting, but he did feel tired. His injuries kept flaring with pain and his head began to hurt. "Aye, I think I will get some sleep. Thank you, for everything … Uncle". Aemon smiled when he heard Jon call him uncle, he could hear Jon settle under his bed sheets. With the boy finally asleep, he decided to go about his duties in castle black. "Rest easy nephew".

Ned

"So we are all in agreement then". Ned looked to Lord Umber before looking at the Lord Commander. Jeor leaned over his desk and nodded his head. "aye , i do believe this is the best course of action. It will help the watch in the long run, what say you Lord Umber". The Greatjon downed the last of his ale and slammed his cup on the table. "You don't have to ask me Jeor, I insisted on this as soon as I got back to castle black. Not only is it the right thing to do, but honour compels me to do it". They all nodded at the giant man's words.

They all snapped their heads to the door when they heard a knock. In stepped a brother of the watch, he bowed to the lords before he spoke. "My Lords, Jon Snow is here to see you". Jeor waved at the man "Send him in Anari". The man gave a curt nod before rushing out of the Lord Commanders chambers. They didn't have to wait long before Jon came limping into the office, Ned stood quickly grabbing Jon a chair.

He placed it between his own and Lord Umber. Jon eagerly sat down and looked to the Lords in the room. "My father said you all wish to speak to me". The greatjon poured him a cup of ale and handed it to him. Jeor nodded before opening his drawer. He pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment and placed it on the table, he looked at Jon and smiled

"Aye, that we did lad. First of all, i would like to say what you did was impressive. You saved the life of your brother and Lord Umber, you also helped two common girls who belong to the gift. You avanged my fallen brothers by killing those wildlings and struck a major blow to the Thenns. It's safe to say everyone in this room owes you a great debt".

Jon smiled and took a small swig of his ale. He wanted to cough at the taste, but he didn't want to insult the Lord Commander. "There is no need for that Lord Commander, all I did was my duty". He felt the Greatjon's giant hand rest on his right shoulder, he turned to him to see he was serious. "Yes you did your duty Jon, but you went far beyond what any man could have done. If it weren't for you my wife would be a widow. My children would not have a father and for that I am grateful to you. Come on Ned show him will ye".

Jon looked to his left to see his father reach over to the parchment that Jeor had taken out earlier. "Lord Umber, myself and the Lord Commander have recognised a serious issue when it comes to these lands Jon. The night's watch isn't what it used to be, it only has enough men to man three out of the nineteen castles. It cannot man the wall, range north and protect the Gift. you have seen how the wildlings can get through in small groups".

Jon nodded at his fathers words, Jeor leaned forward and spoke next. "The Gift was given to us by Brandon the builder to keep us provisioned, when we numbered thousands it was necessary. Now that there are only less than a thousand brothers in black, we no longer need it. The gift produces little but the people are good and capable, the watch can no longer protect them while we man the wall and range north. They need someone to unite them and help them thrive".

Jon didn't know what was going on, what did he have to do with all of this. Ned finally unravelled the parchment and handed it to Jon. "Me and Lord Umber would like to thank you for what you have done Jon. With the Lord Commanders permission granted, we would like to name you the new Lord of the Gift". Jons eye shot open wide, he looked to Jeor to see the man nod and take swig of his ale. He took the parchment off his father and scanned over it quickly. It was there in black and white, fifty five leagues of land, and it was given to him. A great sum of land and people for him to watch over, his new title ready for his signature. The greatjon laughed and pointed at him. "You should see the look on your face Jon". Jon looked to Jeor and placed the parchment on the table.

"I don't understand Lord Commander. Don't you need what the gift has to offer"? Jeor nodded and finished his ale. "That we do Jon, I agreed to this when Ned and the Greatjon approached me. However we will still need supplies from the land, that is the one condition I ask for". Ned placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "For your first five years of Lordship, I will not take taxes from you. Just provide for the watch in that time. When you do start paying taxes, it will be a lesser amount then the other Lords".

Jon frowned "won't that make the other Lords unhappy with you"? Ned chuckled "they will be at first, but when i explain that you will be paying the rest to the watch they will shut up. I know for a fact not all of the northern lords give aid to the watch, even though they claim they do". Jon laughed and took a swig of his own ale. The greatjon pointed at the parchment and smiled. "You will see I have also given you the mountains of the west. Do with them what you will lad"

Jon patted Greatjon on the arm. "You have my thanks my Lord, it is too much". Lord Umber shook his head. "No thanks need Jon, this is a thank you for saving my life. The land's yours now, let's leave it at that" Ned rolled the parchment up and placed it in Jons hands once again. "In two days time we will leave for Winterfell, I have sent word to all the Lord of the north. They will meet us at Winterfell and they will bear witness to you becoming a Lord and swearing yourself to me as your liege Lord. You will have to come up with your new name, sigil and house words on the way there". Lord Umber stood and held his cup in the air. "To the new Lord of the Gift". Jeor, Ned and Jon stood up and toasted along with the Greatjon. Each of them downing their drinks in one.

Ned embraced Jon and kissed him on the head. "I am proud of you my son" Jon kept his face buried in his fathers chest. Tears built up in his eyes, he was indeed on his way to crafting his own destiny. "Thank you… Father".

Some of you have messaged about Jon's sigil and potential house. I know some houses started from the Starks and honour that with a similar name or sigil, like the Karstarks for example. However Jon is looking for his own journey, to break from the chains that is the Stark name. He wants to prove he is not only a Stark, but something greater. I am confident you guys will be happy with what I have done. As always thank you for reading and sticking with the story. Stay safe guys and hopefully see you next time