Warning: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire, nor this Story.
This story deserves to be available for readers to read. This Story was removed, it deserved to be available, Original Author is Blackwolf2019 as i don't own this story or its work.
Comments and everything below is from the OA.
Chapter 13: Family
Hope you all enjoy, feel free tae comment as always!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Arya
The sight of Stark banners on Moat Cailin had brought joy to the small group of Northmen and Riverlords. And news that the Boltons and Freys in the North had been slaughtered had made the Great Jon's laugh boom across the great castle and probably all of the neck. Knowledge that Rickon lived had added to that.
"Starks are fucking hard to kill!"The Great Jon had proclaimed that night, as happy as he was when he'd seen the sight of dead Freys.
It was a good sign for the group, they would have sanctuary in the North. For the Rivermen, they would most likely be staying at Moat Cailin, both so Arya's new cousin Hoster would not have to make the long trip North. And should the Riverlands return to Tully hands, they would be much nearer to return to Riverrun. But for Arya, Great Jon Umber and Harrion Karstark, they would be making for Winterfell soon. The three longed to travel, albeit for different reasons. The Great Jon was eager to make his way for Winterfell and meet his family and the new King in the North. Arya had asked how he knew that his family would be with Jon. The Great Jon had just grinned.
"If my Uncles and son haven't been fighting with the King in the North, I'll be smashing their heads together. They'll have known that!"
For Harrion, it was to see his sister and to help prevent the name Karstark from being further besmirched. Galbert Glover had informed him of what they had done to Stannis in Winterfell. Harrion had been quick to figure out why they had done that. "To kill me for Karhold."What grudges Harrion had for Robb killing his father would have to be put aside to help fix his house's standing in the North.
It was simple for Arya though.I long for pack, I long for home. I long for Jon.
But the group would have to wait until they could all regain their strength. The wait was excruciating though, with Arya resorting to training and hunting with Nymeria to keep herself busy. She at least knew that Jon would know that she was coming. Galbert Glover had sent a missive by raven, detailing of the hostages' release and the end of House Frey. Arya had gotten him to write something specific, so he know it was her.A thank you for my needle.
Arya smiled at the thought as she sat on a bench with the rescued hostages and some of the soldiers from the garrison. Arya watched with an amused look as she watched the group from the Twins gorge themselves. They'd apparently not been fed well. Something which was obvious on all but the Great Jon who looked no different to how she'd seen him at a feast in Winterfell.Half-starved and he is still a giant.
"Winter's finally here." Harrion Karstark said solemnly as he looked out towards the light snow. It would only get heavier the further North they went.
"Aye, I doubt this will be a short one either. A ten-year summer we've just had." One of the Northern soldiers added.
Great Jon nodded, "Aye, means we won't have to deal with any Southerners for a while. The Andals will freeze their bollocks off just getting to the Moat!"
"Do you think the King in the North will march South like King Robb?" Marq Piper asked the group.
Harrion shook his head, "Not according to Galbert, he'd been ordered to guard the Moat, only to have a small force ready for taking only the Twins."
"And now that the Freys are dead, the King won't be marching South." Olyvar stated. Arya could hear the discomfort in his voice, knowing his family had been wiped out. It did not give Arya guilt.
"Father once told me that it was never wise for anyone to go to war in Winter. Only Northmen who were willing to die so our families could be fed would wage war. Jon will be thinking of feeding us all through winter instead of looking Southward." Arya said quietly.
Thinking of Father always hurts.
Great Jon downed his drink in one before slamming it, "Don't worry Piper! Us Northmen will not be forgetting the Lannister Cunts! They don't understand what winter does, they'll be starving by the time Spring comes and we'll be eager to get warm killing the fucks!"
The group all chuckled at the Umber. Arya turned to the door as she heard a guard enter. Leaving the door open behind him she could hear that there was a commotion outside.
"Princess Arya, there's an army approaching the Moat."
Arya kept the distaste at being called Princess hidden.
"Are the Lannisters stupid enough to battle against the Moat?" Harrion asked.
Great Jon laughed, "If they are it means I can crush their skulls earlier."
The guard shook his head, "They're not Lannister colours. They're Vale and Riverland Banners. Arryn and Tully."
"Then it's best you show us." Arya said calmly.
The Vale and Tully Banners had offered a white flag to parley with them. The Northmen were all on edge despite the banners waving. Nobody wanted to deal with another betrayal or trap by the Lannisters. Arya had no intention of that as she rode with Glover, Umber and her wolf Pack. Arya doubted anyone would try anything with a free Direwolf her massive pack behind her. It seemed to assure the soldiers with her.
As they rode, she could see a small group of people at the front, mostly Valemen by the banners and crescents on their armour.
Glover was glaring hard at the Vale banners. "These men were supposedly friends of your Father once. He said they were honourable
Great Jon spat onto the ground as they rode nearer. "If they were friends of Ned Stark, they would have fought with us the moment he'd been taken by the Lannisters. They're craven cunts!"
The Vale has no friends here anymore.Arya thought darkly.
As they got towards the group of Vale banners, Arya could also see someone she hadn't expected.Petyr Baelish.
Nymeria gave a low growl.I remember you from the capital and Harrenhal. You stood there when father was beheaded. You served the Lannisters. What are you doing here?
Baelish seemed to show surprise and then smiled. Arya didn't like that smile.
"Is that the Lady Arya Stark?" He asked in such a friendly manner. Arya felt Nymeria's pack grow tense.
"Lord Baelish." Arya said coldly.
Her wolves were growling.
Baelish kept smiling, Arya could see the falsity in it.The Faceless men told me how to see lies. You're not happy to see me it all.
"I'm so glad you remember me Lady Arya. I feared that you had died, or that you had been given to the Boltons. Your Father would be glad to know that another of his children lived."
"Did he tell you that when you watched his head get cut off beside Joffrey?" Arya asked icily.
Nymeria was eyeing up Baelish. Great Jon and Glover had their hands on their swords. Arya could hear that the Great Jon unsheathe half of his great sword.
Baelish eyed them all more warily. "I'm sorry to hear that you had witnessed your father's execution. Much like your sister, I was a hostage there. To have not obeyed the King would have meant the same fate."
Lie.The Pack of wolves were snarling. The Vale knights with him were looking nervous.
"What brings a Lannister cunt and a bunch of cravens to the North then?!" Great Jon Umber boomed, anger amplifying his voice.
The Vale Knights didn't like the comment.
Baelish kept his composure, "I'm not a Lannister sympathiser. I've come to aid the North. Much like the Knights of the Vale. We wish to restore the Lady Sansa to her rightful seat and to bring the North into the fight against the Lannister again. Until now we were only aware that she was the onlytruebornchild of Ned Stark left. She'll be delighted to know her sister lives."
The Lords and soldiers bristled at the words.He wants to hurt Jon.He lies and he threatens my brother. I will kill you.
"You don't have the Lady Sansa Stark. She hasn't been heard from since you Lannisters married her off to the dwarf." Glover said with venom.
Baelish began to smile, turning to one of the Vale Knights. "Go Fetch Lady Sansa Stark and her husband Lord Arryn. I'm sure she'll be delighted to see her sister."
The Vale Knight seemed eager to leave the parley, riding back to the main force of Vale and Tully banners. The group waited silently for the Knight to return with her sister. The Northmen were given deathly stares to the Vale banners and Baelish. Arya was thinking as her wolves snarled for her.
Arya knew that he did not know about Rickon being with Jon by the way he spoke. But the lord clearly knew that Jon was at Winterfell. Her thoughts drifted to Sansa.Does he truly have my sister? And is she willing to hurt Jon?
The thought of Sansa harming Jon made her angry.I won't let you if you try.
They waited for a few more minutes before she could see horses approaching, carrying Tully, Arryn and Stark banners. As Arya looked at the group, she could see that of Baelish's lies there was one truth.He has my sister. Sansa lives.
Arya could recognise the auburn hair, the slender figure and the Tully blue eyes. It was clearly her, only a woman grown. Much like herself. Arya kept herself composed as the group stopped in front of them. Arya could see the shock on her sister's face. She knew that face, the one that assumed Arya Stark had died.I live just like you.
Beside her stood a man in Arryn colours with Sandy hair and blue eyes.He's not my cousin. I heard he was sickly and had dark hair. Is he dead too?
Baelish looked smug, "May I present the lady Sansa Stark and her husband Lord Harold Arryn. The Rightful Lady of Winterfell and the Lord of the Vale."
Arya and the Northmen turned to her sister.Have you betrayed us?
Sansa looked back and smiled. It was a genuine one. "I thought you had died after they killed Father."
Arya could see her hold back tears. She could also hear the regret.
Arya smiled at her sister, "Starks are hard to kill Sansa. I haven't seen you since Father died."
Baelish grinned.A fake one. He doesn't like my presence."You see I speak the truth Lady Arya, I simply seek to restore your sister to her rightful seat. We seek want to enter the North, then the banners can be called to Winterfell for the march south."
The Great Jon looked like he had enough. "I won't have any of you Vale shits in the North, threatening the King in the North!"
He'd unsheathed the Great Sword fully. The Vale Knights had stepped back. Glover had moved his horse so he could put a hand on the man to calm him. It didn't work. Arya gave the Lord a look instead. He held for a moment.
"We've been ordered by the King in the North to not let any armies North of the Neck." Glover said.
"And those are the words of a bastard and an oath breaker. Not your trueborn lady." Lord Arryn said arrogantly.
I'll kill you too.
Arya looked at her sister. "What do you want Sansa?"
Sansa's face had turned from a smile to a stern face. "I seek to take my rightful place as the Lady of Winterfell Arya. I seek to take my place where the bastard of Winterfell sits."
Arya might have believed those words if she was still a child. Sansa had never been close to Jon, not like her. But this, Arya knew better.I know when people are lying. My sister is doing that now. She doesn't want this.
Arya turned to Baelish, "You will not have passage into the North. We know no King but the King in the North whose name is Stark. I won't have anyone threaten my brother."
At that she turned her horse, wolves following with the Lords.
"We need to send work to the king." Glover stated.
The Great Jon grinned, "Aye, he can come down and join us in smashing that Lannister cunt's face!"
"And we can get Princess Sansa back." Arya affirmed.
The two nodded with smiles as they rode. Nymeria and the pack were howling loudly.
I won't let them hurt you Jon. The Lone wolf dies but the pack survives.
Jon
"Keep your Shield up!" Jon said with a grin as he practiced with his brother, snowing gently dropping on their heads as dawn broke over Winterfell.
Rickon grunted and went back into his stance, practice sword in his right hand, shield in the left. He raised it begrudgingly as he looked up to him.
"I'll beat you this time." Rickon said with all the seriousness an eight-year-old could have.
Jon laughed as his brother's face turned to a determined scowl.He looks like Robb when I sparred with him, with that long face showing behind those Tully locks.
"Maybe Rickon, only if you can keep your shield up or you'll get knocked on your arse."
Rickon grinned briefly before returning to an angry scowl. His younger brother started their spar again, going through his forms for battle with Jon teaching the lad. This had become a routine of theirs ever since Rickon's return to Winterfell, getting up at dawn to practice combat by themselves before they broke their fast and begin each day's work. It had served as both a way for Jon to spend time with his brother and a good way to start giving Rickon more control of that savage nature he'd picked up from being a lone wolf. Jon could see that every time him and Rickon sparred, his younger brother fighting with a temper behind each blow.
Today was no different, as Jon parried and blocked each of Rickon's strikes, each and every one hitting with a ferocity behind him. The ferocity was not something Jon would train out of the boy.It has served me well and it will him.But what he was training out of him was the sloppiness that came with it. It was a gradual process but he could see his brother thinking more. When he was of age Jon had confidence that his brother would make a fine Prince of Winter. Jon grinned as his brother attempted to catch him off his guard, going for a lower blow with his sword.A good idea but he lowered his shield.Jon quickly deflected it and brought his practice sword through the opening Rickon had made.
Jon grinned at his brother with the sword before going to the weapon's rack. Rickon followed. "You have to keep your shield up brother. You made a smart move but you have to keep yourself defended while doing it."
Rickon nodded, still a scowl on his face from being beaten.
Jon crouched down, "When you can defend yourself properly with a shield; I'll be able to teach you how to batter someone with it at the same time. You did good though today, you might get me one day."
Rickon started to smile. "I will one day. Sooner than you think."
Jon raised his eyebrows the picked him up before Rickon could respond, putting him on his shoulders. He could hear him start to laugh.
"Now then, lets go eat before the day begins!"
Rickon gave a groan between laughs as they made their way inward. His younger brother's life had become a lot busier since his return. Their lessons before dawn were simply a good way of calming him for the day to come.He's missed to much from this war, I'll give as much back as I can,Jon had resolved upon their reunion. Rickon was to sit in with any petitioners that Jon had. To train with the master of Arms and the other children around the castle.
And to sit in his lessons. The lessons had been the hardest until Jon had decided to have Old Nan lead them with help from the princess Shireen.How Old Nan lives still I will never know.Though Jon was glad of it; her presence and the princess had seemed to calm his brother.And Sam returning will no doubt be a boon.Jon smiled at the thought of his friend, a raven had come stating that he had found what was needed. He knew Jon was at Winterfell and that he would be recalled to Winterfell.The Boltons' Maester has been sent to the wall, I'll have another friend at my side instead.
Jon grinned at the thought of that as the two Starks made their way into the Great Hall. Rickon had climbed off, running towards Osha, Old Nan and Val at the head table. More would be coming soon, and with it the day would begin.And today I can finally speak with Howland Reed.
Jon had been busy ever since his crowning to have a proper conversation with the man. There was too much to be done to sit idly and talk about a woman he'd never met. There was too much to be dealt with; from preparing for winter, making plans for the war to come and spending time with Val and Rickon. Winterfell and the King in the North could not be still. But with Lord Robett Glover and Alsyane had returned recently with Robett's son Gawen and new born daughter Erena, preparations for obtaining dragon glass on Skagos underway, and the deal with the Iron Bank made to last throughout winter; Jon had time.
Jon sat in his solar as he waited for Lord Reed to arrive. The thought of gaining more knowledge on his mother was something Jon had wanted for a long time before his death. His birth father giving him a name had been more than he had come to terms with when he was at the Wall. A name alone had given Jon a sense of peace. Whatever the tale was at this point, Jon was simply glad to know it. An end to a story that had hovered over him since birth.
Lord Reed entered the solar quietly, taking his seat opposite Jon. Jon poured him a drink for him. The man was short like his people but had brought great things in Jon's eyes since his arrival at Winterfell. The lord of the Neck had brought Robb's will, a last gift from his brother.Who'd always seen me as a brother.He had also brought Hallis Mollen, the guard that had been protecting his father's bones. Jon had almost hugged both of them for that. Jon had appointed Mollen captain of the guard, for guarding and returning Ned Stark's bones.
For all that I am Brandon's son I will always be Ned's too. Even if I don't follow his path now.
Lord Reed looked at him with pensive green eyes as he took a sip. The eyes had a sense of otherness to him.
"My King" he said humbly.
Jon shook his head, "Jon is fine Lord Reed."
Lord Reed gave a small smile, "Then call me Howland. Brandon was like that when I met him, never one for formal titles. I see that wildness is in you. Though when Ned wrote of you, he always said you were like him."
Jon smiled back, "Aye, well you've seen the scars like everyone else. Death doesn't leave us unscathed."
Howland's face turned solemn, "A fair point. And this war has done much to change us all. And the war with the dead I imagine will do the same to us."
Jon nodded to him, "Aye, though it won't change that we are Northmen."
Howland sipped from his cup and the two took a moment of comfortable silence.
"It wasn't Ned who told you about Brandon being your father was it?" Howland asked.
He figured that out quick.
"No, I met Brandon in the crypts. He was the one to tell me. He was also the one to tell me to ask you about Ashara. Our time was too short."
Howland took another sip, keeping his solemn face, "What I know from the tourney was Brandon and Ashara's relationship was nothing more than a dalliance. They were both wilful people, charmers and ones who preferred to enjoy life over duties. The two gravitated in that time."
Jon listened as he drank slowly. The news hadn't surprised him, he had known Brandon's reputation for a long time. That didn't bother him in the slightest.
"I didn't see your mother again until after the war had ended. Not until after seeing the horrors that Rhaegar had done to Lyanna in Dorne. We had only come to Starfall out of duty, to return Dawn to House Dayne and hopefully gain a ship to bring Lyanna's bones home. That was where we had found you with your mother."
Jon looked at the man intently. He could see the sadness in Howland's eyes.
"She was different when we met you. The Ashara we had met at the Tourney was beautiful, vibrant and alive. The woman we met at Starfall looked almost a ghost. Ashara had been traumatised by the losses. She'd told us she had been forced to see Brandon and Rickard die and the news of Elia and her children had broken her."
"I didn't expect this to be a happy tale." Jon said grimly.
Howland sighed then took a long drink.
"Your mother was not in a fit state. We had heard her ramble about whispers telling her of Elia and her children. That had been when she said for Ned take you North. Ned had already spoken of doing that, to have another of his blood with him and to keep you safe. He didn't trust her with you. Ashara offering only made it all the simpler to take you to Winterfell, even if it came with the price of claiming you as his to his wife."
Howland paused and smiled slightly, "Though I doubt the man ever regretted taking you as his son."
Jon gave a small smile of his own before taking a large drink. "And what happened to my mother."
"She left on another ship, heading east. Neither of us understood why. She only said that it was to find justice. I know she didn't kill herself as the stories tell. Even as she was, there was a sense of purpose to her when she had said that."
"Do you know where she went?" Jon asked quietly, almost like a boy.
Howland shook his head, "I don't I'm afraid. Only that she went East. I believe that was why Ned never mentioned her sooner. He didn't want to speak without knowing where she was first."
The two returned to silence for a long while drinking as Jon mused on his mother.Maybe I'll know you in another life. But my duties come first.
Jon spoke calmly after finishing his drink.
"Thank you, Howland. Thank you for telling me."
"You had a right to know by now." Howland simply stated.
Jon poured another drink for the two. "There's another matter I would like to talk with you too. Something in regards to South."
"Of course, what can I do to help?" Howland offered as he took a more measured drink.
Jon smiled, "You've heard that me and Lord Manderly have finished bargaining with the Iron Bank?"
Howland nodded, "Aye, the first shipments will come in a moon's turn. How much did they damage us to help keep our bellies full for the Long night?"
Jon grimaced, "The terms were not bad considering it will give us more to fill our stores permanently. It will still take every piece of gold and silver from the North."
That wasn't an exaggeration. Jon and Lord Manderly's dealings with Tycho Nestoris to expand the deal Jon had done at the wall was expensive. Every piece of coinage in the coffers of the North would have to be given. Jon was happy to get rid of all the North's gold and sliver coins to keep all his people alive and fed during the Long Night. The Northmen were after seeing the dead men. Jon had happy to have Manderly's presence to help with the negotiation. His knowledge on trade and the East was invaluable. And the twenty-three warships he had built for Robb, increasing the Western navy to sixty ships, would be essential for helping ferry the supplies to the North. Manderly had also been right to suggest they pay it in instalments as opposed to a loan."It is better to pay the bank than takes loans, they'll own us forever if we take one out."
"You can't eat gold and silver." Howland stated.
"No, we can't. But it is useful, something that the Lannisters always claim to know."
Jon started to grin as Howland gave him a curious look.
"What would you have me do?"
Jon's grin turned savage, "The people of the Neck are the best scouts in the North, and the most lethal scouts in the realm. Find a way into the Rock. I'll send Maege and some forces with you. We'll take every last bit of gold in that castle. It can help rebuild the North and keep us warm."
Howland looked at him and smiled, "I swear that we'll take it. By Earth and Water. By Bronze and Iron. By Ice and Fire."
Jon offered his hand and they shook firmly.You Lannisters will suffer.
The two were interrupted by a knock on the door. One of the castle guards entered.
"My King, there are two ravens for you from moat Cailin."
The guard passed the missives to him. One line stood out above the rest."My Needle has served me well, thank you for teaching me to stick them with the pointy end."
Arya. You're home.
Hope you all enjoy, wanted tae setup the conflict between the North and Baelish there. As you can see, the Vale and Riverlords don't get past the neck in this, that's as far in the North as they go. Also wanted the Northmen tae be pissed at the vale fir not fighting first time around. Felt that they rightfully should be, even though they are unaware as tae why exactly. Fae the Northern perspective, they betrayed Ned by not fighting tae free and avenge him.
The next couple of chapters will move south before returning to Moat Cailin because the conflict in the South is ongoing.
If anyone has questions please ask.