Chapter 15: Months and Words
Winterfell,
third week of the eight month 297 ac.
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Snow,
I can't believe you left. I know, this is your decision, you wanted to do it. But still. You left me alone with the little ones! And the girls! Do you even realize how cruel this is?
I hope you see that damned wall. I hope you become a Ranger, go on the other side, and live a fascinating life you traitor! That's the only way you might get forgiven. Even better, become Lord Commander. That way we'll know you made good use of those blasted lessons Kyria forced on us.
I have to suffer alone now, do you imagine? All of her attention focused on the little old me! For hours and hours! She is a tyrant. It looks to me like she is trying to compensate for your absence by working even harder. And I am her favorite victim.
Though I must tell you, brother, I am very pleased to say I no longer am the only one.
I don't know what uncle Benjen did, but whatever it was it's efficient!
Yesterday, I witnessed the single thing I thought I'd never see in my entire life. Our three sisters quietly talked in their old nursery. You know the one, Uncle Benjen told us it used to be Aunt Lyanna's room. Right next to Kyria's chamber. Well here they were, all three of them, bent around a piece of fabric saying the gods knew what about it in hushed tones. And none seemed eager to be elsewhere. That included Arya! I wouldn't have believed it had someone told me.
It seems to me you left just when things are starting to get interesting. I hope you are grateful for your big brother who'll faithfully report everything back to you. Do thank me, Snow.
With regards,
Your Brother,
Lord Robb Stark of Winterfell
Heir to the North.
Winterfell,
the fourth week of the eight month 297 ac.
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Brother,
are you there yet? It's so weird you're not home anymore.
Father said we should write to you. Mother didn't agree. But Mother never liked you so her opinion doesn't count anyway. I'm mad at her, you know? Kyria said I shouldn't but I know she thinks the same. I don't think it's right how she behaves. Mother I mean. She's smiling all the time and looks just so happy she ignores how bad we all feel because you're not here and we're missing you.
Rickon cried a lot when you were gone. Did you hear it? He called your name when you started galloping with uncle Benjen. Sansa and Kyria cuddled him for hours. Mother didn't seem to care. Sansa said it's mean to think Mother doesn't care about Rickon being sad. But she looks like she doesn't care sometimes.
I think Robb is angry at Mother too. He was very cold to her the other day when she said something to Theon. I don't know what that was. Kyria does but she doesn't want to tell me. I think it was kind of mean? I don't know. Kyria rarely keeps things from us you know?
Uncle Benjen helped a lot. He was right when he said we needed to talk. The three of us. Things have been a lot better since.
Kyria was angry the other day. Jeyne called me "horse face" in front of her. It was funny. Well not at first. But I'm used to it so it doesn't bother me anymore. But then Kyria was angry and she destroyed Jeyne. It was awesome! And then Sansa apologized for calling me that and laughing too when the other did. It was nice.
We trained a bit since you left. All three of us. With a bow. Father and Mother don't know. It was nice too. Sansa is really good with a bow. Theon saw us. I don't know who was more surprised when Sansa hit the bullseye: Theon or Sansa. It was fun.
What about you? Are you at the Wall yet? Did you meet other brothers? How is it going for you? I want to know. You're lucky you get to see the Wall. I wish I could too… Maybe if I ask nicely Father will let me visit you! Tell me everything!
I guess I should say goodbye?
Goodbye Jon!
Arya Stark of Winterfell.
Winterfell,
The first week of the ninth month 297 ac.
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Jon,
I finally found a name for my wolf!
Sorry. How are you?
I should be polite and ask for you first. Maester Luwin said a letter was like a conversation but from afar. I ask questions and then I am allowed to talk about my stuff.
How are you? Arya said you were at the Wall now. Is it as tall as we thought it would be? You know, I'm not mad at you. We said we would see the Wall together, remember? I'm not mad you get to see it before me. Father said when I'm older he will bring me with Robb to go around to see our bannermen and when we'll meet the Umbers we will go to Castle Black to see you and Uncle Benjen. I can't wait! Then you'll be able to show me the top of the wall yourself!
I hope you're alright at the Wall.
I have to tell you now! I finally found a name for my wolf! Kyria helped me. We were all a little sad when you were gone the first week and Kyria was very nice. You know she has been spending more and more time with Robb lately. But every other afternoon she takes the time to play with Rickon or read with me. I think she knows the library tower better than Maester Luwin. She always has the best books around!
The other day, she offered to go for a ride with me. Just me! We went to the Wolfwoods together and we talked a lot! She helped me pick a name for my wolf. His name is Summer!
I like it, it reminds me of Old Nan and her stories.
I hope you will write soon!
Brandon Stark of Winterfell.
The second week of the tenth month of the year 297
Winterfell,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Snow,
how is it going? Is it better? I still can't believe Father never told us. Something like that… Imagine, had we stayed in ignorance, how ridiculous we would have looked in the eyes of the world? What was he thinking?
To keep the secret behind the reality of the Wall when we were children is one thing. We wouldn't have understood and I hate to think what it would have done to our view of Uncle Benjen. But now? With you deciding to leave for the Wall? It's almost criminal.
It's hard to think of it, you know. How we were certainly the only ones in the entire kingdoms unaware of the truth of the Wall. How that place was a glorified prison instead of the proud brotherhood it was once.
You should have seen it though. I know you didn't want the little ones to see your letter, but you know how Kyria is. The more you try to hide something from her the harder she will try to find what it is.
To say she was furious doesn't even begin to define how she felt with Father. I've never seen anyone talk to Father that way. Even Mother. She destroyed any kind of logical explanation he might have found to defend himself. The little ones were impressed. I think I saw Arya rethink her life choices. I've never realized how we never saw our sister angry. Truly angry. She is devastating. I fear any husband she might have. The poor soul.
Though, is it strange to feel relieved to see such a display of temper coming from our sister? I always knew Kyria was no one to mess with. But with everything that happened, and the things she saw… I'm worried, you know? As much as I yearn to and as much as I wished otherwise, I will not be the one to choose her husband for her, and Father and I won't always be there to protect her. So many things could happen. Bad things.
But to see how she behaved, how she held herself in front of Father, her liege lord. How she didn't bow when Mother tried to shut her up… I know she will be alright.
But tell me, Brother. How are you? How are you fairing? Tell me everything.
Your brother,
Lord Robb Stark of Winterfell
Heir to the North.
Winterfell,
297
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Hello Jon,
Maester Luwin said practice today was writing letters. Kyria said I write you a letter. Kyria is helping.
How are you? When are you coming back?
Kyria said many moons. Mama is happy. Father is busy with Robb a lot.
Sansa played with me yesterday. She is nice. She said hello.
Letters are difi difffi hard.
I love you!
Rickon Stark.
Winterfell,
Second week of the ninth month 297 ac.
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Brother,
how strange is it to have to write to you so suddenly? I am still struggling to get used to your absence.
How are you, brother? How is the Wall? How is uncle Benjen? I do hope you are both alright. I wasn't sure what to write to be honest. I do apologize for my tardiness in sending you this. I heard about what the Wall is. The people the Kingdom is sending there. I imagine Robb told you about my… argument with Father. How could he hide such a thing from us? From you? I can't believe this.
But I assume you've already read everything. I don't want to waste space telling you everything about it again.
I know our siblings already send you their ravens. They miss you, you know? So do I.
I don't know what to say, Jon. I hope you are happy with your choice. I hope you found what you wished for out there. I truly do.
I didn't realize how much I relied on you for… you know. The things I still can't explain. Of course, I have Robb and he is more than happy to help me in this troubling situation. But as sweet as our brother is, he isn't you. Don't tell him but I think you're my favorite.
I thought about our discussion the other day. The first one. How you kept following me for months while I tried so hard to convince you, and everybody else, that I was fine. How you found me in the Godswood. I don't know how I'd have fared hadn't you talked to me that day. I think I would never have allowed myself to feel like part of this pack if you hadn't stubbornly tried to help me. I am grateful for that, Jon. I will always be grateful for that. Without you, I wouldn't feel like I belong with them.
I do apologize for the tone of this letter. I guess I needed to confess some of the things I have in my head. And I do miss you, brother.
But enough about me. I want to know everything. Tell me how this went for you? What do you think of the wall?
I await your answer.
With love,
your sister,
Lady Kyria Stark of Winterfell
Second week of the tenth month of the year 297
Winterfell,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Jon,
you are NEVER going to believe this! For the very first time in my whole life, I made Septa Mordane speechless! I can hardly believe it myself! But I did!
It all started the other day. We were talking, with Sansa and Kyria and I couldn't understand what was so important with sewing and stuff. I mean, it's useless! You can save anyone's life with a pretty dress or a leaf pattern on a sleeve.
It's Kyria who explains the best usually but I was kind of surprised this time because it was Sansa who explained it to me. I didn't know she was so good at explaining stuff… I was surprised.
But she said the Maesters were sewing people back when they were hurt sometimes. Can you imagine? I don't think I'd have the patience to ever be a Maester. But the idea of being able to sew people back up is exciting! I don't know…
Anyway, we talked about it for a long time and I kept thinking about it afterward you know? And then I decided to try. I asked Sansa and she helped me a lot and I managed to do something good! A little wolf head in a small corner of a handkerchief.
Septa was so surprised she couldn't talk for a full minute! It was amazing! Kyria had to cough her laugh out. She was so red she looked like a giant curly tomato! Even Sansa giggled.
It was fun. Now that you are gone, Robb spends a lot of time with Father. And Kyria gets to spend time with us. She is still a bit angry at Father. Mother is still complaining about manners and stuff. But I know Kyria doesn't regret it.
We train together all the time now. Father saw us. We were alone in the training yard and training and everything and he was there. Clapping. I've never seen Sansa look prouder.
Is it fun at the Wall? Did you see a Wildling yet? You would tell me all about it if you did would you?
I don't get to live many exciting adventures yet. Though I did spend an interesting afternoon with Bran exploring the secret passages within the keep. He's fun to play with sometimes I suppose.
Will you tell me about your adventures?
Your sister,
Arya Stark of Winterfell.
Last week of the Tenth month of the year 297
Winterfell,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Jon,
how are you faring brother?
Are you used to living at the Wall yet? I imagine it's still hard for you.
We are fine, thank you. I am glad to read you are pleased with the progress we made Sansa Arya and me. We came to an understanding. It wasn't complicated really when you think about it. Uncle Benjen was very insightful. He noticed how we tend to be complementary, our strengths and weaknesses, answering each other easily enough that we can only learn from each other if we cared to try.
Arya is overjoyed every time we can spare in the yard. I am getting better at the bow myself. I think. But I am nowhere as good as our sisters. You should see them, Jon. Competing with each other on who can shoot the most arrows in the bullseye. The most exciting thing is that Arya isn't always winning despite the years of experience she has on the subject.
Have you received Rickon's raven? His very first raven. He was so excited when he wrote it. So eager to do it properly as a grown-up would. I don't think I've ever seen him listening more attentively to Maester Luwin's instructions before.
He wanted to have Shaggydog sign the letter too, but I managed to convince him not to. I'm not sure he realizes how big they are becoming. How big a Direwolf can grow? The books in the library all say different things. It's difficult to select the correct information.
To think that not so long ago we could still carry them in our arms… How is Ghost? Frost is big enough to pass as a full-grown wolf now. Is Ghost taller? I wonder. Robb was pouting the other day, he doesn't want another wolf to be bigger than Greywind. What a child.
To think Father is taking him under his wing finally. I hope it'll put some weight on his little brain. The gods know he needs it. They spend a lot of time in Father's solar. I suppose it's time for Robb to take on more responsibilities. It's a strange thought.
But at least I get to spend more time with the little ones.
But do tell me about you Brother. I always love hearing from you. And you are far more talkative when you don't have to talk.
I await your raven,
I send you my love brother.
Your sister,
Lady Kyria Stark of Winterfell
Second week of the eleventh month of the year 297
Winterfell,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Jon,
Robb is gone. Father said he had to go around the keeps of the North, to meet the other Lords and make himself known as the next Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. He said he got the idea from Uncle Edmure in the Riverlands. It's something he did when he was a young lord. Kyria says he's still doing it. She says there are songs written about him. Do you think there will be songs about Robb too? That would be great.
It is strange. With you and now Robb gone. Empty? I don't know.
Mother asked us to start training the wolves. She was very angry when Shaggy and Nypmeria ran to the kitchen to steal one of the chickens for the evening meal. The cook chases them away with some of the maids. It was fun. But Mother didn't like it.
She ordered us to train them or to leave them in the kennels. Kyria had the idea to train all the wolves like a pack. Like they should be in the wild. She said so.
Robb is going to be disappointed he can't participate. But he was already gone when Kyria had the idea.
She's very nice, you know? Kyria? With Robb gone she spends a lot more time with us. Yesterday we went for a ride. All of us. Rickon was happy. He got to ride with Kyria. The wolves were running around us. Rickon even mounted Shaggydog on the way back. It was a lot of fun. Even Sansa was with us. She rides better than before. She's nice too. And she doesn't complain as much as before when we make noise around her. It's nice. It feels like she's like us now.
How about you Jon? Have you seen interesting things at the Wall? Old Nan says the abandoned castles of the Watch are all haunted. She tells many stories about them. Do you know the one about the Lord Commander who called himself the Night King?
I hope to hear from you soon,
your Brother,
Brandon Stark of Winterfell.
Last week of the eleventh month of the year 297
Winterfell,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Brother,
Can you believe it?
Robb is supposed to leave for at least four other months! How unfair is that? You get to leave, Robb gets to leave, and I am supposed to stay in Winterfell while you get to explore the North and the Land beyond the Wall? That's stupid.
Now I'm alone with Mother. Mother! She wants me to sew a dress for the harvest feast this year. Like I would do something like that! But worse. She said it in front of Sansa. Now Sansa wants to teach me how to do that. Kyria laughed.
That's unfair.
The harvest is supposed to happen at the end of this month. I never liked that celebration. Why do it at the beginning of the year and not at the end? It's not like one week would change a thing. And now I have to sew a stupid dress. On top of everything else!
Why couldn't Robb take me with him?
Arya Stark of Winterfell.
In the second week of the second month of the year 298
Winterfell,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Brother,
it has been a while since my last letter. I apologize for that. I assume you would remember the busy days we have around the Harvest every year. This one in particular had been complicated. Mother insisted I planned the whole event. The feast, the guests, the courses, the festivities… everything. And on top of it all, I had to stop Arya from trashing the project Mother asked of her. Thank the old gods Sansa made me a dress for my last name day. It is far too elaborate for a day's wear and I got to use it for the feast.
Most of the Lords were attending. It was impressive. And nerve-wracking. I thought Robb would come back for the occasion, but apparently, he was at White Harbor with the Manderly. He couldn't make it in time. It was unfortunate, but at least he got to do his duty as the heir.
Though I must confess I feel lonely without him. And without you. There isn't anyone to bother with my books.
Well. That isn't exactly true. Sansa had spent some time with me at the library. She has such a good memory… I am truly impressed. I feel like, given half the chance, the girl could be smarter than even me.
Bran comes to see me too. But he is more interested in stories than learning anything. What can I say, he is still young. And there is only so much pushing I get to do in one day. But enough about this. What about you, Jon?
Have you taken your vows yet? Are you married to your Wall?
I am happy to know things are getting better for you. That you get to meet people that you can rely on. In a place like this, it's always welcome.
I had another nightmare. A new one. There was snow and ice and large monsters whose eyes shone in the darkness of the night. I don't know what to make of it. But it came to me every night for the last week.
Be careful, Jon.
Your sister,
Lady Kyria Stark of Winterfell.
In the first week of the third month of the year 298
Winterfell,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black,
Snow,
greetings Stewart! How are you fairing? Getting used to your new role? Getting used to wiping your Lord Commander's ass yet?
Don't blame me for mocking you, Jon. You were the one to choose the Watch over us. I almost want to ask you to drop everything and come back home. You won't have to wipe any ass at home.
But I suppose you will refuse me now. You swore your vows after all. And I know you to be the kind of man who would take those seriously. As you should. So I will not bother you anymore with my complaints.
Kyria would scold me for being childish. It's her new favorite insult when it concerns me.
I don't know why.
Though I suppose she feels the pressure of my role coming for me. It's like she wishes I could mature quickly. I don't really know why it's so important to her. I suppose I could guess.
After months on the road and the different keeps of the North, I am back home. Finally, I am happy though. I got to see the North. It's so vast brother. So big. So wild. I think I understand why Father loves this Land so much. I confess I do too. More so than before.
I got to see the Moat. The Neck behind it. I truly think restoring this place could only benefit the North. I don't know if it's Kyria who manipulated me into it or if I always had such interests, but everywhere I went, I could picture ways to improve the North. Our food supplies, our defenses… There are so many ways to protect ourselves. And with Kyria's nightmares, better be safe than sorry.
I talked to Father about it. As soon as I arrived back home. He was very pleased with my enthusiasm. I think he likes the idea of me growing into the role. He already allowed me to start the building of an additional glass garden next to our old ones. A bigger one that would allow more food to grow. Maester Luwin says a long Summer always means an even longer winter. And we had the longest Summer in generations.
Father accepted on the condition I would supervise everything. On top of this, he asked me to leave again in a fortnight. While I was running around on one side of the Kingdom, a conflict erupted on the other side within the Mountain clans. Father asked me to go and deal with it. I didn't dare complain. I asked for responsibilities after all.
But, at least this time I wouldn't be alone. Kyria is coming with me. She said she wished to see me dip my toes into the great sea of politics. She was very excited about it. I fear the worst.
I must leave you there, brother. Do forgive me for whining for the best part of this raven. But without your sulking face around there aren't many people I can talk within such a way.
Your brother,
Lord Robb Stark of Winterfell
Heir to the North.
Third week of the third month of the year 298
Winterfell,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black
Jon,
Kyria went with Robb to the Mountain. Father let them go by themselves. With Jory and other guards. I mean, they went without Father. It's weird. Why didn't Father take care of this secret business everyone refused to talk about?
It's stupid.
Father says it's to prepare Robb for his role as the heir. But it's not a reason to take Kyria with him. That's unfair. Why does she get to go and not me? I have to stay home with Mother and Sansa and her stupid little friends.
Did you know they made her cry the other day? They don't want to spend time with her anymore. They say she's not acting like a lady playing with a bow with me. How dare they? Stupid girls. They don't know she is their liege lord daughter? A Stark? A wolf? What are they expecting? A sweet little lamb ready for the slaughter? Why is it that as soon as Sansa starts to act differently as what they think suits their little worlds, she isn't good enough anymore?
She cried all afternoon in her room.
But I got my Bran and Rickon we did everything we could to make their lives miserable. The wolves helped too. It was fun. Then it was their turn to cry. Mother punished us for it. But it was worth it. Sansa stopped crying.
No one gets to make my big sister cry.
Arya Stark of Winterfell.
Third week of the fourth month of the year 298
The High Mountains of the Wolfwoods,
Keep off the Flints of the Mountains,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black
Brother,
the mountains are fascinating! So wild and free. So different from our Winterfell. I can't believe this is the first time I leave the keep. Can you imagine! The first time!
Robb says I came with him and Father once or twice before. But I have no memories of that so it was the first time for me.
It certainly is in the mountains. Their keep looks nothing like what we would expect to see. It's far smaller. More practical. But I suppose I'm too used to the very large Winterfell. It is surrounded by a very small village. Nestled deep within the mountains, right against the rocky flank. Most of the houses are within the rock. The people say it's easier like that. They say it is as they have done for thousands of years. The most fascinating is how close they are to the idea I had of the First Men from my readings in the library.
It is truly fascinating. We are hosted with the Flints of the Mountains. Their second son, Duncan, apparently courted the daughter of a Wull. Or dishonored her, I am not sure. What I do know, is that this conflict is quickly escalating into something dangerous for the peace within the clans. Which is the main reason behind our presence.
To be honest, I am not as useful as I fancied myself to be. But I can't complain about it. Robb is truly impressive. To think of what it was just a few months ago before all of this started… I am amazed by the progress he shows while dealing with the clans. I even think he made friends with the main source of trouble. Duncan Flint. Though I am not sure how I should feel about that. He is comely I suppose. I can understand why one young lady would believe herself fancied by him. But I can't say I would feel the same. He is too… I don't know. I can't place words on it. But I am not fond of him.
Robb though… my gods. Here is a match made in heaven. I don't know what happened exactly, but as a welcome gesture, Duncan decided to bring Robb and a couple of his clansmen on a three-day hunting trip in the mountains. When they came back, two days late on their schedule, they were thick as thieves. Even Greywind appreciates him. And he is extremely protective of Robb.
But how about you Jon? Tell me. How are you faring? You know, I think this could be a great opportunity for you. Yes, you didn't become a Ranger, I understand your frustration. But, you get to serve the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Don't you remember the book?
To command, you need to learn how to serve first.
Don't give up, brother, I am sure your time will come.
Your sister,
Lady Kyria Stark of Winterfell.
Last week of the fifth month of the year 298
The High Mountains of the Wolfwoods,
Keep of the Flints of the Mountains,
To Jon Snow,
Castle Black
Brother,
things are happening back home. I don't know what exactly. We were supposed to stay another month in the mountains but Father is suddenly sending for us. The raven I received this morning ordered our immediate return to Winterfell. Something to do with the King and the capital. Father didn't say anything more, but Kyria insisted we should go home soon.
I'm disappointed. This trip to the mountains had been very informative.
Duncan and his clansmen will escort us out of the forest. It's the least he could do after all the things he put me through for his mistakes.
But this letter is already too long. I need to go. We are leaving at first light tomorrow.
I will, of course, tell you everything about this new development as soon as Father informs us what this is about.
Take care of yourself brother,
Lord Robb Stark of Winterfell.
Heir to the North.
TBC
Note: well well well, I'm back!
What do you think of this one?