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Robb sat in the dimly lit room, his chair angled toward the bed where Bran lay motionless. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and the faint, earthy aroma of the furs that draped Bran's bed. Weeks had passed since their father had left Winterfell with the king, and with him, Robb's sisters, Sansa and Arya. Even Jon was gone, heading north to the Wall. The castle felt empty, too large for the remaining family.

Robb leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and let out a deep sigh. Bran's chest rose and fell steadily, his face pale but peaceful. Maester Luwin's optimism had buoyed their spirits at first. "His injuries could have been worse," Luwin had said. "No broken spine, no fever." But the days turned into weeks, and Bran hadn't stirred.

The loneliness was a weight Robb hadn't expected. He had always been surrounded by family, but now, he felt like he was holding Winterfell together alone. His mother had barely left Bran's side, consumed by worry. Robb was left to act as lord of Winterfell, a role he wasn't sure he was ready for.

He reached out and took Bran's hand in his own, squeezing it gently. "I'll come back later," Robb murmured, his voice cracking slightly. He started to rise but froze.

He had felt it. Pressure. A faint, unmistakable squeeze from Bran's hand.

Robb stared at their clasped hands, his breath caught in his throat. His eyes darted to Bran's face, but his brother remained still. "Bran?" he whispered, his voice a fragile thread.

There was no response. Robb shook his head, convincing himself it was his imagination. Exhaustion played tricks on the mind, after all. He turned toward the door, his hand reaching for the latch.

"Robb."

The voice was faint, groggy, but unmistakable. Robb whirled around, his heart pounding. Bran's eyes were open, a hazy blue as they struggled to focus.

"Bran?" Robb's voice broke as he rushed to his brother's side.

"I'm here," Bran murmured, a small, weak smile forming on his lips.

Robb's joy was overwhelming. He threw his arms around Bran, holding him tightly for a moment before pulling back to look at him. "You're awake," Robb said, his grin so wide it hurt. "I—I need to get Maester Luwin!"

He stumbled to the door, shouting for the guard. "Fetch Maester Luwin! Now!"

Turning back to Bran, he knelt beside the bed, his hands trembling. "How are you feeling? Do you hurt anywhere?"

Bran winced. "My head… hurts. And my back is sore. But… I feel fine. How long was I asleep?"

"Too long," Robb said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Father and the girls are already in the south with the king. Jon's at the Wall."

Bran's eyes widened. "It's been that long? It… it doesn't feel like it. I've had strange dreams, but other than that, it's like I just closed my eyes."

Robb hesitated, his mind racing with questions. "What do you remember? About the fall?"

Before Bran could answer, Maester Luwin hurried into the room, his arms laden with supplies. His face lit up at the sight of Bran awake. "Seven hells, you're awake!" Luwin exclaimed, setting down his things and immediately beginning his examination.

Bran endured the prodding and questions with good humor, though he winced occasionally. Maester Luwin's expression grew more cheerful with every answer. "No fever, good reflexes, and your strength seems to be returning," Luwin said, nodding approvingly. "With some help, you'll be walking in no time. And I suspect even that will soon be unnecessary."

As Luwin worked, their mother burst into the room. "Bran!" she cried, rushing to his side. She smothered him in an embrace, nearly knocking him back onto the bed.

"Careful, Mother!" Robb said, laughing. "He just woke up; you don't want to make him fall over again!"

Catelyn shot him a look but couldn't suppress her smile as she helped Bran settle back into bed.

Robb's tone grew serious as he looked back at Bran. "As we were saying… what do you remember about your fall?"

Bran's face scrunched up in concentration. "I was climbing the broken tower," he said, his voice hesitant. "I got near the top and heard voices coming from inside. That surprised me. No one ever goes there."

Robb and Catelyn exchanged a worried glance but stayed silent.

"I climbed to the window to see who it was," Bran continued. "There were two people… on the bed." His cheeks flushed. "They weren't wearing clothes."

Robb's stomach turned.

Bran hesitated before finishing, "I think it was the queen… and her brother."

Catelyn's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with horror.

Bran's voice grew quieter. "The man—the Kingslayer—he saw me. He got up and came toward me. He grabbed me and… he said something to the queen before he pushed me out the window."

Robb's fists clenched, his anger surging. "He pushed you?"

Bran nodded, his face pale. "That's the last thing I remember… except…" He paused, frowning.

"Except what?" Robb pressed.

Bran shrugged, his expression uncertain. "I remember falling, but as I got close to the ground, I thought I heard a voice yell something. Then it felt like… like I slowed down."

Maester Luwin frowned. "That's not possible, Bran. The longer something falls, the faster it falls. It doesn't slow down."

Bran shrugged again. "That's what I remember."

Robb took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "Thank you for telling us, Bran. I'm so happy you're awake."

He turned to Maester Luwin. "Continue examining him. Make sure he's truly all right."

Then, looking at his mother, he said, "We need to talk."

Catelyn opened her mouth to protest. "I don't want to leave him."

"We'll stay in the corner," Robb said, gesturing to the far side of the room. "Close enough to see him."

Reluctantly, Catelyn nodded, and they moved away from Bran, who watched them curiously.

Once they were out of Bran's earshot, Robb leaned in close to his mother. "If what Bran says is true, this is treason. The queen and her brother…" His voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Catelyn's face was pale but resolute. "We can't act on this alone. We must inform your father."

Robb nodded. "I'll write to him tonight. But until then, we have to keep this quiet. If the Lannisters find out Bran remembers…"

Catelyn's eyes narrowed. "They'll try to finish what they started."

Robb's jaw tightened. "Not while I'm here. Not while I'm the Stark in Winterfell."

Once they were out of Bran's earshot, Robb leaned in close to his mother. "If what Bran says is true, this is treason. The queen and her brother…" His voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Catelyn's face was pale but resolute. "We can't act on this alone. We must inform your father."

Robb nodded. "I'll write to him tonight. But until then, we have to keep this quiet. If the Lannisters find out Bran remembers…"

Catelyn's eyes narrowed. "They'll try to finish what they started."

Robb hesitated. "If I send a raven, it could be intercepted. And even if it reaches Father, the wrong eyes might see it."

Catelyn shook her head. "A letter won't do. It's too dangerous. The Lannisters have eyes and ears everywhere."

Robb straightened, his jaw set. "Then I'll go. Father needs to know about this immediately."

"No," Catelyn said firmly, placing a hand on his arm. "You are the Stark in Winterfell now. Your place is here. Especially with Bran's injury, the North needs to see strength. If you leave, it will invite questions, doubts."

Robb opened his mouth to argue, but she raised her hand to stop him. "Think, Robb. If the Lannisters learn you've gone to King's Landing, they'll suspect something. Bran might not survive the journey, and I won't risk Rickon growing up without his brothers."

Robb clenched his fists, frustration bubbling inside him. "Then who do we send? Father has to know."

Catelyn nodded grimly. "It must be someone our family trusts, someone who won't raise suspicions. A message this important can't be entrusted to just anyone."

"I'll go," Robb said again, his voice resolute.

Catelyn's expression softened, though her tone remained firm. "And leave me to manage Winterfell alone? Rickon is too young to understand why his mother is gone after his father left. And Bran has just woken. You'd expect me to leave him, too? No, Robb. I can't abandon my children or this castle."

Robb took a deep breath. "Then who? We've ruled out you, me, and Bran. We need someone who can be trusted and wouldn't raise suspicions."

They stood in silence for a moment, both deep in thought. Robb broke the silence first. "Ser Rodrik?"

Catelyn shook her head. "He's loyal, but if he disappears, people will ask questions."

"The kennel master? The horse master?" Robb asked.

"Too visible," Catelyn said, frowning. "The Lannisters might suspect they carry something important."

The two paced the room, frustration building. Robb glanced out the window at the falling snow, wondering if they'd exhausted every option. Before he could voice his hopelessness, a knock came at the door.

"Enter," Robb called, straightening his posture.

A guard stepped in, bowing slightly. "My lord, my lady, there's a rider approaching the gates."

Robb frowned. "And this concerns me why?"

The guard hesitated, then added, "It looks to be your brother."

Robb froze, his confusion deepening. He glanced at Bran's room, then shook his head. "Rickon is too young to be riding alone."

The realization hit him like a gust of icy wind. "Jon," he murmured, a smile breaking across his face. Without another word, Robb bolted from the room, calling over his shoulder, "Maester Luwin, keep an eye on Bran. Guards, ensure he's watched!"

He raced through the halls, the sound of his boots echoing against the stone. By the time he reached the gates, the rider was already dismounting.

Jon Snow stood there, his dark cloak dusted with snow, Ghost padding faithfully at his side.

"Jon!" Robb called out, his voice filled with warmth. He closed the distance between them, pulling his half-brother into a tight embrace.

Jon returned the hug, laughing. "Robb. It's good to see you."

Robb stepped back, a grin on his face. "You too, but we need to talk—something important."

Before he could say more, another voice interrupted.

"Robb Stark!" Catelyn's voice rang sharply across the courtyard. She stepped out from the hall, her expression severe. "You left your brother to come running out here?"

Robb turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Mother," he said evenly.

Jon dipped his head in a polite greeting. "Lady Stark."

Catelyn's lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't comment further. Robb ignored her tone entirely and turned back to Jon. "Would you like to see our brother?"

Jon blinked, surprised. "Rickon?"

Robb chuckled. "No. Bran."

Jon's eyes widened. "Bran? He's awake?"

Robb nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "He woke just yesterday. Come on."

Jon's face lit up with a mix of joy and relief. Without another word, the two brothers strode toward Bran's room, Ghost trailing silently behind.

When they entered the room, Bran was sitting upright in bed, propped against a mound of pillows. His pale face brightened when he saw them.

"Jon!" Bran exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

Jon rushed to his side, his eyes filled with emotion. "Bran. I thought—" He stopped, his voice catching. "It's good to see you awake."

Bran reached out, and Jon clasped his hand tightly. "Robb said you went to take the black," Bran said, his voice tinged with confusion.

Jon smiled gently, brushing a hand through Bran's hair. "I thought I had, but it turns out there's more work to be done looking after you."

Bran's smile grew, and he leaned forward, wrapping his arms around Jon. "I'm so glad you came back," he whispered.

"I should've never left," Jon said softly, his voice thick with regret. "I'm sorry, Bran."

Bran shook his head. "You're here now. That's all that matters."

For a while, the three brothers talked quietly, their bond evident in every word. Jon asked Bran about his recovery, while Bran eagerly recounted the moment he woke and his determination to walk again. Robb watched the two of them, his heart swelling with pride and relief.

Eventually, Maester Luwin entered the room, his expression apologetic but firm. "Bran may look well, but he's still healing. He needs rest."

Bran frowned but didn't argue. Robb and Jon exchanged a glance, then turned back to their younger brother.

"We'll be here first thing tomorrow," Robb promised. "We'll help you get back on your feet."

Jon nodded. "Together."

Bran smiled, his eyes heavy with sleep but alight with hope. "I'll hold you to that."

The brothers lingered a moment longer before quietly leaving the room, letting Maester Luwin tend to Bran. As they stepped into the hallway, Jon turned to Robb.

"So," Jon began, his tone low. "What was it you needed to talk about?"

Robb's expression grew serious. "Not here. We'll talk somewhere private."

Jon nodded, sensing the gravity of the matter. Together, they made their way toward Robb's solar, the weight of the unspoken conversation pressing down on them.

The door to Bran's room closed softly behind them, leaving the hallway dim and quiet save for the muffled hum of the castle. Robb strode ahead, his mind visibly working through the weight of their plans. Jon fell into step beside him, but before they could get far, Catelyn's voice cut through the air.

"Robb, we still have things to discuss."

Robb slowed and glanced back at his mother. "I know," he said. "But Jon needs to be part of this."

Catelyn's expression hardened, her disapproval evident. "Jon shouldn't be involved in this," she said, her tone sharp.

Robb stopped, turning fully to face her. His voice was calm but firm. "Jon cares about Bran. That much is obvious to anyone with eyes. No one can deny that."

Jon blinked, his surprise evident, but he said nothing.

Robb continued, "The gods answered our prayers when Bran woke up, and they've presented us with a perfect person for this task."

Catelyn froze in the hallway, her eyes narrowing as the implications of Robb's words sank in. "You can't mean Jon," she said slowly, her voice barely above a whisper but laced with incredulity.

Robb didn't waver. "I do."

From Jon's perspective, entering the solar felt like walking into the eye of a brewing storm. The tension between Robb and Lady Stark was palpable. He had felt the cold edge of her disapproval before but never so openly directed at him. He kept his expression neutral, though his unease grew with every passing second.

"This is a bad idea," Catelyn said, her voice tight. She stood near the door, her posture stiff. "Jon shouldn't be here."

Robb's patience snapped. "Who would you suggest then, Mother?" he demanded, his voice rising. "Because so far, you've offered no helpful alternatives."

Catelyn's mouth opened, but no words came out. Her silence spoke volumes.

Robb pressed on, his tone firm but tinged with frustration. "I appreciate your counsel on most things, truly, but if you can't at least remain neutral here—because I know expecting you to warm up to him is a fool's hope—I'll have to ask you to leave."

Catelyn's face twisted as though she'd been slapped, but she said nothing.

Robb continued, "You need to look past your hatred for him. For something that wasn't his doing. Jon is trustworthy, loyal to his family, and, most importantly, unlikely to draw suspicion."

Jon shifted uncomfortably under Robb's pointed gaze, unsure what task he was being volunteered for. Catelyn looked furious, but after a long pause, she nodded curtly, her expression tight with resentment.

Robb exhaled, turning to Jon, who had been staring at him with a questioning look since the hallway. "You're probably wondering what this is all about."

Jon nodded slowly. "I'd say that's a fair assumption."

Robb stepped closer, lowering his voice despite the privacy of the room. "Bran remembered something after he woke up. He told us why he fell."

Jon's brows furrowed, but he stayed silent, listening intently.

Robb glanced at Catelyn, then back to Jon. "It wasn't an accident. Bran saw… something. The queen and her brother—Jaime Lannister. Together. In a way no brother and sister should ever be."

Jon's eyes widened in shock, but Robb pressed on. "They pushed him. Jaime threw Bran from the tower to silence him."

A stunned silence hung in the room. Jon's face shifted from shock to anger, his jaw tightening. "They tried to kill him," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

Robb nodded grimly. "And if they find out Bran remembers, they'll try again."

Catelyn, standing near the door, gave a small, satisfied nod at Jon's reaction, as though it confirmed something she had long suspected.

"What would you have me do?" Jon asked, his voice steady but laced with fury.

Robb placed a hand on Jon's shoulder. "We need you to go to King's Landing. Father has to know the truth, but we can't risk sending this information in a letter. It might not make it, or worse, it could be intercepted."

Jon's brow furrowed, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "You're asking me to deliver the message in person?"

"Yes," Robb said. "We'll provide you with provisions and enough coin to make it to White Harbor. From there, you can take a ship to King's Landing. It's the safest route."

Jon was silent for a moment, his mind racing through the implications. Finally, he nodded. "I'll do it. For Bran. For the family."

Robb pulled him into a fierce embrace. "Thank you, Jon. I knew I could count on you."

Even Catelyn, despite her visible reluctance, offered a curt nod. "Good luck, Jon," she said stiffly before turning to Robb. "I'll be in Bran's room if you need me."

She left the room without another word, her departure as tense as her presence.

Jon sat down heavily in one of the chairs as Robb began pulling out maps and discussing routes. "You'll need to leave quickly," Robb said. "We'll pack what you need tonight, and you can leave at first light."

Jon nodded, still processing the enormity of the task ahead. "Does Father know any of this?"

"Not yet," Robb said. "That's why it's so important. He has to be prepared for whatever the Lannisters might do. If they're willing to push Bran from a tower…" He trailed off, his expression darkening.

Jon clenched his fists. "They'll stop at nothing."

Robb placed a reassuring hand on Jon's shoulder. "You'll do this, Jon. I know you will."

The tension in the room lingered for a moment longer before Robb's expression softened into a small, teasing smile. "But before we move on from all this talk of conspiracies and missions… tell me, brother, why did you come back from the Wall? Did you miss me so much you couldn't stay away?"

Jon chuckled, the sound easing some of the weight pressing down on both of them. "Miss you? I'm not sure my pride could endure missing you, Robb," he replied with a smirk. "No, I missed our sisters, obviously."

Robb laughed and shook his head. "Obviously."

Jon's humor faded slightly, replaced by something more sincere. "Truthfully, I missed all of you. And I suppose I finally accepted something I should have known from the start—I didn't need to run away to find myself. I've always had a family here, even if…" He trailed off, shrugging slightly.

"Even if some of us don't make it easy," Robb finished for him, his tone light but understanding.

Jon nodded, a faint smile returning. "Something like that."

"Well," Robb said, clapping him on the back, "I'm glad you're here. Truly. I only wish you could stay longer."

Jon gave a small, knowing nod. "Father needs to know what's happened. I'll head out first thing."

Robb's smile wavered, replaced by a flicker of sadness. "Of course. But… I suppose it would be fair to say goodbye to Bran before you leave."

Jon paused, surprised by Robb's quick concession. "Thank you."

Robb grinned. "I'd rather not be tackled into the snow by you if I said otherwise."

Jon laughed, and the sound echoed in the quiet room. "You're lucky I'm too tired for that."

"Then I'd better make sure you get some rest before you change your mind," Robb teased, standing. "Come on. We both need to sleep if we're to face tomorrow."

Jon followed him, the heavy conversation behind them replaced by a warmth that only the bond of brothers could bring. As they exited the solar, Jon glanced at Robb, gratitude in his eyes. "I'll see you in the morning."

"You'd better," Robb replied with a wink. "Or I might have to track you down myself."

The brothers laughed, their footsteps fading down separate hallways as they retired for the night. Though the weight of their task loomed over them, for the first time in hours, it didn't feel insurmountable. Together, they had hope.

Kind Regards,

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If you like this content do not hesitate to smash that like button and subscribe. Haha but seriously if you do enjoy the story - do favorite it, other than messaging me or leaving a comment it's the only way I know if you are enjoying the stories and chapters.

Story Note 1 – And alas a continuation of the little interlude Jon Snow chapters. Which will give an idea as to what Jon Snow will be up to (will be a small three chapter arc). While I have a plan for Jon in the future, had posted a poll for anyone who supports my work as to how Jon would get to that point. So thanks to everyone who voted and I hope you enjoy this small little Jon arc. I certainly had fun writing it! Let me know how it was received!

Story Note 2 – Hope you all enjoyed the chapter part of why this chapter was done separately was because Harry was obviously not included but also, and I think more importantly, for the sake that these chapters will include several date skips that will overlap with what is happening with Harry. SO rather than write a several chapters comprised of both Harry/Jon events that will take place over several chapters though it more appropriate and concise to put them all together.

Story Note 3 – Well hello Ygritte and random wilding man … who might possibly be Tormund Giantsbane. What?! Surprise! Obviously have plans for them in this arc but as their locations were not know before they officially appeared felt that it wasn't too unreasonable to have then bump into Jon. There is no way to know that they weren't just outside of the walls before Jon said his words?

Story Note 4 – Any guesses on what is going to happen to Jon Snow? Or what his decision will be?

Story Note 5 – I hope that everyone who is enjoying Harry's journey through Westeros (specifically since he just arrived in King's Landing) is not worried. His adventures shall soon resume. These chapters are merely setting up the world and laying the foundation for some of what is to come that will directly and indirectly affect the world and Harry specifically. As a teaser the next set of interlude chapters will involve a certain individual across the sea. Any guesses?

A large thanks to those of you out there who enjoy my stories, I promise to keep updating the stories as long as you all are enjoying them, and a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to leave feedback or have reached out to me directly.

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Fenrir070 - What a coincidental parade of visitors. That seems like a reasonable guess but I guess we shall see! Really glad you are not only enjoying the character portrayals (I agree that Littlefinger gives me the creeps) but you are also enjoying the small little things as well!

Monkey D. Conan - Had considered leaving him there, but at the end of the day I really felt Harry needed Jon more than Robb did at the moment. I guess we shall find out what's in store for them going forward and who it was!

Blaze1992 - Haha I imagine that would help him out. But I would have been very stressed in his place.

Admiral Ackbar - I was also surprised and sometimes I wonder if sometimes people throw out guesses. Received some crazy guesses. But there is a reason I had done that which will become more obvious. As for the sword the wildlings returned it off page. And Harry will certainly return to Winterfell and that will come up again. That seems like a really good idea! And as for skills I 100% agree I think Harry certainly could have been a much better student with better teachers in certain areas but he will likely almost certainly manage to overcome that.

whiteabyss89 - In 'Ch17 - Finding Out' Ned pulled Harry aside and let him know Sansa had seen something which he investigated