Oaths of Honor

Jon.

He woke up with sweat running down his back, he could taste the iron in his mouth which meant that Ghost had fed, which in turn meant his dream was real and that Ghost could be in trouble. So he grabbed the egg and placed it back in it's hiding place, he dressed quickly and picking up his sword he ran out the door. As he raced through the corridors he saw that people were already up and about meaning he had slept later than usual. Not that it bothered him but it made him have to dodge far more people than he would have liked.

"Jon where are you going?" he heard Arya's voice as he ran past her.

"I need to go little wolf, Ghost needs me." he shouted back not turning as she ran after him.

He ran from the keep across the courtyard and towards the stables, he didn't even bother to saddle Winter just quickly attached her reins and led her out before jumping on her back. In the distance he saw Jaime and Loras running towards him, Arya with them and he smiled that she'd worried about him. But he was still far more worried about Ghost and so he closed his eyes and Winter began to run, passing a clearly annoyed Loras and a disturbed Jaime he shouted at them.

"Ghost, the Wolfswood, follow." he shouted as he left through the South Gate.

Winter was soon in full flow and Jon let her guide him, he pictured where Ghost was, what the surroundings where like and he hoped she got the message, he felt the wind in his hair blowing it behind him. Whatever remnants of sleep he had still been suffering from were soon forgotten as they entered the Wolfswood. He felt branches brush against his chest and sides, some even scratched his face and yet he never let up, never slowed down, one thought, one sense prevalent in his mind, I must get to him.

How long he rode he didn't know, but Winter never faltered and eventually he came to a small stream and saw the white fur as his wolf drank the cool water. He jumped from his mare and led her to the water, allowing her to quench her own thirst before he walked over to Ghost and reached out his hand only to hear a growl from behind him. Turning he saw a grey wolf, even larger than Ghost though clearly it had not been feeding well, he looked into it's eyes and reached out his mind, seeing the door he knocked.

The wolf didn't exactly let him in nor did she push him way, instead it was almost as if she made a compromise with him, she'd listen and follow, but he was not her alpha and never would be. He reached out and touched her and rubbing her on her neck he felt her relax, he looked around and saw the stags carcass and noticed there was still meat on the bones. Walking over he cut some off with his knife and fed the wolf and she ate greedily, before Ghost came over and licked his hand.

"Jon, are you there?" he heard a voice call out.

"Jon." it said louder." and the wolf growled, he leaned forward and looked into her eyes and she calmed somewhat.

"Over here, come slowly." Jon said looking at the wolf and nodding.

Pretty soon he was joined by Jaime, Loras, Jors, Alyrs and surprisingly enough his uncle, none of whom looked happy. He sighed at the sight of his uncle, he had yet to tell him of his abilities as a warg and so how he'd explain why he raced from Winterfell just got a lot harder.

"Are you all right Jon?" Loras asked and Jon smiled at his friend.

"Aye I'm fine."

"Jon your face, your lip?" Loras said reaching out to touch the cut on his lip.

"It's nothing Loras, really." he said and Loras nodded.

"Jon, why did you run off like that?" his uncle asked and he was a little happy to see there was concern in his expression.

"I felt Ghost was in trouble Lord Stark, I needed to find him just in case."

"Felt? How did you know he was in the Wolfswood?" his uncle looked at him curiously now.

"I just did Lord Stark, its hard to explain."

"Whose wolf is that Jon?" Jaime asked and Jon was glad he was holding back the inevitable and more than justified scolding he was no doubt going to get.

"It's, I think it's Ghost's mother my lord."

"His mother?"

"Aye and I think she's about to deliver a litter, we need to take her back with us" Jon said as he reached out to pat the wolf.

"Jon we can't, Ghost is one thing, but this, she's wild Jon, it's much too dangerous." his uncle said.

"No it's not Lord Stark, she'll be fine, I swear it on the old gods and the new, we can make a space for her in the broken tower and keep her locked up. I'll look after her until she delivers the pups." he said as looked pleadingly at his uncle.

"Fine, but she and the pups are your responsibility Jon, I'll be placing guards around the tower and I won't have my children near her, you understand, none of them Jon."

"Aye, thanks my lord, I promise to follow your lead." Jon said and walked over to Winter.

He looked at Ghost and his mother and nodded and after Ghost looked to the other wolf both began to follow him, he walked out of the Wolfswood though rather than rode to allow Winter more time to rest. When they made their way outside he mounted his mare and they slowly began their journey back to Winterfell. Both wolves flanked him as they rode and when they reached the gates he heard hushed whispers and laughter from the guards and servants.

He's got another one

I don't believe it

Two Direwolves

It's a sign from the gods.

When they reached the courtyard, Jon dismounted and looked to Jors before asking him to stable Winter for him, he walked across the yard and saw Jojen and Meera with his sisters, when they moved towards him he shook his head.

"I'll talk to you all in a moment, I need to put her in a safe place." he said as he headed to the broken tower,

The tower itself was still unused and despite the name it actually wouldn't have required a lot to fix it up, he wondered if there was an actual reason why no one had done so or was it just a matter of coin? Or was it just his uncle had left this as someone else's problem like he had so many others?. Not that it mattered for what he needed it for he thought as he was joined by Walder who helped him push open the door. Behind it furniture piled up and he, Loras, Walder began to move it, the giant figure moving thrice the amount of he and Loras combined.

Eventually they cleared a warm space, Loras had found an old mattress and some bedding and they made a comfortable area for the wolf to lay down in, which she did gratefully. Jon rushed off to get some water and found food for her and when he brought it back and laid it down she licked his hand, Ghost meanwhile stood outside making sure no one entered, after a few moments Jon let his wolf inside and Ghost stood watch while his mother slept. They locked the door and left the two wolves alone to rest.

"Whose wolf is that, can I have it?" Jon heard Arya say as she and Sansa walked towards him.

"It's Ghost's mother, I don't think she'll allow anyone to have her." Jon said and tried not to laugh at Arya's annoyed look.

"Is that where you went and what happened to your face Jon?" Sansa asked.

"Aye, I needed to find him, sorry if I scared you. As for my face there were some branches, it's nothing " Jon smiled reassuringly at her "Where did Lord Jaime go?"

"He and father walked off towards the keep." Sansa said.

"So what do you two want to do, Loras here is off to pray, so it's just the three of us.

"Spar."

"Can we go sit in the glass garden, you could teach me to draw."

"Draw, that's stupid, why are you stupid." Arya said looking at her sister and frowning.

"Arya, your sister's not stupid. I draw, wouldn't you like to learn how? You could maybe draw pictures of Ghost, or Winter or even what kind of a bow you'd like." Jon said.

"Really?" she looked at him curiously.

"Really, but first you need to say sorry to your sister." Jon said

"Sorry Sansa." she said quickly before running off towards the glass gardens."

"Thank you." Sansa said and Jon smiled at her before they walked in the same direction as Arya, Loras heading off in the opposite direction.

Jaime.

He was torn between speaking with Jon both about his busted lip and him racing off without protection and speaking with Ned Stark about the former. He knew how the lip had happened, despite what Jon said, he knew something had happened with his uncle and that Jon had been struck and Jaime was furious about it. Unfortunately before he had a chance to discuss it with Jon the choice of who to speak to was taken out of his hands.

"Lord Jaime, may we speak, in private." Ned Stark said when Jon and Loras went to set the wolves den up.

"Aye Lord Stark, lead the way."

So he had followed the Lord of Winterfell back towards the keep, up the stairs and directly into the man's solar. Taking a seat he waited and was surprised that Ned sent out for some refreshments though he was pleased at the mention of warm cider. Nothing was said between the two men for quite a while, when the servant entered carrying the tray, Ned followed her out and spoke to the guards before he came in and sat down.

"Why did you tell him?" Ned asked looking at him, his face sour and grimacing.

"It was his right to know was it not?" Jaime said his own face serious.

"Aye, but he's too young, he isn't ready to deal with such truths."

"He isn't or you aren't?"

"Neither of us are." Ned said sighing.

"You're wrong, he's more than ready to deal with them, he needed to deal with them, or would you have him think the worst of himself until it was too late for him to ever let it go?"

"I would have him safe." Ned said angrily.

"Him or Robert?" he retorted.

"Robert is the king, Jon has no claim on his throne. For him to do so would only lead to war."

"Then so be it, if it's to be war, then let it be war, because if that man is left running this kingdom then it'll fall apart."

"What do you mean?"

"How much was in the royal treasury when you took the capital Ned?"

"I can't remember" Ned said evasively.

"Well I can, it was full there was over two million gold dragons there, not including the jewellery the royal family owned, none of which I've ever seen since."

"What's your point?" Ned said shaking his head.

"My point is that in the ten years he's been king, your friend has not only managed to empty the treasury, he's also managed to borrow a million gold dragons from my father. Not to mention another six hundred thousand from the Tyrell's and I can bet that's not all he's borrowed." Jaime said and Ned sighed.

"Jon said something similar."

"Of course he did, did he tell you about the tourney?"

"Aye a waste of coin."

"Did he tell you what he did with the coin he won?"

"No."

"He took the coin Robert wasted and spent it on food for the people of Flea Bottom, got the Tyrell's to do the same. I even gave mine own winnings to it, that's what Jon did. While your friend was feasting and whoring, Jon was helping those who needed it most."

"I didn't know." Ned said a small proud smile on his face.

"Aye you didn't, so tell me Lord Stark which one of them sounds like a true king?"

"Robert won the throne, Jon has no claim." Ned said shaking his head.

"Who are you trying to convince me or yourself. You seem to forget I was there my lord, I remember it wasn't just right of conquest that Robert claimed the throne by was it?"

"But that's."

"That's what? That's not the point, it doesn't matter. Oh I agree with you there, Robert won't give up the throne to a grand council, he'll need to be dragged kicking and screaming from it."

"So that's your plan? To start a war the realm doesn't need, why are you so hungry for power, so eager to use a young boy for your own ambitions?" Ned said angrily.

"My ambitions, my ambitions." Jaime said jumping to his feet. "You think I give a damn about my ambitions, I care for what Jon wants, only for what Jon wants, maybe you should do the same." Jaime said looking down on him.

"I do, all I want is what's good for Jon."

"Then be his uncle, support him, show him you care more about him than you do your friend."

"I'll not go to war again." Ned said shaking his head and sighing.

"War is coming Lord Stark, whether you want it or not and when it comes you may not have a choice."

"So that's why you're doing what you're doing, trying to gain the North's support without me, trade deals, a marriage, you think my bannermen will support you even if i won't?" Ned said his voice rising.

"By the gods you really are a fool Stark, you think I'm so manipulative, so clever, that I'm sitting in the background pulling Jon's strings, gods how has the north not fallen to pieces with you running it."

"How dare you, unlike you Lannisters, we Starks care about more than gold and power."

"Oh do you now, what was it Jon said, oh yes that's it. When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. But you don't see Jon as pack do you? certainly not as much as you do your fat friend."

Jaime ducked the punch that was aimed for his head and was about to retaliate but in the end thought better of it. Instead he looked at Stark who looked almost shocked by his actions and shook his head.

"Just so you know, it was Jon who set up the trade deal with the Manderly's and the Mormont's as well as the Umbers and Karstarks. It was Jon who came up with the ideas which have benefited the North not I. This isn't some master plan Stark, this is a boy who sees wrong and wants to make it right, who sees a chance to help and wants to. If that's not what makes a good king then I don't know what does."

"It's too dangerous."

"Aye it is, which is why he'll need his uncles support." Jaime said as he turned to move from the table before quickly turning back towards Ned.

"Oh and should you ever raise your hand to my king again Lord Stark I promise you'll suffer the appropriate punishment, regardless of being his uncle or not." Jaime said looking the man in the eye before he turned and walked from the room.

Loras.

As he entered the Sept he saw the woman kneeling at the statue of the mother and almost turned to walk back out, unfortunately it was then the Septa entered and before he had a chance to leave, she began to speak to him.

"Lord Loras, it's good to see you come to renew your faith in the seven." the Septa said which in turn made the woman pay attention to him.

"I've always been a loyal follower of the seven Septa."

"Yet you spend time with a bastard." he heard Lady Catelyn say as she walked towards him.

"Jon's birth doesn't define him my Lady." he said politely though inside he was fuming.

"He is a bastard born of lust and sin." the Septa said.

"Who's sin? Who's lust? not his. For all children are innocent in the eyes of the mother or does the seven pointed star lie Septa." Loras said and watched as the two women glared at him."

"Bastards are lustful creatures full of greed and desire." Lady Catelyn said.

"Really my lady, where does it say that? I've read the good book and i can tell you it's not in there." Loras said.

"Everyone knows this Lord Loras, perhaps you're just bewitched by the bastard." the Septa said and Loras couldn't help but laugh loudly.

"Do either of you even listen to yourselves, you both claim to be godly women yet you insult the mother by blaming a child while saying nothing about the man who committed the sin, why is that? Is it because he's trueborn?"

"Everyone knows a trueborn is not the same as a bastard." Lady Catelyn snorted.

"Aye on that we can agree and when it comes to Jon and those around here, never has a truer word been spoken, or did you miss him knocking two trueborns on their arses yesterday." Loras said with a smirk.

"He tricked them, used foul magic's as all bastards are wont to do." Lady Catelyn said and Loras shook his head.

"You believe just because you son is trueborn it makes him good and true my lady, perhaps you should speak to your daughters and see how full of folly that thinking is." Loras said turning to walk away before he said anything worse.

"What are you talking about, what have my daughters got to do with things?"

"Why do you think Jon took that spar my lady? It wasn't because your son and his hostage friend goaded him to, Jons far better than that."

"It was because he's a bastard and he wished to harm my son and his friend, to show them up, to trick the North into thinking he's capable of rising above his station, so he can usurp his betters." Lady Catelyn said and Loras looked on shocked, was this woman that deluded.

"You think Jon wants the North, wants Winterfell, by the seven are you serious, Jon would never, why would he?"

"Because bastards seek what they do not have, they are covetous and never satisfied." the Septa said and Lady Catelyn nodded.

"I don't know which of you two is more deluded, but Jon doesn't want nor need the North, given what he's done he could and will have so much more than that." Loras said this time storming away.

"I shall pray for you Lord Loras, that you may see the light." Lady Catelyn said as he got to the door.

"Pray for your son my lady, he needs it more than I."

"What do you mean? What are you and the bastard planning?"

"Planning, gods do you even listen to yourself. That spar yesterday it happened because that Iron Born hostage you all treat like he's a ward called you daughter a bitch and your son, your precious trueborn son just stood there, he didn't defend her, he didn't say anything he just stood there.

It was Jon who stood up for her, Jon who defended her honor, Jon who defended her person."

He watched as her face dropped and she looked at him her mouth wide open, he didn't bother to stay any longer though, turning he walked out the door. He looked around the yard and couldn't see any sign of Jon or his sisters, Meera and Jojen too were nowhere in sight, though he did find them a few moments later outside the wolf's den.

"Have you seen Jon?" he asked and Meera pointed to the glass gardens.

He walked over and entered to find Jon sitting with his sisters, he had some charcoal in his hand and was speaking to them while drawing something on the parchment. Around him were more unfinished drawings, some good, some terrible and Loras smiled when they noticed him.

"So what are we doing?"

"Jon's teaching us to draw." Sansa said happily and so Loras sat down and joined them.

Catelyn.

She had tried to pray to each of the seven for guidance, to the warrior to give her son strength, to the father to have Ned come to his senses, to the smith and the crone, the maiden and the mother. She considered walking past the last one but she felt drawn to it inside and so she knelt down in front of the stranger. Kneeling down she felt not one ounce of shame as she prayed for the death of a ten name day old boy.

She was only doing what was right, she needed to protect her family, it was her duty, her honor was at stake and she would do everything to ensure that her children were safe from the bastard's plans. When she was finished she lit the candles and left, after what the Tyrell boy had said she needed to see Ned. She had realized just how deep the bastard had his hooks in him the moment she saw them together, but to have him disrespect her so, it was far more worrisome than she had imagined.

"My lady I shall pray a little longer if you don't mind." Septa Mordane said and she smiled at the woman, thankful as always for her support.

"No that's quite all right Septa." she said leaving.

As she walked past the sparring yard she was surprised to see it empty, she had thought her son and ward would have been practicing, had hoped she'd have been lucky enough to see them give the bastard the thrashing he deserved. How he had managed to beat them both the day before she couldn't say, she had watched carefully and had seen not tricks and yet there must have been something she missed. She had planned it out so well, spoken to Theon and her boy and laid out exactly how to deal with him and yet somehow it had gone horribly wrong.

" He's walking around here as if he was the heir Robb, not you, we can't let that stand."

" I know mother."

" But he's been trained by the Kingslayer my lady, what if he's too good?" Theon asked worriedly.

" He is a bastard Theon, you and Robb are trueborn sons, heirs to your families legacies, I've no doubt you can put a bastard in his place." she said determinedly.

But she'd been proved wrong and after he had beaten Theon in the blink of an eye, she looked on worriedly as he faced her son, she had asked Ned to stop it, had pleaded with him. She could see the look in the bastards eye, it wouldn't be quick with Robb, what if he hurt him? what if he hurt him bad? no she couldn't allow it. But her husband had been his useless self when it came to the bastard and he refused to stop the fight, coming up with the excuse that it would look bad if Robb backed down.

Better it look bad than her precious boy be hurt though and so despite her pleas, her demands, the spar had taken place and thankfully her prayers had been answered as Robb received no injuries. Still though she fumed at how the bastard had humiliated her trueborn son, so she had waited until later that night and gone to speak with Robb and Theon again.

" I don't understand it mother, how could he be that much better than I." Robb said devastated.

" Had you warmed up my love? Had you gone through the exercises Ser Rodrik makes you do?"

" No mother, we saw him and just went for it." Robb said,

" That's why Robb, you remember what you told me about your training, about how good you were getting?" she said smiling at him.

" I do, yes you're right mother, that must have been it, we'll do it again tomorrow and I'll show Snow who the better swordsman is."

But for some reason he wasn't there, nor was Theon anywhere in sight, she called a servant over and asked where her children where and was disturbed to hear her girls were with the bastard in the glass gardens. Though that paled into insignificance when she heard her boy was hurt, not caring about how it looked she lifted her skirts and ran towards the Maesters Tower. Mud splattered against her ankles though she cared not, she needed to be with her boy, he would need his mother.

When she reached the tower she rushed up the stairs to find Jory and Harwin standing guard outside, she pushed past them and almost fainted at the sight of the Maester examining her son. Robb's arms were covered in bruises, his side had a dark red mark that was sure to be paining him. Across from him Theon sat sullenly he too was bruised though not nearly as bad as her son.

"Robb, my boy, my poor sweet boy." she said moving towards him.

"Lord Robb will be fine my lady, nothing broken or seriously injured, just some bruising." Luwin said and she glared at him angrily.

"Where is the bastard, I want him thrown in the dungeons how dare he do this to my son." Catelyn said angrily while Robb just lowered his head.

"My lady as far as I'm aware it wasn't Jon they were sparring with." Luwin said.

"What, Theon, Robb what happened?"

"It was Tyrell my lady, we asked for a spar and he went crazy." Theon said and Cat looked at Robb who was just sitting there silently.

"Right, that's it I've had enough of the bastard and his friends." she said storming from the room.

She didn't notice Jory look at Harwin and shake his head as she was far too busy marching towards her husbands solar. When she reached it she didn't even bother to wait for Alyn to open the door, instead she brushed past him and saw her husband sitting at his desk, his head in his hands.

"I want them gone Ned, all of them, the bastard, his friend, Lannister, all of them, gone, they can leave and have their damn wedding somewhere else." she shouted.

"What are you talking about Cat, are you crazy? We can't not have the wedding my bannermen would never forgive me, the realm would never forget a snub like that." Ned sighed.

"We have to do something, they hurt your son." Cat almost screamed at him.

"Robb was beaten in a spar and given what I've heard about him he bloody well deserved it." Ned said and she looked at him in shock.

"What, how could you, how could you say that about our son?" she said almost tearfully.

"Our son has been behaving terribly Cat, did you know he stood by while Theon insulted Sansa, he just stood there and said nothing while that fucking hostage insulted my daughter, that's what our son did Cat." Ned said loudly.

"I, he wouldn't there must be some mistake, it's the bastard Ned he's telling lies about our son." she said.

"Oh and is it the bastard making our daughters say the same thing Cat, No I've heard enough and this morning is even more proof, both of them insulted not only Lord Loras but Lord Jaime too, what are we teaching our son, if he's behaving this way?"

"It's lies Ned, it has to be lies, that's what they do, they lie, they trick you into doing what they want you to do." she said shaking her head.

"Family, Duty, Honor, Cat, that's your house words, not mine, yours and our son won't stand up for family and as for doing his duty and behaving honorably well it's clear he's not doing that either, if we don't act now, the North will never follow him." Ned said.

"What are you going to do Ned?"

"I'm going to punish them both, Robb will be spending a lot more time with me and as for Theon, gods, if I. From now on that boy will know his place, I swear it."

"What are you going to do about the bastard Ned.? she said angrily.

"What? Jon has done nothing wrong we should be thanking him, had this gone on any longer, gods I fear what that would bring."

She looked at her husband incredulously, he couldn't be serious, her son, her trueborn son was to be punished while the bastard wasn't. She stormed out of the solar and rushed back to her chambers. She needed to think, she needed to fix this, but how? How could she fix this? What could she do?. She walked to the wardrobe and reached down to take out the small jewellery box where she kept her letters.

Before moving back to the bed and taking out the small pile she had wrapped in a red and blue ribbon. Taking out the last one she began to read and hoped to find the answers she was seeking somewhere in the words.

My dearest Cat.

I hope this letter finds you well, though the news I have to share will no doubt cause you concern. I dearly wish it was not so, I wish the news I shared with you would only ever bring you happiness and joy. But alas that's not the way of life and so instead I must warn you of the danger you may find yourself and your family in.

It has come to my attention that along with the Lannisters, Jon Snow intends to take Winterfell from your son. After he tricked Edmure into a skewed duel he was heard to brag about bringing the fishes down once and for all. I'm sorry to say he did so with no witnesses my dearest one, for if he had I could have brought it to Lord Arryn's attention and stopped him before he could put whatever plans he had into action.

He was then heard to brag that soon your son would be reviled in the north leading to him being declared heir, I do not know what plans he has to dispose of young Brandon but be wary Cat for I'm sure he has some. I will continue to help in anyway I can, ask of me any service you wish and if it's in my power to provide it I shall.

Be careful Cat for I fear that perhaps your husband is not only aware of these plans, but may in some way be behind them.

I remain as always your most loyal friend and servant .

She placed the letter back with the others and closed the jewellery box, getting off the bed she put the box back in the base of the wardrobe and walked to the desk and sat down. Reaching out she grabbed a piece of parchment and some ink and began to write a letter to her friend, she needed his help more than ever.

My dearest Petyr

Jon.

The small cuts and scrapes on his face had caused a little concern but he had waved them off, the cut lip hurt a little but once again he waved it off. Though he had at Jaime's request gone to see Luwin to get them looked at, the Maester simply applying some ointment to them and that was all. He had spent the last couple of days making sure Ghost and his mother were well which they were and also alternating his time between his siblings and friends.

Young Bran had recovered from a little cold which had kept him away from him and Jon had tried to spend some time with the boy, playing with his toys and even taking him to see the wolves. He had finally received permission from his uncle to have Arya's bow made and the look on her face when he gave it to her would be one he'd remember for a long time. Of course now she had a bow it created a new problem, training her, something he did his best to find time for.

Sansa and he had gotten even closer, his sister had a talent for drawing and she seemed most eager to explore it once she'd realized it. So they mostly spent their time doing that, he found his sister loved nothing more than to draw pretty things, flowers and sunsets and when Loras suggested how much she'd love Highgarden it gave Jon an idea. Though he would need to speak to his uncle, something which had not happened in a number of days, when they did see each other it was polite and brisk and that was the extent of their interactions.

As for Robb and Theon, well apart from the odd glare from Greyjoy he didn't see much of them. He had heard they'd been punished and was glad to see they were being kept separated for now at least. As he looked at the Maester heading up to the tower and since for once he wasn't busy, he went back to his room and grabbed the drawings of the wind wheels, the ice house and the ice cart and chest he'd come up with. Locking his room and double checking it, something he had done ever since he found the scratches on the lock, he headed up the tower to speak to the Maester about some of his ideas.

"Maester Luwin, may I come in?" he said knocking at the open door.

"Off course Jon, Are those the drawings?" Luwin asked a note of excitement in his voice.

"Aye they are Maester, the wind wheels and some other ideas." he said handing the maester the drawings of the wind wheels.

He looked on as Luwin, went through each drawing, a small book in his hand as he took some notes, before turning back to him.

"There are incredible Jon, the materials, they're just metal and wood right, nothing rare or unique?"

"No Maester, they're simple enough to make, once connected the power is transferred using this." Jon said pointing to the connections.

"What uses have you found for them Jon?"

"We used them to empty the mines at Castarmere Maester, pumping the water out. I heard Lord Tyrion say that some of the keeps in the Westerlands are using them to power the bellows and one uses them in some way for opening and closing the gates. Also as a mill located in the keep itself." Jon said and Luwin nodded.

"And you have no problem if we use them here?"

"Lord Tyrion sells them in the West and beyond, but the North is different Maester, it's the agreement we have. Should anyone wish to make their own, then we'll share the design, should they wish to purchase them, we'll sell them at a discount." Jon said and Luwin smiled.

"I have some ideas I'd like to try out Jon, if I did so and they work, I'd be happy to share them with you and Lord Tyrion later. Perhaps we could even sell those designs together, for the North I mean, not for me." Luwin said laughing.

"As you say Maester."

"So what are these?" he asked looking at the other drawings Jon had.

Jon explained the principle of the ice trade to him, how in Castle Black he'd seen the way food was stored, something it seemed Winterfell did too, he showed him the brick design that Castle Black used and Luwin was stunned.

"This is far more elaborate than our own Jon, you think this holds the cold better?"

"Aye I do. The Wall is far colder than here Maester, but the stores are even colder than the wall itself, it's like they keep it in for longer."

"So you intend to have southern houses build cellars like this?"

"Aye, but we need to transport the ice to them, which is where this comes in."

Luwin looked over the drawings Jon had made for the both the cart and also a smaller chest, he scratched his head as he read the notes Jon had made.

"Why the chest Jon?"

"I need to see if it works, building a cart or fitting out the ships is costly, this I can do myself, line a chest with the same bricks and see if the ice will hold, do you want to help me try?"

"Aye, very much so."

For the next few hours Jon got the materials to make the bricks, sawdust, mud and together he and Luwin lined a chest before finding some ice to store in it, lighting the fire, they placed the chest close to it and waited.

"Maester, why isn't Wintertown used to its fullest?" Jon asked as he ate his luncheon in the Maesters chambers.

"As you know Jon, during the summer people move away and it's only filled when winter comes."

"But that's a waste of a town Maester, how many people would you say live there now?"

"About three thousand or so."

"And in winter?"

"About five to six times that."

"Winterfell receives taxes on goods sold there right?" Jon asked taking a sip of his water.

"Aye."

"So the more people there, the better."

"I don't follow Jon?"

"Well, if it was built up, if coin was spent to make it a larger better town, you could bring people in, have trade set up, the more people the more work you could do and the more they and Winterfell would benefit."

"That's true Jon but it would cost a lot of coin to do so and perhaps those in the north would prefer to stay in their farms during the summer." Luwin said shaking his head.

"Perhaps, though there are lots of people in the south who'd love the chance at a better life, in Flea Bottom alone there are many who'd love the chance to be somewhere safe. Even if that wasn't something you could do, if you build the place up, if you make it so it's a city, people will come."

"You should speak to your father on this Jon."

"I don't think he'd listen to me Maester, you though?"

"You want me to suggest this to Lord Stark?" Luwin said and Jon nodded.

"Maester how much coin do you think it'd cost to rebuild or build more in Wintertown?"

"I don't know Jon, to get started maybe twenty thousand to finish perhaps one hundred thousand gold dragons?"

"And how much does Winterfell take in taxes from it now?"

He watched as the Maester walked to the shelves and took down a book before scribbling some notes.

"Around eight thousand gold dragons a year Jon."

"So given six times the numbers, you're looking at almost fifty thousand a year, and that's just on those numbers and not including the extra taxes the building work and the actual extra trade, even on the low end it'd pay for itself in two years Maester." Jon said excitedly.

"Aye it would, I'll need to think on this some more Jon, come lets check the chest."

They walked over and opened the chest and while the ice had melted some, it had held most of it's shape and considering this was right beside the fire and only their first attempt with the chest, both were pleased. Luwin couldn't help but smile at him and Jon grabbed the drawings and began to scribble some notes. When he was done he bid the Maester farewell and made his way to the great hall, stopping off to drop the drawings at his room.

Jaime.

They had been here more than a week and Jaime was bored and annoyed, Stark had barely spoken to him since their encounter in his solar and despite training everyday with Jon and Loras, there really was little to do here. He had gone riding with Jon and Loras the day before and just being out in the open had made the day go a lot quicker, but it was the nights themselves which seemed far longer for some reason.

Both Jon and Loras had japed he was missing his betrothed and that was definitely true, it would be another couple of weeks before Dacey and her family arrived and Jaime was at a loss for how he'd spend his time until then. Thankfully today at least there would be some excitement as some of the northern lords would be arriving, he hadn't been told which ones only that they would be here soon. So Jon had polished his armor and his cloak had been cleaned, since it was his wedding they'd be coming for he'd need to greet them himself.

"Are you ready my lord?" Jon said as he and Loras walked into his room.

"Aye, any idea who it is?"

"Lord's Manderly and Glover I believe." Jon said.

"Glover?"

"Aye my lord, Deepwood Motte they're the Mormonts nearest house."

"And the lords?"

"Lord Galbart is unmarried my lord, Lord Robett is his brother and heir, he recently married Lady Sybelle Locke my lord." Jon said and Loras shook his head,

"How did you know all that?" Loras asked.

"I read and asked Luwin, as it'd be better for Lord Jaime to know this stuff if he needed it."

"Aye it would, lucky for me I have squires to do such things." Jaime japed getting a laugh from Loras.

Once ready the made their way out to the courtyard to line up and prepare to meet the lords, the Starks were already lined and ready and Jaime smiled at Jon's sister's, the youngest looking uncomfortable in her dress. He nodded to Ned and gave a small bow to Lady Catelyn who's forced smile almost made him chuckle. Ever since Loras humbled Robb and the Greyjoy the lady had been wearing the same look on her face and Jaime had to admit he enjoyed seeing her struggle to hold her tongue.

The two boys in question had been kept apart for the last few days and the look the Iron Born directed at his two squires would cause him concern had Jaime had not seen him cower from Ghost. As for the white wolf he'd been rarely seen, preferring to stay close to his mother who it seemed was due to birth her litter any day now. Jon and Loras stood either side of him and as the procession began in front of him he was glad to see the Manderly sigil flying high, he was even happier to see Ser Wylis leading them in.

"Lord Glover." Jon whispered from beside him as he looked to see two large men leading a covered carriage and then noticed the large sled coming behind it.

"My lord's welcome to Winterfell." Stark said as the two Glovers moved towards him, one of them holding the hand of a small delicate looking lady who Jaime hadn't seen emerge from the carriage.

"Lord Stark." The larger man said before the other introduced his wife and Jaime looked on surprised as the lord of White Harbor and his two granddaughters got out of the sled to a chuckle from Loras.

"Looks like someone came to dance Jon," he heard Loras whisper and he held his grin.

"Lord Lannister," the gruff Glover lord said and Jaime was glad Jon had told him about them.

"Lord Galbart, it's an honor," Jaime said and the man looked surprised before nodding.

"Lord Lannister, may I present my wife Lady Glover." the other man said.

"Lord Robett, Lady Sybelle, truly a pleasure." he said and the man wore the same surprised look while the lady smiled.

The introductions continued for a while and Jaime noticed the slightly off way that both Lord Manderly's granddaughters greeted Lord Stark and the Lady Catelyn, though they were slightly friendlier with Robb. Compared to the greetings they gave both girls and then Jon and Loras though it was noticeable, as was their ignoring of the Greyjoy. When Ser Wylis and Lord Wyman met him they too were slightly friendlier though it was when Lord Wyman met Jon that it caused Lady Starks head to turn.

"Jon my boy, it's so good to see you again, I've been meaning to speak to you for a while," Wyman said giving him the friendliest greeting anyone had gotten all day.

"You too my lord, it's good to see you." Jon said smiling and Jaime noticed Lord Wyman look carefully at him before he looked to Jaime and nodded.

He would have wondered what that was all about, but Lord Stark immediately had servants lead people to their quarters and Lady Stark insisted Robb lead the Manderly girls to theirs. Though both girls insisted Jon and Loras join them and Jon made sure his sisters came along too, Sansa speaking excitedly to the older Manderly girl.

Once the greetings were done Jaime met up with Ser Wylis and the two men began to catch up, the man japed at his expense before congratulating him on his upcoming wedding and then going to get settled in his room. The rest of the day was again pretty dull, though he did find himself looking forward to the meal that night, while not a feast it was a larger affair than normal. He had thought either Jon or Loras would come to his room and they'd go together, but for some reason they hadn't.

So after waiting for some time he walked to the hall and walked into a strange atmosphere, looking around the room he soon found what the cause was. Sitting at the top table was Lord Stark, Lady Catelyn and the Lords Manderly and Glover, sitting at the table to the left were the children. Sansa and Arya both had scowls on their faces as did the Manderly girls, but there was no sign of Jon or Loras. Looking around the room he found them both sitting at a table at the back of the hall.

"What is the meaning of this Lord Stark?" he said walking to the high table.

"My lord?"

"My squires, why are they placed as they are?"

"Lord Loras chose to sit there my lord." Ned said uncomfortably.

"And Jon?" he said questioningly.

"My lord, it's not proper for Jon to sit at a higher table given his status." Lady Catelyn said a half smile on her face.

"Indeed, it's not proper for someone who's done so much for the North to be given a place of honor is it not?" Jaime said angrily.

"My lord, My lady wife only means giving Jon's birth, it wouldn't be proper." Stark said stumbling through his words.

"Ah, my mistake my lord." Jaime said as he turned and walked to take a seat beside Jon and Loras while the room hushed.

"As a knight, I shall take my meals with my squires my lord, since propriety seems so important to you." Jaime said loudly as Lord Stark glowered at him and then at his wife.

"My lord, you shouldn't." Jon said shaking his head.

"No Jon, they shouldn't." Jaime said and Loras nodded in agreement.

If they atmosphere had been tense beforehand then compared to after he arrived it had been jovial. As for the meal itself, Jaime, Jon and Loras barely ate while at the high table the conversation was stilted. Lord Wyman more than anyone else was being most silent though the look of disapproval on his face every time he looked to the Starks was very apparent. When Jaime looked to the children's table he saw Jon's sisters practically ready to jump and run to their table, but they waited until the meal was finished and as soon as the tables moved, so did they. They weren't alone either as both Manderly girls moved too leaving Robb sitting alone, before he too got up from his seat and walked over towards them.

"Is it all right if I join you?" he said looking to Jon.

"Of course it is brother." Jon said a soft smile on his face.

Walder.

His grandmother was ill and he knew even the Maester couldn't help her, though where you to look at her you would think all was well. She moved just how she always did, but Walder could tell there was more going on with her than usual. Each night when he put her to bed she would kiss his cheek and give him a warm smile, tonight though it was different, tonight she asked him to fetch Lord Stark for her and so he did as he was bid. He walked trough the keep and when he reached the lord's solar he nodded to Alyn who told the lord he was here to see him.

"Send him in." he heard the voice of Lord Stark say.

"Hodor, I'm sorry, Walder. How may I help?"

"My lord, my grandmother wishes to see you."

"Can it wait Walder, I'm very busy."

"I don't believe so my lord, I think she's very ill."

"Has Luwin seen her?" Lord Stark asked worriedly.

"Aye my lord, but it's you she wishes to speak to."

"Very well, I'll join you in a moment."

He waited outside and a few moments later he and Lord Stark headed down to his grandmothers room. He led the Lord inside and he saw the man stumble a little when he saw how tired and old his grandmother was looking.

"Walder, fetch the pup, bring him when Lord Stark leaves. Ned we must speak and speak now." his grandmother said and Walder went to do as she asked.

He found Jon where he'd been for the last two nights, in the broken tower with the two wolves, it was close he could feel it, the wolves would soon be born.

"Jon my grandmother wishes to see you, I think it's almost her time." Walder said sadly.

"Are you sure?"

"Aye, I think so." he said and Jon got up from the wolves and patted him on the side.

They walked slowly to her room and Walder felt as frightened as he had been while stuck in that cave, despite everything he had gone through it was knowing she was there which always brought him comfort. The idea that she wouldn't be for much longer terrified him, what would he do without her to guide him, to help him?. They saw Lord Stark almost race out of the keep and he looked to Jon wondering if they should follow, but Jon shook his head and instead they walked to his grandmother.

"Come pup we must speak, you too Walder," she said her voice barely a whisper.

"Grandmother." he said as the tears began to fall.

"Be not afraid, for I' am not. I go to my mother, to my sister, I go to see my daughter and to see Duncan again. I am happy, content my boy, but I'm not done just yet.

Listen carefully Jon Snow, the future is unwritten, undetermined, but there are certain things set in stone, one of those is your destiny, remember what you saw in the caves, both of them, remember and prepare. Beware the crows Jon Snow for they are his and he is not on your side. Now I must ask you a favor, for you are the only family we have left."

"Anything, ask me anything," Jon said looking to his grandmother.

"Look after my boy Jon Snow, take him with you, give him a place, a purpose, let him be who he was meant to be, who his grandfather was. Give him a cloak of white, put a sword in his hand and watch him become what he was born to be."

"I will, I swear it by the old gods and the new I will." Jon said and Walder noticed his own tears were falling too.

"Now go Jon Snow, the wolves are returning, you will know what to do, go and leave me say goodbye," she said and Jon nodded before standing up and leaning forward to kiss his grandmothers cheek and pat him softly on the shoulder.

When he had left Walder lent forward and embraced her holding her and feeling her arms wrap around him for perhaps the last time. He sobbed and she hushed him like she had for many a year, he felt her hand rub his back and felt himself calm down like only she had ever been able to make him.

"Listen carefully, you must protect him Walder, from those who would seek him harm, you must protect him or the world of the living will fall."

"I will."

"I'm sorry I kept you here, this was not the life you should have had, but with him you can be who you were meant to be. I love you, remember that always, I have always loved you from your first breath until my last."

"I love you too."

"Goodbye my boy." he heard the whispered words as she closed her eyes.

The howling was loud and fierce and though his heart was breaking he felt some joy, the wolves had returned.