Post by Jon Snow on Apr 15, 2013 17:37:37 GMT -5
Jon was actually relieved. It wasn't because he was away from the Wall, though that was a nice change of scenery, neither was it that each gallop of his horse took brought him that little bit more closer to Winterfell, to his home. My old home. He reminded himself. The Wall was now his home, and it would be until the day he died; whether that was tomorrow or in fifty years time. In truth he was most relieved because he could feel the temperature rising as he moved further and further away from the Always Winter of the cold, absolute North, despite the fact that he was travelling through a fierce snowstorm in the depths of night. If he had ever thought it was cold in the area directly surrounding Winterfell, he now knew that he never would again.
It had been an incredibly long time since he had been in Winterfell, in fact he had not returned to his old home since he had originally left to join the Night’s Watch, since before all the chaos in the world had begun…since before his father had been murdered. The thought took hold and began to consume his thoughts. Images of his family, his home and everything that had been lost and ruined flooded his mind. It was all because of the Lannisters insatiable greed for power and their bastard Child-King that held the Iron Throne. ...Joffrey... There had been many a night when Jon had dreamt of what he would do to the Child-King if he ever had the pleasure of meeting him again, though most of those dreams involved feeding the little brat to Ghost.
The young man of the Night's Watch pushed aside all awful thoughts of the pains his family had felt, unwilling to consider them a second longer. This was to be a happy occasion! He was to see his brother, for the first time in many years and he didn't want such thoughts to ruin the occasion. Though he doubted the subject could be held at bay for too long once they were together, especially since the war with the Lannisters was still as strong as ever due to them holding Sansa, among other things. He had never been close to Sansa, his half-sister, in fact he felt that she likely disliked him as much as Lady Catelyn always had. Nevertheless, family was family, and the war would not end until the Lannisters had paid, Jon knew that with certainty.
The wind picked up and tugged at his raven-black cloak, the cloak of the Night's Watch, causing Jon to pull himself closer to his horse. Winter was most certainly coming, the weather as well as his experiences on and beyond the Wall the last few years had more than proved that point to him. He had so much to tell Robb, perhaps too much considering the limited time he would have to stay at Winterfell, and those prisoners of war that Robb had spoken of in his message would be invaluable back at the Wall. Even if Robb could deliver on every single man that he had promised the Lord Commander, Jon still didn't think that would be even remotely enough...the Old Gods only knew how much they needed men back at the Wall.
Just as Jon crested a slight hill that stretched across the land, a distant light fought for dominance with the darkness of the night and the thick falling snow of the storm. It was a battle that the combined efforts of the night and storm were winning, the light just barely visible from this distant. Although the light from the camp was scarcely visible, the huge and foreboding bulk of the shadow that was the castle of Winterfell steadily became into view. Though the details were lost in the dark, there was no mistaking Winterfell for anything else, not for Jon. After all, he had spent almost his entire life within those walls. The corners of his lips tugged into a small smile at the sight of it; he was almost there.
All of a sudden the cold didn't seem to matter as much. In little under an hour he would be well within the camp that reports stated surrounded Witerfell. The camp where King Robb’s army currently resided. The sound of merriment, music and laughter seemed to float on the wind, reaching Jon's ears even from this distant. No doubt Robb would be within the camp, at the head tent, rather than in the halls of Winterfell; a good Lord, no a King, gave his men hope and raised their spirits in great times of doubt, and Robb was not a good King, he was a great King.
With that Jon took the rest of his journey with renewed vigour, resulting in him reaching the outskirts of the camp far earlier than he had expected to, even if in truth he had arrived several hours later than he had originally intended to when he had left Castle Black. He didn't meet much resistance from the soldiers guarding the camp. Many of them hailed from the North, some of whom recognised him, and all of them knew the colours of the Night's Watch. He climbed down off of his horse and handed the reigns to one of the soldiers, thanked him for his help and then bid him farewell as he began to make his way through the camp towards the main tent. That was where Robb was, or so the solider who had taken his horse had confirmed at any rate. It made sense to Jon that the King would reside within the tent closest to the actual castle, and it seemed that his brother shared a similar line of thought.
The sound of laughter and happy shouting was all around him within the camp, though a great deal of it was getting louder and louder the closer he moved towards the tent that the Lords and his brother was within. Eventually the young Crow reached the outside of the tent, though he did not enter straight away. For a few moments he merely stood outside, composing himself and listening to the banter within. Inside resided his older brother, now the King of the North and someone he had not seen in quite a long time. The thought of seeing him again after so long, when so much had changed, was more than a little daunting, despite how much Jon had longed to see each and every member of his family. With all the laughter and joy one could have been led to believe there wasn't even a war happening. It was nice to see that even in such dire times there were reasons to be merry.
With a deep breath Jon reached forward and pushed aside the flap of the tent, allowing the warmth and light from within to stream out into the darkness of the cold night that surrounded him. He was met with a barrage of noise as his eyes fell upon the Lords of the many houses that were loyal to house Stark and Tully, many of whom Jon recognised. Without wasting another moment, Jon stepped into the tent. His black cloak and clothes stood out, even amongst the dull greys of the North, but only a handful of people had even noticed his arrival, or that of the large snow-white head of Ghost, his direwolf, that had just poked through the flap of the tent. "It's a lot warmer in here than it is at the Wall." the young Crow spoke up, raising his voice just enough to be heard over the merriment and quickly drawing the attention of everyone in the tent. Jon kept his eyes on Robb and waited till his brother looked up and spotted him; he didn't have to wait long. The two instantly mirrored each others smiles and Robb rushed across the tent to embrace his sibling.
"Brother! It is very good to see you again." He stated, pulling back from the embraced to look at Jon, his hand rested on Jon's shoulder.
"Likewise, my King." Jon responded, bowing his head respectfully. But Robb quickly shook his head.
"Not to you. We're kin, and you do not bow to me, bastard or not." Jon smiled softly, mirroring Robb by placing his own hand on Robb's shoulder. However, Jon's expression was quick to harden and turn serious.
"We need to talk." he simply stated. There was much that Robb needed to know, and likely not nearly enough time to tell him it all. But in response Robb laughed and shook his head again, raising a flagon ale that he held in his free hand.
“Surely the questions and the serious conversations can wait a little longer brother!" Robb exclaimed, patting his brother on the shoulder. "I would not have one of the brave men of the Night's Watch, my own brother as well, go back to the Wall and proclaim Winterfell's hospitality has dwindled!" The room fell silent and all turned to look at Jon, waiting to see how he would react.
Jon simply stood there, grinning wildly at his brother. No, he thought suddenly. I was wrong...this will always be my home.
The celebrations had threatened to continue well on into the depths of the night, and they probably would, but some time after Jon had arrived, perhaps an hour or two after the fact, both he and Robb retreated back into Winterfell itself. Within they would speak more privately and rather than celebrate with the men of the army, they would recount on days long since passed, catch up with each other and talk about the experiences they had all separately been through; it was where the true reunion of the children of House Stark would take place, minus the presence of Sansa, Bran, Arya and young Rickon.
They supped together while talking, drank their fill of alcoholic beverages, and before long fatigue began to set in, Jon finally showing some of the exhaustion that he had been feeling all night. It had been a long and somewhat difficult journey from the Wall, especially through the blizzard, but as he moved to stand and take his leave Robb silently gestured for him to remain and Jon obliged with an understanding nod. Jon poured himself another goblet of ale, a drink that he had grown accustomed to on the Wall, as he waited for Robb to explain what he wished to speak about. It wasn't a long wait before Robb had another mouthful of drink, then began to talk.
“Apologies brother but I had hoped to talk with you at greater length on a subject that only you could shed light upon.” Robb explained, taking yet another sip of his wine. He had drunk a fair bit on this night, they both had, but Robb seemed to be holding his alcohol well enough; in a strange way that impressed Jon.
“It’s no problem at all. Its been far too long since we spoke properly, and yet I sleep every night - I reckon the latter can wait a little while longer.”
“The men need not be privy to such discussions, that's partly why I suggested we retire into Winterfell. The varying reactions are the last thing either of us want to deal with tonight.” he slowly explained through a knowing grin, goblet still in hand.
Jon chuckled at that, knowing full well that Robb was absolutely correct. “You’re right. It's been a long day and night, I don't think I would have the patience to deal with such questions.” he shared a grin with Robb. It had almost felt like old times, once again being around what remained of his family. It would have been a lie to pretend he did not miss it. However, there appeared to be far more important things that required his attention at the present. “Tell me brother, what is it that’s on your mind?” Jon enquired curiously.
Robb cleared his throat before he began, taking another few brief moments to gather his thoughts. “How goes your business at the Wall?” he had oddly opened with a question, though that subject alone would have been enough of a question for Jon to be able to talk for hours in response, but he knew Robb intended to be a little more specific with his conversation topic. “I know the old saying that the Night's Watch serves no Kings and only the realm,” he continued, though Jon briefly interrupted him.
“It’s a bit more than a mere ‘saying’, brother. It’s part of our oath.” he explained, though it was like that Robb already knew this and that it had been a slip of the tongue brought on by the alcohol. Nevertheless, Robb continued onward without offence taken.
“But the geographical location of my kingdom means that any threats that lie beyond it are likely to be my problem, more so than the Lannisters or anyone else within the Seven Kingdoms.” there was no denying this logic. The North would always be affected first if the issue was of the Wall or beyond it. “Holding it indirectly secures my flanks. So I like to think that, in a way, the Night’s Watch and the interests of House Stark are intertwined, more so than any other house within Westeros.” Jon suddenly knew where this conversation was leading.
“That’s certainly…one way to look at it.” he had to concede.
“Without each other we would surely both be doomed. So I ask you brother, truthfully, is my faith in the watches ability to hold the Wall well placed, or is Winter truly Coming? The men whisper of such tales…are they to be believed?” Robb asked, finally finishing. Jon could now understand why his brother had not wished to speak of such things in front of the other Lords and soldiers.
Jon remained silent as he considered everything that Robb had said to him, though his expression was one of thought and concern. How would he go about answering this? There was only one true way, and that was to be utterly honest. After a good few moments of silence Jon felt he was ready to respond. “The Night’s Watch is gravely undermanned for what I fear…no, what I know is to come.” His words sounded grave, but even so he was not finished yet. “It is common knowledge that we only have enough men to garrison two of the castles along the Wall, and only Castle Black properly.” but Robb wasn't merely interested in the number of men in the Night’s Watch. “Beyond the Wall the Wildlings are rumoured to be amassing an army, which we believe they intend to march on the Wall. While the Wall stands, we will likely be able to repel them…though it is not the Wildlings that worry me.” This news seemed to both surprise and trouble Robb, by the expression on his face, and so Jon answered the silent question. “The White Walkers.” the words alone seem to send a unspeakable chill rushing through the room.
“…surely not?” Robb managed, though his expression gave away more than his disbelief.
“So the rumours have reached you? Yes, the White Walkers have returned to the lands beyond the Wall…and I fear we will not be able to keep them at bay, at least not indefinitely.” he had no doubt in his mind that this would come as a surprise to Robb, that his elder brother would likely not even believe such a thing, but Jon’s expression was deadly serious.
Robb looked on at his younger brother with clearly mixed feelings about the whole matter, though he would not doubt his own blood. Placing his goblet down on the table in front of him, Robb raised his hands to his temples and began to rub them. “Are you sure? This is no light matter.”
“Many of my fellow Black Brothers witnessed it Robb. I fought and killed one with fire and my own blade...” Jon couldn’t help but think back and remember; the cold yet frightening strong grip, those icy blue eyes. "And...we lost several hundred Black Brothers in a battle with the White Walkers at the Fist of the First Men." Jon had always hated that he had not been able to help his fellow brothers in that battle. Robb may have been unsure on the entire subject, but he had never doubted his own blood in the past and he would not likely begin to now, Jon hoped.
“Ok…” Robb began. There was a strain in his voice, one that Jon had not heard since having been back. Perhaps Robb had been struggling with his new position of power a lot more than Jon had speculated. That would not have surprised Jon, not because he felt that Robb was unfit to lead, far from it, but because he couldn't begin to understand how difficult it must be to be a Lord, let alone a King. “What can the North do to help?” the question was not asked with even the slightest hint of hesitation. Jon could tell that whatever Robb had in mind, he had already committed himself to it within his mind.
“No.” Jon began. He was treading an extremely fine line now and he knew it, but as much as he tried to separate his old loyalties from that of his new the lines were beginning to blur and there truly was no distinction for him any more; how could he turn a blind eye on his family? “You have a war to fight, and potentially not enough men to do that. No, the quicker you deal with this war then the quicker you’ll be able to turn your attention North.” he wasn't sure if what he was saying the right thing. Was retribution for their father and the kidnapping of their sisters truly worth risking the safety of the entire realm and everyone within it? Part of him thought it was...and what worried him was it happened to be the part he was listening to.
“I will not abandon my people or my home, Jon.” Robb replied. “If it means fighting a war on two fronts…then so be it.” Robb sounded even more conflicted than Jon did. The Black Brother felt for the King of the North at that moment, truly understanding what had been forced upon the Young King, most certainly before he was ready. “You would know what the Night’s Watch needs more than anyone else here Jon, you must tell me. Tell me and I will see to it that you have everything you require.” perhaps it was Jon’s expression, or the hesitation in responding, but Robb frowned. “Don’t make me turn this into an order from your King, because I will.”
Jons response to this was far quicker. “Well, thankfully the men of the Night’s Watch bow to no King.” the slight grin that followed showed that Jon had only spoken in jest, to which Robb couldn't help but grin in return. “You ask me to pick between my family and the realm.” it was akin to stating the obvious, but perhaps actually saying it aloud would help to sway his brothers mind. However, when Robb never spoke or changed his expression it became clear that Jon had no choice but to truly answer the request. “We could use just about a little of everything…men, food, weapons, armour; just general supplies. Anyone who’s skilled in specific areas, whether building, armouring, or weapon-smithing. It would all help a great deal.” Jon almost felt as if he had just lost the war for the North.
For a while Robb sat there in silence, swirling the wine in his goblet as he lost himself within his thoughts. Then he suddenly stood, moving towards a nearby window and looking out at the snowfall, his expression determined. “We have imprisoned countless men during this war, both criminals and prisoners of war alike. Too many for us to even realistically hold, if truth be told. It has been something that has caused much debate.” Jon could understand why. Some were like of great importance, and killing them all would only help to weaken the North’s stance amongst the small folk. “So I will give you all of the criminals and prisoners of war, their punishment to join the Night’s Watch. I will keep the more important prisoners of war for bargaining purposes, of course.”
Jon had expected the offer, it was why the Lord Commander had allowed him this visit. “…how many men is that, roughly?” he asked, almost unsure about what sort of answer he was like to receive.
“Roughly thirty, give or take a man, though that's only the numbers held at Winterfell. We could have the others from other castles delivered to the Wall as soon as we can spare the men to do so, totalling at perhaps a few hundred?” Robb laughed after that. “And don’t worry, I know you came to Winterfell alone. I will assign some men to escort you and the prisoners to the Wall, so that you are not placed in any unnecessary danger.” The offer was far more than Jon had ever expected, and he was truly grateful for the escort he would receive. Standing, Jon moved across the room to Robb’s side, standing in silence as he also began to look out of the window. The King sighed. “Our father was right Jon…Winter Is Coming…”
“No Robb,” Jon began, sadness in his voice. The mention of his father was always a sore subject for him, but that was not the only reason for his sadness. “Winter isn't Coming…it’s already here.”
Total Finished Word Count: 3,626.
It had been an incredibly long time since he had been in Winterfell, in fact he had not returned to his old home since he had originally left to join the Night’s Watch, since before all the chaos in the world had begun…since before his father had been murdered. The thought took hold and began to consume his thoughts. Images of his family, his home and everything that had been lost and ruined flooded his mind. It was all because of the Lannisters insatiable greed for power and their bastard Child-King that held the Iron Throne. ...Joffrey... There had been many a night when Jon had dreamt of what he would do to the Child-King if he ever had the pleasure of meeting him again, though most of those dreams involved feeding the little brat to Ghost.
The young man of the Night's Watch pushed aside all awful thoughts of the pains his family had felt, unwilling to consider them a second longer. This was to be a happy occasion! He was to see his brother, for the first time in many years and he didn't want such thoughts to ruin the occasion. Though he doubted the subject could be held at bay for too long once they were together, especially since the war with the Lannisters was still as strong as ever due to them holding Sansa, among other things. He had never been close to Sansa, his half-sister, in fact he felt that she likely disliked him as much as Lady Catelyn always had. Nevertheless, family was family, and the war would not end until the Lannisters had paid, Jon knew that with certainty.
The wind picked up and tugged at his raven-black cloak, the cloak of the Night's Watch, causing Jon to pull himself closer to his horse. Winter was most certainly coming, the weather as well as his experiences on and beyond the Wall the last few years had more than proved that point to him. He had so much to tell Robb, perhaps too much considering the limited time he would have to stay at Winterfell, and those prisoners of war that Robb had spoken of in his message would be invaluable back at the Wall. Even if Robb could deliver on every single man that he had promised the Lord Commander, Jon still didn't think that would be even remotely enough...the Old Gods only knew how much they needed men back at the Wall.
Just as Jon crested a slight hill that stretched across the land, a distant light fought for dominance with the darkness of the night and the thick falling snow of the storm. It was a battle that the combined efforts of the night and storm were winning, the light just barely visible from this distant. Although the light from the camp was scarcely visible, the huge and foreboding bulk of the shadow that was the castle of Winterfell steadily became into view. Though the details were lost in the dark, there was no mistaking Winterfell for anything else, not for Jon. After all, he had spent almost his entire life within those walls. The corners of his lips tugged into a small smile at the sight of it; he was almost there.
All of a sudden the cold didn't seem to matter as much. In little under an hour he would be well within the camp that reports stated surrounded Witerfell. The camp where King Robb’s army currently resided. The sound of merriment, music and laughter seemed to float on the wind, reaching Jon's ears even from this distant. No doubt Robb would be within the camp, at the head tent, rather than in the halls of Winterfell; a good Lord, no a King, gave his men hope and raised their spirits in great times of doubt, and Robb was not a good King, he was a great King.
With that Jon took the rest of his journey with renewed vigour, resulting in him reaching the outskirts of the camp far earlier than he had expected to, even if in truth he had arrived several hours later than he had originally intended to when he had left Castle Black. He didn't meet much resistance from the soldiers guarding the camp. Many of them hailed from the North, some of whom recognised him, and all of them knew the colours of the Night's Watch. He climbed down off of his horse and handed the reigns to one of the soldiers, thanked him for his help and then bid him farewell as he began to make his way through the camp towards the main tent. That was where Robb was, or so the solider who had taken his horse had confirmed at any rate. It made sense to Jon that the King would reside within the tent closest to the actual castle, and it seemed that his brother shared a similar line of thought.
The sound of laughter and happy shouting was all around him within the camp, though a great deal of it was getting louder and louder the closer he moved towards the tent that the Lords and his brother was within. Eventually the young Crow reached the outside of the tent, though he did not enter straight away. For a few moments he merely stood outside, composing himself and listening to the banter within. Inside resided his older brother, now the King of the North and someone he had not seen in quite a long time. The thought of seeing him again after so long, when so much had changed, was more than a little daunting, despite how much Jon had longed to see each and every member of his family. With all the laughter and joy one could have been led to believe there wasn't even a war happening. It was nice to see that even in such dire times there were reasons to be merry.
With a deep breath Jon reached forward and pushed aside the flap of the tent, allowing the warmth and light from within to stream out into the darkness of the cold night that surrounded him. He was met with a barrage of noise as his eyes fell upon the Lords of the many houses that were loyal to house Stark and Tully, many of whom Jon recognised. Without wasting another moment, Jon stepped into the tent. His black cloak and clothes stood out, even amongst the dull greys of the North, but only a handful of people had even noticed his arrival, or that of the large snow-white head of Ghost, his direwolf, that had just poked through the flap of the tent. "It's a lot warmer in here than it is at the Wall." the young Crow spoke up, raising his voice just enough to be heard over the merriment and quickly drawing the attention of everyone in the tent. Jon kept his eyes on Robb and waited till his brother looked up and spotted him; he didn't have to wait long. The two instantly mirrored each others smiles and Robb rushed across the tent to embrace his sibling.
"Brother! It is very good to see you again." He stated, pulling back from the embraced to look at Jon, his hand rested on Jon's shoulder.
"Likewise, my King." Jon responded, bowing his head respectfully. But Robb quickly shook his head.
"Not to you. We're kin, and you do not bow to me, bastard or not." Jon smiled softly, mirroring Robb by placing his own hand on Robb's shoulder. However, Jon's expression was quick to harden and turn serious.
"We need to talk." he simply stated. There was much that Robb needed to know, and likely not nearly enough time to tell him it all. But in response Robb laughed and shook his head again, raising a flagon ale that he held in his free hand.
“Surely the questions and the serious conversations can wait a little longer brother!" Robb exclaimed, patting his brother on the shoulder. "I would not have one of the brave men of the Night's Watch, my own brother as well, go back to the Wall and proclaim Winterfell's hospitality has dwindled!" The room fell silent and all turned to look at Jon, waiting to see how he would react.
Jon simply stood there, grinning wildly at his brother. No, he thought suddenly. I was wrong...this will always be my home.
The celebrations had threatened to continue well on into the depths of the night, and they probably would, but some time after Jon had arrived, perhaps an hour or two after the fact, both he and Robb retreated back into Winterfell itself. Within they would speak more privately and rather than celebrate with the men of the army, they would recount on days long since passed, catch up with each other and talk about the experiences they had all separately been through; it was where the true reunion of the children of House Stark would take place, minus the presence of Sansa, Bran, Arya and young Rickon.
They supped together while talking, drank their fill of alcoholic beverages, and before long fatigue began to set in, Jon finally showing some of the exhaustion that he had been feeling all night. It had been a long and somewhat difficult journey from the Wall, especially through the blizzard, but as he moved to stand and take his leave Robb silently gestured for him to remain and Jon obliged with an understanding nod. Jon poured himself another goblet of ale, a drink that he had grown accustomed to on the Wall, as he waited for Robb to explain what he wished to speak about. It wasn't a long wait before Robb had another mouthful of drink, then began to talk.
“Apologies brother but I had hoped to talk with you at greater length on a subject that only you could shed light upon.” Robb explained, taking yet another sip of his wine. He had drunk a fair bit on this night, they both had, but Robb seemed to be holding his alcohol well enough; in a strange way that impressed Jon.
“It’s no problem at all. Its been far too long since we spoke properly, and yet I sleep every night - I reckon the latter can wait a little while longer.”
“The men need not be privy to such discussions, that's partly why I suggested we retire into Winterfell. The varying reactions are the last thing either of us want to deal with tonight.” he slowly explained through a knowing grin, goblet still in hand.
Jon chuckled at that, knowing full well that Robb was absolutely correct. “You’re right. It's been a long day and night, I don't think I would have the patience to deal with such questions.” he shared a grin with Robb. It had almost felt like old times, once again being around what remained of his family. It would have been a lie to pretend he did not miss it. However, there appeared to be far more important things that required his attention at the present. “Tell me brother, what is it that’s on your mind?” Jon enquired curiously.
Robb cleared his throat before he began, taking another few brief moments to gather his thoughts. “How goes your business at the Wall?” he had oddly opened with a question, though that subject alone would have been enough of a question for Jon to be able to talk for hours in response, but he knew Robb intended to be a little more specific with his conversation topic. “I know the old saying that the Night's Watch serves no Kings and only the realm,” he continued, though Jon briefly interrupted him.
“It’s a bit more than a mere ‘saying’, brother. It’s part of our oath.” he explained, though it was like that Robb already knew this and that it had been a slip of the tongue brought on by the alcohol. Nevertheless, Robb continued onward without offence taken.
“But the geographical location of my kingdom means that any threats that lie beyond it are likely to be my problem, more so than the Lannisters or anyone else within the Seven Kingdoms.” there was no denying this logic. The North would always be affected first if the issue was of the Wall or beyond it. “Holding it indirectly secures my flanks. So I like to think that, in a way, the Night’s Watch and the interests of House Stark are intertwined, more so than any other house within Westeros.” Jon suddenly knew where this conversation was leading.
“That’s certainly…one way to look at it.” he had to concede.
“Without each other we would surely both be doomed. So I ask you brother, truthfully, is my faith in the watches ability to hold the Wall well placed, or is Winter truly Coming? The men whisper of such tales…are they to be believed?” Robb asked, finally finishing. Jon could now understand why his brother had not wished to speak of such things in front of the other Lords and soldiers.
Jon remained silent as he considered everything that Robb had said to him, though his expression was one of thought and concern. How would he go about answering this? There was only one true way, and that was to be utterly honest. After a good few moments of silence Jon felt he was ready to respond. “The Night’s Watch is gravely undermanned for what I fear…no, what I know is to come.” His words sounded grave, but even so he was not finished yet. “It is common knowledge that we only have enough men to garrison two of the castles along the Wall, and only Castle Black properly.” but Robb wasn't merely interested in the number of men in the Night’s Watch. “Beyond the Wall the Wildlings are rumoured to be amassing an army, which we believe they intend to march on the Wall. While the Wall stands, we will likely be able to repel them…though it is not the Wildlings that worry me.” This news seemed to both surprise and trouble Robb, by the expression on his face, and so Jon answered the silent question. “The White Walkers.” the words alone seem to send a unspeakable chill rushing through the room.
“…surely not?” Robb managed, though his expression gave away more than his disbelief.
“So the rumours have reached you? Yes, the White Walkers have returned to the lands beyond the Wall…and I fear we will not be able to keep them at bay, at least not indefinitely.” he had no doubt in his mind that this would come as a surprise to Robb, that his elder brother would likely not even believe such a thing, but Jon’s expression was deadly serious.
Robb looked on at his younger brother with clearly mixed feelings about the whole matter, though he would not doubt his own blood. Placing his goblet down on the table in front of him, Robb raised his hands to his temples and began to rub them. “Are you sure? This is no light matter.”
“Many of my fellow Black Brothers witnessed it Robb. I fought and killed one with fire and my own blade...” Jon couldn’t help but think back and remember; the cold yet frightening strong grip, those icy blue eyes. "And...we lost several hundred Black Brothers in a battle with the White Walkers at the Fist of the First Men." Jon had always hated that he had not been able to help his fellow brothers in that battle. Robb may have been unsure on the entire subject, but he had never doubted his own blood in the past and he would not likely begin to now, Jon hoped.
“Ok…” Robb began. There was a strain in his voice, one that Jon had not heard since having been back. Perhaps Robb had been struggling with his new position of power a lot more than Jon had speculated. That would not have surprised Jon, not because he felt that Robb was unfit to lead, far from it, but because he couldn't begin to understand how difficult it must be to be a Lord, let alone a King. “What can the North do to help?” the question was not asked with even the slightest hint of hesitation. Jon could tell that whatever Robb had in mind, he had already committed himself to it within his mind.
“No.” Jon began. He was treading an extremely fine line now and he knew it, but as much as he tried to separate his old loyalties from that of his new the lines were beginning to blur and there truly was no distinction for him any more; how could he turn a blind eye on his family? “You have a war to fight, and potentially not enough men to do that. No, the quicker you deal with this war then the quicker you’ll be able to turn your attention North.” he wasn't sure if what he was saying the right thing. Was retribution for their father and the kidnapping of their sisters truly worth risking the safety of the entire realm and everyone within it? Part of him thought it was...and what worried him was it happened to be the part he was listening to.
“I will not abandon my people or my home, Jon.” Robb replied. “If it means fighting a war on two fronts…then so be it.” Robb sounded even more conflicted than Jon did. The Black Brother felt for the King of the North at that moment, truly understanding what had been forced upon the Young King, most certainly before he was ready. “You would know what the Night’s Watch needs more than anyone else here Jon, you must tell me. Tell me and I will see to it that you have everything you require.” perhaps it was Jon’s expression, or the hesitation in responding, but Robb frowned. “Don’t make me turn this into an order from your King, because I will.”
Jons response to this was far quicker. “Well, thankfully the men of the Night’s Watch bow to no King.” the slight grin that followed showed that Jon had only spoken in jest, to which Robb couldn't help but grin in return. “You ask me to pick between my family and the realm.” it was akin to stating the obvious, but perhaps actually saying it aloud would help to sway his brothers mind. However, when Robb never spoke or changed his expression it became clear that Jon had no choice but to truly answer the request. “We could use just about a little of everything…men, food, weapons, armour; just general supplies. Anyone who’s skilled in specific areas, whether building, armouring, or weapon-smithing. It would all help a great deal.” Jon almost felt as if he had just lost the war for the North.
For a while Robb sat there in silence, swirling the wine in his goblet as he lost himself within his thoughts. Then he suddenly stood, moving towards a nearby window and looking out at the snowfall, his expression determined. “We have imprisoned countless men during this war, both criminals and prisoners of war alike. Too many for us to even realistically hold, if truth be told. It has been something that has caused much debate.” Jon could understand why. Some were like of great importance, and killing them all would only help to weaken the North’s stance amongst the small folk. “So I will give you all of the criminals and prisoners of war, their punishment to join the Night’s Watch. I will keep the more important prisoners of war for bargaining purposes, of course.”
Jon had expected the offer, it was why the Lord Commander had allowed him this visit. “…how many men is that, roughly?” he asked, almost unsure about what sort of answer he was like to receive.
“Roughly thirty, give or take a man, though that's only the numbers held at Winterfell. We could have the others from other castles delivered to the Wall as soon as we can spare the men to do so, totalling at perhaps a few hundred?” Robb laughed after that. “And don’t worry, I know you came to Winterfell alone. I will assign some men to escort you and the prisoners to the Wall, so that you are not placed in any unnecessary danger.” The offer was far more than Jon had ever expected, and he was truly grateful for the escort he would receive. Standing, Jon moved across the room to Robb’s side, standing in silence as he also began to look out of the window. The King sighed. “Our father was right Jon…Winter Is Coming…”
“No Robb,” Jon began, sadness in his voice. The mention of his father was always a sore subject for him, but that was not the only reason for his sadness. “Winter isn't Coming…it’s already here.”
Total Finished Word Count: 3,626.
