HotD – Jon Arctic!

[Chapter Size: 3300 Words.]

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Third Person POV

Winterfell, 100 AC.

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Lord Stark was still with many of his lords talking in the main hall. Even though the music had already ended and part of the group had gone to sleep, most still remained drinking and celebrating.

Almost all the ladies had gone to their rooms, while the lords had finally gathered to speak more openly with one another.

After all, this only happened once a year, when the lords could gather to talk, discuss matters, and also enjoy themselves, since many there were friends.

The North had a way of bringing people together. It didn't matter their titles, they all seemed equal when hardship haunted everyone — winter, wildlings, poverty... everyone in the North suffered from the same things.

That made everyone unite.

"Are you sure about this?" Benjen was, at that moment, speaking with his younger brother.

"I think the time has come, brother," Walton Stark murmured, while Benjen looked at him, frowning.

"You know you have a place here in Winterfell. You could help Rickon govern together with Bennard, your role would be very important," Benjen murmured.

"I know... but, brother, we have always honored the Night's Watch with a Stark among its ranks. In this generation, there is no one. I want that too!" Walton said.

"You know what that means, right? You won't have a wife, children... you will remain on the Wall for the rest of your life. I know that we Starks have always honored this tradition, but still... I don't want that for my younger brother..." he said, even if it was selfish. Even with a grim face, Benjen loved and cared for his family.

"Even so, I will go, brother," Walton replied firmly, and his eyes did not betray his words.

'18 namedays, and he wants to honor something that shouldn't be his obligation...' Benjen murmured in his mind.

"If that is what you truly want, I won't take your choice away... but know that our mother won't agree with it either. And good luck, because I won't help you convince her," Benjen replied.

His younger brother gave a somewhat sad smile as he looked in the direction of their mother, who, at that moment, was shouting at a Lord Umber like a furious bear, while the man shrank back and others laughed. That was quite normal.

The Lady of Winterfell kept all the vassals in line, and no one dared act against her, except for one person there, just as stubborn as she was.

But that proves it wasn't for nothing that Jon managed to find a place among the Starks. It was she who struck the final blow, demanding that the boy have a seat among them, after she had grown attached to him over the last two years. Even though Benjen hadn't planned any of that — as much as he wanted to take care of the boy, after all, he had invited him to stay with them — he had still intended to treat him as a guest, not as family, since that could offend some lords.

However, his mother had a different opinion, and no one dared question her after she decided.

Even the fearsome Lord Bolton, who was there drinking in silence with his sons, had to shrink under Lyarra's gaze.

Benjen looked at his eldest son, as he spoke with the Glover girl. He couldn't help but show a smile. He and that girl had known each other since their fourth nameday and had always seemed attached to one another.

House Glover would certainly be a good choice to have as a Lady of Winterfell and to once again strengthen the ties with the houses of the North. After all, Benjen's mother was a Mormont and his wife was a Karstark. Bringing in a Glover would not be a bad idea, given that it had been 30 years since they last had a marriage with the wolves.

Despite that, many also wanted that position. Lord Bolton had a daughter, slightly older — two years older than Rickon — whom he was trying to push into it, just like the Manderlys, although the girl named Yara seemed more interested in being with Jon than Rickon. It was clear that she was bothered by Jon's behavior.

"And you, you great fool, still risking yourself beyond the Wall?" his mother roared again, pulling Benjen out of his thoughts and making everyone shrink, as she directed her attention to her brother, the large man seated among the tables.

"Of course I am. Someone has to get rid of those damned wildlings!" the man, Lord Mormont, growled.

"I thought that was the Night's Watch's job," Lyarra mocked.

"You speak as if you've never done it! I remember very well that you used to act brave and tried to do the same back when you lived on the island. I still remember you stealing my axe to go slaughter any wildling that moved. But now? You've become a grumpy old witch!" the man replied, despite his words, he was laughing.

"You dare speak to me like that, brother? You know I can still wield an axe. I'd like to cut off that ridiculous beard of yours and leave you as bare as a virgin maiden!" she replied in a tone full of challenge.

Lyarra and that man, Mort Mormont, were siblings, with their mother being only 2 years older. Mort became the lord of House Mormont, and Lyarra went to Winterfell to marry the Stark heir at the time, who would eventually father Benjen.

The relationship between Benjen's mother and her brother, Lord Mormont, was like fire and water — or cat and mouse. Both openly insulted each other, but that was quite a common sight at feasts. When they started shouting at each other, to the point of making even Benjen sweat, his mother — always strict, firm, and sometimes very affectionate — would become a violent woman, to the point of throwing mugs of beer at her brother's face.

"Mother, we don't need to go that far, do we?" Rodrik Stark, Benjen's older brother, murmured beside her, touching her arm, trying to calm her before chairs started flying.

"Tell that to this brute who—"

She couldn't even finish when someone ran into the hall.

"Father! Father!" Lyra, who should have been in bed, came running, silencing the hall. Benjen stood up immediately.

"What is it, daughter?"

"Jon! I saw through the window... he left!!" she shouted, clearly desperate.

"What do you mean by that?" Lyarra turned her attention to her granddaughter.

The girl was about to speak, but the guards stepped forward immediately, confirming that Lyra was not lying.

"Lord Stark, forgive me, but we had an incident. The young Jon mounted the direwolf and rushed through the gate before anyone could stop him. He simply disappeared into the darkness."

"What?" Benjen's eyes widened.

The entire hall fell silent at that moment.

"I don't know. He just rushed out... we didn't have time to ask what he was doing leaving Winterfell at this hour."

That ended the mood of the feast. The hall remained silent for a few seconds before Benjen spoke again.

Jon might have been just a ward from the common folk in the eyes of most, but he would not act recklessly. He certainly had his place in the family. Benjen knew that — even if Bennard seemed to be the only one who never liked him. Lyra, his grandmother, Benjen's two brothers, and even his wife liked the boy. This would leave everyone worried.

"It's not possible that he would leave like this... he must have left something," Benjen said.

"Check his room. He wouldn't leave without saying anything," Lyarra said in an urgent tone.

"My lords, I will have to check this immediately. I apologize," with those words, Benjen left the hall. His brother soon followed, while Lyra was embraced by her grandmother and began to cry.

It didn't take long for them to discover the reason. As they passed through the solar, his men informed him that Jon had left a note. He opened the door and quickly picked up the parchment from the floor.

['Lord Stark, I know this may seem strange, but I saw my father being attacked by that same black bear and left to die in the middle of the forest, at a camp where he was. I am going to the farm immediately. I apologize if this causes any trouble, but I will try to resolve this without wanting to bother you. I will send another letter as soon as I can."

The words were direct, without much elaboration. Benjen stood there, staring at the paper. They then went to the boy's room, after informing Alys that Lyra had seen Jon leave and was in the hall crying.

The room was empty. His personal sword was not there, and even winter clothes had been taken.

They went to the entrance of Winterfell, where his men said that Jon had gone to the armory, taken a quiver with more than thirty arrows, a short bow, mounted Ghost, and simply rode off into the night.

When Benjen told this in the hall, everyone frowned.

"So you're saying the boy simply saw his father being attacked by a bear — the same one that attacked them years ago —, grabbed a bow and arrows, and set off south of the North at full speed riding a wolf as if it were a horse?" Lord Umber asked loudly, while everyone fell silent upon hearing those words.

"It sounds quite surreal, doesn't it? I would say it would be heroic if it weren't so tragic..." Lord Mormont grumbled.

Benjen looked at each of the lords. Lord Tallhart, certainly, had a knowing look — he believed those words. Just like Benjen himself. To him, that boy was far too special to be treated as an ordinary one. And just thinking that he was going to seek revenge against that bear...

He had seemed quite disturbed throughout the entire day today. His mother had said he had those dreams again.

Perhaps Jon hadn't thought twice before trying to save his father, or avenge him. It was a noble act, but equally worrying for Benjen and the Stark family.

He could see Lyra in a corner, crying, while Rickon also seemed worried beside her, trying to comfort his sister, saying that he would be fine. Alys, wearing a coat over her nightclothes, stood beside them.

Many of the lords did not seem to believe those words. Lord Bolton merely cast a cold glance, while others whispered among themselves, commenting whatever came to their minds about the boy.

"He is a skinchanger." A voice interrupted everyone, making them turn their heads toward Lord Reed, who was, as always, in an isolated corner.

"What do you mean, Lord Reed? Are you saying he is a skinchanger, like those from the old legends?" Lord Manderly grumbled.

"Exactly, Lord Manderly. Didn't you see those two birds that followed him during the training session yesterday morning? They are connected to him, just like the direwolf. The boy can see through their eyes. What he said likely happened this very night. He may have seen through some animal, sensing that his father would be in danger in the Wolfswood."

Everyone fell silent, looking at Lord Stark. The next decision was his.

It was a ward heading into danger in the middle of an important festival in Winterfell filled with lords. That made Benjen clench his teeth. Why did it have to be right now?

"Benjen, come with me. Let's talk," his mother interrupted immediately, before he could make any decision.

The lords accepted this, while Benjen met with his mother and his brother, Rodrik, who also intruded on the conversation and joined them in the solar.

"You cannot go," his mother said immediately when the door was closed.

Benjen clenched his teeth, fixing his eyes on the torches lighting the solar before turning back to his mother. "But Jon—"

"I know, Benjen. But you cannot simply leave the Harvest Feast. As much as it pains me to say this, you cannot insult the lords here today. Not because of the boy. As much as he has been welcomed by our family, he still does not bear our name," she said, as if each word were a blade. Even Benjen recognized the pain in that.

"It's true, brother. You cannot go... but I can!" his older brother said, while their mother closed her eyes, already knowing what would come next. In fact, that was what she was going to propose, and something more.

Benjen looked at Rodrik for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Just bring Jon back and arrive before he comes face to face with that damned bear!" Benjen said, accepting.

"Don't worry. I know the boy doesn't like my jokes very much, but I'll bring him back," Rodrik replied firmly.

"Rickon will want to go with me," he added.

"As will Lyra, obviously. But neither of them will be able to go, for obvious reasons. Especially because Rickon is the heir of Winterfell and he is as important as his father here," Lyarra said, and the two understood.

"Alright, it's decided. I will inform the lords. You will leave tonight," Benjen said to his brother, who nodded.

"There is also something I want to say." His mother interrupted before they could leave.

However, before she could say anything, a knock on the door drew their attention. A guard opened it carefully. "Lord Stark, Lord Mormont and Lord Reed are here to speak with you."

Benjen nodded immediately. "Send them in."

Lyarra looked at the person approaching.

Mort simply fixed his eyes on Lyarra. "I already know what you're planning with that face you made when you left the hall. I know you well enough to know you intend to go," he spoke directly to his sister.

She huffed, while Benjen and his brother exchanged glances, already knowing what would come.

"Surprised? I was going to say it now anyway, I am already an old woman. I've been through countless Harvest Feasts. You won't miss me. And I know you can keep the lords occupied for some time in my absence," she said.

"Mother..."

"Don't worry, Lord Stark," Lord Mormont interrupted Benjen before he could speak. "I will protect my sister. She is an old witch, but she is still my blood. I intend to go with her," Mort said with a smile.

"I also wish to go," Lord Reed spoke for the first time, behind Lord Mormont.

Benjen looked at each of them before nodding. "Alright... so be it. Then, mother, brother, Lord Mormont and Lord Reed, just bring Jon back."

They returned to the hall and announced what they would do that very night. Many lords' children who were already asleep woke up to the strange movement in the courtyard.

Horses were being saddled, supplies for a short journey were being prepared, weapons were being distributed — bows and blades.

It was cold, with small snowflakes falling into the darkness of the night, yet everyone was well prepared.

A group of thirty Stark guards was immediately summoned to travel with Lady Stark and Rodrik, along with ten Mormont men with Mors, who would be leading them, while his sons and grandsons would remain in Winterfell. There were also more than twenty men from the swamps with Lord Reed, who, being unmarried and without direct heirs, did not have as much to lose. He would also return to the swamps after finding the boy.

When they all departed, Benjen saw his mother going along with his older brother. He knew that when his mother decided something, it was difficult to change her mind.

With a heavy heart, he saw Lyra crying, embraced by Rickon, while her brother tried to comfort her.

"He will come back..." Rickon murmured.

Benjen closed his eyes for a moment. "Come back soon, boy," he murmured.

He couldn't be angry at Jon. The boy believed he had seen his father dying. Only cowards would not do the same.

But facing a bear was something that would make most men tremble, proving that the boy had a brave heart.

"Just... don't die," was all Lord Stark managed to say.

At the same time, at the farm, an explosive sound of wood echoed through the house.

Mari woke up startled. The third youngest child also woke, crying.

Roman got up abruptly upon hearing the crash at the door.

"What is that?" he said quickly, while his wife looked worried.

His nine-year-old daughter ran to him. "Father, what is that?"

Another crash came.

Roman grabbed the steel sword he had and ordered everyone to hide, advancing toward the entrance. When he looked through the cracks in the wood at what was happening, he couldn't believe it.

What was hitting the door was a moose, which stepped back to gain momentum before charging forward and slamming its antlers against the door.

He knew that moose, with a mark near its eye. It was the same one that roamed around the farm, that stayed close to Jon and was even friendly with the children. Rowena could even touch it when it appeared.

But today, it was different.

Another strike came, and the animal bellowed at the door violently.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Roman opened the door carefully, but shouting, as the moose stared at him and let out a cry, stomping its hooves on the ground upon seeing him.

He barely had time to react when some birds simply came out of nowhere, passing over Roman, who flinched, as they moved through the house until they found a bag in one of the rooms.

His youngest son began to cry in fear in their hiding place, while Sarra tried to calm him.

For a moment, Roman forgot about the moose and went to see what they were doing. Then he saw the three birds — an owl and two ravens — lifting that bag, which should not have been light. A single bird would never be able to carry it, but the three of them, together, began to lift it into the air.

It was the first aid bag they kept, with bandages and some jars of medicinal herbs that Jon had recommended they have. There was even milk of the poppy inside the bag.

That was something Roman would never forget. As the bag moved, guided by the birds, they carried it outside.

Mari also appeared at that moment, shouting as she saw the bag being taken outside.

The moose approached and placed the bag on its antlers, then turned its head directly toward Roman, as if it wanted to say something.

The sound of horses soon caught his attention. Roman was left speechless when he saw the horse Jon kept on the farm leave the stable and move toward the entrance of his house, lying down and neighing, as if asking him to mount.

The birds perched on the moose's antlers, while the animal struck its hooves against the ground with force.

"What is happening?" Roman murmured, unable to put it into words, seeing a group of animals reacting like that before him.

He could hear the door of the other house opening completely at that moment, as Rowena came out, looking worried.

Roman's wife, Sara, also came to him upon hearing the noise.

"What is happening?" she asked again.

Roman couldn't process all of that.

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