Awaited Reunions

Jon had told his followers to unload the chests from the horse-pulled wagons and prepare them in the courtyard. Before long, however, everyone started staring and more than a few were whispering. Half of those seemed to recognize him based on what was being said.

"...that Jon Snow?"

"...doing here?"

"...looks far more handsome now! Even regal."

"...will be tense."

"...was it that he left again? The Starks never talk about that fight."

Jon raised an eyebrow at the last bit of murmuring. He hadn't realized his family had been able to successfully hide the actual reasons behind Lady Stark pushing him to leave for this entire time. He had been sure most would know by now.

"Well, when my father makes a decree in his most serious, Warden of the North tone, even my little siblings tend to listen," He thought. "And I suppose Lady Catelyn would want the true details contained."

He took a deep breath, as his thought turned to that fateful visit to Bear Island on the first moon of year 299 After Aegon's Conquest for the wedding of Dacey Mormont, Lady Maege's eldest daughter and heir, and Lyra's older sister. To the unexpected Ironborn raid that had caught them off-guard. And to the aftermath of his victory...for both good and ill.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard his name called out from the side and so he turned. Captain Snow blinked as he stared at his little sister when she entered the courtyard. The years hadn't made her far more taller but she had definitely grown in more ways than one now that her eighteen nameday was so close.

She looked at him closely and with a guarded expression like she couldn't believe he was actually there.

"Brother, is that really you?" She asked as her lower lip quivered.

Jon smiled sadly. "It's no dream, sister. I got your letter. And it is so good to see you."

Arya's expression turned into a wide grin of delight.

"You actually came!" She cried out, her tone joyful as she ran to embrace him and jumped on his arms.

Jon sighed. It felt so comforting to hug his dear sister that he had almost forgotten it. "Of course I came. I couldn't miss such an important nameday, now could I? And besides...it felt like it was finally time for a visit."

"I have missed you so much!" Arya declared. "And I am so glad you are here."

"Me too," He said softly. "How have you been? Still a better archer than Bran?"

"You bet!" She replied, laughing. "Although, he has gotten better with a sword."

"Good to hear," Jon said with a nod. "And how about..."

Before he could continue, however, his words died on his throat when he saw his favorite brother at last and his eyes widened.

"Jon? What in the seven hells are you doing here?" Robb asked in shock.

"Arya invited me to her nameday celebrations," He said with a grin. "It's very good to see you again, brother."

The heir to Winterfell shook his head as if to try to stir himself awake but when that didn't work, he started to smile.

"Oh, you always did know how to make an entrance when it actually mattered to you," He said, chuckling. "You are going to have to tell me everything about your travels but for now, stop standing there and come here!"

Jon laughed merrily and approached his brother, and they clapped each other's backs while they hugged. Robb gave him a soft headbutt and smirked.

"Everyone!" The future Lord of Winterfell called out, his voice echoing across the courtyard. "After six years, my brother has returned home. Let's give him a proper Northerner welcome shall we?"

Laughter ranged from everyone looking and they started shouting their salutations, making him feel welcomed indeed.

He wondered how long that would last...

Robb turned to him and probably read the mild concern in his expression because he got closer and lowered his tone.

"Don't worry about my mother for now," He told him. "She went to Wintertown less than an hour ago to purchase many supplies needed to host the King and for Arya's party. I doubt she will return before sundown. And even if she was, I am not letting her kick you out without a fight this time around, are we clear?"

Jon inhaled sharply. "I appreciate that, Robb. More than words can say."

"Great. Now, what do you have in all these chests?" He asked as he looked around, curious.

"What? You didn't think I was going to come back home empty-handed after so long, did you?" He said, chuckling. "I have been accumulating gifts from across the sea for a couple of years now in preparation for the time I finally mustered the courage to return. And besides, it's not much of a nameday celebration without presents, is it?"

"No, it isn't," Robb replied as he laughed. "But I suppose that can wait. I will go look for..."

"Jon?!" Said a very familiar voice he hadn't heard in a long time.

The siblings turned around and saw Ned Stark standing there and looking surprised.

The Bastard of Winterfell took a deep breath and gave him a sad smile as the courtyard grew as silent as a grave.

"Hello, father. It has been a while."