Catching Up

While the crowd was still cheering in a merry mood, Jon climbed down his Ice Dragon through her winged shoulder; his huge bag with the chests full of gold from the Iron Bank of Braavos carried with ease due to his newfound giant strength. He patted her on the lowered neck for a long moment and she gave him a fierce grin before taking off to the sky. Jon saw her fly towards the top of a nearby mountain before he heard footsteps behind him.

"I have to say," Sansa said with an amused smile, "when you sent me that mental message assuring me we would be reunited sooner than expected, magical transportation from one place to another and flying atop a dragon was not what I had in mind."

Jon smiled back at her, the loud proclamation from the warriors masking their conversation. "I actually can't take credit for the Ice Dragon. That was a pleasant surprise waiting for me at the North Grove. But yes," He said, lowering his tone, "I realized the magical Weirwood network of the ancient Children of the Forest would be a plausible cover story to transport our reinforcements faster."

"Well, I am most certainly impressed," The redhead reply. "And it seems your speech has certainly raised the morale," She added as she looked at a group of Bear Island bannermen that kept chanting victory for the Starks with raised fists as they stared at the retreating Ice Dragon.

Jon got closer to her, as he stared at his beloved sister's mesmerizing blue eyes. "That was the idea."

Sansa felt heart race at his expression and before long, she was embracing him with all the emotion she could give in public.

"I missed you so much," She whispered in his ear, desire and longing thick in her voice.

"I know," Jon said with a sigh as he felt her red hair caress his face. "And I am sorry. But I will make it up to you."

Sansa's eyes brightened at that but before he could ask what he meant their reunion was interrupted by the approaching hooves. They broke away and saw the first Lady that had answered the call of House Stark with her own banners.

She bowed her head once her white horse stopped.

"Jon Snow," She said in deference. "I am Lady Lyanna Mormont, ruler of Bear Island."

The former Lord Commander nodded in respect.

"I knew your uncle Jeor, My Lady," He told her. "He was one of the best men I have ever known."

"I am pleased to hear that," She replied. "As I am pleased to hear that you are taking up his fight to defend the realms of men so seriously. The defense the Night Watch represented was always of great importance to him and while your resurrection has given you a rare but valid reason to leave Castle Black, I am glad your watch has not completely ended yet because the North could really use your leadership," She paused and looked around at the grinning Free Folk and Giants. "All of the North at that, it seems. And...I must say, watching a worthy leader wield the ancestral sword of my House that my uncle gave you, while riding a mighty dragon, was quite inspirational," She added with a grin of her own.

Jon took a moment to take in her words, then smiled lightly. "You honor me, My Lady, with your kind words and with your support. And you can rest assured that as the first of our bannermen keep to their oaths in these times of crisis, I will make sure House Mormont and the people of Bear Island are suitably rewarded when the time comes."

The island ruler pounded her chest with her fist once and smirked fiercely. "The Boltons will curse the day they betrayed House Stark before this war is done. And we will do all we can to make sure they won't have to curse for long."

The new god smiled fondly, realizing Sansa had a point when she had said the ruler of Bear Island reminded her of Arya.

"I like you," Jon said sincerely. "Now, why don't the leaders and advisors among us gather for a war council. We have much to discuss and I still have a few surprises to share with you all."

A/N: I already have a plan for how Jon will "make it up" to Sansa but if any of you want to share your own ideas, feel free to leave a comment. Who knows, I may end up liking it more than my current plan :P

Hope you enjoyed the chapter!