'An opportunity to foster with a Lord and perhaps get the opportunity to become something more,' Jon thought as he sat next to the hearth in his room.
A soft sigh escaped his lips as he gazed at the flames, the sight of the flicking and contorting flames helping to relax his mind.
'Do I accept it, though?' On one hand, it's a big deviation from the plans he had, which was good since that would lead to new paths that didn't end in him becoming just a simple guard for his family.
Not to say that there's anything wrong with that, but Jon himself had higher aspirations and dreams. He wasn't sure what they were, but he knew that they were big.
On the other hand, though, if he didn't accept it, it could be seen as him thinking that he believes himself above the Lord of House Manderly.
Don't ask Jon why that would be the case. All he knows is that the lords and ladies of Westeros have over-inflated egos with minds that always move towards the wrong conclusion.
Not just that, but then he would be left back where he started, either to become a guard or the Night Watch.
Then again, the Night Watch slept with whores all the time. He just didn't have to have a kid, which meant that he couldn't finish in any whores.
'Out of the question. That is my favourite part,' Jon thought with a shake of his head, but as he went to stand up, he paused as knocking came from the door.
"Jon, it's Robb. Ser Rodrik told me to come make sure you arrive early for the late afternoon training," Robb's voice came through the door and Jon smiled, walking over and opening the door.
The moment he did, he let out a soft chuckle as Grey Wind waddled past his feet, walking over to where Ghost hopped down and played with his brother.
Turning back to his own half-brother, he swatted his hand away as Robb ruffled his hair, drawing a chuckle from his brother as Jon picked up his coat once more.
"How many times have I told you not to do that?"
"Of course, wouldn't want the great lord Snow to have his pretty curls messed up."
"Go jump off a cliff," he replied with a huff, making Robb smirk as the two brothers walked through the hallways.
Unlike Arya and himself who had inherited his father's grey eyes and dark brown hair, Robb had favoured his mother more with his thick red-brown hair that fell to his shoulders and the piercing blue eyes that always seemed to look through Jon.
"Why did you miss practise earlier today, brother?" Robb asked as the two descended the stairs, though Jon's silence just drew a chuckle from Robb. "I see."
"Do not tell him."
"You need not fear such a thing from me, brother, though I see now why Theon was in such a foul mood this morning."
"Lord Stark has already given me a stern talking on any such future activities," Jon muttered and Robb smiled, patting his brother's shoulder.
"Do not fret on such thoughts. I have to ask, though. Which one was it?"
"Ros."
"His favourite? Bahahahaha! By the gods, Jon, the balls on you."
"She asked me. None of the fault lies with me," Jon tried to explain, but Robb didn't heed a word as he laughed. "Robb, you need to listen."
"Hahaha! Oh, I've listened enough, brother. Whatever happens is between the two of you," Robb spoke with a grin as they walked into the training yard, Rodrik busy sparring with a struggling Bran while Theon stood on the side.
"Snow."
"Greyjoy, finally slept off that hangover?" Jon asked, Robb blinking at the sharp tone in his brother's voice while Theon blinked with a hint of surprise.
"Quite the sharp tongue on you. What happened to sweet ol' Snow that just took it?"
"He learned to give it too," Jon replied again, making Theon pause as Robb hid his smirk.
"Well, look at that! The great lord Snow decided to actually join us," Rodrik spoke in a gruff tone as he smacked Bran's training sword to the side, the young Stark trying to bind again only for Rodrik to bring it around and hold the blade to his neck.
"And you're dead. Good work though, little lord. You're learning faster than most," he spoke before turning to the three gathered teenagers. "Alright! Since we've worked on swordplay this morning, I believe it is time for archery and shieldwork."
"Lovely, the two things Theon is good at," Robb murmured and Theon shoved him lightly with a snort as Jon sighed.
His brother was not wrong as Theon was the best shot out of the three of them. Robb was the best fighter and horse-rider out of them all while Jon prided himself in his swordsmanship.
'Theon most likely complained again,' Jon thought as he followed after Theon and Robb, picking up the simple wooden heater-style shield.
Adjusting the straps around his left forearm, Jon swung it about to get used to it, the three of them spreading out with one guard each standing at the ready.
"Remember, little lords! Two strikes and you're out!"
"Yes, ser!" the three of them barked out, Jon focusing on the guard facing him as he gave the man a nod.
The guard lunged forward with a thrust that he parried to the side, steadying his footing in the muddy ground as the man turned.
Feints were made to try and throw him off, but Jon was not the young man he was before. His enhanced eyes saw the subtle flexing in the man's arms and neck as he shuffled forward.
A feint to his left side was actually a high slash to the right side of his neck, Jon blocking the blow with a grunt. He fell to a knee and held it at an angle, deflecting the downwards slash aimed at his head.
The blow pushed him further down before he moved to his feet, holding the shield low only to get a smack to the face.
"Shit!"
"Quick footwork there, little lord, but a high blow does not always mean a low attack is going to follow."
"Got it," Jon nodded, cracking his neck and readying himself again.
This time, the guard was most definitely not giving him time to gather his breath and yet, Jon's eyes followed his every move as he deflected and blocked the blows.
He watched the guard narrow his eyes before the blows became more fierce, struggle to block each one. Lowering his shield at a thrust aimed at his chest, he tilted the shield to try and deflect the blow to the side.
Unfortunately, the guard expected that and Jon winced as the man did a flick swing at his unprotected side. The blow winded him and he held his side, shaking his head when the guard looked concerned.
"I'm well. It was just unexpected."
"You did well all things considered," the guard replied with a smirk, which Jon returned as the two stepped to the side. He could have gone for longer, but he was never one for shield-work nor did he want to break Ser Rodrik's rules.
Looking over at the other two battles, he was not surprised to see Theon patiently warding off the rapid attacks from his foe while Robb struggled to keep his free arm still.
His brother was not used to using a shield without a sword since that was his signature, after all.
He so hoped that Robb managed to win, but unfortunately, his brother was dealt a sharp thrust to his side, and Theon and his foe immediately ceased their battle.
"Well done there, Robb, though keep that focus even when your brother is struck down!"
"I understand, Ser Rodrik!"
"Jon, you lasted longer than usual, but I will say that you're still tend to focus more on your opponent's body language than their sword. It's understandable given that you are more of a sword fighter, but focus on that more."
"Understood."
"As for you, Theon, you're good with a shield, which is good because you are shite with a sword," Jon hid his smirk while Robb stifled his chuckle as Theon's smug smirk faded away.
This was why he liked Ser Rodrik. Despite the fact that two of them were his lord's children and the third was a guest, he did not hold back on criticism whatsoever.
"I understand, ser."
"Good! Now, all three! Time to run through the drills!"
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"I love the shield, but drills are irritating," Theon grumbled as the three of them walked towards the great hall, Jon simply trailing behind the two as Robb nodded.
"They are. Still, we ended our training sessino a lot earlier today compared to most days. Is there something happening?" he asked, turning to Jon. "Do you perhaps know?"
"No. Unfortunately, I am fixated on my problems."
"What does a bastard like you have to think about?" Theon asked with a mocking smile, raising his hands in surrender when Robb turned to him with a frown. "Just being curious here, Robb."
"Then you can ask him in a nicer way," Robb replied. "Still, I am just as curious as he is. What problems do you have?"
"It's in regards to my future," Jon replied, continuing when Robb just stared at him, "Lord Wyman Manderly has sent an offer to foster me late and hopefully raise me to the rankings of a lesser lord."
"Truly?" Robb asked in surprise, Theon hiding his surprise as well as Jon nodded.
"Father informed me earlier today. I was given till the morrow to think on it."
"And? What will be your answer?"
"I...don't know," Jon murmured, drawing a raised eyebrow from Robb who glanced at Theon.
"Theon, do you have any input here?"
"Not in the slightest. I can tell you though that I have eaten dinner so I will be working it off somewhere else."
"Going to Ros again?" Robb asked, hiding his smirk at Jon rolling his eyes when Theon nodded eagerly.
"Yep, I think I worked her over a bit too hard yesterday so I'll go a bit easier today. Don't worry, Snow. I'm sure if you ask nicely, she might let you go after me," Theon spoke, missing Jon and Robb sharing a glance as they watched the Greyjoy walk away.
"So, when are you going to tell him that you slept with Ros?"
"If I decide to go away," Jon replied, drawing a chuckle from his brother. However, he paused as Robb stopped at the top of the stairs to the hall and held a hand to his chest.
"Before we enter, I wish to ask, brother. Will you accept the offer?"
"On the one hand, I wish to stay here."
"And on the other?" Robb asked, crossing his arms as Jon sighed.
"Truthfully, I want Father to accept the offer," Jon replied with a hesitant sigh. "This would be a great opportunity for me to rise above my station and perhaps become something much more than just a guard to the family."
"That would never happen, Jon," Robb spoke with a soft smile. "You and I both know that Father would give you any unoccupied land you asked for if you wish to become a lesser lord."
"You say that, but would Lady Stark allow such a thing?" Jon asked, drawing a complicated frown from his brother before Robb sighed.
"No, she would not."
"I know it's bad to speak ill of your mother, but with this, Lord Stark would be able to grant me said land without worrying about Lady Stark's interjection."
"So, I'm guessing you already have an answer then?" Robb asked again, making Jon stare at him with a wry smile.
"It appears I do."
"Good. Then, let us not waste anymore time."
A/N: A bit of a short one to set up an extra-long one next chapter when the true story begins.
Next chapter: Journey and Change.
As always, read, enjoy, review and until the next one...
Ba-Bye~!