The Northern Wolves

~One~

welcome back, everyone

one

It was so childish of him.

To have these feelings and thoughts, it made him feel even guiltier than he already did. He was a grown man and it was absolutely selfish of him to feel jealous of the attention his beloved was bestowing her godfather.

Jon had no doubt the previously bedraggled man had no ill intentions, else their dire wolves would have torn him to pieces. The handsomely dressed man with black curls that could match his own, was telling Hartlyn tales of himself, her father and their friend. Even the 'epic love story' between Lily Jane Evans and James Fleamont Potter. Quietly, the fiery redhead had asked why her last name was Black and neither her mother's nor father's.

Sirius had smiled softly, sadly and murmured while cupping her cheek, "To keep you safe, Prongslette."

The Northern King had sensed something off, curious as to why Hartlyn's godfather would either withhold the truth or tell a lie, but his Queen only nodded, a distracted look on her snow white face, not thinking twice about his words.

No, the former Night's Watchman had no right. Despite his jealously, Jon was, in fact, pleased his Hartlyn was growing closer with another and that she had found ... well... he had found... family. Especially someone who remembered her parents when she didn't.

During his childish moments, however, when he felt seconds away from having a full on tantrum due to a certain grey cloaked Istari, who seemed to enjoy his annoyance and irritation, snickering like a child himself, Jon was positive if he didn't know how important the stupid wandering wizard was for this quest... he most likely would have beheaded him, just like the many times he had seen his own father do so to deserters.

His respect for Thorin had risen slightly, as, instead of making the occasional jibe at the Queen of the Northern Mountains, the tall dwarf had taken to simply ignoring her.

He could accept that... for now.

The two princes, Fili and Kili, he really couldn't tell the two apart, had started to follow him around, asking him for tips on several things, which was a little humorous, to him at least.

Dwalin, too, treated Jon like they'd known each other for years like they'd fought together... almost like brothers. Which was weird.

And Balin was seemingly fascinated by his beloved, wanting to learn from her, but, of course, Hartlyn was spending more and more of her time during their quest with her godfather.

He couldn't help but sigh with relief when the 'excitement' started up again one morning when Bilbo had shown up at their campsite.

The company were huddled in a small area waiting for the hobbit and when he came racing down the pathway, Thorin was on like a rash.

"How close is the pack?"

"Too close. A couple of leagues, no more. But that's not the worst of it." Bilbo panting and shaking like a leaf, obviously worried about the pack of wargs and the orc riders closing in on them.

Hartlyn left Sirius's side to stand next to the hobbit, giving him a small smile of comfort.

Jon raised his head and asked, "Have the Wargs picked up our scent?"