A Song of Fire & Snow (GOT)(Jon Snow)

Chapter 55: Homecoming

~Homecoming~

Jon stood at the docks of King's Landing, the salty breeze whipping through his hair, mingling with the scent of the sea. The sky was a patchwork of deep blues and soft pinks, the sun setting on a world that had changed irrevocably. His heart felt heavy in his chest, the weight of farewell pressing down on him.

Two Dornish soldiers flanked him, their expressions unreadable as they prepared to escort him to his ship. But before he could step aboard, he turned to face his siblings, who stood together at the edge of the pier.

Sansa was the first to approach, her regal demeanor softened by the shadows of uncertainty that had plagued them all. "Jon," she said, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. "I wish things could have been different."

Jon felt a lump form in his throat. "I do too, Sansa. But you've done what I couldn't—gained independence for the North. You'll be a good leader. I know it."

Sansa's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I lost my king before I even had the chance to lead. It feels so unfair."

"You've always been a leader, Sansa," Jon replied, taking her hands in his. "You've fought for your people, faced their fears. You're strong, and you'll bring them the peace they deserve."

For a moment, they stood in silence, each lost in their thoughts. Then Sansa stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself, wherever you go."

"I promise," he whispered, feeling the warmth of her embrace. They lingered for a moment longer, absorbing the bittersweet reality of their parting. When they finally broke apart, Sansa's face was a mix of sadness and resolve.

Next, Arya stepped forward, her expression as fierce as ever. "You're really going away, aren't you?" she asked, though it felt more like a statement than a question.

Jon nodded, a smile tugging at his lips despite the sadness in his heart. "I am. But you could come to visit me in the North. The Wall still stands, and there's so much to see."

Arya shook her head, a fierce glint in her eyes. "I'm not going back North, Jon. I want to see what's beyond the sea. There are uncharted lands waiting for me, and I won't rest until I find them."

His heart swelled with pride. "You've always been a wanderer at heart, little sister. But it scares me. The world is dangerous."

"I can handle danger," she replied, a fierce determination in her voice. "You taught me how to survive. Besides, I've got my own adventures to pursue. Just promise me you'll be safe."

Jon stepped forward, pulling her into a fierce embrace. "I will. And remember, wherever you go, I'll always be with you."

They pulled back, tears glistening in Arya's eyes. "Take care of yourself, Jon Snow," she whispered before stepping back, leaving him to process the finality of their goodbye.

Finally, Jon turned to Bran, who stood a few paces away, his expression serene. Jon took a deep breath, the words he had longed to say weighing heavily on his tongue. "I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me."

Bran's gaze was steady, a calmness that soothed Jon's restless heart. "You were exactly where you were meant to be," he replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "The North needed you, Jon. And now the realm has a chance at peace."

Jon nodded, feeling the weight of Bran's words settle over him like a warm cloak. "I wish you well, my brother. You're going to be a great king."

"Make your peace, Jon," Bran said softly, his eyes shining with wisdom beyond his years. "You have more ahead of you than you can see right now."

With that, Jon took a step back, his heart aching as he prepared to board the ship. The horizon stretched out before him, filled with uncertainty, yet he felt a flicker of hope ignite within.

As he stepped onto the vessel, the weight of his past lingered, but the promise of the future pulsed beneath the surface, urging him onward. He glanced back at his siblings, their faces a mixture of grief and love, and waved farewell, his heart aching but resolute.

Inside the ship, Jon was led to his quarters, the sound of the waves crashing against the hull a gentle reminder of the journey ahead. The small cabin felt cramped, but as he stepped inside, he was met with a surprising sight.

Alarys stood by the window, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of the setting sun. Her hair, now longer and flowing, caught the light, and as she turned to face him, a radiant smile broke across her face.

"Alarys?" Jon exclaimed, disbelief washing over him. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm taking you home," she replied, her voice filled with warmth and certainty.

He approached her, his heart racing. "Home? But north of the Wall isn't much of a home."

Her laughter rang out, bright and infectious. "Actually, you're being exiled to Dorne."

Jon's eyes widened, his mind racing to comprehend her words. "Dorne? But... how? I thought—"

"We have a fortress there," she explained, stepping closer, her eyes shining with excitement. "A place where we can raise our son or daughter, away from all of this."

A rush of emotions flooded through Jon—relief, joy, and love. "You're kidding!" he exclaimed, moving closer to her, his heart pounding.

"I am not," she said, her smile widening. "I wanted to surprise you. I thought you'd need something to look forward to after everything."

Overcome with happiness, Jon stepped forward, pulling her into his arms. "This is the best news I could have ever received. You... and our child... a home. It's all I ever wanted."

As they held each other, the world outside faded away, and for a moment, there was no past, no pain, just the warmth of their love enveloping them like a protective shield.

"I thought I lost you," Jon murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"You didn't lose me," Alarys replied, her voice tender as she looked up at him. "We're together now, and we'll face whatever comes next as a family."

Jon cupped her face in his hands, his heart swelling with a love that felt both new and timeless. "I love you, Alarys. I'll always love you."

"I love you too, Jon Snow," she whispered, and in that moment, he could see a future stretched out before them, vibrant and filled with hope.

Their lips met in a passionate kiss, a promise of what was to come, as the ship sailed onward into the horizon, carrying them toward a new life and the warmth of their shared dreams.

The sun dipped below the waves, casting the world into a golden glow, and Jon knew that no matter the challenges ahead, they would face them together, hand in hand, hearts intertwined. As the vessel cut through the water, he felt the pulse of possibility thrumming in his veins, the promise of a home, a family, and a love that could weather any storm.