Weeping Thorns

Chapter 11: Farewell Jon Snow

~Kasondra~

Today was the day I left for Kings Landing. My heart was still heavy at the thought of leaving Mother and Bran.

As I thought of this, I shoved my daggers into the holsters on my thighs. Mahala padded across the room with my favorite book in her jaws.

"Good girl." I praised the direwolf and rubbed her ears. She barked in happiness and waved her red tail. A short knock on my bedroom door was followed by an entering occupant.

"Can I come in?" Jon asked and chuckled when Mahala rubbed her flanks against his thigh. "Some guard dog!" He said and scratched the fur between her nose and head.

Mahala bounded over to my leg and laid her head on my thigh. Jon took a seat beside of me and we sat in silence.

"I'm leaving for the wall." Jon flat out admitted. I went wide eyed and stared at my older brother. So the rumors were true.

"Why? Bran and the others need you here." I wailed and grabbed his arm. Jon shook his head and bit his bottom lip. He turned to me with hard eyes and a firm frown.

"Bran may need me, but Lady Catelyn would have sent me off years ago, if she had the choice." Jon said with a certain bitterness to his voice. I lay my hand on his and gave it a soft squeeze. Jon smiled a little and turned to dig around in his pocket.

"A parting present." He stated and pulled out a  red velvet bag. Jon untied the strings and opened it to reveal and beautiful silver circlet with Wolves engraved into the front with a dark blue stone in the center.

"Jon-"

"Don't even ask how much. I'll take that secret to the grave." I gasped and gently took the jewelry from Jon. It felt a lot heavier in my hands then just by seeing it. "Try it on." He picked it up and neatly slid it behind my ears. The silver was cold as it pressed to my skin.

"How does it look?" Jon chuckled and ruffled my hair. I playfully punched his arm and laughed along. We would never have a moment like this again. How could he just pick up and leave?!

"Don't go, Jon." I begged and grabbed onto his hand. He sighed and smiled sadly. I lunged forward and wrapped my arms around his neck.

His shaggy black hair had been cut and was now beginning to grow in thickness. His facial hair was rough against my neck as I held onto him as if he would disappear.

"I need to visit Arya as well. Could you bring my horse around front?" I bit my bottom lip and nodded. Jon stood and placed one final kiss on my forehead. He left the room and I waited a few minutes before leaving as well.

Robb and Theon were training as usual, both covered in a thin layer of sweat. I passed them with my head held high and an ignorant look.

I might have heard Robb calling for me but ignorance was bliss.

I pulled Jon's horse from the stables and trotted along through the courtyard. I tied the stallion to the fence and stroked his thick mane. I remember the stories Old Nan used to tell us about the Dothraki men.

The Dothraki would lay with their horses and worshipped them as their God, if one was to fall off of his horse, he was marked as too weak or not fit enough to travel any longer.

These men were truly fearsome and the thought of them crossing the Narrow Sea sent chills up my spine. Father told us not to listen to such silly tales. The Dothraki feared the sea, since their companions couldn't tread on water.

"Lady Kasondra, going on a stroll before you leave for Kings Landing?" That voice could only belong to one person, a very short person.

"No, I'm gathering a horse for Jon." Tyrion mounted his own steed and now looked down upon me.

"Ah I see. I'll be joining your bastard brother on the Wall as well." I snorted at such a tale and held in a laugh. Though he did spark some anger at referring to Jon as such.

"You are going to be a Crow, Tyrion?" The man laughed and shook his head. He was intrigued by such an accusation.

"Oh no, my dear. I've just always wanted to piss off the edge of the world." Tyrion smirked and I couldn't help but giggle at such a silly dwarf. Out of all the Lannister's, Tyrion was truly my favorite!

"Have fun with that. Although I could use some advice." Tyrion leaned down and crossed his arms. The servant steadying his horse seemed to be focusing on everything but his task.

"King's Landing is filled with Liars, Thieves and Whores. All are willing to take your money or genitalia." My nose wrinkled in disgust but the Imp continued. "Trust no one, believe no rumor and watch your back."

"Kasondra!" I heard Jon call my name and saw his approaching form.

"Be safe, Tyrion. I once heard that the Walkers don't take kindly to humor." Tyrion smiled and tightened his coat strings.

"Let's hope they prefer wine." The servant released the harness and Tyrion took off towards the front gate. I barely noticed that Jon had mounted his horse and was gazing down at me with sad eyes.

"This is it." I whispered.

"This is it." Jon mimicked and adjusted his saddle. I nodded but just as he was about to trot off, I grabbed his glove covered hand. Jon stopped his horse and I looked of we at the ground, ashamed.

"Be safe, Jon Snow." I spoke, just loud enough for my half-brother to hear. Jon smiled and gave my hand a squeeze be releasing it completely. The other men, including Uncle Benjen, took off through the gate and into the woods.

The Wall has gained one fine man, and a Lannister.

~Chapter End~

I decided I do my best writing at midnight! Thanks for your support and the more you guys respond, the more I write! Thank you🙈