Her Name Isn't Snow

Chapter 21

Jon and the others traveled to the wildling territory to enlist their help in the war to come. As they got closer to the main hut, Jon's thoughts began to drift. They always drifted, but this time they went to Ygritte. She saved him, in more ways than one. And how did he repay her? By pretending she was someone else. A part of him would always be with her, but not enough of him. She needed more than he could give her, and it was a different kind of more than Rhaella. Ygritte deserved to be loved by a man completely, not just the small part he gave to her. Sure they spoke about her sometimes...but not much and even then the conversations were hard.

"Do you really think they'll fight with us?" Jon asked.

"We're not clever like you Southerners. When we say we'll do something we do it" Tormund told him.

Jon and Sansa entered the hut along with Tormund and Wun Wun who stayed in the back because of space. They met Dim Dalba who sat with the others around the hut. His was an elder of the group and his opinion was of great influence among the wildlings.

"Most of us wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for you Jon Snow. We owe you our lives and anyone who doesn't know that is a fool" Dim Dalba states.

"We will fight with you, those of us that can. We know that Ramsay will be the end of us if he is allowed to stay in the North. So we will fight with you" he continues on.

"Thank you Dim Dalba. This kindness will not be forgotten" Jon said with a smile as they left. They and the Wildlings began to travel to Bear Island, hoping to enlist the help of Lyanna Mormont. She was the granddaughter of the Lord Commander Mormont, and she had become the Lady of Bear Island after Robb's war. She was only 10 but she was rumored to be fierce.

Jon, Sansa and Davos entered Bear Island's great hall where Lady Mormont sat with her advisers and some armed men surrounding her. She looked young and fierce as everyone had said. The war had hardened her, like it had most people.

"Lady Mormont, it's an honor to make your acquaintance. My name is Jon Snow and I fought along side your grandfather at the Wall" Jon said introducing himself.

"It is said that you were named after my aunt Lyanna who was famed for her beauty. I can see that the name was passed on for good reason my lady" Sansa says with a sweet smile, but Lyanna says nothing and glares at the small party.

"Why are you here?" she states simply, ignoring the flattery and pleasantry.

"We've come to ask for your support in the war to come" Jon states.

"And why should we help you?" she asks.

"I remember seeing a raven written by you saying 'Bear Island knows no king but the King in the North whose name is Stark. You served Robb faithfully and we've come to ask the same of you in our reclaiming of Winterfell" Sansa answers.

"Aye, I did send that. And I will continue to serve the Starks but your name isn't Stark is it? Tell me is it Lannister or Bolton now? And him, his name is Snow, so why should I serve you?" She asks, giving the party a hard look. Sansa and Jon had no idea what to say.

"My Lady if I may. Jon Snow is as much a Stark as the rest of them. He fought along side your grandfather, a man who chose Jon to lead the men of the night's watch after him. He gave Jon his family sword because he believed in him. Believed he could lead. And you should believe in him too" Davos said, stepping forward to address the lady.

She stayed silent and leaned over so her adviser could whisper in her ear.

"We can give you 62 men" she replied. Jon faltered for a second which didn't go unnoticed.