Jon took a couple of steps forward and arrived in front of Ned Stark. It was a moment hard to describe. No one knew the kind of emotions that were brewing inside both men. Their faces were stoic as always. No emotions were visible on their features. Probably, even these two men were not sure about the emotions coursing through them.
The duo remained standing in silence for a few moments. The entire yard held its breath, waiting to see how these two would meet.
"Lord Stark," Jon said, breaking the awkward silence.
"Jon," Ned responded, his voice soft and barely above a whisper.
"It is good to see you," he added after a little pause.
Ned raised his right hand and placed it on Jon's shoulder.
"It is good to see you," he repeated.
Jon smiled but said nothing more. Ned too smiled in response. It was a given that there was a lot both of these men wanted to say to each other. Especially Ned, who had a multitude of questions to ask.
But it certainly was not the right time. And the torrent of emotions that had overwhelmed them from the inside was certainly not making it easy. The stoic faces, the emotionless appearances, were merely a mask.
Ned removed his hand from Jon's shoulder, and Jon took a step forward.
He was now face to face with Catelyn Stark. To the world, it was Catelyn's rude and unkind behaviour that had forced Jon to run away from Winterfell. Jon was not sure how he would respond to that charge.
If he did not have his powers, he would have never fled the safety of the walls of Winterfell. He would have stayed despite her behaviour. He would have endured everything.
But with the same perspective, if not for Catelyn's rude and unkind behaviour, he might not have fled Winterfell. If he had been accepted into the Stark family as every other member had been, then he might have used his power and abilities for the betterment and rise of the North.
It was an issue about which even the great Lord Aeos was noncommittal. And neither was he keen to resolve his dilemma.
"Lady Stark," he greeted her with a smile.
Did he hate or loathe her for what she had done to him? No. Had he forgiven her? No. It was just that he simply did not care about a few things which had transpired in the past. It didn't matter if he had forgiven her or not. It was of no consequence.
"Jon," she responded.
Her face was also a mask of neutrality. But the slight tension and anxiety in the air was not missed by anyone. They could feel the awkwardness between the duo.
He did not linger in front of her for an extra moment, moving a step further.
"Robb," he said with a smile.
"Jon," Robb replied with a stiff smile. "You are back. It is great to have you back."
"How are you fine?" Jon questioned.
"I am doing well," Robb replied. "Great, in fact."
Jon could feel the stiffness emanating from Robb. And he had no idea why Robb was so stiff around him. Did Robb hate him? Was Robb jealous of him? Or was there any other reason for Robb's awkwardness? Jon could not tell. He would need to observe for a longer time to tell what was going through his heart.
Jon gave another nod towards Robb and moved forward.
"Sansa," he said with a smile.
"Jon," she replied.
There was no expression on her face. And it was a genuine feeling from her side. Apart from a slight curiosity about the great conqueror Lord Aeos, there was not much she really thought about him. And even Jon had not much to say about Sansa.
He moved forward. He bent down on one knee, coming face to face with young Bran. A slight gasp echoed in the yard as Jon bent down. He was a king, a ruler, and him bending his knee just to greet a child was a very big gesture. Jon simply did not care. Him bending his knee in front of Bran did not make him weak or strong.
"Bran," he said.
"Jon," Bran responded in a cheerful voice.
After Arya, he had shown the most excitement about meeting Jon. He was happy.
"How are you, Bran?" Jon questioned, placing his hand on Bran's head and giving his hair a ruffle.
"I am fine," he replied. "Have you brought anything for me from Essos? They say that you can find a lot of magical things in Essos. What did you get for me?"
"I have surely got something for you," he replied, ruffling his hair even more. "And you will see it soon. It is a surprise."
The smile on Bran's face widened even more, and his face beamed with genuine happiness.
Jon, without getting up, turned towards the youngest Stark. Rickon Stark.
"Rickon," he said.
Rickon did not know what to say. He merely stood there, smiling shyly.
"Rickon," Ned interjected. "What were you taught?"
"Jon," Rickon said, bowing in greeting.
It was a childish display of chivalry. Jon chuckled in response, and the other spectators too joined in.
"Do you know me?" Jon questioned.
Rickon shook his head.
Jon reached out and ruffled Rickon's hair.
"I am your brother," Jon said.
"Brother?" Rickon questioned innocently. "Like Robb?"
Rickon's innocent question was followed by a very awkward silence. Even Jon was caught off guard for a moment.
"Yes, I am your brother," Jon replied with a warm smile. "But not exactly like Robb. But your brother."
"Okay!" Rickon responded.
"Did you bring something for me too, like you brought for Bran?" He questioned.
"Of course," Jon said. "I have brought a very beautiful gift for you."
Rickon beamed in response. Jon stood up and faced Ned.
"The arrangements for your accommodations have been made, Jon," Ned said. "You have traveled a very long journey. You must be weary. You should rest. We will meet later."
Jon nodded and, under the lead of Ser Rodrik and Jory Cassel, proceeded towards his accommodations.
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