05 - Distant news and children's dreams

Several days after the meeting with Catelyn, both Jon and the others noticed a radical change in their mother's attitude towards the two bastards. Now there were no differences between the children; she treated them all the same, allowing them to be united most of the time. She also seemed happier. Lifting that weight off her shoulders and regaining her dignity, at least for herself, was an important point.

One afternoon, while the brothers were in the courtyard practicing with wooden swords, Jon approached Ethel with curiosity in his eyes. Robb, who had also noticed the change in their mother, joined them.

"Ethel, have you noticed how lady Catelyn has changed with us?" Jon asked, lowering his voice so the others wouldn't hear.

Ethel nodded, looking at Jon and then at Robb. "Yes, I've noticed. She seems more at peace, more openminded."

Robb frowned, intrigued. "Jon and I think it has something to do with that meeting you had with her the other day. Did you say something to her?"

Ethel smiled slightly, trying to appear nonchalant. "I don't know what caused the change, Robb. Maybe Lady Catelyn just decided it was time to let the past go."

Jon didn't seem convinced. "I know that meeting had something to do with this, Ethel. But if you don't want to share it, I'll understand. I just want to thank you, because this means a lot to me."

Ethel looked at Jon and saw the sincerity in his eyes. He felt the need to protect the secret but also to comfort his brother. "Jon, what's important is that now we're all treated as equals. Let's enjoy this time together and support each other. That's what really matters."

Robb nodded, placing a hand on Jon's shoulder. "Ethel is right. Whatever happened, mother seems to have changed for the better. Let's take advantage of this opportunity."

Ethel recalled Catelyn's words during their private conversation, when she told him and Jon that they could call her mother. "And there's something else," added Ethel, with a smile. "Catelyn has told us we can call her mother."

Jon and Robb looked at each other, surprised. "Really?" Jon asked, his eyes shining with a mix of joy and relief.

"Yes," Ethel confirmed. "She told us both. It's a big step, and it means a lot."

The three brothers briefly embraced, feeling a stronger connection than ever.

During their duels, the three fed off each other's skills. Ethel, being on a completely different level, helped the other two improve. Even though Jon and Robb could never master Haki, practicing so much with Ethel would help them in the future. Both brothers had a lot of innate talent, and with constant practice, that talent shone even more.

In these days, besides the change in Lady Catelyn's attitude, news arrived from King's Landing. According to the maester, the royal fleet and the Reach's fleet had been ordered to unite to crush the rebellion. Despite the Greyjoys having raided several coastal towns and killed many innocents, with the numbers and power of the Seven Kingdoms, it was only a matter of time before they were crushed.

Ethel, Jon, and Robb discussed the news as they took a brief break from their training. "It's only a matter of time before the Greyjoys are defeated," said Ethel, wiping sweat from his forehead. "With the royal fleet and the Reach's fleet united, they have no chance."

Jon nodded, thoughtful. "True. But still, we must be prepared. This war could bring trouble even here, in the North."

"Right," added Robb. "But we need to stay united and strong. We've learned a lot by training together, and that will make us more capable of facing any threat."

Ethel smiled, feeling the bond between them strengthen even more. "Exactly. We're stronger together. And what we've learned here will serve us well in the future."

Robb nodded and then asked, "Speaking of the future, what are your aspirations?"

The other two fell into deep thought, especially Jon. Ethel, seeing that no one was breaking the silence, decided to speak. "What interests me the most now is exploring the world. I want to discover and see things that, being here, I could never imagine exist. Starting with the Wall. We're all twelve years old and we still haven't seen it. When father returns, I'll ask him to take me to see it," explained the young man with an excited tone.

Robb nodded at his brother's words, clearly understanding the great appeal of the unknown. "Wow, I'd love to join you on your adventures, but I want to learn as much as I can from father, learn to be a just and honorable lord."

Jon looked at the two, unsure if he should interfere. Ethel quickly noticed his brother's expression and asked, "Jon, what's your dream?"

The dark-haired young man fell into deep thought, doubting if he should answer. His dream was something that would separate the three of them. After Ethel and Robb insisted, Jon explained, "I'd like to join the Night's Watch, just like Uncle Benjen."

Robb tried to convince him not to follow that path, but Jon just remained silent, ignoring his words. Ethel was the only one who understood his younger brother's feelings. Being rejected since he was a baby was not easy.

"Jon, it's a decision you must make alone. But I want you to know that you'll always have me by your side, whatever you choose. Besides, the Night's Watch used to be the defenders who protected the realm of men, there's no greater honor than that," said Ethel, with a look of understanding and support.

Jon looked up and saw the sincerity in Ethel's eyes. "Thank you, Ethel. It means a lot to me to know that I can count on you," Jon replied in a soft whisper.

Robb, seeing the determination in Jon's eyes, calmed down a bit. "If that's your wish, Jon, I'll respect it. I just want you to know that you'll always be my brother, and I'll be here for you."

Ethel smiled, satisfied with the understanding that had been reached. "So, we each have our own paths, but we'll always be brothers. That's our true strength."