#wildwolfed

Considering he’d travelled so far, likely further North than most others in this party, he still found it took a toll on him that other’s didn’t seem to feel. Men his age were at their physical peak while he trailed behind, even with a walking staff. Some of the more kindly among the group had offered to aid him in walking or to provide a horse, as it was Jojen waved off their concern with a quiet smile. While he wasn’t necessarily ‘healthy’ he was no invalid; plus, he’d never learnt to ride a horse, they couldn’t traverse the Neck and father wouldn’t let him near a Lizard-Lion to try and tame. 

So he struggled on, watching other’s his (and several many years senior) overtake him as they progressed. When night fell it was a great relief to the the leaders make camp and often by the time he arrived tents were raised and food was nearly finished. A kindly woman offered him a few strips of dried meat he gratefully excepted and normally he’d have made for bed soon after. But tonight he had something else to do. Rickon Stark’s return had likely brought his King and Princess great joy, though he suspected the youngest Stark would not bear him well-wishes. They’d only met briefly before Jojen and Meera separated him from the only sibling he’d remained with so they could meet the Three-Eyed Raven. Jojen only hoped Bran was safe and his training progressing, they’d need him in the fight to come. 

But for now a rift needed to be mended, and answers given that couldn’t be said before. So Jojen sought out the wild prince and it didn’t take long to find him, Dire-Wolves tended to stand out in a stationary crowd. Seeing both Rickon and his beast (Shaggy-Dog if he recalled?) sitting by an already lit fire Jojen made his way over, now relying heavily on his walking staff. Once he was was before them, he bent the knee, just as he’d done for his eldest brother. 

“Prince Rickon, it is good to see you in such health.” he said, soft words nearly drowned out by the crackling flames. Raising his head slightly his piercing gaze met the Direwolf and he added, “Lord Shaggy-Dog, you’ve grown in kind.” After his greeting he paused, still not rising though the pose caused his frame to tremble, “If you’d be willing, Your Highness, I would speak with you regarding our previous encounter.”