Home Again [ RP for song_of_fire ]

Jon supposed it must feel like something of a contradiction to the rest of the kingdom, but to him, it was entirely natural and a sound plan for ruling. Although the terms that officially re-united the Seven Kingdoms under Targaryen rule once more allowed the North to exist, for all intents and purposes, as a nation of its own, he and Queen Daenerys visited Winterfell far more often than Sunspear, Highgarden, or even Dragonstone. After all, despite the latter being the Targaryen's ancestral seat, Daenerys had grown up across the sea, and so of the two of them, it was Jon with a home in Westeros. And despite early misgivings, Lady Stark had grown to welcome Daenerys to the castle whenever a royal visit occurred.

That day, Jon had found himself with few official duties, and so for old times' sake, he'd indulged in a few of the tasks he used to handle around Winterfell, enjoying the rough work and rough talk of the smallfolk and servants who'd served his family before Ned Stark had left. The years between had taken some toll, though-- Jon couldn't remember when his bones had ached this much from effort that didn't include swinging a sword. Being told that Her Grace was still in a meeting with Lady Sansa, Jon headed under the keep to the baths below, fed by the natural hot springs of the land.

He sank into the steaming water, wincing at first before his aches began to seep out into the heat. Jon closed his eyes and leaned back, not especially caring at the moment if he would melt altogether soon.