Alternatively ways Jon and Val meet

I'm working on an AU- A year after the Greyjoy Rebellion, Ned receives an unexpected visit from his Uncle Torrhen Stark - Lyarra Stark's younger brother. Torrhen followed in his father's footsteps, earning his trade and living as a sellsword for many years.

Torrhen is Captain of the Legion of the Wolf, formed from the Wolf Pack and the Company of the Rose. N plus A = J. Jon is three and a half months older than Robb. The time between Harrenhal and Lyanna's disappearance was two and a half months. A month after that, Brandon and Rickard are dead, their heads sent to Riverrun and Winterfell.

Ned was in Riverrun at the time Aerys sent letters of demand for Ned and Robert's heads. Ned and Catelyn married for the Riverlands' support of the Rebellion. Ned struck an agreement with Ashara's brother before Ned left Starfall - (Lyanna died in childbirth - the babe was stillborn). Jon would spend the first ten years in Winterfell before he came back to Dorne to learn of his Dornish Roots.

Torrhen came to Winterfell with his son Rodrik in tow. Torrhen takes Jon under his wing. At a young age, Jon has been gifted with his Uncle Arthur's skill with a blade. When he's big enough to wield Dawn. (Yes, Jon has Dawn - Arthur's dying wish was for his sister/twin's son to have his sword.) (Edric was not born till 287)

Ned wanting his son to have a chance at life of his own, away from the constraints and prejudice of society about bastards. Torrhen and Rodrik take Jon back with them East. With Jon being Rodrik's squire.

Jon returns to Westeros a decade later in 300 AC. Rodrik and Torrhen have both died. Killed in battle. Jon, now Commander of the Legion of the Wolf, has come home to bring Torrhen and Rodrik to be buried in the Crypts.

Jon Arryn dies shortly after Jon returns to Winterfell. Jon returns to Essos after Ned rides south with Sansa and Arya, becoming Lord Hand to Robert. Luck is on their side for when Robb sends word of Ned's arrest. Jon and the Legion of the Wolf are in Braavos, having completed a contract for the Iron Bank.

Jon mobilises the Legion of the Wolf and returns to Westeros. By the time Jon and the Legion of the Wolf reach White Harbour, Ned has been executed, Arya is missing, and Sansa is being held hostage. The Legion of the Wolf, numbering 20,000, join up with Robb and the Northern Armies at Moat Calin.

Now the question. What would be a good way for Jon and Val to met early in Canon. I did have idea they met before Robert an co arrive in Winterfell to ask Ned to be Lord Hand, a failed ploy to kidnap Sansa to force Ned to allow them South of the Wall, the plot is foiled by Jon with Val, Ygritte and Tormund being captured. Any suggestions or feedback is greatly welcomed.