Faith
By Myriddin
Ice lay outstretched across the heavy ironwood table before him, its naked blade glistening in the firelight coming from the brazier. The dark, smoky color of the Valyrian steel created a haunting look, compounding the sense of intimidation the sight of it gave him. How could he not feel intimidated, even frightened? The symbol of his new responsiblities sat before him, dwarfing him in height and weight. What sort of Warden in the North was he supposed to make if he couldn't even lift the greatsword generations of Stark men had used to guard and govern the North?
Edwyle felt first the weight of hands against his shoulders, and he did not startle, for he had sensed her approach before her touch. Both her warmth and her presence were a welcome relief as he reached up to rest his hands over hers. She linked their fingers, sliding their joined hands down his chest until she could twine her arms around his neck, and a warm body came to lean against his back. He let out a sigh, some of the tension leaking from him.
"You'll grow into it," she said softly.
Knowing she was referring to more than the physical, his grip on her hands tightened slightly in search of reassurance. "You truly think so?"
Jocelyn rested her chin in the crook of his shoulder and as she pressed her cheek against his, he felt her smile. "I know so. And since I know you better than you know yourself, sweet brother, you have to believe me."
He chuckled at that, using their shared hold to tug her around him, pulling her into a grateful hug. Jocelyn giggled but earnestly returned his embrace. "Remember what Papa used to say about when winter comes,."
"The lone wolf dies."
"And the pack survives." She pressed a kiss to his cheek, earning the first genuine smile she had seen from him since their father's death. "You have your pack, Ed. I'm here, and Uncle will protect us."
"Winter is coming," Edwyle murmured softly, tipping his forehead against hers. In a way only a Stark could, they both understood the dual meaning of the words, both the warning and the underlying hope. Winter had come for Raymun Redbeard after he had taken their father from them. Winter would always come for those who wished House Stark harm.
"Winter is coming."
