Chapter 2-

Elena fell back onto her bed in exhaustion, her wrist screaming in pain as she landed once again upon it. The young girl never realized how many times she landed on her left side. Regardless she pulled her blankets up and laid back against the pillows. It was only mid-day and she had already been lectured four times for her actions last night. Add in the fact that she barely got any sleep after Maester Luwin wrapped her wrist and it was no wonder why the poor girl could barely keep her eyes open.

Besides being physically drained, Elena was emotionally exhausted as well. Her first disciplinary lecture of the morning came from her mother, and boy was it a challenge. Catelyn Stark loved her children unconditionally but that did not mean she would let them off lightly for doing stupid things. She had slept in Elena's room during the night and when the girl woke early at dawn her brown eyes found cold blue ones fast.

"Mother" she moaned forcing herself to sit up but using her bandaged left hand. "Ah" she cried cradling it softly.

"Elena, no, watch that wrist," her eyes flickered concern and Catelyn took a seat onto her daughters bed to more closely assess the damage. "You certainly did a number to yourself." She sighed softly. "What were you thinking?"

"Mother, I-" but Elena cut herself off when she noticed her mother's sleeping garments. "You slept here all night?"

Catelyn waved her hand dismissively, "Of course I did" she spoke impatiently, as if the thought of not spending the night in her daughter's room was preposterous.

"Why? I'm fine. It's just a broken wrist. The boys always break something. It's no big deal."

"And when the boys break something I stay in their roomS as well. You'll understand one day when you have kids." She smiled softly. "Now, why would you be sneaking off at night to play with swords with the stable boy? I mean Elena, I feel like I am lecturing you on something that Arya would do, not someone who is almost a grown woman. Is Sansa the only one who understands her proper role?"

"Of course not Mother, I know my role. Why do you think I snuck off at night to work with Joseth? During the day I do my needle work and my studies and at night I learn to defend myself. I use my time wisely."

Catelyn let out a laugh, "That is supposed to make this all better? Because you use your time wisely? Proper ladies are not supposed to play with swords or bows or daggers. That is men's work!"

"Why?" asked Elena defiantly, "Why shouldn't I be allowed to use a sword. Maybe Arya is right, girls can be knights and be brave and save themselves for once. Who needs a prince if I can save myself from distress before he even gets there?"

Catelyn Stark flinched, "Please don't let your sister hear you talk like this." she begged. "The last thing Arya needs is to think someone else agrees with her. What is so wrong with following you duties and your roles? Women have been doing it for hundreds of years."

"And that's fine for them mother but I don't know if I want that." Elena sighed dramatically, "Maybe I don't want to marry someone from a proper house."

"You don't want a prince?"

"Titles mean nothing to me, they never have. I don't need a man to be a lord or prince to fall in love with him-"

"Because you already fell in love, with Joseth" Catelyn finished for her.

Elena blushed. "I don't know what I feel for him. But I know that the fact that he isn't highborn doesn't bother me nor should it. And you would like him too mother, I know it."

Catelyn smiled, "He is a nice boy." She moved a strand of her daughter's hair from her eyes. "But he's not a proper match for you."

"I don't care about proper. I have fun with him. He treats me normally not 'my lady this' or 'my lady that'. He's not afraid to upset me or swing a sword at me-"

"Nobody should be swinging swords at you!"

"He's helping me prepare myself!"

"For what?" Catelyn asked exasperated. "Why on earth do you need to know how to swing a sword?"

Elena sighed and turned away, "I don't want to feel helpless. I don't want to be whisked away to be a lady of a castle that I don't know with a man I don't love to try and be happy. Learning to fight makes it all a little easier. Like a way out if I needed."

"So if you wanted to get out of a marriage you would fight everyone to the death?" Lady Stark asked. "Marriage is about love and family, don't you want that?"

"Of course Mother, but with someone I choose. Why must I be forced to marry someone that other people pick for me?"

"But that is your duty." Catelyn ran a hand across her daughters face. She was the splitting image of Lyanna, a stark in every way right down to her stubbornness. "I had to do it. I came to Winterfell a scared young girl with a baby on my arm. Your father had just come back from war and we had only known each other for a short time. But look how it turned out. I have six beautiful children and a husband I love more than this world."

"That's different. Father was a good man to marry-"

"And do you think he would let you go to anywhere other than a great place with a loving husband?" Catelyn asked gently.

"But" Elena sighed, "but I don't want to marry Theon."

"Theon, Theon Greyjoy? Why would you think you were marrying him?"

"Robb mentioned it to me one time. He said that father agreed it would be a good match. Once his father dies, Theon will be the Lord of the Iron Islands and I would be his lady."

"You deserve better than Theon Greyjoy" her mother spoke bitterly. "You father might think it a good match but I disagree. You shouldn't be forced into a marriage to ensure there are no more rebellions."

"So you'll tell father that I don't have to marry him?" Elena sat up again eagerly, this time using her right hand instead of her left.

"It is ultimately your father's decision but I will try my best. But for now you are only fourteen. You have a bit more time with us in Winterfell."

Elena smiled, "I'll cherish it. I can't imagine ever leaving. I'd hate it, I know it."

"The world's a big place Elena, there is a lot more to see outside these walls."

"You're right that's why I need to be prepared."

"Not" spoke Catelyn sternly, "with sword training."

She sighed, "Yes mother."

"No my darling. You look me in the eyes and promise me you will not fight with swords. You leave the fighting to the men and be the proper lady I know you are."

Elena stared right into her mother's eyes and spoke, "I promise Mother."


The second lecture came from her Septa. Septa Mordane was old and strict but it was no secret in the house that Elena was her favorite Stark daughter. While Sansa was much better at needlework and took more care in ladies' duties, Elena was nicer and actually spoke to the Septa as if she was a grandmother rather than a teacher. The minute Elena's mother had left the room; Septa Mordane came waltzing in, the trail of her dress sweeping across the floors. The elderly woman went right to the window and threw open the blinds allowing the sun to come streaming into the room. Taking a seat in the vacant chair left by Lady Stark she sighed, "My dear Elena, I am glad to see the rumors being told all around the castle are not all true."

"Rumors?" Elena's head popped off the pillow. "What rumors?"

"Well there is the one about a great duel in the stables between Joseth Cassel and Theon Greyjoy. The winner was supposed to win your hand in marriage that is until you jumped in the middle and got hurt."

"Oh seven hells! Are people really saying that?"

"Elena watch your mouth!" though the septa smiled as she said it. "The other rumor courtesy of your brother Bran is that the Wildlings came to attack and you were there to stop them. He told a fantastic tale at breakfast this morning about how you saved the whole kingdom with your bravery."

Elena chuckled, "Well Bran has always had a big imagination. There were no Wildlings though."

"My heart can rest easy then" the Septa smiled, "and the last rumor which I'm glad to see is not true, is that you were mortally wounded. Slashed across the chest by the sword of Joseth Cassel."

"You couldn't have believed that Septa. I'm fine!"

"Well my dear, Joseth was sent from the castle early this morning with half the guard. They all seemed rather upset, especially Jory-"

"HE WHAT!?" Elena struggled to rip the covers off the bed but Septa Mordane held her down. "No Septa, Joseth can't leave, it was my fault! All mine! I made him train me. He didn't want to! Oh they can't let him go!"

"My dear, he is already gone." She placed a hand on Elena's arm. "It's for the best. Your father would never have sent him away if-"

"My father! My father sent him" Elena started to feel the tears roll down her face. "Why would he make him leave? His brother and his uncle and his cousin are here. He has no one else."

"I don't know my dear. But you need to rest. Lay back in bed-"

"No" Elena cut her off once again. "No I don't want to rest, I just want to see Joseth." Her mind traveled back to all the moments those two had shared. Their secret walks in the godswoods, that time he leaned in and kissed her under the big tree. The times they used to ride horses around the castle or when they practiced their sword fighting in the moonlight. When they laid on the grass and watched the sunrise, everything went so right and though she wasn't sure when the feelings had developed, Elena knew she would never find a person that she felt more comfortable with. He was her perfect balance and now he was gone.

"I'm sorry Elena." Her Septa looked genuinely upset as she stood from her chair. "You get some rest, and I'll get some food to be brought up for you."

"Thank you" she whispered as she broke down into her pillow. "But can you tell Jory to come up here."

"Jory?" her Septa asked as she struggled to hear the young girl between her sobs.

"Yes please."

"I'll go get him" and with that her second lecture was done.


When Jory came into her room, he stood tall and straight against the back wall. Elena offered him the chair that both her mother and Septa had sat in but Jory politely declined. "I'm fine my Lady." He spoke cordially.

"Jory" Elena began but when she looked at the captain of the guard all she saw was Joseth and the tears came again. "Jory, I'm so sorry" she cried.

He sighed softly his tough exterior melting away as he watched her tears fall. He knelt by the side of the bed and reached for her hand. "Now, now my Lady, there is no need for tears."

"But Joseth is gone. My father sent him away."

Jory nodded gravely. "He did but Joseth and myself agreed it was for the best. It will only be for a little while" he added quickly as he watched Elena begin to cry again.

"Why? Why did he have to go?"

"Because playing with swords with the Lord's daughter is troublesome behavior but allowing her to get hurt is even worse. He knows better and I know better. I shouldn't have let this go one as long as it did."

"Wait you knew?"

Jory smiled "of course. I'm captain of the guard. It's my responsibility to protect all you Starks. Children included."

"You knew but you never said anything."

"Never said anything to you my Lady. I warned Joseth that I didn't think it was a good idea. He, well, I think he felt the risk was worth the reward." Elena blushed softly but Jory was polite enough to turn away. "He still seemed to think it was worth it even after he left."

"Where did he go Jory?"

"Oh just a few towns over. They needed a good horse trainer and they will pay him for his work. It will be good for him."

Elena sighed. "Will he ever come back?"

Jory smiled, "He will in good time. I'm sure your Lady Mother will not approve of me saying this but if you want to write letters I'll be happy to send them."

"You'd do that?"

"Of course my Lady"

Elena's smile grew bright and Jory gave her a soft pat on the arm as he stood. "Now if you would excuse me my Lady, I must be going."

"Okay, but know that I'm really sorry Jory, for getting Joseth in trouble and making him leave. It was all my fault."

"Hush, my Lady. The important thing is that you are okay." He gave her a quick bow and a smile and left just as promptly as he entered.


Her last lecture came from the two people she had been waiting all morning for; her two older brothers. Robb and Jon looked so different yet were so similar and as they came barging in her room, Elena prepared herself for the dramatics that would surely ensue. It began right away as Robb took a seat on the chair looked right at his little sister and cried "What in seven hells were you thinking?"

"Well good morning to you too" Elena spat as she watched Jon take a seat on the corner of her bed.

"Don't get smart with me Elena. Theon told me all about what happened?"

"Oh because he is a reliable source."

"Did they really have a duel over you?" Jon asked quietly.

"Of course not" Elena answered rolling her eyes. "Theon was spying on us. He didn't even have a sword."

"Well it's a good thing he was there" Robb announced. "A stable boy holding a sword against our sister Jon, can you believe that?"

"What if he had hit you? It was a real sword, I saw it" Jon added.

"Of course it was a real sword, that's how you learn."

"Ser Rodrik doesn't even let us use real swords" admitted Robb. "It's too dangerous."

"Well I guess I'm a better fighter" Elena announced holding herself a little taller.

Robb laughed and rubbed her hair playfully. "Oh yes" his blue eyes danced with his chuckles. "You are definitely the best swordsman out of the three of us."

She stuck her tongue out at her brother, "You're just jealous."

"I don't think Robb's the jealous one little sister." Jon spoke solemnly.

"What do you mean-" Elena began but Robb interrupted. "Yeah that's right. You have to stop with this stable boy."

"That's none of your business" She spoke up defensively.

"Theon is getting upset and as his betroth-"

"I'm not marrying Theon!"

"Elena, I already told you father thinks it will be a good match-"

"Mother doesn't" Elena spoke up.

"Your mother doesn't get to decide these things" said Jon as looked to his brother. "I don't agree with that match either though."

"Theon is a good guy. He's like an older brother to me."

Elena scuffed in anger, "So you can marry him then."

"He would be good for you and it's not like you don't know him. You guys can come back to Winterfell and visit at any time."

"Robb I don't want to talk about this now. Joseth is gone and my wrist hurts-"

"Joseth?" Robb sighed softly. "You can't marry Joseth Elena."

"I never said I wanted to." But she had a hard time meeting her brother's eyes.

"He's not a highborn."

"I know that" she said and she turned to Jon. "But he's a great guy, you'd both like him."

"I don't doubt that" Jon spoke, "he also looked nice and he clearly adored you."

"You've seen us?" Elena spoke at the same time Robb looked over to Jon and asked "You've seen them?"

"I've always been partial to walks around the castle at dawn."

Elena blushed just thinking of the moments her brother must have seen, yet he never tattled on her or breathed one word of it. She had a new found gratitude for her half-brother, however Robb did not seem to agree.

"Why are you blushing?" he asked her. He turned to Jon, "What have you seen? Why do I feel like there is so much I'm not aware of? You better not have been doing anything un-Lady –like with this boy."

"Says the boy who kisses the kitchen maids behind the armory."

"How do you-" Robb began but Elena merely smiled and turned to Jon, "and you aren't so innocent either Jon."

"No need to point out my indiscretions" announced the black haired boy as he smiled at his sister. "We all tend to forget ourselves sometimes."

"But don't worry Robb" Elena spoke up grabbing her oldest brother's hand. "He's gone now you can rest easy."

The pain that filled those big brown eyes broke Robb's heart and he knew that this boy meant a lot to his little sister. Though he hated the idea of his sister in love or any guy (even Theon) taking her away to be a Lady of their castle, he would always want her happiness most of all. "He'll come back." He announced as if it was certain.

"No he won't" she answered sadly. "Or if he does I'll be long married and gone."

"You don't know that. Maybe-" he paused to think, "Maybe we can get a new horse then we would need our stable boy back."

"Father is the one that sent him-"

"We can talk to father right Jon?" she watched Jon nod eagerly along with Robb.

"I appreciate it boys." She was going to say more but her bedroom door opened again and in came young Bran running for joy and leaping onto her bed.

"BRAN!" cried Robb as he struggled to lift his brother off of Elena. "Her wrist is broken! You don't need to break the other one!"

"I'm just glad she's okay!" He answered as Robb held him over his shoulder.

"Don't worry Bran; I was able to fight off the Wildlings." Her brother blushed at the mention of the rumor he started.

"I'm glad you're okay Elena." He took a seat on the edge of the bed next to Jon who ruffled his auburn locks of hair.

"Me too Bran." She smiled softly. "Now why did you come up here?"

"Oh yeah" he mumbled as he struggled to think of the real reason he came into the room. "Yes! It's time for our archery lesson. Robb, Jon, you promised to help me!"

"We did, didn't we" Jon asked his brother. Robb merely shrugged, "well we can't break our promises, can we? Lead the way Bran, we will have you hitting bulls-eyes by sunset."

"Yes" Brand exclaimed as he leapt from the bed. "Feel better Elena!" he called as he ran from the room.

"To have half the energy of that boy" Jon called as he stood to leave the room.

"You make us sound old brother" Robb spoke as he too stood.

"You are" teased Elena. She got dirty looks from both brothers but they soon started to smile.

"Get some rest sister. Once you're healed properly and Mother forgets about this whole incident, perhaps we can restart your sword training."

"You would do that Robb?" she asked excitedly.

"Of course. If you are going to be kissing all these boys, I'd feel a lot better if you knew how to kill them." Both he and Jon gave her a kiss on the check and bid goodbye.


So now we get into the actual story perspectives. Hope everyone is enjoying so far. Reviews are always appreciated.