The Crow & The Little Bird
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Chapter Four

To my sweet, darling girl;

I know I promised I'd write you after the guardsmen arrived back, but there has been much going on in Finery. Do not think the worst my Little Bird, your Mother is well and even took a stroll with me around the gardens just the other morn. The news is not about your Mother, but about Lena; she is with child. Your Mother is riding out to be with her as soon as she is able; however, Anders wife is now expecting as well. From what the Maester can tell, Fiona is about two months along in her pregnancy. It is a time for celebration, not worries my dear girl.
Your Mother sends her love and regards to both you and the Stark family, she also hopes that they accept her apology for my keeping in Finery. Though, I do tell it not to worry about that she still does, you know your Mother.

Taren misses you as well, she does nothing but ask about when you'll be returning. I swear your little sister thinks she's your daughter, not mine. She says she'll write you as well, so expect another letter along with mine. Maybe I can convince your Mother to write you as well, you know how much she hates doing so. Until I see your bright, shining smile my daughter,

With all my love,

Father

My dear sister,

How have you been? Well I expect since it's probably warmer down in Winterfell than up here in Finery, you're doing better than I am. You probably have noticed how good my penmanship has gotten, Septa makes me write you thousands of fake letters a day so I can practice it and now she says it's good enough to actually send letters to you! Father may have not admitted to it, but he worries after you and Gregor. He knows how well you got along last time you visited them, and I only know through stories you have told me. Although, I've heard that the eldest Stark boy is quite handsome, at least that's what my handmaidens say. That he has rich, red curls and intense, bright, blue eyes - with a strong jawline to boot.

I won't write too long of a message because Septa Lenya is telling me to hurry, but I want to say I miss you and love you. I pray for your well being everyday, just like I do with Gregor. Be safe, and write back because I have been quite bored lately.

Your darling, pretty sister;

Taren

Hello my darling daughter,

I suppose by just reading that line you know who this is do you not? Your Father urged me to write a letter even though your sister's penmanship outranks my own, and you know how much I detest reading these damned things. Plus, you can never be too careful; you never know who is going to intercept these messages.
Your Father has probably sent word already, but both your eldest sister and your sister-by-marriage are with child. I'm riding out to be with Lena as soon as I am better, which I have tried telling your Father that I am already better; you both fuss too much over this old woman.

Gregor writes religiously to tell us of your good health and manners, but I miss reading your letters too. Please send one as soon as you get this, to put your dear Mother's heart to rest.

I love you.

Mother

Early this morning three crows arrived for Avery, and another two arrived for her brother. She read them all carefully and re-read them again and again. She couldn't help but feel home sick, but in the same time Winterfell started to feel like home to her. After almost three weeks she had spent almost every waking minute with one of the Starks, usually Arya or Robb. Jon persisted with the same excuse saying that 'Lady Catelyn this' and 'Lady Catelyn that', it had almost made her give up on even speaking with the man. Almost.

Sansa was a sweet girl that spent more time with her Septa than her Mother. She loved to sew and embroider, and she asked Avery almost every time she attended a lesson with the two girls to sing. Sansa was not gifted with a voice, but with magical fingers; she could play any musical instrument given to her. Avery was horrendous with musical instruments, as her Mother learned when Avery was still young, so they trained her voice instead of her hands. If it wasn't a song that Sansa requested, it was a story.
Arya was different. She hated lessons with her Septa, instead she wanted to be outside fighting and playing in the mud. She hated dresses and she hated having long hair, she always told Avery that she wanted short hair. Like a boy. Like Robb. That little girl looked up to Jon most of all however, because Jon supported her. He helped her with a sword and didn't care if she got dirty.

Brann was her climbing partner; he showed her all the best climbing spots in all of Winterfell, even the largest tree that he knew of. In the early mornings, Avery would support trousers and run out to meet Brann in their designated spot before they went trifling through the woods or climbing the stone walls. Arya would sometimes come with them if she could stir herself from her slumber, which was harder than waking the dead.
Rickon was such a sweet, little boy. Whenever he saw her he always had a flower in his hand, and always insisted on giving it to her. Brann teased him about having a crush on Avery, which Avery didn't mind - he reminded her much of her nephew, Edrick. He was a soft, but sweet soul. He had a weak heart it would seem, he couldn't run very fast or very hard so when Avery played with the boys she'd always match her pace to his.

Both Robb and Jon were handsome, there was no denying that. While Robb smiled freely and had this intensity, Jon gave only a few genuine smiles and had passion; she could easily tell they were brothers, even if they were only half-siblings. Robb escorted her here and there, making sure she never got lost, and sometimes he would go riding with her. Jon was different however, even though he paraded around with Robb more than half the time, he hardly was seen with her. Avery had to guess it was Lady Catelyn's doing. When he was around, his smile was the only thing she needed to see to brighten her whole day up.

Today, was one of those days.

It was dreary outside of Winterfell, not only had the snow begun to melt turning dirt into mud, it had begun to rain as well. Usually, Avery loved the rain and she would take her niece and nephews out to dance in it, but today she felt miserable.

"Would you like to take your meal in your room today Lady Avery?" Alera asked cautiously, seeing as her mistress's mood had dramatically changed since receiving those letters earlier. Avery thought she was very selfish, that she wished to be home with her family instead of here. She should be with Lena, or at least with Fiona - someone! She knew how much this meant for her Father though, and she couldn't ask him to send her home. Never. Avery sat on her bay window, the window slightly open so she could smell the damp dirt and grass from the rain, "m'lady?"

Avery hummed and looked lazily over to Alera, who looked worried, "yes please, and bring me a pitcher of water will you? My throat feels parched today." Alera curtseyed and replied with a 'of course m'lady'. Avery returned her gaze to the window and held the crumpled up letters in her hands, close to her chest. She was definitely homesick. She kissed the papers before bringing her legs underneath her and curling into a ball, falling asleep.

What felt like a few moments later, there was a knock on the door. Avery opened her eyes weakly before yawning, stretching her arms above her head and uncurling herself from the window. She saw the cooling lunch that sat on her desk and thought fondly of Alera. The knocking persisted. Avery made her way to the door and opened it. To be honest, Avery was expecting Robb or Arya when she opened the door, but there stood the intimidating figure of Jon Snow. He looked out of place standing in her doorway, and he filled it up as well. He looked nervous, or embarrassed; perhaps, both? Avery wasn't too sure, but she looked at him confused.

"Do you have the wrong room?" She jested playfully knowing full well that Jon hardly talked to her since the feast after she arrived. She wanted to talk more, even expressed that to Jon, but he didn't make an effort. He looked down at her with those sad eyes and that frown; he looked like a puppy, not a wolf. The thought made her giggle nonetheless.

"I heard you weren't feeling well," was his brief, rough response, "I wanted to see if you felt better." Avery smiled up at the tall man as she leaned against the frame of the door, closing the door slightly behind her so he didn't see the mess that she called her room.

"I feel a tad better, a little sleep helped."

"Would you like to take a walk then?" Avery was surprised at the offer to say the least, "your willing to be seen with me, Jon? I don't know if my heart can take the surprise of it all." Jon rolled his eyes ever so slightly and his lips twitched up into a soft smile, "I think that question is more for you: are you willing to be seen with me, Avery?" She nodded her head, "let me fetch my cloak."

Once she had clasped her cloak around her neck and put on her riding boots, her only sturdy pair of shoes really, she exited her room and nodded at Jon, "ready." Jon nodded and turned on his heel, walking away which Avery gladly and quickly followed close behind, "so where are we going?"

"For a ride, are you up for it?"

"In the rain?" Avery questioned, looking at Jon's face as he smirked, "the rain has died down, m'lady, it's nothing but a quiet drizzle." The way he said m'lady made it sound more sarcastic than usual, Avery liked it.

"Are you sassing me Jon Snow? I quite like it." The rest of the way to the stables was quieter than expected, but once they reached it, it was like a race to see who could get out of their the fastest. Of course, Avery had little experience riding her own horse seeing as she didn't necessarily have her own back in Finery, but here she was gifted a horse she may use while she was here - she lovingly named him Puddlejumper. Jon was faster than she was and by the time she had her foot in the stirrup, he was already waiting at the stable doors, "are you done yet m'lady?"

"Oh hush," she swore as she swung her leg up and over the horse's saddle, careful not to flash Jon her undergarments as she did so, "now let's go!"

They rode fast and hard, Avery was out of breath by the time they made it back to Winterfell. Rides like this is what she needed, to take her mind off of everything and anything; her mind seemed to think none stop otherwise. They galloped slowly back to the gates, both of their cloaks soaked through, but Avery felt nothing of the cold. She felt warm.

"I heard about the letters, were they bad news?" Jon asked quietly, gauging Avery's face as it rose and fell.

"No, quite the opposite. My sister is with child, as well as my sister by-marriage," she sighed and looked up to the sky and stopped her horse, "I'm missing everything I feel like, soon my little sister will be married without me being there." Jon chuckled at her dramatic response, but she shot him a glare that made him shut up; he kept a small smile however.

"Your sister is as old as Arya, correct? She can't get married soon, you know that."

Avery sighed and she rubbed her eye as rain sprinkled down heavier, "I know, but, I just feel like I'm missing everything." Jon nodded his head and he dismounted his horse, "what are you doing Jon?" Avery questioned, laughing as he almost slipped in the mud.

"Going for a walk, want to join me? Our horses can come with us too." Avery smiled at his request and nodded her head, "you're going to have to help me down though." Jon looked at her then towards Wintefell. Avery was certain he was going to tell her no, but instead he made his way over to her and stood next to her mare. Avery extended her hand out, but Jon shook his head, "let me grasp you by the waist and hoist you down, it will be easier and you won't slip like I almost did." Jon's hand timidly touched her hip. The light touch sent shivers down her spine and she tentatively placed her hand over his gloved one; she turned towards him, swinging her leg over the torso of her mare before he placed his hand on her other hip. Gently, Jon lifted her from her horse and for another brief second she felt like a crowned princess. His face was the color of her hair, perhaps even redder. Jon placed her gently on the ground and she smiled softly. Her hands left his and his left her hips.

"Thank you Jon."

"It was nothing Avery, you should learn how to dismount by yourself soon though; I won't be around forever you know." His eyes always looked so sad even if his mouth was trained into a small smile. Aver scowled playfully, "only if you teach me Jon Snow." Jon inclined his head, smiling more than before. Jon extended his arm out, something that Avery accepted gladly and without hesitation. Jon escorted Avery into the woods, their horses trailing slowly behind them.

"Have you lived here your whole life then?" Avery questioned after Jon explained his position. She didn't ask with malicious intent, quite the opposite actually; she wanted to understand why Lady Catelyn treated him so widely different, or even kept him here in the first place. Jon nodded his head slowly as he looked up into the branches of the trees, "yes, a few months after I was born I arrived in Winterfell with Lord Stark - my Father."

"And Lady Catelyn?"

Jon grimaced as they walked, "less than pleased with my existence I would suggest." Avery nodded her head. She could understand on both parts. If she was married, would she want to see a constant reminder of her husband's infidelity around her? Would she treat him like a son, or her like a daughter? But Jon was a person, and people in general command respect; that's what her Father always said.

"I don't mean to bring up such a sore topic with you," she spoke softly as if someone was around to hear her speak at all, besides Jon, "I don't understand why you're treated so differently all the time. You are Lord Stark's son, bastard or no, you have brought yourself up by the laces of your boots; you command respect in all regards. Anything less is shameful." His lips twitched, but there was no smile, "you're so serious all the time Jon, do you ever smile?" Avery jested, which she found herself doing more and more in his presence. There was something about him, something that made her want to watch a smile spread across those pouty lips. He did smile at her jab, chuckled a little even, "I tend to smile more now than I used to, even Robb commented on that today. Must be something in the water." Avery smiled, "must be."

There was silence. It didn't hang heavily in the air, it wasn't awkward, it wasn't embarrassing; it was peaceful. Their arms were entwined still and their horses softly nay'd as they walked. The rain was still sprinkling down from above and Avery took the chance to inhale deeply, to smell the fresh rain; wet dirt, grass, wood, and plant alike. There wasn't a soul to be found in the woods outside Winterfell, and she remembered when she was little how her Father warned her of Wildlings that would climb over the Wall and escape down South.

"Do you ever get Wildings down here?" Avery wondered out loud as they had started to turn back towards the road. Jon pondered for a moment before answering, "sometimes, on the rare occasion. They seem to becoming more courageous as time goes on; are you worried that Wildlings will swoop down upon us m'lady?" Avery rolled his eyes as Jon laughed at his own joke, "I don't know, one look at you and I'd say they'd run the other direction. You can be intimidating when you want to be Jon, and I have a feeling that, that sword isn't just for show." Her eyes glanced down at the longsword that was strapped to his side. He held the hilt proudly and smiled, "If any Wildlings swooped down upon us, I would defend your honor of course; you need not worry Avery."
Avery snorted, "I do not worry, I was just curious."

"Curious my ass." Jon joked, to which Avery gasped at, "Did Jon Snow just made a joke? I think I'm going to faint from shock." It was Jon who rolled his eyes this time. It was quiet again for a time, but Jon soon spoke again: "have you written back to your parents yet?" As they neared the road, Jon's arm was starting to loosen and Avery found herself frowning.

"No, not yet. I don't know what to say to them. Should I lie and play the happy daughter? Or tell them how I really feel? I've never lied to my parents before. I don't even know if I could stomach it really." Jon was quiet beside her, only his breathing indicated he was still there since his arm was no longer wrapped tightly around hers. Jon grabbed the horse's reigns and began to lead them into the keep as she followed.

"I think you should tell them the truth, but what is the truth to you Avery? Do you wish to go home? Will that make you happy? Your happiness is the only thing that matters in this situation, you can afford to be selfish sometimes you know."

Jon bid her farewell as he lead the horses into the stables. Avery offered to help, but he smiled and told her that she had letters to write instead.

To my loving Father,

I won't lie to you, but I don't want you to worry either. Wintefell is lovely and is full with people, but I can't help but feel lonely, misplaced. The Starks have been nothing but kind and accompanying, but I miss my family. Sadness and feelings of guilt are something I've lived with for a while, I am not with my family; I am not where I need to be. Instead, I feel like I'm on some sort of holiday in Winterfell while you handle the family and all the drama that comes with it. I want to help, but you say I'm helping by being here. Some days I wonder if that's really true or if you sent me away for some other reason.

However, I've become much happier as of late. The Starklings, as I have taken to calling them, are kind and gentle, sweet and welcoming. The four sons have included me in all that they do as well as the two sisters; those two are as cute as buttons mind you, and the youngest reminds me of my sweet, darling Taren. No one has given me any trouble, it seems that I have Gregor to thank for that; I am glad that he came with me. The one thing I do wish is that you would tell me what is happening more than you have been. I know you trade ravens with Gregor weekly sometimes, something is happening is it not? Please, tell me. It would put my heart to rest Father.

With all my love,

Avery

To my pretty sister,

Your penmanship is excellent it would seem, a lot of embellishments though. Has your Septa told you to remove all those swirls, curves, and extra lines? It would take you far less time to write a letter that way, but this penmanship reminds me deeply of you. I miss you dearly sister. I miss the games we would play, cards until late into the morn and playing hide and seek in the valley; I even miss the way you would talk none stop about the cute servant boys.

Yes, Robb Stark is quite handsome. He does have a thick, curl of hair upon his head - the color of the darkest, reddest wood, and his eyes are like blue ice. The beard on his jaw is quite attractive as well, I must say I have come to like beards on men while living here. I think you would like living here as well, the Stark's youngest sons are quite adorable and around your age, perhaps a bit younger. Maybe one day you can come visit with me.

Until I see you next, with all my love;

Avery

To my mother,

I know what you mean Mother, I know you'd send coded messages if something was amiss; the messages you have taught me through the ages. I miss you mother, I miss you and I miss my siblings. I feel like I should be there for my sister, I feel like you should be at home with your youngest while I assist my sister; I'm guilty Mother, it fills my heart up to the brim. Please, please be safe Mother, I can not bare the thought of losing you now. You are my Mother, my friend; please be well before you travel. Be safe, I shall pray everyday for your safety.

I love you,

Avery

Avery watched as the ravens carried the messages back to her family, all three birds traveled side by side, and Avery felt content for the first time in weeks. The light drizzle of rain had slowly started to become harder, but not enough so where it was making sound. It was eery, how quiet and grey everything was. Avery shivered slightly as she stood next to the open window and she wrapped her arms around herself to prevent if from happening again. Avery's eyes wandered over the scenery that she could see from her window, but her eyes trained on two cloaked figures clashing swords against each other in the training yard. She could distinctly make out that one of them was her brother, he was wearing the cloak that she made for him for his one-and-eight namesake day. The clashing of metal against metal made Avery feel nostalgic. She watched another moment before turning away from the window.

Alera was keeping her company as she wrote, her handmaiden was working on a dress, but now Avery asked her to fetch her cloak. "Yes m'lady." Alera put down the needle and thread before standing and retrieving the damp cloak, "may I ask where you are heading off to?"

Avery clasped the cloak around her shoulders snugly before grinning, "why, to go see who is kicking my brother's arrogant ass in the training yard of course." Alera chuckled slightly before opening the door for Avery. Avery left hurriedly, wanting to see the end of the fight. She flew down the corridor with little strain and into the court yard. The cool rain hit her skin and at first it make her shiver and cringe, but as she walked closer and closer to the sounds of sword against sword, her body had gotten oddly used to the feeling.
She stopped not a few feet away from where they were practicing and she was entranced by the way her brother's opponent moved. He was fluent, flowing from defense and offense like it was nothing but a magic trick. Gregor was growing furious as his target side stepped another one of his moves. He jabbed his sword out, catching the very end of the other person's cloak, but it did nothing but rip it slightly.

Avery was amazed by how close they were, but they seemingly couldn't land any blows on each other. When her brother's opponent side stepped once more and jumped over a slashing blow to his feet, his hood fell revealing a head of auburn curls. Avery wasn't shocked that Robb knew how to fight well, his skills were widely known and spoken about in some circles. Her Father for one talked about the eldest Stark's prowess and how he even defeated her Father in a duel that lasted nearly twenty minutes.

However, this duel was different. Her brother was arrogant, cocky when he was fighting. He played offensively, always being the first to attack, and that was his down fall. While Robb was playing the field defensively, side stepping and blocking all of her brother's moves, Gregor was getting angrier and angrier which inevitably made him sloppy. Gregor's two handed attacks were powerful, but he was growing tired; panting and sweating like a dog, Gregor stood and watched as Robb landed a blow on his side with the flat, broad part of his sword.
Robb was fast and efficient, he could've easily killed her brother if he wasn't careful.
Gregor tried to block the attacks, but as time went on he was pushed back. The last swing that Robb slashed at her brother had been the final of the duel. Her brother, tired and irritated, went down on one knee as Robb brushed the tip of his sword against his shoulder.

"I yield." Gregor coughed slightly. Robb offered him a hand, which her brother took and the Starkling pulled Gregor up, smiling at him.

"It was a good duel, best one I've had in ages it feels like."

Gregor snorted at the compliment, "whatever you say you royal prick," they both laughed at this, "my sister hits harder than you." Robb and Gregor had both sheathed their swords by now, but the comment made Robb raise an eyebrow.

"I doubt that."

"I can handle a sword fairly well my Lord." Avery called out from behind them. The two boys knew she was standing there and yet they said such things. She was grinning, hiding her irritation with a simple mask, "shall I prove it to you?"

"I can't fight a woman, let alone a Lady." Robb declined which Avery knew he would do. She rolled her eyes and made her way over to her brother and stood beside him.

"She defeated me once in combat," Gregor remarked before frowning and glowering at his sister, "after she kicked me in the groin." Avery shrugged and laughed, "I used a weakness to my advantage, what you taught me." Her hand steadied on the hilt of her brother's sword before drawing it. The simple weight of it made her want to drop it, but she didn't; good thing too, it would've been embarrassing. She swung it playfully a few times, flipping it over in small circles each time grabbing the hilt again before jabbing the point at Robb, "draw your sword Lord Stark."

Robb shook his head, "no, I won't."

Avery rolled her eyes again before lunging at him. Robb barely had time to draw his sword and block the on coming attack. He gritted his teeth and pushed her back with ease, "I won't fight you." Avery laughed snidely, "good that means I can beat the almighty Stark." She didn't wait for his reply, but instead made a slashing motion with her sword which he deflected again. One after another, she swung and he blocked. She watched him before when he dueled her brother, she knew what he was doing; however, this was different. If she didn't attack, she knew he wouldn't come at her.

She watched as her last attack made him step back uneasily, his feet sliding back in the mud. Quicker than she would've thought, she swept the sword towards his ankles. Trying to jump over the sword, or step back from it with already unsteady feet made him fly back in the mud. He collided with the ground in an ungraceful 'thump'.

Rule One: Make your opponent unsteady.

Robb sat shell-shocked that she managed to even push him back far and hard enough to where he fell; however, the small victory didn't last long as he swept his sword at her ankles now. She stepped back, avoiding the move, which gave him time to get up from his spot in the mud. He held his sword defensively and waited for her to attack. She didn't, instead she nonchalantly slid her dress up with her free hand, revealing a long, milky leg. Robb's eyes trailed along the exposed limb, and as he did so, she attacked.

Rule Two: Distract them.

She brought her sword up and over her head before plunging the sword down, Robb blocked it at the last moment when he moved his sword to parry hers.

Rule Three: Attack them.

She was unyielding with her attacks, the blows came consecutively - one blow landing after another - he blocked them all. She was growing weary and tired from the fight, which Robb saw.

"You're tiring, I don't want to hurt you; just yield and we can stop."

"Just yield right?" She lowered her sword and he lowered his, seemingly appeased with her reaction.

Rule Four: If all else fails, fight dirty.

He opened his mouth to speak, but she rushed him. She brought her sword up and landed one hit to his leg using the flat side of the sword; if nothing more it would leave a bruise in the morning. He hissed ever so slightly before parrying her sword away from him, "you got one blow on me, let us see how you do with raw strength." Before Avery knew it, he lunged at her. Slashing, jabbing, prodding the sword at her; it was a barrage of attacks. She deftly blocked each one, one after another, before she would feel her blocks getting slower and slower.
Robb used his shoulder to push her back. She fell back onto the ground, her sword sliding away from her, and she could feel the point of the sword against her throat.

"Yield?"

Avery nodded her head sadly. Robb smiled, sweat pouring down his face - or was that rain? He sheathed his weapon before extending a helpful hand her way. Avery graciously took it before tugging harshly on it. Robb made a shocked face as he managed to land in the mud alongside her. Drawing the dagger she kept tied to her thigh, she managed to roll on top of him and point it at his throat.

Rule Four and a Half: Keep fighting dirty until the end.

"Always make sure the opponent verbally says 'yield' before you actually yield Robb," Avery said sweetly, "or it could cost you your life." Robb's face went from anger to shock to humor; he began to laugh and through the choked laughter he sputtered out an: "I yield, I yield." She sheathed her dagger, patting the place where she put it and rolled off from him. She laid next to him in the mud, laughing with him. Gregor was laughing too; what an odd scene this was.

"Your sister does fight dirty, I think she lacks honor." Robb joked as he leaned up from the mud. Avery had barely noticed that it had stopped raining and the sun was starting to peek out from the clouds; however, when the light hit Robb's hair she noticed the shimmer and wave of it.

"She does not lack honor, she just has a survival instinct I do believe; Harder than steel, colder than ice." Gregor quoted their saying and smiled. Robb smiled too, nodding his head.

"What is going on here?"

Avery turned and saw Jon, Arya, and Theon. Jon and Arya looked like they just arrived and Theon was rounding the corner as Arya spoke. She looked curious and above all, happy, "We heard swords, who was fighting?" Robb and Avery looked at each other before bursting out laughing. Robb's face was covered in mud as he landed in it face down the last time, and Avery's hair was caked with mud; streaks of it were running down her neck and effectively into her bosom. They both looked ridiculous.

"Did you fight Robb, Avery?!" Arya was excited to know and all Avery could manage was a strangled 'yes' before Arya rushed over. She was literally jumping up and down, smiling, "who won?"

Gregor snorted, "my sister." Jon and Theon stilled. Robb froze for a moment before replying: "because she fought dirty. Using her lady wiles to distract me and then pulling me into the mud!"

"To my sister's credit she did abstain your attacks, not very effectively but it worked. Plus, she tripped you up a first time before pulling you into the mud. You fell twice Robb."

It was silent before the entire training yard was filled with laughter. Robb looked embarrassed, but he couldn't help but smile. Avery was cackling softly, Theon was howling like it was the best thing he ever heard, Arya was asking questions about a mile and minute, and Jon just smiled at Avery.

Jon had a nice smile.

"If anyone asks it was a draw." Robb whispered to her, but she shook her head and looked at him with fake shock, "you would have me lie for your honor Lord Robb?" Robb chuckled before standing up, chunks of mud falling off of him before he offered her his hand.

"Don't pull me in this time." Robb smiled as he spoke and Avery nodded, only taking his hand as he pulled her up. Her pretty navy blue dress was covered in mud and she knew that Alera would be upset. It seemed as if Alera was always upset with her as of late, she didn't know why. She apologized for things that seemed simple, but nothing appeased her handmaiden. Robb slung an arm around her and pulled her in for a sort of sideways hug, "good duel it would seem. I might've underestimated you m'lady."

Avery's eyebrow rose, "Might have?" Robb laughed, "alright, I yield m'lady; I did underestimate you. I was sure your little arm would've fallen off from the weight of the sword alone."

Avery was about to retort, but Arya had run up to her with her arms wide open. Mud splashed up from the girl's feet, "did you defeat Robb?" Avery glanced at Robb before answering: "barely, I think we called it a draw." Jon walked up from behind Arya as she talked more and more to Robb asking him what Avery was like when she fought.

"You look a mess m'lady," Jon joked as he looked over her muddied form, "a true image of the Coldstone line?" Avery gave him a 'hardy-har-har' before playfully pushing the raven haired boy. His smile somewhat faded as he stilled.

"What is going on here?!"

Everybody froze as Lady Catelyn Stark entered the courtyard looking shocked rather than amused, "Lady Avery you are muddy!" She fussed over Avery like a Mother would, which made Avery smile lightly.

"I was taking a walk with your son, Robb and as we were talking I slipped and I pulled Robb down with me m'lady. I was just off to take a bath, if that is alright with you m'lady?" Avery lied easily, which made her stomach twist into knots. She didn't like to lie, but she didn't know how Lady Catelyn would react to her fighting her son, and winning it would seem. Robb nodded his head, "I apologize Mother, we weren't watching where we were walking and we slipped. I tried to save Avery from getting to dirty." Robb pointed at his own clothing which was lathered in mud where hers was more concentrated on her behind and hair.

Lady Catelyn sighed, "It's alright, I was just worried... never mind, let's get you into a warm bath shall we? You are freezing!" Lady Catelyn cried out before escorting Avery away from the scene. Avery glanced back and saw Arya smiling ear to ear.

You. Are. Amazing. Arya mouthed at her, but Avery just shook her head; Just. Lucky. Avery and Catelyn rounded the corner and went up to her quarters.

Alera pulled on her mistress's hair harshly, "why would you do such a thing? Fight the eldest Stark in single combat? Do you have a death wish?" The water that Avery was soaking in was colored with a light brown color from the mud that washed off of her. Alera lathered Avery's hair with soap and poured warm water over her head. The water ran down her head, over her face and shoulders.

"We weren't landing strikes that would kill Alera, we were just practicing." Alera snorted which Avery looked back at her with a raised brow. Alera was an epitome of lady-like; she always had her legs crossed, always sewing, her hair was always neatly braided, she was very pretty, and she never snorted. Never. This was something new to Avery to say the least.

"My brother was practicing with one of your Father's guard before and the guard accidentally maimed him," Avery knew the story, the guardsmen lost two fingers that day for striking a stable boy with lethal force, "he still has a scar on his leg and walks with a limp now. If that was you m'lady, you would never marry. No one would want a lame bride." Avery sunk into the tub. It was harsh what she said, but she was right, "do you understand now?" Alera asked quietly. Avery turned towards her friend and watched as tears formed in her eyes, "I want you to find happiness and love, if that couldn't happen - I... I don't know what I would do."

Avery smiled at her friend, "You would live on. I want the same for you Alera, I want you to marry for love and happiness. If I wasn't in the tub, I would hug you." Alera smiled and wiped the tears away with her fingers, "well lets get you out so you can do just that."

I don't know if that was a weird note to leave it on, but I thought it fit. Let me know what you think! The next chapter we will be getting into episode one of season one, in which the madness starts.

Will the Coldstone family change anything? Will they be a deciding factor in the war, or not? I suppose you'll find out in the on coming chapters. Thank you for reading, reviewing, alerting, and favouriting! You guys are amazing.

PS: Please accuse any errors, I went through it a total of four times, but sometimes the same set of eyes looking for errors won't find them! Let me know if you find any as well, it would mean a lot to me!