Chapter six

It tasted good.

She hadn't eaten for days as she felt the satisfying feeling of a filled stomach. The blood was warm and the meat was fresh and it tasted even better knowing that it was a good hunt.

Her brother tried to take the prey away from her, to eat some of the snow fox as well, but she didn't let him. Oh no, it was about time that she would eat something.

The flesh of the fox was almost gone as she let the soft meat fill her stomach. For the last few days, she had lived on small mice that were running in the castle, and one time she was lucky that her brother gave her something to eat when he came back from a hunt.

Over time, she grew bored. She wanted to go out, let the fresh air fill her lungs and go on an adventure like she used to. Today, she was lucky.

She growled as she thought her brother approached her one more time, but luckily it was the young man. The young man had come up with the idea to take her to the forest, like she did every day. The master of her brother was hesitant at first, for her foot was still healing, but the young man convinced him anyway.

"Hey, big one." He whispered to her as he stroke her back.

She accepted him. He was good to her and to her master. He played with her when she was bored and he let her hunt when she wanted it.

"We should go back, to the castle." She could hear the master of her brother.

Her brother howled. He really wanted some of the meat she had caught. She ate the fox until she was full and then let her brother have the rest.

"Come on, Grey Wind, it's getting dark." The master of her brother said.

She didn't care: she liked the dark. More prey would walk in the forest and she could easily hid herself in it.

But she could remember that her master didn't like the dark as well. The dark was a sign that the humans needed to return home, and warm themselves by their fires.

She looked at how the two men went on their horses. The young man looked down at her as he winked. She blinked her yellow green eyes as she licked the blood from her muzzle. When she would return to her master, she needed to clean herself.

The young man whistled as he kicked his horse to make him move. She followed as she could hear her brother follow his master.

They've reached the gate of the city where her master lived. Maybe her master would be awake now; she had been sleeping for days.

She waited as the young man took his horse back to the stables. He walked over to her and patted him on her head.

"Come on, girl. We'll go to your master now." He said as he walked to the corridors whom she knew so well.

She followed him and waited as he opened the wooden door. She entered immediately, to look if her master was up.

Her tail wagged hopefully as she looked at the bed, but stopped soon when she saw that her master was still sleeping.

The young man sighed from behind her as he closed the door.

"Sorry, Winter, it will be just the two of us again." Theon told her as he pat her head once more.

…..

Theon

Theon sighed as he watched how Lyanna's wolf crawled up at the end of her bed. He could tell by the way the wolf reacted, that the wolf was gloomy since Lyanna had been put to sleep.

He patted her once more as he reached for a goblet as he filled it with water.

'Lyanna's handmaidens must have filled it with fresh water,' he thought as he tasted it.

It was well known in Winterfell that Theon was Lyanna's most frequent visitor, even more than her mother or brother. Lady Catelyn and Robb were both busy with running Winterfell since Lord Eddard and his daughters had left and now with Lyanna and Bran both in a deep sleep…

It had been two weeks since Lyanna had been attacked. No matter how busy Lady Stark was, she made sure she visited her daughter every day. But then a new drama hit the Stark-family: a week after Lyanna's attack, Bran was attacked too. Luckily, Lady Stark was there as was Summer, as Summer had finished the attacker of Bran. Since then, Lady Stark asked Theon to help her visiting her children, and he was glad to do so.

Theon had to admit: it could be boring sometimes. Most of the times he watched how Lyanna was sleeping, hoping she would open her eyes when he was there with her. When boredom struck him, he always had Winter to play with, as he saw that the wolf was bored herself too. His ritual now started with talking to Lyanna: he had no idea if she would hear him, but it felt right to do so.

"No news of Bran's attacker," he started. "Your mother insisted on going to Kings Landing, to ask her friend Littlefinger of he knows who the dagger belongs to." He said as he walked over to the bed as he sat on the edge of it.

"She will leave us tomorrow morning. Robb and I went hunting with the wolves. He will no longer be able to do so this frequently when all the responsibilities will go to him as soon as your mother leaves." He grinned as he thought of how busy Robb would be. Surely, Theon would help him where ever he could.

"Robb invited a few of your old friends to come over to strengthen the bonds with your allies." He grinned once more, although this was a more sarcastic one.

"Remember the Forresters? Of course you do: as a young girl you couldn't keep your eyes off Asher and Rodrik." He said as he spat Ashers name out.

He paused for a moment as he thought of the family himself. The Forrester-family was probably one of the most loyal families to the Starks in the North. The children were of the same age as the Stark children and Lord and Lady Forrester were close friends to Lord Ned and Lady Catelyn.

the Forresters visited more frequently when Robb, Lyanna, Jon and Theon were younger. Asher and Rodrick were young too, and they did not have all the responsibilities that they have now. Rodrick was close friends with him, Jon and Robb, but Asher always seemed more interested in Lyanna.

Lyanna was interested in him as well, although she never admitted it to Theon. He could see the way she looked at him when he was around. Theon hated to admit it, but it was the same way she looked at him. Luckily, Asher hooked up with a high born girl and was sent across the Narrow Sea, far away from Lyanna and him.

"Oh well.." he sighed as he saw no reaction coming from the girl in the bed. "I will leave you to it now. I'm going to have dinner with your brothers and mother. I will be back soon." He said as he kissed her head and left the room as he closed the door behind him.

Little did he know that Lyanna opened her eyes as soon as she heard the soft sound of the metal which fell smoothly into the lock.

…..

Lyanna

'Why can't I get up?!' She thought as she tried to get up for which felt like the thousand time.

Winter was barking excitedly as she jumped around the bed, trying to get her masters attention.

"Winter, help me. I need to get up!" Lyanna said to the wolf as the wolf jumped on the bed, right on her leg.

"OUCH!" Lyanna screamed as she reached for her leg.

Winter was scared as she jumped off the bed as soon as she got on it and squeaked a little when she saw Lyanna in pain.

"It's alright Winter," she said through her teeth as the sharp pain went through her leg, "I asked you to help me, it's not your fault."

The wolf kept on whining as Lyanna heard quick footsteps down the hall, accompanied by some footsteps coming from another wolf.

The door of her chambers opened with a bang, as Lyanna saw Robb entering with his mouth open.

"Lyanna?!" He said in disbelief. "How's this possible? Theon JUST left!"

"Yes I know," Lyanna answered quite irritated. "could you please go and get Maester Luwin? My leg really hurts."

"Of-of course." Robb said, still in disbelief, but he went anyway.

Lyanna hissed as she tried to ease her leg by putting a pillow under it. She sighed as she felt the comfortable touch of her soft pillow, but her leg still felt painful.

Yet again she could hear several footsteps, only now accompanied by the worried voice of her mother.

"Is she alright Robb? What did she tell you?" She could hear her mothers voice. Her mother sounded older than she used to.

"Why don't you ask her yourself?" Robb asked. "She sent me to Maester Luwin immediately!"

The voices came closer as Robb, her mother, Maester Luwin and Theon finally came into her chambers. Winter ran towards Theon and tried to get his comfort, for she was still shocked, but Theon only could look at Lyanna.

Lyanna could see he wanted to go to her, but her mother didn't let him.

"Please, let the Maester take a look at her." She said as Lyanna saw that tears filled her eyes.

Theon nodded as Maester Luwin walked over to Lyanna.

"How do you feel, Lady Stark?" he asked as he inspected her leg.

"Fine. Well, I feel rested. I am hungry and I couldn't get up earlier. Winter tried to help me, but she jumped on my wounded leg instead."

Maester Luwin eyed her when she talked about her leg. "Do you remember why your leg is wounded, My Lady?"

"Yes I do. I've got attacked by Wildlings and Winter, Grey Wind, Robb and Theon saved me." She said as she saw Theon moving uncomfortable.

Maester Luwin nodded as he turned to her mother. "No sign of memory loss, My Lady." He whispered, but Lyanna still heard him.

"How's Bran?" She said as the Maester tried to bend her leg.

They all looked up in surprise. Maester Luwin was the first one to answer. "M-my Lady? What do you mean?"

"Well, he fell from the tower and was attacked, right?" She said as she also eyed her family and Theon.

"Yes, love, he did, but you were asleep when everything happened." Her mother said to her.

"No I wasn't." Lyanna said irritated. "I was right here in this room when Theon told me. You leave tomorrow, right Mother?"

Her mother looked at her like she didn't know what to tell her, so Theon answered for her instead.
"Yes, your mother is, but Lyanna: you actually were sleeping when everything happened. I was here with you: you had your eyes close and you didn't respond to anything. You were sleeping in your bed the entire time." He assured her.

Lyanna sighed deep. "No Theon, I was not. I went hunting with you, Robb and Grey Wind like dozens of times!"

Theon and Robb looked at each other like she lost her mind, making her even more mad. The only one who seemed to believe her, was Maester Luwin. When Lyanna wanted to open her mouth again, Maester Luwin spoke up.

"Right, everything seems fine with Lady Stark. You could not get up, because you didn't seemed to have moved your legs for a while." He concluded as Lyanna could see the satisfied look on Robb and Theon their faces.

"Yes, b-" She tried to interrupt.

"Later, Lady Stark," Maester Luwin said with a certain look on his face, which made Lyanna feel that he took her seriously. "Of course, your leg is in pain now. There was high pressure on the wound as Winter jumped on it. I will cool it down and you need to rest and hold your leg up high. You need to strengthen by starting to eat in small portions. I will check the wound daily to see if there is any progress. If you feel strong enough, we can do small exercises to let you walk again." He finished.

"I can go to the kitchens to see if there is any soup?" Theon suggested.

"Thank you, Lord Greyjoy, that will do for now." Maester Luwin nodded. "Lady Stark, Lord Stark, your daughter and sister needs some rest. I will go to you when she is ready for visitors."

Her mother, brother and Theon nodded towards the Maester. Her mother gave her a big hug before they all left the room, except for her, Winter and Maester Luwin.

When the Maester saw Robb closing the door, he eyed Lyanna again.

"Lady Stark, could you tell me please what it exactly was what you experienced when Lord Greyjoy told you the information about your Lord brother?" he asked seriously, but kind.

Lyanna shrugged. "I do know that I was laying by the fire. I can remember the warmth."

The Maester nodded as he thought for a moment. "And where was Lord Greyjoy located in your chambers?"

Lyanna thought for a moment herself. She looked around in her chambers, to see if she could remember.

Was it by the window? No, Theon never stood by her window. The window was the coldest place in her chambers and Theon hated the cold North. Maybe he sat down by the fire too? No, she remembered that she was looking towards him from by the fire, as he sat down on her…..

Bed. She remembered where he was, but that made her very confused: Theon was sitting on the end of her bed, as he was talking to her, but she was lying in bed. How could that be if she experienced it from by the fire?

"Lady Lyanna?" Maester Luwin asked her. "Are you alright?"

Lyanna looked up at the kind face of her family's Maester. Maester Luwin had served House Stark for a long time by now: he had delivered her and all her siblings. Master Luwin taught her everything about the history of Westeros, astronomy and astrology, but Lyanna also knew that Maester Luwin did not believe the 'nonsense', as he called it, Old Nan used to tell them. She did not know how he would react once she told him that she had an out-of-body experience.

She decided to keep it to herself for now. She looked up at the friendly man. "Nothing's wrong, Maester Luwin. I've must been mistaken. Like Theon said: he did tell me all those things while I was asleep. Maybe I did hear it somehow." She smiled at him as she said it, to not betray her thoughts to him.

He eyed her suspiciously for a moment, but when he saw no sign of confusion in Lyanna's eye, he decided to leave it. "Yes, that would probably be it, my Lady."

…

Several weeks had passed since her mother had left Winterfell for Kings Landing, to warn her father for the Lannisters. Lyanna's wound was healing, thanks to the good services of Maester Luwin. Luckily for Hodor, she could walk small steps by herself now, and she used crutches for longer distances. The large man was walking her and Brandon around like a mule. Brandon was worst off, as he could probably never walk again.

The Maester still advised her bedrest and she had to say that she hated it. Of course, she helped Robb where ever she could, but she couldn't do much for him while she needed to lay down in bed. Her brother and Theon were very strict and didn't let her go out of bed when she didn't need to.

The Forresters had come the day before this day. Rodrik, Robb and Theon had much to catch up to and now they were hunting in the forests. Young Ethan was playing with Brandon and Rickon, as he was close to Brandon's age. Mira, unfortunately, was now a handmaiden to Lady Margaery Tyrell. Lyanna and Mira were always close friends, and Lyanna could use a little company now with Sansa gone as well. Talia and Ryon decided to stay with their parents at Ironwood and Asher… oh, well.

Asher Forrester was the second born son of the Forresters. He did not have the calm mind of his elder brother and heir to Ironrath Rodrik. Asher was more reckless, and everything the small, young Lyanna Stark wasn't at the age of twelve.

Asher was very competitive, like Theon, and the two could get along very well in the beginning. Lyanna made the terrible mistake by telling Robb that she liked Asher, more than a friend, and that she hoped that their father would arrange a marriage between them. Robb then, burst out in laughter, as he teased his younger sister with her first love. Theon then, who was starting to fall in love with Lyanna, could not react normally to Asher, who laughed as he had 'won' the young Lady of the North.

Years went by, as did Lyanna and Asher's feelings. The two were still close, but they both fell in love with another. Lyanna with Theon and Asher with a Whitehill girl. Even though, Theon could still spit Asher's name out when he said it. When they both heard of his exile to Essos for his forbidden love, Lyanna and Theon decided to act more carefully around the other.

She was still daydreaming about the memories she had with the Forresters. Maester Luwin wanted her to read a book in High Valyrian, as some kind of test if she could understand it properly by now. Lyanna thought it was nonsense that she needed to learn that language: who spoke it anyway nowadays? Her Lord father though insisted that a Stark needed to speak the old language, and since Robb was the heir, Lyanna needed to do the dirty work.

She quickly opened her book as she started to read about the fierce Princess Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys, since she heard three knocks on her door.

"Yes, come in!" She said as she tried to read convincingly.

Rodrik Forrester entered as he smiled when he saw her. Lyanna smiled back.

"Hey, Rodrik! Are you already back from your hunting?" She sounded surprised.

"Yes, you silly! We have been gone for hours!" He said as he walked over to her bed, laughing.

"Oh," Lyanna said as she pulled the book away, "sorry, I was so busy reading that I've lost track of time."

"Hmmm.. so, you weren't sleeping or daydreaming?" Rodrik teased as he eyed her suspiciously.

Lyanna grinned. "Busted. You know me so well. How was your hunt?"

"We had a good one, actually. Robb decided to stay in, as he still needed to do so many things, so Theon and I went together. Your man is getting a better archer by the day." He said as he winked when he complimented Theon.

"Yes, well, thanks, I guess?" Lyanna said, a little shy.

She still wasn't used to people knowing about her and Theon. Their relationship still wasn't out in the open, for her mother still rather not wanted it, but Robb reluctantly gave his blessings, since he saw how much Theon cared for Lyanna when she was attacked. Robb did not wanted to see them together or kiss each other when he was in sight, so Theon and she were still careful.

Rodrik snorted. "Oh, come on Lyanna! Everyone could see how he feels about you. And he might be a prick sometimes, but he always talks about you with respect."

She couldn't deny that she was glad to hear that so she smiled.

"And what's going on with you and the ladies?" She smirked as she saw him laughing again. Robb and Rodrik were the most coveted bachelors in the North.

"Well, father is trying to make a deal with House Glenmore. Remember Elaena? We used to play hide-and-seek with her in the grove when we were younger."

Lyanna thought for a moment as she remembered who the Lady was Rodrik was speaking of. She could remember a girl of her age when they were in Ironrath when they were younger.

"Yes, I think I remember her. I've heard she had grown up to be a real beauty. You must be very lucky, Rodrik." She said as she smiled at her old friend.

Rodrik smiled as well when he thought of her. "Yes, I am. Thank you. Looks like we all turn out to be okay, huh?"

"Yes, we are." She said as she did not speak of Asher, not knowing how Rodrik would react.

"Hey, actually, your brother has sent for you, as he needs your help with something tricky." Rodrik said as he looked at her with a smirk on his face.

"Oh? Really? What is it?" Lyanna answered curiously.

"Well, Tyrion Lannister arrived an hour ago and your brother really doesn't know what to do with him."

Lyanna smirked back. "Give me a few minutes: I'm in for a challenge."

Rodrik winked. "That's my girl." He said as he made Lyanna laugh. He left the room to ready herself as she heard him waiting for her in the hallway.

…

She took her crutches as she leaned on them as she walked. She walked over to her door as she tried to open it. Winter saw how unsuccessful she was so she helped her master. The young wolf jumped at the door, which almost opened instantly.

Rodrik was still there waiting for her, as he looked up in surprise.

"You've still haven't lost your touch for drama, huh?" he said as he smiled at her.

"How could I ever?" She said as she smiled back.

Rodrik helped her walking where ever he can. When they were walking towards the Great Hall, Lyanna was greeted by everyone who passed her by. Best wishes, get well soon: they all reached her ears and they made her feel loved.

Winterfell hadn't changed much since her parents left. It was snowing currently and all the buildings were packed with a blanket of fresh snow. The horses were led to their stables, as were the hounds into their kennels. Ser Rodrik greeted her as he was teaching young squires how to fight and some young children walked over to Winter to cuddle her. Winter was very good with children: she loved the attention and Rodrik and Lyanna laughed as they saw them play.

When they reached the Great Hall, they were greeted by Maester Luwin, who said he was already waiting for her. Lyanna raised him an eyebrow: what did Tyrion Lannister want from them all?

Rodrik and she walked further as they saw Robb sitting in his chair. The title of Lord of Winterfell suited him. She knew he was worried about his new responsibility. He would never admit it to her, but she could tell: he even grew a small beard to look more mature.

When Robb saw her, she could see that he was relieved. Robb did not like to listen to people's problems: he was a man of action. Lyanna on the other hand did like to listen to what people had to say and that's how they complemented each other.

Lord Tyrion followed Robb's eyes as he looked over his shoulder to see Lyanna approaching. Of course, it took her longer than usual, so the silence became a little awkward. When Lyanna finally reached the chair next to Robb's, Theon helped her into it. Lyanna felt how Tyrion inspected her carefully before he spoke to them.

"Lady Lyanna, I sincerely hope you are well." He said as the respectfully nodded a little.

"Yes, I am, thank you Lord Tyrion." She said as she nodded back. "Although I cannot help but wonder what is so important that my Lord brother must ask me as I was resting on my bed?" She continued as she raised an eyebrow.

"I'm terribly sorry, my Lady, for I did not mean to interfere with your resting. I had something that I wish to discuss with the acting Lord and Lady of Winterfell."

"My sister is not the Lady of Winterfell." Her brother snapped.

Tyrion shifted his eyes from Lyanna to Robb. "Then were IS the Lady of Winterfell, I wonder?"

She could see how pleased Tyrion was as Robb could not answer the question.

"Forgive me, Lord Tyrion, but our Lady Mother is with her ill father at Riverrun. I'm sure you have heard of the condition that our grandfather is in?" Lyanna bluffed.

Tyrion eyed her once more and thought before he answered. "Yes, yes I've heard." He said, as Lyanna could not tell if he believed her or not.

Before Lord Tyrion could think any further, Lyanna spoke up once more.

"Lord Tyrion, you have our attention. What was it that you wanted to discuss?"

Tyrion made a popping noise as he made a face to show them that he was thinking very hard. "Well, I've already discussed it with your Lord brother, but I gave your little Lord brother a gift, for he is crippled. I've given him a design for a saddle, so that he will be able to ride. Your Lord brother, however, wasn't paying attention to what I was saying, so I've asked for you instead. To make sure that everything is clear."

While Tyrion was talking, Maester Luwin handed her the designs Tyrion was talking about. The saddle would be perfect for her brother, as his legs would have support, so that he could sit straight.

"My lord, this is very generous of you." Lyanna said, impressed. "What have we done to earn this?"

"Well, like I already said to your brother: I have a tender spot in my heart for cripples, bastards and broken things."

"At least let us do something to thank you." She offered.

"No need, my lady. Your brother has already shown me his false courtesies. There's a brothel outside your walls. There I'll find a bed and your brother and I can both sleep easier."

She felt Robb move beside her. She gave him a soft kick under the table and smiled to Lord Tyrion.

"Well, if you insist, my lord."

"You on the other hand, my lady, can always come by to have a good talk. Although I'm not positive that you could find a more horrific place than a brothel. You could always ask Lord Greyjoy: he knows where to find it."

Before he left, Lord Tyrion winked at her. Lyanna could not help it, but she liked him. Of course, there was some arrogance when he talked, but how could he help it? He was a Lannister. They probably breathed arrogance. But Lord Tyrion was also kind and again it was very generous of him to give them the design for the saddle.

Tyrion and the man that accompanied him left and she saw how Theon followed him. If Tyrion spoke true and his next destination was a brothel, she probably did not like what was coming next.

…

A/N: Happy new year, everyone! I hope that you liked this chapter. I think to start writing the next one tomorrow, so I hope that you don't have to wait for so long.

Thanks everyone for the favs and follows. Please let me know what you think