Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the original characters.


IX – Elyana


Firmly on her back and covered by the warm embrace of her blanket, Elyana stared up at the stone ceiling above her. There were six columns of large stones spanning from one wall to the other, however, the walls themselves were not as orderly as the ceiling. Despite this, every stone she saw appeared to similar to another and yet so very different at the same time. I am the stone wall, she thought for today she was expected to be a new person but alas, felt very much so the same in this current moment. Elyana expected little Myrcella and Tommen to push her door open, jump on her bed and smother her with childish affection. She expected Joff to whine that today was no different to any other and her mother to spend the entire morning with her, brushing her hair and making her beautiful. She wanted her father, the large man with a gregarious smile, to squeeze her in a tight embrace her tell her that he was proud of her. It was Elyana's seventeenth nameday and though she cared for the Starks, she was away from the people she had spent her entire life with, the people she wanted to be here the most.

Elyana hoped the Starks did not plan on throwing another feast in her name, she was grateful for the last but did not want to experience the aftermath of a night of dancing again. Though, perhaps it was what she needed to dispel her homesick feelings but for the moment, she did not want it. Everything she wanted was firmly out of her reach. Such a child, she scolded herself. It was selfish to think in such a manner, the Starks would be more than hospitable once again and she did not doubt that today they would go out of their way to make her feel loved. A smiled eased onto her face, the Starks were a special lot and though she was not with her family, she was with people who cared for her. She mused on the idea of spending her day with Robb, watching him laugh and smile and then him taking her hand in his to lead her to the feast. Gods, where was the woman she was supposed to be? Elyana was behaving more like a lovesick girl and though it pained her to think it, she wasn't very bothered by it.

After speaking with Mariya and settling things with Robb, Elyana had realised that she not only cared for the Young Wolf but harboured affection towards him. It was blatantly obvious, really, at first it was physical - he had a comely face that could quite easily catch the eye of any young woman but as they become closer, their connection deepened. At least, to her, it did - she had no knowledge of Robb feeling the same way about her but perhaps it was better that way. Let me admire him, let me care for him and let it be done from afar, she said to herself. It would spare her any sadness in future if she was married off to another man. Her mind went back to wolf, how she liked his beard and the stubble that lined his jaw. When she kissed his cheek she could feel it on her skin, a soft tickle that made her want to kiss more of him. No, she scolded herself, it's best not to think this way today. Attraction was not always a wondrous thing, it was damning and for her, it was foolish. For today, she ought to put it aside, strength of will could overcome any distraction, however handsome and kind the distraction was.

From the little light that found its way into her chambers and the silence that seemingly shrouded the castle grounds, it was clear that it was early in the morning. Elyana left the warmth of her bed in favour of sitting in front of the flickering flames of the fire, her blanket firmly wrapped around her and following her silent steps. She crossed her legs, sitting on the carpet and lifting her hands inches from the flames. There was a quiet knock at her door, one Elyana did not hear. Her chamber door opened and slowly turning her head, she saw Mariya gasp at the sight of her on the floor.

"Milady! I thought you were asleep," She gave Elyana a bright smile before closing the door gently and lowering her voice, "Happy nameday, my princess."

She smiled up at her, "Thank you, Mariya. I imagine it will be quite different than in King's Landing."

"Oh, it will be. A little snow perhaps, wolves running about instead of lions and stags. The wolves treat you like their kin, milady. It will be different but at its core, it will be the same."

"I suppose you're right... Is a bath ready?"

Mariya chuckled, "Yes. Water's in the tub, you go in. I'll make this bed for you and get out a pretty dress. Try to keep your hair dry, milady, we'll do something wonderful with it!"

Elyana smiled, leaving another state of warm for the cold embrace of the water. When she was near the tub, she placed a hand in there - letting it move back and forth as the water soaked it. A decent temperature - warm and cold. Mariya had placed a robe on a stool beside it, it never ceased to amaze Elyana how the woman never forget even the smallest of details. Before she could remove any item of clothing, Elyana stared into the water. Of all the days to feel so strange, why was it today that she felt as if she was on the precipice of some great change that was yet to hit her?

Stripping the little clothes she had was easy as she entered the tub. With the removal of her underclothes she felt as if a weight had been lifted off her as she took on the lighter role of being nothing but a woman, bare and open to all who would come in. Yet, she was still bothered by many things that lingered in her young mind - lies, death, information, wolves, and dreams. I will never truly be at peace, she said to herself, I should accept this and move on. Grabbing the soap, Elyana raised a leg and washed it, moving it to other and then the rest of her body. Her hair hung behind her, kept dry as per the request of Mariya. While she was in the bath, she had time to ponder her current state.

If Jon Arryn had kept this information to himself, if he hadn't discovered such a damning thing - she would be in King's Landing with her family and not in Winterfell. Elyana would love her mother, her uncle and the all the other lions, large and small, madly and completely. She would be a girl who slept easy at night and did not have to worry about death and heirs. She could speak freely to those she cared about and not scold herself for being normal. Elyana was different because of it all, yes but in part she was the same. She had always been a bird in a cage, whether she was imprisoned by herself or others was the change. She hoisted herself up and got out of the tub, she was fed up with herself and the life she was living. By the Seven, let things be different - Old gods, hear me, you are not my own but let things be different, let it be easier.

Grabbing the towel first to dry herself and then the robe, Elyana walked out back towards Mariya. Three dresses were on a made-up bed, two pairs of shoes on the floor beneath them and Mariya twirled as she searched for a brush. There was some normality to this day with the exception of Mariya filling the traditional role of her mother in Winterfell. Elyana could not supress a smile at the thought of it though, she was indeed a good friend to take on this role.

"They're all very pretty dresses, Mariya. I don't know which one I'll wear."

"Aye, milady. I was thinking this one," Mariya dropped the brush on the bed and lifted up an elegant off-white dress with a somewhat daring cut, "This one with furs or a cloak will look lovely, don't you think?"

Elyana nodded with a smile and before she could say anything, Mariya was telling her to put on some undergarments rushing to put her behind the wooden screen. The dress was easy enough to slip on, a little tight around the chest and revealed a little bit too much cleavage but it didn't matter too much. Mariya moved her to a seat away from a mirror once she saw her clothed, taking the brush and combing her hair, the woman danced around her braiding her hair and pinning it back. It was a little while before she was finished.

"Now, you can look at yourself." Mariya's eyes were wide with anticipation.

"Seven hells." Elyana was almost a different person, her youthful looks remained but there was a more regal air to her. The white did not evoke innocence but rather seared into one's eyes, demanding attention and authority. The braided crown in her hair only made her look more regal, as if only temporary and in place of another. Elyana turned to the side, getting a better view of herself, it was not shameful for one to be proud of their appearance. Even if she did not want to take notice of the way she looked, it was impossible for her not to. She was a woman but she looked like her father would have at her age, equal parts beautiful and fearsome. Elyana realized in this moment, that things were in fact different and that change was on the horizon. Jon Arryn claimed that she was rightful heir to the throne and before now, it meant nothing to her – if anything, it scared her. Elyana never wanted the throne, it was not a woman's place to take it when a male heir was alive but now, as she saw the image of herself in the mirror and saw what she could be, she finally believed Jon Arryn. I am the true heir of Robert Baratheon and I will be Queen of Westeros one day.


IX - Robb


In the stables of Winterfell was a proud creature, a sleek beauty and a young courser. Robb watched on, his arms crossed firmly across his chest as his father run a hand down the horse's neck. Jon was beside him, clad in furs and looking behind them. The beast's eyes were large and genuine, he imagined Elyana would enjoy the company of such a creature. Beautiful, strong and fast - fit for war and hunting, this horse would be hers.

His gaze on the horse, Jon complimented his father's choice of gift, "It's a fine creature, father."

"Hullen said its name was Fury." He looked back at his sons and chuckled, "I thought it a fitting name, given that he was going to be given to a Baratheon."

Robb mimicked his father and chuckled, "Very fitting. El will love him."

"Good. You know, I only received word of her nameday from her father's letter, the girl never said anything."

"I know. El has much on her mind, I suppose she forgot. She did say that she's been having trouble sleeping, dreams are making her restless."

"Is that so?" Eddard seemed to ponder the notion briefly, "She should see Maester Luwin."

Nodding, Robb replied, "I'll tell her when I see her."

"You do that. For now, you two can get your brothers and sisters in the hall for breakfast. Elyana can meet Fury later."

Both Robb and Jon complied, leaving their father to either wake or usher the little wolves down to the hall. What they had planned for Elyana's nameday was a simple affair, far different from the one they had when she had arrived. Had she been a prince, they would go for a hunt but because she was in fact a woman, they would try to surround her by the finer things. Rob had got his own personal present for her, something that he thought she would like and something he considered sentimental. It was weirwood bow, carved nicely from a fallen tree, Jon had recommended it and Elyana's lady-in-waiting approved of it. Robb wondered what her reaction would be, whether there would be another kiss on the cheek and squeeze of the hand. After that last one he was in need of a cold bath, it was shameful how much he wanted her, wanted more of her.

He never had to deal with this before, there were girls he liked but never like this. The wisest thing Theon said to do was to flirt with her but even then, it didn't come as easy to Robb as it did him. He had never flirted before, he wouldn't really know what to say. How many times had she heard that she was pretty or that she had beautiful eyes? Countless times, probably, he would have to do something different but what it was remained to be unclear. Robb admitted to himself that he could easily be her friend, that came naturally but he didn't want to be just her friend. He didn't want to follow Theon's advice either, Elyana was not just any woman, he had to be careful and smart.

"I don't think Bran will leave Ellie's side today, I'd be surprised if he wasn't guarding her door as we speak." Jon chuckled.

Robb huffed and smiled at his brother, "Sansa too. We won't even get a look at her."

"Well, I'm sure you will, Stark."

Robb stopped at the foot of the staircase and folded his arms, "What do you mean by that, Snow?"

"Nothing." Jon flashed him a broad grin before quickening his pace on the staircase. Robb had to catch up to him and even then, his stoic half-brother said nothing more. He was always a man of few words and much like their father, his words were always riddled with meaning and insight. Robb did not doubt that Jon knew something about his affections towards the princess.

The first door on their right belonged to Arya, it was Jon who knocked and pushed the door open to have their younger sister run into him. She brought a hand to her head and glared at him though her grin gave away her true feelings, "Ouch."

"Shouldn't you downstairs? In the hall?" Robb asked ruffling her hair.

"Shouldn't you?" She eyed the two of them, "Everyone else is. I'm going down now anyway."

Robb laughed, "No need to go checking bedrooms then and dragging children from their beds? That's good, I suppose."

"Very good. Now go on, you lead." Jon tapped Arya's shoulder, and turned on his heel to follow her. Before turning himself, Robb elongated his neck to see if Elyana was still in her room but from the open door and silence he assumed that she was already downstairs.

He followed his brother and sister, listening to the conversation they made and smiling to himself as the came closer to the hall. He could hear laughter, one clearly the booming sound Elyana made and the other strangely seemed to belong to his mother. He didn't know if his mother cared much for Elyana but perhaps she was coming around slowly, he remembered when she told him to be cautious of southern women - she said that they were not of the same make as their own. Of course, Elyana really wasn't at all that different from them.

As Robb walked in, his eyes immediately darted to one person. How could they not? Elyana looked every bit a northern beauty. She sat opposite his mother, beside Sansa and near his father at the head of the table. There was a seat saved for him beside his mother and for that he was glad that he could be close to her, staring from across the room was always uncomfortable. He took his seat and was met by the warm smile and wide eyes of the princess.

"Morning, Robb."

He didn't want to gawk and had the faintest idea what to say to her when she looked like that. "Morning."

Sansa quickly took her attention away from him, fawning over her hair and dress. He was thankful for that, he didn't need to embarrass himself. Robb noted the way she spoke to his sister, as she braided a little bit of Sansa's hair and showed her the end result, it was a softer tone - one of endearment. A servant approached him, now drawing his attention away from her. "Just bread, a rasher of bacon and soft-boiled egg, Donnis."

The servant nodded and made his way to Elyana, wishing her kindly and saying a few words before asking what she wanted. "Happy nameday, my princess. I hope it is most prosperous for you. My little one, she's at home, she would want me to wish you for her too, princess."

"Thank you, Donnis. What's your girl's name? How old is she?" Elyana smiled sincerely, though Donnis was in a state of bewilderment with her curiosity. Robb watched on with endearment, wondering if it were possible to like the girl more than he already did.

"Uh, it's Dee, my princess. She's six."

Elyana's smile grew, "Well then, one day, I hope to meet little Dee. We must arrange something, Donnis."

"Aye, my princess. Of course! Oh, uh.. Is there anything in particular you want this morning?"

She licked her lower lip quickly as she thought of what she wanted, "A few of those oatcakes would be lovely, the ones with blackberries baked in them. Some hot bread with butter and honey... Oh! A cup of mint tea would be lovely too. Thank you, Donnis."

Robb just stared at her, she continued on as if it was completely normal for a woman of her status to speak to the smallfolk with such familiarity. He felt a light nudge in his ribs and turned to see his mother with giving him a tight-lipped smile as if she knew something and was dying to say it. Catelyn spoke in a whisper, one that only he could hear, "A fine match for you, should the king wish to join houses."

He started at his mother, shaking his head as she smiled at him. He didn't disagree but the thought of marriage sat uneasy with him, he liked her and did not want their relationship, should there ever be one, to be based upon politics. Of course, it was always based upon politics, if he was to ever call her his it would be after her father aligned their houses further. Sitting mostly in silence, occasionally speaking with the others, Robb ate his food quickly as it came. He thought of how he had dug such a hole for himself by having feelings towards the princess. It was a hole that he believed could never be filled unless she was with him.


IX – Elyana


Everyone followed Lord Stark as he led them outside, Elyana had to cling onto her furs and bring them closer to her because of the chill. She knew they would give her something but wondered what it would be for them all to brought outside. They were all dressed nicely, perhaps they were expecting a guest or for something to arrive. No, if it was a guest they would have informed her of that. Lord Stark told her to stay where she was, disappearing whilst Arya grinned at her and from a little bit of a distance, Theon winked. There would be no eye-rolling today, today she would act like a proper lady, like one who was to become queen.

In but a moment, Lord Stark appeared with Hullen, the stable master, holding the reigns of a dark brown stallion. She gulped, her mouth agape and her eyes wide in awe. Such a fine creature, surely they did not spend so much coin on her?

"Is that...?"

"Yours, yes." He gave her a warm smile, "From the family."

Whatever sense of propriety Elyana had was gone as she laughed and embraced Lord Stark without warning. It was a quick one, one that she did not regret or feel embarrassed over. Such a horse was a fine gift, one worthy of great thanks to whoever acquired it. Elyana excused herself, thanking the man who was left somewhat uncomfortable from the interaction but still smiling. She smiled at Lady Catelyn before tightly embracing her and moving her towards all the other Starks. The young ones were awfully giddy, laughing at her actions as if her form of gratitude was a strange one but perhaps it was. When she finally inched closer to the horse, she looked at Lord Stark before reaching out a stroking it's neck.

"Does it... have a name?"

He chuckled, "Fury."

"Fury", she repeated whilst stroking it, a fitting name. The horse itself seemed youthful and wild, it looked just like the one she had in King's Landing. She had honed her riding skills in King's Landing and having a horse here made her heart flutter. Elyana felt silly for feeling homesick earlier, the Starks had been wonderful, they had truly made Winterfell feel like her home.

"Tomorrow, you can join us for a ride. See if he was right for you." Lord Stark spoke kindly.

From the corner of her eye, Elyana saw Catelyn taking the little ones back inside. Better for them, she thought, lest they catch a cold. She could see Jon pass Robb something before leaving himself, Robb lingered a little longer but did not approach her. She turned back to the horse and Lord Stark, "I'm sure he is. Thank you again, Lord Stark."

"You're most welcome," He paused, thinking perhaps of what to say to her, "We'll speak later? I think Robb wishes to see you."

"Of course, Lord Stark." She smiled and nodded as he departed. The man always seemed as if he had something to say to her but never did, it was probably just her imagination.

Elyana smiled at Fury, muttering words of endearment to him. He must have been expensive, because of that and the kindness of the Starks, Elyana would treasure the animal more. She was still in a state of awe when Robb had come up beside her, she grinned foolishly at him. It was equal parts because she was glad he was there and madly in love with Fury.

Elyana arched a brow, "Walk him back to the stables with me?"

Robb nodded and for the short distance, the two of them remained quiet. Elyana noted that he was holding something in his left hand, she didn't need to ask because somehow she knew that he would get her something. Passing the reigns to Hullen, she watched her horse get put into his own section of the stables, a smile on her face. She turned to Robb, letting her hand linger next to his before taking it. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he pulled her outside the stables and made her sit on the bench.

Robb smiled, "I've got something for you."

He took a seat next to her and placed quite a large wooden box on her lap, "Robb... You really didn't need to. I appreciate your company enough."

"Open it, will you?"

Sighing, Elyana open the box that revealed a curved white bow that had been dipped in the red sap at the ends. Picking it up, the fine craftsmanship of the bow was incredibly clear to her. "Thank you, Robb." She smiled at him, a toothy and pretty smile. "Is this weirwood?"

He returned the smile, "It is, from a tree that fell in the Godswood."

"Do I name it?"

Robb chuckled, shaking his head vigorously. "No. No, only swords are named."

There was a mischievous glimmer in her eyes and it was gone as she looked down at the bow. It was shockingly white and seemingly sturdy, it matched her dress, she thought. She ran her hands over it, looking back at him with a grin, "Well then, I perhaps it's time I break this tradition of naming swords."

"There's a name, 'Tradition Breaker: The loosest bow in the realm', naming it doesn't work. It's a bow." Robb laughed at the incredulous look upon her face, she was taking the matter very seriously.

"It's a gift and from you no less, wolf. I love it, I'll name it." She pushed his shoulder back lightly and laughed. Robb watched as she bit down on her lip and leant back, her head tilted as if a better position for thinking. Elyana muttered to herself, a quiet 'no' or a hopeful 'maybe' and then she moved back to her original position, her back straight and a smile playing upon her lips.

"In High Valyrian, *Valkyrie means 'chooser of the slain'. It seems a fitting name, demands the right amount of respect and is not so morbid that you can't admire it."

Robb raised his eyebrows, a laugh escaped his lips. "And who exactly is it that you're going to be slaying, my princess?"

"Careful now, Theon was always my first priority but keep this up and your princess will have no choice but to add you to the list."

She got up from where she sat and gently poked his leg with one end of the bow, evoking more laughter from him. "Oh, I'm very scared."

"As you should be, Stark." With one hand on her hip, she grinned down at him and extended her hand out towards him. Taking it without question, Robb rose and was met by her face being inches from his yet again. Elyana could smell him, she could hear him breathing. Unexpectedly to him, with the bow still in one hand, she wrapped her free one around his neck and pulled him in for an embrace. It took Robb a moment to react, a moment to wrap his arms around her and pull her closer to himself. Her lips hovered by his ears, "Thank you for this, Robb. I really do love it. Thank you."

Pulling away, Elyana smiled at him, her arm still wrapped around his neck. She would be lying if she said that she didn't want to kiss his lips, to thank him properly and without words but she thought to herself that perhaps it wasn't the right time. She would regret it later, when her father would arrive one day and tell her that she's marrying someone else, she would regret it and regret not doing anything else. His eyes bore into her own, if he kept staring at her that way she wouldn't have the mind to stop herself but Elyana had already let go of him. She let her hand drop and was suprised when he took it in his own. With the way he looked at her, she would do anything to find out what was on his mind but instead she settled for his hand.


* Valkyrie is a word from the Old Norse word valkyrja. Since Norse beliefs are non-existent in Westeros, I've attributed it to being Valyrian for the sake of the story.

A/N: I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas/festive season! I haven't been able to touch my laptop due to parties, outings and being just the slightest bit inebriated. This chapter is a glorified filler but I do hope it was alright one. Treachery, glory, extreme sadness, revelations, gore, death and all those lovely things are on the horizon. Do let me know what you guys think though, bad or good, I can take it. I can promise it will get better soon, one more chapter and we're at the proper timeline!

Thank you to each and every one of you for the continued support, you are all simply lovely. I hope the New Year brings you all happiness and dragon eggs! x