Hi everyone! Long chapter ahead, hope you guys all enjoy!


Chapter 8-

It was a few days later in Winterfell and everyone seemed to be preparing for the royal family's exit. There was a feast planned for tonight that seemed to be so big and overflowing in splendor that it would rival even the welcome feast. All around the yard, servants were cleaning and packing things away for the big journey south, while inside the castle was bustling putting up decorations and getting all the supplies. The ladies on the castle were in charge of setting up while the men got to go hunting for the main course. As she folded yet another linen for the Queen's dinner table, Elena couldn't help but think she would much rather had gone with the men.

"You're doing it wrong" called a young girl's voice and Elena turned to see her sister's best friend Jeyne Poole standing before her.

"No I'm not" she shot back defiantly. She looked down at her hands and saw that she was indeed folding wrong but that was beside the point. Who really cares if the edges aren't straight or if she folded over instead of under? The Queen would hardly notice the difference.

Jeyne wrinkled up her nose as if she smelled something foul. "No you are, see" she pointed to the seam that was clearly visible. "If you folded under, you wouldn't see the seam."

"Jeyne, it hardly matters-"

"It does Elena, because if you mess it up, I'll be the one to redo it." She yanked the linen from the elder girl's hand and refolded it properly. "You might be excused to go get ready in an hour's time but I will have to stay here until it's finished."

"Oh alright" Elena moaned grabbing the linen back and taking her time to fold it nicely. When the seam was no longer visible, Jeyne smiled. "See that wasn't hard" she spoke handing Elena another linen to get started on.

The elder girl rolled her eyes, "Okay I got it now. Can't you go bother my sister or something?"

"Sansa is busy getting ready for tonight" Jeyne said looking sad. Clearly she would have preferred Sansa's company to Elena as well.

"She's getting ready already! She has hours."

"She needs to look perfect for the Prince. The engagement will be officially announced tonight."

"Officially announced" Elena scoffed, "Everyone already knows."

Jeyne frowned, "well regardless it will be. So she needs to look perfect."

"I'm sure she will."

"Does it upset you?" Jeyne asked cautiously.

Elena rolled her eyes, "Does what upset me Jeyne?"

She sighed impatiently at the elder girl's lack of interest. "Your little sister marrying first! Especially to someone as wonderful as the Prince."

"I think we have different opinions on wonderful, but no I'm not jealous."

"Shouldn't you have been his wife? You're the eldest daughter after all."

"Yes Jeyne, I'm aware" she snapped. "I'm going to get some air. I will finish this later."

"It will be awkward in King's Landing, won't it?" Jeyne asked, obviously ignoring Elena's previous statement. "Watching them planning a wedding while you just get older and older."

"Have you been talking to the Queen or something?"

"No, why do you ask?"

Elena shrugged, "Seems like something she would say."

Jeyne sighed softly, "Can't believe one day Sansa will be Queen." You could hear the jealousy in Jeyne's voice as she took a seat next to Elena. Perhaps that was the reason she sounded so sad before. She knew her best friend was leaving to go become a princess and eventually a Queen while she would be stuck here up North.

"I don't think being a Queen is all it's cracked up to be." Elena spoke remembering her father's words about Cersei. Her husband loved another woman and she was forced to live with that the rest of her life. Certainly that must have been hard in the gossip filled halls of King's Landing.

"You're joking right? She will get to rule the Kingdom! She will wear the finest clothes and jewels and have a crown!"

Elena stood up, "Let's just make it through the engagement before we start measuring Sansa's head for a crown." She started towards the door.

"Wait, where are you going?" Jeyne called.

"I'm done folding linens, after all I'm basically sister to the Queen." She gave the young girl an amused look and was satisfied to see Jeyne roll her eyes. The linens were mostly done anyway she was sure no one would miss her if she snuck outside and rested before the big banquet.

Walking around the castle grounds, Elena felt instantly relaxed. It dawned on her how much she loved Winterfell and to think that she would be leaving for King's Landing was a somber thought. She wouldn't be able to enjoy the brisk Northern wind anymore, nor enjoy the peacefulness of the Godswood. But she assumed she could find another spot to think in King's Landing.

As she approached the kennel where they were to keep their direwolves for the rest of the King's stay, Elena watched her half brother Jon let out his own pet, Ghost. The white wolf sat obediently at his owner's side as he waited for Jon to lock the gate, but turned as he heard her approach. He trotted over to her and sniffed at her heals happily. Jon, noticing his wolf had left him turned to see his sister. "Elena" he smiled, "Shouldn't you be helping set up for the big banquet?"

She stuck her tongue at out him and, "I'm done setting up, I fold enough linens for two banquets," she whined. "Wait, why aren't you with the other men?"

"Bastards aren't allowed to go hunting with the Prince. It is an insult to them."

She rolled her eyes in disgust, "even if the bastard is the better man?"

Jon smiled softly, "especially if he is."

"Well I'm sure you aren't missing much." She started to unlock North's cage. "I bet Robb will come back and tell us how he wasn't allowed to shoot until Joffrey had the first kill and I bet it took ages."

"I'm sure you're right." Jon swung open the kennel door and North came running out. She sniffed happily at Elena's feet for a few seconds then moved to Jon and finally settled next to Ghost. Just like their owners North and Ghost seemed to get along well and the two began to stretch their legs by running throughout the courtyard together. Taking a seat on the grass, Elena and Jon watched their wolves play together, each one smiling softly.

After a few minutes of peaceful silence, Jon clearly his throat. "I um… I decided to join the Night's Watch."

Elena turned toward her brother silently, her eyes wide in shock. She then turned away, her voice still silent and looked at the hard ground below her.

"I'm sorry to spring it on you like this; I just thought you should hear it from me." He explained nervously. "Say something, please" Jon begged as his sister stayed silent.

"Why?"

Jon exhaled softly, "The wall is a place for bastards-"

"You're not a bastard." She interrupted quickly, "well not a real one at the very least. You're Lord Eddard Stark's bastard."

"Which means I'm still a bastard." Jon explained patiently, "I don't belong at Winterfell, I never really did. If it wasn't for your father's honor I wouldn't be living in a castle."

"You belong in Winterfell just as much as the rest of us."

He smiled, "you know that's not true. I'm not a highborn. Robb is to be heir to Winterfell and though I doubt he would kick me out-"

"He would never kick you out!" Elena interrupted passionately.

Jon held up a hand to stop her, "Even though he wouldn't kick me out, it is not my place. It is his."

"Well if something happened to Robb-"

"Gods forbid" Jon interrupted.

"Yes, yes Gods forbid" she waved him off; "if something were to happen you are the next son."

He chuckled, "Have you met your mother? It would be over her dead body that I would ever be heir to Winterfell."

They sat in silence for a minute until finally Elena spoke again, "Well, if I was heir I make you stay." She spoke confidently.

"Well until you are, it is off to the wall for me."

"Have you told the others?"

Jon shook his head, "You're the first besides father of course. I'm a little afraid to tell Arya. You know how she gets."

Elena smirked, "She will want to go with you."

"Yes she will. But her place is in King's Landing, along with you and Sansa and father."

"That is not our place Jon, and you know it. We all belong here."

Her brother remained silent, choosing instead to rub Ghost affectionately. North meanwhile nudged into Elena's side, hoping for the same treatment.

"You can't go to the wall" Elena's voice became small. "it's dangerous. The Wildlings, the White Walkers, the criminals and rapists, it's not a place for you."

"Do you think I am a coward sister? Do you think I will be too afraid to defend this kingdom?"

"Don't talk all noble to me, Jon, I know you too well. I'm sure you'll be the best Night's Watchman they ever had but that doesn't mean I want you to go."

He put an arm around her, and Elena leaned into his embrace. "I'll be fine Elena. Besides you'll be down in King's Landing anyway. What is the difference if I'm here in Winterfell or at the Wall?"

She paused contemplating his question, "I'll worry about you more but I guess I'll miss you just the same."

He smiled, "And I will miss you."

"Uncle Benjen will look after you right?" she asked nervously.

"Of course" he answered, "I bet we will get to go on all these great adventures, and Ghost will come too."

They both looked fondly at the white direwolf. "Well I'll feel a bit better about your safety with Ghost being there."

"You think too poorly of the wall. I would worry about yourself sister, you are walking into the lion's den."

Elena smiled proudly, "You think I am a coward brother," she said while holding back a giggle. "You think I will be too afraid to defend the kingdom against the evil Lannisters?"

Jon laughed, "I would take White Walkers and Wildling any day over Cersei and her brothers."

She was about to respond when she heard an aggravated huff of annoyance. Looking up, Elena saw her mother standing there, arms crossed, and her expression seemed not too pleased. Lady Stark took one look at her daughter and husband's bastard then back to the direwolves. "What did I say about these wolves staying locked up until the King leaves?" she asked firmly.

Jon looked down somberly afraid to answer the angry woman. Elena meanwhile sighed loudly, "Mother, they need to spread their legs for a little time. They don't like being coop-"

"I do not care what they want Elena, the Queen already announced her distaste for them."

"Well we are bringing them to King's Landing with us so she must learn to get past the distaste."

Lady Stark sighed, "Must you be so defiant? And why are you not getting ready for tonight?"

"Oh mother I don't even want to go."

"You will go though, and you will behave yourself." She looked over to Jon and gave a reproachful look, "Don't you have something to do?"

Jon got up quickly, "Yes ma'am." He motioned for Ghost to follow and the two headed for the Godswood.

Elena watched their retreating figures, then turned back to her mother. "Must you be so rude to him, he is a Star-"

"Don't say it" Catelyn interrupted, "Now please lock up North and then go get ready for tonight. I will go find Bran and tell him the same."

"Bran? Didn't he go hunting?"

Catelyn shook her head, "Of course not, he's too little."

"But his direwolf is missing?" Elena motioned towards the Kennel where only Lady and Nymeria were sleeping. "He must have gone somewhere with him."

"Oh I don't have time for this, I still have to make sure we have enough mead for Lord Tyrion and flowers for the table."

Elena shrugged, "I'll go find him. You finish what you have to."

Her mother smiled, "Thank you dear" she spoke as she hurried back towards the castle.

Elena watched until she was out of sight and turned to North. "Where's Bran?" she asked. "Where's are brothers?"

North looked up at her owner and then began to sniff the ground and took off trotting towards the abandoned part of the castle. Elena, following close on her heals, watched her pet with amazement. They really were fascinatingly smart creatures.

After a little ways, North began to slow up. Rounding a corner, Elena stopped to see Joseth in front of her. He looked concerned, staring around at the empty yard with a puzzled expression, the boy didn't even notice them approach.

"Joseth?" she spoke and the boy jumped at the sound.

"Elena," he said, "I mean Lady Stark." He bowed causing Elena to roll her eyes. "What are you doing out here?"

"Looking for Bran," she explained. "What are you doing out here?"

"I heard a noise," he said softly, "a big bang actually. I came to investigate."

"Oh" Elena said but she didn't sound very interested, "well I'll should be going."

"Going" Joseth repeated hastily, "Going where?"

"To find Bran."

"Can I help?"

Elena rolled her eyes, "Really?"

He nodded eagerly and she sighed, "Well sure."

They walked quietly for a minute or two until Joseth finally spoke, "I wanted to talk to you about the other night, I'm sorry for saying the things I did."

"I really don't want to talk about this now, Joseth-" she began but he cut her off.

"I think I might have made a hasty decision."

"A hasty decision?" she mimicked.

"Why yes, I don't want to cut you out of my life, even if it means trouble for my brother."

She looked over at him puzzled, "Where is all this coming from?"

"Well my brother is leaving for King's Landing soon," he explained, "and with him gone, I wouldn't feel so guilty about seeing you."

Elena looked away embarrassed. "You do know I am leaving with him, don't you?"

Joseth balked at her words, "You're what?"

"I'm heading to King's Landing" she explained. "It will be good for me."

"You can't go" his voice sounded desperate and Elena could see the pain in his brown eyes.

Elena shrugged, "I'm sorry but I am. Nothing you can do or say to stop me."

"But you can't leave, I… I love you."

Elena held back a tear, knowing that if there was something that could be said to stop her from going to King's Landing it was that. She held firm though, "you're a little late for that" she spoke coldly. North meanwhile trotted behind her and pushed her nose into the back of the young girl's leg almost as if she was trying to get her to move fast. "North, what are you doing?" she asked as she looked towards the wolf.

Joseth frowned but continued the conversation. "I'm really, really sorry for the other night."

But Elena didn't hear his words as once again she was pushed forward. "Okay North, we're coming" she called as the direwolf tugged at her dress impatiently.

"Please reconsider" Joseth pleaded as he followed behind North. "King's Landing isn't the place for you. You belong here with me."

Elena sighed as she remembered saying similar words to Jon before, "If I remember correctly" she spoke finding her voice, "you didn't exactly want me around you."

"I told you, it was a hasty mistake."

"Well how do I know you won't make another and hate me the next day? You're moods change more than my mother's" she complained, earning a reproachful look from Joseth.

"What is that?" He asked suddenly acknowledging two small figures by the clearing.

Elena rolled her eyes, assuming he deliberately tried to change the subject but then she too noticed the silhouettes. One seemed to be laying down and the other looked like some sort of animal. "I can't tell but it looks almost like-" but Elena never got a chance to finish her words as North began to howl loudly and race past them. It dawned on the young girl then who was in the clearly. "Oh there he is," she announced happily, "its Bran and his direwolf.

Joseth scrunched up his brow, confused. "Why is he laying down?"

"I don't know, why do boys do half the things they do. Maybe he made a 'hasty decision'" she spoke mocking his exact expression from before.

He frowned at her words then turned back to Bran who was finally coming into view. "HEY BRAN" he bellowed, "YOU BETTER GET UP AND BACK INTO THE CASTLE BEFORE LADY STARK SEES YOU."

The young boy still hadn't moved and Elena watched as both North and Bran's unnamed direwolf stood somberly at his side. They both looked towards Elena and Joseth expectantly, and North gave her owner a painful howl that made the young girl's heart drop. "Something is wrong" she whispered as she stopped dead in her tracks.

Joseth gave her a crazed look and turned back to Bran. The boy still hadn't moved but he could have very well fallen asleep in the grass. Joseth had down it countless times before. He looked back to his love and gave a bemused look, "He obviously asleep, Elena, no need to panic."

"BRAN!" She screamed but again the boy did not stir. "Oh Gods, Bran?"

Suddenly Joseth noticed something wet on the ground. It was dark and at first Joseth thought it was mud until he noticed the reddish color. Realization dawned on him and he held out a hand blocking Elena from walking any further. "Stop" he mumbled, "wait here."

Elena looked at him, confusion on her face but she listen. Joseth walked closer and when he was right next to Bran, he took a sharp intake of air.

"What is it?" Elena asked, "Is he okay?"

"Elena stay there." Joseth warned, unsure what to do himself. "Just stay there."

She took a hesitant step forward, "Joseth please why isn't he getting up. Bran? Bran!" She looked to the direwolves then started coming closer.

"DON'T LOOK!" Joseth bellowed and his tone startled the young girl.

"joseth please, what is wrong?"

"STAY OVER THERE!"

"Joseth? Bran? Why isn't he moving?" She was over the two of them now and she looked down at her brother's unmoving form and felt nauseous.

"He must have fallen."

"Fallen?" It took her a moment to comprehend his words. "Fallen from where?" She looked to her right and saw the large looming tower. Suddenly it began to click; Bran wasn't allowed to go on the hunt so he must have been upset; when he is upset he likes to climb; he must have climbed to this side of the castle because it is the quietest and most peaceful, therefore if he slipped no one would have heard him yell out. Suddenly Elena felt light headed and she fell to her knees. Her brother has fallen and now he's not moving. He might not even be breathing, but she couldn't feel anything. She was in shock. She could hear Joseth talking to her but she couldn't make out what he was saying. His face looked worried and though she wanted to tell him everything would be okay she really didn't believe that for herself.

"Elena?" Joseth tried again, "Darling can you hear me?" He looked at her unfocused brown eyes and tried again. "Sweetie he's breathing, but he needs help. He is bleeding from the back of the head and his back might be broken. You need to go get him help."

"Bran fell?" she asked quietly.

"Yes" the young man nodded encouraged, "he fell so we need to help him."

"He… he he climbs all the time. He never falls." She walked over towards her brother and stared down at the carnage.

"Elena please, don't look just go get your mother" Joseth tried to shield her view. "Elena can you hear me?" He grabbed her arm and gave her a shake but her body felt limp in his arms. "Snap out of it, please."

The young girl continued to stare down at her brother's body. "He never falls, never. He can't. How could he have fallen?"

"I don't Elena but please go." Joseth ripped off his jacket and shirt in one fluid movement. Discarding the jacket to the side, he bunched up the shirt and knelt down next to Bran. Ever so gently he lifted the young boy's head and placed her shirt underneath trying to apply some pressure to the wound. He

"Elena he needs help! You need to go get him help!" His pleas sounded desperate as he looked up to see her dazed expression. She was still muttering, still staring at her brother's broken body like it wouldn't be real if she believed hard enough. "Elena, please, sweetheart you need to go get them."

"Bran, please get up." She laid down next to her brother and place her hands gently on his chest. "You climb all the time, Bran, you can't be hurt."

"ELENA" Joseth bellowed and watched as the young girl snapped back to reality. She looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "You need to get your mother. Tell Lady Stark, Bran is severely hurt, okay? Then get Maester Luwin to come. He will know what to do."

"Is he going to die?" Her voice sounded so small and frightened that Joseth wanted to grab her and take her away from all this; to get the hurt out of her eyes. But his hands were too busy at the moment trying to stop the bleeding to the back of Bran's head while keeping his neck sturdy, all his other emotions and urges would have to wait until later.

"Elena if you don't go get someone then yes, please, go."

She nodded at this, finally seeming to comprehend that she needed to do something. "Okay" she mumbled, "I'll go." Standing up shakily, she cast one last look at her brother and ran off. She sped towards the castle and was almost there when a branch tripped her up. She landed hard to the ground and was unable to use anything to break her fall but her face causing her nose to begin to bleed.

"Well that was graceful" called a voice and Elena looked to see Jon's feet below her. He couldn't have seen the bloody nose yet as he tone sounded more annoyed than concerned. "Did you find Bran?" he asked, his voice hollow. It was obvious from his tone that he was still a little frustrated with the encounter with Lady Stark before.

Elena struggling to find her words, looked up at her brother. "Jon please help me" she cried.

Jon swore loudly and within a second was at his sister's side, trying to help. "Gods!" he spoke, "You're nose! You must have landed hard."

"Forget about the nose!" Elena cried brushing his hands away, "You have to help me find them, please!"

Her tone startled him, and within a second Jon was standing and wrapping his arms around her. His sister accepted his embrace and buried herself deep within his chest. "Elena? What is it?"

"BranfellandIneedtogogethelpbuticantbecauseIknowit snouse." There was no breaks in her explanation and Jon had a rough time trying to make out what on earth she had just said.

He pulled her out of his arms and held her at an arm's length hoping to understand better. "What did you say?" he asked. "Bran what?"

Fresh tears fell from her face and she took an anguished breathe. "He fell, Jon. He fell from one of those stupid towers he's always climbing. I have to find my mother but I don't know where she is. Or Maester Luwin. Oh Jon what if I'm too late, what if I took too long and now he's… he's dead."

"Don't say such things. Your mother is working on the banquet, remember she said that and Maester Luwin is probably with her. It will be all right, sister, Bran will be fine. But first you should get check out. You're nose-"

Elena shook her head, "You didn't see him. He was so lifeless."

"I'm sure he is fine. Come on let's go get the Maester and he will say the same thing." He tugged her arm and led her towards the castle. He held her gingerly, almost as if he was afraid she would break, and be the time they reached the castle, Elena was crying once more.

It was Ser Rodrik, they found first and the old man looked shocked at the sight before him, "My lady, what in the Old Gods' names, happened to you?"

"Ser Rodrik where is my mother? I need her!"

"She is right in there, my dear. Let me get her for you." The Master at Arms offered but Elena couldn't wait as she went running inside.

"Mother!" she yelled as she spotted Catelyn Stark looking over flower arrangements with a servant. Lady Stark looked up at the commotion and nearly collapsed at the sight of her daughter. "Elena what on earth is going on? Is that blood on your face? What happened?"

"Bran he's fallen. He's hurt, mother very, very badly."

Catelyn grabbed at her heart. "He what? You're the one whose bleeding, where… how… Bran's fallen?"

"He's fallen, mother. Please we must get Maester Luwin now!"

Ser Rodrik and Jon came running in behind them, both looking grave.

"Ser Rodrik?" Catelyn asked, "Where is my son?"

The Knight looked confused, "Your son, my lady, it is your daughter who needs help."

"No" Elena cried, "its Bran. He fell by the old tower, on the South side of the property."

"I'll go find Maester Luwin and bring him" spoke up Jon. For once he was met by a grateful look from Lady Stark, rather than a reproachful one. "Yes" she begged "please hurry."

Jon ran off as Elena reached for her mother. "Come mother, we must go now. Ser Rodrik, you too we will need your help."

Ser Rodrik tugged at his whiskers unconsciously. "Lead the way, my lady."


Hope you guys enjoyed, next chapter should hopefully be up soon but I'll tell you guys now, it won't be as long, Reviews are always appreciated!