So I think its been about two years since I last post. Quite a long wait. I am so sorry. I want to finish this story any one that has read and reviewed and followed deserve an ending so I am really going to try. Here is the next chapter, I don't think it's worth the two year wait but enjoy! More to come I promise I really do!

Chapter 9-

It didn't take long for the whole castle to learn of Bran's fall. As Ned Stark and the rest of the king's hunting party made their way back, they were met by Ser Rodrik who carried the grave news with a heavy heart. Lord Stark and Robb rushed back to the castle as quickly as their horses could bear, leaving the rest of the hunting party in their dust. The young Stark heir headed to his siblings while Ned rushed to Bran's bedroom. He swung open the door to find his young son being looked over by a very concerned Maester and his equally traumatized wife. Lady Catelyn barely acknowledged her husband's presence as she continually kept up her praying to all the gods she knew of to save her son. The two sat for hours in silence watching as Luwin mixed his herbs and wiped away the blood from the back of their son's head. After everything was done, the old Maester cleaned his hands on a cloth and turned to the parents sadly.

"My Lord and Lady" he began softly, "Bran has taken quite a fall."

"Will he be alright Luwin?" Ned asked his voice grave.

"I'm afraid I can't answer that my Lord. I have done everything I can for tonight but the rest is up to Bran. If he wakes," Lady Stark gave an involuntary shudder, "we will know the full damage but his head has gone through quite a trauma. I worry for his spine too I'm afraid. His back is swollen, deeply swollen and none of my herbs seem to help."

Ned Stark looked away from his son's mangled body to the old man in front of him, "What does... what does that mean?"

"He might not be able to walk when he wakes my Lord."

Ned felt the air leave his lungs quickly as he reached for his wife for strength. She didn't return the squeeze to his hand; instead she continued to sit numbly, mumbling her prayers in hush whispers, her eyes never leaving her son's body. "My love you should go get some rest, the Maester has done all he can for Bran tonight. Our son needs rest."

"I'm not leaving" Catelyn spoke sharply, her eyes still not leaving Bran.

"My Lady, Lord Stark is right. I can watch Bran for the night, you should go rest."

"I said I'm not leaving," the woman snapped. Her eyes flickered to her husband and he saw such a fire within her that he knew better than to argue. "Okay my love," he submitted, "you stay here with him. I'll check on the others." Feeling helpless, Ned rose quickly and placed a kiss to the top of his wife's head. He gave an exhausted nod to Maester Luwin and excused himself from the room.

He stalked the halls of Winterfell slowly, every guard and servant he met on his way giving him sad and pitiful looks. It didn't take long for Ned to find the rest of his children; they had all holed up together in his eldest daughter's room. He looked in quickly and was shocked to find a room more depressing than the one he just left. Elena lay quietly on her bed, silently tears streaming as she cuddled with Rickon. His youngest looked surprisingly tamed as he laid with his sister, a rare sight for the wild child. Sansa, always the proper little lady, sat quietly on the windowsill, her handkerchief dabbing at her eyes every few seconds but never really keeping up with the steady stream of tears. Arya sat on the floor miserably, stabbing a discard piece of needlepoint as if it was a body and she was wielding a sword. Jon sat silently across from her, his ever watchful eyes taking turns at studying his siblings, almost as if he was checking to make sure they were okay. Robb paced endlessly around the room his body tense with worry.

The minute Ned walked into the room, his six children all stopped to stare. He expected immediate questions but it seemed as though all his kids were at a loss for words. Finally, Jon seemed to regain his wits and cleared his throat.

"Father" he mumbled, "Is there any news on Bran?"

"Maester Luwin is doing everything he can" the elder Stark announced, taking a seat on his daughter's bed. He rubbed at Rickon's hair affectionately and smiled over at Arya. "I know it is easy to be scared but don't fret children, your brother is strong."

"Is he awake?" asked Robb

"No son, he's not" Ned answered solemnly.

"Elena said Bran was bleeding from the head, father, and that his back might be broken." Sansa spoke up tearfully turning her attention away from the window.

"That is what the Maester told me as well, my dear" Ned shared as he stood up and went to his middle daughter. He wrapped an arm around her softly. He thought of Luwin's diagnosis. "We won't know how bad he is until Bran wakes up I'm afraid."

"When do they think he will wake?" asked Robb who finally stopped his endless pacing to take a seat on the bed.

Ned shook his head sadly, "that is up to your brother I'm afraid." He looked to Elena who was still cradled with Rickon in her pillow. "My dear, are you alright? I heard you took a fall as well." He reached for her face but his daughter shook his hand away. "I'm fine" she mumbled, "just worried for Bran. He looked so… " she sat up and looked at her younger siblings sadly, "he didn't look good father."

"I know, my dear, but thank goodness you found him when you did."

Elena laid back down next to Rickon, "It was North, she led me to him."

"North?"

"Yes father, she must have known Bran was in trouble. When I found him he was with his direwolf as well."

Arya looked up, "Well Bran's direwolf probably told Elena's. They can talk with each other you know."

Jon shook his head softly as Robb let out a small laugh. "Arya they are animals," snapped Sansa, they can't talk."

"But they can, I've seen it." Spoke up the small girl.

Ned smiled down at Arya, "I believe you my dear," he shared earning him a weary glance from his other children, "well it seems these direwolves are just more and more impressive. You'll be sure to give them extra treats tonight won't you?" He youngest daughter nodded eagerly, "Yes father."

A knock on the door turned everyone's attention and soon Steward Poole was coming into view. "Excuse me my Lord but the King and his feast, shall it still go on?"

Ned watched as his middle daughter turned suddenly to him, her beautiful face showing a new sense of eagerness despite her tears. He reminded himself that the young girl's engagement announcement was to be tonight. The announcement that she would soon be a princess. He gave her a rough smile, "well everyone spent so long setting up, it would be a shame to waste it." He watched her face light up, "The feast can continue but I'm afraid Lady Stark will be unable to attend. Please be sure to announce to the King and Queen as such."

The Steward nodded and bowed leaving the room quickly to inform the others of the feast's reinstatement. Robb waited until he was out of earshot to question his father. "Is it really the time for a feast, father? With Bran hurt and all?"

"I'm afraid we have guests to attend to, my son, and they need to know that we Starks are resilient." He turned to his daughter, "Sansa, why don't you and Arya start getting ready. Swiftly, I beg of you, it is already late."

Sansa didn't have to be told twice; she jumped up from the windowsill and grabbed her sisters arm quickly. "Come Arya, you must help me get ready for Joffrey. Ooh where is Jeyne she needs to do my hair like mother does." Arya struggled out of her sister's vice-like grip and moaned, "I don't need to get ready, I'll go to the feast like this."

"You will not" called Sansa's voice as the two disappeared in the hallway, "Oh Arya, you are too difficult."

Ned turned to his sons next. "RIckon I expect you to be well behaved tonight for me. No Shaggy dog okay?" His youngest nodded, "Now go get cleaned up with your brothers." Robb stepped up quickly and lifted his little brother with ease off the bed. "You two help with whatever the servants need, you hear me?" Ned asked of his eldest sons. They both nodded and headed for the door, "And send Theon to help too" he called as they disappeared down the hall.

When it is only Elena left, Ned takes a weary breath, "Elena I must ask too much of you."

The young girl sits up quickly, her eyes on her father, "What is it father?"

"You must be your mother for tonight; you must be the Lady of Winterfell."

Ned watched his daughter's face fall, "What do you mean?" she asked, "what does that entail?"

"You'll have to sit with the Queen my dear," if it was possible Elena's face fell further, "I know you don't get along-"

"That's an understatement" she interrupted.

"Regardless" Ned raised his voice slightly, "Your mother is unable to attend and that leaves it to you. Please do this for me. I promise if she gets to be too much, I'll step in."

As much as Elena wished to fight and tell her father no, she recognized the defeated look that matched her own. Lord Stark knew this wouldn't be pleasant for his daughter but he was desperate and after everything that happened today, the least she could do is sit with the Queen for a few hours. "Okay father" she agreed solemnly, "I will take over for mother, but" she over enunciated the words, "I can't promise to hold my tongue if she starts first. I will not let her disgrace our family no matter what her title is."

Ned Stark smiled, "Now that's the Elena Stark I raised." He gave her a kiss on the top of her head, "If Cersei gets nasty you call me over okay?"

"Yes father."

Ned stood, "Now go get ready, I expect to see you downstairs soon." He left swiftly leaving the young girl with deep foreboding for her night ahead.

It didn't take long for Elena to wish she wasn't the eldest daughter. As her siblings were able to sit at the kid table with Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen, the eldest Stark girl felt as though she was in the Lion's den surrounded by Cersei, Jaime and Tyrion Lannister. Robert and her father had left swiftly after eating to discuss some pressing matters, leaving the others in awkward silence. Elena stared off throughout the hall, her eyes finding Joseth's quickly and he gave her a small smile. She was about to return it when a voice snapped her back to her table.

"Is it always so cold up here?" came Cersei's annoyed tone.

"Well it is the North, sister" answered Tyrion. "Summer's are different up here."

"So I gathered" snapped the Queen, "but I meant in this castle. By the gods I think it might be colder in here than outside. Don't you agree Jaime?"

Her twin turned to her amused, "The North sure makes someone miss the warmth of King's Landing."

"I'll be glad when we start heading back home," Cersei continued.

"Speak for yourself," spoke up Tyrion, "I find myself quite comfortable up here."

The Queen rolled her eyes, "You would."

Elena cleared her throat suddenly, making all three Lannisters turn to her. "If you're cold, your grace, I could get you more furs." Any excuse to leave, Elena went to stand.

"No, no" Cersei placed a thin hand onto her arm, "I'll manage the rest of the night, please stay." She gave an icy smile and Elena felt her own arm get goosebumps. "So I hear you plan to join us on our trip back to King's Landing, how brave of you." Both Jaime and Tyrion turned to their sister, one with a look of entertainment, the latter with concern.

"Brave, your grace?"

"I don't know how many warnings you must heed before you begin to listen, the South is no place for you" the Queen gave another small smile.

"Cersei" warned Tyrion as he sipped from his goblet.

"What" she snapped at her brother, "I merely mean that besides not having the look of the South, nor the womanly way" she looked her up and down quite frankly, "She also is being skipped over for Princess. Elena your younger sister is getting the title. I would think that would be embarrassing to you, mortifying no less."

"I have no desire to be a princess" Elena whispered as she locked eyes with Joseth once more.

Cersei followed her eyes, "because the master of horse title sounds much more appealing." She smiled, "A lady of Winterfell marrying the help, is that the life you so desire?"

"I don't know what you're talking about-" she bagan but Cersei continued uncontested. "The horse tamer might be the best bet for you perhaps he can tame your wild family. What with your wall climbing brother-"

"Bran is gravely injured" her voice squeaked,

"-Your filthy little sister-"

"Arya just likes adventure, she is still young" Elena argued,

"-and that bastard son of Stark sitting at the table with my highborn children-"

"Jon is just as good a man as Joffrey. Perhaps better" " she snapped bitterly.

"EXCUSE ME" roared Cersei, "THAT IS YOUR PRINCE YOU ARE INSULTING!" Her voice carried throughout the hall and everyone's eyes turned to the top table. Elena watched as her siblings all gave concerned looks except for Sansa who looked mortified. Her uncle Benjen rushed to come forward along with her Septa but it ended up being Tyrion who came to her rescue.

"Oh Cersei, calm down" called the imp as he passed his filled goblet to his sister. "Drink, be merry, be nice." He smiled at the young girl, "Can't expect her to take an insult from you and not fight back."

"There was no insult. I was speaking truth" Cersei spat sending looks of loathing to the young girl next to her. "Insulting your Prince like that, I should have your neck for that."

"Cersei" warned Jaime, and the two twins shared a look. Meanwhile Tyrion raised a cocky eyebrow to Elena and gave a nod to Cersei. The young girl looked down quickly and found her voice. "I'm sorry, your Grace. It's been… it's been a long day. My brother, his fall, it's made me lose my manners. Your son is a wonderful man, any girl would be lucky to marry him. My sister, the luckiest of all for striking his fancy. I am just jealous" she whispered, her voice having trouble getting the words out since they were the furthest from the truth. "Jealous of her for becoming a princess as I become an old maid."

Cersei smirked and rolled her eyes, "An old maid, you're sure to be. Barbaric manners if I ever saw. Talking back to your Queen like that. Your poor mother would be mortified."

"Forgive me, your Grace. You are most right. I am very ashamed."

The Queen eyed her cautiously but turned back to her brother. Jaime met her gaze and the two quickly starting whispering to themselves. Elena scooted closer to the imp and sighed. "Thanks for that" she whispered. Tyrion merely nodded. "Be cautious my lady, there is only so many times my dear sister will tolerate your wild tongue."

"She doesn't scare me" the girl mumbled.

"Well she should" Tyrion whispered glancing at the golden Queen and receiving a scowl in return, "Mind your place, young Stark."

Before she could respond, a servant came forward to refill Tyrion's glass. Elena reached ahead and grabbed the goblet from him, sipping the burning liquid fast. The Queen and her twin looked up distastefully while Tyrion looked on with pleasure.

"Elena" bellowed a loud voice, and the young girl looked to see her father and the King returning, "I know you did not just take Lord Tyrion's goblet. That type of ale is not meant for young girls" her father lectured.

"Oh quiet Ned, let the young girl enjoy herself." The King sat next to her, "Did it burn down your throat young lady, that's the sign of a good drink."

Elena nodded slowly her face glowing pink at the look of anger on her father's. "Ahh" roared the King happily, "well Tyrion you won't mind me stealing the rest of this drink then."

"Of course not your grace" answered the Imp dutifully, turning to a servant to get a new goblet for himself.

"Will we still be leaving tomorrow, my Grace? I believe this cold air has really taking a lot out of me and the children" Cersei forced a smile.

"We will leave when I say we will." The King growled as he took another big gulp. "Ned and his family have gone through a terrible tragedy. He might need a few days to get things in order before he leaves and we will wait until he is ready."

"Thank you your Grace," Ned Stark bowed his head gratefully.

Cersei sighed softly, "Perhaps he could meet us along the way, the children really need to get back-"

"I SAID NO WOMAN" again all the heads turned to the top table. Elena turned to see her father meet her gaze sternly. He was still angry from before and all Elena could hope was that Cersei would avoid mentioning their own fight to make him even angrier. Her worries were realized faster than she thought though as Cersei let out another annoyed sigh and turned to her husband."I'm sorry my Grace but I just feel unwelcomed, young lady Stark here insulted your son and-"

"She what?" asked her father at the same time that Elena absentmindedly reached for Tyrion's goblet once more. The imp grabbed her hand with a smile and a tisk, "Now now Cersei, no need to bring that back up. A misunderstanding, Lord Stark, that's what it was, was it not brother?"

Jaime merely shrugged and turned back to a seething Cersei. "Jaime" she spat, "You heard her insult your nephew."

"Which she apologized for" the twin answered. "Things got tense," the Kingslayer shrugged, "it's been a tense time."

"My Queen, my king I am so sorry-" Ned began but Robert raised a hand to silence him. "Oh horse wallops Ned I don't care if your pretty daughter insults my son. Serves him right, he's a bit too green for my liking anyway. Maybe next time she can say it to his face." He turned to Elena, his eyes drunk in the bright lights, "Chin up beautiful, don't be ashamed."

"I am so sorry your Grace, and to you to your grace" she turned to the Queen, "please forgive my tongue. I lost my place."

"Clearly" murmured Cersei as she looked at her drunk husband staring at the young girl longingly."I believe I've had enough of this company tonight. Jaime," she turned to her brother, "Would you please escort me to my chambers?" Her brother dutifully stood as did Elena and Ned. They bowed to the Queen as she left but she gave no acknowledgement instead reaching for her brother's arm with a hard grip and heading right for the door.

"Elena" Ned announced, "perhaps it is time for you to leave as well. Check on your mother, and help your siblings to bed."

"Oh Ned, let the girl stay," Robert reached a drunken hand over to her. "Don't you want to stay Lyanna?"

"Robert" Ned began as the King's hand began to go lower down Elena's face and past her neck. As it reached for her chest, Ned's hand batted it back down. "Robert" he tried again.

Tyrion cleared his throat at the uncomfortable moment. "Your Grace, my Lord, I believe Elena promised to let me meet her direwolf. Delightfully interesting creatures, I've never seen one up close and I was told they were more peaceful at night. Less likely to try and swallow me whole which is always a promising proposition. I hope you won't if we leave now to go see."

Ned nodded immediately while Robert just took another drink, "Yes take her, I'll see her tomorrow, won't I, my pretty Northern Snow Goddess." Elena shuddered at his words but gave the proper bows regardless. She followed Tyrion swiftly from the dining hall, her back feeling the King's drunken eyes on her the whole way.

Once safe outside she finally let out a sigh in relief. "Thank you my Lord, that's twice you've saved me tonight."

Lord Tyrion met her with a grave face, "I understand that your youth and perhaps your arrogance might get in the way but you really must mind your tongue, Lady Stark. I can only keep my sister in check for so long."

Elena looked down ashamed, "I know I'm sorry, my Lord." She swallowed roughly, "I will mind my matters."

"If you do end up riding back South with us, I do suggest it. Your charm with the King won't save you, it will probably end up hurting you more. Cersei is the Queen not some playmate. She rules this kingdom, more than the King. You don't want her as your enemy, my lady."

"Yes, my Lord."

Tyrion sighed guiltily, "Enough of the serious stuff. It was nice to hear someone compare my nephew to a bastard."

Elena looked up with a small smile, "It slipped out," she admitted sheepishly. "She shouldn't have made fun of my siblings."

"Well I'll be sure to remind her the next time she tries."

"Thank you Lord Tyrion. I don't know why you keep helping me but I appreciate it my Lord." She gave a quick bow, "I should go check on my mother and see how my poor brother is faring."

Tyrion nodded, "my prayers to the Gods on his swift recovery, my Lady." The young girl smiled as she headed back inside. Tyrion meanwhile continued walking outside until a voice startled him. "Why must you always be so difficult?" Jaime Lannister appeared from the shadows quietly.

"My dear brother what are you doing out here?"

Jaime shrugged, "getting some air, spying on the young Lady Stark-"

"Following the Queen's orders I suppose." Tyrion smiled.

"Why must you always defy and anger her?"

"Why do you always submit?" the Imp asked.

Jaime shrugged once more, "Easier I guess. Better to not be on her bad side, you can attest to that."

"Scared of her?"

The Kingslayer smiled, "aren't you?"

The imp laughed coldly, "well perhaps a little," he admitted. "Her fake smile truly shakes me to my very bones."

"I'll tell you who isn't afraid," observed Jaime, "Elena Stark."

"A foolish girl"

"A foolish girl who you keep defending. Why brother? Perhaps this Northern Lady has struck your fancy? Thinking of settling down with her?"

"And leave the whores of Westros to fend for themselves, shudder the thought brother" Tyrion smiled, "I like her defiance, her fire, if I ever had children-"

"Gods forbid" the elder Lannister interrupted.

Tyrion continued, his smile growing, "If I ever had children, I would want them to be like her, unafraid to speak her mind, firm in her ways. It's refreshing to not have someone kissing Cersei's robes all day long. She is unique."

"It will cause her demise; Cersei is already planning to ruin her the minute we get back to King's Landing."

"She's waiting until we arrive home, I'm shocked," Tyrion admitted, "I'd think she would start before we even leave."

"Perhaps she is getting nicer." Jaime observed.

"Doubtful" Tyrion retorted.

"Either way, you should be careful Tyrion, as angry as Cersei is with Elena she is double with you for defending her."

"I'll watch my back. Thank you for the warning brother."

Jaime nodded, "I should go report back, I'll tell her I never saw the Stark girl after we left the dining hall, give her a night out of the Queen's watch." He headed back towards the guests' chambers.

Tyrion smirked "Girl is growing on you too it seems" he shouted to his brother's turned back.

Jaime spun around and smiled, "Maybe she is." He admitted. "You're right; it is refreshing to find someone not afraid of the big bad Queen." He gave one more wave and was lost to the lights of Winterfell.

Chapter 9 done! Chapter 10 hopefully by Thursday or Friday. Thanks again to anyone who is coming back to this story! :)