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Wright [chapter 34]: Thanks for the review! Arya is not tamable, don't get me wrong but this Arya is more of an independent boss as opposed to a follower. She is tamed by her family members (including Gendry) but even they feel that if they do, she would do the opposite or do what they wish in spite. A running thing in the story is Arya promising Gendry she will try and tame her wild wolf side but he then says she can't. Arya is strong, she has learnt to become resilient and dependent on herself. Going through what did with the Waif as definitely hardened her so Robb and Jon know better than to tell her to stand down because she acts on her free will and she may retaliate against them which is highly unlikely. I hope you liked how I portrayed Ned in the previous chapter, I wasn't sure whether to go with the books (he isn't in the show) but I figured I needed a character who isn't entirely in it for himself so there is a bit of banter when it comes to agreeing to help the Starks. They need more friends, not submitters. Bran's idea will allow him to find a purpose and it shows how he is trying to grow from his past of being crippled and the 3ER. What he wishes to do is an honourable thing just as the Stark way is to do. Regarding Theon, families fight but although he has done bad things against his foster family, he has redeemed himself and the Kings have to realise that it wasn't his fault from the moment he left Robb to see his father, Balon. Theon was a lost cause then but now, they see he wanted a family and a family is what they will provide for him once again. Are you a psychic, Wright? Haha, the last bit of your review is coming up really soon!
Chapters 35 and 36 have been posted. Apologies for the short chapter - it is a filler one.
"For the first time in ages, I slept well," Jon told Robb as they went over Tyrion's placement of their figurines on the map.
Robb shared a knowing smile with his brother. "I did so too. I hope Bran can find what he is searching for."
"Something tells me, it will take a long time. To him, it is as if his whole life has been taken away. It has, he died and came back just as we both did so we know how that feels but he suffers from it more," Jon replied. "You and I are kings and he doesn't have anything except what he plans to do. Sadly, it will take three years for Moat Cailin to be restored. I've spoken to Tyrion about our finances regarding that."
Robb sighed heavily. "Do you think he's smart enough to ask the Iron Bank to help us make that three years into tomorrow?" Robb said lightly. "I want Bran to be happy."
"So do I."
They were disturbed by a knock on the door.
"Enter!" Robb called out.
Brienne came inside, bowing to the kings. "Forgive me for my intrusion, Your Graces."
"Not at all, Lady Commander," Jon replied, gesturing for her to sit down.
"What is on your mind?" Robb asked her.
She cleared her throat. "I failed to inform you of some pressing news the last time I was granted an audience with you. I apologise," she said.
"You can do no wrong Lady Brienne. We're sure it was not intended. Was it?" Jon asked her.
She quickly shook her head. "I am not a woman to break my oaths, Your Graces - you know that from Princess Sansa. This time, I partially swore an oath to Ser Jaime Lannister. My... My feelings for him clouded my judgement but you should know."
"Know what?" Robb pressed gently.
"Cersei Lannister is with child - Jaime's child," she quickly said. "He asked me not to tell you because no matter how mad the woman who sits on the Iron Throne is - that child," she winced. "Is still his child and he wishes no harm on the child but Cersei alone."
Robb sighed heavily, sitting down and pouring a goblet of wine for himself. He sipped it slowly, closing his eyes.
"What are we meant to do?" He asked. "Wait until she gives birth then rid of her then?"
"Robb, that is another incestuous child born to the Lannisters. Who knows what would happen?" Jon replied. "Not that I am saying to kill it - we're not child murderers but surely, Cersei has to see that it has to stop? Even Jaime sees that."
Brienne's gaze flicked from brother to brother as they silently debated on what to do. Hells, she didn't know what to do and she felt guilty for betraying Jaime like that but he didn't love her. He loved Cersei, it would always be that blonde and not the blonde everyone mistook for a man.
"Cersei has lost enough children," Robb said. "She has to see that the downfall of the Iron Throne is good for her, for her unborn child even."
Brienne was surprised not that she should be. She had faith in the Kings to do the right thing and they'd said as she expected, they wouldn't harm an innocent child - Myrcella and Tommen were such innocent beings, it wasn't their fault who their parents were. Jaime had to see that.
"It has destroyed so many families, so many unnecessary deaths..." Robb continued. "What do we do, Brienne?"
Brienne was surprised. "I am no advisor, Your Graces. I merely protect you - my words hold no weight."
"They do," Jon told her. "Everyone does. We want to rule with the people not over."
Brienne gave them a small but sad smile. "I know that Ser Jaime loves this child no matter what but if Cersei chooses death over giving up the Iron Throne... The best thing to do is to appeal to her better nature although, I fear she has none with what Lord Varys' spies say."
"Thank you, Lady Brienne," Robb said.
Before she left, she quickly added, "The hardest thing to do is take a child's life. Your father stopped King Robert from killing Lady Daenerys and her brother. Years prior, Tywin Lannister ordered Rhaegar Targaryen's children with Elia Martell to be murdered. From what I know, Starks are kinder and more understanding. I'm sure you'd both make the best decision."
She bowed and left, releasing the breath she held in. She was sure that they'd punish her for her secretive ways but they were understanding. She was a woman of oaths and she kept them - she was too nice for the world.
...
Bran didn't feel like coming out of bed today. He, Sansa and Lord Varys were due to leave for their business in the Reach in a few days and until then, he wanted to do nothing but wait.
He heard scratching at the door and soon a knock came.
"Yes?"
"Prince Brandon, it's Ser Findal - Princess Arya's direwolf wishes to enter," the Kingsguard said.
"Let her in," replied Bran.
The door opened and the direwolf stalked in just as the door was closed once again.
She hopped onto Bran's bed and settled on her stomach, her eyes bright.
"Hello, Arya," Bran said with a smile. "How is Storm's End?"
Closing his eyes, he began to speak with his sister through his mind connecting to Nymeria's. He could feel her emotions, feel the words she said to him.
"Don't tell me you're doing a 'Jon'. You're brooding."
Bran laughed softly. "I'm going to the Reach with Sansa and Lord Varys in three days," he replied. "I am not brooding! Just... waiting. How is Storm's End as I asked?"
"Not like Winterfell. It's beautiful though but rains a lot. Gendry's brother is nice and their maester is alright too. Every servant is scared of me though. I miss you and everyone."
"I miss you too. We all do," he said. "About them being scared, they will grow to love you."
Before he could continue their conversation, he was taken into a vision and he gasped.
The Three-Eyed Raven stood, waiting for him.
"I apologise for cutting your conversation short, Brandon," he said. "There is something for you beyond the Wall."
Bran frowned. "What is there? There's nothing for me."
"Come and see. I'm sure your siblings would appreciate it."
"I can't," Bran said, shaking his head. "I'm due to travel to the Reach in three days. I can't let my brothers down."
The Three-Eyed Raven sighed heavily, walking towards him. "There is a calling and you must respond before it's too late. It will be worth it, Brandon Stark of Winterfell."
Bran relented, nodding as he opened his eyes once again.
He was in his room and Nymeria's eyes remained as bright as the sun.
He closed his eyes.
"Arya? Are you still there?"
"Where did you go?"
"I had a vision - I have to travel beyond the Wall," he told her.
Nymeria tilted her head. "But you have to go to the Reach."
"I know. Mayhaps, I can ask Jon and Robb if we can go next week instead. This is important, I have to go. Talk to you, soon. Remember, be safe."
"And you, Bran. Tell everyone I'll be home soon."
Nymeria's eyes dimmed and the direwolf paused before shaking her head and happily jumping onto him once she noticed his presence.
"Good girl, Nymeria. I have to go, though. Follow if you want."
He got up from his bed and got dressed. He made sure he looked presentable - they had to keep up appearances according to Sansa.
Opening the door, he surprised the Kingsguard standing outside his door.
"My prince, I thought you were staying in your chambers?"
"I have changed my mind. We're going to see my brothers," Bran replied, already walking towards the solar. "Then, we'll see if we're going to answer this calling of mine."
When he arrived at his brothers' solar, he wasn't surprised to hear them speaking about how they were going to destroy the Iron Throne. The question was if they were going to make the first move or allow Cersei to do so. Either way, they planned to win.
"Bran," Jon said upon seeing him.
"I had a vision!" Bran said, excitement in his voice. He hadn't even realised he had become excited. "I finally had one and it told me to go beyond the Wall."
Jon and Robb both shared a wary glance before turning back to their brother once again. They both held frowns on their faces.
"Are you sure?" Robb finally asked.
Bran nodded. "I am! If we can move the journey to the Reach until next week, I will be back by then - I will be quick."
"Ser Findal is to go with you-"
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Bran replied.
"And..."
"And?"
"Me," Robb finished. He shared a pointed look at Jon who nodded.
Bran raised his eyebrows. "You're supposed to stay here."
"Yes but if this is important to you, I want one of us to be there for you," Robb replied.
"I'm not complaining then," Bran said. "We leave as soon as possible. As in, right now."
Jon grinned at Robb. "Good luck."
...
Arya and her party had arrived at Winterfell as Bran, Robb and their own party made it to the Wall.
It was definitely different to when they were there the last time, during the Great War. It felt like a lifetime away.
Robb shivered as they passed the place he and Jon slid Ice and Snow into Bran's heart.
"I'm alive, Robb," Bran said.
"I know but... dying sticks with you forever. I can't remember my death and you and Jon remember yours. I'm glad I can't remember mine. I can't imagine the night terrors you both must get," Robb said quietly. "It still surprises me now."
Bran nodded. "I know what you mean."
They had travelled miles into the endless snow and mountains of the cold place.
It was Bran who saw it first.
It waited atop a hill, regarding them intently. It was golden orange in colour, a beautiful sight.
"Do you see it too?" Robb asked quietly so he didn't scare it.
Bran smiled. His calling was a direwolf. But the ones the Stark children had were known to be the last of their kind. How was it possible?
"I see it," he finally whispered back. "She's beautiful."
"How can you tell its a girl?" Robb asked in surprise.
Bran turned to him slightly, not removing his eyes from the direwolf. "I can sense it." He reached a hand out to the direwolf metres away from him. "Come here, girl."
Slowly, the direwolf began to walk towards him and Robb. It stopped a metre away and sat down.
"We're not going to hurt you," Bran told her. "I was called to you," he continued. "We can give you a home. A family."
The direwolf howled and then turned to face the brothers again.
"I believe she accepts our invitation," Robb said with a smile. "She's yours, what would you name her?"
Bran shrugged. "I don't know. Mayhaps, Cailin as it is my new home in the future or Winter."
"You will think of a suitable name on the way home. How old do you think she is?" Robb asked.
"Six-eight namedays? She is the same size as Nymeria. Ghost and Grey Wind are slightly bigger. She's leaner."
Robb nodded. He began to walk slowly towards the direwolf and she let out a slight yelp when he finally stroked her neck.
"She's soft-hearted. Come and pet her Bran," he called out.
Bran joined his brother and he scratched behind the direwolf's ear, the beast sighing in content.
"I remember when Jon begged Father to let our direwolves live. I'm glad he did," Robb said with a bright smile. "I can't wait to show him who we've brought home. Mayhaps, the children would ride her as Little Cat rides Nymeria with Sansa's help. They're young but when they've grown, they'd adore them. "Come, little one. Home awaits."
...
Jon and the rest of the siblings stood, waiting for Bran and Robb to arrive. The Queens had even joined them, Talisa excited to see her husband.
Jon was curious to know what Bran's vision had told him to do. He'd even shared his thoughts with Arya who said that she wondered what he had to do too.
What none of them, including the three direwolves, expected to see was a new direwolf walking inside through the gates first.
Ghost's interest was immediately peaked as Nymeria was wary. Grey Wind simply laid down and settled to sleep, deciding that it was enough greetings for the day. He'd greet his master later.
"Oh gods," Arya breathed out, no one's eyes leaving the new direwolf.
The advisors and smallfolk began to curtsey or bow as Bran and Robb entered and got off their horses.
The direwolf went over to her kind and began to sniff at them, receiving a warning growl from Grey Wind who was awakened.
"Bran..." Sansa said, her eyes wide. "Is-Is that a direwolf?"
"But, aren't they extinct?" Rickon asked his older siblings. "You said Nymeria, Ghost and Grey Wind were the last ones," he directed at Jon.
Jon shook his head. "I guess not."
Bran smiled at his siblings, stroking his new direwolf's thick coat. "She needs a bath and her fur cut a little. Isn't she beautiful?"
"She is," Sansa said with a wide smile. "Her fur is the colour of my hair. What is she called?" She was now going over to stroke the direwolf, suddenly feeling upset that hers was killed so young. "Little Cat will like her."
Bran shared a nod with Robb. "Her name is Blizzard."
"How fitting," Arya said, joining her sister and brother. "Nymeria, look! Another girl!"
Nymeria growled lowly, the idea of her alpha female status being threatened. It made her master laugh.
"Someone's jealous," Jon noted. "And I believe Ghost's smitten."
The direwolf in question circled Blizzard in excitement. He gently nudged her and she disregarded his efforts.
"That reminds me of us," Ygritte joked to her husband. "Men and their failings at getting a woman so easily."
"You pulled a knife on me if I remember clearly," Jon retorted with a fond smile.
"You fell in love with me first before I decided to accept your advances," she replied easily.
Jon raised his eyebrow. "I think you're remembering falsely."
"No, I am not. Then again, you've had your memories taken."
"Not those ones."
"Hmm, alright."
Jon turned to Bran. "Now, are you ready to follow Sansa and Lord Varys to the Reach?"
Bran replied with a nod. Then he said, "If Blizzard can come along."
The Kings shared a knowing look. Bran was not willing to part with his new warging partner just yet.
Notes for this chapter:
(1) Brienne tells the Kings about Cersei's pregnancy.
(2) They ask her for advice about what to do and she replies that their father stopped Robert from killing the Targaryens in the past.
(3) Bran spends his time either drinking, thinking and brooding.
(4) He speaks to a non-present Arya through her warging into Nymeria and he speaking through their connected minds. His warging powers are strong.
(5) Bran finally gets his first vision since he was resurrected and he is told by the 3ER to go beyond the Wall.
(6) Jon and Robb allow Bran to push back the journey with Sansa and Varys to the Reach by a week so he could go with one condition - Robb goes too.
(7) Robb and Bran find a golden orange direwolf whom Robb first pets then Bran. Everyone is smitten with the new direwolf except Grey Wind. Ghost likes her and Nymeria is threatened by her.
(8) Bran now will go to the Reach with the newly named direwolf, Blizzard, coming along.
Just for your information, here are the nicknames that were given to each Stark sibling in case you were wondering:
Robb - Young Wolf
Jon - White Wolf
Sansa - Red Wolf
Arya - Night Wolf
Brandon - Wise Wolf (may have been an ancestor's nickname but because of his Greensight, I thought it was fitting.)
Rickon - Little Wolf (May change in the future as he ages just as their uncle, Benjen, was once called Baby Cub which turned into Lone Wolf. If it wasn't Little Wolf, I think it would be the Valiant Wolf. He may be adorable and a bundle of nerves but as a Kingsguard, he is strong and fearless. Right now, he's technically a child but as he grows up with the guidance from his older brothers, he will become braver and stop asking if everyone is scared during meetings.)