The Bastards' of Winterfell

by thehufflepuffian

This story will be almost completely AU. It features the idea of Jon having a twin brother who, unlike himself, had accepted his status as a bastard son of Eddard Stark. Ezra Stark was closest with his half-sister Sansa, having been practicing how to make his own clothing as well as patching his and Jons' clothes from a young age. This story will diverge almost immediately.

-Ezra Snow-

It was just before the feast for the King when Lady Stark approached Jon and I, telling us that it would be a slight against the royal family if they had bastards sitting at the high table, and so we were to be delegated to sitting with the soldiers, and the servants.

Jon didn't seem to mind, as he immediately delved deep into the cups, so I tried not to mind it as I left the feast early with my direwolf, Whisper, following behind me as I made my way up the broken tower and sat, my mind tumbling around everything I had learned. Jon wants to go to the wall. He wants both of us to go to the Wall. Father is likely going to become Hand of The King, and go south to Kingslanding. Jon is commissioning a sword for Arya, undoubtedly his favorite of our half-siblings.

I wrapped my arms around Whisper, who leaned contentedly into my side. Whispering, I questioned, "What am I to do, Whisper? I don't want to go to the wall. It's not my place. I'm an adequate fighter, but I don't want to do that for the rest of my life. Jon is leaving, Father is leaving, most of the children are leaving with Father...I'd only have Rickon, Robb, and Lady Stark here for company if I stayed. Theon counting among my company is stupid- he'll betray us one of these days, Whisper, and no one else sees it. He's an ironborn, and his father's heir. If he's given the chance to leave, he will. Who knows what kind of army he'd come back with."

Whispered nuzzled my cheek, and I yawned, gladly lying down on my side and wrapping my arms around him.

I slept in the broken tower most nights, lately, ever since Jon had expressed that it was annoying that he had to share a room with me. I understood, I did, because Lady Stark had given us the smallest quarters she could, and for two nearly grown boys the one twin bed, one desk-well, it was basically only fit for one.

Father hadn't yet been told, as I'm sure almost no one noticed where I disappeared-I was only a bastard, after all. Not like when Bran disappeared to go climbing, or Arya disappeared from her lessons to train with a sword or a bow.

When I woke up the next morning, Whisper and I quickly made our descent from the broken tower, and I made my way to my room to quickly change out of my clothes and into fresh ones. Jon was still there, getting dressed himself, and looked surprised to see me as I walked in, tailed by Whisper.

"Where were you last night, Ez? You didn't come back to the room."

I rolled my eyes, "I never come back to your room unless I have no other choice Jon. You made your point quite clear when you made fun of me for sewing a shirt and stated that you didn't want a girly boy sharing your bed, gods forbid I might decide to touch you."

Jon flushed, "I-I didn't mean it like that, Ezra, and you know it! I was just surprised to see you sewing!"

I threw my balled up tunic onto the desk and spun, spitting, "Oh, and sewing is a ladies job, isn't it Jon? Well news flash! No one here cares for us! Who did you think was getting you those new tunics you so love? Father? Lady Stark? No! I've been sewing us clothes since I was Rickon's age!" He opened his mouth, looking shocked, but I held up a hand and stated coldly, "Don't worry, brother, I won't be doing anymore sewing for you. You'll be leaving, after all, to join the Night's Watch. I wonder how they mend their tunics when there are no women at the wall? I guess you'll find out."

After changing my breeches and grabbing my bag, Whisper and I left-Jon still staring at us in shock and apparent dismay.

After the Septa finished with the girls lessons for the day, I quickly approached her in the solar and pulled my newest tunic out of my bag for inspection.

Septa Mordane looked it over, checking the stitches. After a moment she smiled, handing it back to me, "I do believe, Ezra, you may just be one of the best in Winterfell at needlework. This looks professional."

I beamed at her, taking the tunic and placing it back into my bag before I pulled out something I had done for her-a handkerchief I had done with her name on the corner.

As I handed it to her, she grew slightly teary-eyed, patting my hand gently in thanks.

I smiled brightly at her before departing-I usually helped with the blacksmith during midday so he could have his lunch. Father had helped me set it up so that I could earn a bit of my own coin. I also helped around the keep when I could-I earned my right to stay here, and I would continue to until I was made to leave.

That night, I slept in the tower once again, and it was during the next day that Bran was found, having fallen from the tower.

It didn't surprise me to learn that Prince Joffrey wasn't sorry about Bran-to me, it seemed like he was never sorry about anything, let alone someone else's life being taken away if not completely ruined in one moment.

I avoided the tower after that-I didn't want anyone, especially Lady Catelyn, thinking that I'd had something to do with Bran's fall.

Whisper and I slept in front of the hearth in the kitchens most nights, after that, and rose when the cooks began preparing the food.

One morning, as I was exiting the kitchen, Jon grabbed my arm, pulling me aside. "Where have you been, Ezra?? We're supposed to be packing to go to the Wall. Everyone is leaving later today, and all your clothing is still in the chests!"

Shaking his hand from my arm, I shook my head and stated, "I told you I wasn't going, Jon! I don't belong at the Wall! I'm not going to waste my life away like it means nothing! While you're off sulking or training constantly I've been taking jobs, helping around the keep. I'm staying. You can go to the Wall if you must, but I won't be joining you."

"Ezra...We've-we've always been together, how can you leave me now?"

Glaring at him, I stated coldly, "You're the one leaving, Jon, not I. You're the one who can't seem to find his place in the world here. I've found mine-aye, I'm a servant, but that's where I've found a place for myself. You've wanted to be a lordling your whole life-I got over that desire by the time we were eight. We're bastards, Jon, and even bastards can have lives, we just have to get over ourselves to have one."

"Ez...Won't you come with me?? The Wall is an honorable life to live!"

Scoffing, I disagreed, "Oh aye, thieves, rapists, murderers, it's all very honorable! Lose your life fighting wildlings and frostbite!"

"Fine, if you won't come with me, then good riddance!" Jon stormed off, and Robb approached, squeezing my shoulder lightly, "He doesn't mean it, Ezra. He'll get over it soon enough-you should be out there to say goodbye to Father and the girls, as well as Jon."

Shaking my head, I stated, "I'm only an embarrassment to Father, Robb, and I've already said my goodbyes to Arya. Sansa-I was about to go to her when Jon caught me. I'm planning to go to her now, do you know if she's in her room, my Lord?"

Robb bumped his shoulder into me, "I hate how you slip that into conversations, Ezra. You and Jon are family, you don't have to use formalities with me."

Shaking my head I spoke firmly, "Aye, Robb, I love you, you know that. You're the closest friend I have here besides Jon or Sansa, but you're the heir of Winterfell, and soon I'll be taking my place as one of your servants-it's not proper for a servant to use such familiarity. Your mother already hates me-please, let me do what I can to ease that. She hates how familiar we are."

"I don't care what my mother says, Ezra, you're as much a Stark as I am, and you don't need to use titles with me. You didn't do it with Father, and you don't do it with Arya, or Rickon, or Bran."

"You're the future and soon to be acting lord of Winterfell-you're her first born that she was holding in her arms while our father fucked some woman, got her pregnant, and came home with Jon and I. She was waiting to present you, his future heir, to him when he came home with not one but two bastards."

"Aye, but that wasn't any fault of yours! It wasn't as if you asked to be born!"

I shrugged, "I cannot take your mothers hate of me away, Robb, I'm sorry. At least in front of her and others, I will be calling you my lord, which is what you deserve anyway."

Robb shook his head, "You're the most stubborn man I've met yet, Ezra, and we all know how stubborn our father and brothers are. Very well, play your part, if you insist, but know that I will fight you if you begin to call me it in private, you understand?"

Rolling my eyes, I agreed, "Yes, Robb, I understand, given name in private. Now, do you know where Lady Sansa is? I have a gift for her that I've been working on for some time, and I'd like to give it to her."

"How you managed to get Sansa to like you, I don't know, but whatever it was, good for you. I believe she should be in her room getting ready to break her fast in the great hall one last time before they depart."

Smiling slightly at him, I hurried to Septa Mordane's quarters, happily catching the woman waiting patiently for me in her quarters so I could grab the elegant gown I'd sewn for Sansa from her wardrobe.

Knocking on the door to Sansa's room, I waited for the polite 'come in' before I opened the door, hiding the gown behind the door as I stuck my head inside. I smiled at Sansa, seeing her handmaiden doing her hair, and I asked, "Might I come in? I have something for you."

Sansa smiled, a beautiful beaming grin, and agreed, waving me inside. I came in, noticing her eyes went straight to the dress, and her hand went up to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears.

Her handmaiden wisely stepped back as Sansa hurriedly stood up, rushing over and grasping me in a tight hug. "Thank you Ezra, thank you so much! It's beautiful!"

Hugging her back tightly, I murmured, "Well, you're one of the two ladies to appreciate my abilities, so I couldn't let you leave without something to remember me by, especially if it will be the last time that I see you."

Sansa's arms tightened like a vise, and she murmured, "I never thought of that-I was so excited to marry Joffrey that I never considered I'd be leaving you behind-you're the only one of my siblings who understands me, who doesn't hate me for wanting to be a lady and not a boy like Arya!"

Pulling back to gently grasp Sansa by the shoulders, I spoke firmly, "You'll do fine in the south, Sansa. You take after your mother, you're more like a Tully than a Stark, but there is nothing wrong with that. So what if you want to get married and have babies? That's your right as a lady. Your sister has wolf-blood, like I've heard Father say his sister did, but you do too-just for different things. You've the passion, Sansa, just for different things." Making sure she was looking at me first, I sent her a quick smile and stated, "Besides, you can send me a raven any time, and I'll reply as well as I can. You know I've been helping about the keep-I've been learning from everyone, the cook, the maester, the blacksmith, even the steward. I'll always get your message, and the moment that you say you need me-I'll ride south, and I'll help you to the best of my abilities."

She sent me a tremulous smile and whispered, "What if Joffrey isn't-isn't good?"

Firmly holding her by the shoulders, I stated, "You tell your father-he'll get you out, and even if I need to ride south and get you, I will. I won't let you be married to someone who will hurt you, and we both know Joffrey has been a sadistic, selfish cunt since he's been here, Sansa. Send me a raven and I'll ride as hard as I can south. You're more like a sister to me than Jon is a brother half the time-I will do whatever you need me to."

Pulling me into a hug, Sansa buried her face against my neck and whispered, "I don't want to leave you, Ezra. Come with me. Please."

Shaking my head, I stated, "I can't leave now, Sansa. I'm not part of the agreed upon party. Give me a month or two, and if you truly want me to, I'll make my way south. I don't have a lot of money saved up, but what I do will get me a horse and let me stop at least at one inn on the way down."

"You can have my horse-I'll tell the stablemaster so, Ezra! You know Father got me a fast mare, and I'll most likely be riding in the carriage with Queen Cersei and Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella."

"I can't take your horse, Sansa, your mother will throw a fit."

"Why would I throw a fit, Snow?"

Whipping around, I let go of Sansa completely, sweeping into a low bow at the sight of Lady Catelyn, who had left Bran's chambers for the first time since his fall. "I merely thought you would prefer I didn't use Lady Sansa's mare if I went south, my Lady. My apologies if I offended you."

"You offend me with your mere presence, Bastard. Leave my daughter alone."

Keeping my head low, I turned to Sansa and smiled sadly at her, "Goodbye my lady, I hope you enjoy your present, and your time in the south. Safe travels."

Ignoring her lady mother completely, Sansa pulled me into a hug, whispering, "I'll tell Father to tell the stablemaster, but here, just in case." Into my pocket, she slid a coin purse that jingled with coins. Letting go of me, she stepped back and smiled sadly at me, "Goodbye, Ezra, I love you. I'll see you in the south. One month-yes?"

Nodding, I stated, "That will give me enough time to get my affairs in order, my Lady. Please alert your lord father that you wish for my presence, so he isn't alarmed at my arrival." Inclining my head to Lady Catelyn, I moved swiftly from the room and towards Bran's room-it was rare that the lady wasn't there, and I'd crafted something for Bran, and I wanted to give it to him, despite him not being awake.

Smiling sadly at the sight of Bran, unconscious as he was, I carefully laid the thick blanket I had embroidered with a large direwolf, in the color of his direwolf, as well as the Stark words, 'Winter Is Coming' along the edges, on either side. In one corner, however, I had added his name, and who had made it. I did, after all, have some pride in what I accomplished.

Hearing his direwolf, yet unnamed, once again howling below the window, I sighed, running a gentle hand through Brans' hair before I left the room-I didn't want yet another encounter with Lady Catelyn.

I knew that despite the money Sansa had given me, I would still need to stay and at the very least save up a bit more-I had no doubts I would hate lying on the ground night after night, and Inns were expensive. I had no tent of my own, and I knew that they were expensive to buy-I couldn't waste the coin I might need for food on something that may get stolen from me.

Watching from above the tower as the royal party left, and with it my father and half sisters, and my twin, Jon, who barely looked at me before he left, still bitter that I wouldn't throw my life away for him.

After they left, I truly began my day, working multiple jobs I usually did daily before I headed back to the keep, charming food from the cook before I headed to my room, working on my latest project-a direwolf embroidered tunic for Rickon.

Time passed like that for several days before I found myself helping Robb in my time off, and at one point there was a fire started, and as he and several guards ran to put it out, he asked me to go and make sure Bran and his mother were safe. I had just gotten in the door and shut it, Catelyn having been glaring at me from the moment I opened the door, when it opened again to show a shady looking man, his brown clothes covered in filth and smelling of horses. "You weren't s'posed to be here."

As he moved towards Bran I tackled him to the ground, cursing that I hadn't taken Mikken up on his offer and made myself a blade-even a dagger would be helpful in this situation, but the only weapon in the room was the dagger in the mans' hand. Knocking his hand against the ground several times in an attempt to loosen his hold on the weapon, I barely managed to dodge as he began to strike at me, one of his strikes finally landing in my stomach. Gasping in pain, I took the opportunity to snatch the dagger from his grip as the door burst open-Whisper and Brans' wolf both growling and snarling, although it was Brans' wolf that went in for the kill, ripping the mans' throat out.

Whisper came to me, gently nudging my side, and I smiled slightly down at him before I slid out of my tunic, pressing the tunic to the fast bleeding wound in my stomach. "I suppose I shouldn't have pulled the dagger out."

Lady Catelyn made a noise in the back of her throat before she came closer, helping me press my tunic harder to the wound before she shouted, "Help! Someone get Maester Luwin! Immediately!"

Robb and the guards ran in, Robb grabbing hold of me and pushing me into the chair Lady Catelyn had been using, and turned to the guard, "You heard my mother, get the Maester! My brother is bleeding!"

The guard nodded, rushing out of the room, and Robb knelt in front of me, "What happened, Ezra??"

Shaking my head slightly, I motioned to the dead man and stated as calmly as I could, "He came in after I did. He told Lady Catelyn she wasn't supposed to be here. He had a dagger, so I tackled him. We fought over the dagger, and I'd nearly knocked it from his hand when he began trying to stab me. The wolves broke down the door just as he got me in the stomach. Brans' wolf ripped the man's throat out. He saved us, Robb. He saved Bran."

Maester Luwin shouldered his way through, seeming surprised. "Ezra, my word, child, what happened to you??"

Grimacing at the taste of blood in my mouth, I lifted my tunic and gestured, "Got stabbed, sir. Do you think I'll live?"

Chuckling slightly, Maester Luwin motioned to the guards and stated, "Bring him to my quarters, gently lay him down on the spare bed. I'll follow, of course, but I need to get some milk of the poppy I have stored. He'll need it for when I stitch him back together."

Robb and Lady Catelyn helped me up, Lady Catelyn keeping my tunic pressed to the wound, and the guards soon took over, one gently guiding me while the other cleared the way.

"Ezra! By the gods, boy, what happened???" Mikken, along with several other servants, looked worried as I limped past, one arm wrapped around the shoulders of a guard while my free arm held my tunic to the stab wound.

Smiling grimly I stated, "Nothing I won't survive, Mikken. I may not be able to work the forge until Maester Luwin says so, but I hope you'll allow me to continue helping however I can in the meantime."

Mikken waved off my words, "You heal up, Ezra. You'll have a spot at my forge when you're healed. In the meantime, I'll get to work on a blade for you. That's a stab wound, lad, It's not the first I've seen."

Maester Luwin ushered us forward and stated, "I need to get you stitched up before you lose too much blood, Ezra. We must hurry."

Chuckling, feeling slightly weak as the world spun, I admitted, "My stitches would probably turn out better than yours, Maester. Perhaps I should do it."

"You may not be wrong, Ezra, but I'm not sure you'd be able to manage it together, so I shall do it."

"Probably for the best, Maester Luwin, as I'm feeling rather dizzy, and my eyesight isn't working well."

"Quickly, we need to get him to a bed so I can see the wound!"

Feeling worse, I let my head sag forward, closing my eyes, and sunk into the blackness in my vision.