Surprise!

I'm alive everyone! I do apologize for the very long wait. I've been dealing with stuff, and well, I'm still dealing with stuff but I'm doing better now.

But never mind that. Back to the story!

~ o ~ O ~ o ~

Winterfell, the North (284 AC)

Arthos sighed on top of his horse, staring at the walls of Winterfell. From his place upon the hill, he could see the smallfolk milling about the winter town. There was a flurry of activity, as most of the folk from the south prepared decorations around their little hovels. The town had grown in the past few months, almost triple its previous. It won't take long to become a city.

We're going to have to rename it soon, he thought to himself.

"Is that it?" Kiara asked, shivering slightly, as she sat on her own horse beside him, gazing at the castle. Even with her new, thick wolf fur cloak from Moat Cailin, the cold was something she had yet to get over. Snow rarely ever made it to the Isle of Faces. "It doesn't look as impressive as the Castle on the Shore, but it does look nicer."

"Harrenhal," Arthos reminded her.

Kiara rolled her eyes. "Whatever it was called. Can we go inside now?"

She urged her steed onward, down the hill and towards the edge of town. Arthos let out a quiet chuckle, before following after her.

The journey to Winterfell had not gone quite how he had expected. Their pace was slow, since Kiara was not used to such long-distance travel. He and Kiara started off very awkwardly, what with him being the cause for her to be sent away on a grand quest. The boy could sympathize. He didn't really want to go on his first quest either. Still, their first few days together were not productive in building any sort of friendship.

It was only when they neared the Mountains of the Moon, did they start getting closer. Kiara had always seen the mountains from far away, and did not realize how large and imposing they were. She asked Arthos about them, and he explained their history, as much as he could remember. This became an ongoing theme, as Kiki asked about the things they passed by and Arthos tried his best to give her answers.

By the time they reached the Neck, Arthos and Kiki had become good friends. Good enough for Arthos to make fun of her for the reactions of the crannogmen in Greywater Watch. They had never had a member of the green men come north; it had always been the men of the Neck who came to them. Kiki was venerated and a feast was prepared for them. She was so embarrassed by the attention, and kept glaring at Arthos, who could not stop laughing at her expression.

Arthos was brought back to the present when they reached the edge of the town. There were a lot more people in the area compared to when he first came to Winterfell. The town used to be mostly used as shelter for the smallfolk – and some clansmen from the mountains – during wintertime. Now, it was filled with several permanent residents. Folk from the south who had come for opportunity.

Several businesses had even started popping up. A second inn and alehouse, the World's End, had popped up, giving the Smoking Log a challenge. The young lord noticed that a brothel was also in the works out in the western side of the town. He wasn't sure who was running it, or who had approved of the business. He would have to keep an eye on it.

Going past the market square, which was bustling with activity as people hung up more colorful flags and banners, they reached the South Gate where a young Jory Cassel was waiting for them along with some other household guards. Ser Rodrik's nephew greeted them with a wry grin, wearing his scuffed, leather training armor, which told Arthos they had just missed a sparring session.

"Welcome home, my lord," Jory said with a slight bow. He gave Kiara a cursory glance, before turning back to Arthos. "I trust your journey was fruitful."

Arthos nodded, glancing at Kiki. "I've found what I need."

Jory's smile took on a teasing edge, eyes darting from Arthos to Kiara. "Oh, I'm sure you did."

Arthos rolled his eyes, while Kiara looked on with a bit of confusion. He asked Jory to inform Lord Eddard that he was back, while they headed for the stables. Jory nodded before running off into the castle.

They left the horses with Hullen, the master of horse, and his son, Harwin. The two men quietly snickered as Kiara kept close to Arthos walking off towards the castle. They then made their way to the solar, where they found Eddard and Maester Luwin were waiting for them.

"Arthos," said Ned as he finished reading and handed a parchment to Luwin. The old maester gave the two lords a nod, smiling kindly at Arthos before leaving the room. "You've come back a bit later than I'd hoped. The harvest feast begins in two weeks."

"My apologies, uncle. I'd have been back sooner, but there were a few... complications."

"Indeed," the quiet wolf lilted, a smirk forming on his lips as he looked at Kiara. "You're a bit young to begin courting, but you are Brandon's boy. He wasn't known as the Wild Wolf for nothing."

Arthos stared at his uncle, unamused, while Kiara's eyes widened and darted to the floor, her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Eddard chuckled at their expressions. "This is Kiara," Arthos said in a flat tone. "She's a member of the green men, from the Isle of Faces."

Ned's eyes glinted in recognition. "I see. Welcome to the North, Lady Kiara. The hospitality of Winterfell is yours. We'll provide you with whatever you may need to be comfortable during your time here."

"Ah," Kiara looked surprised to be addressed as lady. "T-thank you, Lord Stark."

Eddard stood up and came around the desk, grabbing a map of the north from one of the shelves and placing a hand on Arthos' shoulder. "Come, we have much to discuss if you are to be ready for the feast. Lady Kiara, please join us on the way to the feast hall, so we may offer you bread and salt."

Both children nodded and walked quickly to keep in pace with Ned's longer strides, and not for the first time Arthos cursed his short legs. He couldn't wait to reach his growth spurt.

Ned led them through the halls of the castle, then outside through the courtyard towards the Great Hall where supper was being prepared. A servant was called to bring a plate of bread and salt, which Kiara ate, as was custom. Eddard then had her led to one of the spare rooms in the Guest House until he and Arthos finish their talks. The two lords sat down at the head table, as servants walked around the room, carrying silverware, candles, foodstuff, and the like. The whole of Winterfell and the winter town were abuzz in preparation for the harvest feast.

"Though the feast itself begins in a fortnight," Eddard began. "The lords of the north will be arriving in droves within the week. The retinues from Flint's Finger and Barrowton have already arrived at Cerwyn, and will join us soon. Oft times, only a few come to Winterfell instead of celebrating the harvest at their own castles, but this year, all of the lords and ladies will be coming to meet with you."

Arthos could feel his throat seize up, the thought of meeting and speaking with so many important people always made him nervous. He swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded at his uncle. "Tell me about each of the lords, and their heirs."

Ned nodded, laying out the map he had brought with him. "Let us focus on the main families."

He placed a finger on the map, where Winterfell was shown, before moving it downwards. "First, we have House Cerwyn of Cerwyn, our closest neighbors. They are led by Lord Medger, who has recently been blessed with a son, Cley. He also has a daughter, Jonelle; a sweet girl, very homely. Lord Medger is quite loyal to House Stark, almost fanatical. You will have no problems with him. To their west is Torrhen's Square, seat of House Tallhart. Ser Helman is master of the square, and his loyalty is second only to Lord Cerwyn's. His son Benfred is a loud and abrupt boy, with his head stuck in the clouds.

"To the east in the Lonely Mountains, there is House Bolton of the Dreadfort, led by Lord Roose. He has one surviving son, Domeric, who is about your age. A quiet boy, loves to read histories and play the harp, I hear. Despite the bloody history of their House – against our own and others – Roose has been loyal to us for his time as Lord of the Dreadfort. At least, he has not had good reason or opportunity to go against us. He will be one of the hardest to get on your side. He will search for weakness in every word, every twitch, and capitalize on it. Be wary.

"Now we have to the south, House Dustin of Barrowton, who are led by Lord William, whom you have met. Currently, he has no heir with his wife, Lady Barbrey. She used to be sweet with your father, when he was fostering at the Rills where she hails."

Arthos fidgeted uncomfortably. "I really didn't need to know that much."

Eddard chuckled before continuing. "You'll find no issues with House Dustin's loyalty. Then we have the Glovers of Deepwood Motte to our west. Their Head of House is Master Galbart, a good, loyal, and steady man. With no sons of his own, his brother Robett, a man proud of his family history, is heir.

"Northeast of the Dreadfort, in the Grey Hills is Karhold, the seat of our kinsmen in House Karstark. Lord Rickard is stern and vengeful, so make sure not to earn his ire. His heir is Harrion, but he has two more sons, and recently a daughter as well. South of the Dreadfort is House Hornwood of Hornwood. Lord Halys is jovial and ever-obliging, something his son and heir, Daryn, appears to have inherited.

"Further south is White Harbor, where House Manderly rules. Lord Wyman is an amiable man who, like his ancestors, is staunchly devoted to House Stark. His heir, Ser Wylis is quiet and formal, and has been blessed with two daughters, the youngest born only two moons past.

"To the north in the Bay of Ice is Bear Island, where House Mormont resides, led by young Lord Jorah, who has yet to sire an heir. He is an excellent swordsman, but I don't know much more about his personal character and leadership. I've not heard anything bad so far, though.

"Southwest in the Rills is House Ryswell. Lord Rodrick is an ambitious man, and his three quarrelsome sons are no better. I've no doubt it was his intention for Barbrey to marry Brandon by fostering him. Like Lord Bolton, you will have to watch out for him; he is crafty.

"Now the Houses furthest to the north and south of Winterfell, respectively, are Houses Umber and Reed. The Reeds, you know and have met yourself. You've also visited Greywater Watch, which not a lot of Starks have seen. House Umber is led by the Greatjon, a proud, boisterous, and fierce man. I've no doubt you will earn his respect the same way you did with the mountain clans. His son and heir, Smalljon, will soon be as tall as his father, despite his young age. I've no doubt he'll be taller and louder than the Greatjon someday."

Eddard stopped and rolled up the map as he finished talking. Maester Luwin entered the hall, and Ned waved him over. "In the next few days, you'll have time to speak with the lords privately as they arrive, then you'll have to address them all during the actual feast."

As Luwin arrived, Ned gestured towards him. "Luwin and I will run you through with some topics to discuss and avoid with specific people. We also need to discuss the progress of the road network, and our other endeavors. Consider it remedial lessons after your time away."

Arthos groaned, making the two men chuckle. "Don't worry, my lord," Luwin said. "It won't take long; I'll make sure of it. You have your little lady friend waiting for you."

The young lord of Winterfell just placed his head in his hands and let out a tired sigh. "Alright."

~ o ~ O ~ o ~

Kiara did not like the north.

It was cold, which she really should've expected. She foolishly thought she could handle it, having experienced a few cold bursts during wintertime in the Isle of Faces, but she was woefully unprepared. She couldn't understand how anyone could live here. And apparently, the area north of the Wall was colder! How in the world the wildlings survived there; was beyond her comprehension.

These thoughts filtered through Kiki's mind as she lay on her bed in one of the guest chambers in Winterfell. It had been a few hours since she was escorted here, and the sun had already set. She hadn't seen Arthos since she was dismissed, but he had the forethought to have someone bring her some supper.

Kiki was glad for that. She didn't want to go back out into the cold just to get some food. Thankfully, the castle walls were warm, and provided a comfortable heat to the interiors. She had no idea how, but she wasn't going to question it. She would take what small comforts she could.

The girl sat up, pulling the fur cloak around her shoulders taut. Arthos had given it to her when they left the Neck. She remembered the sudden chill she felt when they passed through the gates of Moat Cailin. He had wrapped the cloak around her, which was provided by one of the workers rebuilding the castle.

I haven't thanked him for that. She thought, as she snuggled deeper into the soft fur. I really should thank him for a few things.

Arthos had been extremely patient with her. She knew she hadn't been easy to get along with during the first few days, but he was very understanding and gave her some space. He always acted more mature than other kids their age. It made her pale cheeks flush thinking about how childish she had been.

Kiki got out of the bed, grabbing a small journal from her pack on the floor and stared out the window. From her position, she could see into the godswood, a canopy of bright autumn leaves, and the blood-red blades of the heart tree. On their travels, she had discussed with Arthos what they knew of the magic of the children, writing down important details and theories in her journal. She begrudgingly admitted that her mother was right to teach her how to read and write.

Recently, she'd been having dreams of the heart trees. Kovissa, the blind raven, was always there on one of the branches, calling out for her to watch. The answers were in the heart tree, she was sure. She just didn't know how.

She was pulled from her musings with a knock on her door. "Kiki?" she heard Arthos' voice calling from the other side. "May I enter?"

"Yes, hold on," Kiki responded.

She opened the door, and there stood her friend. He looked tired and frazzled, holding a small candle in a small wrought-iron holder.. "Are you alright?"

He smiled and shrugged, his pretty purple eyes flashing in the low candlelight. "I'll be fine after a bit of sleep. Are you ready to go?"

Kiki nodded, stepping out of her room and closing the door behind her. She let Arthos lead her out of the guest house, into the courtyard and through an alley between the armory and the guards' hall, where the main entrance to the godswood resides.

It was a dark and primal place; it reminded her of home. The smell of moist earth and decay filtered through the air. She could feel the heat from the ground, and saw bits of steam coming from three small pools beneath the windows of the guest house. Kiki could see moss growing on the wall around it, and through the packed earth beneath her feet.

"Underground hot springs," Arthos explained as he saw where she was looking. "It keeps the entire castle warm, and helps us grow some plants in the greenhouse and the godswood."

They continued walking towards the center of the grove, where the heart tree stood over a pool of black water. The ancient weirwood tree was tall and twisting, its knotted branches reaching all around and grasping at the other trees. Its large, tangled roots dug deep into the earth. Kiki wouldn't be surprised if it reached into the deepest parts of Winterfell's crypts. The carved face stared at them impassively, tears of red sap flowing from its eyes.

Kiki and Arthos stopped in front of the tree; Arthos turned to his companion and asked, "Do you know what to do?"

She shook her head, her choppy red hair swaying. It had grown longer during their travels, reaching up to her neck. "I'm not sure. Kovissa only showed me the tree, and told me to watch."

Arthos hummed. "I think you need to enter the green."

"Yes, I think so too, but I don't know how. I didn't even know I could! The only time was able to was when Kovissa guided me in to save you. Being a skinchanger is rare enough, being a greenseer is entirely different. I'm not sure how to start."

Arthos placed a hand on her shoulder, a confident smile on his face. "Relax. Well figure it out, together."

Kiki returned the smile, nervously. She sat down on one of the roots, placing a hand on the wood. She held out her other hand towards Arthos, not saying a word. Arthos' smile turned softer as he took her hand and sat down next to her. Kiki took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she focused on her abilities.

She felt the roots shift beneath her; heard the flapping of dark feathers. She opened her eyes.

She was still in the godswood of Winterfell, but the trees were shorter. The walls around the grove were gone, since the castle was gone. She could see Arthos sitting next to her, but his image was distorted; pale, unmoving, and transparent. Like a ghost.

Before she could begin to panic, a weight fell on her shoulder. She turned to see Kovissa, resting beside her. The eyeless raven nipped at her hair, tickling her scalp and making her relax. The raven turned its face towards the outside of the grove. Watch, the bird whispered in Kiki's mind.

She turned to see a group of about four short humanoids entering the grove. She could see they had deer-like skin; brown and dappled with paler spots. The figures had large ears and golden eyes, slitted like a cat. They had three clawed fingers and a thumb on each hand, holding branches like staffs. They had leaves and vines and flowers woven into their hair, and wore cloaks of leaves.

The children of the forest.

One of the figures was different They stood taller, with purpose. Their blood red eyes focused towards the heart tree as they walked closer. The red-eyed one spoke in the True Tongue, pointing at the others who began circling the weirwood tree.

The red-eyed child of the forest approached the tree, and sat down in front of Kiki. At first, she thought the child was staring at her, but she realized they were looking past her at the heart tree. The red-eyed one began to sing quietly, soon joined by the others who had been carving runes on the stones. They began placing the stones on the roots, their song never stopping.

Suddenly, the leader's red eyes rolled up. They brought out in one hand another, larger stone, with more intricately carved runes, and in the other, a blade of dragonglass. They placed it in front of them, then dragged the blade across their arm. They let their blood drip onto the stone, seeping into the carved runes which began to glow.

The other stones also began to shine, as the song began to crescendo. The sap leaking from carved face on the weirwood started flowing like a river, snaking its way towards the runecarved stones. Once the stones were covered completely, the children's song petered out. They picked up the stones, which now looked like polished red amber and began walking out of the grove.

"So that's how they ensorcelled their runestones," Kiki said as she turned to Kovissa. "They were singing in the True Tongue. I didn't understand what they were saying, and humans cannot speak that language. How would I replicate this?"

Kovissa's beak opened, and she heard the song from the children come out. Kiki's eyes widened in surprise then realization. She grinned and thanked Kovissa.

She closed her eyes and exited the green.

As soon as she was back in the present, she felt extremely tired. She almost fell forward onto her face if not for Arthos catching her. He pulled her close and looked at her face with concern. "Are you alright?"

Kiki hummed in assent. "Tired," she mumbled. "But I think I know what to do to help you."

Arthos grinned, his smile was somehow dazzling in the darkness under the canopy of the godswood. "That's wonderful! I knew you could do it. We can talk about it in the morning. I think we could both benefit from a good long rest, at the moment."

Kiki nodded. She tried to stand, but her legs had fallen asleep. She looked at Arthos sheepishly, and he chuckled. He lifted her up into his arms and carried her out of the woods and back into the castle.

~ o ~ O ~ o ~

The journey continues.

Thank you to everyone still following this fic. I'll see y'all in the next chapter.

Peace.

Next Chapter: The Harvest Feast