Brandon was not yet known as the Builder, and was riding home to the village where his family lived. At fifteen he was expected to get married, especially now his father had died in the war with the Children of the Forest leaving him with his siblings to care for. Which was why it was a comfort to have Efran riding beside him. Efran had always had Brandons back, and would help him keep everyone safe.
Both fifteen year olds were welcomed in the village with the children too small to do larger work leaving their chores and running out to greet them, with little Alora leading the pack on the way to her brother. Brandon scooped her up, "And how is my little winterfell?"
She laughed, "Better now brother." Then buried her face into his shoulder and hugged him as fiercely as her five year old frame could. The oldest had returned, and he gently made his way through the crowd of children on his way to the house.
Efran waited outside and played with some of the village children as Brandon sat down with Alora on his lap to hear what had happened since he left. Durran had insisted on him helping finish the castle that had been christened Storms End. It had just been completed when word of the latest attack on the villages had come. There was nothing any of them could do to save those killed in the fighting.
"Brandon!" Alora had taken his face into her hands, "Your not listening."
"I'm sorry," he answered meekly. Then listened carefully as she told of the weird trees they had found and how some of them had faces. He was suitably amazed, "That's impressive!"
She beamed. Then it faded, "That's what Laoren said."
Laoren Branch. Brandon tried to ask casually, "When did she come?"
"She comes every day to check on us." Looking up at Brandon, "I think shes been hoping you were back the last few times."
"Alora you shouldn't say things like that." Seven year old Codin had come into the room.
Justifying herself, "But it's the truth!"
Breaking into the budding disagreement Brandon answered, "I know it's the truth, but it is rude to spread tales around people."
Looking up at him Alora asked, "Even when I'm letting you know what they are saying about you?"
He was surprised by the insight of this question. "Well I prefer to have them say it to my face where I can defend myself," seeing the look and breaking into it, "but as this was also Laoren's tale instead of just mine."
Both younger kids nodded. Alright, "Now, what have you two done to keep the harvest." They told him exactly what they had done. And by the time they were finished, the midday meal was ready.