This goal helped Alora become the She-Wolf again, throwing herself into her duties with a ferocity that terrified those around her. Training with the other fighters she was honing her body to be able to be a weapon against those who would harm her family. News of what they were waiting for came one evening at dinner with all of the Stark's gathered around and the youngest (one year old Torrhen) sitting on Alora's lap clapping at the song she was singing to get him to eat.

The messenger Niclas Vass stopped in doorway before Brandon saw him, "What is it?"

Everyone straightened and Vass became the focus of the entire family as he cleared his throat, "My Lord we found the tower."

Brandon nodded, "Thank you Vass." Looking at Laloren before telling Vass, "My sister will lead the scouting party."

Swallowing he answered, "Yes Lord Stark," and bowed himself out. Vass was from one of the villages they had saved and wouldn't stop being formal to the entire family out of gratitude. Niclas Vass would never admit that he had respected Alora Stark since the first time he saw her running through the battle for his village, fighting off the Whites with her black hair flying behind her. Over the last year he saw her as an fair leader and then loved her fiercely from a distance as he tried to serve her.

No one at the dinner table knew Vass' feelings as they turned to each other Codin starting, "Bran…"

The oldest Stark raised his hand, "Winterfell, have you picked your scouts."

Alora nodded, "They have been waiting for the word."

Smiling at her, "Give it then." She stood, handed Torrhen to his mother Rosyn (Codin's wife) and left the room cloak expanding behind her.

As the door closed Laloren stood up, "Alright children lets go upstairs and get your projects so you can show your Father." The boys cheered and Rosyn followed Laloren and the children our of the room with Torrhen on her hip.

Brandon waited until the door was shut again before speaking, "I know you don't think Alora's ready to lead a mission by herself." Codin shut his mouth and nodded silently when his brother paused so Brandon continued, "Everyone who was here after her collapse has doubts of her ability now and more importantly she needs to prove her worth to herself."

Codin stood up angrily, "Isn't there a safer way to do it," throwing an arm towards the woods, "those things are still out there!"

Sighing though his nose, "We can't keep her wrapped up forever." Looking up from his cup of wine, "Alora is a she-wolf and would not stand for that no matter what we tried and you know it." Standing up he crossed to his brother and put a hand on his shoulder, "Codin, that tower might be Alora's only chance at finding out why both Efan and her child are dead," Codin shuddered under that, "can you blame her for not being kept from the possibility of answers?"

Shoulders bowing in defeat, "No Bran, I can't." Shaking his head, "But I don't like this."

Giving the shoulder he was gripping a squeeze Brandon answered, "I don't either." Leaning against his brother, "But we have to trust our sister to do the right thing."