ANTEA

It had been five days since it happened. Five days since her sweet little brother fell from that tower. Five days since Antea started to take care of her mother, who didn't want to leave Bran's side. Everyone was sad in the castle and even if it was full of people, Winterfell seemed so quiet. Antea had started to cry the moment her father first saw Bran lying in bed, before that she had just held her mother tightly. Catelyn's screaming still echoed in Antea's ears and at night she had trouble sleeping. She had never seen her mother so desperate and it broke her heart seeing her like that, she was so different from the woman Antea had grown up with. Not that Antea blamed her, every one of them was different, more quiet, sadder. Everyone wondering why it had to happen.

Because of what had happened to Bran, the King let Ned stay some more days in the North. Antea still couldn't believe her father wanted to leave after what had happened, now more than ever they should have stayed together.

Antea was in the kitchen to take some honey and water to feed Bran, it was the only thing they could make him eat to not let him starve. Her mother fed him, she didn't want anyone else to do it, but she hadn't come out from that chamber not even to eat, so Antea brought her some food every time she went to see Bran.

"Antea" she turned from the plate she was preparing to see Theon Greyjoy standing on the entrance of the kitchen.

"Good morning, Theon" she forced a little smile, before turning to look back at the plate. He stepped closer till he was next to her. Antea looked at him with the corner of her eyes, they hadn't talked for days now. She hadn't talked much in the past days, there wasn't anything that could have had light up her mood.

"How are you feeling?" At his question she looked up at him, he was shaking his head, with his eyes closed.

"You didn't ask a stupid question" she spoke softly pouring some milk in a glass for her mother "I have been better" she took an apple and she put it in his hand. He always ate at least an apple to break his fast. He smiled at her muttering a thank you. She took the plate in her hands before heading out.

"Antea, wait" when she turned, she saw Theon walking towards her "Let me take you company" he said "I can hold the plate for you" she looked at the plate in her hands, not that it was heavy but she really didn't want to stay alone, so she nodded watching her friend taking what she was holding.

They walked in silence followed by Shadow, who in the past few days shown up more to take Antea company. She was growing so fast, like her brothers and sisters, like Bran's direwolf who still hadn't a name. She turned her face away from Theon when she felt her eyes watering. Nobody was sure Bran would ever wake up and her body shook at that thought. What if he wouldn't wake up? Her little brother was just seven.

"Do you think he will ever wake up?" She asked suddenly, she didn't even know why she asked, but she didn't want silence. Winterfell had never been silent, it was joyful, full of love and laughter. That wasn't her home.

"Yes, I do" she knew he would have said that, everyone said that, even if Antea was sure not all of them thought that, they just said it not to make things worse for the Starks, but sometimes Antea wishes for them to be honest and tell what was really on their mind.

"Antea" Theon took her arm gently, making her stop "He made it so far. He could have died, but he didn't. He'll wake" she looked in his eyes, she studied them, searching for any sort of lie, but there wasn't. They were honest and they were shining, but differently than usual.

"Good day, my lady" at the new voice, Antea and Theon step away from each other. Turning her gaze, she saw lord Tyrion a few steps away from them.

"Lord Tyrion" she said bowing her head followed by Theon. Shadow turned too and started to study the man with her golden eyes.

"I just wanted to say how sorry I am for little Brandon" he spoke stepping closer to Antea, but Shadow was suddenly between the two. The man looked at the direwolf with surprise, maybe because it was the first time he saw Shadow, Antea thought.

"My prayers are for him" lord Tyrion looked at Antea again. For the girl lord Tyrion didn't seem a man who prayed much, but she nodded any less. He was being kind to her, the least she could do was smiling gently at him.

"Thank you, my lord. I appreciate it" she answered. Shadow growled when the little lord made another step. Antea looked at her direwolf, Shadow was always so quiet, she had never been aggressive, but probably she was nervous because of what Antea was living those days.

"Shadow stop" she said patting her pup on the head, but Shadow kept looking at lord Tyrion.

"No need, no need" he said waving his hand nervously "I must go to break my fast. Good day, my lady" she bowed her head watching lord Tyrion walking between her and Theon, with Shadow following him with her studying eyes.

"It seems that Shadow doesn't like the little Lannister" Theon said bitterly. Antea could tell he didn't like lord Tyrion too. She noticed how Theon glanced at the man, who didn't even speak a world to him, and that she didn't like, but didn't know what to think about lord Tyrion. He had a sharp tongue for sure, but he had always been nice to her and her family. She shook her head, honestly, she didn't want to think about Lord Tyrion, her mind was focused on her family.

Theon walked Antea to Bran's chamber, when they stopped, they heard Bran's direwolf howling outside the window. He was always howling, day and night, like he was saying his prays for Bran, sometimes even the other direwolves sang with him. Bran's direwolf couldn't stay in the chamber, none of them could, Lady Catelyn didn't want it.

"Theon" she said looking up from Shadow to her friend "Can you please take Shadow back in to my chamber?"

"Of course" he said, but when they look down, Shadow wasn't there anymore.

"Where is she?" He asked to himself looking around, Antea took a breath thinking about her direwolf.

"She is here somewhere, don't worry" then she took the plate from Theon's hand "Thank you, for walking with me, I really didn't want to be alone" he smiled bowing his head.

"Anytime, my lady" she smiled at him, watching him walk away, probably to find Robb.

Antea knocked on the door, but no answer was given. She decided to enter the chamber anyway, she was sure her mother wasn't asleep.

The chamber was dark, the sun wasn't shining outside of Winterfell. Her mother was sitting next to the bed, her hair messy, her eyes tired and red, for the many tears she had cried. She was alone and watching Bran. Antea shivered looking at her always happy brother. He was pale and he was getting thinner and thinner every day, for the lack of eating. His eyes were open, looking at the ceiling in front of him without life in them, they could tell he was still alive, just because his chest rose for his breathing. Antea could see the shape of his legs even from the door. They were broken and you could tell just looking at them. Maester Luwin said that even if he would wake, he wouldn't be able to walk again. Antea couldn't believe it when she heard those words leaving the Maester's mouth. If he couldn't walk, what would have happened to her brother? Robb once told her that he had heard Lanninsters's guard talking about how it would have been merciful to let Bran die. He was so furious, so was she, but sometimes she wondered what Bran really wanted if he knew what had happened to his legs.

"I brought you some food, mother" Antea said stepping forward in the room.

"Did you bring water and honey?" Her mother didn't even looked at her, she was used to it now. Antea was the one spending more time with her mother now, she didn't want to leave her alone. Now she understands even more why Cyel hadn't gone to Dorne since Phelya got ill.

"Of course" Antea answered putting down the plate next to the bed and then sitting down watching her mother closely "You should eat something" lady Catelyn had taken in her hands the honey, mixing it with a spoon, preparing it for Bran.

"Later" she muttered focused on what she was doing.

"You always say that" Antea said timidly getting closer to her mother "I can feed him. I know how to do it, I've watched you" but when she reached for the honey, her mother took it away from her grip.

"No, I'll do it" she whispered "Please, let me do it" Antea's eyes watered again hearing her mother's crack voice. The girl closed her eyes to fight the tears that wanted to come out, she couldn't cry, her mother would have felt worst.

"Alright" she said after a moment of silence "Just… Just please eat something, later" her mother looked at her from the corner of her eyes and then she nodded silently.

Antea stayed with her mother, watching her feed Bran and whispered to him. She felt relieved when her mother started to eat, she didn't eat all of what she had brought, but Antea felt better none the less.

Suddenly she heard a knock, but her mother didn't say anything, so Antea spoke:

"Come in" when the door opened, her father entered the room. Antea noticed how much pain was in his eyes looking at his child and his wife.

"Antea, can you leave us alone, please?" Her father asked kindly. Antea looked at her mother, before standing up. Ned put his arm around her giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"Thank you for how much you are doing" he said looking in her eyes "I need to speak to you, but it can wait. I'll look for you later" Antea frowned at his words, she really couldn't imagine what her father wanted to tell her "Now go, Rickon was looking for you"

"Yes father" she said before exiting the chamber. She closed the door behind her wanting to give her parents a moment alone. Antea looked down when she felt a warm fur nuzzling on her leg.

"Here you are" she said petting Shadow's head "Come on, let's go find Rickon"

Antea spent the morning with Arya and Rickon, both clinged tight at her side and not far from them their direwolves were doing the same thing. Rickon knew that something bad had happened, but he didn't understand completely. Arya on the other hand was worried and angry and when she felt like that, she always needed a hug.

"Is Mother going to be alright?" Arya muttered against Antea's shoulder.

"Mother is sick like Bran?" Rickon exclaimed urgently. Antea moved his hair from his forehead.

"No, little one" she said before turning to Arya "She will be alright, she is just waiting for Bran to wake up" Arya nodded against Antea, it was impossible to think how sad the all were.

"Where's Cyel?" Rickon asked. Cyel stayed more in her chamber lately and when she spent time with the Starks, she tried to be the same Cyel they all know, but something has changed in her. Jon told Antea that Cyel felt responsible for what had happened to Bran. The Stark girl tried to talked to her, but Cyel didn't seem to believe her words. How could it be her fault? It was an accident, no one blamed her.

"I think she is with her mother" Antea said looking at the direwolves all close to each other.

"Or maybe with Bran" Arya could have been right, Cyel always pay a visit to Bran. Every day, same hour. Not more she didn't want to bother lady Catelyn, even if Antea didn't think her mother would have totally noticed.

Noise of steps on the grass made them look up and see their father walking towards them. His fur cloak tight around his neck to protect him from the cool summer wind.

"Father!" Rickon exclaimed running to Ned, the men took his child in his arms with a small laugh. Antea and Arya still clinged to each other watched their father talking with is youngest child, before put him down and move towards them.

"Children can I have a moment with your sister?" Arya puffed at their father's question.

"Can't you sit here with us and tell her?" She asked pleaded her father "And then maybe you can tell us a story"

"Yes!" Rickon exclaimed "Let's call Sansa, she loves your stories" Arya let Antea go to lay on the ground.

"She won't come" she said bitterly "She is with princess Myrcella, she doesn't have time for us" she spoke trying to do her best impression of Sansa.

"Arya" Ned warned her with a calm voice.

"Sorry" she muttered rolling her eyes.

"Come with me, Antea" her father said offering his hand to his daughter, who took it to get up from the ground. She waved her hand to her brothers saying that she would have look for them later and then she followed Ned in the Godswood.

Her father prayed every day in the Godswood, her mother didn't like that place very much, but maybe because she prayed the Seven Gods and not the Old Gods. Antea and her brothers learn to pray for both their parent's religions, Ned and Catelyn said that it was up to them to decide which to follow when they would have been older.

They set by the Weirwood tree and they both looked at the water of the hot pool in front of them.

"I'm very proud of you" she turned to look at her father when he spoke, a small smile appeared on her face. She wanted for her father to be proud of her, even if she didn't know about what.

"You are becoming a strong woman, like your mother and I had always hoped" he said still looking ahead of him "Thinking about your future wasn't the only reason why I chose to take you to the South with me" she felt her body become rigid, when she remembered that she was about to leave. Everything was ready, they were just waiting for the King's order to leave Winterfell. But if it wasn't to find a husband, then why his father wanted her in the South?

"You may not notice that but all your brothers look up to you, they listen to you" her father added "I wanted for you to keep an eye on Sansa and Arya, became their role model since their mother would be away" Antea blushed, she was so glad to hear those words, she had always wanted to be a good lady, a good Stark. And hearing her father speak those words, brought to her so much joy. She really needed them in those dark days.

"But for now, I want you to stay here" Antea looked at her father shocked.

"What?" She asked unsure she had heard him correctly.

"I need you to stay here for the moment" he said looking at her "Your mother is…" His words died in his throat thinking about how desperate his wife was "Well, you saw her. Robb will need help to learn how to be a good lord, but he is stubborn, but he listens to you. He always had" she listened at her father closely "And Rickon will need you, if his mother is not there" Antea had been the one who took care of Rickon those days, played with him, ate with him and took him to sleep.

"So, I can stay" she muttered, she couldn't deny that she was happy to know she was would be staying at home. But a part of her felt guilty to feel like this, it wouldn't have happened if Bran hadn't fallen.

"Just until Bran will wake" her father said "Then you'll come South" Antea's joy started to vanished when her father spoke those words, but she nodded knowing already what her parents wanted for her.

"Thank you, dad" she said throwing her arms around her father and hugging him closely "I promise I'll take care of everything" he laughed in her ear holding her close.

That had been a bitter sweet conversation even because her father told her that the next day he would have left for King's Landing. Antea hoped that they could have stayed more. She even thought it would have been easier to watch them leaving, but she was so wrong. And the next day she wouldn't have said goodbye just to her little sisters, but even to Jon Snow, who would have left for the Wall with her uncle Benjen.

Robb was very sad, but knowing that she would stay lighted up his mood a bit, and the same was for Theon who walked around with his usual smile, helping his lord to set the last things.

In the morning she took Rickon to break his fast and she helped the girls with their last packages, before she went up to Bran's chamber to take the usual plate, she brought every morning. But that day something was different, the door was open and looking inside she saw Jon kneeled next to Bran, taking his smaller hands in his bigger one.

"Bran, don't die" she heard him plead "We are here all waiting for you. Me, Robb, the girls and Cyel…" Antea slide down resting her back against the wall next to the door, with her eyes closed, the pain in her brother's voice made a tear roll down Antea's cheek. She wiped it away when she heard Jon move.

"I have to go" he said "I'm going north with uncle Benjen today, before the snow falls again" Antea heard him took a frustrated breath. He was crying. She wanted to enter when she heard her mother say:

"I wanted him to stay here with me. He was my special boy" Bran had always been special to everyone in Winterfell. He was playful, kind and sweet, he was impossible not to love "I prayed seven times to the Seven faces of God that Ned would change his mind. Sometimes prays are answered" her mother said bitterly. Antea let out a breath she didn't know she was taking. Even her mother was blaming herself.

"It wasn't your fault" Jon spoke kindly like always, but nervous nonetheless. Jon had never gone to pay a visit to Bran in those days. Robb thought it was because of their mother and Antea thought he was right. Lady Catelyn had never been fond of Jon Snow.

"I need no of your absolution, bastard" her mother voice was full of poison and Antea had to fight her feet to move in the chamber. Jon was just trying to comfort her.

Antea heard her brother's step coming closer to the door when her mother spoke again:

"Jon" Antea blinked; her mother had never called Jon by his name.

"Yes?" She heard him answering.

"It should have been you" Antea was shocked by her mother tone. So calm, like she had stated a matter of fact. Her body was paralyzed by anger. Why? Why being so nasty with a person so kind like Jon? No wonder he wanted to leave.

She looked up when she heard Jon exiting the room. Their eyes met, both full of tears, but Jon's weren't angry… Not as much as Antea's anyway. She stood up and without a world she pulled her brother in a tight hug. Antea didn't know how long they held each other, but at some point, Jon let her go and he gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"I have to go" he said wiping away the last tears he cried for Bran "I'll see you later" she nodded before looking at him disappearing behind a corner. Anger took over her once again before storming in the chamber. This time her mother looked up at the door.

"I know you are suffering" Antea said "But can you not feel just a bit of compassion? Jon is leaving, he just wanted to say goodbye" her mother's eyes were full of poison at the mention of Jon's name.

"This is not his place" she answered bitterly.

"He is Bran's brother!" Antea argued "It is in his right to say goodbye"

"His right…" her mother said almost mocking then she turned to look at Bran again. Antea observed her mother, she was always so caring, so kind. The people loved her; her family loved her. She was always there to help whoever needed a hand, especially her family. Why not Jon?

"Why do you hate him so? What has he ever done to you?" Antea muttered, she wanted to understand, she never could.

"You always defend him" her mother spoke, her voice stronger than the days before. Antea frowned at her words.

"He is my brother" she stated, of course she defended him. Her mother shook her head, looking at the ceiling.

"He is not, but you always forget it, you all always forget it" she spat "But you will understand and you will agree with me when you will have children of your own" something was sure to Antea, she would have never blamed a child for his father's mistakes.

"No, I won't" Antea said bitterly "I will never become like you" their eyes met for a moment, before Antea stormed out of the chamber.

She had never been angrier at her mother, she said too many horrible things to her brother. Yes, because Jon was her brother, it didn't matter if he was a Snow.

Oh gods, she thought, Jon was leaving soon. Antea started to run fast as she could to find Jon.

She found him in the yard, with Robb and Cyel, he was hugging his brother when Antea got closer.

"When do you think we'll see each other again?" She heard Jon muttered in his brother fur. Robb laughed.

"Soon enough" Robb answered, clapping Jon's shoulder before break the hug. Then Jon turned to Cyel and they hugged too.

"Don't forget to write, alright?" Cyel said sweetly. Jon nodded blushing, then he smiled at the girl.

"Take care of my brothers, we are all lost without you" Cyel laughed lightly at his words. When Jon let go, he turned to Antea, realizing she was there.

"I was coming to look for you" he said when she got closer.

"Are you really going away?" Antea asked taking her brother hand, it felt strange to let him go.

"You won't even noticed" he said with a smile "I was never a big talker" Antea shook her head hugging her brother close again. For a moment Antea felt like she hadn't spent enough time with Jon. Tears rolled down her cheeks when they broke the hug.

"Don't get cold, brother" she said with a laugh "I won't be there to remind you" Jon laughed with her giving her another kiss on the forehead.

"Stay safe" he said.

"You too" then they heard barking and they saw Shadow and Grey Wind running to Ghost and start to nuzzling each other's heads. It was their way to say goodbye, apparently. The three brothers looked at their direwolves, that sure were feeling their same sadness.

Say goodbye to Jon hadn't been easy, but having now to say goodbye to her father was even worst. Of course, she would have seen him again very soon… or at least she hoped, that would have meant for her little brother to wake up soon.

They were all out in the yard, well everyone but Antea's mother, they bowed their heads at the king and the queen, they had to do the same at price Joffery who looked at them with his usual superior smirk. Antea had to take Robb by the hand to calm him. Then Myrcella thanked them for their hospitality and wished to see them soon. Little Tommen just waved his hand timidly at them, before running to his mother. Jaime Lannister bowed his head, but of course not grateful, not that Antea expected it from the Kingslayer. When it was her father's turn, she had to held her tears. He first went to Robb, entrusting him the North and the family.

"Of course, father" he said "I'll do my best"

"I know you will" her father answered with proud eyes. Robb was acting like a man grown since Bran fall, he would have been a good lord.

Then her father step in front of her. She bowed at him before hugging him. Ned laughed in her ear.

"I'll see you soon, my sweet" he said, she nodded against his fur. Gods she would have missed her father's hugs.

"Goodbye father" Antea said breaking the hug, he smiled at her, before hugging Rickon who was rubbing his eyes full of tears. Then her father moved to Theon, who bowed his head respectfully, and then to Cyel, who did the same.

"Take care of my children for me" he said to both of them.

Then Arya came and hugged Robb and Antea together. It was so clear she didn't want to cry, but her red eyes were betraying her.

"When I'll see you again?" She asked.

"Very soon, sweet sister" Robb said patting her messy hair.

"Don't get in trouble until I come in King's Landing" Antea said kissing her sister who nodded, before running to Cyel and Theon. Sansa was there waiting to say her goodbyes to her brother, she was hugging Cyel smiling happily. Go in the South was like a dream coming true for her. Then she moved gracefully to her older brothers and bowed her head to them, but when she raised, they all hug.

"Stay safe, Sansa" Robb said, eyeing the prince. He still couldn't believe that she would have to marry him.

"I will be" she answered with eyes full of joy "Take care of Rickon and Bran" she said to Antea patting Rickon on his head affectionately "And tell them lots of stories, they love them" Antea smiled at her sister, she would have been a good queen one day, the prince was lucky to marry her, Antea hoped he knew.

"Of course" she said "I'll see you soon" Sansa smiled once again before joying their father at the carriages.

Antea stood there with her brothers and her friends waving at the part of their family leaving Winterfell. They looked at them since it was possible, and once they were disappeared from view, Antea let out a sad breath. For a moment she felt lonely, without all her family together. It wasn't a farewell but it certainly felt like it.