Wren was the one to get to Bran first.

brittle, broken, Bran.

He had fallen from climbing on the tower walls; something that had never happened before. something his mother had feared from the start of his escapades.

The Maesters had done their best to stabilize him before moving him to his room. Lady Stark refused to leave his bedside, preferring to care of her son herself. Wren suspected that her stepmother didn't trust anyone else to care of her son.

She had always been like that whenever any of the children were ever sick. She was the only one who could care for them. Even Jon. She may have come from the Eyrie, but she had absolutely grown her own wolf's claws and fangs after coming to Winterfell. Few would test her when she was in this mood.

Oddly enough, the only one that was allowed to enter was Wren. Her skills with healing and nature were recognized even by her stepmother.

She had stood vigil with her stepmother, mixing poultices for his wounds, massaging his lower legs, feeling for pulses in his limbs, and everything else she could do. she was giving him nutrient broths mixed with medicine inclined to keep him sleeping while he healed.

her mother was busy making one of her wreaths to hang over his bed when the door opened to reveal the queen.

both women raised to stand, Lady Stark in her private robes not having expected guests and Wren wearing a simple gown.

"Please" Queen Cersei Lannister said, motioning for them to sit.

"Oh, I would have dressed, Your Grace."

"This is your home. I'm your guest." Cersei took a few steps forward toward Bran's bed where he was sleeping under fur blankets. "Handsome one, isn't he? I lost my first boy, a little black-haired beauty. He was a fighter too- tried to beat the fever that took him." she paused, as if lost in thought before continuing. "Forgive me. It's the last thing you need to hear right now."

Catelyn looked shocked and pale at the information. "I never knew."

"It was years ago Robert was crazed, beat his hands bloody on the wall, all the things men do to show you how much they care. . ." again, a pregnant pause happened, the fire crackling in the background the only sound other than Bran's slow steady breaths. Wren did her best not to be noticed, realizing this conversation wasn't meant for her. She also did not want the eye of the Queen on her. She felt like a bunny cornered by a hungry lioness whenever the Queen was nearby.

"The boy looked just like him." Cersei continued eventually. "Such a little thing. a bird without feathers. They came to take his body away and Robert held me. I screamed and I battled, but he held me. That little bundle. They took him away and I never saw him again; Never have visited the crypt, never." Her eyes started to gloss over with unshed tears, her neck flushing beautifully with emotion as she simply looked down at Bran in his bed, looking small while surrounded by furs and pillows. "I pray to the Mother every morning and night that she return your child to you."

Lady Stark looked emotional but was able to respond in a soft voice. "I am grateful."

"Perhaps this time she'll listen."

The Queen took her leave at that moment. Lady Stark put her wreath down for a moment to resettle the blankets over her son before returning to her chair and resuming her work on the wreath.

Her stepmother dismissed her shortly after, wishing to be alone with her son.

Wren went to visit her other responsibilities at that point, moving swiftly with Thorn to the herb gardens. She wasn't sure if she would be going with her father to King's Landing or if she were to stay in her home to help care for Bran, but she knew that either way the herbs that had been collected for Bran needed to be replaced for the next injury. Thorn had gotten large, just as the other pups had. Ghost and Thorn got along the best which wasn't a surprise in the least given who their partners were.

Wren considered them partners rather than pets as who could really claim to own a direwolf?

Thorn relaxed in a sunspot, white fur reflecting the glint of the sun. Wren spent a good deal of her evenings when things settled down to brush his coat and check for any injuries. She refused to lose her companion to something as simple as an infected wound caused from playing.

"Oh look, the other bastard. how are you this day little bastard?" came from behind her.

Wren, unlike Jon, had long learned to feel nothing at the word. Afterall, she had no idea who her mother had been but certainly knew it was not biologically Lady Stark. However, she did turn to see who was addressing her.

It turned out to be Tyrion Lannister, the Imp.

"Good afternoon Lord Tyrion. What brings you to this humble herb garden? Wren asked as sweetly as she could. She may not like the Queen, but Lord Tyrion was an interesting man with a unique perspective on life that had nothing and everything to do with his stature.

"I was actually searching for you, little bastard. You know, I have come to find something amusing."

"Oh?" Wren asked, trying not to give away how curious she actually was.

"Your brother flinches at a word that you seem to ignore all together. now, why is that?"

"You would have to ask Jon, for I can't explain his personality intricacies."

"How strange, to have a bastard that not only can read and write but is knowledgeable on the healing arts to also be a girl. most are lucky to have been given food. Tell me little bastard, who do you fuck to get the accommodations you're afforded?"

Wren rolled her eyes, unable to contain the sigh that passed through her lips at the outrageous question.

it wasn't as if she hadn't heard it before.

"Sir, if you did indeed search me out just to ask a question that is neither original or clever, by all means continue on the path on the right. it should lead you to a lovely set of gardens. Or, if you are perhaps craving female company, I suggest the barn I hear that the bitches there miss your company."

"My my, you do have claws. I was beginning to think you were a shadow within your own home." Tyrion replied, one eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face.

"One does not grow up a female bastard without developing some sort of defenses my lord."

"You still have yet to answer my question."

"You still have yet to ask an original question."

"The little princess doesn't fuck anyone, regardless of who offers" came from just down the path towards the barn. The bitter statement came from Theon Greyjoy, forced ward of her father. "She much prefers to keep her nose pointed in the air as if she is too good for a rough tumble, as if anyone of any means would want her Lord Tyrion."

"Your exploits share more than enough stories of your. . . prowess Theon to make me feel as if I already experienced the rough tumble you speak of. Trust me, that was more than enough" Wren said, barely hiding her disgust at the monster who caused more than one of the girls she lived with to sob at night.

"And yet you still deny me, deny everyone, of your more than likely meager skills."

"It's a disappointment you will continue to live with Theon." Thorn had moved to stand by his mistress, who was still crouching down on the ground to tend to her garden.

"Boy, if a woman doesn't enjoy or want to participate, you would be advised to make do with your hand or cough up the coins to pay one. You don't abuse women in your own home at the very least." Lord Tyrion said while examining his nails. "If you aren't careful, you could find yourself shipped to the wall with Jon Snow.

"I don't abuse, I satiate." Theon said before spitting on the ground by Wren. "I'll be seeing you later princess." before moving on the path towards the main section of the keep.

"Lovely company you keep little bird." Tyrion said after Theon had walked out of hearing.

Wren just shrugged but noted the change in his way of addressing her. "Father brough him home one day. he's fond of doing that apparently."

The self-deprecating joke got a chuckle from Tyrion. "The world can see that. Will you be joining my family on their way to King's Landing?"

Wren moved to sit on her shins, dress spread around her gently. "I'm not sure. It depends on Lady Stark. Bran should live, but I'm unsure if I should leave him when he is in such a delicate state."

"And your Maesters are so inept that he should pass if you leave?"

"No, but some things need to be done by oneself to ensure it is done right. otherwise, you risk the endless parade of 'what if' thoughts. I'd rather live my life without those.

"I myself may be staying. I have a soft spot for cripples and bastards. Enjoy your gardening." Tyrion went to pat Thorn on his head, who's violet eyes flashed at the small man. Tyrion decided better of petting the wolf, instead curling his fingers into a fist that had reached out to Thorn before returning it to his side.

"I would avoid dark corners if I were you little bird, young Greyjoy seems to be smarting over your comments."

"He can try if he likes, but he will simply be found. . . missing things if he pushes it. Something he should be well familiar with at this point."

Tyrion laughed before turning towards the pathway leading to the barn.

It wasn't too much later that her brother, Jon, came to find her. They shared no words, but he helped his little twin up from the dirt and pulled her into a tight hug.

They simply held each other, Wren spilling silent tears down her cheeks at the thought of her brother leaving to go to the wall.

"Walk with me a moment to the sacred trees" Jon said in his gruff emotion filled voice.

"Always" was all Wren could say, sniffling.

They walked, arms linked, towards the heart trees. Their faces giving comfort to the twins, their faces crying just as hers was.

they eventually came to a stone bench, taking a seat. Jon grabbed his sisters' hands within his own, dwarfing them in the process. they looked down at their joined hands for a moment before Jon spoke once more. "I've come to tell you that I''' be going with uncle Benjen to go to the wall."

"Oh? and here I thought you had been named King of the North." Wren snarked, still emotional at the thought of being separated from her twin.

Jon pinched her for her impertinence. "Don't joke like that, the Gods could hear and then what would we do?"

"Celebrate?"

Jon smiled softly at that. "You don't mean that. you're just upset I'm the better-looking twin."

Wren rolled her eyes at that. "You're just jealous my hair is longer."

"And have to deal with all those curls? you must be joking." Jon teased, pulling one of her curls gently so that in uncurled before corkscrewing back into its natural shape.

"I am happy for you Jon; you must know that. You've been wanting this for years."

"And yet you don't seem happy for me."

"I am happy that you're getting your wish. I just don't like you being so far away from me. you'll get hurt being a stupid man just like when you were little, and I won't be there to berate you while I fix you."

"Believe it or not dear sister, but I am capable of taking care of myself."

"You've done a shit job of it so far."

"Don't use language like that, you'll get used to it and somebody may hear."

"Gods forbid a girl curse." Wren moved to rest her head on his shoulder. Jon was much larger than she was, so he ended up wrapping his arm around her so that she could be tucked beside him rather than awkwardly leaning against him.

"How did you end up so short? One minute we were the same height and the next you seemed to shrink."

"Jon, I seriously believe that our father slept with one of the Fey-folk. How else could you be that tall and me this short?"

"I think Arya is going to be taller than you are soon."

"Lady Stark is rather tall. Sansa is too, and she is still growing."

"Will you be going with them?"

"I'm not sure Jon. Bran needs me here."

"You need to leave the shadow of Lady Stark. She eats away at you, day by day."

"You're just afraid she's going to turn her attention to me without you there to bear the brunt of it."

Jon didn't reply, he didn't need to because it was the truth. Jon would make himself more visible and act out whenever his twin made a mistake to keep Lady Stark's ire on him rather than her.

"I love you little flower. Try to keep your thorns sharpened for whatever you decide."

"Bear, you know I will. keep your claws sharp too. I have a feeling the wall won't be all brotherhood and joy. They send anyone there, not just volunteers. Please stay safe."

Jon hugged his sister tightly one last time before standing up, pulling Wren with him. "No more sadness! I have a present for you." The sound of a present perked up Wren's mood. She had a present planned for her brother but hadn't mentioned it to him.

Jon pulled from his pocket a small bracelet of woven iron. it was two strands intertwining loosely with a bright blue sapphire in the center of the weave. Next to the Sapphire were two similarly colored jewels but turned out to be glass containers. "I smelted down the dagger I made you when we turned 10 into this the glass gems are filled with poison. I know I can't protect you from the wall, not that you need me to, but I would feel better with you having something. poison is a woman's weapon. After all, I can't expect you to strap a dagger to your thigh and pull it out easily." Jon teased, knowing his sister did indeed have not one but two daggers strapped to her thighs, one on each side.

"Jon, its beautiful. How did you. . .?"

"Father helped me. I've been working more to earn the sapphire." Jon put the bracelet on her right wrist, clasping it gently before kissing the top of her hand and smiling down at her.

"I have a gift for you too." Wren pulled from her satchel a bundle of cloth the side of a folded tunic top. Jon tried to unwrap it, but she stopped him. "It's my special remedies, some seeds, and a few other bits and bobs. I know you'll get hurt, but I don't trust their Maesters to patch you up. the seeds are for you to grow there as I'm sure their garden is lacking if it even exists."

"You're such a snob, I love you" Jon teased.

She sniffed as she put her nose in the air, playing along. "Write to me, or I'll show up to the wall and thrash you myself. Your boys club would not take kindly to that."

"You wouldn't dare."

"You think I wouldn't?" she countered, hands on her hips.

"Alright! I promise to write!" Jon laughed. "Now, let's get back to the courtyard. I think they're going to leave without us if we aren't there.

Taking her brother's advice, she went to her rooms to pack her things quickly. She wasn't sure when she would be returning, if ever, so she packed everything that she could. Arya came down after she had finished repacking her bag to show off Needle, her new sword from Jon. Wren told her little sister that Needle looked delightfully underestimating. Mix that with her sister's small frame and age, nobody would expect to be poked full of holes giving her the advantage. She also told Arya that she better hide it before somebody tries to take it from her.

everyone who was going to either King's Landing or the Wall were saddling up shortly after. Sansa seemed dismissive at the thought of her elder half sibling coming with them, but Ned gave her a warm smile. Wren smiled back her small smile, knowing she probably threw him for a loop with her indecisiveness.

A month on the road! Wren couldn't believe it. She was too young to remember ever coming to the north, and she never planned on ever leaving it to be honest. However, the plans of one 16-year-old girl rarely ever lasted to fruition.

They came to a point in the road where Jon would need to separate and head towards the wall. Having already said their goodbyes, he didn't spare a glance at his twin, but Wren watched. She saw their father ride up next to him to have a conversation. Wren knew that Jon was most likely asking about their mother, as he had been talking to her quietly about the topic. Wren wished she had known the woman but realized if wishes didn't have a real place in her life. Oh, she had aspirations and goals; ones she had told nobody except the heart wood trees. they listened and never judged. or, if they did, it was silently which was kinder than most.

Just like that, their father road back to join their group while Jon rode to his next adventure. his first without her, and she tried not to focus on the ache in her chest watching him ride off.

And so, the King, his party, her family, and herself traveled on. They traveled on winding roads through thick forests and rolling fields, stopping whenever the King demanded it. Ned would sit with the King when they stopped, eating whatever the King decided on. She spent time tending to those who got injured along the way, playing with Arya, and reading whenever she had a moment. She would make sketches of the things she saw on her travels, sometimes taking clippings of plants that she hadn't seen before or rubbing a charcoal pencil on paper to get their likeness. She avoided the Queen and her eldest son as much as she could, although her younger two children were often seen seeking her out to play or be told stories. At first Wren tried to deny them and turn them towards their maids, but they were surprisingly persistent. Eventually she broke down and did what they wanted and found herself happy to do so.

Sansa and Joffrey spent time together on walks or talking. Of what, Wren didn't know.

It was on one of those walks that it happened.

Something had happened on the walk between Arya, the butcher's son, the prince, and Sansa. Apparently, Arya and the boy were practicing sword fighting when Arya and Joffrey got into a fight. Nymeria, Arya's wolf, defended her and bit the prince.

Nymeria had run off, at the behest of Arya, so that she would stay safe. Thorn had run after his pack sister when Wren had heard. Unfortunately, Lady who was Sansa's was the one to pay the price as was the butcher's boy. They both were killed in response to the prince's displeasure and behest of the Queen.

Later that evening, Thorn returned to Wren. It had been the King himself who had decided that the girl could keep her "pet" as she had nobody else in her life. Enough damage had been done that day according to him.

Wren held Arya in the woods away from everyone that night as she cried her heart out, sobbing into her sister's chest, muffling the sound to ensure they had privacy.

"Arya, little love, Nymeria is alive. She's a direwolf. If she is anything like you, and we both know she is, she will be fine. she'll return to you when its safe. . . and right now, it isn't."

Arya sniffled and held tighter to her sister before whispering "what's going to happen now."

"Now?" Wren thought, contemplating everything. "For now, you and I will lay low. We will bring no attention to ourselves. Let Sansa be the swan she desires in the attention."

"How can she want to marry him? Why didn't she tell the truth? He's a toad! a rotten evil toad!"

"Shh, you never know who can hear" Wren reprimanded gently. "We need to lay low and take in everything. It will help us know how to handle everything. King's Landing will be more dangerous than anything we ever have known. We need to stick together and protect ourselves."

"I'm scared Wren." came the small broken voice.

"I am too, but we must be strong. It's okay to cry, I'll never tell. But, never let them see you weak. That's just the thing they want."

The silence of the night filled the empty space in their conversation, crickets chirping away.