Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones or else, the Starks and their kids would have survived !

Summary:Lyarra Stark, born during King Robert's rebellion, is Lord Rickard Stark's youngest daughter, raised by her brother Ned as the oldest of his own children. She will find herself in the heart of Westeros' political intrigues. Will she be able to save herself without too much damage?

Author's note : A huge thank you to House of the lion for translating my story, originally posted in French ! Another thank you to my friend LightDreamer who drew the cover of this fiction which represents my OC : Lyarra Stark. You can find LightDreamer on Instagram as kittehsakura.

CHAPTER 1 : EXECUTION AND WOLVES

When I woke up, I knew that once again I was not alone in my bed. I felt the warmth of a body against me. Although I had a large bed, my nightly visitor had curled up in my arms. I had been so immersed in my dreams that I hadn't felt anything. However, it was not uncommon for me to find company in the morning. Nevertheless, I usually woke up at night when someone came to me. All of my siblings knew that they were welcome to come to me when they were in trouble. If this kind of nocturnal visit annoyed my brother Robb, I welcomed the anguish of the younger ones. It was the role of the oldest family to comfort the youngest in my opinion. I turned to see who had come to join me this time and recognized the red curls of my little brother Bran.

Aphid, it's time to get up. I said, ruffling his hair.

Lyarra? he said sleepily.

Lyarra, that was me. I was Lyarra Stark, I was 17 years old and I was the youngest of Brandon, Eddard, Lyanna and Benjen's siblings. My mother had become pregnant with me just before King Robert's rebellion began. Just before my father Rickard left for the south to be precise. Because of her advanced age, my mother died giving birth to me and I was named in her honor. So I was an orphan by definition, but my brother Ned took care of me as did his wife Lady Catelyn when they returned to Winterfell. So I considered them to be my parents by heart if not by blood. Of course, although they were my nieces and nephews, I also considered Robb, Jon, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon as my siblings.

Yes idiot. You're in my bed. Did you have another nightmare? I asked him.

He pushed back the covers and sat up Indian style while rubbing his eyes.

I dreamed that the family left for the south except for me and that you never came back. He said in a small voice.

Don't worry, I don't think that will happen. And if it did, we'd go with you. I said to comfort him.

Bran was the one of the siblings who had the most nightmares. His dreams always terrified him and he often needed reassurance. I tried to do that every time I met him in the morning. My mother and father also gave of their time but they were often so overwhelmed. It probably didn't help that he liked scary stories.

Come on, get up before Old Nan comes looking for you.

Do you think we're going south? Bran asked as he reached the threshold of my bedroom door.

The Stark family lives at Winterfell Bran, but King Robert is Father's friend. It's possible he'll ask us to travel for him. Anything is possible. Now go. I'd like to get dressed.

Even without trying, you're prettier than Sansa when she's dressed as a southern lady. he said mischievously to me before running off.

I listened to him run away with a burst of laughter. It's a good thing our sister hadn't heard him, she would have been offended. I went to the door to close it, the little demon had left it open of course, and went to my closet to choose my outfit for the day. His question if we should ever go south was on my mind.

Should we ever indulge the whim of a king?

I had only seen the king once almost ten years ago, but I didn't remember him very well. I looked at my room as if it were the first time I had seen it and as if I would never see it again. With these shelves that contained various books on the history of the Seven Crowns and other books on the medical science of the Mestres. I had always been fascinated by the great knowledge of these men and wished I could become as educated as they were. My room also contained my big bed with its warm dark blue blankets and the paintings on the walls with colorful and diverse landscapes. My room was my own little kingdom where people came to join me. Each painting I had received as a gift showed a place in Westeros or Essos. It was as if I had windows to the whole world. My favorite painting was a depiction of my family in the courtyard of Winterfell that had been done the year before. Finally telling myself that I didn't have to worry about a Bran nightmare, I went back to my closet to get some clothes. I put on my gray woolen robe and braided my black hair into a pigtail before going down to the dining room where I found my father, Robb and Theon Greyjoy. The men had a grave expression as they ate their meal. Not much of an appetite for my father I must admit.

What's going on, Father? I asked as I took my seat.

A deserter from the night watch was found. I must execute him today. he answered. We will go Jon, Robb, Theon, Brandon and I this afternoon.

I will train Bran this morning. Robb informed him, not giving me a chance to say a word.

We're going to make him a warrior worthy of the name. said Theon.

I felt like my mother, but I couldn't help but ask my father, as she would have, if he thought Bran was ready to witness such a scene.

He's not a wimp, at his age, I've seen it all before, he needs to be toughened up. Theon answered insolently.

The mustard went up to my nose. He was getting on my nerves, that boy. To tell the truth, Theon Greyjoy and I never got along. It often ended in a fight between the two of us.

When you were his age, you left your family to fight a war, Greyjoy. I would beg you not to intervene in a discussion that concerns the Starks! And if preserving Bran means he doesn't end up like you, then there's no hesitation. I replied aggressively.

That's enough, both of you. Bran has to start seeing this kind of scene, Lyarra. But don't worry about him, he's strong. He's a Stark.

Well, if you think he's ready and can handle it without worry, I'll wait for you to return with peace of mind. Forgive me, but I'm not hungry anymore.

I pushed my plate away and left the bench.

Lyarra, would you like to come with us? my father asked me as I reached the exit.

This is no place for a woman. I said, turning back to him.

You do many things that are forbidden to women. Like training Arya in archery. It's not your presence that will make a big difference. he says, smiling.

For my brother and Greyjoy, it was a shock.

But women don't have to wield weapons. exclaimed my brother in amazement.

Why not? Perhaps some conflicts could have been avoided if we had been able to defend ourselves. Lyanna might not have been kidnapped by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Knowing how to handle weapons doesn't mean we're going to war, Robb.

That's bullshit. Theon replied with a note of condescension.

Greyjoy, are you afraid? If we know how to fight too, you're losing importance. I smiled mockingly. We women know how to sew, cook, keep a house, carry life, run a castle and fight wars, while you only know how to use swords and lead.

I didn't wait for a response from my opposite number. I turned to my father and nodded.

Yes, if you allow me, I will come, Father.

Good, be ready when the sun is at its zenith.

I will. I said and left the room.

The day promised to be long, very long... Sitting in amazon on my horse, I followed the other riders. I had refused to have a carriage prepared to come with my brothers. It was a privilege that my father had accepted, I was not going to complicate things by demanding that a carriage be prepared. As I had suspected, Mother had protested that Bran should go with us, but Father had not changed his mind. She had also argued for me, feeling that it was not my place, but now it was I who insisted on going with them. Sansa had no desire to join us and Rickon was definitely too young, so only Arya had protested. If Septa Mordan hadn't reminded the girls that lessons were waiting for them, I was sure she would have followed us on the sly.

We finally arrived at the place where the execution would take place. Father's men were flanking a man in a black outfit, a night guard. I stopped my horse and slid to the ground. I didn't really want to witness this kind of macabre scene, but I couldn't imagine letting Bran come alone. Bran jumped off his horse and came to stand beside me as Father had instructed. We took a few steps forward and my father drew his sword. It was a Valyrian steel sword, Ice, the legendary weapon of the kings of the North. Our motto was even engraved in the blade, Winter is coming. Robb came and stood beside Bran, giving me a disapproving look at my presence and began to speak to our brother.

Stand up straight, and don't look away. Father is watching you. You must be reacting well. I thought to myself that my father must also be watching me, since he had invited me to the execution against all propriety.

In the name of King Robert Baratheon, first of his name, King of the Andals, Rhoynar and the First Men, liege of the Seven Crowns and Protector of the Realm, I sentence you to death for treason. My father shouted as he lifted up Ice. Do you have any last words to say before you die?

The deserter muttered a few words that made my father wince, but he pulled himself together almost immediately. I didn't look away, but I couldn't help but gag as I said it.

I didn't look away, but I couldn't help but gag when I saw the blood gush out as the blade did its grim work. Bran at my side had flinched and was as pale as I must have been. I took a deep breath and turned to him.

Are you all right?

Yes, yes, I'm... I'm fine.

Okay, don't move, I'll be right back. I said to my little brother.

Curiosity consumed me. What had the man said to surprise my father? I walked towards him with caution and tried to forget that the ground was stained with scarlet blood.

Did he ask for the mother's indulgence? I asked as I reached him.

No, it was not for the gods, but for us. He said thoughtfully. The cold beyond the wall must make people crazy.

Crazy? What did he tell you to make you believe such a thing?

This is a matter for the adults, Lyarra.

With all due respect Father, I believe I have reached the age of reason. I am old enough to marry and start my own pack. You agreed that I could come today. I don't think a few words from a death row inmate will scare me.

He was silent for a moment. Perhaps to put me in my place? After all, if he didn't want to be silent, I didn't have to question his decisions.

He said he had seen White Walkers. he confided to me in a low voice.

Walkers... A wave of shock crossed my face while shivers, not related to the temperature, ran down my back.

It is... Impossible, they have disappeared for thousands of years! I said with a wavering voice.

Don't be afraid Lyarra, it was madness that made this poor man speak.

He went back to his horse, leaving me pensive. I turned my gaze to the north, to the wall and the night watch.

What if...

What if it wasn't madness? Why would a man run from the Watch when he knew he would be condemned to death? You'd have to be desperate to run from the Wall.

Desperate or...

To have seen death coming.

Apprehension overcame me and I looked away. No, Father was right, this soldier had to be crazy... Couldn't he? I joined Bran and everyone got back on their horses and we rode back to Winterfell. I was beginning to wish I hadn't come. Bran didn't need me and I had heard a bit too much for my taste... I was so engrossed in thinking about what the Night's Watch had said that I wasn't listening to the exchanges between the others.

Do you think he was afraid, or was he brave? Bran asked me.

What's that?

Jon said he was brave, but Theon said he wasn't. He was shaking like a leaf. He was shaking like a leaf. So... Do you think he was brave or afraid?

And what is courage to you Bran? I asked softly.

It's not being afraid. And for you?

Courage is not the absence of fear. Fear is essential for survival. To have courage is to continue despite the trials. It's facing fate despite your fears. So, yes, I believe the deserter was terribly afraid, but he had courage because he stood his ground without fleeing, without begging. He faced his fate.

Courageous or crazy? I asked myself again. And if he was right, would we be brave or would we run away? Would the wall hold? Bran nodded at my words and we returned to the silence. A few moments later, however, the progress came to an abrupt halt. At the front, there was a commotion and I raised my eyebrows. What was going on now?

Sheathe your sword, she's dead. said one of them.

I decided to put my foot down and go see for myself instead of waiting for news. Bran followed me and we walked briskly toward the small group. What I saw there amazed me. A huge wolf lay dead in the snow and somewhat decomposed. Robb was holding something that was wriggling, that had black and gray hair... Bran and I cried out in delight at the sight of the pup, or should I say wolf cub.

May I? my little brother asked, rushing over to Robb.

Here you go. Jon replied and put one in his arms, much to the delight of the younger brother.

How did she die? Father asked.

Something in her throat. Robb replied. I watched as my father examined the body and pulled out a piece of sausage. Strangely, it made me feel uncomfortable. I couldn't say why, but I took it as a bad sign.

How could the babies be born if she was dead? I asked in surprise.

I guess she gave birth just before or was ready when she died. Father answered thoughtfully.

Born of death, what a bad omen. And they too should go quickly. Theon confided to my horror.

He even drew his sword and asked Bran to put the pup down.

No! he protested, and he backed away to hide behind me.

To hide himself, or rather to hide the beast from Theon's view. Smart kid. I was definitely the one who gave in the least to Theon Greyjoy.

Be reasonable, we can't keep them. insisted Rodrik Cassel, Master-at-Arms of Winterfell.

Father, please! You can't do this... They're just babies! I begged.

Who will grow up Lyarra.

Yes, but... I began, unable to find an argument.

Lord Stark, if I may say so, there are six puppies. Three males and three females. Just like your children.

Yes?

Well, that sounds like a sign from the Gods. Jon replied.

When I saw the gleam in the Lord of Winterfell's eyes, I knew we'd won. And I promised myself a huge hug for my brother!

How about you? Don't you want one, Jon?

The wolf is a Stark sign, I'm a Snow.

Fine, you can keep them, but you're in charge.

Bran shouted with joy behind me and I smiled. Mother wasn't going to be happy, but Rickon, Arya and Sansa certainly were. I bent down and picked up one of the little wolves who wagged her tail.

Come on, baby, let's get you out of here and to a warmer place. I said, wrapping her in my cloak and holding her to my chest.

And thanking me for my thoughtfulness, she urinated...

Ugh! I exclaimed in disgust, which made the whole group laugh.