NOT MY WORK I TAKE NO CREDIT ALL CREDIT GOES TO GHOSTQUEEN187

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The Plot Thickens

Hello everyone! Terribly sorry for the late update I've just gone into exams at the moment and have been major busy. But don't worry I haven't quit yet! In this story because of Loki's intervention Bran is now older than Arya by two years. The ages of the siblings are as following

Robb and Jon: 18

Sansa: 15

Bran: 14

Arya: 12

Rickon: 7

Loki felt a deep chill under his skin as he shot an ice dagger at the target in front of him. He was currently practicing in the Godswood, the old Weirwood tree calming Loki. Loki found the Godswood to be the perfect place to practice his magic. Not only was the Godwood isolated and calming, but it was also rich with energy. Loki always felt powerful whenever he stepped into the Godswood. Loki had been trying to figure out why this was the case, however without the great library of Asgard and with Winterfell's limited knowledge, he found it difficult to find the reason. So he was simply keeping an eye on it for now and taking notes on its effects.

He was still getting used to the prickly feeling he felt whenever he used his Frost Giant magic, the scars and insecurities of his previous life still remaining, however, he was proud to admit that his control over it had grown over the years. He could now summon daggers made of ice and launch them from his hands. He figured he'd start with something familiar when he began experimenting with his Frost Giant magic and had quickly mastered it. He also developed the ability to create ice clones of himself, freezing whoever dared to touch it, a useful little trick if he ever needed to make a quick escape. Loki had also dabbled at weather manipulation and was disappointed at his lack of progress. He was capable of dropping the temperature of a room in minutes and causing light summer snow but apart from that couldn't do much else.

Loki hadn't neglected his Asgardian magic either, practicing his illusions and spells every night in his chambers. It was harder than he expected, but he supposed that was due to him lacking the wisdom and teachings of his adopted mother Frigga. However, in the end he eventually reached his former power.

Loki heard a rustling in the distance. Immediately, he transformed himself back into his human form, the pale skinned, dark haired fourteen name day old Brandon Stark. He reached for his sides to grab his two shortswords, a name day gift from his brother, Jon. Loki was capable of using a regular sword. Despite what the people of Asgard believed he was still a warrior, he just wasn't fond of open combat.

Yes, Loki preferred using agility and tricks rather than simply charging an opponent head-on, something his father and Jon had learned when they had watched him spar with Ser Rodrik, a bored expression on his face. The short swords had the Stark house words 'Winter is Coming,' inscribed on it (something Loki found incredibly ironic) and had the image of a wolf howling, reminding him of his son Fenrir. The short swords were not as agile as his beloved daggers, but he supposed they were light enough to be maneuvered in a similar manner.

A raven flew into the Godswood, causing Loki to scoff as he moved his hands away from his swords. His spy network had been doing a wonderful job at keeping him informed on the inner workings of Westeros. He knew that the crown was in serious debt due to that insolent oaf Robert Baratheon. Loki had contemplated assassinating Robert Baratheon, apart from his father, he doubted many would weep for him. He was a drunken fool incapable of even controlling his own son, let alone a Country. Or should he say, step son? Loki had cackled when he had first discovered the relationship between the Queen and her twin brother. It was simply too good. Incest itself mattered very little to Loki, the relationships of others were not of his concern. However, in Westero, incest was one of the greatest sins committed. Overlooking the Targaryens that is. Even if he did assassinate Robert Baratheon and somehow proved beyond reasonable doubt that the children were not his, he knew the Lannisters would still find a way to claw to power. Most likely resulting in another war. It was their nature. So, Loki had decided the best course of action would be to wait and plan. For now that is.

Loki held out his hand and the raven landed on it, nudging his chin. Loki barely flinched as the raven's talons clutched the skin on his hand as he gently stroked the raven's feathers. "Hello Little bird," he said softly, still stroking its feathers "Do you have something for me?"

' The hand of the King has passed,' the raven told him causing his hand to freeze. Jon Arryn was the lord of the Vale if he remembered correctly, he was also a close friend of his father and had fostered both his father and Robert Baratheon in the Vale. Loki's hand clenched "How did he pass?" he asked continuing to stroke the raven.

' The man of fingers had the hand's wife poison him,' the raven said causing Loki's scowl to deepen. 'Littlefinger,' he thought venomously. The man amused him at first, a lord with little land grappling for power, rejected by his love, beaten by his love's fiancee, it was simply adorable. But after a while he started to become boring, and now with this little action he had brought himself the ire of Loki.

Loki knew what would happen. Loki knew what his plan was. With Jon Arryn dead there would be only one person in the whole of Westeros who the King would wish to be his knew Hand. His father, Eddard Stark. His father was a good man. He was noble, honorable and just. However, he simply wouldn't survive in the world of politics. Littlefinger would have no problem manipulating his father to his death by the Lannister's hands, or his own. Allowing for Littlefinger to ride the chaos that would bring.

But Loki was the God of Chaos.

"Is the King planning on travelling to Winterfell?" he asked the raven as it flew off his hand to sit on the Weirwood tree. The raven seemed to nodd stretching its wings. Loki's eyes narrowed as he turned to face away from the raven. "How much time do you suppose I have?" The raven shuffled

' A month by carriage m'lord' the raven told him

Loki smirked slightly "Good, that's very good," he said, fiddling with his short swords.

' M-m'lord' the raven asked meekly causing Loki to turn to face it, a devious smirk on his face.

"A month is more than enough to prepare," he said before facing away from the raven and beginning his walk out of the Godswood "You've done very good today little bird, and do keep a close eye on my very good friend Lord Baelish would you? I'd hate for something to happen to him before my arrival."

' Y-your arrival?' the raven asked him causing him to face the raven. "The King is coming to convince my father to be the new hand," he told the raven patiently "Naturally when my honorably loyal father says yes to his offer, he'll take my sisters along to introduce them to court," Loki smirked "and naturally I'll ask him if I can come as well, after all,' he chuckled facing away once more "I've always wanted to see the knights," he then proceeded to leave the Godswood, hearing the flapping of the raven's wings as he left.

Loki's first stop was the training yard. He smiled charmingly at the soldiers and servants, who seemed much livelier now than a couple of years ago. Perhaps it had to do with the economic position. Thanks to some of Loki's ideas, the wealth and trade of the North had heightened to completely new levels. Of course not all of Loki's ideas worked, some of the pants he had suggested had simply just not bonded with the nutrientless soil some of the North possessed. A fact Loki was still kicking himself about but alas he was the God of Mischief not the God of Plants.

Robb had made some suggestions of his own, which even Loki admitted were pretty clever. Robb had suggested repairing Moat Cailin to its previous glory, their father had hesitated at first but had relented when Loki justified it by suggesting giving the fortress to Jon. Robb had also suggested trading some of the more rarer North meats and flowers with the Free cities for a higher price to boost the wealth. The North would never be as wealthy or fertile as the Reach, but they were certainly thriving and earning respect from the other Kingdoms.

Speaking of Robb, he and Jon were currently practicing archery, with a very amused Theon watching them. Theon and his relationship had grown over the years, they were nowhere near best friends, but they had a mutual respect for one another. Theon looked over at him and smirked "Care to try your luck with a bow little lord?" he said causing Loki to smirk.

"Only if you don't mind being embarrassed by a boy Greyjoy," he said strutting over. Robb and Jon smiled at him as he stepped up and grabbed a bow and a quiver of arrows. Loki gently placed his feet apart and straightened his shoulders before knocking the arrow. He could hear Robb and Jon place themselves behind him. "Steady your bow arm," Robb said crossing his arms behind him. Loki was about to make a comment but held it when he spotted his mother and father watching from the balcony.

Loki took a deep breath and was about to shoot when an arrow flew over his shoulder landing perfectly in the center. Loki smirked immediately knowing who it was. "You know sister, if you wanted to join us you could simply ask," he said turning to face Arya as she stood behind them with a bow. She grinned grabbing her quiver and racing over to join them. He could practically feel his mother's disappointed gaze as she stepped beside him.

Loki had argued with his mother for weeks to allow for Arya,and potentially Sansa if she was interested, to learn how to defend herself. Their were days when they simply didn't speak at all. "No man would want a wife who wields a blade," she had said as they argued in his father's scholar, his father looking between the two unsure which side to take, "It's savage and unladylike!"

"Then I suppose you would find it ladylike for her to be raped and murdered then?" he had told her coldly causing his mother's gaze to go from angry to horrified and his father to stand up clenching his fists "Just because a lady does not use a sword does not mean she can't die upon it, wouldn't you rather her be safe and happy rather than ladylike and dead?"

His father had talked to him quietly after that, explaining that whilst he agreed with his reasoning he would still have to punish him for being disrespectful to his mother. He was forced to muck out all the stalls for a week but it was worth it to see his sister smile. It took a couple of weeks for his mother to agree to it. But eventually she had agreed that Arya would only learn to defend herself and that Loki himself would have the responsibility of training her since he was so insistent about it. Not that Loki minded, with her new small sword 'Needle' Loki knew that he would be the best suited to teach her. Sansa had flat out refused to learn although had hesitantly accepted the small dagger that Loki had gifted her for her last name day with a tentative smile.

Loki and his mother had long forgiven each other for their argument, but their was still a certain distance between them. It slightly saddened Loki that he didn't have a close relationship with his mother like in his past life, but he supposed it was due to how wonderful his past mother was that it was difficult to bond to his newer one.

Loki smiled at his sister as she took her place beside him. She smiled back and immediately raised her bow to take another shot. The two took turns seeing who could split the other's arrow until they heard their father call out. "Robb, Jon, Theon, Bran can you come here for a moment?" Loki looked at his brothers and Theon before making his way up to their father, smiling apologetically at Arya who pouted.

Loki gently ruffled Rickon's hair as he passed him, who smiled brightly at him. It was strange having a younger sibling. Arya was technically younger than him but the age gap was barely existent. Rickon on the other hand was only seven name days and was to put it simply wild. Rickon could always be seen running around the courtyard, tripping servants and soldiers alike, all with a smile on his face. Loki admitted he had slightly encouraged his brother's wild behaviour. But only slightly.

When Loki reached his father he noticed that his gaze was slightly solemn. Loki could feel his brothers and Theon approach from behind him. "There's been a deserter," he said. Robb and Jon immediately nodded understandingly while Theon just raised a brow. Loki knew what this meant although this would be his first time going.

Loki found it pointless to be honest. The Night's Watch had little people as it was. What was the point of simply killing one when they ran away? Wouldn't it be crueler and more of a punishment to send them back and force them to stay? By killing them you were simply giving them the escape they craved. But alas, his father was not a cruel man. Which was exactly why he'd need him when the King would take him to King's Landing.

Loki's face was impassive as he saddled his horse. Hearing a soft padding of footsteps behind him, Loki turned and was surprised by who was behind him. His sister Sansa stood there, hesitantly playing with her fingers. Loki tilted his head at her, curious about what she could want. Sansa and him never had a terrible relationship, they got on sometimes. However with Sansa's ladylike demeanor and Loki's natural mischief the two were not as close as him and Arya.

Sansa awkwardly shuffled for a few moments before finally finding her tongue "I asked Jon and Robb but they said they'd be too busy helping father and I would never want to ask Theon this," she said ringing her hands together "B-but I know you'll be willing to do it, I was wondering if you could bring me home a Blue Winter Rose? I've heard there beautiful," she gave him pleading eyes.

Loki hummed raising a brow "doesn't the Glass Garden's have winter roses?" Sansa almost seemed to pout "I know that," she said snippily before sweetening her tone "I just, I just want a real Blue Winter Rose! We have some here but their duller than wild ones, oh please brother, please!" Sansa begged, clasping her hands together with Loki's.

Loki's lip twitched up, an idea hitting him "You really want this rose don't you?" at her nod he continued "and you'd do anything to get one?" she hesitated this time but eventually nodded. Loki pretended to sign in resignation "well if my sweet dear sister asks this of me than I guess I have no choice but to retrieve it."

Sansa's smile was blinding as she swung her and Loki's hands softly "oh thank you brother thank you!" she practically squealed in joy releasing his hands and turning away until Loki's gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her. "I'll get you the rose," he said patiently " however, in return I simply want you to learn one or two defensive moves with that dagger I gave you."

Sansa's expression immediately soured "I told you before I don't want to learn how to use it," she said haughtily. Loki raised a brow once more "then why did you keep it?" he asked causing her face to redden slightly. "It was a gift," she said awkwardly ringing her hands again "it's unladylike to refuse a gift,"

"It's also unladylike to refuse help," he told her. He knew trying to convince her it was for her safety wouldn't work. Sansa was under the delusion that knights in shining armor would protect her from all the evil in the world. His sister was incredibly naive. So he settled for convincing her in the only way he knew she'd listen. "It's only a couple of moves, nothing too savage," he told her. Seeing her hesitant expression he continued "besides the style I'll teach you is quite similar to dancing, and dancing is quite ladylike isn't it?" he put his hands behind his back smiling slyly at her.

Sansa's eyes lit up slightly "oh, I do very much like dancing," she said a considerative tone lacing her words. She sighed "fine but only some moves I don't want to be a savage like Arya." Loki's eyes narrowed at the slight to Arya but chose not to jump on it. Doing so would erase any progress he had with convincing Sansa. "Very well sister," he said climbing onto his horse "I shall see you once I come back, with your Blue Winter Rose."

She smiled slightly at him and waved as he rode to meet up with Jon and Robb, both of which were giving him curious looks. Theon had obviously not waited for him and was up front behind father and Ser Rodrik. "What did Sansa want?" Robb asked as they rode to keep up with father and Ser Rodrik. "Sansa was asking me if I could bring her back a Blue Winter Rose," he said causing Robb to groan. "She asked me that too," he grunted "but I told her I was busy, what does she think we're doing out here? This is an execution not a casual stroll."

Loki's eyes narrowed slightly "Sansa may be annoying sometimes but she's still our sister," he told him. Robb sighed and looked down at the ground. "He's right you know," Jon said softly.

"I hate it when you two gang up on me," he grumbled playfully. Loki and Jon shared a smirk.

"Ganging up on you is the only way we can every get anything through that thick skull of yours brother," Loki said with a pleasant smile on his face. "Indeed," Jon said "perhaps if you listened more to our dear younger brother here we wouldn't need to, Bran the Bright they call him, may his wisdom forever guide us."

Loki scowled slightly at Jon, knowing he was beginning to tease him now. Jon merely smirked at him. The little shit. Perhaps he liked him better before he was legitimised. Robb smirked as well, moving his horse closer to Loki's so he could put him in a gentle headlock "more like Bran the Grump if you ask me," he said teasingly, ruffling his hair "honestly sometimes he acts more like an old man than a boy of fourteen name days, I'm surprised you haven't grown wrinkles yet brother."

"The only wrinkle you'll be seeing is when I wring your neck," Loki snapped playfully. Robb pouted "oh come now brother it was all in good fun!" Loki,Robb and Jon stared at each other for a few moments, before they all burst out laughing. Loki was about to say something through his laughter, when the booming voice of their father cut him off.

"Boys!" his father shouted, his voice silencing all three of their laughter. Loki looked up and noticed that they had reached the clearing. "It's time," he said softly, moving off his horse. Loki and his brother's quickly did the same, a solemn mood taking over the once playful one. Loki had seen executions before. So it didn't really bother him that much. But he knew it would look strange if he didn't react for his first execution so he quickly forced a nervous look on his face.

Loki looked past his father and Ser Rodrik, who were quietly conversing, to see the deserter. The man, no boy looked shaken, which was to be expected but Loki noticed there was something in his eyes. A look of fear. And not of being executed. Loki looked around to see if anyone was looking. His brother's and Theon looked to be in a heavy debate about something, probably women, and his father and ser Rodrik were still talking. Subtly, Loki sneaked over to the boy, who was shaking and muttering to himself. Loki saw the two guards glance at him but said nothing as he kneeled before the boy. Loki cast a quick spell preventing the guards from hearing what he said.

"Hello," he said softly, causing the boy to jump "I'm Brandon Stark of Winterfell, and you are?"

"Will," he said softly, his shaking only decreasing slightly. Loki tilted his head "You're afraid," he said, keeping his voice soft "but not of death, why is that?" the boy looked at him in shock before speaking once more. "I've seen things," he said shaking "things far worse than anything you could imagine, trust me, death is mercy compared to that ." Loki frowned at Will before a thought struck him. He leaned in closer to Will "What did you see?" he asked him no demanded.

Will swallowed before speaking "I saw the White Walkers." Loki felt his body freeze. 'So I was right,' he thought darkly. "So they've returned," Loki said causing Will to look at him in shock.

"Y-you believe me?' he asked hesitantly. Loki nodded glancing towards his father. Loki knew that while he believed Will, his father wouldn't. His father would require physical proof in order to truly believe. Loki could show him his magic. Could show him his true form. But for what? His father would believe in their existence. But what would stop him from trying to kill him as well? After all he was a similar species. Loki knew it was selfish. But he would never risk his position and new family. Even if it was a lie. Not even for this boy.

But that didn't mean he wasn't going to try and stop the White Walkers.

Loki gently grasped Will's hand "I'm sorry I cannot prevent your death," he lied causing Will to sniffle "however know this, I promise you your death shall not be meaningless, die knowing that I believe you and will do whatever is in my power to eliminate this foe," Loki told him and gently leaned closer to whisper in his ear "This I promise as this lands future king."

Loki leaned back and looked at Will's sniffling face. Will was still crying, his eyes were still filled with fear, but Loki saw something else fill his gaze. Loki saw hope . "Thank you," he said softly.

Loki smiled softly and was about to respond when a voice cut him off. "Bran!" his father called causing him to turn to face him. His father was staring at him a concerned look on his face "come away from him, it's time."

Loki nodded, turning away from Will and making his way over to his brother's a thoughtful look on his face. Jon gently wrapped his arms around him, mistaking his contemplative expression for a solenm one. "Don't look away," Jon said softly in his ear as his father pulled out Ice the Valyrian sword of House Stark, "father will know if you have." Loki nodded looking past Robb who stood in front of him, face impassive to stare at Will.

Loki ignored his father's words to look into Will's eyes, eyes no longer filled with fear but simply resignation. When Will met his gaze Loki nodded at him subtly causing Will to nod back. Jon's grip on his shoulders tightened as his father lifted Ice above his head and struck down upon Will's head.

Loki didn't flinch, his gaze going blank.

Will's head rolled lifelessly to the ground, his eyes as blank as his own. Jon gently patted his shoulders and turned him away, obviously trying to protect him from the led Bran over to the horses silently. "Are you alright Bran?" Jon asked softly. Loki looked at him, he could see the concern in his eyes "yes I'm fine," he said softly, making his voice come off more solemn. Jon opened his mouth to say something but fell silent as his father walked over to them.

"Can I speak to Bran for a moment Jon?" his father asked. Jon nodded, squeezing Loki's shoulder gently before making his way over to Robb and Theon. Loki met his father's gaze and saw the same look of concern Jon had. "Do you know why I did it?" he asked. Loki nodded

"He was a deserter therefore he had to face justice because our way is the old way," he said causing his father to pat his shoulder nodding "indeed it is, the man who serves the sentence must be the one to swing the sword now tell me son," he knelt down slightly to meet his gaze "Why were you talking to him?"

Loki paused for a moment, pretending to be sheepish before replying "I was trying to comfort him," he lied causing his father's gaze to soften "he seemed scared so I thought I'd calm him down, allow him to die with dignity." he supposed it wasn't technically a lie. More of a half truth but he knew if he mentioned what they were really talking about his father wouldn't believe him.

His father gently squeezed his shoulder "You did a good thing Bran," his father said softly "comforting a man before his execution is a kind thing to do," his eyes shined with pride "I'm proud of you son." Loki swallowed slightly. But went along with the lie and smiled slightly

"Thank you father," he said softly.

His father patted his shoulder and straightened his posture "come let's head back, I heard you promised your sister a Blue Winter Rose, I think she'd be quite cross if you forgot about it." His father turned and began to walk away. Loki went to follow him when he felt a tug in his gut. A tug he hadn't felt in a long time. But it was impossible. He couldn't possibly be here. Could he?

His son Fenrir.

He was in pain.

So Loki did what any father would do. He mounted his horse and ran in the direction he felt his son's energy source was. Ignoring the calls of his father and brothers.

'Hang on Fenrir I'm coming,' He thought in determination.

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