Once the King and his company had dispersed Neveah was charged with keeping the younger kids busy so when she had finished running around with Rickon for the afternoon Nevaeh had decided to go around and meet some of the new faces before the feast. She had been making her way past Jory when a shiny piece of metal caught the sun and gleamed in her eyes for a brief moment. As she walked closer to the shining object she realized that it was half of a helmet sitting on one of the tables in front of Winterfell's smithy. "Oh! My lady I didn't know you were going to stop by today. Did you need something?" Jory asked with a small smile on his face. She tore her gaze away and smiled up at the man.

"Not today Jory, thank you. I was actually wanting to meet some of the new visitors but I got distracted." She stated looking back down at the helmet. "I've never seen anything like this." I stated holding it up to the sunlight. Jory chuckled and nodded.

"You are right. Actually I believe that piece you have there belongs to the royal smith's appraintence. He's just a boy but he has an amazing gift." Nevaeh set the helmet down and smiled back up at him. Just as she was about to respond, a man around the same age, perhaps a year older made his way over to where they now stood.

"Sir Jory, would there anything else I could do for you?" He stated and it seemed like he didn't even notice her at first. Nevaeh smiled and looked back down at the helmet before looking back up at the two. From what she could see, he had black smudges on his face where he had swipe sweat away and his small bangs were slightly damp and clinging to his forehead.. Jory glanced back at Nevaeh before chuckling again as he patted his shoulder.

"Gendry, this is Lady Nevaeh Cross." Jory said gently turning 'Gendry' toward the smaller girl.

"Oh, my lady I am so sorry. I didn't mean to be so rude." He said quickly as he bowed his head. Nevaeh gave a soft giggle and shook her head.

"That's quite alright." She said offering him a bright smile. Gendry nodded back and returned her smile with a small one of his."Jory was telling me that you were the handy crafter who is working on this." Gendry nodded as his smile widened slightly.

"Yes my lady, I started it before we began our travel and I wanted to work on it whenever I had a free moment to spare." He said, his blue eyes shining with pride. Gendry was quite a good looking man, and his eyes seemed to capture Nevaeh with how much warmth and sincerity they held.

"Well, you are doing an amazing job. I hope you will let me see it once it is finished. I hope to see you this evening." Nevaeh said giving Gendry one last smile. "Excuse me." She gave a small nod to both men and made her way back on her path.

Ten Years Ago:

"How are you feeling, child?" Maester Luwin asked as he began his checkup on Nevaeh. It had been a few days since she had been found and thankfully her fever had left, however it seemed that her voice had left with it. "You know lord and lady Stark are worried about you." Still nothing. With a silent sigh the older man stood once he was satisfied that she was in good health. Standing from the bed the Nevaeh watched as the robed man made his way back out the door. Just as the door had closed Nevaeh turned back on her side facing the large fire that roared and closed her eyes against the warmth. The memories of the fire and the screams echoed in her mind.

"Do you think she is asleep?" Robb asked as he and Jon poked their heads into the room that Nevaeh rested in. His voice barely above a whisper. "Father said that she's going to become a ward like Theon."

"At least she won't be as annoying as Theon." Jon stated with his own annoyance coming through loud and clear. Nevaeh opened her eyes hearing the boys' not so quiet whispering and sat up to face the door. The two boys jump and quickly shut the door, hiding themselves behind the door. "This was a bad idea, Your father told us not to disturb her."

"Indeed I did." Ned said, his deep voice scaring the two youngsters. He raised a brow at their antics and crossed his arms. "I told you boys to leave her alone."

"Sorry...father. It's just...well I mean we-"

"We just wanted to make sure she was okay." Jon stepped in. Robb quickly nodded his head, "Agreed."

"We weren't going to bother her or anything, promise." Ned glanced between both boys. "I see. Well run along now. I believe your mother needs your help with your siblings." Ned stated, nodding his head down the hall. Reluctantly both boys nodded and made their way down the hall. Ned waited as the boys rounded the corner. Taking a breath, Ned knocked softly on the door before opening it. Nevaeh sat in the middle of the bed confused. Ned gave the girl a small smile as he made his way over to the empty seat beside the bed.

"I hope the boys didn't disturb you, Nevaeh." He started. He gave her a moment however when it appeared that she wasn't going to answer he continued. "I wanted to talk to you. Now I want you to know that you are safe here, however I need you to answer a few of my questions, okay?" Again, no response. "The design on your necklace, in the middle there's a rose with a sword behind it. That's what we call a sigil, and that particular design belongs to House Urvanejo, but they haven't been seen in a long time. Nevaeh, I need you to tell me where you got that necklace."

The girl stayed quiet as she looked down at the silver locket for another moment.

Nevaeh snapped out of her thoughts at the sounds of loud childlike voices.

"Be careful Rickon!" She yelled as the little one and the young prince Tommen ran around with wooden swords. It was a couple of hours before the feast and Nevaeh was in charge of watching the younger children as the adults and everyone else began to get ready and finished the last minute preparations. Nevaeh smiled as she watched the two young boys run around the courtyard. Without much thought Nevaeh took a seat on a wooden bench that was positioned where she could still watch them and relax for a moment. As she watched the two play around, she couldn't help but think about having her own kids someday. The thought of actually finding someone and getting married excited her, holding her own baby and having a piece of her living on once she is no longer living was a dream she had always had. People had called her naive for wanting to marry for love, however being only a ward gave her the opportunity to not be married off for political reasons. It was the matter of finding a man who would love her for not just her looks but for her heart and who she really was.

"If you think any harder, your brain may melt. I can already see the steam coming from your ears." Nevaeh snapped out of her thoughts and looked up to see Robb standing behind her with a bright smile. Nevaeh smiled and looked back at Rickon and Tommen. "What has you so deep in your head Nevvy?" He asked as he took a seat beside her.

"I was just thinking about the future, that's all." She responded quietly. Robb nodded and turned to watch his younger brother.

"What about the future?" He asked curiously. She thought for a moment before she spoke again.

"Well, mostly about my future. Obviously you will become Lord of Winterfell after your father, Theon will be there helping you, Jon most likely will as well...I just don't know where I'll be or what my future is. I would love to get married and have children of my own someday and marry a man that I love. However, I do not think I will ever get married and have the future I want because I am already past my 17th nameday and no man has ever tried to court me or has shown any interest. I mean, Sansa is younger than me and already she may have a betrothed and will most likely be married before I even find a man." Nevaeh sighed once she realized that she began to ramble when she looked over at Robb to see him fully listening. "Sorry, I didn't mean to go on and on like that. I should probably get ready for tonight." Nevaeh quickly stood and made to move around the bench. Robb soon stood up ready to call after her but was too late as Nevaeh was already more than halfway across the courtyard.

Nevaeh let out of breath as she made her way down to the feast as it was about to start. It didn't take her long to get ready as she decided to leave her hair down since she thought it would bring out the blue in her eyes that would match her gown. It had been one of her favorites that she had made, the fabric was thick to keep the chill away and navy in color with silver swirls and stars starting at the bottom and making their way up to the bodice. It always made her think of the night sky in a way. Once she made it to the hall, her eyes quickly scanned the hall, looking for any familiar faces seeing as she had been running a little late. "One would think that you are trying to compete against the queen with how beautiful you look my lady." Nevaeh looked up and gave a polite smile as she gave the respected curtsey.

"Good evening my lord. How are you finding Winterfell?" Jamie chuckled and leaned against the wall next to her, shamelessly letting his eyes wander over her body up to her face before he responded with his famous smirk.

"I am not a fan of the cold as I much prefer the warmer climate of the south, however I think I have found something to help with that. What about you my lady? Do you like the cold and harsh weather of the north?"

"The cold and the harshness of the north as you put it doesn't bother me. Some of the best things are found hidden by the wrath of the snow and shadows." She said smiling. She turned to see the royal family and the Starks walk into the hall. Once everyone was seated on the high table, Nevaeh made her way to sit next to Theon and Jon, who was keeping his head down as far as he can. Just as the feast had begun and everyone began to eat Nevaeh was called to the head table by the King.

"Yes, Your Grace" She asked once she had stood before him and his wife and gave a curtsey. King finished his first goblet of wine before responding.

"Ned here has told me that you can carry a tone and even performed for his son's birthday. Is that correct?" Nevaeh nodded before the King continued. "Sing us something then." He demanded. Nevaeh's eyes widened as she quickly glanced toward the Starks.

"Sing for you Your Grace? I am sure that you have much better things to discuss than listen to me sing. I would hate to distract you from having a good time." Nevaeh said quietly as to not upset the king.

"Nonsense! Come on now we haven't got all day!" Nevaeh nodded slightly before glancing back to Ned. He quickly stood up and got the hall's attention.

"Good evening everyone. Tonight to honor our king, our very own Lady Nevaeh will be gracing her with her lovely voice." Ned sat back down as the Nevaeh moved to stand a little lower than the high table. She took a deep breath before beginning. As Nevaeh sang , the entire hall was silent as her voice eloquently rang through the room, grabbing attention from every living being that occupied the space. Ned smiled as he watched his ward go from being nervous when she began to being confident and losing herself in the song. It still amazed him that the young girl he took in has grown so much and her voice seemed to get sweeter and more beautiful than the last time he had heard it. Even the King was amazed by her voice. He sat in his seat, hand frozen as he held his goblet on the table, not a drop of wine left the cup as he watched. Once Nevaeh had finished singing, everyone stood from their seats and applauded her. Nevaeh smiled but couldn't help but blush at the amount of attention she was getting. She slightly cleared her throat and bowed her head and curtsied. Ned stood up again and made his way over to her. He walked her back down to the lower level before kissing her forehead. Giving her a soft smile he said, "I'm so proud of you Nevaeh. You did absolutely amazing." Nevaeh smiled happily and relaxed. She nodded her in thanks and let him return to his place as she returned to her's beside Theon and Jon. Once Ned had sat back down the King turned his attention to him.

"Ned, where have you been hiding such a gem!" Robert said after swallowing his whole goblet. "Why don't let her attend the hunt tomorrow." Ned was taken aback by his request.

"You wish for her to come Your Grace?" He asked, hoping he had heard wrong. Robb and Joffrey perked up at the question, both surprised.

"Yes, she could keep us company while we ride." Robert said as a help poured him more wine. Ned nodded and kept quiet, however he had felt uneasy about letting Nevaeh come on the hunt. Soon the topic had changed as the king became more and more drunk. Nevaeh breathed a sigh of relief as she made her way back to her seat as she finished her fifth dance with a man she had never met.

"A little tired Nevaeh?" Theon asked as he sat next to her, fresh drink in hand.

"You have no idea. I've never danced so much in one evening. But it has been the most fun I have ever had." She said with a smile. Just as Theon was about to ask her for a dance he was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. They turned to see Robb smiling and Theon knew that his chance ended before it even began.

"May I ask the lady for a dance?" He asked as he offered his hand. Nevaeh giggled and nodded.

"Of course my Lord." She said taking his hand and letting him pull her towards the dance floor. As they began to dance and follow the song Robb gave a soft smile as he watched her movements. He had remembered the first time they had danced together, it was their first dance lesson and Nevaeh was terrible. Always stepping on his toes.

"I see you have gotten better. Perhaps all those lessons we had growing up have finally paid off." He joked as he spun her around. "I must say, my feet are quite grateful, I won't be limping my way back for once." Nevaeh smiled and rolled her eyes.

"If I remember correctly, it was you who was the bad dancer. You constantly stepped on my dress or tripped me, on purpose I might add." She said playfully. Rob gave her a look of innocence.

"I remember doing no such thing." He retorted which caused her to roll her eyes, her sweet smile still present. They continued to dance for the next couple of songs, completely lost in each other's eyes and as Robb watched the woman before him, he couldn't help but think of what she had said earlier. She was beyond beautiful and had a voice that melted even the coldest of hearts, however she was far from being perfect with her quick temper, clumsy hands which always seemed to drop anything bigger than an apple, the fact that she had a tendency to talk in her sleep a little too loudly. However, he had longed to tell her how he felt but he was scared of what could happen, and he wasn't naive to think that he was the only one that had feelings for her. He had seen the looks that men around Winterfell had given her and even the men in the Kingsguard had given her the same looks that evening. He was also worried about what his father would say if he asked to court her. He knew that it wasn't ideal for a future lord of Winterfell to marry the ward of his father but he hated to think of another man taking her away from him. Without thinking he opened his mouth and said, "The king wishes for you to come on the hunting trip tomorrow." Nevaeh snapped out of her thoughts and her eyes widened at the news. Robb had no clue where that had come from, but he was grateful all the same.

"Why would he want that? I thought women were forbidden to attend." She said softly. Worry flashed through her as her mind raced with possible things she could have done wrong that would warrant such a request. Robb shrugged slightly before he continued.

"I don't know. He said it was because he wished for your company and that was why he wished for you to be there." Nevaeh was quiet for a moment before she replied.

"Well, good thing I know how to hunt and use a bow and arrow then." She said with a small smile, trying to hide her worry. Robb could see what she was trying to do and smiled in return.

Hello Again! I've been able to update and add to this pretty quickly and I hope everyone is enjoying! Don't forget to Review and Favorite

Arianna Le Fay: Thank you for the comment! I haven't decided who should be her love interest just yet but I will take your pick into consideration.