Silently Nevaeh made her through the busy training yard, Lady Stark had dismissed her while little Arya and Bran took their naps. She had decided that while she had some free time she would try to find Robb to play with. Making her way passed most of the men unnoticed she began to hear a soft voice. "How was that?" The voice asked. Walking around the fence, Nevaeh took in the appearance of a boy with black curls on top of his head. He seemed to be around her age and her height. He seemed to be training with a guard.
"You are making excellent progress, Jon. Try to remember that you need to be quick on your feet." The guard said with a sturdy nod. Just as the two got back into their stance the guard seemed to notice her presence. "Looks as if we have an audience." The man said with a soft tone.
"Oh..I'm sorry I didn't mean to intrude." Nevaeh exclaimed with her hands clasped in front of her. The guard gave her a gentle smile.
"What is your name, little one?" The guard asked.
"Nevaeh." She responded, walking a little closer.
"Ah, it is lovely to finally meet you Lady Nevaeh, I am Rodrick Cassel I am the Master-At-Arms here in Winterfell." Rodrick stated with pride. Nevaeh gave a pleasant smile. "And this here is Jon." Hearing his name Jon snapped out of his thoughts. When he first saw the girl he couldn't help but feel like he would dirty her somehow. Meeting the girls eyes he was surprised to see nothing but warmth and kindness as well as some curiosity. He had never come across anyone besides Robb who looked at him without any disgust or contempt.
"Hello, Jon." She greeted with a bright smile. Jon gave her a soft nod, having no clue on how to speak to this new girl. He was used to Sansa and little Arya but his experience ended there. He had no idea that this girl would become one of the most important people in his life.
Since that day of the hunt, Rob had seemed to stay by her side whenever he had the free time. When she had questioned him about it, he just smiled and told her that he missed spending time with her. Jamie Lannister seemed to be watching her more as well. She would always feel his eyes on her when she walked through the courtyard to the godswood or watching the younger children play. Thinking back on the past week Nevaeh tried to keep her sigh quiet, she had found the perfect time to sneak away from the craziness and buzzing of the royal party. As she sat in her usual spot, her hand made their way to her locket. "You know my lady, everyone will begin to worry when they can't find their beautiful jewel of the north." Jamie Lannister said as he made his way down the path. Nevaeh looked up from the lake as he approached and she tried to hide her annoyance with his entry, she had just wanted to be alone.
"No one will notice my absence for another couple of minutes. The younger children are in their lessons, and everyone else is simply too occupied to notice a ward wandering off." She said as Jamie stopped a couple of feet away from her. "May I ask you something Sir Jamie?"
"Ask away my lady." Jamie nodded and waited for her. As he waited, he noticed that the forest around her brought out her beauty even more, if that was possible.
"Why do you look at me like that?" She asked as she stood up. Jamie gave her a confused look, however she kept her face completely calm.
"And how exactly do I look at you?" He asked, tilting his head. Nevaeh didn't know why but the action made her want to giggle, though she remained sIt took a moment before she spoke.
"Like I am painting or a piece of art that has just been revealed." She explained. Jamie gave a chuckle and smirked.
"Well, your beauty is definitely a work of art, my lady." He said smoothly. Nevaeh blushed slightly and shook her head. "Now, will you do me the honor of walking you back?" He asked as he offered his arm. Nevaeh gave a small smile and nodded, gently taking his arm. The walk back was quiet but it also had a peaceful feel to it. Nevaeh had noticed that whenever she was around Jamie, he seemed to have this calming air around him that helped her relax, even if she didn't want to. Once they had gotten back to the courtyard, Robb quickly made his way over to the pair. Seeing the young Stark with a dark look in his eyes when they made eye contact, Jamie released Nevaeh and bowed. "I shall see you soon my lady." With that he turned and passed Robb sending the boy his famous smirk.
"Robb, is everything alright?" Nevaeh asked as she noticed a hateful look upon his face. Robb snapped out of his thoughts and gave her a small smile.
"Yes, I was just thinking that's all. How has your morning been so far? I hope the Kingslayer wasn't too rude." He said with distaste towards the end. Nevaeh shook her head with a small smile.
"No, he was a complete gentleman." She said softly. "I know how everyone sees him, however, I don't see him as dishonorable or crude as they make him out to be." Robb turned his gaze towards the raven haired girl and studied her expression for a moment before moving their conversation forwards.
"Well, I actually came looking for you to ask you something very important." He said bringing Nevaeh over to a quiet part of the courtyard. "I know how you feel about being trapped inside with nothing to do and not being able to ride whenever you please" he trailed off. Nevaeh motioned for him to continue. "What I am trying to say is that Jon, Theon and I have decided to go one a small hunting trip and we would like you to come with us." Nevada smiled and quickly nodded.
"I would love too! Thank you so much Robb! When are you leaving?" She asked quickly, her smile wide and joyful. Robb smiled at her excitement and could't help but feel warmed at the fact that it was he who had caused such happiness.
"In about an hour or two, while everyone is busy we planned to sneak away." He explained.
"I shall meet you in the courtyard then." With that she quickly kissed his cheek and stood from the bench and made her way to her chambers. It took all she had to not run through the halls. Once she had made it to her door, she swung it open and quickly shut it once she had entered. After changing and quickly throwing her hair into a braid, she made her way down the halls smiling with happiness. Just as she was about to enter the courtyard, a groan from behind her brought her to a halt.
"Not you too!" The voice said with an exasperated sigh. Turning around she saw little Arya with her arms crossed. "I saw Robb and Jon getting ready to leave and when I asked if I could go they flat out told me no. Why do you get too?! I don't wanna be stuck here in stupid sewing circles and stuck up ladies." She pouted. Nevaeh frowned and turned fully to the girl.
"I know Arya, but you have duties here. But I promise, Robb, Jon, or I will take you to shoot your arrow once the royal party leaves." She said, giving her a small smile.
"But it's not fair. Why do I have to act like a lady when you get to run around. You'll be getting married in a few weeks anyway-" Arya stopped and looked at Nevaeh with wide eyes. It was quiet between the two for a few moments before either one spoke.
"What do you mean I'm getting married? Where did you hear that?" Nevaeh asked, staring at the young girl confused and slightly frightened. Arya shook her head quickly.
"Don't tell anyone I told you! I wasn't supposed to tell anyone!" She said pleading with scared eyes.
"Arya I promise I won't tell anyone but, where did you hear that I was going to be getting married? Who told you?" Nevaeh asked kneeling to be the same height as the younger girl. Arya was quiet for a moment before responding.
"I was on my way to that stupid sewing circle when I heard father and Jon talking about it. Father told Jon that two other men have asked for your hand and regardless of who is chosen, the wedding will take place the week before the King is to leave." She explained quietly.
"Did he say who it was?" Nevaeh asked quickly.
"The only person he said was Jamie Lannister." Arya said, silencing the ward. Nevaeh stood still for a moment lost in her thoughts before nodding and standing once again. Arya quickly attached herself to her arm. "Please don't tell anyone Nevaeh! After father saw me hiding, he made me swear not to say anything to anyone!"
"I promise I won't say a word." She gave Arya one last small smile before retreating out to the courtyard. As she made her way to where Robb, Jon, and Theon were waiting, her mind kept replaying what she had just heard.
"There she is. Come on! We can't wait around all day, the snow will begin to build if we wait any longer!" Theon yelled as she saw her walking up. Snapping out of her thoughts, Nevaeh sped up until she was next to them.
"Are you ready to go?" Robb asked as the stable hand handed Jon the reins of her horse. Nevaeh nodded my mutely before taking the reins and hoisting herself without hesitation. Taking note of her attitude, Jon quietly made his way towards his own horse. His mind trailing back to what Robb had said not too long ago
"Apparently the king had requested that Nevaeh marry the kingslayer." Robb said, distaste dripping from every word. Jon showed no reaction as he continued to ready his horse. Theon on the other hand seemed totally dumbfounded
"You're kidding! There is no way that would happen. Members of the kingsguard aren't allowed to marry or have families." He argued, a frown growing on his face.
"My father said that the king is willing to excuse the kingslayer from the guard. It seems the king is also quite taken with her, that he wants her to come to go back with them, so she could perform for the king when he pleases." At this new detail, Jon quickly turned and stared at his half brother. That was news to him.
"There is no way she would travel to the South. Especially to perform for the king. She isn't some instrument for people's entertainment." Jon said, annoyed at the very idea of someone using the woman he loved that way. She deserved to be taken care of and loved everyday.
"Who knew you felt so strongly for her bastard. Are you afraid a better man will come and take her from you?" Theon said with a shit eating grin. Robb gave his friend a cold glare.
"Theon, enough." He said before things got out of hand.
"Anyway, I think you should have fun with this new development. Why not make it a contest? Whoever wins the fair maiden's heart wins." Theon said bringing the conversation back to the matter at hand.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Jon followed the others though the gates quickly, before a fuss could be made about their departure.
Nevaeh and the three men had been riding for a couple of hours and had caught quite a few small animals. They had decided to take a small break before heading back. Just as they were about to head back up and head home the snapping of twigs caught Jon's attention. "Shh!" He quickly hushed, knowing that something didn't seem right. Just as Theon was about to make a smart remark, five wildlings jumped out of the trees and attacked the four. Jon, Robb, and Theon quickly grabbed their swords as Nevaeh raced to notch an arrow. Jon and Robb tried fearlessly to defend themselves as well as keep an eye on Nevaeh and make sure that no harm had come her way. While she fired arrow after arrow, a wildling snuck up behind her and jumped her, tacking her to the snow covered ground. With a surprised yelp when she hit the ground her bow was knocked out of her hand. Just as the wildling was about to drive a dagger through her back, Theon shot his last arrow straight through her attacker's chest. Once the man fell into the snow, Robb quickly ran over and pulled her to her feet.
"Are you alright?! Are you hurt?" He asked quickly, trying to catch his breath. Nevaeh winced and glanced down to her side, already a stream of blood stained her outfit. Just as she looked back up at Robb, her vision began to blur and his voice seemed to move further and further away. Soon, she was left in total darkness.
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