Chapter 2
"I love the wine here," Robert laughed merrily as he grabbed onto the serving girl. "I love the women here too!"
Catelyn glanced at the Queen who continued to sit there with a small smile upon her face. It was as if she had not noticed or simply did not care. Yes, she thought to herself, they use their manners well in the South.
"How do you like the North, your Grace," Catelyn attempted to distract the Queen. "I hear this is your first time."
Queen Cersei turned to her as her lips barely twitched upward. "It is lovely country."
"I remember my first time," Catelyn spoke. "I was so frightened of being away from family and in such a strange place. But my Lord husband has been very kind and generous."
It was then that the Queen's head snapped towards Catelyn and she realized her error. While Catelyn had Ned to turn to, it was obvious that the Queen would have to sit there and endure the humiliation of her husband 'comforting' another.
Cersei regarded the woman who sat next to her. It was once said that Catelyn Tully was a beautiful woman. Cersei looked at the woman who was the same age as her and thought to herself that the beauty in her died the moment she came to the North.
"I hear we may share a grandchild one day," she said, changing the topic to their children.
"I hear the same," Catelyn smiled in response.
"And where is your beautiful daughter? I have not seen her since we arrived."
"She sits there," Catelyn gestured towards the table.
Catelyn was about to call for her, when her eyes landed on Nysa. She was deep in conversation with Robb and Jon. She looked happy, sitting there and talking to them. Catelyn silently cursed. She had wanted to keep Nysa and Jon away from the King and Queen. But it seemed that in pointing out her daughter, she had brought attention towards the other young woman at the table.
"And who is that who sits beside your son," asked Robert.
"That is Lady Nysa," Catelyn answered. "She is sister to Jory Cassel, the captain of our guards."
"She looks oddly familiar."
"I doubt you know her Robert," Ned interrupted.
"Will she be willing to allow me to know her?" He bellowed with laughter as Lady Stark cast a look at her husband. "Call her here!"
"My love, perhaps you may allow her entertain the young Lords," Queen Cersei spoke then. "They need company as well. And one would think that..."
"Nonsense, call her," he elbowed Ned.
"Raya," Lord Stark called one of the serving girls. "Please go and ask Nysa to come to the head table."
The serving girl went towards the table where Robb sat, laughing with Jon and Nysa. Raya looked back at the head table one last time before whispering in Nysa's ears. Catelyn watched as Nysa's eyes widened before meeting her gaze. She sought out her husband's hand then, who squeezed it back. Nysa approached the table cautiously, every now and then shooting a look back towards Jon and Robb.
"My Lord, you wish to speak with me," she curtsied.
"How old are you," the King asked.
Her eyes shifted to Lord Stark before looking towards the King. "Sixteen, your Grace," she replied.
"You are pretty. You look almost like a young woman Ned and I knew," he laughed.
"I hardly doubt the Lord Stark knows as much young women as you do," the Queen said. "Come here child." Nysa walked slowly to stand in front of her. The Queen's hand quickly whipped out. Catelyn jumped, startled by the action. "Your eyes," the Queen held her face in her hands, "they look almost violet."
"They are a rich blue, your Grace," Lady Stark answered as the Queen released her face.
"I still think she looks familiar," the King laughed. "Would the lady allow me to..."
"Robert, must you," Ned urged him and looked towards the Queen.
The Queen merely smiled at him before turning towards Lady Catelyn. "My Lady, perhaps I could speak to your daughter now."
"Nysa, will you go and call Sansa for me? The Queen wishes to speak with her."
She looked towards Lady Catelyn and Lord Stark before picking up her skirts. "Of course. I will go and find Lady Sansa for you at once, my Queen," she curtsied before hurrying away.
"I cannot help it," Robert fussed. "I have seen the girl before," he pointed to her.
"Robert," Ned interrupted, "perhaps we shall go for a hunt tomorrow. I can show some of your men the country."
"Of course, of course," the King laughed. "I love a good hunt."
"Was that your Uncle Benjen I saw you speaking to while I was dancing," asked Nysa.
She and Jon were out in the yard. They had not planned on being so close to the King and Queen during the feast. In fact, Jon had protested going in. They had dined with the Lords and Ladies of the North during the harvest feast and other celebrations that were held in the hall. Jon reminded her that this was for the King and Queen - this time they should listen. But Nysa insisted that if they stayed seated so far that no one would have taken notice of them. That was until Robb had ventured over and asked Nysa to dance with him.
"You look handsome tonight," Nysa told Robb as they danced. She touched his face lightly. "I believe you have impressed the King and Queen."
"They are not the ones I seek approval from," Robb held her closer than was considered appropriate as they danced, causing her to blush and smile at him.
"Will you not tell me the same," she asked. "A lady would like to hear how she looks pretty this evening."
Robb shook his head causing Nysa to frown. "It would be a lie," he said in serious tone. Nysa almost pulled away in shame but Robb held her tight. "You are lovely every night." Nysa looked into his eyes as he smiled softly at her.
"Right then, Stark," Theon made his presence known. "Time for her to dance with a real man."
"Then I will release her when I see one," he shot back. But all Theon did was laugh as he pulled Nysa out of Robb's hold anyway.
Theon Greyjoy - a ward to House Stark - had danced with her, too. She had even convinced Jon to dance. The next thing they knew they were enjoying some wine at one of the tables with Robb and Theon when Nysa had gotten called over to the head table.
Lord Stark glanced at Jon causing him to take Nysa's hand after she had retrieved Sansa for the Queen and lead her outside. They had taken a risk going in. And maybe if they stayed out of sight now, they would not receive punishment for it in the morning.
Jon stopped, turning away from the training dummy. "My Uncle Benjen does not want me to go. He said the same as you," he nodded to her. "I am still young, I may want a family," he shook his head.
"It just," she sighed and her shoulders slumped, "it seems so sudden, this desire to go."
"I hear there is talk that Sansa will wed the Prince," Jon put his sword back on his belt. "If my father should accept, which I was told that he would, chances are he will take you with him. You will perhaps serve as a Lady in waiting for Sansa. Or maybe you may meet your Lord Uncle who lavishes gift upon you, every name-day."
"Jon..."
"The thing about that Nysa, is that you have somewhere to go," he pointed to her.
"I told you to come with me," she protested.
"Do you remember that day that Theon called us both 'bastard'?" She sighed and looked away. "Do you remember that day?" Nysa reluctantly looked at him and nodded. "Tell me about it," he asked, "tell me everything."
Nysa nodded again as Jon moved to sit by her. "Lady Catelyn had just given birth. We were playing out in the yard when we got the news."
***Flashback***
The entire keep was bustling with the news about the birth of another Stark babe, the fourth child born to Lord Eddard and his wife Lady Catelyn. The couple already had three children. Their eldest Robb was racing towards the room where his mother was. Jon was not far behind him. Jon looked over his shoulder as they entered the Keep. That was his mistake.
Just then Nysa hurried past him, laughing and smiling as Jon fell behind.
"Nysa," Jon shouted for her as she ran through the Keep.
Several maids and servants laughed and shook their heads. Once Lady Stark was back on her feet, they knew the children would receive a thorough scolding for running as they were. Nysa ran past Robb this time, bunching her skirts higher to move her legs with more freedom.
"Catch her Robb!"
Nysa released a squeal of delight as Robb attempted to grab her. It was not until Ser Rodrik had rounded a corner and snatched both Nysa and Robb in his arms that the race to see the new addition to Winterfell had ceased.
"Slow down there," Ser Rodrik chuckled as he settled the two back on their feet. They were growing quickly these days, he thought as Nysa ran hers hands down the front of her dress and Robb righted himself as well. Jon appeared behind them and started to do the same. "Aye, you make yourselves presentable. We would not want Lady Stark seeing you in such a fashion, now will we?"
"No Ser," the boys shook their heads.
"No Uncle," Nysa gave him a small curtsy.
"Always so proper," he patted Nysa's head. "Tonight, your Aunt wants you and Jory over for sup."
Nysa smiled and nodded. "I will let Lady Stark know."
"Good," he nodded. "Let's go," Ser Rodrik then gestured to the two boys.
"Ait," a small voice shouted behind them to wait. "Ait, oomph."
Jon tried to hold back a laugh as his sister, Arya Stark tripped over her dress. It had belonged to Sansa, the eldest Stark girl, and was obviously too long for the toddler. Nysa walked over and picked her up. Arya fidgeted a while. She did not want to wear the dress or any dress for that matter. Her nurses had all but given up on dressing her as a young lady ought to be - not just this morning but every morning. Sansa would sit there quietly and allow them to brush her hair for hours. But not Arya. Nysa seemed to be the only one who could get her to do it. Arya whined as Nysa continued to fuss over her.
"Your mother will be delighted to see you in it, don't you think," Nysa pressed.
Arya replied with a toothy smile in response. Both girls got on well with the other. And somehow Robb and Jon knew that despite the new baby, Arya would always be special to Nysa. It could have been because Nysa had been allowed to be in the room while Arya was born. It was something that Lady Catelyn insisted on. Nysa had only seen six name-days but she had proved to be a real help to the other nurses, the Maester and especially Lady Stark. Nysa was willing to give assistance wherever was needed and was soon to travel to Karhold to assist Lady Karstark with her birthing. Briefly Jon wondered if Nysa would be taking Arya with her to Karhold. It would be better for everyone if she did because of the tantrums Arya could cause but he highly doubted Lord Stark would allow it. Once Arya had settled back on her feet, she took Nysa's hand and they followed Ser Rodrik and the boys towards the room where the newest Stark awaited them.
Ned Stark smiled when he opened the door and welcomed all of them in. Nysa and Jon were planning on waiting outside until Lord Stark saw and ushered them into the room as well. Sansa had already been brought here and was staring with an uncertain look at the bed. Nysa bit back a laugh as she rounded the corner and saw Lady Stark trying to get Robb to carry his younger sibling.
"You have a new brother," Lord Stark said as Robb got scolding from his mother about the way he carried the babe.
Arya climbed up on the bed, sat down next to her mother and had been the second one to carry him. In truth, they had only lain the babe in her lap since Arya too was still small. Sansa had been frightened when he began to cry. So, she stated that she would wait until later.
"His name is Brandon," Lord Stark told Jon as he held him next.
Catelyn smiled at the boy who immediately moved his eyes away from her gaze. It happened just two moons prior that he had called her 'mother'. She had sewn and gifted him warmer clothing for his name-day. He had run to her arms and said 'thank you, mother'. She looked over at Ned and pried Jon's hands from her before running away. Ned had talked to him later, explaining that she was not his mother. Jon had shied away further from her since then, fearing that he had offended her.
She had to admit that at times it did hurt when she would hear people's whispers about Jon. There were speculations that had gone around about who his mother was when they first came to Winterfell. Ned made sure to silence them. But after that awkward name-day, they had begun to circulate again. Catelyn brushed them off the best that she could. She was Eddard's wife. She was the mother of his true-born children, the heir to Winterfell. And though Eddard told her constantly of his love and loyalty to her, it still hurt to hear the gossip.
A hand was placed on Nysa's shoulder - informing her that it was her turn - as she stepped forward and took the babe from Jon.
"He looks perfect, Lady Stark," Nysa commented as Catelyn smiled at her.
She, Robb and Jon were inseparable. Lord Stark's promise to Jory Cassel to raise her among his own had stayed true. Although, Lady Catelyn had hoped to get more female interaction for her other than taking care of little girls such as Arya and her cousin Beth Cassel. She had begun copying Lady Catelyn but there were times Catelyn often caught her causing havoc with the boys. It was as if Nysa would learn to be a proper Lady and then turn around and forget about all that she learned once she was with the boys. Yes, it was a good thing they would be sending her to Karhold soon.
"He looks too small to be a Brandon," Robb commented.
"All babies are small," Nysa told him.
"But he looks smaller than Arya did," Jon added.
"He was just born," Nysa argued. "You saw Arya after a couple days."
"But Arya is already running like wild," Robb replied.
"No doubt because of her brothers," she teased.
Yes, Lady Catelyn thought, she would need to interact with other ladies soon.
Ned Stark smiled at the scene before him. The three of them truly had grown. Jory had recently become Captain and should have been given his own living but he declined. He knew that it would mean the moving of Nysa away from the keep. Being captain was a difficult job and with Nysa's growing mind, he was all too happy to allow Lady Stark to take Nysa under her care. And despite her obvious affection for Jory, it could be seen that she had an affection for Jon and Robb as well. They were like brothers to her too.
"You think you're so smart," Jon stuck his tongue out at Nysa.
"I am smart," she went to stamp on his foot.
"Fy," Arya cheered, "fy!"
"There will be no fighting," Lady Stark chastised. Despite her being in bed, all three of the children stopped at the commanding tone in her voice. Brandon finally decided that he wanted out of Nysa's hold upon hearing his mother and began to squirm impatiently, kicking out his little legs.
"Bran," Arya pointed to him.
"It's pronounced Brandon," Robb tried.
"Brandon," Sansa said in a cheerful tone.
"That is right, Sansa," Lord Stark smiled at her. Sansa straightened out a bit in her chair at the acknowledgment. "But Arya might be onto something as well."
"Perhaps we shall call him that," Lady Stark kissed Arya's forehead. "Bran," she whispered as Nysa took him back to the bed to give him to his mother.
There was a small moment of silence and smiles as the children watched mother and son. Septa Mordane then appeared to hurry the children out, particularly Sansa and Nysa. It was now time for Sansa to learn her curtsies and everything that was proper. Jon held a snicker back as Nysa left the room in all her politeness. He knew also that the moment she was done with lessons, another girl - that looked like Nysa but acted nothing like how a proper lady should - would be accompanying them as they ran about Winterfell.
"We have a new Lady that will be joining us today," Septa Mordane announced.
"A new Lady," Nysa paused in her walking causing Sansa to also stop. She turned back to the room where they had exited and wondered if Septa Mordane meant that someone would be replacing Lady Stark.
Sensing the confusion on her face, the Septa corrected her. "Another young Lady, like you and Lady Sansa," she smiled. "Do you know the steward Vayon?" Nysa nodded. "His daughter is older now, the same age as Sansa. It is time that she learns to behave properly as well and I expect you both to be on your best behavior."
"We will," Nysa did a graceful curtsy and smiled politely.
Sansa saw this and immediately copied as well. Septa Mordane smiled in approval and continued.
Jeyne Poole had joined their lessons. She too had done the same as Sansa, copying Nysa as the best they could. Septa Mordane nodded in approval at the three of them. She called for a quick resting period seeing that they needed some refreshments before Nysa received a special lesson. She was getting older - she was told constantly. There were certain things that a young Lady her age would need to know.
"Here we are," Septa Mordane announced as a serving girl walked in with a tray of water and bread.
"And what are the young ladies learning today?"
"Our curtsies," Sansa answered the serving girl as she demonstrated.
"That is wonderful, Lady Sansa," she smiled. "And what about you," she turned to Jeyne Poole who did the same. "And how are you getting on, Lady Nysa?"
"Quite well, thank you," Nysa smiled before dipping into a graceful curtsy.
"Excellent," Septa Mordane smiled at all three. "Remember that a lady must always be modest."
"Yes, Septa Mordane," all three replied as they sat and ate their bread.
"They are getting along very well, indeed," the serving girl stated. "Especially the Lady Nysa, no one would ever have suspected her to be a bastard the way she conducts herself."
Septa Mordane quickly stood up, took the girl by the arm and escorted her towards the door. There were hushed comments between the two before the girl nodded. "I will call for someone to clean up later. That will be all," Septa said loudly.
Nysa did not know what the girl had said but she stood up abruptly and smiled. She had seen the girl and her brother whispering around corners in the castle. Of course, her brother always told the serving girls goodbye once his sister made her presence known. But Nysa had recognized their faces. It would do no good if Jory found out that she had been rude to the serving girl who seemed to be his friend.
"Thank you for the bread and water," Nysa curtsied as the girl nodded to her before disappearing. "Did Raya do something wrong?"
"She said something that a lady should never speak of," Septa Mordane sat and gestured for Nysa to do the same.
"What was that word she used to call me?"
"It meant nothing, my Lady. And as I said before, ladies do not say such things as that."
The rest of the lessons were uneventful after that. Sansa and Jeyne were dismissed earlier so that Nysa could spend an hour with Septa learning about her 'special' lesson. Jory had stopped by after that to inquire after Nysa's lessons with the Septa. He praised her but did not bring up Raya or the incident earlier so she dismissed it before allowing him to escort her to the Maester's room. There was mention again about attending dinner with their Uncle and Aunt and she nodded in agreement.
Jory spoiled Nysa, entertaining her curiosity with the sword. He knew Lady Stark would be upset if she ever found out, their Uncle Ser Rodrick had warned him of that. But Nysa seemed entranced and would ask question after question about how something was done. He'd show something to her and then she'd critique him afterward. She had a keen eye for noticing an opponent's weakness, that much was certain by the way Jory could disarm several of the other guards under his command.
"Your sister is no longer allowed to give you advice, Cassel," his friend Wyl teased him one day. "Not if she helps you finish the fight like that."
Nysa just turned to him and stuck out his tongue before stating, "A Lady does not start fights but she can finish them," she lifted her chin high and walked back into the keep as though she were a Queen, causing the entire yard to erupt in laughter.
Yes, his sister was adored all over Winterfell. She had that quality about her.
The Greyjoy boy came then and pulled at Nysa's hair causing her to hiss. Jory eyed him evenly before kneeling to Nysa's level. "Don't let that weasel bully you."
"I never do," Nysa replied. "Don't worry, I'll get him back later. I always outsmart Theon."
"I'm not surprised that you do," he playfully tapped her chin and then nodded for her to go into the room.
He gave the Greyjoy brat a menacing look before he left for his duties.
Theon Greyjoy had come the year before. Jory remembered how a few of the other Lords had disagreed with Lord Stark taking Theon in as his ward. They did not trust the Ironborn and sometimes neither did Jory. At first there was trouble between Theon and Jon. And because of trouble with Jon, that meant that Theon would be in trouble with Nysa - who would always come to his defense. Jory had been there on several occasions when Lady Stark counseled Nysa about being kind to others. He would smile the second they leave Lady Stark because Nysa would say something improper about hurting Theon.
In time, they had come to some sort of comradery. And Nysa being the obedient one out of them all had led the way in making Theon feel more welcome in Winterfell.
Today, they were learning about the great Houses once again. Maester Luwin always tread carefully on the subject knowing that Jon and Nysa were part of his lessons. But today it was hard to ignore.
"That is correct, Robb," the Maester praised as Robb turned to Nysa and smiled. She had been drilling the houses into him and Jon the other day as they were out riding with Ser Rodrick. "It is important that you know the sworn houses of House Tully since they are where Lady Stark comes from. Now Nysa," the Maester looked at her before turning away, "I would ask you to name a house in the Riverlands and their seat but chances are you know that, along with their sigil and their words. So, young Theon," he turned away.
"There is Seagard," he smiled, "my father does not like them."
The Maester cleared his throat. "And who is Seagard's Lord?"
"It belongs to House," he paused and looked outside, "House Mooton."
Maester Luwin sighed. "No, it does not. Did you study for this?"
"I did but the Riverlands' Houses are difficult."
"Perhaps that is because your family is not from there," Nysa replied encouragingly. "I'm sure you could tell us about the Iron Island Houses."
"My mother is from House Harlaw," Theon answered, "but that is all I know."
"See," she smiled kindly at Theon, "that is something, right Maester Luwin?"
"Aye, that is," he nodded. "Now let us..."
"Where is Nysa's mother from?"
It was an innocent question and Robb truly wanted to know. Nysa had told him that according to Jory her mother was a Southern lady - the same as his mother, Lady Catelyn. Perhaps her house was sworn to House Tully.
"Well," Nysa looked down thoughtfully, "both my brother and Lord Stark say that she is from a Southern House."
"We know that," Robb groaned, "but which name is the House?"
"She has no name," Theon piped up.
"But she must have a name, everyone has a name," Nysa turned towards him.
"Not your family," he leaned forward.
"That is enough for today," Maester Luwin attempted to stop the conversation but it was too late.
"You have no mother, Nysa," Theon told her. "Why do you think you have a bastard name?" Nysa turned to Maester Luwin who frowned at the young Greyjoy.
"What is a bastard," Jon questioned.
"That is what you and Nysa are," he answered. Maester Luwin went to stand up and walked towards him. "Remember Lady Stark said she was not your mother, Jon. That is because you have no mother. The same with Nysa," Theon nodded to her. "Both your fathers slept with whores and had children elsewhere."
"You're lying," Nysa stood from her chair and shouted at him, "my mother was a Lady!"
"I heard the kitchen maids talking about it," he shouted back at her.
"I said that is enough," Maester Luwin said in a firm tone.
Robb went to grab Nysa's arm but she shook it off. "I do have a family! I live here in Winterfell with my brother Jory and my Uncle Ser Rodrik and," she paused, "and Lady Catelyn takes care of us all. The Starks are family too!"
"But you don't call either of them father or mother as Robb does. You can't even call Lord Stark 'father' as Jon does. I know I have a family out on the Iron Islands but as for you, your mother was a nobody," Theon retorted. "If she truly was a Lady, she would have wed your father instead of allowing him to dishonor her and father a bastard."
"You're wrong about that," Jon stood up by Nysa. "Nysa is a Lady and you should not talk to her in such a way."
"That's right and you can tell the kitchen maids that," Robb nodded in agreement.
"It doesn't erase the fact that a Snow is the name of someone who has no family, no house. Your brother may be captain of the guard but you will remain as nothing but a common girl, no matter what training you receive from Lady Stark. Lord Stark is just too honorable to tell you. And he feels he owes Jory because your father died fighting for him."
"Stop it, you hear," Maester Luwin grabbed onto Theon.
"Why lie to them? Bastards do not deserve such kindness," Theon replied.
Nysa's bottom lip trembled for a bit. Maester Luwin began to reproach Theon for his conduct. Robb had just about settled his arm around Nysa's shoulders before she took off. Her eyes stung with tears and her heart felt like it had broken. She had followed Lady Catelyn around the past couple years since she had been carrying Arya. She felt like she was a daughter to her, she felt like family. Though, since Jon had spoken out last year and called her 'mother' she dared not do the same. She knew her mother had died. That's all that Jory had told her. She knew her mother was from the South, considering that she received gifts from there during her name-day. But she still felt like the Starks were family. Jory said she could think of them as her family. But what did Theon mean by she had none?
This was the second day she had heard the word 'bastard' spoken as reference to her. She did not know what it meant when the serving girl had complimented her. It was something wrong, she knew that much since Septa Mordane had reprimanded her and then instructed Sansa, Jeyne and Nysa that there was to be no such talk like that among ladies. But what Theon said had hurt. He had called her mother a, she paused and shook her head. No Septa Mordane said that was a bad word, she should not say it.
"Lady Nysa," the nurse tending to Lady Stark tried to hold her back from entering the room.
"I must see Lady Stark!"
"She is resting now. Come back later, my child," the nurse urged but Nysa shook her head and tried once more to get inside.
"Please I must," she cried.
"Let her in."
Nysa immediately paled. She knew that voice. The nurse led her further in and to confirm her thoughts, Lord Stark was there, carrying Bran in his arms.
Ned had left earlier after the children but had decided once his duties were done to come back and keep his wife company. Unlike Arya and Sansa's birth, she did not feel as exhausted as she had been with them. Ned was surprised when his wife had asked for his presence. He had been missed at the birth of his first son, those precious new moments. And when he had sat on the bed next to his wife, he realized that there was indeed much joy in holding a newborn son. They had been sitting there, idly chatting about Brandon, Benjen and Lyanna - one of the few moments that they ventured on the subject of Lord Stark's siblings - when they heard Nysa's protests.
"Come here," Lady Stark smiled at her. Nysa walked slowly to the other side of the room and sat quietly down on the bed, wiping her face in embarrassment. She hardly ever cried in front of Lord Stark. A few times in front of her ladyship but never with Lord Stark present. "Are you worried about leaving us to journey to Karhold?"
Nysa shook her head and looked up shyly at Lord Stark, wondering why she had believed Theon. She was smarter than Theon. Why did she let him goad her into such emotions?
"Would you wish for me to leave the room," Lord Stark asked.
Nysa shook her head again.
"Well then, what is it child," Lady Stark pressed.
"My Lord Stark," Maester Luwin entered the room. "There seems to have been an incident at today's lesson and, oh Lady Nysa," he smiled at the sight of her there.
It only made Nysa remember how he had tried to stop Theon from telling her. How many people knew about this, this bad thing that she was? She threw herself in Lady Stark's arms, despite her condition, and began to weep hysterically. Lady Catelyn's hands ran down her hair as her voice spoke reassuringly to her that it was alright, everything was alright. But how could it be if she was this person that had no family name and it seemed that everyone but her had known about it.
Maester Luwin whispered to Lord Stark what had happened during the children's lessons. Theon had already been taken care of and both Jon and Robb were sent to their rooms.
Bran was taken from Ned's arms and moved to a nursery so that he and his wife could talk to Nysa. It took some time for the young girl to calm down. But when she finally did, Lady Stark was the first one to talk. She explained that her father was fond of her mother and though some will not believe it, she is the daughter of nobility. Yes, she was given the name Snow, different from that of her brother Jory, her Uncle or even her cousin. But she was still their family.
"You know that your brother would do anything for you, Nysa," Lady Catelyn reminded her. "There are some children who are not recognized by their family. But I assure you that your father was fond of your mother. Both loved you deeply. Jory accepts you, Ser Rodrik accepts you. Remember your name-day presents that are delivered from White Harbor?"
Nysa nodded. "My Lord Uncle from the South sends it to me every year. And this past year he requested that I write to him to know how I was getting along."
"Aye," Lord Stark nodded then, joining the conversation. "Only family who cared about you and accepted you would want to know how you are doing. You have a family and if there was ever shortage of family, you know that we can be counted as such."
"That is true. Arya enjoys being around you," Lady Stark mentioned. "We need someone to help control her and who better than someone who could be her older sister? Robb and Jon consider you family as well. You know this, Nysa."
It was still a hard concept to explain and to understand. Despite Nysa being smart, she was still young. Words like Theon's had hurt her. But Catelyn had done her best and Ned smiled at seeing the two interact. He knew her mother had been devoted to the two of them. And probably sensing how devoted Lyanna and Catelyn were had drawn Nysa to them. He hoped that Catelyn had the right idea of sending her to Karhold. Lord Karstark originally wanted Sansa to go but she was too young. Catelyn explained that Nysa was more than capable to aid his wife. It was all under the guise of Nysa having more female interaction with proper ladies. But in truth, Lord Stark was hoping that the other Houses would come to adore Nysa Snow. They had to.
"As for your training, what Theon said is rubbish," Catelyn affirmed, "you have more noble blood in you than that squid."
"Wife," Ned seemed shocked at her for speaking in such a way in front of Nysa.
Nysa released a giggle, biting her bottom lip at seeing Lady Catelyn make such a remark. Catelyn waved her husband off before she took Nysa's face between her hands and kissed her forehead. "You are a Lady, Nysa. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise."
"Do you see now," Jon asked her as Nysa finished the memory. "Do you see how you were placated and how I was brushed on the side?"
"Jon..."
"This is not something that suddenly appeared," he interrupted. "This is something that I was born with and I have to live the rest of my life with it." Nysa shook her head and looked away. "I know you do not want me to go. But do you see now, that I must? Just now in the dining hall, you were called to high table and I was not."
"I explained that to you," her tone was exasperated.
"You were introduced as Lady Nysa. And I," he shook his head, "I was to be kept hidden."
"If there was a way I could stop..."
"But there is not," he said softly. "I did not ask you to tell me that memory to make you feel guilty or to force pity upon me. I," he paused and took her hand, "I do not harbor any ill feelings against you for having Lady Catelyn's respect when I did not. But you must see, Nysa," he pleaded, "you must see that I cannot stay." She went to open her mouth. "I know you want me to go with you. I know I am still young to take up the Black. I know I may want a family. But I need to make decisions for myself. I have been told what I cannot have, now it is time to take what I can have. And I will have freedom, away from here, away from whispers that will follow me - even if I were to go with you. Let me have this chance and please do not be angry with me for taking it."
Nysa nodded. Jon lifted his hand to wipe away her tears. He had just bent down to kiss her forehead when someone cleared their throat.
Both turned to see a short man in the shadows. "That was truly heartwarming," he said stepping forward. "You speak about not wanting a family but it seems that you have acquired one in this young woman."
Jon moved Nysa behind him and put his hand on the tilt of his sword, "What are you doing out here?"
"Preparing to see the rest of your family, it seems," he looked towards the hall and then back towards the two of them.
Nysa recognized that it was not just a short man. It was the man that Arya had been speaking about ever since they received news of the King and Queen travelling to Winterfell.
"You're Tyrion Lannister," Nysa placed a hand on Jon's arm but Jon remained defensive.
"And the two of you, if I heard correctly are the bastards of Winterfell, one who they call Lady and the other the son of Ned Stark."
Jon was not certain which he detested more - the condescending tone in which the Lord spoke or the mockery he was making of both he and Nysa. Either way, he took Nysa's hand and began leading them away.
"I am sorry if I offended you," Tyrion called out. Nysa stopped, tugging on Jon's hand. He huffed but reluctantly turned them both around. "But you two are bastards, are you not?"
Nysa watched as Jon lifted his chin in the air. "Nysa's mother is a Lady from the South. Her father is a knight and has served House Stark loyally for his entire life. And I am Lord Eddard Stark's son."
"True," Tyrion nodded. "But her mother," he pointed to Nysa, "did not wed her father. And Lady Stark is not your mother. That makes the two of you bastards. Let me give you two some advice. Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not, especially in the South," he pointed to Nysa, "or as you said," he gestured to Jon, "wherever it is that you go. Wear it like an armor. It can never be used to hurt you."
"What the hell would you know about being a bastard," Jon shouted.
Nysa gripped his hand. "Do not speak to the Queen's brother that way," she whispered.
Tyrion Lannister let out a slow chuckle. "That is my greatest accomplishment, Queen's brother," he shook his head and lifted his wine sac to his mouth. "All dwarfs are bastards in their father's eyes. Believe me, Snow, I know much about it."
Nysa and Jon stood still, watching him go. Suddenly Jon pulled away from her, taking out his sword and smashing the training dummy into pieces with one stroke. She gasped watching his back. Jon's breath heaved in and out of him as the pieces settled on the floor. Some time passed before Nysa stepped towards him, putting her hand on his back. He turned around immediately and wrapped his arms around her. They held one another tightly as possible. Jon was going to miss her.
"Am I interrupting a moment?"
Nysa released him and looked over at Robb who had wandered out from the hall. "We were talking," she replied.
"Talking," Robb looked at the two of them.
"Aye," she nodded, "and what brings you out here?"
"I had just sent Arya to bed," he jerked his head towards the keep. "She and Sansa were having a small disagreement in front of the Queen."
"It seems we have all made fools of ourselves in front of her Grace tonight," Nysa sighed.
"And what are you two talking of so intimately," he gestured to Jon's arms around her.
Jon had to chuckle at that. He knew of his brother's feelings for Nysa. At the same time, he felt that Robb should know of Jon's feelings too. He cared for her like a sister. There was nothing passionate. He almost wanted to say that Nysa was not Robb's to own. But neither was she Jon's.
"Jon was just telling me about the Wall," Nysa answered before Jon could make out a reply. Jon looked at her and she smiled sadly.
"The Wall," Robb chuckled, "what is going on at the..." Robb stopped midway and looked towards his brother. "Is that why Uncle Benjen is here? To take you with him," he questioned.
Jon looked away.
"I think I will leave you two to talk," Nysa began to walk back towards the keep.
Robb's hand quickly took hold of her wrist. "I had wanted to walk you back to your room. I fear I may not see you tomorrow."
Nysa patted his hand. "I know of the hunting trip. I will wake early to see you off." She looked at Jon then. "He is determined to go," Nysa whispered to Robb. "All that we can do now is support his decision, Robb."
Robb nodded to her before watching her walk away from them.
Nysa, Sansa and Arya stood at the foot of the bed. Everyone should have been back from the hunting trip by now, perhaps that would help calm Lady Catelyn. She tried to urge Arya out of the room but she refused to leave her brother. She had taken them down to the Godswood - and to the Sept, for Bran would need both the old Gods and the new - to pray. Rickon had been inconsolable at first when hearing about Bran's injuries. But when she had brought him to pray with her, Nysa saw that it did help. She took him to her room to work on his letters after that. Maybe he could draw a picture for his mother and brother, she suggested. He had been in Nysa's room since then and she had returned to Lady Stark's side to help with Sansa and Arya.
"My Lady," the door opened and Wyl walked in. "Lord Stark has returned home."
Sansa and Arya were out of the door faster than their dire wolves had run out. Summer's head merely lifted from the bed but stayed close to Bran. Nysa hurried after the two as she saw Lord Stark march towards them. He embraced both Sansa and Arya before ushering them behind him. The look on his face was the saddest Nysa had ever seen it.
"My son," he asked her solemnly as she shook her head.
"He has gone through the night unharmed. Maester Luwin said that that is a good sign. That he may live," she answered truthfully.
"And in your opinion?"
Nysa looked down. "We have done all that we could. The rest is up to the Gods." He nodded and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I tried to," she choked back a sob, "I tried to do the same as I did with Lady Umber," Nysa looked up with tears in her eyes. "But it didn't," she shook her head. "It did not work. I'm sorry Lord Stark."
He cupped her face in his hand, causing her to look up at him. "As you said, the rest is up to the Gods. Go and look after Sansa and Arya," he nodded behind him before heading towards the room.
She heard a loud sob from inside the room and knew that it was Lady Catelyn embracing her husband. Jory appeared then at her side and pulled her tightly into him.
"We hurried back as soon as we heard," her brother told her. "Has anyone seen anything?"
Nysa pulled back and shook her head. "They think he fell," Nysa nodded towards the room. "But you know Bran," she gripped onto her brother, "he is an excellent climber. He was looking forward to going to King's Landing - more than Sansa. He did not fall, you know he would never..."
Jory took his sister on the side and quieted her down. "What are you saying?"
Nysa shook her head as tears fell from her eyes. "He was found by one of the abandoned towers. Who would go there unless they were hiding something?"
"You think Bran got caught in the middle of whatever it was that happened at the abandoned towers?"
"Think about it," she urged.
"But who would hurt him? He's just a boy."
"We do have guests staying here."
"Stop it, Nysa," he scolded her. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Arya and Sansa flinch at his tone. He released a deep breath. "You are implying something dangerous." She opened her mouth but he held up his hand to stop her. "I left Wyl in charge during my leave," Jory added. "I must discuss this with the other guards. In the meantime, keep your thoughts to yourself. Do you understand?"