Authors Note: I know some of you guys might be a little confused as to why the twins have the Stark name but it will be revealed in the coming chapters.

…

Chapter 9

272 AC

Winterfell

The winds blew loudly as their howls echoed through the empty corridors. The candles that were lit in each corner flickered about, as if they were dancing to its tune. The halls ever so quiet. The people who lived in the great castle of Winterfell were thought to be tucked away to sleep. All except two.

A young Ned sat at his dressing table with a small carving knife and a good chunk of wood. He liked to make small trinkets when he wasn't training or learning from his father or older brother. It gave him comfort and an escape from his responsibilities around his family's home.

As he finished the final touches of his carving, he heard soft sobs coming from across the hall. Standing from the table, he walked towards his chamber door. Opening it slightly, he can hear the sobs more clearly and began to exit his chamber.

With quiet steps, he walked towards the iron door across the way and slowly pressed his ear against it. Hearing the small sniffles and continued sobs, he slowly turned the knob and opened the door. Looking inside, he spotted his youngest sister clutching her furred blankets as she kept a steady gaze towards her window.

Cracking the door wider so he can step foot inside, he whispered her name. "Eliza."

Hearing her name, her eyes snapped towards her big brother and let out another sob. Seeing the distress on her face, Ned walked towards her bed and sat next to her.

Brushing away her fallen tears, he began to speak. "What's the matter?" he asked.

Clutching her furs tighter, she sniffled. "I'm scared."

"Of what little wolf?" he questioned.

Eliza turned her eyes back towards the window and whispered. "The Wildling Snatcher."

Ned looked at her in confusion. "The Wildling Snatcher?"

Fresh tears started to fall down her small face as she explained to her brother.

"I didn't mean to steal the cookie from the kitchen," she began to ramble. "I just wanted a small snack before bed and Brandon and Lyanna caught me taking it and told me children who do bad things are condemned to the Wildling Snatcher, who climbs through windows and steals them from their beds!"

Ned shut his eyes tightly and inwardly cursed his older brother and younger sister. The pair knew far and well that their youngest sister was sensitive and easily coerced.

Pulling her towards his side, he patted her dark hair as she clutched his tunic shedding more tears.

Brushing away the few strands of her hair from her face, he soothed her. "I promise you," he spoke. "No Wildling Snatcher is going to climb through your window and steal you from your bed."

Eliza looked at her brother, "How do you know?" she whispered.

"Because little sister," he sighed. "I will always be there to protect you."

Looking down at her, he can see that his words had eased her mind. Ned gave a her small smile and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Remembering the carving that still sat in his palm , he opened her small hands and placed it in between them.

Staring at the wooden figure, Eliza brought it closer to her face as she examined it. "What is it?" she asked.

"It's a knight." He stated.

The young Stark furrowed her eyebrows. "What does it do?"

Ned gave a soft chuckle. "It protects those in need."

He gave her small hands a gentle squeeze. "And no matter where you are," he continued. "as long as you hold this I will always be with you."

Eliza turned to her brother and leaped into his arms embracing him tightly. "Thank you." She whispered.

Returning her gesture, he placed a small kiss on her hair. Once she released him, he stood from her bed and made his way towards her door.

Turning the knob, he looked back at his youngest sister and a soft smile appeared on his face as he watched her settle under her furs holding the knight tightly as she began to fall asleep.

"Goodnight little wolf." He whispered, and quietly left her chamber.

…

The tent fell into silence as Robb delivered the news to his aunt. The only sound heard was the crackling of the fire that was set inside. Eliza felt as if everyone in the space can hear the hard pounding in her chest.

Her mouth went numb as her hands began to tremble. Her breathing had started to labor as her eyes began to water. "No." she whispered.

She lost a slight of her footing and reached forward to grab a hold of the table. Her chest moved rapidly and her breathing grew harder. She placed her hand over her heart and felt the tears run down her face.

Shaking her head, she continued to whisper, "No, no, no, no…."

With new sets of tears welling in their eyes, Robb, Julian, and Catelyn walked towards Eliza and wrapped her in a tight embrace as her cries filled the quiet tent.

All the high lords wore forlorn looks on their faces as they watched the small portion of the Stark family morn their liege lord.

Wanting to give the respected family a moment to themselves, the lords exited the tent.

The four embraced each other tighter as they cried for the true heart of the Stark family. Their husband, father, uncle, and brother, the Lord Eddard Stark.

As the sun began to rise, the news of Ned Stark's death began to spread throughout the camp at a rapid pace. All of the soldiers mourned for their Lord as they learned what had happened.

King Joffrey Baratheon had beheaded Lord Stark for confessing to conspire against the crown and deemed him unfit to rule the Seven Kingdoms. None of the Northerner's could understand how this could be, how the honorable Ned Stark, could try and overthrow the king.

Staring at the battle map on Robb's table, Eliza barely moved from her position after receiving the devastating news of her brother's death a mere few hours before. Her mind wandered rapidly as it replayed the memories of her time with Ned.

He was always the pillar that supported and protected her for most of her life. Her best friend and confidant. 'I'm so sorry brother.' she thought as another tear ran down her face.

Wiping the fallen tear from her cheek, she straightened herself before grabbing her cloak and wrapping it around her shoulders.

Exiting the tent, Eliza walked through the camp towards the woods. The Northern soldiers were about and made a path for her as they greeted her somberly. "My lady." "My lady."

Once she reached the woods, she leaned against the nearest tree as she took deep breaths.

The sound of grunting in the distance pulled her focus. Standing straight, she followed the sound.

As the grunts grew louder, she spotted Robb swinging his sword against a tree. Cautiously, she walked closer.

"Robb." She called out to him.

He continued to swing his sword as though she hadn't uttered a word.

She tried again. "Robb."

The swings grew more aggressive as she drew closer.

"Robb!" she exclaimed.

With one last hard swing, Robb looked up at her with tears in his eyes.

Eliza looked at him with a soft smile. "You've ruined your sword."

The tight grip he held had loosened as the sword slipped from his grasp. Robb's sobs had begun to grow as he walked toward her and she embraced him tightly.

"I'll kill them all," he choked. "every one of them."

Eliza patted his head softly as he continued to weep. "Sweetling, they have your sisters," she spoke softly. "We have to get the girls back and then we will kill them all."

Pulling away from him, she wiped his tears and placed a comforting kiss on his forehead before the pair walked back to the camp.

The camp was soon covered by the night sky, Eliza was sitting beside Edwyle as he slept. The flap to the tent opened and Julian spoke out to her.

"Mother, everyone is gathered by the tables."

Giving him a nod, she reached forward and placed a soft kiss on Edwyle's forehead before following her eldest son.

All the Northern soldiers and lords were seated along with Catelyn and Robb. Many voices overlapped each other as they tried to discuss who they should swear fealty to.

"The proper course is clear," one of the lords stated. "Pledge fealty to King Renly and move south to join our forces with his."

Robb shook his head. "Renly is not the king."

The lord turned to look at him. "You cannot mean to hold to Joffrey, my lord," he exclaimed. "He put your father to death."

"That doesn't make Renly king." Julian interjected. "He's Robert's youngest brother."

Robb continued off his cousin. "If Bran can't be lord of Winterfell before me, Renly can't be king before Stannis."

The lord looked at him in disbelief. "Do you mean to declare us for Stannis?"

The chatter had grown increasingly as others began to call out on who they believed should be followed.

Lord Greation stood from his seat. "My lords!" he called out. "Here is what I say to these two kings."

He turned to his side and spit towards the ground causing laughter and cheers to spread.

"Renly Baratheon is nothing to me," he ranted. "Nor Stannis neither. Why should they rule over me and mine from some flowery seat in the South? What do they know of the Wall or the Wolfswood? Even their gods are wrong!"

The soldiers laughed at his declaration.

"Why shouldn't we rule ourselves again?" he questioned. "It was the dragons we bowed to and now the dragons are dead!"

Pulling his sword out, he pointed to the direction of where the Starks were sitting. "There sits the only king I mean to bend my knee to- the King in the North!"

Turning around, he placed his sword in front of him as he bent a knee before Robb.

Robb stared at Lord Greation before rising from his seat. A few of the other lords rose from their seats and gave their declarations of support before bending the knee.

Soon, all the soldiers and lords unsheathed their swords and bent their knees as the shouted, "The King in the North!" "The King in the North!"

Looking over his shoulder, Robb's gaze settle on his mother and aunt, who gifted him a soft smile as the camp grew with the loud chant.

As the Northerners grew louder, Catelyn looked to Eliza before slightly tilting her head as indication to follow.

The Stark women rose from their seats and made their exit. Walking east of the camp where the prisoners were being held, they found themselves in the same location Eliza was the night before.

The sounds of footsteps caused Jaime to look up and see the two women walking in his direction. He kept a steady gaze as they drew closer but his focus was purely on Eliza.

They stopped a few feet away from him and Jaime couldn't hold his tongue.

"You look lovely tonight Lady Starks." He ribbed.

Shifting his gaze to Catelyn, he pressed on. "Widowhood becomes you and I assume your bed must be lonely."

Eliza's eyes glared at his remark as Catelyn bent down to grab a rock that laid beside her left foot.

"Is that why you came?" he questioned as he eyed them. "To be quite frank, I'm not at my best but I think I could be of service."

Catelyn took several steps toward him as he goaded her.

"You slip out of that gown and we'll see if I'm up to it." He smirked.

Eliza took a step forward as Catelyn swung her hand back and hit Jaime on the side of his head.

Jaime spit out blood before looking back at Catelyn. "Oh, I do like a violent women."

"Jaime shut up!" Eliza snapped.

He switched his sight from Catelyn to Eliza before looking to Catelyn again.

Catelyn gripped the rock tightly. "I will kill you tonight ser," she sneered. "pack your head in a box and send it to your sister."

Jaime leaned his head back as he sighed. "Let me show you how," he taunted. "Hit me again, over the ear and again and again. You're stronger than you look - - it shouldn't take long."

"That is what you want the world to believe isn't it," she spat. "That you don't fear death."

"But I don't my lady," he shrugged. "The dark is coming for all of us, why cry about it?"

Eliza grew frustrated as the two went back and forth. The fire from the lit torches crackled through the cool air around them.

Having had enough, Eliza wrapped her hand around her good sister's arm. "Let's just go Cat." She murmured.

Catelyn continued as though Eliza hadn't uttered a word. "My son Bran, how did he come to fall from that tower?" she questioned.

"I pushed him out the window." He confessed.

Eliza's head snapped towards Jaime's direction. 'What did he just say?' she thought.

The women looked at him in disbelief. "Why?" Catelyn questioned.

His gazed switched between them. "I hoped the fall would kill him."

"Why?" Eliza questioned tightly.

Hearing the tone in her voice, Jaime grew nervous and hesitant before looking her in her eyes.

Keeping her sight on him, Eliza felt her jaw clench as a feeling of heaviness started to weigh on her heart at his sudden behavior.

Wanting to avoid her gaze, Jaime looked back at Catelyn. "You should get some sleep, it's going to be a long war." He stated.

Feeling defeated, Catelyn let the rock drop from her hand and walked back to the camp.

The trees were rustling in the distance as the ex lovers watched each other. Jaime's eyes flickered between the ground and Eliza as she kept her hard stare at him.

The long pause was broken once Eliza spoke. "It was because of her wasn't it?"

Jaime quickly shifted his head in her direction as his eyes slightly widened.

Eliza stare hadn't faltered. "It was because of Cersei— wasn't it?"

Jaime couldn't find his words. His heart began to race as he looked into her eyes. He can see the different emotions passing through her. From disgust, to heartbreak, anger, hatred, and one that stood out to him most, knowing.

No longer wanting to be in his presence, Eliza turned away from him and made her way back to camp.

Several weeks had gone by as the war progressed. The outcome was leaning in favor of the Northerners as Robb continued to lead them to victories.

Traveling from camp to camp, the Starks and their banner men were collecting Lannister soldiers that were soon beginning to take up room in the makeshift prisons.

Sitting at the battle table in his tent, Robb looked to his aunt for counsel.

"What should I do Aunt Eliza?" he asked. "I'm not sure we have any room left to keep the Lannister soldiers prisoners."

Eliza took a sip of her wine. "Perhaps now you could offer peace terms to Tywin Lannister," She suggested. "Seeing as we continue to defeat his army on the battlefield, he's more inclined to accept any offer we give to uphold his reputation."

Robb pursed his lips slightly. "Are you certain that we should?"

A small grin crept its way to Eliza's face as she placed softly placed her hand on his stubbled cheek. "Only a fool wouldn't question his counsel."

Robb chuckled slightly as she removed her hand. He then summoned on of the soldiers standing guard outside the tent to retrieve one of the Lannister prisoners.

As the soldier left, Julian, Edwyle, and the rest of the Northern lords made their way inside the tent and sat at the battle table.

Rising from her seat, Eliza gave her sons pecks on their cheeks and made her way toward the table in the corner to pour herself another glass.

Edwyle's health had improved immensely in the last few weeks, much to Eliza's relief. She was barely hanging on with all that has happened within these last few months, if she had lost her son, Eliza's not sure if she would've been able to continue on.

Shortly after, the Northern soldier came back with a prisoner, Ser Alton Lannister, a distant cousin of House Lannister.

"You're Ser Alton Lannister?" Robb addressed.

Alton timidly looked up before shifting his gaze to the ground. "I am, Your Grace."

Robb kept a hard stare at the young man. "I offer your cousins peace if they meet my terms." He stated.

He began to list the things that were important such as the return of his younger sisters, the remains of his father and the people who died in his service.

"An honorable request, Your Gra—" Alton began.

"Third," Robb continued. "Joffrey and the Queen Regent must renounce all claim to dominion of the North, from this time till the end of time, we are a free and independent kingdom."

Eliza looked to her nephew with pride as he claimed his home. All the Northern lords nodded their heads in agreement at his declaration.

"The King in the North." Ser Rodrick spoke out.

"The King in the North." "The King in the North."

"Neither Joffrey nor any of his men shall set foot in our lands again," he promised. "If he disregards this command, he shall suffer the same fate as my father, only I don't need a servant to do my beheading for me."

Rising from his seat, Robb eyed the young Lannister as he fidgeted his feet.

"If the Queen Regent and her son meet my terms, I'll give them peace," he concluded. "If not, I will litter the south with Lannister dead."

Alton looked to the young king. "King Joffrey is a Baratheon, Your Grace."

Robb's quirked his eyebrow as he sneered softly. " Oh is he?"

Eliza turned her head at the sound of his tone. Keeping her eyes on him, she can see the stiffness in his posture and a look of anger that crossed his face.

Ser Rodrick handed the parchment to Ser Alton and the table had been dismissed.

Eliza lingered in the tent, along with Julian and Edwyle, who also noticed their cousin seemed quite angered.

Walking up to him, Eliza placed her hand on his shoulder. "Robb what is it?"

Robb squeezed his eyes shut as he let out a deep breath. Reaching into the pocket in his fur cloak, he pulled out a parchment and handed it to her.

Removing her hand from his shoulder, she pulled open the letter. Her eyes scanned the paper as she read the words written. Julian and Edwyle stood behind each of her shoulders as they read along with her.

The letter began to shake slightly as Eliza's grip grew tighter. Tears began to gather at the brim of her eyes as her breathing was shallow.

Not being able to read any longer, Eliza crumbled the parchment in her hand and tossed it to the ground before hastily exiting the tent.

The boys stood in silence as the candles flickered from the light wind entering from outside. Robb looked to his cousins and they each shared a look of understanding before they exited the tent.

On the other side of the camp, Jaime sat in his makeshift prison, hands tied behind him and covered in mud. The last few months had taken a toll on the once golden lion.

Jaime closed his eyes as he thought back to simpler times before this long war. The moments he relived all included a dark haired beauty with her signature Stark grey eyes.

Jaime's eyes snapped open as he heard the sounds of heavy feet walking in his direction.

Looking up, he was greeted with the presence of the Young Wolf King and his cousins.

"Gentlemen," he faked enthusiasm. "I keep expecting you to leave me in one castle or another for safekeeping but you drag me along from camp to camp."

Jaime furrowed his eyebrows as he let his gaze settle on the twin boys. Studying their looks, he felt a sense of familiarity as their emerald green eyes pierced his own.

With a slight shake of his head, he turned his gaze toward the young king.

"Have you grown fond of me Stark?" he taunted. "I've never seen you with a girl."

Robb stood unfazed by his comments. "If I left you with one of my bannermen, your father would know within a fortnight and my bannerman would receive a raven with a message, "Release my son, and you'll be reach beyond your dreams, Refuse and your house will be destroyed, root and stem.""

"You don't trust the loyalty of the men following you into battle?" Jaime questioned.

"Oh I trust them with my life," Robb stated. "Just not with yours."

Jaime nodded. "Smart boy."

Julian and Edwyle saw their cousin slightly stiff at the slated comment and the gesture didn't go unnoticed by Jaime.

"What's wrong?" Jaime teased. "Don't like being called "boy"? Insulted?"

The sound of growling caught the attention of the men. The Stark boys slightly smirked while Jaime felt a cold chill run up his back.

Greywind had slowly crept his way into the makeshift prison and stood tall next to his owner and his cousins.

"You insult yourself kingslayer," Robb began. "You've been defeated by a boy, You're held captive by a boy, and perhaps you'll be killed by a boy."

Jaime kept a nervous gaze on the direwolf as Robb continued.

"Stannis Baratheon sent ravens to all the high lords of Westeros," he sneered. "King Joffrey Baratheon is neither a true king nor a true Baratheon. He's your bastard son."

Jaime quickly looked up at the confession. His eyes wandered to the twin boys again and saw the anger sprawled on both of there faces.

Returning his gaze back to Robb, Jaime was quick to a response. "If that's true then Stannis is the rightful king, how convenient for him."

"My father learned the truth," Robb added. "That's why you had him executed."

Jaime began to fidget as Greywind snarled harshly. "I was your prisoner when Ned Stark lost his head—"

"Your son killed him so the world wouldn't learn who fathered him," Robb interjected. " and you- - you pushed my brother from a window because he saw you with the queen."

Jaime felt his heart quicken as he heard the young Stark's words. All he can see were the grey eyes he loved so deeply, look at him with such anguish and disdain.

Trying to keep the confident façade, he kept his gaze steady. "You have proof? Or do you want to trade gossip like a couple of fishwives?"

Robb didn't care to hear his deflections. "I'm sending one of your cousins down to King's Landing with my peace terms."

"You think my father's going to negotiate with you?" he asked. "You don't know him very well."

"No," Robb shrugged. "But he's starting to know me."

Robb smirked down at Jaime before signaling Greywind and exiting the makeshift.

Julian and Edwyle stood silently as they watched Jaime jump at the snap Greywind gave him before the wolf followed out.

Releasing a deep breath, Jaime looked at the two men who stayed behind. He remembers seeing them when they were in Winterfell and thinking they had the makings to be great knights.

Edwyle walked forward as Jaime kept a steady eye on him. Once he was in front, Edwyle immediately threw a right punch that was followed by a left before Julian pulled him back.

"Ed!" Julian hissed. "The fuck are you doing?!"

"He deserves it after everything he's done!" Edwyle spoke through clenched teeth.

Jaime spit out blood as Julian calmed his brother down. He had to give it to the young man, he packed a powerful punch.

After a couple of deep breaths, Edwyle patted his brother on the shoulder as a sign of goodwill and they approached Jaime once more.

Crouching down to eye level, Julian began to speak. "Do you know who we are?"

"You're Lady Eliza's children Julian and Edwyle Stark," Jaime stated. "Though I'm not sure how you got the name Stark if you're bastard born."

Edwyle felt his anger rising once more as Julian clicked his tongue.

Raising his hand, Julian wiped the corners of his mouth. "See the thing is we're not bastard born."

Jaime gave them a confused look as Julian rose from his crouched position and stood next to his brother.

"We're true born sons of two great houses actually," Julian explained. "House Stark and —- House Lannister."

Jaime's eyes widened and his jaw was agape. He shook his head in disbelief as the words sunk into his mind. 'No,' Jaime thought. 'No she would've told me.'

Staring back at the faces of the young men, Jaime studied their features and the more he looked, the more he could see the similarities between them, particularly the emerald eyes, that were a clear reflection of his own.

Edwyle crossed his arms across his chest as stared back at Jaime. "So, shall we chat—— father?"

….

Guess who's back? It's me! I know it's been a long while since I've written a chapter or posted on here but I definitely missed it. I decided to bring a new chapter and I'm not gonna lie, I've had this in my drafts for months on months just trying to find the right way to write. Though I'm not happy with this chapter, I hope you guys enjoy it. Let me know what you think!

-First off, Eliza might know something about Jaime but she also found out the truth about him fathering children with Cersei.

-The twins spilled the beans! How do you think Eliza's gonna react when she hears the news? OMG!

-It might be a while before Jaime and Eliza come face to face but it's gonna be crazy!

-Btw Catelyn is so badass for knocking Jaime with that rock. I love him but he definitely deserved it.

-All characters and parts of the story, except my OC's and plots pertaining them, belong to George R.R. Martin.