A/N Look at this – another update a day after the last one! Now that I actually have a bit of time to write because of the holidays I might even get some more up by Christmas Day, bloody hell! Thank you again for the reviews, it's nice to know what you think of this. And however you're celebrating this weekend, I hope you have a good one filled with food, drink, presents and cheer!

Chapter 10 – Awake

It had been quiet that afternoon at Winterfell since the departure. Theon Greyjoy was feeling frustrated with himself. He couldn't help feel that something was missing but refused to acknowledge or accept that he was going to miss Olivia. He was so pleased that she'd forgiven him the night before, and almost wished he'd begged her to stay rather than ride south. But he wouldn't resort to that, he was Iron born, too proud for such a gesture. He also felt at a loss without Lord Stark for the first time since his capture, and with Lady Stark back up with her younger son he felt a sense of loss and mild despair. Normally, at times such as these he would go to the brothel and take out all of his frustration for whatever coin was in his purse, but he didn't want to do that. Or practice his bow. He decided to go to his room and pleasure himself for want of something to do to pass the time.

Over the next few days, he managed to lift himself out of his stupor enough to pick up his bow. Time after time he hit the target directly in the middle, and put in enough practice over the next few days to be noticed in admiration by most of the guards. Over time, it appeared his old love had become his favourite distraction.


Night had fallen and Alyssa found the candles in the library insufficient to read by any more, and she was tired from staring at the ancient texts since supper early that afternoon. Overcome by a pang of hunger, she put away the book she was reading and departed, stepping out into the cool night air. She heard a commotion as she headed over to the great hall; one of the towers was on fire! She looked around frantically as men and women leapt into action, filling buckets at the pump and tackling the blaze. Robb joined them shortly sprinting out of the castle, barking orders whilst helping to man the water pump.

Luckily, the fire hadn't been too serious and was quickly brought under control and dowsed out. Robb praised everybody for their hard and quick work, then caught Alyssa's eye as she was still rooted to the spot in surprise. Blinking, she ran over to him and threw her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest. She felt very proud about the way he'd acted.

"Come, I'd better get back to Mother and let her know it's been taken care of," he instructed, leading her to the castle.

"You were with her when it happened?" she asked.

"Yes, trying to convince her it would be OK for her to leave Bran's room sometimes. There's only so much I can do without her help," he confessed, "And I don't think she's going to be very forthcoming about leaving Bran now there's been a fire." Alyssa squeezed his hand in sympathy, and together they arrived at Bran's room. Robb knocked gently, announcing who it was, but received no reply. After about ten seconds, he cautiously opened the door, and almost stepped back as a result of the sight that greeted him.

Catelyn Stark was sat in silence, staring at the open wounds on her palms, an ornate dagger on the floor in front of her. Summer, Bran's direwolf, was on the bed, whining softly, occasionally licking Bran's left hand. And on the other side of the bed, was the body of a man who had previously been the owner of a throat.

"Seven hells, what happened? Alyssa, please get Maester Lewin," he instructed, rushing to his mother's side. "Mother, your hands.. is Bran OK, did anything happen to him?"

"Someone tried to take Bran's life," she replied in a quiet voice. "And that wolf of his... it ran in and saved him. Saved both of us,"

"Him?" asked Robb, indicating the corpse on the floor. His mother nodded, staring between her hands, the dagger, the direwolf and Bran. Maester Lewin arrived shortly with Alyssa and some guards, both of them slightly breathless.

"My Lady! What happened to your hands?" asked the Maester, shock registering in his face as he quickly got to work cleaning the wounds.

"It could have been a lot worse if not for that wolf," she managed a smile, realising how lucky they had been.

"I want guards outside his room at all times," Robb said to the guards, who nodded. Two of them removed the body whilst another two immediately took watch outside the chamber door. Nobody had touched the dagger yet, and Alyssa picked it up.

"This is fancy," she commented absently, examining it's detail.

"Give it here," said Ser Roddick Cassel, who had appeared at that moment. Alyssa handed it to him, wiping the blood off her hands. "This certainly is a fine specimen, valerian steel if I'm not mistaken,"

"Please look after it Ser Roddick," commanded Catelyn, "I'm sure it could lead to a lot of explanations around here," he nodded and placed it safely on his person. After bandaging Lady Stark, Maester Lewin checked on Bran and was pleased to see that his condition hadn't changed, although it was still a matter of time waiting for him to wake up.


The following morning, Catelyn Stark made a decision. What everyone had been telling her was right; it was no use sitting and fretting by Bran's bed while there was still a castle to run. Robb was coping brilliantly but it was still new to him and he would need her, and also if someone was trying to kill her younger son then she wasn't going to sit and do nothing.

After dressing, she returned to Bran's room and kissed him on the forehead before setting out, her destination the broken tower. It felt good to be outside and feel the faint warmth of the sun on her face, and the townspeople looked genuinely pleased to see her walking about again.

She approached the tower and shuddered as she got to the spot where Bran had been found. Looking up, she saw there was a window almost directly above where she was standing. Slowly, she gathered her skirts and ascended up the old, worn steps of the tower. She identified the doorway to the room which had overlooked where Bran fell, and taking a deep breath she entered. Her steps were slow, as she painstakingly examined every inch of the ground in front of her before she would take another step, like there was some essence of what had happened all around her. She noticed some of the straw to her right looked disturbed, it could have happened at any time but her intuition told her to examine the area more closely.

Slowly turning her body, she approached the area and cast her eyes over it. Looking down on the floor, her breath caught in her throat as she spied something long and golden on the stone floor. Shaking, she picked it up and held it up to the light. It was distinctly a hair, and Catelyn Stark could only think of one person who had golden hair of such a length. Carefully, she grasped it and held it close to her as she hurried back down the steps. Reaching the courtyard, she spied Theon and asked him to gather Robb, Maester Lewin and Sir Roddick and meet her in the Godswood, adding nobody else was to know of their meeting.

It was decided that Catelyn would ride South with Ser Roddick in order to warn Ned of the dangers he could be facing – namely the Lannisters. Robb had wanted to go, but his mother knew it was a matter that would need to be handled most delicately, and he would need to continue his role as Lord of Winterfell until his father returned. Catelyn would take the knife with her in order to show her husband, and hopefully allow him to shed some light onto who tried to kill her son.

Kissing Bran goodbye and promising to return soon, she mounted her horse and immediately began her journey disguised under a heavy cloak. The few present were sworn not to tell anyone of Lady Stark's whereabouts, for it was a dangerous task she was undertaking.


Robb and Theon walked back to the courtyard together. He noticed his friend had been rather distant as of late. "You're quiet," he began, intending to stir up conversation.

"Sorry," Theon muttered, kicking a stone in his path.

"Is anything the matter?" asked his friend with concern.

"No, not really. Not that i want to discuss now at any rate. There's Alyssa, go have fun," he exited quickly, intending to practice some archery in peace with his thoughts before Robb could talk to him any further. He didn't want to discuss his love life with the young wolf, as far as the other Winterfell boys were concerned he was the expert in such matters. Robb merely rolled his eyes at Theon's retreating back and greeted Alyssa with a gentle kiss, to her surprise.

"Hello, where have you been?" she enquired, beaming.

"Just to the Godswood.. are those tarts?" he asked, eyeing up the contents of the wicker basket she had draped over her arm.

"Why yes they are, I helped make them so was allowed to take a couple for myself," she grinned.

"They look very nice, I'd be glad to assist you in eating them," he offered, trying to look sincere.

"Are you sure they won't spoil your dinner?" she asked in false concern, taking his arm in hers and leading him to the castle.

"I can think of ways to work up an appetite," he whispered devilishly, making her blush and cover her face.

"Words are wind, Robb Stark," she teased, quickening her pace in anticipation of what was to come.


She woke up the following morning in Robb's bed, feeling at peace for the first time since the fire. He was asleep next to her, his face appearing so peaceful and not like that of a Lord. She was sure she had fallen asleep naked in his arms, and suddenly craved the sensation of his skin against hers. As he was on his back, she began at his neck and left a trail of fluttering kisses down his body, occasionally brushing her teeth against his skin in effort to wake him up.

She heard him moan quietly, and smiled knowing her goal had been achieved. She was pleased that when she reached his cock it was already hard, and cruelly she flicked her tongue over the tip before kissing her way back up to his neck and finally lips.

"Good morning," she cooed, soon replacing her mouth with her hand as she gently stroked his cock and swirled her thumb around the sensitive tip.

"Hello," he smiled, his voice choked with sleep and his eyelids heavy.

"I think some parts of you are more awake than others," she frowned, removing her hand to his disappointment.

Determined to prove her otherwise, Robb pulled her on top of him and pushed her mouth down to meet his, gripping her behind her knees so that she was straddling him. Alyssa gladly kissed him back, and knowing what he wanted positioned herself so that her entrance was hovering just above his cock. He couldn't help himself from thrusting upwards, which initially took her by surprise though she was soon rolling her hips against him, throwing her head back as he reached up to caress both of her nipples at the same time.

She increased her speed, grabbing Robb's hands and placing them at her hips as she continued to ride him. Rather than take control, he submitted himself to her movements, loving how she was making him feel. As he felt his orgasm draw near, he automatically began thrusting upwards whilst keeping hold of her hips, increasing the pleasure for Alyssa as she felt her own orgasm build inside her. Robb almost came undone when she slipped her right hand between her legs to massage her clit to match their thrusts and it wasn't long before they both released and Alyssa collapsed on his chest, breathing hard.

"This has been a good morning," Robb exclaimed, kissing the top of her head and wrapping her in her arms before they had to go and face the world.

After breakfast, Alyssa went to see Bran and was surprised to see Old Nan there and not Catelyn. There was still no change with the boy but otherwise he was healthy enough and hadn't taken a turn for the worse.

"Where is Lady Stark?" Alyssa enquired.

"She's had to pop out, love. She'll be back when she's back," replied Old Nan in her usual cryptic manner. Alyssa frowned as she left but didn't think too much of it. Glad to see Bran was OK, she left and headed out to face another day. She spotted Theon in the yard, yet again at his bow and arrow. He was good, but she couldn't recall seeing so much dedication from him since she had come to Winterfell.

"Looking good," she called after him as he was taking a shot, laughing as her distraction caused him to miss the centre of the bulls eye very slightly.

"Thank you Lady Arryn," he replied, "I've been practicing,"

"I've noticed," she agreed, also noting he had Rickon fetching his arrows for him. It was a game for the youngest Stark, but could prove valuable when he came to learning the bow for himself. "Well, you boys have fun," she departed, trying to rack her brain for something to do. She was a lady and it wasn't really appropriate for her to spend her time in the kitchens, and reading was all well and good. And the time she got to spend with Robb was fantastic, but there was not really much else for her to occupy herself with. It was so much better than going South though and probably far less dangerous.

The only thing that was starting to piss her off was that Robb refused to tell her where his mother was. He wouldn't lie to her, he couldn't, but the fact he didn't seem to trust her hurt and put her in a bit of a foul mood with him.


Bran Stark was his room, laying on his bed and staring at the ceiling. He felt something warm and wet lick his hand, and a whimper. Summer was lying on top of his bed, tail wagging to see his young master had awoken. Bran Stark blinked, looked around as the room came further into focus and made to rise from his bed. Only that did not happen; his legs refused to obey his commands. Trying to push himself up, he manually tried to move his legs and to his horror realised he had no feeling in them. Old Nan woke up with a start hearing his cries.

"Oh little Lord, thank the gods you're awake!" she exclaimed. "Now you wait right there, Maester Lewin needs to be informed immediately!"

"But my legs..." Bran called after her retreating, shuffling body. One of the two guards outside his room relieved Old Nan of her duty, as he was younger and faster so she could go back to Bran's bedside.

"Hush now my dear, now what about your legs?" she soothed.

"I can't move them and I can't feel them... what happened?" his voice quivered slightly and he did well not to cry.

"You can't remember?" she asked, and he shook his head in response, looking her directly in the eye so she knew he was telling the truth.

"You fell, my Lord," she whispered, taking his hand. Bran's eyes filled with confusion and anxiety; he looked like he was about to cry until Robb burst in with Theon, followed by the Maester.

"Bran!" cried Robb, rushing to him, "Thank the Gods you're awake! How are you feeling?"

"OK," Bran replied quietly, "But Robb, my legs... I can't feel them," Maester Lewin was already checking him over, and shook his head sadly.

"It would appear the impact of the fall has damaged the connections between your brain and your legs," he explained. "You might get some feeling back, you might not. But you won't walk again Brandon, I'm sorry," Bran's heart sank and this time he let the tears fall.

"I won't be a knight?" asked Bran, already knowing the answer. Robb shook his head, trying not to cry himself.

"No," he whispered.

"Then I'd rather be dead," stated Bran, refusing to make eye contact with everyone else in the room.

"Now now don't you be saying things like that!" scolded Old Nan, wagging her finger at him. "We've all been worried sick about you for weeks, so what if your legs don't work? You've still got your wits and you're still Brandon Stark of Winterfell so don't you dare be saying you wish you was dead!"

"I'm glad you're awake Bran," Robb smiled, breaking the tension. "We've all been so worried about you,"

"Where's mother?" asked Bran, looking round.

"She's had to go ride somewhere, she'll be back soon," Theon told him.

"You need to rest little Lord, get your strength up," advised the Maester.

"What's the point if I can't walk?" Bran quipped, but the others appeared not to hear him.

"Can you remember what happened?" asked Maester Lewin. Bran shook his head, silent tears running down his cheeks.

It wasn't long before Alyssa had heard the news and ran straight to Bran's room with Rickon in tow.

"Bran!" called Rickon jovially, "I'm so glad you're awake, I've missed you and I've had nobody to play with!" Bran found it hard to stay sullen when he saw his little brother, and understood that people had actually been very concerned about him.

"I don't know if I can play anymore," he stated sadly. "My legs don't work,"

"But they can get better, you just need a bandage," Rickon stated, too young to understand the implications of Bran's injuries. This almost broke Alyssa's heart, and she took Robb's hand for comfort.

"Where is your mother? Surely she should know that he's awoken," she murmured to him.

"You know I can't talk about that," Robb replied frostily. "But I'm sure she'll be informed. I need to send out a raven to Jon and father," and with that he excused himself. Alyssa felt a bit crushed. She noticed Theon staring at her intently, as if he'd picked up on the tension between Robb and herself. She gave him a weak smile and left, there were clothes of hers that needed repairing and now seemed the right time to think whilst completing such a mundane task.


In King's Landing, Olivia had spent most of her time with Sansa and Jeyne despite they were a few years younger. To be honest, Sansa didn't really think her much of a lady with her vast amounts of male acquaintences and stories but otherwise liked the girl.

"Olivia, are you coming dancing?" Amelie, one of her old friends approached her as she was sat brushing her hair in front of the mirror.

"I don't think so Amelie," she sighed, replacing the brush on her dresser.

"Gods what is the matter with you? I've hardly seen you since you came back, you pretty much ignored Ser Loras's invitation last night and not to mention the new knights in the capital at the moment," she huffed, not used to this behaviour from her friend.

"I don't feel like it," she shrugged.

"You met someone," Amelie stated, not even asking.

"No," defended Olivia, huffing.

"Yes you did, you hooked up with a northern boy," Amelie grinned in triumph. "Was it the Stark boy? Or the bastard? Come on, tell me!"

"Neither," Olivia answered truthfully. "And he wasn't strictly a northern boy,"

"Someone from down here? OK quite a few went up with the king and queen... gods not the Kingslayer," she squealed in mirth.

"Gods, definitely not!" Olivia exclaimed. "He just happens to be living with the Starks for the time being," was all she would say on the matter, annoying Amelie.

"I will get this out of you," her friend huffed. "And meanwhile, if you're not dancing means more choice for me, see you later," she added in a sing song voice. Olivia smiled after she had gone, had she not met stupid Theon Greyjoy she would have been the first one out there. Why had she come south again?