Disclaimer! I own nothing! Everything belongs to George R.R. martin and the creators of the show.

Also, this story is not edited! You have been warned.

Chapter 10

Robb stood there watching over Bran with an unbearable amount of guilt and worry pulling at his stomach. Why are the gods so cruel? He asked himself and found he could produce no answer. Bran would live, which was a great thing, but he would be forever crippled, gone were the chances of him ever becoming a knight as he had so often talked about. It made Robb want to be sick.

Master Luwin had just left the room and his mother was sitting right next to Bran as she had been since they found him a day ago. Robb rarely left Brans side too, he knew his father wished to be here more often, but he had guests to entertain. Arya, Sansa and Rickon had not been allowed to see Bran much to their displeasure, Jon had once, when they first found him but was quickly chased away by his mothers glare and had not returned since. There had been something Jon wanted to tell him, something that he was eager to tell him and his father but he had abruptly stopped what he was saying when Lady Everra emerged from the shadows after the hunting party had returned.

She had looked as beautiful and cold as she always did, at least around him, but she had looked tired but still she stood tall and with a cold look towards them she had turned away by which Jon had hurried after her before Robb could do anything to dissuade him. He did not trust her but then again, she did not trust him either but Robb still respected her. He could not help it, but she did have an authoritative air around her. She was unlike any lady he had ever seen before, and a type of lady he hoped he would never had to see again. But that had been before Bran, before…. this.

"Robb," his father spoke softly from behind him and Robb whirled around to see him, standing by the doorway, with a troubled look in his grey eyes.

"Father," he replied.

"You should go outside, be with Theon and Jon, practice with your sword," Ned said as though it were a mere suggestion, but Robb knew his father was sending him a message.

"As you wish Father," he said rather hesitantly and looked back at his mother who had shown no signs of hearing his fathers arrival. She had been in that state for hours upon a hours, never leaving Brans side. Robb would never admit it aloud, but it scared him, seeing her like that. His strong, kind mother in that state.

"You best spend more time with Jon, he shall be leaving soon."

Robb snapped his head towards his father, his eyes widening, "Leaving!" When his mother stirred he lowered his voice and whispered, "Leaving? To where and with whom?"

His father looked rather grave as he answered, "To the Bloodlands with Lady Everra when she leaves."

Robb felt rather conflicted. He was happy for his brother, sad to see him go but he felt rather wary as to Lady Everra's intentions.

"How did that happen?" he found himself asking.

"She asked him the night of the feast, he asked me yesterday for permission after we found Bran," his father revealed, sounding slightly bitter.

Robb nodded and then remember that he should be gone, "I'll leave you and mother alone with Bran," he said and then made his way out of the room.

"Robb," his father called. Robb turned back to look at him, "Thank you."

Robb nodded slightly and did not answer but instead turned and walked away, there was nothing he could say in response to that.

Yesterday Evening

Jon stood there rather awkwardly as he watched his father finish talking to Uncle Benjen. He knew that this was bad timing, especially with Bran…. No, he thought to himself fiercely, No he is not dead. He won't die. He can't.

He had to do this now because he knew if he did not do it now he never would. When Uncle Benjen and his father finished talking, Benjen walked past him and patted his back sympathetically. He knew how hard this was for all of them.

"Jon," his father said, looking at him.

Jon swallowed nervously and blurted out as fast as he could, "LadyEverrahasaskedmetoreturntothebloodlandswithherfortraining!"

"What?"

"Lady Everra had asked me to return to the bloodlands with her for training," Jon repeated nervously. He did not like how his father reacted.

His father gazed at him with an emotion he could not yet identify and then sighed, suddenly looking twice his age. His father ran a hand over his face and face and looked at Jon with a hint of.. bitterness, but somehow Jon knew it was to directed towards him.

"Do you wish to go?" His father asked and Jon felt a rush of gratitude towards him.

"Yes father, I do, truly," Jon replied quickly.

His father nodded slightly and suddenly looked quite wistful, "As you wish, you have my consent."

"Thank you father," Jon said and leaned forwards to hug him, but dropped his hands at his side quickly as a rush of guilt flooded through him. Bran. Poor dear Bran who would never have the opportunity to do something such as this.

His father nodded at him in understanding at his miserable expression and placed a hand on his shoulder and looked him directly in the eye, "Jon if you are feeling forced into accepting this, if she is somehow forcing you-"

"No!" Jon protested, "No, the Lady Everra is not forcing me to do anything I do not wish to. For all I know she could retract the offer."

And with that Jon moved out of his fathers grasp and thanked him once more before hurrying out of the room as fast as he could.

"Why did you not tell me?' Robb asked Jon as they were handed their wooden swords from Theon.

Jon froze slightly and averted his eyes from his, "About what?" he said roughly.

"About Lady Everra's offer," Robb replied and took the sword from Theon's hands, twisting his wrists experimentally.

"What offer?" Theon asked before Jon could answer.

Robb's eyes flickered towards him and he said, "Lady Everra has offered for Jon to return with her to the bloodlands so he can receive sword training to become a part of her army."

"What?!" Theon exclaimed loudly, "When?"

"The night of the feast," Jon answered uncomfortably.

Theon whistled and muttered loud enough for both of them to hear, "Lucky bastard."

Jon stiffened slightly and mimicked Robb's actions. Theon had taken a step back from them to avoid getting hit by them.

Robb and Jon circled around each other, each of them eyeing the other carefully, waiting for someone to make the next move.

"Come on then! Get a move on!" Robb heard Theon call out.

Robb smirked slightly and was about to chuckle at is friends impatience before Jon swung his sword in his direction which he managed to block, startled.

As you wish, Robb thought and then managed to free his sword from under Jon's letting him stagger a few steps in his direction before Robb sidestepped out of the way.

Jon whirled around to face him and swung his sword at him yet again and Robb raised his own against his, snapping from side to side. Robb had never seen Jon like this before, so straightforward, it almost seemed as though he was trying to prove something. But to whom Robb did not know.

Robb could vaguely hear Theon calling out random remarks in the background as he usually did but this time Robb could not find it in him to pay attention.

Both Robb and Jon grunted as their swords clashed with the other, until they were stuck in a tight lock, each one pushing back and forth, eager for the other to cave.

"Ugh ya!" Jon grunted and they simultaneously stepped away from each other before Robb swung at Jon before he could comprehend what was happening.

Robb could suddenly feel everything he had been repressing, his worry over Bran,swing, his guilt, swing, his confusion, snap, his nervousness and his fear.

"Robb, Robb!" Jon called out.

Robb looked around suddenly and realised that his arms were raised over his head and that Jon's sword was lying a few feet away from them and that Jon was on his knees on the ground.

Robb dropped his arms from above his head and let them hang limply at his sides, his sword slipping out of his palm.

He felt himself pale as he spoke, "I'm sorry….I am not too sure what happened," he said and he could hear the shakiness in his voice.

They stayed in that position for a few moments before Jon climbed back onto his feet and patted Robb on the shoulder. Robb felt a rush of gratefulness towards him and couldn't help thanking the gods for having him there.

Even though Theon was like a brother to him in everything but blood, Jon was his actual brother, bastard or not and he understood probably better than anyone what he was going through, what they were both going through, in ways Theon never could and never would.

Speaking of Theon, Robb noticed that he had gone rather quiet and turned around to see if he was alright but instead found beautiful emerald coloured eyes staring right at him.

He unconsciously made a low noise in the back of his throat as he comprehended whom was standing before him and his cheeks could not help but warm.

"Lady Everra," Robb heard Jon say. Robb simply stood there, silent, observing her.

"Snow," she acknowledged in her usual cold manner and then her eyes glanced towards him and she nodded, "My lord."

Theon was standing next to her, and was trying-and failing- at being discreet as he stared down her dress.

Robb nodded back in acknowledgement and wiped the sweat from his brow. Lady Everra looked at Jon once more and said, "Emotions are getting the best of you Snow. You best control them before they get you killed."

Robb practically felt Jon stiffen from beside him as he nodded in agreement and shifted his eyes towards the ground. There was silence for a few moments before Theon said, "My lady, I have heard that you are one of the best warriors in all of the known lands, I have always found it rather admirable that you took the time to learn all of these skills that earned you your reputation."

Lady Everra turned to look at Theon, her face unimpressed at his attempt of flattery and merely raised an eyebrow in response before answering, "If that is your attempt of flattery my lord it is truly a wonder as to why all the whores of Winterfell fawn over you Greyjoy," she said Greyjoy as though it was some sort of illness, some sort of terrible thing.

Robb's blue eyes widened in surprise and Theons face turned a bright pink and his mouth twisted into a scowl. Robb could see Jon's brown eyes widen also.

"Apologies my lady, I meant no offence, " Theon sputtered out but Lady Everra simply glanced at him and turned to face Jon and Robb once more.

"Excuse me, my lady," Theon muttered and hurried off, his ego knocked down.

Robb felt both intrigued and mistrustful towards lady Everra, he did not like her or her actions but he could not help but remember how he had felt to feel her so close to him but that did not excuse her inexcusable coldness.

Noticing his cool expressions and disapproving glint in his eye she said to him, "Have I offended you my lord?"

"Not at all, my lady," he replied cooly, keeping his eyes on hers.

"Hmm," she said, unconvinced, she seemed rather unnervingly good at reading him.

"You do not like me very much, do you?" She asked cooly, as though she already knew the answer.

Robb shock his head slightly and said, "No, I respect you very much my lady."

Jon shifted uncomfortably and said, My lady, Robb, perhaps I should take my leave-"

"No, stay right were you are Snow, let this be considered as lesson one," she said, never removing her eyes from Robbs.

"You judged me from the moment you saw me, my lord and even before then, when you first heard about me," as Robb opened his mouth to protest, she raised her hand, stopping him, "Do not try to deny it, my lord, I will know when you are lying, same way I know when most people lie to me."

"Your reputation did indeed give me an insight on your character," Robb said," As well as your previous actions that inspired terror to the nearby lands."

She shrugged carelessly and said, "All terror has its purpose, Lord Robb, it would serve you best to remember that."

"While that may be true, my lady, should we not aim to have our people admire and respect us rather than fear us wouldn't you say?"

"No, no I wouldn't, because that is the thinking that gets most people killed. I am a year younger than you my lord and yet I have seen more of the world than you will in your lifetime. You have a lot to learn, including better judgement of others and better choices in whom you trust."

At this, Robb saw a glimpse of anger in her eyes before it was quickly concealed. She cleared her through briefly and said, "Jon, I have decided to leave sooner rather than later, we leave for RedRun tomorrow at first light. You best get packing. Now if you will excuse me, my lord, I have matters to attend too."

The with that, she turned on her heel and walked briskly away from them but Robb kept on reliving the past few moments in his head, even long after she had finally disappeared from sight.

Jaime smirked slightly at the sight of Lady Everra walking away from the Stark, she was an interesting character, one that he could not quite figure out. Jaime was like his brother in some ways, he always liked figuring someone out.

"My lady," he said, sauntering over towards her, a smirk forming on his lips.

"I recently heard that you are leaving tomorrow, such a shame, truly, I would have like to become better acquainted with you."

She simply stared at him, her eyes cold and Jaime found to his eventual frustration that she was unfazed at his attempts to anger and insult her.

"Yes, such as shame, Ser Jaime," she replied, regarding him carefully.

Jaime could not help but look slightly startled at this, she had addressed him by his name. His true name.

"Yes, I would have liked to see how well you can fight, you have quite the reputation you know."

"I am perfectly aware of my reputation Ser Jaime-"

"Yes but I wonder who trained you? Your dear darling father perhaps? I have heard of his…skills in battle, seemed like a talented guy."

"Yes I am sure that my father and yours must have bonded over their talent, Ser Jaime. Perhaps one day we can bond over ours," she said and even though her voice was cold, Jaime understood the underlying message, Or maybe we can kill the other with our talent.

Jaime stood there, stung and defeated and nodded saying, "Perhaps, one day my lady."

"Perhaps," she answered and then said, " If you will excuse me I have matters to attend too."

As she brushed past him, Jaime followed her with his eyes until she disappeared from sight.

"My dear big brother, what a sight you are," Tyrion said, his voice filled with amusement.

"How long were you standing there?" Jaime asked.

"Long enough to hear everything. She is an interesting character wouldn't you say?"

"Quite interesting, but not enough too tempt me," Jaime replied.

"Ah, but enough to tempt me it would seem." At his brothers curious expression Tyrion added, "Oh my dear brother, you see but you do not observe. She is playing with us, judging us, watching our every move, knowing just what can set us off and what can break us within moments. One night she will find you drunk and observe you enough to guess everything about you and the next day she can tell you that your welcome to visit her home whenever you would like."

"She-"

"Yes, my dear brother, it seems as though I am of some sort of value to her in whatever she's planning. And she is planning something."

Then the two brothers stood there in silence before Jaime asked, "Are you?"

"Am I what?"

"Going to the bloodlands any time soon?"

"Hmm, most probably, as you've always known big brother I have always liked a challenge of the mind, the body not so much."

Catelyn had never imagined that one could be in such pain as she stared down at Bran, wiping at his brow with a cloth. She felt as though thousands of dangers were stabbing her all at once, repeatedly, never ending her agony. It was unbearable.

"Bran," She whispered, Oh my dear sweet Bran.

Tears streamed down the side of her face but she made no move to catch them and simply stared at her son.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "By the gods please wake up, please," she pleaded and gently ran her fingers through his soft hair, her tears falling on his cheek.

She refused to leave him, she would not. She did not want him to feel alone.

She was about too speak again before she sensed someone standing at the doorway and she snapped, "I will not leave him Ned, I won't."

"I'm sorry my lady but I am not Lord Stark," a voice said and Catelyn turned around, startled at the sight of Lady Everra standing in the middle of the doorway.

"My lady," she said, flustered, "I am sorry I would have- I would have-"

"There is no need for apologies, my lady," she interrupted and then they fell into silence.

"I am taking my leave tomorrow, I just wanted to pay my respects."

"He is not dead!" Catelyn snapped and immediately covered her mouth with her hand and quickly apologies saying, "My lady my most sincerest apologies, I do not know what came over me."

"You are a mother in mourning over the possible death of one of her children, there is no need for explanations for what you do or do not do."

Catelyn nodded appreciatively and said, "It is most unfortunate that you leave tomorrow my lady, I hope you-" she paused, taking a deep breath and continued, "I hope you had a lovely stay here at Winterfell and that you have a safe journey."

"Thank you my lady, I do hope me and my recent companion have a safe journey, it would be rather tragic for him to die first time away from home."

At Catelyn's bewildered expression, Lady Everra merely raised an eyebrow and said, "I am sorry my lady, I thought you knew, Jon will be leaving with me."

Catelyn could not help but breathe in relief at the declaration and raised her hands to her chest, she had wanted him gone since he was a babe. Catelyn did not notice how Lady Everra's eyes had hardened with anger at her clear relief at Jon leaving which was quickly concealed the moments Catelyn's blue eyes flickered towards her and she said, "If I may ask why, you will be the ba-, Jon with you?"

"He has talent with the sword and has plenty potential, my lady," she answered, voice even.

"Yes, as I am sure he does," Catelyn muttered under her breath.

They stayed in silence for a while until Lady Everra cleared her throat and walked towards Bran, stopping when she reached his side.

"May I?" she asked gently and Catelyn nodded, silently observing.

She bent down over Bran and whispered something in his ear and Catelyn could not help but wish to know what she had said but then she was kissing his forehead and placed something under his fur by his chest.

"Let him open it when he wakes," she said turning towards Catelyn.

"If he wakes," she said bitterly and took his hand in hers, turning away from the emotionless girl.

"He will," she said and by the time Catelyn turned back around she was gone.

Everra lay in bed late night, unable to sleep. She had been thinking about Bran, not out of guilt,no she did not feel guilty for letting it happen, she knew in her heart and head that it was necessary but she could not help but compare him to herself when she was a child. It made her slightly wary.

She could hear Andromache's snores and could feel her radiating off her, even through her furs.

She climbed out of bed carefully and stood by the fireplace, her eyes observing the dull but cosy room and her eyes fell upon the carefully packed chests.

Knock knock.

It was a gentle sound, but still Everra could not help but snap her head towards the door and thought that if it was Anna crying with blood all over herself she would damn everything to the seven hells and execute her. She quickly walked back to her pillow and lifted it, revealing a medium sized knife.

She clutched it in her palm and calmly walked towards the door and pulled it open and was somehow unsurprised at whom it was at the other side.

They stared at each other, their eyes cold and untrusting one filled with bitterness and the other with anger and when the person opened their mouth to speak Everra cut them off saying, "It's my turn now. You had years now it is my turn."

Even though her voice was calm and icy, Everra felt more vulnerable in that moment than she had in many years. The person looked rather speechless and Everra gently closed the door shut but waited until the shadow of the other person disappeared down the hall before she went back to bed.

It was her turn now, and she would kill anyone who tried to take that away from her.

"My lady, you are awake," Anna said when she walked through the door. Everra slowly glanced at Anna from her position by the window and said, "Your power of observation continues to astound me everyday Anna, truly, I am impressed."

Annas cheeks flushed slightly and she said, "Since you are already clothed and all the chests have been packed away are you in need of my service, my lady before we take our leave?"

"No, you may go, tell Daavos I will be down in a moment."

"As you wish." Then she scurried out of the room, eager to leave her mistresses icy presence.

Everra sighed softly and stood there for a few more moments before making her way out of the room, Andromache right on her heels.

"Ah I wish to see your beautiful face again soon!" Robert exclaimed drunkenly and tugged Everra towards his large chest.

Everra stood there unresponsive to his massive affection and said coldly, "As you wish, your grace, it was a pleasure to finally meet you too."

When he finally released her from his embrace, she moved towards Cersei whom enveloped her in a hug and said, "I pray we meet again soon, little dove."

"As do I, your grace."

They then separated from each other and Everra said her respects towards Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella before her gaze landed on Joffrey.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, my lady, I hope we can partake in more activities together in the future."

"As do I, my prince, as do I."

She then moved towards Jaime Lannister whom simply nodded in her direction as his farewell and Everra moved towards Tyrion and bent down to reach his height saying, "I hope we can become better friends in the future my lord, our time together was too short for us to become properly acquainted with one another."

His lips turned upwards as he replied, "My, my lady, you seem to be the first person whom actually wants to become acquainted with me, I wonder why?"

She leaned forward to kiss his cheek and whispered, "You are the future Lord of Casterly Rock and a smart man, why would I not wish to become acquainted with you?"

Tyron smirked slightly and Everra moved sideways towards Lord Stark and said stiffly, "Thank yo for your hospitality my lord, I wish your son well and hope you have a successful tenure as the Kings hand."

"Your kind words are very much appreciated my lady, I wish you a safe journey," he replied politely and averted his grey eyes from hers.

Everra nodded in response and then moved along the line, saying a quick farewell to Sansa before she came across Arya who was looking up at her wide eyed.

"Do you promise to take care of Jon?" She asked when Everra had bent slightly in order for them to talk more quietly.

"I do not make promises little one. But I can say that i will make sure he is treated and accounted for just as all my other soldiers."

Arya nodded and then said, "Can I become a part of your army one day?'

Everra's lips twisted up at the sides as she regarded the young girl and she said, "I do not see why not if your father agrees, little one. Take care of yourself."

Then she moved towards Robb whom was staring at her frostily, their conversation from yesterday still fresh in his mind.

She extended her arm out toward him and he reluctantly grabbed hold of her hand and tried not to notice how smooth and soft it was in his palms. She looked into his eyes and said, "I'll be seeing you Stark."

Then with that, she released her hand from his and turned away from the group and walked towards her awaiting wheelhouse where Anna was already inside waiting for her.

Jon had already said his goodbyes to his family and was sitting on a horse, looking rather miserable but excited at the same time. It was a new beginning for him, a new life but he knew he would miss his old one too.

Everra looked back once again and she briefly raised her hand in a wave before her eyes connected with blue ones and then she turned around and disappeared into the wheelhouse whose door was quickly slammed shut.

Then off they went.

"Did you enjoy your stay my lady?" Anna asked.

Everra did not answer her but simply stared straight ahead, trying to ignore the sudden pounding of her heart. Anna sighed and continued on threading her needle, abandoning all attempts at conversation.

Everra was suddenly very eager to be back in her home, with its familiar coloured stone and the ghosts that haunted every room.

"My lady are you well?"

"Just fine Anna, just fine."

A/N Hello my lovelies! It feels like ages since I last updated but its only been a few days. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I was a little bit wary of making Everra leave but I felt as though spending like 3-4 or something chapters in Winterfell was enough. I hope you all enjoyed Everra's interactions with everyone. Tell me your thoughts, I live for reviews. Can we try to get two for this chapter before I upload the next one?

Thank you all so much for your support, it means so much!