AN: If I owned all of this you can call me George R.R. Martin.

By the next morning the majority of yesterday's events had been a blur, James tried not to remember them. Last night he had gotten into an argument with his parents, today he was headed back to the wall to get away from it all. He went to Jon's room last night and told him his father had approved of him joining the Night's Watch. The boy just gave him a straight face and nodded, but James knew he was excited. Jon had to pack light, all of his clothing and provision's would be provided at Castle Black. James woke up and donned his black robes, deciding to cast away his grey and black tunic. Looking in the mirror he noticed that his beard had started grow back, leaving some rough stubble on his face. However most of his thought's had been on two things so far, Ros for starters, but most of all his sexual escapade with Cersei. Nobody can know…Nobody. She had thrown herself upon him like a lion taking down it's prey, he was reluctant to know it was a one time thing, she couldn't possibly visit him at Castle Black. He than made his way to Jon's room to find the lad still in his grey and black tunic, packing some essentials.

"You ready? You're life is about to change Jon." James said standing in the doorway with his arm's crossed.

"Yeah I'm ready. Glad your wearing black, it was always my color, as yours." he said walking over to James.

"Thank you for convincing father for me brother. I know you don't want me to join, but I have to do this. I hope you understand."

"I understand Jon. I hope you've just taken all into consideration." James said now helping Jon pack his final things.

"I have don't worry. I'm just worried about telling everybody." he said packing his final set of clothes.

"Aye, I have requested our siblings to t break our fast with us. They should be there already, I'd imagine Arya won't take it well. She loves you dearly Jon." James said with a laugh, but Jon was now serious.

"Arya…She will take it hard." Jon said now scruffing his face with his hand.

"Indeed she will. Don't worry, can't go any worse than when I broke the news. Do you remember?" James said smiling.

"Of course, it was on your seventeenth name day. You gathered us all in the great hall and told us. Robb broke a plate, Sansa was crying as was Bran. Arya wanted too, but you know how tough she tries to act. Rickon was too young to understand. I just kept to myself, but even worse was father. The look on his face, he didn't talk to you for days. Hopefully he will talk to me." Jon said with a shrug.

"I'm sure he will Jon. You didn't give up being the Lord of Winterfell." James continued when they heard a knock on the door. It was Catelyn, she was wearing a grey dress. Her auburn hair flowing down. She called James over, but she didn't say anything to Jon. Probably happy he was leaving for good.

"James…are you sure you wan't to do this? Don't do it because of your father. He was just frustrated by all that was going on, please stay a little longer." she began.

"I'm sorry mother, I have to go. I've already over stayed my welcome, father has made it clear. I also should really be heading back to the wall. Commander Mormont is probably furious at me staying so long, and it isn't fair to the other brothers." James said.

"Well the other brothers aren't the son of Eddard Stark are they. Oh James, is there anything I can say to convince you to stay?" she continued, her hands at her side.

"Nothing mother, but don't worry I will be back soon. You know I can't stay gone too long, especially with father going to King's Landing."

"Speaking of that, I wish you could go with him. Somebody has to watch over him." she explained, looking unhappy.

"Don't worry mother, Yoren the recruiter, is making his annual trip to the capital around this time. Maybe, I can convince the Lord Commander to let me go with him and check up on father." he said as her gaze met his.

"Yes, that would be wonderful! Do you think you can convince him?" Catelyn asked,

"Probably, if not Uncle Benjen could. He'd understand and help me." James finished, when his mother took him into an embrace. Her hair smelled of lemons.

"You know James when Maester Luwin pulled you out of me…you didn't cry. I demanded he put you in my arms, and he did. You just stared up at me, giving me the biggest smile. Than I handed you over to your father, and you did the same exact thing. He held you up for the whole world to see, 'My boy', he said looking so proud. That's when I knew you were special….my first born, my son. You were always my favorite, but that's because you're the first born." she said, pulling away from the embrace, tears welling up in her eyes. Now smiling.

"Dear mother, I appreciate all these kind words. I'll just make sure to tell Robb that I'm the favorite sibling." he japed with a smile, she hit him in the shoulder.

"James Stark you will do no such thing!" she replied smiling even wider.

Than James looked over her shoulder and saw Jon standing there, looking down at his feet. His bag slouched over his shoulder; as than his mom turned around to look at him. She didn't say anything, only nodded her head at him and walked away. James looked up at Jon who was now smiling, anything besides her stare usually made his day.

"Ready to break our fast with our siblings? I'm sure we are in for it." James said with a smile.

"Yeah let's go. I have a surprise for Arya." Jon said pulling out a small sword that looked especially made for her. It was a small, slender sword.

"I hade Mikken make it for her. I'm sure she will love it. I plan on giving it to her personally later." he said as he tossed the sword to James who caught it by the grip.

"Wow it's very light and nimble, make sure my mother doesn't see it. Would be perfect for her if she was learning to water dance. The Bravosi are good at their dancing. I know Arya will love this more than anything." James said tossing the sword in between each hand, when he eventually handed it back to Jon.

"I certainly hope so. Let's go the great hall." he said walking by James as they both walked down to the great hall.

-x-

The great hall was a shell of it's former self from last night. It was left cleaner than it had been, but there were still many chalices on tables, empty kegs of ale were laying around. Flagon's of wine sitting on tables. James and Jon walked side by side, noticing their siblings sitting around at the table from last night breaking their fast. Sansa got up and waved at them motioning to come over. James led the way and sat down between Robb and Bran yet again, Sansa was across from them with Arya, who Jon had decided to sit next to. They broke their fast on fried eggs and bacon with toast, washing it all down with some ale. Theon was missing along with Rickon, who was probably with mother.

"So brother, where is Theon Greyjoy?" asked James as he poured himself a cup of ale.

"Don't know, last I heard he left with that servant girl he was talking to last night." Robb said tearing off a piece of bacon and eating it.

"Poor lass, probably will be scarred for life." James said laughing.

"Why will she be scarred?" asked Sansa looking down at her food. James gave her a stare and titled his head to the side when she finally realized his meaning.

"Ohhh, eww that's gross. It's not polite to speak of such things at the table James." said Sansa wiping her mouth daintily like a lady.

"What's gross? Did Theon talk to a girl?" asked Bran

"No idiot, they were kissing!" said Arya who was eating toast.

"Ohh… that is gross." Bran replied with a look of disgust.

Jon was quiet the whole time, he hardly touched his food. Probably having a hard time figuring out how to break the news to his siblings. He just slouched with a hand supporting his head, stirring his porridge. That's when Sansa asked,

"James why are you wearing your Night's Watch clothes? Shouldn't you be wearing your Stark tunic? You know how much mother likes it when you wear it." she asked taking a sip of some honeyed milk.

"Funny you brought that up, I have something to tell you guys." James said looking at his siblings. By now they all looked at him with wide eyes. Wondering what would come out next,

"I'm going back to the wall….this afternoon." James finally mustered up the courage to say, nobody said anything for a few seconds.

"But you can't! James you just can't, you just got here! How can you already be going back." said Sansa looking at him with her lips pouting.

"I know Sansa but I have to go back." James said staring at his sister. Her blue eyes looking right through him.

"Yeah, you promised to teach me how to shoot a bow better! I'm almost hitting the bullseye." said Bran looking up at him, visibly upset.

"I know buddy, and I will show you when I come back soon. Theon can teach you in my absence." James said putting an arm around Bran.

"No I don't want Theon to teach me, I want you too." Bran said arms crossed pulling away from James.

"And when would you be coming back?" asked Arya now looking at him.

"I don't know." said James stabbing a piece of egg with his fork.

"You got into a fight with father didn't you? It's the only time you ever leave so abruptly. Usually you're here for quite awhile, its been less than a week." Robb said looking at him.

"Aye, I did. Last night." said James now looking down at his plate.

"It's not fair! why must he ruin everything!" yelled Sansa.

"You musn't blame father. It isn't his fault." said James. He took a drink of ale.

"Than whose fault is it?" asked Arya still looking at him with her grey eyes…Lyanna

"It's nobody's fault but mine, but I promise to come back soon." said James staring at his sibling's. Jon still hasn't said a word.

"Liar." said Bran arms crossed not facing James.

"Bran! Don't say such things. Apologize to James." Robb demanded looking over at him.

"No I won't…I won't apologize for telling the truth. James always promises to come back soon but he never does. It's like he doesn't love us." Bran responded.

"Bran….I will always love you guys, you're my family." James said looking at him.

"Don't talk to me." Bran said getting up when Jon got up and finally spoke,

"I'm joining the Night's Watch. I'm taking the black. That's right I'm leaving. Going off to the wall to fight the wildlings with James and Uncle Benjen. I leave with him today." he said breathing hard staring at all his siblings. Whose jaws had just dropped.

"Surely, you can't be serious." said Robb staring at him.

"Aye, I'am. Father gave me his consent and I'm joining." Jon said with his hand's in his pockets.

"Why! This isn't fair. I hate today." Arya said slapping her cup in front of her. Spilling all the water across the table. She got up and ran away.

"I do too." said Bran running away out of the hall. Sansa sat there without speaking a word, she got up and walked away.

Than it was just James, Jon, and Robb sitting there. All ate their food in peace when Robb spoke up,

"Why Jon? Why now." Robb asked peacefully.

"Because Robb, you know why. Father has accepted being Hand of the King. Surely you know of this, he will go down south with Sansa, Arya and Bran. Leaving you Rickon and your lady mother. Do you honestly think she will let me stay?" he said looking at Robb. Who let out a sigh,

"I know Jon. I think I knew it'd come to this. I'm sorry." he said looking sad. Jon laughed.

"It's not your fault brother. You're off to become acting Lord of Winterfell." Jon japed.

The three of them got up and James said,

"I'll see you later, there are a few things I must take care of before I leave. I will meet you in the courtyard later, Jon go find Arya."

"I'll go get Bran." said Robb about to leave when James blocked him with his arm.

"No brother, I'll talk to him. You go see father." James said when Robb nodded in agreement.

The three of them got up and left. Now to go find Bran….

-x-

James ran out of the great hall into the courtyard looking for his younger brother Bran. Since he was born he had looked up to James, often going to him when he got in trouble, or when he needed help. When he was three he'd gotten into a fight with Arya and scurried over to hide behind James's leg, even at four Arya was feisty, never backing down. Yet he always felt like he had to live up to James's standards, often over-exerting himself. One time he had cut open his arm with a knife when he was six; pretending to fight like his older brother.

"Have you seen my brother Bran?" James asked a guard in the stables.

He just said nothing and pointed over to the practice yard.

"Of course. Thanks." James said running over to the practice yard. The sound of arrows hissing through the air.

Bran finally came into view. He had an arrow knocked with his bow drawn, aiming down range. James crept up behind him quietly and leaned against the wooden fence, as to not disturb him. When finally he released the shot and it sailed, hitting the barrels next to the target. Bran threw his bow down on the ground and kicked the dirt.

"Relax your bow arm. How many times must I tell you." James said arms crossed staring at his ten year old brother. Bran shot him a stern look, reaching down to grab his bow.

"I do relax my bow arm. It never helps." he said grabbing another arrow out of his quiver. James still leaned against the fence looking at him.

"You know little brother. Even anger doesn't provide the most accurate shots. I often couldn't shoot well when I was angry." James said flashing a smile. Bran still did not budge.

"Shouldn't you be on your way to the wall? Jon with you. Both of you running away from your problems." he spat out before positioning himself to shoot another arrow.

James than removed himself from the fence and walked towards him. Placing his hands on Brans shoulders. Bran shrugged him off when James turned him around to face him. He than got on one knee to look him in the eyes.

"I'm going back to the wall because it's my duty. I don't like it as much as you do. I know how much you guys miss me and with Jon leaving too, it can only make it harder on you. Robb will be Lord of Winterfell, in father's stead and he will be busy now more than ever. You're going down south with Father and Sansa and Arya. I can see the loneliness you feel Brandon, you're going to a new place, away from home, but we all have to preserver in this life. I understand if you're angry with me, or don't want to talk to me, and if that's the way it is, so be it. But I wan't you to understand that I'm not running away from my problems, only facing them. One day I hope you see the meaning behind my words." James paused for a minute before continuing,

"Winter is coming… Do you know what those word's mean Bran? Our families words?" James said staring at his brother who was now at ease.

"Doesn't it mean what it says. That winter is coming. That we must prepare ourselves for it." he said giving James a quizzical look. James laughed,

"No Bran. It means that hard times are coming. That hard times are coming in our lives and we must always be prepared to face them. And winter is truly coming Bran…for all of us. For Myself, Mother, Jon, Sansa, Arya, Robb, You, and especially Father. What he isn't doing is easy, but it's for the best." Bran now smiled as he understood.

"Winter is coming….Now I understand. I forgive you James, don't worry, I love you."

"I know Bran and I love you too. I will be back soon, and if not than Others take me." James said looking up at the sky. Don't ever leave me James...

"Now, let's help you hit that target." he said standing up as Bran smiled and turned around facing down range. He brought the bow up to his face and drew back.

He released the arrow and it sailed straight and true. Arrow hitting near the bullseye. He turned around and screamed in enjoyment, running towards James and hugging him at the waist.

"Thanks James. For everything." he said still embracing him.

"No problem, buddy. Now go on and continue practicing." James said messing with his hair.

Bran turned around and picked up the bow again. When James noticed out of the corner of his eye, Sansa standing there with Lady next to her. He turned to face her, she was wearing her favorite blue dress with her vibrant auburn hair pinned up in the back, the rest of it resting on her shoulders. James noticed for the first time, that Sansa was becoming a women now. She'd grown up so fast.

"He looks up to you, ya know." she said walking over to James who bent down to pet Lady, behind the ear. She just panted at him.

"I know he does Sansa. And now that he has to go south. I can't help but feel bad for him." James said looking on at Bran, not looking at Sansa.

"Than why are you in such a rush to leave?" she said standing next to him. Also watching Bran.

"I'm a sworn brother of the Night's Watch. I took an oath. We are to leave all loyalties and allegiance's behind when we accept those vows."

"That's your honor talking. If last I heard you aren't supposed to love a women either. Or is that Ros woman an exception?" she scoffed at him.

"You don't know what you're talking about. It's more complicated than that." James said now turning to look at her, starting to get angry. Wolfsblood…

"You're right James. I don't know what I'm talking about, I'm just a stupid little girl." she said rolling her eyes at him. James let out a sigh,

"No you are not Sansa. You are smart, beautiful, sweet, and kind. Any knight will be lucky to have you as their wife. However, you do have some growing up to do." he said looking at her with a smile.

"Don't we all." she said with a sigh. A few moment's of silence passed when she leaned in and whispered.

"Jeyne told me what happened in the godswood. I never thanked you for what you did. She has been quite happy lately, always smiling. But wasn't kissing her a bit unneccesary?" she said smiling up at James who just kept his stoic figure, but couldn't help but laugh.

"Is that what she told you? That I kissed her? I remember it being the other way around."

"Nope, she told me you went in and kissed her. Professing your love."

"Love, as a sister. Nothing more, she is a sweet person. Nothing will change that. Anyway sister, I've enjoyed our little conversation, but I have to go to the stables and prepare the horses. I'll see you and the rest of the family in the courtyard later to say our goodbyes." James said walking past her.

-x-

He made his way to the stables and started to prepare Lyanna for the long road ahead. Although the Wall wasn't far from Wintefell it still was quite the trip. Sometimes the road could be dangerous, the queen's gift and Brandon's gift sometimes filled with creatures like shadowcats and wolves. Which one always had to keep an eye out for. James often heard stories of men eaten at night by a shadowcat, or sometimes packs of whole entire wolves would take down horses and steal them off. The road was dangerous, and it being on him and Jon would make it even harder. James liked to ride whole days taking little respites, but now he had to take him into consideration. They'd have to pack more food, which would slow them down, not to mention Jon's direwolf Ghost.

Atleast he can protect us if thing's went wrong, but he often just stray's away and does what he want's, he isn't as loyal to Jon as Greywind or Summer are to Robb and Bran.

He was scrubbing Lyanna's fur, when suddenly a voice came from behind.

"James, you look quite good in black, yet that hair is just too messy. Get's in your face." the mysterious person said. Ros?

James turned around to find Cersei standing there. She was wearing a gold dress with her bodice laced in crimson. Hair let loose around her shoulders. Majestically flowing down. Her demeanor was calm and she held her hands in the front.

"I hate that you're leaving so early." she continued.

James said nothing, thought's of their sexual encounter still fresh in his mind. He finally turned to face her, knowing it'd be rude to ignore the Queen.

"I'm sorry to disappoint your grace, but I most do so. The wall is calling." he said now looking at her. She flashed him a smile.

"Ah, I see. Robert told me you had honor, you're just like your father. A soldier, who takes his orders and carries on." she said looking at him. Tightening her lips when she got closer to him, standing close enough to kiss him, she however restrained.

"I don't regret last night. I regret many things, but that wasn't one of them."

James just gave her an empty stare before looking down at his feet. Hands now in his pockets.

"My queen…."

"Cersei…" she said smiling at him. "You may call me Cersei when nobody is around, I've told you many times before."

"Aye, ok Cersei. Why me?" James finished.

"Because your handsome and I wanted you, I'm in a loveless marriage. The queen always gets what she wants. Need there be any other reason?" Cersei said as James felt her hand brush against his lower back, than he began to laugh, her face grew into a look of confusion.

"Did I say something funny?" she asked putting her hands at her side.

"Handsome….surely you don't expect me to believe that. You'd lay with me because I'm handsome. I don't think so…" James said

"Why would I lie? I speak the truth. Since I got here I've found you attractive. I felt something missing in my life, but last night sparked something in me…something I hadn't felt in a long time." she finished than leaned in closer. James retracted from her,

"Why do you retract? I'm not gonna kiss you in front of everyone, I just wanted to say I hope you can make it to King's Landing one day. I'd like to see you. Would you like to see me? We could walk in the garden." she said winking.

"Aye that'd be nice. Maybe one day." James said before Cersei motioned to his horse

"Lovely horse, what's it's name?" Cersei asked petting her neck.

"Lyanna. The finest horse in all of Westeros." James responded petting her behind the ear.

"Lyanna….huh." Cersei said looking upset, glaring at the floor, her lip curling.

"Well James, I shall surely miss you. And I do hope to see you again. Goodbye." she said with a bit of anger in her voice.

Cersei turned her heel and as soon as she had appeared, was gone. James than turned around to face Lyanna again when he saw Jon standing there with his horse. Provisions packed in and ready. Looking some what sad, yet happy. Looking as if he was at peace; a weight lifted off his shoulder's. He than took in a deep breath, pointing at James.

"Ready to go say goodbye?" he said with one hand on his horses rein. Ghost was standing behind him, already grown a considerable amount. His fur was white as snow, eyes red as blood. James got down to pet the direwolf,

"Only if you and Ghost are. Let's hope they are all there." James said still petting Ghost.

He than stood back up and they both walked their horses to the courtyard. All of their family was present in the center, including Jeyne. James and Jon tied the horses to the south gate and walked back, facing their family. All were present except Bran. James was quite calm, having going through this many a time before, he never got too emotional. This was Jon's first time, he was trying to look stoic, as if he was channeling the Starks of old. James spotted his father who was standing behind Sansa while holding his mothers hand. He hadn't seen him since their 'disagreement' last night. There was some animosity between them and James couldn't bear to look at him.

He was about to speak when he saw a figure standing well behind them, combining with the crowd, staring him down. Kissed by fire. Finally the woman who was haunting his dreams had appeared. It was Ros, she was standing there in a blue woolen cloak with the hood pulled up over her head, a grey dress underneath, a few strands of red hair falling over her face. She immediately flashed him a smile that pulled him towards her, like a bee to honey.

James than walked towards his family, but just walked through them, as if parting them like water. They all stared at him as he walked by them towards her, knowing the moment had finally come. He was happy to see her, but he knew what he had to do, break her heart. James couldn't be with her and her with him. He pulled down her hood and hugged her, she continued to smile when James finally took her hands in his, while his family stood behind him, all looking at them both intently. I don't care, let them watch. At this point I just don't care…

"Is that Ros? The woman he loves. She is beautiful." James heard Sansa ask Arya as he just looked at Ros in those green eyes.

"I don't know. But I'd imagine it is." Arya said not even facing Sansa, still facing James.

Ros began to speak,

"Still wearing black I see. It'd be nice if you'd cut that shaggy hair. That beard is coming in nicely though." she said pushing a strand behind his ear like she always did.

"Word in Wintertown was that you were leaving back to the Wall today. I had to come visit you. I had to see you one last time." she said now looking at their hands intertwined.

Yet no smile pulled at James's face and Ros could tell.

"What's wrong? Aren't you happy to see me? James…" she asked, looking in his eyes, searching for an answer. James lifted their hands and kissed the back of hers.

"Of course I'm happy to see you." he said giving her a half smile.

"Something is wrong. What is it? You can tell me." she said still looking him in the eyes. James took a deep breath.

"Ok, first I want you to know that I love you, always have. Since that first day I met you when I was fourteen, to when we were in the godswood two days ago." James began solemnly.

"Oh, I love you too." she said as she stood up on her feet to kiss him quickly on the lips. His family was still looking but he could hear Sansa gasp.

"But….gods this isn't easy." James said holding back tears, staring at her with a smile. She stroked his face with her hand. Cupping his cheek.

"But what?" Ros asked smiling.

"But….I can't see you anymore."

"Well of course silly, you're going back to the Wall. But I'll see you when you come back. I promise." Ros said kissing him again, quickly. James took another deep breath and continued,

"No…I can't see you anymore in Winterfell, or Wintertown, in Moat Cailin or at the Stony Shore I can't' see you anywhere. Not anymore. I can't hurt you." James said staring at his feet. Taking her hand in his again.

"Hurt me? What are you saying? What do you mean you can't see me?" Ros asked now looking sad.

"I can't see you anymore. This….whatever this is….can never be. I can't pretend anymore, I'm a man of the Night's Watch, I can never marry or have children. I can't give you what you want." James said staring into the sea of green in her eyes.

"What do you mean….I can't believe what your saying. Don't you love me?" she said now retracting from his touch. Tears welling in her eyes.

"More than you'll ever know. But this is over. I'm sorry Ros, but this is over. This will be the last time I shall see you."

Tears began flowing down her face, the look on her face turned to anger. She said nothing for a few seconds but than exploded,

"Others take you James Stark! May the Others take you! I don't ever want to see your face again!" Ros yelled at him. Soon more than one person was looking at them. James put a finger over his mouth, begging her to be quiet.

"You promised you'd never leave me! You told me you loved me! All of those lies. Just like this damn bracelet." she yelled as she ripped the silver Stark bracelet off her wrist and threw it down into the mud.

"Ros…." James said reaching out for her with is hand, when she swiped it away. Her red hair a mess now, eyes swollen red, tear stains down her face.

"No, don't touch me. I'm a fool to have ever believed you loved me. I regret laying with you six years ago. I regret lying down on the floor of the Godswood with you, asking question's of the stars. I regret sneaking into your chambers at night, as we'd talk each other to sleep. And most of all, I regret ever loving you. I'm a damned fool for doing so. Goodbye, James Stark this is the last time you'll be seeing me." she said staring him in the eyes before she turned around walked away. James took in each step, only having her memory.

James than sank to his knees and let out a big sigh. He buried his face in his hands and than looked up to the sky releasing a big sigh as he ran his hands through his hair. The silver Stark bracelet was staring at him from the dirt, when he picked it up and wiped the mud off. It rested in the palm of his hand, as he looked at it, just staring. Than he placed it on his wrist when, suddenly he felt hands resting on his shoulders when he realized it was his dad.

"You did the right thing." he said as James just sat there in the mud.

"Than why does it feel so wrong." James said under his breath.

He wanted to run back to her. Tell her how much he loved her, that he had made a big mistake. That he wanted to run away with her far away; where nobody could find them. They could have children and live out there days. But it was folly, it could never be. Him a crow and her a whore.

He than stood up and wiped the mud off his knees. Turning to face his family. Sansa and his mother had expressions of sadness. As did Arya to a certain extent. Robb gave him a curt nod. James walked by his father and made his way past them not acknowledging what just happened. Tears were beginning to form in his eyes as he even walked past Jon, who was standing there staring at him. James suddenly turned to the walls and set his hands against them. His head bowed down so his family couldn't see him shedding any tears, who were still there looking. Wanting to help him. I have to be strong….

Out of the corner of his eye he could see his mother approaching when he just turn around and ran to the only place he knew he could be alone. The Godswood.

-x-

James approached the entrance and walked through. I've been here everyday now, and I see why people come here. To collect their thoughts, leave the world for a while. He made his way to the weirwood, like his father before him he sat down and stared at the black pool. Taking in the view and collecting his thoughts. I had to do it, I would've broken her heart anyhow. It's for the best. The tears welling up in his eyes were gone and he began to relax. He looked forward as his arms were resting upon his knees, his back against the heart tree. In front of him he saw the red leaf of the heart tree fall down to his feet, he took it in his hand and examined it. For the first time in awhile James prayed, he never was a godly man, but today was different. He closed his eyes and prayed for strength; strength to see these things out, strength for his father in King's Landing, and for her to have a happy life.

Suddenly he opened his eyes and saw his siblings standing next to him. All of them had come here to see him, even Jeyne who was just smiling. Robb and Jon were there, Arya too. Rickon didn't show up, too young to understand what he'd just seen. Bran was missing as still.

"We wanted to make sure you were ok." Sansa said walking towards him and sitting herself down next to him. Soon the rest followed suit and they were all sitting in a big circle in front of the heart tree.

"You did the right thing James. There is no harm in doing one's duty." Robb said, looking passive at him.

"Huh…the right thing….duty." James scoffed picking blades of grass off the ground with his fingers.

"She was very pretty! I can see why you liked her. And you know I don't like to talk about all that mushy stuff." said Arya grabbing a handful of grass in her hands. James felt a smile tugging at his face hearing her say that.

"I had to admit I was jealous of her James. She got to kiss you." Jeyne said with a smile. Arya than looked at her with a face of disgust.

"She was beautiful. I grieve for you guys. It isn't fair." Sansa said placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Life isn't fair little sister."

"Must've been a hard thing to do. I don't know if I could've gone through with that. Especially in the middle of the courtyard." Jon said, his face looking down at the ground.

"I'm sure father and mother were happy about that." James said.

"Actually they aren't mad. Mother was quite sad for you James, she doesn't like seeing you hurt." Robb said.

"Things will get better. You'll see." Jeyne replied.

"I hope so. Anyway, thank you for this guys. I feel much better now." James said, when his siblings than all hugged him. Just like they did in his room when he told them the story about Lyanna all those years ago. Jon and Jeyne however were standing when Arya grabbed him by the hand and pulled him down to join the hug and James motioned Jeyne to join too. They eventually retracted and stood up to clean themselves.

"Alright, so me and Jon must get going, we have a lot of ground to cover before it get's dark." James said, when he saw them give him solemn faces.

"We don't want you guys to go." Arya said looking at him.

"I know, but we have to. We have no other choice."

James and his siblings made there way out of the Godswood, and towards the courtyard. All walking side by side, when James turned to Jeyne who was walking next to him.

"So I hear that you've been telling people about that kiss in the Godswood last night, and that it was me who kissed you. If I remember correctly, you kissed me first." James whispered to hear as he noticed a blush creep on her face.

"I…I might've." she said looking embarrassed.

"Don't worry, just don't tell Sansa anymore secrets. Girl can't keep a secret." he said smiling when finally they arrived in the courtyard.

His mother and father standing there talking to Robert who had probably just woken up. They were talking, and him and Ned were laughing, when they turned around and noticed them. All were smiling.

"Shame you have to leave today Black Wolf. Could've heard more of your stories." Robert said laughing. Oh and do I have a story for you...

"I have to your grace. Duty calls." James replied.

"Indeed it does. Well, good bye lad." he said shaking James's hand before he turned around and walked off.

Than him and Jon both untied their horses and walked them towards the courtyard. Standing side by side they faced they're family.

"Well this is it. I'm off yet again, Jon too, good bye. Hope to see you all soon." James began when Ned was the first to approach him, taking him in for an embrace.

"Good bye, son. I'm sorry for what I said last night. You know I love you and you're always welcome home." he said

"I understand father. You're under a lot of stress." James said

Than he saw Arya hugging Jon. Robb did too and than so did Jeyne and even Sansa. Which surprised James, his mother of course didn't pay him any mind. Even in these last moments she would not acknowledge Jon. Where is Bran?

Than they turned their attention on James. Sansa hugged him, than followed by Robb.

"Good luck Robb. Or should I say my Lord." James said to Robb who just laughed. Than Arya jumped into his arms, placing her head on his shoulder.

"So long Arya, try not to get into too much trouble in King's Landing."

"I won't. I'll miss you." she said

"I'll miss you too. One last thing, try not to stab Sansa with that sword of yours." James smiled at her and felt a grin form on her face in his shoulder.

"I've named it Needle. I'll do needlework with it. Except, not the kind with thread." she said as James laughed and put her down. Finally his mother approached and hugged him.

"Be careful James. Come back soon, you know we all love you." she said as she kissed him on the cheek and stood back standing next to his father.

James reached into his pockets, when he noticed something was missing. His hand was reaching around to look for it. His flower, the one Lyanna gave him. Did I misplace it? Leave it in my room? He said now frantically looking in both his pockets. He than turned around and looked through his knapsack on his horse.

"What are you looking for James?" his father asked.

"My flower."

"What flower?" Arya asked looking at him confused.

"The one Aunt Lyanna gave me. My good luck charm." James asked frantically still looking.

"Did you leave it in your room?" Catelyn asked.

"No, I always keep it in my pocket."

That's when it donned on him. Bran has it…That's right I gave it to him when he spared Tommen. I've got to find him.

"I left it with Bran! Where is he?" James asked looking at his family.

"He is probably still in the practice yard. Go check." said Robb.

James started to run when he heard Jon speak,

"But we've got to leave James!" he yelled. James than turned around,

"I know. It will only take a minute."

James than run under the bridge that connected the Armory and the Great Keep, and then into the First Keep. Knowing it was quicker to get to the practice yard from there. He looked up at the First Keep, it's gargoyles staring up at him when he noticed a tiny figure up on it's window. The battered old tower casting a majestic shadow. It was Bran. He looked visibly distressed when James saw him. It looked like he was sticking to the wall, that's when he saw that a hand was holding him. James ran to the bottom of the First Keep looking at him from under, but couldn't see the figure, he put his hands over his eyes to see. Just a hand holding up Bran, the hand had a sleeve with the color gold on it. Jaime?

"Bran!" James yelled.

When suddenly and without warning he saw Bran falling down towards him.

"BRAN!" he screamed running under to try and catch him.

Bran hit him in the chest as he fell into James arms. They both fell slammed hard against the ground when everything went black...

AN: Wow that was the longest chapter I've written. Anyway hope you liked it. It was joy to write, especially the scene between him and Ros. I listened to Angie by the Rolling Stones when I wrote it. Pretty fun.