Brynden Rivers 292 A.C

It had taken both Brynden and Jason a few days to notice the raven following them. The fact that it now either flew above them or perched itself on Brynden's shoulder seemingly proof to his father's claims. Using the book as his guide Brynden had also become much surer in his warg status and despite near constant practice while they travelled, he could still not manage to see through the raven's eyes or speak to it at all. There was simply a vague presence in the back of his mind that Brynden attributed to the raven he had named for his father, Tytos.

Jason was surprisingly unbothered by Brynden's new companion, while he knew it was not natural the boy seemed to have some level of control and that was enough to put his mind at ease. They'd stopped minimally on their journey and had spoken even less. The boy clearly still not over the death of his father and Jason had smiled when he was told the raven's name.

Something they had spoken of however; was the story they were going to have to spin upon arriving in Winterfell. The heir to a Lordly house travelling north with a single guardian not something commonly seen in Westeros. It was here that Brynden had surprised the older man with his wit.

Brynden suggested that the news of his father's death would not have reached Winterfell anytime before they arrived and as such the duo could utilise the power his name afforded them. More than that Ned Stark would still be away fighting in The Iron Islands meaning the true power in Winterfell lay with Catelyn Stark formerly known as Catelyn Tully. The daughter of the Riverland's Lord Paramount. This was something that gave them some room to manoeuvre.

It hadn't been long before they entered the north and the pair had both been enraptured by the white covered valleys and hills that made up the kingdom. They'd purchased some winter coats from a small village they'd passed through in order to combat the weather that was becomingly increasingly bitter. Jason's was a deep brown that allowed him to cover up his armour, something he'd noticed having given him more attention than he'd like. On the other hand, Brynden's was a dark black similar to his hair that now stretched to just above his shoulders.

The bandage over his eye had been removed about halfway through the journey and while the scar across his left eye was visible it had healed well. Brynden was glad of it as it allowed him to join Jason in hunting for food, his archery becoming something he was increasingly proud of.

The journey had lasted a few moons, but finally the duo had arrived. The mighty stone walls being even more imposing in person than they had been during his flight. Two riders came out to meet them and once giving them his name one turned and raced back to the castle presumably to announce their arrival to Lady Stark. Brynden prayed that word of his father's death had not spread so soon.

The pairs hearts pounded as they came through the large gates of Winterfell and their eyes widened at the small crowd that had gathered to greet them. What Brynden assumed was the Stark family stood front and centre ready to greet them, at the head was a tall and slender woman, with long auburn hair and blue eyes, Tully traits from his father's descriptions. Next in line was one of the boys from his flight that he'd attacked. His heart sunk and he whispered to himself. "Of course it had to be the heir of Winterfell."

Carrying on the line was a small girl probably a few years younger than himself with her hair done similarly to her mother's and the eyes of all three matched. The only one who didn't match the Tully description was the youngest girl who couldn't have been older than Edmund back home, a thought which brought a sour feeling to his heart.

Brynden dismounted from his horse with Jason following suit and the pair approached the Starks before bowing. "Lady Stark, it is an honour."

She smiled down at him. "Thankyou. Brynden isn't it?"

"Yes My Lady, Brynden Blackwood."

"House Blackwood was always a faithful supporter of my family Lord Brynden and I welcome you to my home, perhaps you will join me for a chat after our introductions?"

"My Lady, that sounds delightful. My father always told me how welcoming House Tully was and I'm glad to see you still hold such values."

Lady Stark's face brightened immensely before she gestured to the boy at her side. "This is my son and heir of Winterfell, Robb."

Now both boys were stood but 5 yards from one another Brynden allowed himself to take measure of Robb. He was shorter than himself but while Brynden was taller and slender the boy was stocky and clearly spent lots of time on the practice field. Once he'd finished glancing over the boy he held his hand out in greeting.

"Lord Robb, it's good to meet you."

Robb accepted his handshake. "Lord Brynden, I have heard stories of your father, he's very much a man I'd like to meet."

Brynden felt his mask start to slip and the smile only faltered for a second but he worried Lady Stark had seen it. Thankfully she was glancing curiously at Jason who so far had not said a word. Brynden quickly corrected his mistake and moved down the line. The next girl gave a perfect curtsy and held her hand out.

"My name is Sansa My Lord."

Brynden kissed her hand and bowed. "Lady Sansa, you are as pretty as I'd heard."

The girl went a deep shade of red before stammering out a thanks. The next Stark child stepped forward and instead of curtsying got straight to the point.

"Who are you?"

Lady Stark face fell. "Arya Stark! How dare you treat our guests in such a way. Do as I've taught you!"

The little girl frowned but curtsied, poorly in comparison to her sister. "Arya Stark, My Lord."

"A pleasure Lady Arya, call me Brynden."

The little girl gave him a small smile before taking her place beside her family once more. With introductions over the crowd dispersed leaving the Starks, Brynden and Jason essentially alone in the courtyard.

Lady Stark turned to her children. "Off to your lessons now children, allow me to speak to Lord Blackwood."

Robb gave him a short nod before walking round the side of the keep, Sansa, still beet red, gave a small smile and then turned and quickly strode away back into the keep itself with little Arya being dragged behind her. Brynden smiled at the sight. The first true smile he'd had in a while. Jason shared in his Lord's smile but for different reasons. It appears we made the right choice coming here, he thought to himself.

"If you wouldn't mind following me My Lord."

Brynden responded. "Of course Lady Stark."

The trio entered the keep. Brynden marvelled at the size of it, the size of this place was truly incredible. For a boy who'd never left home before, this was a pleasant first stop he thought. Together they'd followed Lady Stark all the way to a room deep within the keep.

"While he's been away I've been using my husband's solar to host meetings and visits. I hope it is to your liking."

Brynden smiled in response. "Of course My Lady, it would be a pleasure to talk to you no matter the setting."

Lady Stark's smile widened before she entered the solar and took her seat in the chair usually reserved for the Lord of the House. She glanced briefly at Jason. "Would it not be better to have this chat alone My Lord."

Brynden's eyes widened. "Of course My Lady, Jason wait outside, I doubt there will be much for me and Lady Stark to clear up."

Jason nodded and left the room, his trust in his Lord clear.

Brynden took his seat opposite Lady Stark and they both remained silent for a moment.

"We did not receive a raven about your arrival My Lord."

Brynden feigned surprise. "The bird must have got lost on it's way here My Lady, you know how fickle raven's can be, perhaps it was not best suited to the cold of the north."

"Strange, we've never had problems with the raven's here My Lord."

"Then perhaps your maester is better than mine own. The raven's we keep have been bred and born in the Riverlands My Lady, they barely fly north of the twins, let alone into the heart of the north. Furthermore perhaps a predator killed the bird, either way I saw the maester launch the bird myself."

Lady Stark nodded, seemingly satisfied. "How come you have made the journey here My Lord, not that you're not welcome of course, just a curiosity of mine."

"My Lady, I've been eager to travel and see the lands of Westeros for some time now and usually my father would have held me back at Raventree Hall, but I was lucky enough to convince him that I would be safe and secure with the daughter of his Liege Lord looking over me. That and my father respects your husband very much My Lady. I expect your eager for him to return?"

"Of course My Lord, I pray for Lord Stark's safe return every day. I received word a few days before you arrived that the fighting is nearly over and he expects to be back within the next two moons."

Brynden beamed. "Excellent My Lady, I had hoped to meet Lord Stark during my stay here. I am glad to get the chance, that is of course, if I am allowed to stay?"

Lady Stark smiled at the boy. "Of course Lord Blackwood, I will endeavour to live up to the loyalty your house has shown my father's. I'll send for someone to take you to your new room. Your guard is alright staying in the barracks I assume?"

Brynden nodded. "I thank you for your generosity My Lady."

"Perhaps while you're here you would like to spend some time with my son, I expect he's training now, the servant shall take you there after your seeing you to your room."

"I think that would be nice Lady Stark."

Jaime Lannister 292 A.C

He stripped himself of his armour enjoying the feeling of freedom its absence provided. Finally the battle was over and the stupid rebellion quashed. Did the squids truly think they could take on the combined might of nearly all seven kingdoms? Robert's reign was not that fickle he thought to himself. This barren pile of rocks that he'd had to live on for the last 10 moons hadn't stood a chance.

His father may have held back the Lannister forces during the Robert's rebellion but now that the new king was married to Cersei there would be no chance of Tywin Lannister taking his claws off the iron throne. To make matter worse the stupid reavers had attacked Lannisport. So now Balon Greyjoy sits a shattered throne, two of his son's dead and the third to be held hostage by Ned Stark. An honour the wolf's friendship with Robert provided him Jaime laughed.

Jaime had thrived during his time here. The fighting being the only substitute for the constant pain in the young man's heart. Ever since he'd failed his prince his nights had been filled with terrors and the words of Rhaegar echoed in his mind. 'Look after my family ser Jaime, things will change when I return'. Instead Rhaegar had rode out to meet Robert on the trident and had been smashed to pieces by the brute's giant hammer. His father's role in what followed was something he knew he could never forgive him for. Before his thoughts could overtake him a call came from his tent door.

"Ser Jaime, the king wishes to see you." A small boy stammered.

"Very well lad, I'll be there in a minute."

Upon entering the king's tent he knew this was not going to be an ordinary meeting, the king, for once, did not look drunk and Ned Stark faced him with pity. How dare the wolf look at him with pity. Before Jaime's anger could get the better of him the king spoke. Low and quiet unlike his usual jovial or angry self.

"I have received word from Harlaw Ser Jaime, I know no other way to say this than, your father… he's died."

Jaime's vision threatened to go black and the rest of the conversation had been a blur. Nothing could disperse the thought that his father, Lord Tywin Lannister of Casterly Rock, the lion of Lannisport, killed by a damn iron born. Apparently some foolish reavers had led an ambush on the Lannister's camp and struck his father unawares. His breathing grew shallow and his legs threatened to collapse under him. Jaime fell but quickly grabbed onto the table for support. As he turned to leave he heard the king start to speak.

"We need to…"

Stark interrupted "Not now your grace."

And for the first time Jaime felt something other than contempt for the man. It was later on in the evening when the news truly started to sink in, his father was gone. Instead of there being pain or grief Jaime only felt relief. His father was a monster, he'd known that for a long time and the events of the rebellion only proved it further. He remembered it vividly. The three bodies covered in Lannister banners, all three coated in blood. One larger and the other two much smaller, they were only children. Jaime felt his stomach stir at the memory and rushed outside to empty the contents of his stomach into an open field beside his tent. Ser Jaime Lannister, 'The Kingslayer' on his hands and knees, he thought bitterly.