Age 5
The squirrel twitched in five-year-old Trina's hands as she and Tammy followed Michael back to the cottage. They followed him on a hunt, and their uncle successfully caught a stag. It would feed them for a month.
The squirrel's leg was broken and her belly was full of baby squirrels. How she found herself in that position was a wonder. Michael said she had a kind heart to care for the critter. Tammy agreed but, knowing her cousin, Trina probably had other intentions for the squirrel.
Trina could always be found with small animals, asking question after question. Picking them apart when they died, forcing her aunt Betty or mother to write down her observations. Nan had learned to read at Raventree Hall as a girl. The woman was the handmaiden to Lord Starks Grandmother. She, later on, taught her children to read, then Tysha. Now Tammy and Trina learned.
The family found Trina to be a bit strange; Worried that the child was born mad. Nan was always quick to hush their whispers; the Gods blessed her with a curious mind. Tammy was her biggest supporter. Often the girls could be found running around the cottage, around the walls of Winterfell, terrorizing the locals of Crofters village, or being scolded by their mothers.
Tammy and Trina were both portly children. Their elders said they would grow to be shapely women, not that the two understood. Tammy always looked after Trina. The little cousin could be rude, curt, and arrogant. Her gifted mind gave her a lack of charm; Trina often rubbed others the wrong way. It was always up to Tammy to teach Trina to be nice to people. Unfortunately, Trina could only be cordial.
"Come lasses, it will be good for you to watch me cut this beast." He threw it on the table at the side of the cottage. "You'll be learning it for yourselves before long."
Tammy sat on a stool next to her uncle, and she drummed against the stool"Watchers of the night, a dying candle flame.. hmm" Brave Danny Flint seemed to be a song that Uncle Michael liked to hear after he came home from the Greyjoy Rebellion. Said he knew women like Danny Flint and the Ironborn were evil sons of bitches.
Trina walked to the back of the house with her squirrel. Little Rog built her a large cage when he came back from the Greyjoy Rebellion last moon. She placed the squirrel inside and pulled it next to where Tammy sat, though she continued into her home to grab more items. "Auntie Betty, I need ribbons, cloth, and leather."
Katie sat at the table cutting potatoes. Betty stood around a makeshift mannequin. She was a skilled Seamstress, Uncle Rog would bring home fabrics. And Betty would make pretty gowns, cloaks, and blankets. Uncle Rog would then take all her labor and sell it on his travels. "Well afternoon to you too, child." She said, smiling with a quirk on her brow. Her niece was curt and no-nonsense. As beautiful and brilliant as she would be, Trina was not born with manners or charm.
"Afternoon Auntie Betty" she sighed "We found a pregnant squirrel with a broken foot. I want to make her feel better. When will you be done, Auntie Katie? I need you to write down what I see."
"I'll be done soon, Trina. Why do you want to see what happens?" Katies asked as she stood grabbing the items that Trina needed.
Trina contemplated the question. She always wanted to know why things happened the way they happened. Why were women, women? Why were men, men? How were fabrics made? Why did it snow? Why did they need to eat? Why did they need to poo? The questions never stopped and once her elders started to respond that they didn't know, Trina decided it was best to find out herself.
Her mother said questions started when she was two. At three she began to wonder on her own to inspect everything in her touch. At Four Trina understood the idea of organization and research, storing her creatures in groves and forcing her mother and aunt to record her observations. Tammy always enjoyed going along with Trina, never complaining as long as Trina let her sing. Not that Trina minded, Tammy had a beautiful voice and she in turn enjoyed her cousins' company and gift.
"Dunno" Trina shrugged "The head cook in Winterfell, Isla, died in childbed. I saw mummy holding her boy. He wasn't that big. And Nan said he came out normal. Isla shouldn't have died. But she was fat. Very fat and-"
"That isn't nice" Katie said with a small smirk
"But it's true." Trina huffed. She suffered enough of Tammy and her mother forcing her to mince her words. She shouldn't have to do so in her home. "I just think well-well what if she wasn't-well I don't know the word for it. She was too fat and didn't move much for her body to be- well I dunno"
"Her body wasn't fit enough?" Betty smiled handing her the items. "I don't move much. I birthed two big babes. Nan never worked hard labor like your mother; she birthed me, Hodor, and Travis."
"Aye, but yer not fat like Isla was. And her husband and brother died in the war. Nan says she was really sad. Animals like horses and goats birth babes with hooves. They don't usually die as much as I see women die. And Isla liked to eat a lot. You, mummy, Auntie Katie, and Nan don't eat as much. Were any of yer sad when yer belly was full?"
Betty and Katie laughed. Watching the girl grab nuts and a blanket from under her bed. "Yer mother was sad when she first got here but we made sure to keep her busy. Fill her with laughs. She had a long labor but it wasn't hard."
"She was sad? Why?" Trina walked towards the door.
"Tysha missed home in the south. Some evil men took her mummy, daddy, and yer daddy away. She came North to be with her family." Betty walked to the door and held it open for her niece. "You've made her very happy."
Trina smiled. There was no one she loved more than her mummy. "Good. I'll make sure yer write all this down later Auntie Katie. I want to be with Tammy and Uncle Michael now."
Betty laughed closing the door behind Trina. The little girl was so curt. It was hard to see the girls as children sometimes. Trina was a blunt child with a strange mind, and Tammy was like a mother. Always guiding Trina in the right direction, scolding her cousin as if she were so much older. They were little women already.
"I think Nan's right about Trina you know. The girl is truly gifted." Katie said returning to her potatoes.
—-
Trina walked back to where Tammy and Michael were. He skinned half the stag and was beginning to flip it to its other side. Tammy had begun singing the Bear and the Maiden fair.
Trina laid the blanket down and placed the items on top, pulling the cage close to her. She hummed along to the song as she dropped the nuts into the crate. The squirrel eyed it wearily as she limped over to take them. Shaking and prying them open. Trina continued until the squirrel allowed herself to be petted. After a while, she opened the cage and picked up the creature. She pressed on the leg noticing how the bone stuck out of place. It was strange. The squirrel cried out and wiggled, but it didn't deter Trina. She inspected it further.
"You're hurting it, Trina" Tammy scolded
"Shush, she's already hurt." Trina scowled. "Come, keep her still. I'm gonna straighten her leg and wrap it."
Tammy huffed climbing off the stool. Marching over to Trina and following directions. Michael stopped what he was doing to watch. As Tammy held down the squirrel, Trina continued pressing on the leg. She attempted as best she could to straighten it like the other hind leg. "Don't push so hard on her belly Tammy. Yer gonna smush the babes." She said wrapping the leather around the leg.
"Well, she won't stay still. I don't want her to bite me."
Trina rolled her eyes. She laced the leather with ribbon and grabbed more nuts giving it the squirrel. "You can let her go now. Her legs bend back so that she can climb. I tried to get this one the same as the other. That way she can still get food when she's all better."
Tammy let go sitting beside Trina. "Yer think that'll help?"
"Aye, I'll let her out in a few days to see if she can walk right."
Michael sat looking perplexingly at the pair. It wasn't natural for children to be able to do things as Trina did. Even Highborns weren't as smart as his niece. Though Tysha did say the imp had a smart head. The women said the Gods sang when Trina was born. They prayed over her and the Gods spoke back. Didn't make much sense, why would the Gods sing when a little bastard girl from the West was born? But the proof was here, Trina had been blessed, as had Tammy. "You've done well lass. You'll be a healer one day, I reckon."
"I don't wanna just heal, Uncle Michael. I wanna go around the world and learn new things. Me and Tammy. That's how it'll be."
"Yeah, you learn and I'll sing. Uncle Rog will teach us how to sail. Then we'll meet handsome men and have pretty babes like mummy and Auntie Tysha." Tammy gushed
Michael laughed "It's a nice dream"
"It's not a dream. It will happen." Trina said. "We will work towards it."
"Aye, you will." Michael sighed returning to the stag. "Make sure yer keep the squirrel locked up tight. Less yer want it running around like you had the last one. Yer mother cuff yer ears again."
Trina nodded "Okay Uncle Michael. I'll name her Issy. After Isla. I need to remember all this. Auntie Katie will need to write it all down."
Age 7
Trina walked along the path to the kitchens with Tysha excitedly. It was morning before even dawn broke. Her Nan had taken her to Maester Luwin and pushed the man to take little Trina on as his page. Today would be her first day.
Tysha was promoted to head cook and worked from dawn till dusk to keep the Warden in the North happily fed. Tysha was even able to sit at the table with the Lord of Winterfell's last moon. Lord Stark always allowed his subservient to his table, he liked to get to know them. Hear their troubles or their views of his Lordship. Tysha had convinced him to purchase spices from Uncle Rog who got them from Dorne. The Stark family like the added flavor to their diet. The Banesmen were happy with the extra income.
Trina's experiment with Issy the squirrel was successful. Nursing the leg back to health, building a nest in a nearby tree, and climbing it to see when she would birth her babes. The squirrel was wobbly and she didn't run as fast as a normal squirrel but her leg worked better than if it healed without Trina's help. The babes birthed fine. She would get up every morning to wait for her to give birth. Watch as Issy climbed down and hunted and ran around before climbing back up to her nest.
She continued her research. She would drag Tammy to the crofter field and examine the livestock. He didn't like her much. But as long as Tammy was there to be charming, he didn't mind Trina helping around and bothering his animals. Tammy would drag Trina to the village. They met a healer there, Sara. She took a liking to Trina's curiosity. The girls would be seen following Sara about as she got on along with the day's work. Making salves, helping the sick, and learning about different herbs and trees. Trina was beginning to find her place. Michael had begun to court Sara. Everything was becoming like one of the pretty songs that Tammy liked to sing.
Sara had even allowed Trina to use her own ideas on the women. Making them walk and stretch as she had seen the men in the training yard of Winterfell. Feeding them a hearty amount of vegetables. And Sara explained that a pregnant woman felt less strained in water, Trina suggested babes be birthed in water or squatting like when they pooed. Four successful, quick births; compared to the three that did not follow Trina's instructions. With Trina being a success, Nan took her straight to Maester Luwin, much to Tysha's annoyance.
The pair walked to the door and Tysha turned to Trina. "Remember your manners. This the home of the Highborn, none of that curtish nonsense of yours. Stay away from the Lord's children, Lady Stark isn't too kind to bastards. Women who follow the Seven think that you're evil and filled with lust."
Trina quirked her brow. "That doesn't make sense mummy. How can I be bad just from being born?"
"It doesn't make sense but it gives Highborn women the excuse to send bastards away from their true-born children. Makes them feel better about themselves. Do you have all your notes?" Tysha grabbed the pouch looking through it. "Good"
"I checked it three times before we went to pray last night." Trina scowled. Her face broke into a smile "I'm so happy, mummy. I'll be able to read all the texts in Winterfell. And Maester Luwin will be able to teach me so much. And he can write to the citadel about how clever I am. I may be able to go there when I'm big."
It was now Tysha's turn to scowl. "The citadel would force you to stay there as septa. The Faith will take credit for all your learnings. That means no traveling, no meeting handsome boys, no pretty dresses, no climbing, no more Tammy."
"Well I'll marry before I go" Trina huffed.
Tysha laughed, shaking her head. Trina was a Lion. Prideful, arrogant, and ambitious. Things were done how she intended for it to be done. Or it would be hell to pay. She was like Tywin in that regard. It took her family to shake that out of her. Life will never go exactly how you want it. You must adjust to whatever life hands you.
"Okay, child. Behave and have a good day. I'm sure you and Tammy will have much to talk about when your days are done. Come to the kitchens when you're done. I love you."
"I love you too mummy," Trina said rushing away. She climbed the tower where Nan led her to the day before. This would be the beginning of Her and Tammy's dream. Tammy was beginning to learn how to be a seamstress from Auntie Betty. Tammy would make all things she did. And then they would set sail with Uncle Rog.
Trina sat on the floor waiting for Maester Luwin to arrive. He woke early in the morning but as early as Tysha had to be up to prepare breakfast. She would have to wait a little longer. Trina closed her eyes, listening to the castle rise for the morning. She heard a scuffle and assumed it was a servant.
"Hello," the voice said making Trina open her eyes. A boy stood looking down at her. "Who are you?"
"I'm Trina Snow. Maester Luwins new page and apprentice." she beamed "Who're you?"
"A page? You're a girl and a bastard! How can you be an apprentice for a Maester?" His grey eyes widened. He had a long face but it was very pretty, he had shining grey eyes and jet-black hair that curled around the length of his face.
Trina scowled up at him. "Well, what does that have to with any of it? I'm smarter than you. Don't matter what I am. What's it to you? Are you a serving boy?"
The boy blushed sheepishly. "I'm Lord Starks son, Jon."
Trina's eyes went wide, she stood cursing silently. Her mother was going to skin her hide for being rude to a little Lord. Maester Luwin wouldn't want her anymore. She bowed "Apologies milord. My names Trina Snow. I didn't mean to be cross wi-"
"I'm not a lord," Jon spoke grabbing her hand and pulling her back up. "I'm a bastard like you. And I didn't mean to offend you. It's just- Maesters don't usually take girls on as apprentices. Why's he taken you on?"
"I've got a gifted mind. I've been learning about different things. And I apprentice with the healer in the Crofters Village. My Nan took me to Maester Luwin to learn more. And see what other things I can discover."
"Nan? Old Nan? How do you know her?"
"She's my great-grandmother. Her daughter Betty married my uncle Roger. Roger and my mummy's mummy were siblings. So Nan is my great-grandmother."
"Didn't know Nan had a family" Jon said "She's always here taking care of us."
"Aye. Aunt Betty and her brothers would play with your father and his siblings when they were little. But they had to stop after a while. They had to make friends with other highborns. Only Nan, Hodor, and my mummy work here."
"Your mother works here? As what? A handmaiden?" Jon asked
"No she's the head cook," Trina said proudly.
"Oh Tysha, I remember her. She had my father purchase spices from a merchant. The food has been wonderful."
"I'm glad you like it, Jon." She smiled. Jon liked her smile. "Hopefully Maester Luwin will be here soon."
"Well, it isn't light yet. He wakes up at first light. He'll be here after that." Jon said. "What sorts have you discovered?"
"Oh, all sorts of things." She said sitting down. "Come sit, I'll show you." The children sat looking over the different parchments. Jon watched Trina speak animatedly about her work.
"This is Vitex berries. It comes from a chaste tree." She said smiling at him. "Sara mixes primrose oil and blue roses to make tea. To help women keep babes."
Jon smiled back at her "You're very clever. I don't think even Maesters are this naturally clever."
Trina blushed. "Thank you. My cousin Tammy is the only other child who thinks I'm clever. Other people think I'm strange. They say I'm a witch." She frowned looking at the ground.
"I don't think you're a witch. The gods made you special. My father says the same about my sword fighting. I best everyone in the yard. Even the Greyjoy boy. He's two years older" he said, puffing out his chest.
She giggled at him "I think I've seen you train before. I wasn't paying much attention. I only liked to see the drills you do before your training. So I could make the women do it when they're with babe."
"See you're clever. A witch wouldn't learn that to help childbirth. They eat babies. You don't look like you eat babies" he laughed. Trina laughed along with him. He decided he liked her laugh.
They sat there a while longer getting to know each other, until they heard footsteps. Maester Luwin walked to the two. The children stood "Morning Maester Luwin"
"Good morning children. Jon, I see you've met my new apprentice."
"Yes, Trina's showed me some of what she's learned."
"Good, I hope the two of you become good friends." He smiled. "Go on Jon, it's time to break your fast. Lord Robb is looking for you."
Jon said his goodbyes to the pair, rushing away to the dining hall. Trina watched him leave, she liked her new friend.
"I like Jon. He's very nice." Trina said following Luwin into his study "What will be doing today? I want to learn as much as I can. I can't come every day because I still have to help Sara in the village. There's a man with upset bowls, and I must know how she intends to help him."
Maester Luwin chuckled as he watched the girl sitting at the front at his desk. "Yes, I know. Nan told me all about your findings and how you schedule yourself day to day. You'll meet me here every other day to learn. That gives you time to learn under Sara as well. Compare our techniques."
"What does compare and Technique mean?" She said
"Compare is to note the similarity or dissimilarity between things. The technique is a person's way of doing something."
"Yes, I understand" Tysha nodded along "like when the three women who didn't follow my techniques in their pregnancy. They had a rough and uncomfortable time and birthing; Compared to the four women who listened and had an easier time."
"Yes, unknowingly you conducted an experiment. An experiment is a way to prove whether an idea is true. You test the idea in one way and compare it to another way that is different from your idea. Thus, proving whether or not it will work."
Tysha stared wide-eyed. "Well, now I'm happy they didn't want to listen to me."
"Yes child, you were lucky. Now we don't have all day. I will have a lesson with the Lord's children later today. We will begin with Alchemy. And then Anatomy. Come along.
Trina floated through the keep as she made her way to the kitchens. Maester Luwin taught her the basics of Alchemy. From calcination to coagulation. Explaining everything about each subject. He gave her scrolls to write on, and even books about Alchemy and Anatomy. She would need a bigger satchel. It was a dream come true.
"What do we have here," a taller boy with ash brown hair said stepping directly in front of her. He stood with a boy who had dark red hair and blue eyes and Jon right next to him.
"Milords" Trina bowed. This could only be Lord Stark's other children. "Hello Jon. I'll be off to this kitchen now." She tried to walk around but the brown-haired boy stepped in front of her grabbing her satchel. "Give that back" Trina growled. Her mother was going to spank her bum bloody for speaking to a Lord like this but Trina was too angry to stop herself.
"Leave her alone Theon. She's the Maesters apprentice." Jon said trying to grab the satchel from him. Theon drew back and the satchel flew open, Trina's notes spread across the floor.
He picked up a parchment "What's this a squirrel? Servant girls shouldn't be learning from maesters. You should be emptying my chamber pot." He laughed.
"That's enough Greyjoy. She was just walking by" the little redhead lord said, picking up her satchel and handing it to her. Greyjoy? He was the Ironborn hostage. Nan said he was a difficult boy, but she was wrong… Theon Greyjoy was mean.
Theon wasn't finished. "I'm just having fun, Robb. What's wrong Snow? You want to hit me?" He was speaking to Jon but Trina answered
"Aye, I will if you don't give me my bloody notes, you filthy squid!" Other children always made fun of Trina but Tammy was always there to take up for her. There was no Tammy around to cool her temper. "Give it here!"
Theon's cocky smirk shifted to an ugly snarl. "Well, you're a freakish-looking fat bastard girl. Here if you really want it." He ripped the parchment in two, crumbling it and throwing it at her. Tears ran down Trina's face looking at it.
"Look she's crying. Teach you how to speak to your better-"
"Shut up. My Uncle Michael said you Ironborn are horrible. And the only reason why you frighten women, is because you're all scared little bitches who can't fight." Trina cried out, bending to pick up all her fallen parchment. "Serves your father right when Lord Stark threw him back into the Sea like the shriveled old scary squid he is" she finished pushing past him, rushing to the kitchens. Jon followed her.
Theon looked as if he'd been smacked. Robb roared with laughter at him, before stopping when a towering figure looked at them with stern eyes.
Trina burst through the door in tears. "Mummy! The Greyjoy boy! He, he-" She held her crumbled parchment in her hand.
Tysha rushed forward beckoning another to cook to finish what she was working on. "Oh, my little Trina. What happened?" Kneeling to hug her.
Trina held up the content in her hand. She choked on her tears unable to tell her mother. Jon stepped forward. "Hello, I'm Jon Snow. Theon Greyjoy stopped her in the halls and made fun of her. He tore her notes on Issy the squirrel and made her cry."
Tysha's face hardened. Her daughter being intimidated by lords reminded her of Casterly Rock. "It's okay sweetling. Dry your tears." Wiping Trina's face.
"No mummy! You don't understand. He said I should be emptying his chamber pot. And that I shouldn't be learning from a maester. And he said I was freakish looking." Crying harder. "Im going to be punished. I cursed at a lord mummy!"
"Shush" Tysha said wiping her eyes. "You mustn't let them see you cry. Firm up. He's a nasty little boy, Bothering you like that. Don't let him know you're hurt." Trina's little sobs broke her heart.
"Yes, Theon likes getting a rise out of people. And my father won't punish you. I won't let him." Jon said grabbing her hand. Trina gave him a teary smile, gaining a smile in return.
"Oh, you won't?" The room turned to look upon Lord Eddard Stark. Jon looked a lot like him. His grey eyes looked amusedly down at Jon. Robb and Theon stood behind him. Theon looked begrudgingly at the floor.
Jon looked at the floor sheepishly before looking back at Lord Stark, puffing his chest out. He went to speak but was stopped by Robb. "No, you always say a lord should be respectful to his subjects. In order to get the same treatment in return. Theon wasn't acting very Lordly." Robb finished moving to stand next to Jon.
Lord Stark chuckled "Yes, I have told you that." Nodding. He beckoned Trina forward. "Come here lass, what's your name?"
Trina let go of her mother, standing before Lord Stark. "I'm Trina Snow, Milord. Maester Luwins apprentice."
"He told me about you. Said you were a clever girl and you'd do well under his tutelage. You are also one of Nan's thrice great-grandchildren." He said softly. "What's that you have there in your hand?" He took the crumbled parchment from her and unraveled it.
"That's Trina's notes that Theon ruined Lord Stark." Jon said. "She fixed Issy the squirrel's broken leg and built her a nest. And watched as she birthed her litter."
Trina blushed looking at her shoes. She seldom had boys pay attention to her, let alone praise her.
Lord Stark nodded looking at the work. "Clever and kind. Thank the Gods. I was walking in the halls when I heard your little outburst." Trina looked at his face fearfully. She could hear her mother shuffling forward and grabbing her shoulder. Lord Stark glanced at her mother, shaking his head. "No need to worry, Robb told me all about it. Two years and you would think Lord Theon knew how to conduct himself in the North. Come here Theon."
"Yes, Lord Stark." Theon spoke shakily.
"You mistreated a guest in my home. Your home. You insulted a girl four years younger than you. Robb said she knew her manners. Aye she did insult you back. Which was in her right. A lesser man would've given her lashes. But I am not. You are lucky Trina isn't her Uncle Michael, he would've boxed my eyes out." Lord Stark glared at the Ironborn "Apologize now."
Theon looked from the ground to Trina. His eyes were bitter. It was obvious that he didn't want to say sorry and he didn't feel the need to. His mouth curled into a scowl "I'm sorry Trina." He bit out.
Trina felt her mother's grasp on her shoulder tighten. Looking up she was surprised to see Tysha's face turned into a nastier snarl "For what Lord Theon?" Her mother said.
The boy looked up at the cook eyes wide. He glanced at Lord Stark who stiffly jerked his head back at Trina. Theon sighed "I'm sorry for ripping your parchment and calling you freakish looking"
Lord Stark eyed the mother and then Theon. "Good. Go on. You all have lessons to attend."
Theon and Robb strolled out the kitchens. Jon hesitated still standing beside Trina. "Lord Stark, could I stay here with Trina? I'm not a lord, I don't need those lessons."
"Maester Luwin might wonder why you aren't there Jon." Eddard arched his brow. "I want you to be just as educated as your brother"
"I want to make sure Trina's okay," Jon said turning red, glancing at the equally blushing girl. The parents looked at each other bemusedly. "I promise I will attend lessons tomorrow. One day won't hurt."
"If it's okay with Madam Tysha." The children looked at Tysha. Big pleading eyes watched her firm resolve break into a warm smile.
"Fine" she said. "Go home and play, tell Tammy all about your day. But I want Lord Snow back to the castle before the sun sets. And when you next have lessons with the Maester, you'll stay here until it's time for you to see him. And then I want you right back here."
Lord Stark beckoned one of his Guards forward, instructing him to stay with Jon and bring him back home when they were done. "Have fun Jon, the family will see you at supper."
The children hurried off to the back door with the Winterfell guard trailing behind them.
"Thank you, Jon. No one's ever stood up for me like that. Only Tammy. You'll meet her at the cottage. She learning to be a seamstress like my Aunt Betty. And she has a pretty singing voice."
The pair continued up the hill to the cottage. "This is my home." She said looking at Jon expectantly. He came from a big, beautiful castle. The Banesmen residence probably wasn't much to look at.
"It's wonderful," Jon said. The cottage was made out of a light grey stone. There was a stone path that led to the front door. And winter blue roses grew all around the front yard. The base stones had weirwood faces painted on them and the roof had weirwood leaves and branches painted around the rim. There was a stable next to the cottage that held three horses. It was a beautiful home. And had the safety of being built so close to Winterfell. "I love it. It looks cozy and warm. Your family must be extremely devout to the Gods"
"Aye, we pray every other night. When the men were at war we prayed thrice a day. They answered because all my uncles came home and Merry Betty was unharmed."
Jon quirked his brow. "Merry Betty? Your aunt went to war?"
"Don't be silly Jon. The Merry Betty is my Uncle Rog Ship. He named it after his wife. He travels all around the world. We saw it last year. It's so big. The family went to see Uncle Rog off, for his first set of Travels since the war." Trina said. She pulled a stool forward and motioned the guard to sit.
"A ship?" Jon looked around perplexed. "I don't mean to offend you Trina but- your family is lowborn? How can you all afford this? This cottage looks like it holds 6 rooms."
Trina sat at the stone bench in the front of the house. "Well, Uncle Rog got lucky with the ship. A noble bastard gave it to him. And Aunt Betty learned her craft at Winterfell. Nan's husband had this cottage built. Won some Tourney in the South after one of the Blackfyre rebellions. Aunt Betty makes pretty things, Uncle Rog sells them. Michael hunts and feeds us. Little Rog is a carpenter, Aunt Katie sells what Uncle Rog brings back in the village, and works at the pub. And you already know what the rest of them does." She beckoned him to sit next to her.
"The older horse is from the south. His names 'imp'. Hodor mated him with a few of your stable horses and took two for us. Their names are 'Ninny' and 'Tibby'. "
Jon glanced at the guard and back at her. "You took horses bred in Winterfell?"
"Of course" Trina said curtly "Imp is a beautiful war horse from the south. Nan told us he produced ten of his likes. You have eight and we have two. It's not stealing."
Tammy came outside. "Trina you're back! I thought you were staying with Aunt Tysha in the kitchens."
Trina introduced Jon to Tammy before grumbling out her day's events to her cousin quickly.
Tammy turned red in anger. "Do you want me to go with you to your next lesson? I'll make sure no one bothers you."
Trina's eyes rolled. "No, I can't have you fighting all my battles. Mummy says I need to firm up. I can't do that if my cousin Tammy is always running the nasty others away"
Tammy and Jon giggled as Aunt Betty came out to greet the children "Well who do we have here?" Betty smiled
"I'm Jon Snow, ma'am. Lord Starks son. I'm Trina's new friend. Theon Greyjoy was being mean to her, so we brought her home to make sure she felt better. Madam Tysha said I can stay till the sun starts setting." Jon rushed out. Betty's smile widened. She looked a lot like Old Nan. She had Blue eyes and deep dimples and laugh lines. Probably would be portly if she weren't so tall. Her hair was a fading brown.
"That's very kind of you. Nan said the boy was a little shit" she laughed. "I cut up some apples dears. Any of you want some?" They all nodded. "Come along. Guard? Would you like to come inside?"
"No ma'am. Be best if I sat outside and made sure the perimeter was secure" the guard grudges out "would like a few apple slices though if it were alright."
"Of course dear. You're Neville? Bella's boy?"
"Aye, you must know her from the markets. She bought some of them apples from your Good daughter" He smiled
Betty laughed "Well I won't take you from your job. I'll send Rog to come and keep you company. His old self has just been carving wooden toys all day."
She ushered the chatting children inside. She sat them at the table with another woman, before pushing Roger out the door with a bowl of apples. "Go give the guard some company." Betty tsked'.
"Jon this is Auntie Katie, Tammy's mother." Jon greeted the woman. She had a strict face and it broke out into a smile when she greeted him back. The smile made her glow.
The day went on and Jon got to know the Banesmen more. Jon decided he liked the Banesmen family. They were hilarious, kind, and hardworking. They didn't treat Trina differently because she was a bastard. The Banesmens were close to one another. Katie seemed to take an interest in Jon. She asked about his interest and praised how handsome he was. Jon basked in the motherly affection.
"Jon" Tammy began "are you working on any skills? Trina and I are learning our skills so we can take over for Aunt Betty and Uncle Rog. We're going to travel on Merry Betty and see the world."
"Swordplay is all. And my lessons with the Maester." He shrugged "When I'm a man grown I'll join the nights watch. Only place a bastard can gain honor."
Betty looked up from her work. And Katie turned from her meal preparation. "Ned is allowing you to join the nights watch? There's no honor there. Only rapists, traitors, and thieves. Hasn't been honor there for over a hundred years" Betty said incredulously.
"Well, that doesn't make sense. We are both bastards. A bastard with no honor, wouldn't stand up for me the way you did." Trina said, "Little Rog doesn't have any apprentice, you should go along with him."
"Yes, you seem kind Jon." Katie said with a smile. "Don't let that trout make you feel any less worthy." Jon's eyes widened at the praise. No one had ever called him worthy before. Those were words that people gave Robb.
Jon contemplated "Learning nonlordly skills might keep Lady Stark from being so mean to me. She thinks I'm going to take Robb's claim one day"
"Blah," Betty shook her head "Highborn women and their superstitions. I'll talk to Ned on the morrow. You've no business at the Wall. You can be a carpenter, a sellsword, a guard, or a steward. Life is about living in honor, not about gaining it."
"Oh, that would be perfect. Jon can come on the Merry Betty. We would have a man with a sword to protect us." Tammy clapped excitedly.
"Yes, Uncle Rog doesn't really want us to take it over because he says the sea is treacherous. Said the Ironborn would make us salt wives." said Trina
"I always wanted to travel the world and be a knight," Jon said smiling off into the distance.
"Don't you worry, dear. We've served your family for over fifty years. You got a place here if you're worried. I'll talk to your father." Betty said.
"Come on Lad the suns started to set," Rog said peeking through the door.
Jon stood reluctantly. But was shocked again when Katie kissed him on the top of his head. "Thank you for allowing me into your home. I'm glad you're okay Trina."
"Thank you for looking after me Jon." She blushed. Betty elbowed Rog in the rib to stop him from making a loud jape, embarrassing his niece further.
"Have a good evening" Jon bowed walking out the door.
Four Months Later
It had been four months since Jon had been to the Banesmen Cottage. His father allowed him to apprentice under Little Rog, as long as he kept his guard, Neville, and kept his lessons with Maester Luwin. Watching the great Lord Eddard Stark be scolded by Betty Banesmen and Old Nan was a comical sight; like a man being told off by his mother and older sister.
Carpentry was a tiresome trade. They stayed on their feet for hours and always carried something too heavy. How Little Rog managed to do it alone, was a mystery to Jon.
The work had helped Jon with his sword skill. Before he had depended on being quicker than others, preying on their openings and saving his energy until he could gain the upper hand. Since his apprenticeship, Jon used his new strength to beat his opponents; smashing their faces with their own shields. grabbing them with one hand and knocking them with his training sword. It grated Lady Catelyn's last nerve but Jon was too happy with his life to care.
Lord Stark had come to visit periodically to check on Jon and see how his apprenticeship faired. It was a shock to see how his Lord Father interacted with the Banesmen. They did not treat him like a Lord. They treated him like a cousin who were visiting. It made Jon feel special. When his father came to see the Banesmen, it was the only time Jon felt like his child. Not his Bastard but just his child. Father and son visiting relatives.
Katie had been the best of it all. She was so warm with him. She gave Jon special attention. Took him with her when she sold goods in the village. And to the Weirwood Tree to pray. Katie was the mother Jon always wished for.
Jon rushed himself from the training yard to Maester Luwins Study. Trina's lesson would be over soon and Jon had a gift for her. After he would be going with Little Rog to build new tables for the pub in the village.
He'd arrived at the study but the Maester had told him that she was not there. Trina had gone to the Glass Gardens for research purposes. Jon then set course for the glass gardens. He found Trina there speaking with the gardener, quill and parchment in hand sitting on a bench. Jon cleared his throat and said his greetings. Trina and the gardener greeted back. Trina packed her supplies away as Jon sat beside her.
"What research has brought you here?" Jon asked
"Winter will be here in the next few years. Won't be a long winter, Maester Luwin says, but smallfolk will die all the same. The coming winter has me thinking of the Hot Springs under the castle and these gardens." Trina said showing Jon her notes. "Uncle Rog brought back sand from his last travels. Did you know that glass is made out of sand? Mummy says that if I do enough research, she'll pay for our own glass gardens at the cottage. Uncle Rog is going to Bring along as much sand as he can on his next few travels."
Jon watched as Trina spoke. This was not the first time he was amazed at what she could do. It wouldn't be the last. Last Week, Jon had found Trina on the roof of the forge wrapped to the chimney trying to figure out why the ice around it was not melting. Once he finally coaxed her down she explained to him that the toxic air had changed the properties of the ice, causing it to not melt. Trina wanted to learn how to do it herself.
Jon nodded "You want to create your own glass gardens?" He lifted another parchment "What are these pipes? You want to input pipes in your home?" Jon groaned thinking of the task that he was sure Little Rog (and himself by extension) would take on "My arms will fall off with that work."
Trina rolled her eyes. "You're being silly. No, the pipes are to carry steam to the soil of the garden, keeping the crops warm enough to grow properly. Nothing ridiculous. Maester Luwin predicts two years before Winter is here. Uncle Rog is bringing as much sand as he can from Dorne and Dragonstone. By the time I am finished, it'll be enough. We can do it."
Jon smiled at her determination "I came here for something else. I have a gift for you." Jon grabbed parchment out of his garment pocket and unfolded it. He handed it to Trina. Her eyes ran over it before she jumped on Jon hugging him. It was her notes on Issy. Jon had rewritten it and even redrew Issy on the parchment. Jon blushed returning the hug.
"Oh thank you, Jon. This is the nicest thing that anyone has ever done for me. You even got Issy's picture right." Trina said finally letting him go.
"Yes, it took me a few tries to get the picture right. The ink was a bit smudged so I took my time." Jon said.
Trina stared at the parchment. This would be dear to her. She turned to him and kissed his cheek watching him turn a deep crimson.
"WHAT is the meaning of this?" They heard at the entrance. Jon groaned at the sound of his stepmother's voice. Of course, Lady Catelyn would ruin a moment like this. Trina stood bowing her head. "I'll not have you two disgracing these gardens with your impropriety." She looked down her nose at the two children, before directing her attention to Trina. "Who gave you permission into these Gardens girl?"
"Maester Luwin, milady. I've been sent here to study botany after every lesson." Trina said shakily. "We weren't being improper. I just gave Jon a little kiss on the cheek to thank him for gifting me back the notes that Lord Theon ruined."
Lady Catelyn turned a nasty shade of red. Trina glanced hesitantly at Jon, who subtly rolled his eyes, before focusing back on the Lady. "A bastard serving under maester, hmp. I wouldn't expect you to know what being proper is, seeing how your mother conceived you. Do you even know who sired you?" Catelyn knew she was being unfair to the child but the boy being constantly kind to everyone around him made Catelyn irrationally frustrated. Only confirming deep down that she was insecure, petty, and paranoid.
"I do, my father's name was Trystin. He was murdered by bandits along with my grandparents. They conceived me before they could marry. Foolish but I'm grateful for it. My family is good and true. This is the North and the Gods here are kind to bastards." She quirked her brow at Lady Stark. "As well as, those who are kind to us. Good day milady, we must return to my home. Jon has to get to work."
Lady Catelyn averted her eyes in shame as the two bowed and departed. The judgment was clear in little Trina's words. She was a horrible woman. What sort of woman grown throws petty jabs at little girls- only to be checked by the same girl in such a serene way?
Catelyn was happy that Jon was turning his attention to lowborn activities, however, his newfound confidence left her uneasy. How long before the boy grew bold enough to usurp her son? Eddard did not seem to care. The Lord of Winterfell was relieved that the bastard was turning his future away from the Wall.
A Sting that Catelyn felt every time she saw her Lord Husband beam with pride looking at the boy. The product that Ned had with a woman that he truly loved. A product that looked more Stark than her own children.
She turned away from the Gardens and made her way to the Sept to seek peace.
Jon walked with Trina with the guard trailing behind them. Embarrassment and resentment crept onto him. Lady Catelyn had brought forth insecurities that had been forgotten during his apprenticeship and his closeness with the Banesmen family. Jon felt as though he would never be as worthy as Robb. A point that Lady Catelyn never allows Jon to forget.
"I'm sorry Trina. She shouldn't have said that to you. And Lady Catelyn probably wouldn't have if you weren't my friend. She hates when act above my station. I'm a bastard."
Trina rolled her eyes at Jon."I am a bastard too. I won't allow anyone to say mean things to me for something I am not in control of. You shouldn't either." She walked ahead and left Jon to trail behind her.
Little Rog and Katie stood in front of the cottage, loading tools and items onto a cart. Jon stood and watched them. Little Rog spoke of the day's tasks but Jon could not hear him. Still contemplating the exchange with Lady Catelyn.
"What's wrong love?" Katie asked as they began walking towards the village.
"Lady Stark caught me and Trina in the Gardens. And she said some mean things to Trina. She would have never done that if Trina were not my friend. I love you're family but I am a bastard. I feel that I don't deserve to have you as friends or to be a carpenter. My place should be at the wall." Jon said.
"Please Jon, you cannot think that your place in life is based on your birth." Katie stopped contemplating her next words. "Well, the place as your father's child is based on your birth but not in regards to your happiness. Not in regards to how you live. Who cares if you never inherit Winterfell? You have a luckier fate than any trueborn or bastard that lives North of Dorne."
Jon's eyebrows rose at the statement. Being trueborn was all he ever wanted. Robb was heir, and Sansa was likely to be the next Queen. What could be luckier than that? Little Rog caught his look and laughed.
"Jon your siblings will be married off to people they do not love. Your sisters will be trapped in lands that are not their own. Lord Robb will be stuck here with the pressure of an entire kingdom on his shoulders. Any other siblings you have may have more freedom but duty will lead their entire lives. You can travel the world, marry who you love, and see your sisters whenever you want. Seven Hells, you are a noble bastard with your father and brothers' love- you will always have a home. You will always have the freedom to do whatever you want. Why throw all that away at the wall?" Little Rog said.
Jon's eyes grew to saucers at the revelation, though he remained doubtful. "I cannot marry. No girl will want my name."
Little Rog shrugged. "You can as your Lord Father for a different name. Not Stark. You can take your wife's name. There are options."
"What if my future wife doesn't have a surname either," Jon asked shyly, turning blushing as golden hair and mismatched eyes popped into his head.
Katie chuckled and wrapped an arm around Jon's shoulders comfortingly. "You can take her family's name." She said in a low teasing voice. Little Rog laughed loudly at Jon's red ears.
The rest of the walk was filled with Katie and Rog speaking of trivial matters as Jon contemplated his future.
Authors Note
Thanks for reading. A long Chapter but it is necessary for the OC to have some importance to the plotline. I wanted to make Trina come from a useful family. So that when the main storyline starts it won't be so bizarre that this bastard girl is so close to the Stark family.
Tell me what you think. Please Review