A giant procession, three hundred men strong, made its way into Winterfell. All in service of the royal family. Ser Maria watched it closely, inspecting each knight personally.

She saw three Kingsguard, Ser Jaime Lannister, known as the Kingslayer, had his armor adorned with lions whereas Ser Meryn Trant and Ser Boros Blount went with simple plate armor; Sandor Clegane, the Hound, half his face burned, was glaring daggers to whoever he passed beneath his hound shaped helm. Her own armor and choice of weapon drew some attention to her until she elected to fade into the crowd and move closer to her Lord.

King Robert Baratheon stood a half foot taller than her and had girth to match, the benefits of being a king had not escaped him. He at least seemed a jovial enough fellow, looking upon Lord Stark as one would a brother and Ned responding in kind. After a quick discussion, the two men had absconded to the crypts. Her attention turned to the rest of the royal family, passing over the queen and the young princes and princess before losing herself in her own thoughts.

The feast was ostentatious, downright decadent, especially for the North. The Great Hall of Winterfell was filled with the smells of roasted meats, fine aged wines and fresh-baked breads, all accompanied by the sounds of countless conversations, the roar of roasting fire and the singing of bards.

Ser Maria sat in an isolated corner. Her particular choices of food and drink tended to draw questions, questions she had long tired of answering, so she sat with strangers, who spoke amongst themselves. As a bonus, her back was protected and she got a clear view of the hall rivaled only by the King's table.

From her seat, she could see Jon Snow drinking like his leg was about to be cut off, his direwolf Ghost under his table. He sat away from his family, such was the fate of the bastard, but he didn't seem to mind, enjoying himself among squires close to his age.

Her peaceful experience was interrupted when the king had a servant call her to his table, she marched her way there, trying not to inconvenience the serving staff on the way.

"Your Grace" She knelt. She was not the first person to be called before the king during this hours-long feast, so she prayed the experience would be mercifully short, her social skills left much to be desired, she did not wish to risk embarrassing herself.

"I've been told quite some tall tales and rumors about you, woman. That you wield a great hammer with inhuman strength, just like I did in my youth; that you defeated ten men at once while blindfolded, then asked for a score more; that you wrestle grizzly bears for fun."

"It was a cave bear, your Grace"

There was a pause, before the king burst into an intoxicating laugh "Where did you find this one, Stark?"

"She approached me, a hedge knight from Essos looking for work, beat forty of my men to try to impress me" The cover story wouldn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it would suffice for now.

"I've brought a hundred knights with me, that ought to be enough to sate your bloodlust" Said the king, still chuckling in amusement. "Away with you. And stop being so shy, go sit with the Kingsguard" Maria was glad to be finished with the conversation, given how many daggers the queen, Cersei Lannister, was staring at her back.

The Kingsguard at the table made room for her, seating her next to a blond man in golden lion-adorned armor, having already had her fill and no longer dealing with those who socially out-ranked her, she decided the risks of a conversation were acceptable.

"You're Ser Jaime Lannister."

"The very same."

"Kingslayer" Jaime was surprised, usually the title was accompanied by scorn, not genuine admiration. "Now there's a proper knight's title. A mad king too, now there's one for the history books."

"Outside" Both knights stood simultaneously and exited the great hall, Jaime taking his cup of wine with him, sipping on it as they walked and continued their conversation.

She leaned towards him in excitement "Well, go on, tell me about it, what atrocity was Aerys attempting when you struck him down? Did he monologue some long winded villain speech?"

Jaime Lannister was intrigued by this strange woman knight, he copied her posture before answering "He said the same thing he'd been saying for hours. "Burn them all"."

"Well, I'd have maybe done it a bit sooner, but still, you have my respect"

"Really, you'd have slain a king you were sworn to protect? What about knight's honor?" Jaime said, somewhat playfully.

"Honor's not worth much if it doesn't save lives. I'd gladly dishonor myself to protect others"

Jaime Lannister nearly choked on his drink as he failed to hold back his laughter.

"Did I say something funny?" Said Maria, oblivious.

"No, nothing." Jaime composed himself. "You seem to know of me, but I know only rumors about you."

"There's not much to know. I hail from so far away, it's impossible you'd know of it. I was trained by an order of Knights and set loose to make a name for myself. Eventually I made my way here. What rumors, exactly?

"Well, I've heard my share of legends about you and your mighty deeds, Lady Maria, but I found them hard to believe."

"I am no Lady. I'm a knight." She corrected "Are you requesting a demonstration?"

Heading towards the courtyard, each took up tourney swords.

"Some have called you the finest swordsman in all Seven Kingdoms, Ser Lannister."

"I'll try to not disappoint you" Jaime said mockingly before assuming his stance, sword at the ready.

Maria allowed him the first strike, fighting defensively, studying his movements. It was plain to see, he was leagues ahead of all others she'd fought since coming to this world. She would prolong the fight, playing with her food.

"You're an odd one for a knight. The first I've met who would take pride in being a Kingslayer"

"Tell me, Ser Lannister, what it is that Knights are expected to do in Westeros?"

"Be brave, be just, defend the innocent, protect the weak, defend the King, obey the King, obey your father" He listed off as he swung his sword about.

"Ah, well, there you have it. I'm not sworn to obey my father and I'm certainly not sworn to obey the King. Where I'm from, knights are brave and just, they protect the innocent and the weak. But obeying kings, fathers? Nowhere on my oath. A far more important task is what we're sworn to."

"And what is this great task your oath has bound you to"

"Some have called it slaying dragons. But it's much more than that."

"Well, you're out of luck, dragons are gone from this world, have been for decades."

"Well, where I'm from, a dragon that needs slaying, it's a creature that hoards and sleeps on an enormous pile of gold, which it gathers by taking from people in its territory. And as its hoard grows, so too does its territory and it gets more power. It gets bigger and bigger, until a brave knight comes along and kills it."

There was pause in their battle, both knights stood still as her words set in.

"You say there are no more dragons to slay, but I still see many. I'm merely biding my time."

"A Knight alone can't fight all Seven Kingdoms." Lannister retorted cleverly, as he often did, before resuming the battle with a slash from his sword.

A sound like the crack of a whip rang throughout the yard and in an instant, both tourney swords were split in half, Maria's was now embedded into Jaime's armor, a hair's breadth away from reaching flesh. The ground where she once stood was cracked like an eggshell.

"Maybe your Knights can't"

They both stood in place for a moment, before they realized their duel had drawn the attention of Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister, both of which had witnessed the battle. Maria bowed at her audience then left the Lannister in the yard, still frozen in shock.

Their suspicions had proven correct, Lord Eddard Stark was to be named the new Hand of the King.

"You would take me to King's Landing with you?" Maria asked Lord Stark.

"Jory will lead some fifty men, my personal guard, but you'll serve as my bodyguard and advisor. As unorthodox as you can be at times, you've more than proven yourself skilled enough for the task."

Maria knelt "My Lord, It would be my honor"

"Plus, I intend to take Arya with me, and she would be rather upset if I left you here."

Maria smiled and stood. "Those that will remain and those that leave, they will miss each other dearly. Catelyn must be heartbroken, having to stay here."

Ned Stark shook his head "And what of you? I'm sure you've grown homesick by now, to travel even further away from home…"

"I try not to dwell on it, for if I do. I fear the lengths I would go to, in order to return." Maria's thoughts wandered for a moment, to the atrocities she'd seen committed in search of power.

Lord Stark merely nodded solemnly in understanding, allowing a minute of silence before shifting the conversation topic.

"I asked his Grace about Lord Jon Arryn."

"Let me guess. He died swiftly and suddenly"

"Said the sickness was like a fire in his gut, burned right through him. You suspect poison?"

"Perhaps I am just being paranoid, examining his body once we reach King's Landing would put my mind at ease. His last words, any help?"

"He said "The seed is strong". Kept repeating it before he died. Could be anything, the poor man was incoherent, even before being given milk of the poppy."

"Strange. My thanks for indulging my curiosity, my Lord."

"That 's not all. Lady Catelyn received a letter from her sister. I require the utmost discretion from you regarding this matter, you mustn't make any rash decisions."

"You have my word" She put a gauntleted fist to her chest.

"The letter claimed that Jon Arryn was murdered by the Queen, Cersei Lannister."

"Do you trust Lady Arryn to speak the truth? Did she provide any evidence, or even testimony? Does the letter match her handwriting at least?"

"She did not elaborate and she is grief stricken. I will not know more until I ask her. But I can say with certainty the letter is hers."

"Well, that tells us nothing. For all we know, she could have done it herself and merely be deflecting blame. Still, this could prove useful. Be sure to hide the letter safely, I'll try to investigate the Lannisters" Ser Maria telepathically ordered her raven familiar to try to keep an eye on them and inform her of anything unusual "How long until we depart?"

"A fortnight" Eddard Stark said wearily.

"You saw our spar in the yard yesterday." Said Maria, matter of factly

"Yes, it was quite satisfying, seeing the young Lion so humbled." Retorted Tyrion, enjoying a midday cup of summer wine while reading a book on dragons from the library tower.

"I thought you might take offense, being his brother and all."

"I doubt he'd do the same for me, why should I respond in kind?"

"What's the cause of this animosity between you?" Tyrion merely waved at himself in response.

"That's rather silly, not like you chose to be born short."

"You should try telling him that."

"Well, since your allegiance lies elsewhere, tell me, has he been up to anything lately? Scheming, plotting, that sort of thing?"

"Not really, certainly less than most Lannisters, why do you ask? Does this have anything to do with the conversation you two were having? I couldn't quite catch what you were saying."

"No, It's nothing like that. He's just acting strange is all."

"I would advise not getting involved with him, he's broken his fair share of maiden's hearts."

"He'd have better chances at bedding a dragon"

Tyrion gave a quick laugh "Well, speaking of him." Jaime Lannister walked into the yard. Tyrion left the two of them alone.

"Are you quite alright, Ser Jaime? You seem troubled"

"...Oh, yes… Quite alright…"

"Say, is something the matter with the Queen?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary. Why do you ask?"

"Well, uh, she was staring daggers at me during the feast. Did I do something to upset her?"

"The King seemed to like you, that's usually reason enough. Especially since women like you are more his type."

"I see… Well, you've been of great help, a wonderful day to you Ser."

"Wait, Lad- Ser Maria, are there… more knights like you, where you're from?"

"In terms of?"

"Strength, morality, sex, take your pick."

"Thousands"

Ser Jaime Lannister was deep in thought for a moment, his face remaining neutral.

"... I see. Thank you, that will be all."

Maria hoped the innocence of children would make them more likely to spill useful information. She found the princelings in the yard. Joffrey with quite a number of squires behind him was facing off against Robb.

She saw Ser Rodrick and Sandor Clegane get into a heated argument

"Are you training women here?" Said The Hound.

"I am training knights, they will have steel when they are ready. When they are of an age." answered Ser Rodrick.

"I killed a man at twelve. You can be sure it was not with a blunt sword."

"Your strength was lacking then?" Ser Maria said mockingly. "Had you used your fists. It might have been worth bragging about"

"You beat many men to death in your youth, Lady?" The Hound asked mockingly.

"Westerosi men would have posed no challenge, neither would their dogs."

Ser Maria was then distracted by Robb's hand on her arm "Let me do it. I can beat Joffrey."

"I know you can, but I need him in one piece" She whispered.

Joffrey shrugged. "Come and see me when you're older, Stark. If you're not too old." Laughter rang from the Lannister men.

"Young prince, a wise king would know not to go around picking fights"

"You dare speak to me that way!? I am your future King! My father, Robert Baratheon, will have your head on a spike for this!"

Ser Maria came to a realization and nearly slapped herself for missing something so obvious. She quickly left the yard.

"Hey, where do you think you're going? Don't think you can run from me!"

"This better be important, I'm supposed to go on a hunt soon" said King Robert, somewhat annoyed at this inconvenience.

Ned Stark turned to Maria, nodding to her, she said "Your Grace, are, perchance, any of your ancestors blond?

"No, I don't think so, why do you ask?" Said King Baratheon, confused.

"… Joffrey isn't your son. Neither are Tommen, or Myrcella for that matter"

"Are you implying that-?"

"How many bastards do you have?"

"More than one can count" He said somewhat proudly

"Are any of them blond? Especially those with blonde mothers?"

Robert ran through his memories in search of answers and what he found did not please him.

"... That damned Lannister, I'll have her head on a spike!"

"Not yet you won't. Remember what Jon Arryn said before he died?"

"Said "The seed is strong", you don't mean to say…"

"It's a distinct possibility" Ned Stark handed the king the Letter from Lady Arryn.

"This is treason" The King said simply.

"The evidence may still not be sufficient. I have a little bird keeping an eye on her. If we can catch her in the act, buying a poison or planning a murder, even Tywin Lannister will have to concede and wipe his hands of the whole affair"

"How can you be so sure your "Little bird" will catch them in the act?"

Just then, her familiar flew in through the window. "Have you heard about wargs, sending their minds into animals? It's something similar"

"Legend has it," Ned Stark added, "Starks in the old times could speak with and possess wolves."

"Your Grace, I advise you keep yourself safe, keep only guards you trust with your life and careful what you drink"

"You think they plan to kill me?"

"It would put a Lannister on the throne"

"It won't, I'll disinherit them, I'll send it only to my most trusted and secretive attendants. Let's hope this plan of yours pays off.

King Robert Baratheon had gone on another one of his hunts, taking Lord Stark with him. Maria was left at Winterfell, keeping an eye on as many Lannisters as she could waiting for them to make a mistake.

She received a telepathic message from her familiar. She shut her eyes, her senses becoming the Raven's, she did not need her eyes to navigate. She started running, Stark was not there, so she summoned Jory Cassel and Lady Catelyn to follow her towards one of the towers, all the while, Jaime and Cersei's words of treachery filled her ears.

As Bran Stark climbed the tower, trying to see who was talking, he noticed he wasn't the only one eavesdropping, a raven keeping a close eye on him, he shrugged and kept climbing.

"She knew the boy's life would be hostage to her silence. She may grow bolder now that he's safe atop the Eyrie."

"She has no proof, or does she?"

"What happens when Robert dies and Joff takes the throne? Sooner that comes to pass, the safer we'll all be."

Maria nearly vomited as she made her way up the stairs, a small regiment in tow, the things she was seeing disgusted her to her very core. She'd trusted him.

"The things I do for love"

As Maria kicked the wooden door open, Jaime Lannister pushed Bran Stark out of a window. She jumped after him, kicking herself down and managing to snatch the child in mid-air, shielding him from the bulk of the impact.

Everything went dark.

She awoke with a splitting headache. It was Maester Luwin she found at her bedside. She jumped onto her feet and swiftly regretted that decision, grasping her head.

"Is Bran alright?" She asked, for the first time since coming to Winterfell, fear filled her voice.

"He should be able to make a full recovery, though it will take time, far longer than you."

"How long was I out?"

"Nine Hours, a miraculous recovery. Firstly, I must thank you dearly for saving the young Lord's life. Secondly, I must ask, are you even human? A normal man would be crippled from that fall"

"Yes, I'm human, although I'd wager humans are different, where I'm from."

"I suppose that answer will have to suffice for now."

"I must go see Lord Stark."

"In his Solar, along with his Grace"

Maria left the room and walked slowly across Winterfell, still recovering. All eyes were on her as she did so, she didn't bother to answer questions.

Maria opened the door to the Solar, Lord Stark stood and walked towards her.

"You saved my son's life"

He hugged her, for the first time since they'd met, it was not the face of Lord Stark, Warden of the North, that she saw but rather, the same face he had when speaking with his family.

Any other time, Maria would have been elated, now, her eyes were bloodshot and the bags under them dark and bruised.

"You can thank me later, Lord Stark. For now, what of the Lannister twins?"

Ned Stark put the Lord's mask back on his face. "We captured Jaime, he killed Jory and a handful more men before being subdued, but we captured him. He violated guest's rights-"

"He pushed a child out of a window." Interrupted Maria.

"He was sentence to death, he'll be taking the black"

"No, he'll run. I know he will" the disgusting thought "because he's like me" wormed its way into her mind, maybe they were both kingslayers, but they were nothing alike in every other respect, she'll kill him for this, even if she has to hunt him halfway across the world.

"And he'll be killed on sight if he does" Continued Ned.

"What of Cersei?"

"Imprisoned in the dungeons, she'll be awaiting trial for this at King's Landing" King Robert answered, his voice filled with contempt. It had been an ungodly effort, keeping him from killing every Lannister in Westeros. But Ned had convinced him they needed hostages. "Tywin Lannister won't stand for this."

"If she picks a trial by combat, that'll be good for a laugh. A stupid law that is, I'm pretty sure I could be found innocent of any crime." She said, joking without laughing. "I heard them speak of Lady Arynn. They all but confessed to the murder of Lord Arryn. Along with giving motive for treason. Me and Bran both heard it."

"I'll have her head on a spike for this" Said the King, delighting in the mental image.

"Who knows of this… madness?" Maria asked Ned

"All but the children, we thought it best to save them from the anguish for now, where would one even begin to explain this…"

"Your Grace, you have no heirs?"

"I was going to host a tournament, to celebrate Ned as the Hand of the King, now it shall also serve to find me a new wife. Should the worst come to pass before a new heir is born, Stannis will take my place."

"He is an experienced commander, his men loyal, a worthy enough successor." Lord Stark complemented.

"Now, as for you" His grace turned to the knight with a playful smile. "You've cost me a Kingsguard, how would you like to take his place"

"I fear I must reject your kind offer. I am sworn to Lord Stark and many others besides." She bowed all the same, accepting the implicit praise.

"You really are a lucky man, Ned" Robert turned to Maria once more. "Still, I would see you rewarded. Lordship and twenty thousand gold dragons besides."

"I would have nothing to spend them on and nowhere to put them. And if I have to hear people call me "My Lady", I'll conquer the bloody Seven kingdoms. Five hundred dragons and a favor, I'll think of something later."

Lord stark put a hand on Maria's shoulder, she'd saved his son's life and much more besides "Ser Maria Starbrand, you-"

"Was merely doing what I was sworn to do. But if you wish to reward me… marriage arrangements are typical for such matters, are they not?"

Lord Stark nodded, somewhat wary.

"Lady Arya will marry whoever she wishes to marry, if she wishes to marry." She said plainly

"You have my word"

"Good, if that is all. I'll be on my way" She made her way out of the solar, to wander Winterfell in hopes of clearing her head

"An odd one, that woman. But worth having around."

Tyrion moved to strike Joffrey, but his hand was stopped in place by Maria, appearing from outside his range of sight.

"Hold on a moment, they'll be no hitting children while I'm around. If a child needs to be taught a lesson, you will use your words"

"I was just telling Joffrey here to go offer his comfort and well wishes to the Stark, for the swift recovery of young Lord Bran."

Maria turned to Joffrey. "Well, if you were to suffer such a fall, how do you think your mother would feel?"

"Are you threatening your Prince?"

"I am threatening no Prince." She looked down at Joffrey, anger filling her eyes as she towered over him. "And if you don't go to Lady Catelyn and Lord Stark right now to offer your sympathies, I'll make sure you never think of yourself as a Prince ever again. That's a threat"

Joffrey shook and whimpered pathetically before running off. "The Prince will remember that" said Ser Clegane.

"Make sure to remind him as often as you can" Retorted Tyrion as The Hound walked off.

Maria turned to the smiling Tyrion "You were right, about Jaime. He did break my heart, just not in the way either of us expected"

"Can't say I'm completely surprised, but such things… They're low even for him. I hope you don't hold it against all Lannisters"

"You and the two youngest seem alright enough."

"Perhaps you'd like to go for a drink with me sometime? Give me a chance to improve the reputation of the family name?"

"I don't drink, which is making it rather hard to deal with this situation. But thank you for the kind offer. Good day to you, Lord Tyrion"

As she made her way back to her through Winterfell, she was accosted by a small child hugging her by the leg.

"You're alive, I was so worried"

"Why wouldn't I be, Lady Arya?"

"You fell so far and you wouldn't wake up and.."

"It'll take more than that to kill me. Don't you worry, little Lady, you'll be resuming your lessons, of sword and mind both, soon enough. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm still quite tired."

She made her way back into her room. falling on her bed and drifting off to sleep.

Maria slept comfortably in her bed, until her weapon of warning informed her of incoming danger. A brown robed figure wielding a strange dagger was looming over her sleeping form. She rolled out of bed and manifested her armor around herself.

A single punch was enough to neutralize the assailant, looking closer, he was rather physically lacking for an assassin intended for her, small and frail besides.

"The dagger is Valyrian steel, the hilt dragonbone. We also found ninety silver stags on him" Said Ser Rodrick

"So whoever sent the assassin has money to spare and isn't particularly wise with it. The dagger is far more valuable than the silver, worth a fortune, for that kind of money they could have hired a better assassin. Or maybe it was bad on purpose? Trying to frame someone?" Pondered Ser Maria.

"It was one of the Lannisters most likely. They'd have the motive to kill you and have money to spare." Said Lady Catelyn. Turning knowingly to the still sleeping Bran Stark, who's side she'd not left since he was found.

"But Cersei hasn't left her cell or spoken to anyone as of yet. Tyrion seems delighted by the whole thing, and even if he wasn't, he knows what I'm capable of, he'd send a better assassin. Same goes for Jaime, who's also under careful watch."

"Perhaps you are right, someone was trying to frame the Lannisters?" Said Ned Stark, shocked at the possibility of the Lannisters being innocent for a change.

"If it is, it's a paper thin plot and an expensive one at that…" Wordlessly, Maria took out the map she'd bought from Jeor Mormont months ago.

"The wall is 300 miles long, yes? The attack on my life was 20 hours after we caught the Lannisters. A Raven can barely reach the Vale in that time, let alone make its way back. And I'm sure no one in the North would own a dagger like that."

"Most likely someone in Winterfell then. But who?" Wondered Ned

"The strange thing is, I was completely out for nine hours straight, with no one but Maester Luwin looking after me, who I doubt would scare anyone off. Why not kill me then? Unless…"

At that moment Bran opened his eyes wearily, lifting himself up slowly, his body still sore and numb, he struggled to move, shifting only a bit.

He looked up at Catelyn "Mother.." Catelyn hugged her child, tears streaming down her face.

"Oh, my son, my sweet baby boy, I'm so glad!" Everyone drew near the boy, drowning him in questions and well wishes, except for Maria, who had come to a realization.

Maria smacked herself in the head. She waited for everyone to give Bran some space and gave him her own well wishes, before saying "Go ask King Robert if this dagger belongs to him."

"You're accusing the King of attempted murder?" asked Ser Rodrik

"No, I'm accusing his former son."

Author's Note:

We got to see more of Maria's true self here. I'm sure this won't lead to anything in the future.

Joffrey is bad at murder plots. Going with the book version for this, just kinda makes more sense to me.

Laptop is in the repair shop so nearly had a delay, but we're good.