•When The Wolf Howls•

•Chapter 4•

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<Flashbacks are in italics.>

•The Trail of Tears•
-when the wolf howls-

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The trees surrounding the Godwoods trembled in the crisp northern wind that blew.

The sounds of two siblings laughing and chasing each other around the ancient weir -wood tree.

The night black she-wolf, and her silvery grey sister, barked as their tails wagged chasing each other as the pair of siblings they belonged too.

Rayna's lungs felt light as she chased her younger brother around the weir-wood tree.

The little dark haired Stark boy turned around and smiled at his older sister.

"Rayna" Bran spoke.

"Yes, Bran?" Rayna smiled putting a delicate hand on her younger brothers shoulder.

Suddenly Bran's eyes fell shut as his little body fell to the ground.

Bran's noble and loyal dire wolf, Summer, howling without mercy.

"Bran?" Rayna shouted falling to her knees besides her little brother.

"Bran? Wake up!" Rayna cried over her small brother's body.

Suddenly the Stark girl awoke with a gasp sitting up in the chair placed besides her little brother.

Lady Stark sat up quickly and placing a hand on her daughters arm, her eyes filling with concern for her eldest daughter.

"What's wrong, my love?" Catelyn spoke softly to her sweet daughter.

"Nothing mother, I- just had a bad dream about Bran. We were chasing each other around the weir-wood tree and then he fell and Summer was howling so loudly!" Rayna cried falling into her lady mother's shoulder for comfort.

"Oh my sweet girl, everything will be alright, the Gods will show mercy upon our sweet Bran." Catelyn consoled rubbing a hand up and down her daughters back.

"I don't want to leave him, I don't want to leave you, Rickon, Robb, Jon, or Theon... " Rayna spoke sniffling.

"I know my girl, but the God's do not grant us with anything we can't handle my dear, but you are Rayna Stark daughter of Lord Eddard Stark warden of the north. You are strong, smart, beautiful, kind, and so very brave, and you will not crumble in the lion's den." Catelyn stated holding her eldest daughters tear stained cheeks in her hands.

Rayna sniffled wiping her tears than nodded her head. Smiling up at her lady mother.

Lady Stark smiled down at her beloved girl. Softly kissing her daughters forehead, and wiping the tears off of Rayna's delicate cheeks.

The Angel of Winterfell closed her eyes feeling the warmth and protection of her lady mother's touch.

"Now go get dressed, and say you're goodbyes. You will be heading to King's landing soon, I will sit with your brother." Catelyn spoke to Rayna sternly.