Blood upon the snow (game of thrones)

Chapter 1: The Raven

My eyes were stuck on the dimly lit fire. It was already going out. Even if i was a Stark, the cold still chilled my spine. It aches my bones at times.

"Fine work as always, well done" our Septa said kneeling beside Sansa. I did not notice it then, but my Septa was staring right at me, seeing i wasn't paying attention.

Our Septa was always picky when it came to needle work. I was fine at sewing, better than some, worse than most. But my septa did not despise me as much as Arya. At least i could hold the needle in place long enough without squirming around.

"Sara" she said sternly causing me to spin my head around. "Yes" i said innocently. "Let me see what you've done" she said as i held my needlework up. I let out a slight sigh of relief as she nodded her head.

"Your getting better by the day" she said softly. I gave her a small smile whilst Arya began twitching with dread. "But, what is it?" she continued. Aryas smile grew knowing i'd get the lecture this time.

"It's a wolf in the Godswood" i said. The Septa then winced, her smile faltering. "If you want to make a wolf Sara, you have to show its teeth. Make it fierce. Without it, it just looks like a dog."

"A wolf does not have to be fierce to be a wolf" i protested. "Wolves can be harmless if not poked. This wolf just wants to live in the Godswood in peace.. And never marry."

Sansa rolled her eyes once she understood my meaning. "Hush now, child" my Septa said. "Give it teeth. If the wolf wants to live in peace... And never marry... It will have to be fierce. You forget a wolf is still a wolf. It was born to be savage."

I rolled my eyes and reluctantly nodded in agreement. Her eyes then fell on Arya who slouched in her seat. "Sit up, Arya" she snapped. Arya did, still covering her needlework.

"I'm going to see it sooner or later. Let's get this over and done with" the stern woman huffed. I looked to Sansa who was giggling with Jeyne Poole. She did not care that Arya was about to get scolded. I began twisting my ring around as i watched Aryas eyes grow with dread the closer the Septa got.

I always hated this part of needlework. "Septa!" i ended up blurting out. I heard her sigh tiredly before she turned back to me. "Yes, Sara" she said. I then nodded to Arya who already knew what to do.

"I was wondering... If i could take my leave? I will finish my work later. My mother said i must tend to Rickon. Old Nan has been telling him stories of White Walkers. You know how he gets when she does" i rambled. "Fine. But i want to see it finished on the morrow. And-"

"With teeth to make it look a wolf and not a hound. I know" i interrupted. She gave me a weak smile before turning back to an empty chair. "Where is Arya?" she asked sternly.

I began gathering myself trying to rush out as quickly as possible. "Sara gave her the nod to leave. You know that they do this every few weeks, Septa" Sansa said.

I gave Sansa a daggering look before hurrying out of the room. Not before i heard our Septa shout my name in anguish. But with that large headpiece and her elderly state, i knew she could not catch up to me.

I then made my way to Rickons chambers and to no surprise, Old Nan was sitting in the corner beside Rickons bed with a book in hand and a scowl on her face.

"Come Rickon" i said reaching out my hand. Rickon immediately came to my side as i picked him up into my arms. Of course i did not leave without getting a scolding from her. She always said we should know the tales of the North incase one day they come to be true.

I pretended to listen to her before making my way out to the yard. My father and my brothers had left to go to a beheading hours before i even began my needlework so they should be back soon.