Winter Hood

Chapter 2: Home in Winterfell

Bran was riding his horse from the execution. The words of the dying man still linger in his mind. "What's wrong?"Asked Robb Stark. Robb was named after King Robert, their father's dearest friend, and his looks were of their mother. Robb was a strong and loyal young man, who looked up to their father."It..it just what the Watcher said."Replied Bran, not wanting to hide from his brother. Robb's forehead scrunches and he nods, "It best to not linger, or you will go mad."He said in a wise voice imitating their father.

Bran was about to reply when he spotted someone, or rather someones. Robb noticed because of her laugh and motioned his horse to gallop toward the figures."Where is Robb heading to?" Their father, Eddard aka Ned Stark asks, who gallops alongside Bran. Bran smiles looking at their father, "Lya home."Bran replied with a warm smile. Lya Nott was Robb's twin in all but blood. Lya and Robb fostered together and depended on each other much like Ned and Robert Baratheon did in their youths. Lya became an unofficial Stark, even she looked the part.

As they approached the hill, a sense of mystery hung in the air. Many speculated that Lya might be a member of House Stark, but Leon Notts remained tight-lipped about her true lineage. Just as they were nearing the top of the hill, Porthos Hill, Lya's loyal companion and comrade, suddenly dashed towards them, a mix of excitement and concern written on his face. "My lord, you have to come and see this," he called out, his voice tinged with awe and a hint of unease.

Ned didn't waste time and rode fast, Bran and Theon, who rode beside Bran to give Robb and Lya a moment to catch up before coming to see her, rode fast as well. With the guards, they reach where Robb and Lya are.

Lya was standing in front of a dead Stag, with an arrow in its neck. In front of Robb was... an injured dire wolf." Is her mouth shut Robb!" called Lya after running back to Robb. Robb nods, "She looks ready to give birth, Lya."Replied Robb. Ned got down and got to his son and fosterling daughter."How is she?" He said with caution. "She sprang her right foot, but I managed to kill the stag before he could kill her. She also has contractions, scared, but strong."Lya says as she soothes the large mother. The mother seemed to have calmed down.

"Theon, you and two guards prepare a sled, we'll bring her back with us," ordered Ned causing Theon to nod. He, Jory, and another guard to get supplies.

The three Starks and Lya carefully positioned the mother on her side and set to work assisting her with the delivery. What seemed like hours passed by in a blur of intense activity, but in reality, only a few minutes went by. Slowly but steadily, the newborn pups made their appearance, each one emerging into the world covered in gunk and blood but bravely taking their first breaths. Porthos played a vital role, gently taking the pups and arranging them on a fur cloak, which he then placed on the snow to keep them warm.

Finally, there were six pups in total. Plus the mother, it made seven dire wolves far from the North of the wall." we got the sled ready." said Theon, who helped Lya up. They lifted the mother and placed the pups on the sled with her. they began to head to Winterfall. "Six pups, and a mother, this is a great omen," said Jory, making Ned raise a brow at his trusted captain. "Aye, a good omen. However...the Stag with an arrow in its neck..."Said the other, making everyone except the teens and child, feel tense.

They have heard rumors of the Winter Hood. A theif among the nobles, but a hero to the small folk. An odd feeling arose in those in the group.

At Winterfell

Arya, Sansa, and Rickon, along with their mother, Caitlyn Stark aka, Tully, awaited the return home of their family. Caitlyn married Ned Stark during the Rebellion, to gain support from the Riverlands. Caitlyn was originally betrothed to Ned's older brother, Brandon Stark. However, Brandon and Rickard Stark were killed by the Mad King, Aerys Targaryen. They try to get back, Lyanna Stark, Ned's sister after Rheager kidnaps her. They won the war, but Ned returned with his sister's bones and a blanket. Lyanna had a child but died from health issues and strangulation of the cord.