Weeping Thorns

Chapter 5: Day Of Ice

~Kasondra~

Father had sent a messenger that informed me to meet him by the Weirwood. The days were becoming colder and colder each night. The Stark's knew what these signs meant.

Winter Is  Coming.

My mother brushed off our family quote as if it were just superstition. I had no clue if my mother was alive to witness the last winter, but Old Nan used to scare Robb and I with stories of the Wight Walkers and the hideous beasts that feasted on the villagers.

I walked across the green lands and soon saw the familiar red leafs. Father was propped up on a bench with his sword against his thigh. Mahala was right on my heels, her warm red fur swaying in the cold breeze.

Her curiosity had grown and was spreading out and taking over the shyness. I often found her poking her nose in the larder that was prepared for soldiers. The cook would become furious and order the "mutt" be taken away.

This usually ended with me helping set for dinner or locking Mahala up for a "time out". But seeing her big brown eyes staring up at you really broke my heart. Her punishment only lasted for five minutes before she was free to go.

I took my seat beside Eddard and whistled for Mahala to climb into my lap. Her dirty paws made imprints into my light blue dress but I could easily ignore that. Septa Mordane, not so much.

"I see you've gotten into trouble again. I have never heard Old Nan so infuriated." Father chuckled. Mahala yelped and pounced onto his battle worn wrist. She soon became bored with his game and returned her antics to me.

I shrugged and pursed my lips at Mahala who rubbed her cold, wet nose against my cheek. Father reached over and stroked her fur. She rubbed her head against his palm affectionately and yipped in response.

"You usually don't call me out here unless it's something important." Father sighed and handed me a letter with the Baratheon/Lannister sigil on the front. I carefully unfolded the material as my eyes scanned the words quickly.

"Jon Arryn passed away? I'm so sorry father. I know how much he meant to you." I patted my father's shoulder for comfort. Jon Arryn was like a tutor to Father and King Robert. I always knew Father had a close relationship with the older man but he rarely spoke about him.

Father wasn't one to talk about his war battles in the least. His past was no important to this man. Eddard Stark kept his mind in the future and looked forward to every day with his family.

I continued to read down to the last sentence that spoke of the Royal Guard visiting within a forenight. I quickly folded the letter and handed it back to my father.

He took the parchment with gentle fingers and tucked it back inside his coat. Mahala began chewing on my empty fingers, becoming restless.

"Have you informed mother yet?"

"Of course. I told Robb and your mother moments before you arrived. I'm surprised you didn't pass each other on the way here." Father sighed and rubbed his temple with stress brimming his every nerve.

Father would never disagree with the king but mother would surely be infuriated. She held trust issues ever since father returned home with a bastard child that belonged to some "whore" as mother wasn't afraid to shout to all of Winterfell.

"King Robert will ask you to be his Hand. Won't he?" I questioned and barely caught the flash of sadness in his large grey eyes. Those eyes once witnessed the death of men stretching far and wide.

Now the only action he saw was the straggler now and then from The Wall. Father was a firm believer in the wall, as his younger brother joined when he was just a lad.

Uncle Benjen rarely came around anymore. The old drunkard used to visit us every so often with tales of his journeys. None were more intrigued  than Jon, who hung on uncle's every word like a lifeline.

"I'm afraid so, pup." I frowned and looked at toward the ground where fallen red leafs collected. Father picked my chin up with a single finger and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

I returned the gesture with a warm hug and refused to ever let go. Eddard and I had a relationship that not even complete hatred could come between.

He had faith that I could be whatever I wanted. Be it knight or lady. Arya was starting to show these traits as well, much to my mother's disapproval.

"You'll just leave then? Will Robb take over?" Father smiled and pulled away as Mahala began to growl at the tight space we put her in between our bodies.

"Yes. But I have talked it over with your mother and she thinks it would be best if you and your sisters come along with me to Kings Landing." I scoffed at the idea. I noticed my mistake and began to stutter over my own words.

I was rarely rude and found it maddening when any of my siblings, preferably Sansa, was. Although she was used to be spoiled and pampered, a princess in the making. I knew that King Robert had a son named Joffery, with golden hair that all the young girls yearned for.

"Kings Landing? Do you truly see me dressing up in big fancy ball gowns and gossiping with the my girlfriends?" I added a high pitch to my voice and watched father slowly melt out of his icy state.

Mahala jumped from my lap and began to fool around with the pond, treading too close to the edge. She stuck her nose in the liquid and seemed surprised that it went straight through like air. She pawed at the substance and began to jump around like an excited insect.

"No. But I need you to help keep Sansa and Arya in line. Gods know they would tear each other apart if we would let them." I sighed but nodded along anyways. The clash of attitudes was what really sparked a fight frequently between the two.

"Of course. I would be honored to join you." I pressed on a fake smile and played along. I knew how hard this decision was for my father, I needn't make it any worse.

"Thank you. Now I don't want to inform your sisters until after Robert's first day in Winterfell." Father stated and began to hook Ice back onto his hip. I stood as well and called for Mahala to come. She strutted along and shook the droplets of water from her body.

Father placed both of his hands on my shoulder and tucked a strand of flaming red hair behind my ear. He leaned in close so his mouth was right next to my face.

"A she-wolf, shall conquer." He whispered in my ear and kissed my forehead. He pulled away moments later and began to walk back to the castle. He was vague but the message was clear.

Kings Landing was no place for a Wolf.

~Chapter End~

Another chapter is finished and I couldn't be happier. Thank you so much for voting. Bye!