Weeping Thorns

Chapter 10: A Family Shattered

~Kasondra~

Mahala lay sprawled across my lap as I read a thick philosophy novel. The rain pounded outside of my window, which I wasn't very surprised with.

I would be leaving within two nights and decided I would at least finish this book. My direwolf yawned and stretched her hind legs in a comfortable position.

I stroked the fur on her head and smiled. She was just a big puppy, literally. She had grown 2x her size in just a few weeks. Father told me Mahala could grow as big as a horse by the time she had fully matured.

A sudden crack of lighting caused me to jump and Mahala to release a low growl. She never did care too much for storms.

"It's alright." I cooed to the large wolf. She shook her head and laid it on my chest, looking up at me with large brown eyes. Another flash of lighting sent her scurrying under the blankets for protection.

I for one really enjoyed the rain. I decided to take my routine walk under the roof of the porch.

"Stay." I instructed my wolf as I threw on my coat and left my room. I felt bad leaving Mahala all by herself but I knew she would feel better under my thick covers.

I passed a few of the Queen's handmaidens on the way. I hadn't seen the royal family today and was quite glad. One wrong word could be the death of me.

The queen rarely came out anyway. Her daughter was an even rarer sight to see. Mrycella had attended a sewing class with us but nothing more.

The next crack of lighting shook the ground. Although the next sound froze my blood where it flowed.

A distressed howl.

At first I thought it was Mahala, but the scream of terror afterwards proved me wrong.

"Lord Bran!"

I raced down the steps and through the freezing rain. I could have cared less about the mud caking my dress as well.

I noticed a whole herd of people gathering around under a single tower. Out of all of them, I could see Ser Jory's head poking out.

"Ser Jory!" I cried but then noticed the small body in his arms. My knee's went weak and I couldn't bare to stand any longer. Summer was racing around in circles with his nose on the ground and hackles raised.

"No!"

~~~~~~~~~~

"Kassy?" My father whispered as I huddled my face into my knees. The news on Bran's condition was still up in the air. Even if he did wake, the poor boy would never be able to walk again.

"Just leave me alone!" I barked and felt Mahala nudge me with her wet nose. She sensed my distress. Father took a seat next to me on the bed and moved my luggage back.

We were set to leave first thing tomorrow morning. How could we leave little Bran in his time of need?!

"You need to say farewell to Bran. I doubt we will have time in the morning." Father spoke with a low voice. My head snapped towards Eddard and anger flushed through me.

"I can't leave Bran-"

"Your brother will be fine. We won't be gone for long, Kasondra." He sat a hand on my knee and looked me deep in the eyes. I broke and nodded sadly. I stood from my bed with a long breath and left my room.

I passed a handful of knights and castle servants who all spoke their apologies. I ignored them all. I didn't need their sympathy. Bran would wake up and everything would go back to normal.

A few feet away stood Bran's door. It didn't have the same feel to it now that I know a dying boy rested inside.

I swallowed my pride and reached for the handle. Just before my fingers touched the door, it swung open to reveal the blonde queen herself.

I looked up into her blue eyes and felt fear. I awaited a hateful smirk or snide remark, but all I saw was grief and remorse. Cersei placed her hand on my shoulder and looked down upon me.

"My deepest apologies, my lady." Cersei turned and left down the hall. I steadied my breath and slipped inside of Bran's room. Mother was bent over Bran's bedside, his hand against her cheek.

A mother's love was endless.

"Mother?" I barely managed to squeak out without becoming a sobbing mess. Catelyn lifted her head and gazed at me with puffy red eyes. "Oh mother!"

Mother opened her arms as if she were expecting this. I slammed the door closed behind me and ran to mother. I fell to my knees before her and buried my face in the fabric of Catelyn's dress. Her fingers combed through my hair, hushing me with a sweet and gentle tone.

"Hush, my child...." She whispered and lifted my chin with nimble fingers. I sniffled and felt my bottom lip quiver. She brushed away my tears with her thumbs and I could feel her own body shake with distress.

"Why would the God's forsake us, mother? What did we do to deserve this?" I sobbed and felt the hot tears flow down my cheeks. Catelyn shook her head and held my face in her hands.

"I don't know, Kasondra. We must stay strong, despite what has happened to Bran. Go on." She spoke and looked over to her young son. I nodded and stood on unstable legs. I inhaled and held my breath as I laid my hand on his cold cheek.

"Hello Bran." I could barely feel his chest rising and falling underneath my gaze. I licked my suddenly dry lips. "Don't worry, you will be up again and teasing Arya like you always do." Mother laughed softly and placed a hand on my hip.

I leaned over Bran's motionless body and brushed back his curly brown locks. Bending forward, I placed a sweet kiss on his forehead. I then moved down beside of his ear and found a strength in my voice I never noticed was there.

"Stay strong, my young pup."

~Chapter End~

So Bran's fall is causing questions in the Stark household. I needed a heartbreaking scene between mother and daughter, don't blame me! Thanks for reading!