When The Throne Bleeds

6. The Bard of Braavos

The next few days seemed like years. The cold winds felt colder, the sky seemed greyer and a heavy silence fell upon Winterfell. The royal party had offered their condolences, all of them saying that their prayers were with Bran, that they hoped he would wake again.

Liars, Irida thought.

Joffrey had just walked in with the Hound behind him.

"Lady Stark," He started, rather impatiently, "I'm very sorry about what happened. My prayers are with you." He started tapping his foot curtly, waiting for an answer.

"Thank you, young prince." Catelyn said in a mechanical voice.

Joffrey looked at her irritatedly, then turned around and exited the room. Irida glared at his retreating back.

"You should go." Catelyn glared at her coldly.

Irida had been standing at the corner of the room for an hour. Catelyn had initially refused to let her enter, but Irida had moved in regardless.

"He's my brother. I'm staying here."

"Get. Out." Catelyn slowly said, her voice almost inaudible but the anger bubbling beneath them was clear.

Irida refused to move. "Bran may not be my blood. But he is my brother and I love him. People are capable of loving someone who isn't their own, though I'm not sure you'd understand that."

"Irida!" Came Ned's voice. He had just entered the room, having heard the last part of their conversation.

"Do as your mother says." He said sternly.

Irida crossed her arms but did as her father told her, muttering "And when it's convenient, she becomes my mother."

Ned closed the door behind her, then sat beside Bran's bed, gently caressing his son's forehead. The boy lay motionless.

"You're leaving us." Catelyn said, her eyes never leaving Bran.

"I have no choice."

"You do. And you've made it." Catelyn closed her eyes, trying to not shed tears. "The last time you left like this, you came back with two newborns. Neither was mine. I hope you don't do that again."

Ned walked towards his wife -- his heart felt too heavy to carry, but he walked, and bent over and kissed her forehead.

Catelyn refused to meet his eyes.

With a last look at her, Ned left the room, his heart heavier and pained.

....

Irida felt downhearted, Jon was leaving Winterfell, leaving her. She knew how much he wanted to be a brother of the Night's Watch, how much he wanted to get away from being 'the bastard', but as much as she tried she couldn't be happy for him. She entered his room and saw him sitting on his bed, head low and shoulders hunched.

He looked up at her, nervousness in his eyes. Irida tried to smile, although her eyes were brimming with tears.

"Did you give the sword to Arya?"

"Yes." He smiled at the memory."She was very happy. She named it Needle."

"Good."

There was silence once again.

"Jon, I'll come visit you and-" He cut her off as he hugged her tightly.

"I'll come visit you, Jon. Don't do anything stupid there. I'm proud of you, brother." She said, her lip quivering.