A/N Welcome to the new story guys! If you don't already know, this is set in 280 AC which is before Game of Thrones. More specifically when Ned and Lyanna are still teenagers. If you don't know much about that time period (Tourney at Harrenhal), I'd suggest having a quick search. I'm trying to be accurate as possible, but of course this is still my own story, so it'll be different in ways as I make up my own plot and incorporate it into the 'universe'.

I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think :)

Tugging the edges of my fur coat tighter, the snow of the North was deep as I trudged further into the Wolfswood. Feeling the crispy wind brush past my cheeks and through my deep brown locks, I found the place I had named Haven a month ago. Quiet and uninterrupted by other overbearing life, it was the only other peaceful place I could besides the Godswood, and there were times where I wish I had found it sooner.

A small area with a generous cluster of tall and thick tree's, I had brought a few of my personal items out here a few weeks ago so that I could have something to do. But when it was time to go back, I had to hide it all away inside of a hollow log. I couldn't afford anyone knowing I was here, because if my parents where to find out, I would be in a lot of trouble. It was far from proper for me to be out of Winterfell on my own, let alone in the Wolfswood.

Coming up to the Haven, I smiled before glancing behind me to make sure no one was there. When it was clear, I knelt down in front of the log and pulled out the fur rug I had wrapped all my belongings inside of. Taking it over to the large bended tree that offered a perfect sitting spot, I unwrapped the rug and laid it down so that I wouldn't be sitting on the bare snow. Taking a seat, I sifted through the small pile of things before grabbing the leather bound book. The title read A Tale of Strange. It was about a young farmer's son and his crusade to find his destiny.

It wasn't at all interesting when I had first found it in the library, but as I read the pages I couldn't help but be drawn to his adventure. He discovered a world that was far bigger than the one he had been born into, and he did things that were greater than that of a farmer's son. He found his calling and he followed it without fear. Something I would never be able to do – not with the life and responsibility of nobility resting on my young shoulders. My destiny, unlike the young man's, had been decided for me and without question.

Sitting back against the trunk of the tree, I continued to read the book. Drawing my coat closer, I smiled at something a woman had said in the book. Looking up, I stared through the open woods. I couldn't see a soul or animal for miles, but I could hear them; wolves howling, birds singing. It made Winterfell not a bad a place as people made it out to be. Gasping, I could hear the sound of the Bell Tower as it began to ring; signalling it was now afternoon and time for me to pack up and leave.

Hopping up from my spot, I grabbed my belongings and placed it into the rug before tying the leather straps and placing it back into the hollow log. Turning over the few flat patches of snow with my boot, I took a quick glance to make sure everything looked undisturbed before turning around and heading back to the edge of the forest.

Picking up the skirt of my dress so that I could walk faster, I was too concentrative on my steps that I hadn't realised the approaching horse rider. With its hooves pounding the snow to a standstill in front of me and its breath panting, my heart skipped a beat. I hope it wasn't one of the soldiers, as I'm sure he'd have no problem taking me back and telling father.

Looking up I didn't bother trying to run or conceal my identity, instead I brushed a lock of my hair out of the way. Peering down at me with an amused look across his face, I sighed with relief to see it was only my older brother – Ned.

"And should I ask what you're doing out here so late in the day, and alone for that matter?" his tone teasing but still somewhat firm.

"…It's a secret…" I replied as my brown eyes stared into his blue ones. Wearing a fur coat, his dirty blonde hair rested just above his shoulders; half of it up in a bun while the rest flowed free.

"A secret you say" holding the reigns in one hand, his other rested on his thigh "and I suppose I'm not important enough to know this secret of yours?" shaking my head, I looked behind me and back toward the direction of Winterfell; Hunters Gate just in site "you know, mother and father won't be too happy if they find out you've been going to the woods all on your own" spoke Ned, making my eyes snap to him.

"You wouldn't tell on me, would you?" I asked, hopeful. Looking at me as the snow still fell to collect on our still forms, Ned shook his head.

"You know I wouldn't. But that doesn't excuse the fact your still out here unprotected...but knowing you" said Ned with a sigh and a slight smile "telling you otherwise would be useless" holding his hand out, he shifted so that I could reach "come on, I'll take you back. We wouldn't want to miss dinner, now would we?" smiling, I grabbed hold of his gloved hand as he pulled me up to sit in front of him.

Since I didn't have my riding pants on, I had to sit sideways as he took the reins in both hands. Kicking the horse into a slow pace, we slowly made our way toward the Winterfell. Looking out toward our path, I asked "What were you doing out here?"

Chuckling, he replied in a teasing tone "It's a secret" lightly smacking his arm, he laughed even more "father sent me to Castle Cerwyn for a small meeting…it wasn't that interesting. Just a few problems here and there that needed taking care of"

"How come father couldn't go?" I asked, my brows furrowed.

"He had more important things… replied Ned. Not saying anymore, we had soon made it past the soldiers and through the gates. Stopping the horse before we could go any further, Ned helped me off "Now, head inside and get warm. I'll see you at dinner" nodding my head, I watched as he continued on with his horse.

Walking on past the kennels and library, a few people stopped to greet me as I eventually made my way into the castle. Heading inside of my room, I closed the door behind me and leant up against it. Closing my eyes, I couldn't help but think back to the woods; where Ned found me. That could have been a lot worse. I could have been caught.

Walking over to my vanity I took off my fur coat along the way and hung it on the rack. Sitting down on the seat, I picked up my fine bristled comb, but as I stopped to look at my appearance in the mirror; I looked less than elegant. My cheeks were somewhat rosier than usual and I had a slight look of shock mixed with panic written on my face. Taking a strong deep breath, I calmed myself down before I started comb my hair so that it didn't look so frazzled for dinner.

Adjusting my top and brushing off the few flakes of snow, I jumped at the sudden sound of knocking "Mileena, are you in there?" asked the familiar voice of my sister, Lyanna.

"Just a moment" I called back before I got up from my chair, fixing all the other tid-bits before opening the door with a warm smile "yes?"

Walking past me, I watched her sit on the edge of my bed before I closed the door. She always has a habit of doing that "I haven't seen you all day?" she asked, her blue eyes looking up at me sceptically "where have you been all this time?"

"The library" I replied quickly. It was a decent enough excuse, as everyone knew that's where I liked to spend my free time when I wasn't sowing or doing lessons "why? Did you need me for something?"

Staring, Lyanna didn't say a word for a few seconds. Looking me up and down, she started to chuckle with a smile "You know you're a terrible liar Lina" she said, using my nickname "I checked the library, and you haven't been there all day, and it's not the first time you've disappeared for hours on end" leaning back on the bed to rest on her elbows, she beamed "come one, tell your big sister where you've been hiding all this time. I promise I won't tell"

"Never you mind. It's private" I stated with a nod of my head. Only a year older than me, Lyanna and I have been more than sister – best of friends since birth. Being only the two of us girls in the Stark family, we talked to each other about everything – including boys as of late.

"But you tell me everything Lina…why not this?" pausing, she sat up with a smirk "is it a boy?"

Gasping, I blushed "Of course it's not a boy!" I quickly defended "why would you think that?"

"It's only natural that I would…you, sneaking about to heaven knows where. What else would you expect me to think?" she asked before giving me dreamy look and smile "my little sister, in love" she announced before laughing.

Grabbing the closest object which was one of my leather gloves, I threw it at her and watched as it hit her in the face; silencing her laughing and teasing "That's improper Lyanna and you know it. Stop making me blush" almost stuttering at my words as her own had triggered a few imaginative thoughts that were far from innocent. Things I never and shouldn't ever think about, at least not yet.

Sitting still, Lyanna had sat up to wrap an arm around one of the wooden bed posts; her head leaning onto it. She looked serious and deep in thought "You know, sooner or later this is all going to change. You're sixteen" she announced "and before long you'll be married with a babe in your arms" playing with the hem of my sleeve, I looked at the stone floor of my bedroom. I had thought about this exact thing a hundred times.

"I know…" I replied almost above a whisper "and it scares me…to think that one day I'll have to leave everyone behind to go to some strange place, and be with someone I barely know…and what about you?" I said "you'll have to leave too after you marry Robert"

Standing up from the edge of the bed, Lyanna placed her hands on either side of my shoulders "But it'll all be an adventure, won't it? For you and me" she said, trying to cheer me up "and I'll always be your sister. We can see each other whenever we like" pulling me into a hug, I wrapped my arms around her waist "and besides, you know father – he'll find you a good man. Someone who'll love you unconditionally. Someone who can take care of you, and give you everything your heart desires and more"

"…I hope so…" giving one final squeeze, we parted and I wiped the stray tear that had wandered down my cheek "we should go, they'll be waiting for us" I said, diverting the attention from the sad topic. Grabbing Lyanna's hand, I walked with her to the hall where our family waited for us at the large wooden dining table; candles and plates of meat and vegetables laying in the centre. Sitting beside Ned, Lyanna sat beside me while Brandon and Benjen sat opposite us with mother and father.

Eating a strip of chicken and some freshly cook vegetables, I sat with my back straight and elbows off the table – a proper lady. All lessons learnt from the Septa. Sipping on a cup of water, I had once tried wine when Brandon had offered it to me at a feast, but I found it left an awful after taste and he laughed at the face I had made. Since then I had yet to touch another glass of wine.

Continuing to eat quietly, I listened to the others around me as they talked about the highlights of their day. But as the hall grew quiet, fathers voice had caught all of our attention "I have important news to share" he announced. Turning my head up, I swallowed the piece of carrot I was chewing "we'll all be leaving Winterfell in two days' time to ride for Harrenhal"

"What's the occasion?" asked Brandon as he took a sip from his cup.

"A tourney…" he replied "we've been invited by Lord Whent to attend, and it's important that we do – for the King" he added, making my eyes slightly widen. Father was right – this is important. It's a great honour to be in the presence of any royalty let alone the King himself.

"The King?" questioned Ned "what about the other houses?"

"They'll all be there" replied father with a nod of his head "a tourney to rival all others. I must admit, the occasion will bring about perfect opportunity to find a suitable match" turning to face me, he added "which is why it's important you act proper during our stay. No un-lady like things"

"Yes father" I responded. I would never dream of embracing our family in front of so many. Staring down at my silver plate of food, I began to wonder what the tourney would look like and who would be there. I imagine hundreds of tents with various Sigel's, and brave knight adorning their armour.

Brought out of my dream like state, dinner had come to an end and it was soon time for bed. Walking with my family back to the castle, I wandered the halls until I found my room. Heading inside, I paused as my handmaiden Fillis came out of the bathroom "I've drawn you a warmth bath my lady"

Standing in front of me, her head was slightly bowed and her hands rested in her lap. Dressed in typical clothes suitable for winter, I had known Fillis since she had arrived to the castle three years ago. With orange hair and green eyes, she stood out among the crowd but is always shy when approached by others. However, she's much better than she used to be and it's nice to be able to have small talks with her every now and then.

"Thank you Fillis, but I can take care of myself tonight. You're free to leave" nodding her head, she did a small curtsy before leaving.

When the door had closed, I headed into the adjoining bathroom before untying the laces of my dress and removing the several layers. Removing my undergarments, I looked at the warm and welcoming bath that was positioned against the stone wall; small puffs of steam rising from the water's surface.

Pinning my hair up so that it wouldn't get wet, I stepped into the water before sitting down with a relieved sigh. If there's one thing I love more than books, it has to be fresh baths. Each and every day I looked forward to it, and I spend as long as I can or until the water turns cold before I'm forced to get out.

Grabbing the bar of soap, I take my time washing my body; the white foam contrasting against my pale but slightly olive skin; smooth and soft, like my hair. Closing my eyes as my hand lightly swished the water around in small whirlpools, I almost fell asleep but I was able to catch myself. Sighing as I stared at the candles burning not far away, illuminating the room with a glow, I slowly rose from the path and grabbed the towel. Drying myself, I walked into my room and sat at the vanity to brush my hair; the towel still wrapped around my body.

After getting out all of the pins, I tugged some of the knots that had formed, free before braiding it down over my shoulder. Getting dressed into a long white cotton night gown, I blew out the candles surrounding my room until there was nothing but the one beside my bed. Slipping under the covers, the blankets were cold as I blew out the final candle; a single faint howl echoing into my room via the open window.