Dragon Wolf

Summary: Fem!Jon Snow. This will only loosely follow the show with a lot of changes, though some major events will still have to happen. No Wall aside from mentions by the characters. Before heading to King's Landing Ned tells his "bastard" daughter the truth of her birth and the King has her legitimized as a Stark. Visenya Snow, born Visenya Targaryen, becomes Visenya Stark and Westeros will never be the same.

Chapter 1 – Winter is Coming

A/N: I could not get this idea out of my head so I decided to write it out and put it on the web. There is a mention of a "Bow Harp" instrument in this chapter. Think of it as looking much like a violin but with a note range from Violin to Cello. As for the melody that is played go to YouTube and look up 2Cellos version of My Heart Will Go On...it's worth it trust me. They also have an awesome version of the GoT theme.

In the northernmost reaches of Westeros lies Winterfell, the seat of power in the North ruled by House Stark. Lord Eddard Stark stands on a balcony with his wife Catelyn as they watch their eldest son Robb trying to teach their youngest son Bran to improve his archery skills. Assisting Robb is Lord Stark's bastard daughter, Visenya. Catelyn had been against his daughter being there at first but after a nasty illness nearly killed the little girl she warmed up to her and began treating her as if she were Catelyn's own. Ned was more than happy to see that and Visenya had grown into a fine young woman, if a bit unconventional as far as Catelyn was concerned. Young Bran was growing more and more frustrated with each miss and Robb couldn't help the laugh that escaped as he missed yet again, only to have his father's words silence him.

"And which of you was a marksman at 10? Keep practicing Bran, go on."

Visenya gave Robb an admonishing look and he had the grace to look guilty before offering his little brother some advice, which Visenya added onto with her own thoughts.

"Don't think too much bran."

"Relax your bow arm…breath out as you release."

An arrow flew into the center of the target from behind the small group and they turned to see their youngest sister, Arya, holding a bow as she curtsied. This led to Bran chasing her around the keep while the elder children watched in fond amusement. Their father's master at arms walked over to him and soon the boys were saddled up and preparing to ride out of Winterfell. A deserter from the Night's Watch had been caught and Lord Stark had to deal the punishment, death. Visenya rode up to the group on her black mare and Robb immediately began protesting, as did their friend Theon who was Lord Stark's ward from the Iron Islands.

"Father she can't come…it's too gruesome for a Lady."

"I'm not a Lady Robb…I'm a bastard remember?"

"Not to us you aren't"

"That's sweet Theon but the truth remains as it is. I'm not being left behind again."

Lord Stark just gave a soft sigh and nodded his consent, knowing that his headstrong daughter would follow regardless and at least this way she'd have protection. She raced ahead of the group, the two older boys racing to catch up, with her long dark curls flying behind her like a banner. Ned laughed softly when she beat the boys to their goal, a tree that they would soon pass, and gave them both a smug look only to shove them off their horses when they said something that irritated her. As they neared the mound where the deserter was being held the group became very solemn and when the man was about to lose his head Robb stood close to Bran while Theon stayed close to Visenya in case it was too much for her.

"Don't look away, father will know if you do."

Theon found himself impressed when Visenya didn't even flinch, unlike Bran who flinched back against his brother but he didn't get sick which was a good thing. Visenya guided Bran back to the horses when she noticed him stumble a bit and soon left him to speak with their father in soft tones. As they rode back to Winterfell they came across a dead stag on the road and followed the blood trail into the trees to find an equally dead Direwolf and her pups.

"It's a freak!"

"Theon Greyjoy! It is not a freak. That is a Direwolf…the sigil of House Stark…and a dead mother. Try to have at least a small bit of respect…"

"Sorry Visenya."

Visenya was probably the only person that Theon truly feared when she was angry, but he also adored her as if she were truly his sister. She was one of the only people that he actually listened to and was willing to change his behavior to make her happy. He didn't flaunt his whoring around anymore because she became cross with him for it whenever he did, the last time it took him three days to get back into her good graces and Robb still teased him for it.

"There are no Direwolves south of the wall."

"Well Robb…now there are five."

She placed a pup in Bran's arms and smiled softly as the pup licked her little brother's face, much to his delight. She could see the rapidly forming bond between them and realized that this was meant to be...now if only their father could see that.

"Better a quick death, they won't survive without their mothers."

When Theon grabbed the pup from Bran's arms and held up his dagger Visenya snarled in a way that could rival the mother direwolf herself. Theon put his blade away immediately and Ned watched in mild amusement as the somewhat unruly boy immediately followed his daughter's will, until she turned to him with those pleading dark eyes that he had yet to be able to say no to.

"Drop your blade Theon or I swear by the Old Gods and the New that I will hurt you. I will not allow you to butcher innocent pups. Father please. Do not do this. They are the sigil of your house, killing them would be bad luck. There are five of them…one for each of your children. This is a sign father. They are meant to have them."

"Very well…but you will train them and feed them yourselves, and if they die you will bury them yourselves."

"What about you Visenya?"

"I'm not a Stark, Bran…let's go."

The children missed the pained look on their father's face at her words. Robb and Theon each grabbed two of the remaining pups and headed back towards the horses only to stop and look back when Visenya didn't follow.

"What is it sister?"

"Another pup…the runt…he was cast away from the others…poor baby."

Theon and Robb watched as the pup curled into her arms like it belonged there and Theon spoke for both of them with a warm tone in his voice.

"That one is clearly yours…he's staked his claim already."

"He's so quiet…like a ghost…that'll be your name little one…Ghost."

"Shall we rejoin the others…Lady Snow?"

"Don't make me hit you Theon."

Theon and Robb just chuckled at her threat before they rejoined the party to head home. She hated being called that even though most of Winterfell and Winter Town used the unofficial title for her. When they returned home Ned went straight into the Godswood to clean his sword and center his mind while the boys and Visenya went to deliver the pups to their new partners. To say the younger Starks were excited would be a gross understatement.

"Sansa, this little girl will be yours. She's very calm and gentle so I think she's a perfect match."

"She's lovely. I think I'll call her Lady."

"Arya, this girl is a fiesty little rascal. She'll be perfect for you."

"Yes! I'll name her Nymeria."

"An excellent choice. Rickon, sweetheart, this one will be your pup."

"ShaggyDog!"

They all shared a laugh and looked at Robb and Bran to wait for their names. The two looked thoughtful but Robb was the first to speak.

"GreyWind...his name will be GreyWind."

"I'm not ready to name mine yet...I want to get to know him better and see what he's like first."

"Very well said Bran. I'm sure you'll find the perfect name for him eventually."

"What about yours Visenya? What will you call him?"

"Ghost, because he's so quiet...and he's white so it was either Ghost or Snow and Snow is not...something I wish to be reminded of every day."

Her cousins all hugged her and soon they were all working on training their pups with Visenya helping Rickon to teach his pup basic commands. The poor boy was still young himself and thus easily distracted. Arya was surprisingly serious about training Nymeria, as was Bran. Theon sat nearby and watched, making sure nobody disturbed the family bonding time...at least until Visenya dragged him over to help with Rickon's ornery little pup. Ghost was a quick learner and seemed eager to please his chosen human.

"Rickon my sweet...I think your little pup is going to give me a headache. He's a stubborn little thing."

"He'll fit right in with his new owner then, little Lord Rickon can be quite stubborn himself after all."

"This is true, Theon, this is true."

Later that evening Ned and Cat called all of their children, save the youngest boy Rickon, into the great hall. They could tell something had happened to upset him but it wasn't until he spoke that they began to understand.

"Children…a raven came from King's Landing today. My foster father, Jon Arryn, is dead."

"I'm so sorry father…"

"Thank you Sansa. The raven also carried word that the king and the rest of the royal family, and about half the court, are riding for Winterfell. They will be here in about a month."

"Oh! I'll get to meet Prince Joffrey…I'll have to start on a pretty new dress right away."

The other children rolled their eyes at Sansa's girly tendencies but when their father spoke again his words stunned them all into absolute silence.

"There is something else. With the King coming here this is extremely important. Your mother and I have been keeping a very large secret from all of you for a very long time and we both feel that it is time for all of you to know the truth, especially you Visenya. You all have to swear an oath, here and now, that you will tell no one of anything that is said here today."

"What about Theon, he's practically our brother anyway…?"

"Robb…you can only tell Theon if you trust him with Visenya's life. I leave that decision up to you two."

"Father? You're frightening me…what is this all about?"

"Visenya, my sweet girl…I'm not…I'm not actually your father."

"What?!"

All of them spoke in shocked unison and Ned held up a hand to silence them so he could finish speaking. Robb moved closer to Visenya, worried that whatever this secret was it would be too much for her to handle alone, no matter how strong she might be.

"I am your uncle. Your mother was my sister Lyanna. When I found her at the end of Robert's war in the tower of joy she was dying…but in her arms was a tiny little baby girl. She begged me to protect you from Robert's wrath, his hatred of all things Targaryen. I claimed you as my bastard to keep him from finding out the truth of your birth. He would still kill you if he found out, even now."

"Lady Cat? Is that why you were always so kind to me rather than hate me like most would a bastard or their husband?"

"Yes, sweet child. When Ned brought you home I was resentful at first. When you were still very small you became gravely ill, we were not even sure if you would live through the night at one point, but you did and I vowed to be a proper mother for you from that day on. When Ned finally told me the truth I lost what little resentment I still had in me and decided to raise you as I would my own so you would know a mother's love."

"Thank you so much Lady…Aunt Cat. Father…Uncle? Who…Who was my Father."

"Rhaegar Targaryen. The two married in secret…you are trueborn."

"But…but that means…"

"She's the rightful heir to the Iron Throne…"

"No! I don't want it! I don't want things to change. I want to be a Stark. I want to be your sister Robb. I don't want to lose you."

Robb pulled his crying sister into his chest to try and comfort her, their other siblings joining the hug and all of them speaking reassurances to their favorite sibling. Ned and Cat watched fondly as their children showed their love for one of their own.

"You won't. It's alright. Nothing has to change Visenya. You are still my sister no matter what. You hear me? This changes nothing for me."

"The same goes for us, right girls?"

"Right Bran."

"Of course not. Visenya…you've always been there to help and guide me like a big sister…you are our sister…no matter what."

"Thank you Sansa, all of you."

"Please stop crying now?"

Visenya let out a watery little laugh. Robb was always weak against the tears of his sisters. The outer door opened and Theon stepped inside with the intention of telling them the kitchen staff needed to prepare for dinner, but then he saw Visenya's tears. He immediately rushed to Visenya's side and looked at Robb.

"What the hell happened Robb? Why is she crying? Did someone hurt her again? Do we have to go knock someone's teeth in?"

"Theon…can you keep a secret? It's a big secret…if anyone finds out it would mean Visenya's death."

"I would never allow anything to happen to her Robb. She's basically my sister. I swear on every god in this world that I will never betray her or harm her."

Robb explained it all to Theon who stood there with his mouth hanging open before looking at the dark-haired beauty that was his best friend with a wicked, mischievous grin.

"My Princess."

He gave her a flourished bow before she smacked him in the back of the head and ordered him to never call her that again. He just laughed and did it again, earning another smack for his efforts. He ended up running from the irate female who was hot on his heels with Robb right behind her to keep her from causing Theon too much bodily harm. Ned just huffed a soft chuckle and looked at his smiling wife thinking that maybe everything would be ok now.

"For better or worse Ned...those are our children."

"Aye, that they are."

A month later and preparations for the arrival of the royal party were in their final hectic stages. Visenya was sitting in a small chair watching Robb and Theon dealing with the barber, neither young man was thrilled about it either. They were complaining about the royals and bickering like a pair of children. Both of them were clad only in loose fitting breeches and socks, not that it bothered her any. She was used to seeing those two half-dressed after sparring sessions.

"I swear you two fuss over your looks more than all three of us girls put together."

"You take that back."

"She's not exactly wrong Robb...but we have to look good for the southern ladies you know..."

"Gods you two are vain."

Finally the boys were done and they led her to the courtyard where they were all to assemble to greet the king and his family. Arya ran in at the last possible second with a helmet on her head, which Ned handed off to someone behind him with much amusement. As the royal party came in Arya was loudly whispering names while Sansa told her to shut up. Visenya stood close to them in order to prevent a fight from breaking out as her Aunt Cat had requested. As the King rode in they all fell to one knee, or into a low curtsy, until he motioned for them to stand as he stopped in front of Ned.

"Your Grace."

"You got fat."

Ned gave the King's round belly a pointed look and the two men burst into laughter. The King greeted each of the children until he got to Visenya and stopped in shock. His words caught the attention of Jaime Lannister, the Queen's twin brother, who was watching closely now.

"By the gods Ned…she could be Lyanna reborn."

"Robert…please…"

"Sorry Ned...I just...wasn't expecting that."

The Queen came over to be greeted by Ned, giving Visenya a look that sent shivers down her spine until the King's words distracted her, and clearly she was not happy about that either.

"Take me to your crypts. I wish to pay my respects."

"We've been riding for a month, my love, surely the dead can wait."

"Ned!"

The Queen overheard Arya asking about the Imp, her and Jaime's younger brother, and sent Jaime to find him. Robb and Theon stayed close to Visenya as the Queen gave her an odd look before leaving to be led to her chambers.

"I don't like the way she looks at me Robb."

"I don't like the way the Prince looks at Sansa."

"That too."

Later that night it was time for the big feast. Visenya was running late because, as usual, her thick curly hair refused to cooperate whatsoever. A lone rider in black came in as she was crossing the courtyard and she lifted her skirts before running into the circle of his arms.

"There's the prettiest little lady I ever did see."

"Uncle Benjen!"

"Hello little wolf. Everything alright? You seem a bit...out of sorts..."

"I think so…father told me something a little while back…about my mother."

"He finally told you the truth then?"

"Yes."

"About damn time too. Don't you worry your pretty curly head over it; you are a Stark Visenya…never forget that."

"I won't."

"Now…let's go rescue your father from his guests."

"I'll be in shortly."

Benjen went inside and Visenya leaned on a nearby pillar to steady her nerves before having to go inside and face all those people. She never really enjoyed being in large crowds, especially with drunk men.

"Your uncle is in the Night's Watch."

"Yes…what are you doing back there in the shadows?"

"Preparing for a night with your family."

"Is there something wrong with my family?"

"Not at all…just far too serious for my tastes."

"You're Tyrion Lannister, the Queen's brother."

"My greatest accomplishment in life. And you…you're Ned Starks bastard aren't you?"

She flinched back from his words and turned to leave but his voice stopped her. He did sound as though he regretted hurting her with his words so she stopped to listen.

"Did I offend you? Sorry. I tend to not censor myself when drunk. You are the bastard though."

"I'd rather you didn't call me that. My brothers would hit you if they heard it…they're very protective."

"As they should be with such a pretty sister. Never forget what you are, the rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you."

"Wise words…I take it that's how you deal with the names people call you?"

"Indeed it is, Lady Snow."

She rolled her eyes with a huff, clearly he'd been talking to the people of Winterfell and picked up their name for her, and turned to go inside the great hall. As soon as she entered Robb pulled her into a lively dance before passing her over to Theon who grinned at her like a little boy. She laughed with them before pulling away and going to sit down, the two young men following to sit on either side of her.

"As much as I love dancing with you two I would much prefer to eat something first."

The two young men shared a glance and began piling food on her plate. Jaime Lannister watched from his spot nearby with an amused smirk as she smacked both of them on the backs of their heads and they winced. He figured she must hit fairly hard, either that or the boys were good actors and he doubted that was the case. Once she had finished eating the King stood up with Ned and Cat on either side of him and gestured for silence.

"Ned and I had a discussion earlier and his Lady wife agrees with us. It has been decided that Lord Stark's daughter, Visenya Snow, shall be legitimized and from this moment until the end of her days she shall be known as Visenya Stark…at least until she gets married."

The King laughed at the look on her face when he mentioned marriage. He remembered Lyanna having a similar opinion on the idea of marriage and hoped this girl would have a better fate than his lost love. Visenya stood and dipped into a low curtsy.

"Thank you your Grace, Father, Lady Cat. You honor me. I promise you I will do all I can to make you proud of me."

"I am already proud of you Visenya…I always have been."

"I have raised you as my own and I think it only fair that you carry the same name as your siblings. All we want is for you to be happy sweet girl…to find a man who will love you and treat you properly."

"Well said Cat…well said."

Visenya hugged both Ned and Cat before the Queen motioned for her to come over. She gave the Queen a respectful curtsy while the King began getting handsy with the serving maids, something the Queen was not happy about but was clearly used to by now.

"Your grace."

"You are such a lovely little wolf…such dark curls. You look much like your Aunt."

"You knew her your grace?"

"I knew of her. I was at the tourney where she caught the eye of the dragon prince. Be wary around the king little wolf. When he gets drunk he is liable to mistake you for her. I would hate for anything to happen to you."

"I doubt the boys will let her go anywhere alone with all these handsome southern knights roaming the halls. They are awfully protective of her."

"Even though I can knock them both on their backsides nine times out of ten."

"You fight?"

"Yes your grace. I also practice archery but Theon is much better at it."

"What about courtly skills?"

"I'm not so great at sewing, that's Sansa's area of expertise. I am fairly good at singing but it's the Bow Harp where I truly shine your grace."

"Would you play something for me then?"

"If it pleases you, your grace."

"Yes…please."

A servant quickly fetched the wooden case her instrument was kept in and she quickly tuned it up. Every northerner in the room stopped what they were doing and turned in her direction, which prompted the curious southerners to do the same. As she played the melody was low and almost haunting, evoking images of various tales of unrequited love and tragedy in the minds of her audience. Many of the women had tears in their eyes and even a few men were struggling with their emotions. When it was over there was utter silence for a long moment before everyone began to applaud as she gave a curtsy and put the instrument away. Jaime looked at Tyrion and realized that for once his little brother was actually speechless.

"Perhaps I should mark this date in history, little brother."

"Whatever for Jaime?"

"Because someone finally managed to leave you without words."

"Very funny."

Visenya went back to the Queen who, Jaime noticed, actually had a genuine smile on her face. He was surprised that she seemed to have taken a liking to this girl but, if it kept her from being cruel to the girl, he saw no reason to protest.

"That was beautiful little wolf. I have never heard such emotion in a song before. You truly have a rare gift."

"Thank you, your grace."

Visenya returned to her brothers, for that was how she saw Theon, and scowled at the King's blatant disrespect for his wife.

"That is disgusting…how can she stand to watch this?"

"Who?"

"The Queen you dolt. I would be heartbroken if the man I married did that in front of me."

"We'd kick his ass if he did…not that we're planning to let just any man have the honor of marrying our beloved sister."

She raised an eyebrow at the two of them and listened to them bicker about what traits a man would have to have before they'd let him marry her. She just snorted softly and shook her head as the two became more and more ridiculous as the bickering went on.

"Northerner…he'd have to be a northerner."

"He'd have to have dark hair…strong jaw…good fighter."

"Right…has to be able to protect her. He'd need…a big castle…lots of room for her Ghost…"

"You two are ridiculous. Who says that any of those things are what I want?"

"What?"

"Maybe I don't want the things you want for me…maybe I want something different."

The two looked at her in stunned silence as she gave them a little smirk and left the hall, not noticing the eyes of two lions following her movements.

"I'll say this much…she's not shy about expressing her opinions."

"That can be a dangerous thing Jaime."

"In King's Landing? Yes. Here in the North? Quite the opposite it seems."

The next day the King decided he wanted to go hunting in the Wolf's Wood and all-but demanded that Ned go with him, which he did. Sansa and Arya were in their sewing lessons, Rickon was with Lady Cat, and Visenya was fighting Robb and Theon. Bran was busy climbing the broken tower, despite having promised his mother that he wouldn't climb anymore. Visenya and the boys kept glancing over to check on him but he was always so sure-footed that they weren't overly concerned…until they heard him scream and then a loud thud.

"Bran!"

"Theon, ride out to find Lord Stark immediately. Robb, go get Maester Lewin. Move it!"

Visenya barked out orders as she rushed to the base of the tower and fell to her knees beside Bran's still body. She dared not move him until the Maester came but she checked for a pulse and barely felt it.

"Hang on Bran…just hang on little brother. You'll be alright…you're a fighter…just keep fighting for me ok? Please gods…don't take him…please…I'm begging you not to take him away from us."

Inside the tower Jaime and the Queen were listening to her pleading words and both felt a twist of guilt in their stomachs. Jaime looked at his twin and saw the look on her face and realized she felt as bad as he did about the boy being near death. Robb soon showed up with the Master and they carefully moved Bran to a more comfortable place to be worked on. Cat ended up practically chaining herself to his bedside so Visenya took on the role of keeping everything running in her absence. After about a week she looked exhausted so Robb started taking on more of the duties so Visenya could relax a little more. Eventually it was time for the royal party to begin loading up to head south and the King had insisted that Ned bring all three of his daughters. Cat protested, loudly, at losing all three so the King relented and allowed Arya to remain with her mother after Visenya spoke to him.

"Your Grace. I understand you want all three of us in King's Landing but I do not believe Arya will be happy there. She's a Northern Wolf in every way. She's wild and trying to tame her will only cause her pain. I believe she will be much happier remaining here in the North."

"Perhaps you are right. You know your sister better than I after all. What of the redhead? Sansa I think it was?"

"Yes, your grace. Sansa will love the southern court. I think she will blossom well there."

"Excellent. That settles it then. You and Sansa will come south with your father."

Visenya was left speechless as the King walked away. Theon and Robb were not happy about their favorite sister being taken away from them and the look they shared spoke volumes. How were they supposed to protect her if she was so far away? As Visenya headed towards her room to pack for the trip she nearly ran into Jaime Lannister.

"The newly legitimized Bastard of Winterfell."

"Kingslayer. Something you want?"

"I hear you like to play at sword fighting."

"I do not play. I fight, and I win."

"Perhaps you might like to spar with me then?"

"Not at the moment. The King has insisted that I join my father in King's Landing so I must pack for the trip and say goodbye to my family."

"Perhaps another time then?"

"Perhaps…if you earn it."

She turned on her heel, her hair flying behind her, and walked off without a second glance leaving a bemused Kingslayer behind her. After she packed and handed her trunks to the servants she headed to Bran's room. After knocking softly and hearing Cat's permission to enter she did so as quietly as possible.

"Oh Visenya…You and Robb have been such a big help to me."

"I am glad to do so. The King…he's…he's insisting that I go south. I'm frightened…I'm not meant to be in the south. Wolves are meant to be in the north."

"You will be fine sweet girl. You are stronger than you know. Keep Sansa safe, and keep yourself safe, that's all I ask."

"You'll keep us updated on how Bran is doing?"

"Of course. He will be sorry he missed you."

Visenya moved to kneel by Bran's bedside and spoke softly to him, telling him to get better so she can see him strong and healthy when she came back home. Before leaving she kissed his forehead and gave Cat a hug, thanking her for all she had done for her over the years. She stopped in Rickon's room and said goodbye to him, which involved a lot of crying and protesting on his part which nearly broke her heart. Next she visited Arya who was happy not to be going but sad to see her favorite sister leaving.

"I don't want you to go Visenya."

"I know my little wolf pup. I'm sure we'll be back before you know it. Besides, I brought you a gift."

"A present? What is it?"

"Close the door."

As Arya ran to close her door Visenya unrolled a length of fabric to reveal a skinny sword with its own leather scabbard and belt, all made specifically for Arya's small size.

"This is not a toy Arya…this can cause real harm so handle it carefully."

"It's so skinny."

"So are you. How does it feel?"

"I love it! Thank you Visenya."

"Robb and Theon will teach you how to use it properly. Your mother gave me permission to give it to you so long as you handle it properly."

"I will. I'll miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too my little wolf pup. Keep our brothers out of trouble alright?"

"I'll try."

"Good girl."

Visenya headed out to the main courtyard, her heart feeling heavy and tight. When her eye met Robb and Theon waiting beside her horse she lost the battle with her tears and flung herself into their waiting arms. Both young men held her tightly, fighting their own tears as she cried at having to leave them behind.

"Please don't do anything stupid while I'm not here to rescue you idiots. Listen to Lady Cat and protect our little siblings ok? Please? Promise me?"

"I promise."

Both men spoke in unison and then swept her into another tight hug. Neither wanted to lose her but they couldn't go against the King. The thought of her being so far away was tearing them apart inside.

"You be careful down there. Don't fall for some prissy knight that can't properly take care of you."

"Yeah…don't let any prissy Lords sweep you off your feet either little sister."

"I have rather high standards boys…I'm not that easy."

"Don't I know it…Ow!"

"Theon!"

"What?!"

It was well known that Theon was frequently trying to seduce Visenya only to fail every single time…usually with a well-earned smack to the head involved. Robb just shook his head at the two and hugged his sister again.

"Just be safe ok? I can't bear the thought of losing you."

"Same goes for you brother."

They finally separated when Ned urged her up onto her horse as the party began to leave. Sansa chose to ride in the wheelhouse with the Queen and her children but Visenya preferred to ride, much to the amusement of the men around her. As she looked back to see her brother's watching her, looking like their world was ending, she tried to smile at them but began crying again. Ned's heart ached for his daughter's pain but Robert refused to listen to him. Just ahead of them Robert heard the girl crying and felt a little bad for taking her from her brothers but he felt the South would be good for her. She could find a good husband there he was sure. As Visenya passed the wheelhouse an excited Sansa felt her spirits drop a bit at seeing her elder sister's tears.

"Visenya? Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine Sansa. Do not worry about me. I am just feeling the loss of Robb and Theon more keenly than I had expected to."

"Oh…I'm sorry. Here I am all excited and you…"

"It's fine Sansa. I want you to be excited and happy. I will be fine in time. Enjoy yourself."

"If you say so."

The Queen watched all of this with carefully concealed pity. She understood how the girl felt, she had been beyond consolation when Jaime first left home to join the King's Guard. She had him back now but still, those days had been…difficult.

"It will get better in time Little Wolf."

"Thank you, your grace."

A call from up ahead had Visenya urging her mare forward to catch up to her Uncle Benjen. They had reached the fork that would divide the group. Benjen was heading back to the wall with some new brothers for the Night's Watch, and Tyrion was going with him.

"Lord Tyrion? Do not tell me that the second most famous letch in Westeros is taking the black?"

"OH gods no. I just want to stand on top of the wall and piss off the edge of the world."

"Now that sounds more like you."

"Wait a second…second most famous letch? Who is a more famous letch than me?"

"Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne. He sleeps with men and women alike."

"Ah…excellent point. I shall have to up my game then."

"You do that Lord Tyrion…just leave me out of it hmm?"

"I would not dare to defile such a northern beauty."

"Oh yes you would…the only reason you haven't tried is because you know what my family would do in retaliation."

"This is true. Farewell, Lady Stark. Safe travels until we meet again."

"Same to you Lord Tyrion. Try not to freeze off anything important up there."

"I won't…wait…is that possible? Has that happened?"

Tyrion looked at Benjen who just shrugged and gave his niece a sly wink that had her laughing as she rejoined her father in heading south. Tyrion was suddenly a bit nervous about going to the wall but he was determined to see it through.