You worked alongside Winterfell's veterinarian who mainly worked on keeping the hunting dogs of Lord Eddard at top shape and the horses used by the army and nobles. It was a valued job and although you certainly weren't someone of status, you weren't poor. You were able to have a house outside of your village, close to the castle so that you were equally able to get to your market but also work in the stables or kennels. Your home was modest but there was more than one room for just yourself which for the people of the north was considered almost lavish.

Today was one of your rare days free from work. You loved your job but having a day where you could relax or get any domestic roles completed.

As a woman with a brain and a drive to progress in the world, no man wished to be your husband but as you were able to earn your own gold, there wasn't a need to be a married woman. Maybe some may consider you an old maid but as you had your own income and an admired job, that didn't matter.

Hoping for a day of peace as you didn't have to head to the market, you were unimpressed when there came a knock on the door. People from the village commonly arrived at your door in desperate need for their pets or livestock, and although you didn't mind it and were glad to help, you'd like to just sit back and relax.

Opening the door, you did not see a villager there, rather the bastard son of Lord Eddard, a bundle of white fur standing out against his black fur coat.

"Lord Snow," you smiled with a welcoming manner. "What do I owe this pleasure?"

"I'm sorry for arriving unannounced but I needed your help," he sighed. "I am truly sorry, my lady."

"Nonsense," you said, offering him into your home. "How can I assist you, my lord?"

Jon held out the bundle of white fur to you. You were rather confused but took it from him, trying to figure out what he was handing you. In your hands was a wolf pup as white as snow. It was a tiny thing but instantly you knew it wasn't a normal wolf.

"A direwolf?" You questioned. "I didn't realise they still existed. Where'd you find one my lord?"

"We found a litter in the forest, one for each Stark child and the runt for me," he sighed. "I am grateful to have the creature, but I wouldn't know where to start in caring for it. I don't want to do anything to harm them. Could you assist me, my lady?"

Still holding the small direwolf, you shot the owner a look. You had gotten to know Jon fairly well in your time in Winterfell. As he was a bastard, there wasn't any real stigma in him spending time with a commoner, and he was usually your link for a dialogue with the rest of the Stark's or to assist with the animals you worked to care for.

"I am no lady, my lord," you stated.

"And I am no lord."

You offered him a sympathetic smile. He couldn't control how in which he was born but he was still stuck with the stigma of it all.

"I'm sorry, Jon," you smiled. "I do forget that formalities aren't needed with yourself."

"'Tis fine. Do you know what to do with the pup?"

You looked the pup over, seeing that it was a healthy state even if he was the runt. At least there wasn't anything medical that needed doing but caring for any animal involved a lot of work.

"Well I have never cared for a direwolf before but from what I have read they do grow quite large. Even this little pup will grow to be able to kill any man with great ease. He'll need a good diet, not just in nutrition but he'd eat any peasant out of house and home within minutes. You'll need to exercise him a lot more than a normal hound but although he shall be able to cause great damage, he will be loyal to the one who cares to raise him."

"Thank you, Y/N," he smiled softly. "I hope I can raise him well."

"Do you have a name for this little guy yet?" You asked.

"Ghost."

~*~

Written by Charlotte.