Joy bustled through the great hall, alive with servants preparing fo rthe King's arrival. Heavy wax candles were stuck onto large iron chandeliers that were hoisted to the ceiling. Round platters of meats and vegetables were lained upon long wooden tables ready to be taken to the busy kitchen. Maids organized boquets of fine flowers and branches that they had found in the godswood. Carissi lapped at Joy's feet, her tounge out and her blue eyes shining. Her white direwolf was wreckless and fierce; she loved to play fight with Grey Wind, Robb's direwolf, and Jon's Ghost. But, she was also loving and tender to the other pups. Her soft left ear still drooped at halfway but thaht did not stop her sensitive hearing. Joy named the ceature after her mother, Lady Carissia, believing that the Old Gods sent her spirt in the animal to watch over her daughter. Where is Lady Catelyn?  Joy looked around the hall. Catelyn appeared walking down the steps, accompanied by maester Luwin. They were most like discussing the arrangements. Joy hurried over to them. When Lady Catelyn she smiled, as did Maester Luwin. "What is it, my dear?" She asked politely.

"The King and his procession is near, my lady. Around five to six miles from Winterfell." Joy curtsied. Catelyn looked tiredly at Maester Luwin.

"Tell the servants." She said and the old maester hurried away. "How do you know this?" Joy bit her lip. Bran's not going to like this! 

"Bran told me." Lady Catelyn sighed then hurried from the hall, Joy quickly following. Then walked out into the courtyard. Carissi ran ahead and leaped on Summer, Bran's direwolf, who was whining and pacing around the base of the Old Tower. Joy looked up. The shaggy haired boy was climbing down the rickety stone building. Catelyn saw the two direwolves.

"Gods, they grow fast." She muttered, then spied Bran clinging to the footholds on the grey stones."Brandon!" 

"I saw the King!" Bran exclaimed. "He's got hundreds of people-"

"How many times have I told you," Catelyn scolded as the boy plopped down to the ground. "no climbing!'

"He's coming right now! Down our road!" He panted. His mother bent over to look him in the eye.

"I want you to promise me," She said. "No more climbing." Joy smirked. He promises, but he won't keep them. Bran loved to climb, and he was good at it too. Not once in his life had he slipped or even lost his footing. The young Stark was like a long haired squirrel, eager to scale an oak. Bran looked to the ground.

"I promise." He said softly.

"Do you know what?" Catelyn straightened.

"What?"

"You always look at your feet before you lie." Bran smiled. 

"Run and find your father. Tell him the King is close!" Bran ran off, Summer at his heels. Lady Catelyn smiled after him then turned to Joy. "See to Sansa, make sure she is ready for the greeting." Joy nodded and went off in search of the auburn girl.

******************

Joy stood in line in front of Winterfell's doors, along with the rest of the Starks. She was behind the family, between Theon and Jon. She noticed that both the boys had been shaved and their hair clean cut, Jon's no longer at his shoulders but combed neatly as was Robb's. She noticed how handsome they both looked. Joy had been pampered too, dressed in Lady Catelyn's gift and her raven hair pulled out of her face by a pearl studded headress. The blue gown was a little tight at the chest, which resulted in a couple stares form men but Joy tightened her cloak so her clevage was not as noticable. The family progressed in a line of order.  Lord Stark stood in the middle, next to his lady wife and Robb. Next to Catelyn was little Rickon and next to Robb was Sansa and Bran. "Where's Arya?" Lady Catelyn hissed. "Sansa where's your sister?" Sansa shrugged shaking her head. Joy could her the procession coming, the clatter of hooves and whinnies from the horses. Arya appeared, running to then panting, wearing a helmet on her head. Joy hid her laughter, only Jon heard it and smild at his half-sister. 

"Hey, hey, hey," Lord Stark caught Arya buy the arm as she stumbled past. "What are you doing with that on?" he lifted the helmet off of her head and handed it to Ser Rodrick. Arya moved to her place in line.

"Move!" She comanded to her younger brother, pushing Bran. He made a face at her but willingly stepped aside. The King's procession entered through the arch and into the courtyard. First, was a knight in golden armour, obviously a white cloak of the King's Guard. Then came Prince Joffrey, Joy went on her tip-toes to see him over Robb's shoulders. She could see why Sansa sighed when he came nearer, he was...allright in looks; his hair straight golden locks and piercing green eyes. But, it was the way he sat upon his horse, almost like he knew every maiden in the Seven Kingdoms wanted him. All but this one. Joy smied to herself, though she caught the prince's eye and he smiled vainly back. Robb turned to look at her then looked back at Joffrey, shaking his head. After him came a man with the a hounds helmet. A red and gold painted carriage came next, bearing the sigil of House Lannister. Then a couple gold cloaks and the king himself. The Starks bent the knee to him as did the rest of Winterfell. Joy looked to the muddy ground, but could here the King come off of his mount and stride over heavily. He stood infront of Lord Stark. When the Lord of Winterfell stood, teh rest of Winterfell did too. Joy now had a good look at the King. His beard was thick and black and his hair long, he was...quite round too.

"Your grace." Eddard Stark said. The King eyed him carefully.

"You got fat." The Kign rumbled. Joy's eyes widened. You should look at yourself, your grace! There was a moment of awkward silence until, suddenly they rumbled in laughter and embraced. Robert Baratheon turned to Lady Stark. "Cat!"

"Your grace." She replied politely even though he gave her a hug too. After ruffling Rickon's hair he went back to Lord Eddard.

"Nine years," He sighed. "And i haven't seen you. Where've you been?"

"Guarding the North for you, your grace."  Lord Stark replied. "Winterfell is yours." Joy saw that the carriage had opened. A young boy and girl stepped out, both with golden hair. Prince Tommen and Princess Mrycella. They were followed by two hand maids and then Queen Cersei herself. She was stunning, with her long shining hair and thin posture, floating over in a red gown to her husband.  

"Where's the Imp?" Arya whispered to Sansa.

"Will you shut up?" Sansa spat back, looking to the Prince once again. Where is Lord Tyrion? The Queen's dwarf brother was nowhere to be seen, only her twin brother, the handsome 'Kingslayer' Jaime Lannister (famous for killing the Mad King Aeyrs).

"Who have we here?" the King moved over to Robb. "You must be Robb." Robb shook his grace's hand firmly. "My..." he looked over Sansa. "You're a pretty one."  He turned to Arya. "Your name is?"

"Arya." The King grunted at her amusment. As he moved to Bran, Queen Cersei moved towards Lord Stark. She smiled icily and held out her hand. Lord Stark kissed it.

"My Queen." he said softly. She said nothing and gazed as Lady Catelyn curtsied low. The Queen's eyes met Joy's and lit up.

"Lady Darring." Her voice was strong. King Robert turned to face her. "Come forward." Joy stiffened as Robb and Lord Stark moved aside, exposing her to the stares of the people. She came into line and curtsied.

"My King and Queen." She said as polietly as she could. When she stood straight again the royals looked her up and down.

"You are the Jewel of Winter aren't you." King Robert rumbled. Joy blushed deeply.

"True beauty." The Queen smiled. "My child, what is you're age."

"It was my seventeenth nameday a few days past, your grace." Joy explained, looking Cersei in the eye. Cersei looked to her King husband. "She would be a good match, wouldn't she, my sweet?" Joy held her breath. Oh no. If she was about to be asked for her betrothel to Joffrey, she wouldn't be able to refuse. Especially to the Queen. There was something truelly frightening about her grace. Thankfully, Robert Baratheon completely ignored his wife and Joy could breathe again.

"Take me to your crypt. I want to pay my respects." He stated to Eddard. 

"We've been riding for a month, my love." Queen Cersei said. "Surely the dead can wait." The King glanced at Lord Stark.

"Ned." he nodded and walked into the castle. Eddard hesitated but, followed shortly after. He's gone to Lyanna. Joy sighed. That tragic love story. The Queen glared as they walked away. The towns folk started to disperse but the Starks and Theon stayed.

"Where's the Imp?" Arya whispered, too loudly. Cersei looked at her strangley then prowled back to her twin.

"Where is our brother?" She hissed at him. "Find the little beast."  When she turned her voice was sweet. "I'm sure you've prepared our chambers?" Lady Catelyn stepped forwards.

"Yes, your grace. If you would like to follow me." She lead the Queen inside the castle walls, the procession unpacking and dismounting. The Kingslayer wandered off in search of his younger brother. Joy turned to look at Robb.

"Seems you've got an admirer." He whispered, glaring at something behind her. Joy turned to face Joffrey, who was striding towards her. His red velvet cape was billowing around him and large sword belted to his waist. Gods be good... She groaned softly but tried to keep a pleasent face. He should take Sansa. She glanced at the auburn girl smiling with admirance at the young lion. She's at a good age for him, very pretty and would definatly be loyal.   

"My lady." he smiled and bent to kiss her hand. 

"My prince." Joy replied politely.

"The stories of your beauty are not lies." Joffery purred. Kill me now. His green eyes sparkled at her responsive blush. "You must tell me if the others are not lies either; of your wisdom, fighting and singing talent." The Prince held out his arm and Joy unwillingly looped hers through it. Sansa pouted with jealousy. Oh Sansa, you can truely have him! As she was escorted indoors, she caught a glimpse of Jon looking grave, staring into her. Joy blinked and he was gone.

 *********

It was dark now, the candles of Sansa's chambers brightened the walls. Joy carefully pinned a braid of auburn hair into the bun that wound around the back of the young girl's head. She had offered to do Sansa's hair for her, as Lady Catelyn was busy with the feast arrangements. They gossiped as Joy brushed her long locks about how Joy had confessed when the King asked that she did not want to be betrothed to the Prince; which made Sansa more than happy. The King did not seem so. I do hope he does not hate me for it. He moved on to asking Lord Stark for Sansa's betrothel. "Do you think Joffery will like me?" she asked. "What if he thinks I'm ugly?" Joy placed her hands on Sansa's shoulders.

"Then he is the stupidest Prince that's ever lived. " Joy smiled and continued to work on the elaberate hairstyle. He definatly is... Sansa held up a mirror to look at how her hair was doing.

"He's so handsome." She swooned. Joy sighed. "When would we be married? Soon or do we have to wait?"

"Hush now, you're father hasn't even said yes to being the Hand!" Joy twirled the last bit of the younger girl's hair. 

"Why would he say no? He'd be the second most powerful man in the kingdoms!"

"He'd have to leave home, he'd have to leave your mother. And so would you, you'd have to go south if your father accepts the offer." 

"It wouldn't be that bad, you never left a home." I must have...you have to remember this is not my home. My home is gone forever. Destroyed. "And I'd be Queen someday and bear him little golden haired princes and princesses!" Joy gritt her teeth and brushed Sansa's hair to calm herself. Sansa was so naive. She turned around suddenly. "Please tell mother to get fatehr say yes!"

"Sansa-"

"Please, please! It's the only thing I've ever wanted." Sansa blue eyes were round in the firelight. Joy sighed and turned the girl around to finish her hair.

"Don’t rush into falling in love. For love never runs out." Joy advised. "Even if others make fun of you, just tell them, “The Gods are trying to create the perfect love story to sweep me off my feet.” Like the ones you read about.”

"Like Florian and Jonquil?" Sansa chimed.

"Yes." Joy finished doing her hair and Sansa stood and checked it in the mirror. "You will find you're Florian, beautiful Jonquil." Sansa smiled prettily.

"Joff will be my Florian with his crown of gold." She sighed. Joy wanted to burry her head in her hands.

"Come, we must join the entrance." The two girls left the chambers and joined the Starks and the royals at the entrance to the main hall. They got in line, Joy linked arms with Robb behind Lord and Lady Stark, who were behind The King and Queen. Sansa was with Joffrey behind them then Myrcella and Bran, Tommen and Arya, and finally Rickon and Septa Mordaine. Joy got a death glare from Joffrey as she walked past him, but paid it no mind. Where's Jon? She could not see him. She asked Robb.

"He's not allowed in the entrance procession..." He shook his head. Joy bit her lip. A bastard is a bastard and not worthy. "When my father leaves for the South and I'm Lord, I won't have such stupid rules." Robb stated.

"I'm sure you'll be a fine Lord." Joy winked. Robb, hearing her false sarcasm, knocked her lightly on the arm playfully. The doors to the great hall opened and they proceeded in. The guests stood silently waiting for the highborn to sit. When they did at the end of the hall, the loud music, talk, and laughter continued. Joy sat with the children at the foot of the royals. As the night drew on, the conversations around her got louder as the guest drank their fill of wine and ale. The King had moved himself to the middle of the tables and was drunkenly playing with a serving wench. Joy watched Sansa be summoned to the Queen and as she watched them talk and Sansa smile, she knew that the betrothal had been sealed. The young girl will marry the man she's always wanted. Joy sulked. I will never marry mine, it's forbidden. I don't even know if he has the same feelings. She looked across the table at Robb who was laughing away at something Theon said. I know he has feelings. Joy's mind thought maybe becoming a future Lady of Winterfell wasn't such a bad idea...but her heart told her otherwise.

"Arya!" Sansa screeched. Joy shook the thought away. Arya had flung food at her sister with a spoon. It was quite amusing, so Joy laughed with the rest of the hall. "It's not funny!" Sansa whined as her friend cleaned her face. Lady Catelyn gave Robb a look and he emidiatly picked Arya up and carried her out of the hall. Joy followed them out, going outside. The moon was full, the night growing cold. She held herself in her arms, she didn't bring her cloak with her. Joy wandered out towards the practise area. Jon was hacking angrily at a dummy with his sword. She saw thetall dark figure of Benjin Stark walking away.

"Is it dead yet?" She called out to him. He looked up breathing hard.

"Joy?"

"Jon." She nodded and walked over to him taking his sword from him. "You're blade's dull. Why are you training now?"

"For..." His voice trailed off.

"For what?"

"The Wall." The words hit her like a blow to the head.

"Th-the Wall?"

"Yes." 

"Why would you want to train for that?" Isn't it obvious?

"My uncle Benjin, he said that when he leaves for the Wall again he'll take me with him." Jon took the sword from her. His touch made her shiver. "I'm going to be a man of the Night's Watch."  No! She wanted to scream.

"Are you sure, i mean, that's a lot of dedication." He started to swing at the dummy again. 

"I'm ready."

"You know what you're giving up?" Joy said that a bit too loudly. He looked at her sadly.

"Yes, I know. I won't marry or father any children." He stated bluntly. There was a sudden pain in her chest when he said that.

"And you won't ever be allowed to return."  She whispered.

***^^***