𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬
________________

____ In the far South, the sun shone brightly above the lands as it casted it's warmth upon the creatures of the scarce forests and people of the capital. The capital of Westeros itself, King's Landing, bustled with noise and chaos as news of Lord Eddard Stark's imprisonment reached the locals' ears. Inside of the Red Keep, Sansa Stark sat before a table in the Queen's chambers, and before her stood Grand Maester Pycelle, Lord Petyr Baelish, and the Spider, Lord Varys, whilst the Lannister Queen, herself, sat in a chair at the table before her.

The culling of seagulls wafted through the gently swaying curtains sewn with thin creamy-colored fabric as the breeze from the waters of Blackwater Bay drifted across the room as the sun shown it's bright yellow glow into the Queen's chambers adorned with tasteless furniture that screamed royalty.

"Your father has proved to be
an awful traitor, dear."

The smooth voice of the Spider, Lord Varys, reached Sansa Stark's ears, therefore, she removed her fearful gaze from the light-lavender fabric of her dress and onto the men and woman in front of her. "King Robert's body was still warm when Lord Eddard began plotting to steal Joffrey's rightful throne." The repulsive Grand Maester spoke in his aged voice that gurgled once or twice whenever he spoke.

"He wouldn't do that. He knows how much I love Joffrey... he wouldn't." Sansa spoke in her timid voice, before she turned her gaze away from the Maester and towards Queen Ceresi Lannister, "Please, Your Grace, there's been a mistake. Send for my father, he'll tell you.. the King was his friend."

The Lannister Queen, with her golden locks of hair that shinned beneath the rays of the sun, saw the unshed tears inside of the Stark's eyes that resembled her Tully mother's, therefore, she spoke,

"Sansa, sweetling, you are innocent of any wrong.. we know that. Yet, you are the daughter of a traitor.
How can I allow you to marry my son?"

The voice of the Grand Maester's followed the Queen's, "A child born of a traitor's seed is no fit consort for our King. She is a sweet thing now, Your Grace, but in ten years who knows what treasons she may hatch?" With tears in her beautiful bright Tully blue eyes, "No, I'm not!.. I'll be a good wife to him, you'll see, and I'll be a queen just like you, I promise... I won't hatch anything." Queen Cersei held a look of thoughtful doubt, considering the girl's words, when Lord Petyr Baelish's voice spoke up, defending the young Stark girl, "The girl is innocent, Your Grace. She should be given a chance to prove her loyalty."

A silence of thought consumed the chambers, before the Queen silently released a short breath, "Little dove, you must write to Lady Catelyn and your brothers, what were their names?" The Lannister Queen spoke as she slid a piece of creamy parchment towards the young Stark girl.

"Robb, and Rikson."

With his keen eyes narrowed as he watched the Stark, Lord Varys could see the spark of courage ignite inside the young girl's Tully eyes when she spoke her older brother's name. As if the thought of young Rikson Stark standing beside her made all her fears melt away.

"Word of your father's arrest will reach them soon, no doubt.. best it comes from you. If you would help your father, urge your brothers to keep the King's peace. Tell the eldest to come to King's Landing and
swear his fealty to Joffrey."

The Lannister laid a pen, with a white feather adorning it, atop the piece of parchment as she spoke, her words spoken softly to the frightened girl.

".. If-.. If I could see my father,
talk to him about-"

Sansa stopped herself from continuing when she looked into the Queen's disappointed eyes.

"You disappoint me, child." Cersei said as she lightly shook her head, before continuing, "We have told you of your father's treason, why would you want to speak to a traitor?" Looking at her lap in shame, Sansa replied in a timid voice, "I only meant that-.. What will happen to him?"

"That depends."

"On-.. On what?"

"On your brothers." The Queen took the pen into her hand, holding it before the young girl, "And on you, little dove." The thought of her sweet Riky filled her fearful mind.. the thought of him getting hurt if he and Robb did something foolish if they heard of their father's imprisonment from some villager in the North. She knew it would be better if the news came from her, alongside the demand for fealty to Joffrey. Therefore, with the hopeful thought of her sweet brother coming south the free her from the Lannisters, young Sansa Stark took the pen into her, lightly, shaking hand.

ꕥ 𓅓☽𓅓 ꕥ

A summer's breeze drifted across the lands of the Northern Kingdom blanketed with vast forests and green hills that stood tall and proud as the hours of midday past the inhabitants of the North by. Inside the stone-made walls of Winterfell, the ambiance of the castle echoed off of the strong walls. The barking of the hounds in the kennels, the smiths hammering steel against steel, alongside the numerous servants bustling around the grounds as they conversed amongst one another on the events that occurred between them during the day.

Meanwhile, in the Great Hall of the ancient castle, light smoke emitted from the yellow candles attached to the black-steel chandeliers as the ambiance of the castle was distanced by the stone walls, as the direwolves, Alysanne and Greywind, laid behind the bench the secondborn Stark sat upon with his eldest brother and the Greyjoy across from him. Whilst Robb and Theon conversed amongst one another about matters Rikson couldn't find himself to care much about, the secondborn's mind was an ocean of thoughts as the ruthless waves gave him an ache.

A week had past since young Bran Stark's encounter with the Wildlings in the Wolfswood, and Rikson Stark had avoided the Wildling woman they had taken as a captive ever since. The Stark still didn't have an answer to the question that swarmed inside of his head.

Would Rikson Stark kill the Wildling woman given the chance?

He wanted to lie to himself and say he would never, but he couldn't deny the truth. Rikson didn't trust his violent urges, hence why he avoided the woman whenever he saw her in the halls.

Rikson also worried about his sisters and father in King's Landing, and wondered where his mother had gone after she had taken the Imp as a prisoner. He assumed she went to the Eyrie, where her sister had fled to after the death of Jon Arryn. He worried for his wounded father that had no men to protect him in the capital, and for his sweet sisters that any disgusting man would want to have.

Both fortunately and unfortunately for the young Stark, the intolerable voice of the arrogant Greyjoy broke through his aching thoughts,

"What say you, Riky?"

Rikson rolled his eyes, that seemed darker than they normally were as they resembled the waters of the Shivering Sea rather than the ice of the Wall, as he uncrossed his arms that lay on the table to take an apple from the platter before him,

"Don't call me that, Greyjoy."

Ignoring the hidden tone of malice in his words, the Greyjoy spoke with a smug grin, "Were you even listening.. Riky? Or were you too busy thinking about that Wildling woman you want to lay with?"

"Who was the one caught with the Wildling woman in the kitchens, alone?.." Rikson pretended to be deep in thought as he took a bite of the apple, the delicious juice of the fruit pleasing his taste buds, "Oh, right.. it was you, Greyjoy." Robb concealed his snicker behind a cough as he turned his head away to hide his grin, as Rikson Stark proudly smirked at the flustered, and annoyed, Greyjoy as he took another bite of the apple.

The echo of the Maester's numerous chains clinking together filled the silence of the Great Hall as Maester Luwin walked towards the table the Stark brothers and the Greyjoy sat at with his aged legs. The direwolf's lifted their heads from their paws, Alysanne standing from her laid position to sit beside her Stark.

"A raven from the south, My Lord."

The boys visibly tensed at the Maester's words, knowing nothing good ever came from the South, as Robb took the piece of parchment into his hands, his eyes landing on the Lannister seal before unrolling the letter, his eyes skimming over the words.

The eldest Stark, abruptly, stood from his seat as the words on the letter sunk in, his handsome features holding a rage that rarely showed itself on his normally calm demeanor. Curious as to what could have made his brother so infuriated, the secondborn stood from his seat as he took the letter into his hand, a sense of déjà vu hitting the Stark as he was reminded of the week before when the letter told the boys of their father's attack as his eyes began to read the words that spelled horrible news from the capital in the South.

To my brothers,

Robb and Rikson, I write to you today with heavy heart. Our good King Robert is dead, killed from wounds he took in a boar hunt. Father has been charged with treason. He conspired with Robert's brothers against my beloved Joffrey and tried to steal his throne. The Lannisters are treating me well and providing me with every comfort. I beg you, Robb, come to King's Landing, swear fealty to King Joffrey, and prevent any strife between the great Houses of Lannister and Stark

Your faithful sister, Sansa

The secondborn Stark's handsome features held a blend of numerous emotions, the obvious to the men in the room being an ice coated rage, a small hint of shock with a layer of worry that only added to the list of worry for Rikson Stark.

His rage was held for the prideful Lions of House Lannister, his gut telling him they were behind this.. all of the news from the South, they were behind.

The Stark were also shocked when he read the words that told of King Robert's death. Rikson didn't care for one of the worst King's in the history of Westeros, but the news still shocked him as he hadn't expected it.

And he was afraid.. afraid for his sisters. The letter hadn't mentioned his little wolf, his fierce sister Arya, and he feared for what had become of her. Even though the letter said the Lions were treating her with comfort, Rikson Stark knew his sweet sister Sansa was anything but comfortable, or safe, in the South.

The secondborn Stark lifted his head of wavy hair towards the Maester, his chest lightly heaving with his breaths of nerves, and anger.

"Treason?.. Sansa wrote this?"

The Maester nodded with a grim look in his eyes, "It is your sister's hand, Rikson, but the Queen's words. Robb is summoned to King's Landing to swear fealty to the new King.. Joffrey Baratheon."

"Joffrey put our father in chains, and now he wants his ass kissed?" Rikson spoke with narrowed eyes and venom in his tone, his rage beginning to seep into his normally calm demeanor as his eyes darkened. The black direwolf of the secondborn nudged her head against his leg, offering her presence as a form of comfort and calm for her Stark, which appeared to work as Rikson released a low breath that relaxed his tense shoulders and slowed his breathing. The elder Maester, lowly, sighed, as Rikson threw the letter onto the table, turning towards the eldest Stark, "This is a royal command, My Lord. If you should refuse to obey-"

"I won't refuse.. His Grace summons me to
King's, I'll go to King's Landing."

Rikson swiftly turned his head towards his brother, having been staring at the stone walls in thought, his eyes widened in worry at his brother's words,

"No, you will not."

Robb glanced towards his brother, giving him a look that made Rikson release a breath as he sat on the bench once more, laying his hand on his direwolf's fur, "But not alone... Call the banners."

The Greyjoy smirked from where he sat beside the eldest Stark, feeling a relief fill him as his friend was finally going to retaliate against the Lannisters that got away with everything they did, no matter how wrong in the world's eyes.

Whilst Rikson released a low breath as he rubbed the back of his neck, licking his lips, an old nervous habit of the secondborn Stark, as his other hand caressed his black direwolf's soft fur.

"All of them, My Lord?"

"They've all sworn to defend my
father, have they not?"

"They have."

"Now we see what their
words are worth."

The Maester left the Great Hall with hast, and the eldest Stark sat on the bench once more. The eldest gaze met his younger brother's, and Rikson looked at him with a knowing look, "Are you afraid?" Robb glanced towards his hand, noticing the shake in his limb, "I must be, Riks."

"Good." The Greyjoy spoke from where he sat, looking at his friend he'd known ever since he had been taken to Winterfell as a young boy, and Robb lifted his gaze towards him, "Why is that good?" It was the secondborn Stark that spoke, "It means you're not stupid." Theon glanced towards the secondborn Stark, "For once, I agree with our sweet Riky."

Rikson rolled his eyes with a huff, not in the mood for the arrogant Greyjoy's teasing, although he sensed he only did it to lighten the mood, as he ran a hand through his hair, the light brown curls falling over his forehead as his hand fell to the table, "Pointless comments aside," He earned a roll of the eye from Theon and a snicker from Robb, "Is this really what you want to do, Robb?"

A silence of thought passed across the boys, before the eldest looked the secondborn in the eyes with a determination, "It is not what I want to do, Riks, but what I need to do. For father, and for our sisters."

The secondborn harshly swallowed, his adam's-apple bobbing in his throat, as he glanced away from his brother for a moment, his head swarming with his loud and aching thoughts, before looking towards his brother once more, "Then I'm with you."

ꕥ 𓅓☽𓅓 ꕥ

With the tips of his hair flowing with the soft dance of the Northern breeze, leaning against the stone made walls that reached just above his waist, the secondborn of House Stark stares at the hundreds of ravens flying in every direction towards the keeps of the North. All with the same letter tied to their legs.

The direwolves, Alysanne, Greywind, Summer, and Shaggydog, surrounded the anxious Stark. Alysanne sat beside her Stark, her fur flowing with the breeze, with Summer laying behind her, his snout occasionally lifting to sniff the scents carried through the breeze. Shaggydog laid beside the Stark, his head resting on his booted feet, while Greywind stood above his brother, his tail swaying with the soft breeze. The direwolves could sense the worry coursing through the blood of the Wolf, hoping to comfort the young boy with their presence as they stood by him, as they always had a habit of doing whenever they were in the same space as Rikson Stark.

Utter worry for the fate of his family, the most precious thing to the Stark, in the Lion's den filled Rikson, as he knew the jaws of the Golden Lions were closing around his father and sisters.

He worried for his sweet sister that was a thousand miles away, trapped in a land foreign to her with the proud Lions circling her with hate and malice. He worried for his little wolf, where she was, if she was safe.. if she was even alive. For all the Stark knew, little Arya was starving in the sewers beneath the capital.

Rikson shivered at the agonizing thought, and Shaggydog lifted his head from his boot to nuzzle it against his leg. The Stark glanced towards the wolf, grinning at his efforts to comfort him.

The Stark worried for his mother, whom he could only guess where she had rode to after capturing the Queen's youngest brother. He assumed the Eyrie, but he didn't know as she never sent a letter. He worried for his father, his wounded father that had no men to protect him as he sat in the dungeons of the capital on false accusations of treason.

Lord Eddard Stark would never betray Robert Baratheon's trust, and every inhabitant in the North knew it. Rikson knew the Lords and Ladies of the Northern Houses would ride through the gates of Winterfell within the fortnight because they knew the truth, and would fight to free their Lord.

And the Stark also worried for his eldest brother, his brave brother that was about to go to war against a great House that was known for their many victories against any that would dare to challenge a Lion.

A heavy sigh fell from the secondborn's, slightly cracked, lips as he dropped his head with his dark azure eyes closed. The faint bags underneath his eyes, a result of his stress, darkened in the bright light of the dusk sun as the breeze swept through the tips of his hair that appeared sandy-blonde under the sun.

Greywind whimpered as he turned his head towards the Stark, leaning his warm self against the Stark's side to provide comfort to the young boy whom knew far too much stress for a boy of six-and-ten. The Stark opened his eyes with a low breath as he shifted them towards the direwolf, his brother's wolf. Laying his hand on the direwolf's light-gray fur that shimmered underneath the rays of the dusk sun, beginning to caress the wolf's soft coat, Rikson let his thoughts drift towards the war soon to come.

Where would I go?.., the Stark thought to himself, as his gaze drifted across the lands before him. The trees, numerous in color and size, dancing to the cool breeze that whistled a soft tune, accented by the songs of the vast forests blanketing the green plains.

A battle was fought inside of the secondborn Stark's mind as the sun sank beneath the horizon. One army fought for the belief that Rikson Stark should stand beside his brother on the rode to war, whilst the opposing army fought to keep the Stark in his home with his youngest brothers.

"We all know what happens to Stark men when they travel South." His own voice echoed across his mind.

"And I'll stand beside you through everything, brother, if you'll stand beside me?" The eldest of the Stark children's voice then drifted through his mind, before his voice responded, "Always, brother."

"All will be alright, Riks, it has to be. You can't let these worries, however reasonable they are, consume you.. I don't want anything to happen to you, Riks, not now or ever." The voice of the brother he always looked up to spoke in his mind, reminding him of the moment shared between them a week ago.

"I worry about the winds of change for our family, but I'll be damned if I don't do something about it." His voice spoke with such determination.

It was in that moment that the battle inside of the secondborn son of House Stark ended, and the victor arouse in him with a determination forged in the breath of the cold winds of winter,

"I will protect my family,
no matter the cost."

Rikson Stark, then, turned his head towards the direwolf of his eldest brother, whom curiously tilted his head as his eyes watched the Stark's every move, "How to tell Robb I'm going to war with him?" Greywind huffed as he licked the Stark's hand, and Rikson released a breath as he looked to his direwolf, whom was already staring at him with curious ruby eyes, "Any ideas?" Alysanne barked as she stood and licked her Stark's cheek, her tail wagging as he chuckled while wiping away her saliva with his sleeve, "I don't think licking him will be enough to convince him to let his baby brother go to war alongside him."

Rikson turned to lean his back against the stone walls, the dusk sun casting his tall figure in the shadow of darkness as his eyes landed upon the other wolves beside him, Summer and Shaggydog, whom gave him their full attention with their ears perked up, "What about you two?.. Any ideas on how to convince the most protective brother in the world to let me ride beside him in the war?" The direwolves tilted their heads with a huff, and Rikson lightly rolled his eyes with his lips formed into a straight line, "I don't know, either."

ꕥ 𓅓☽𓅓 ꕥ

A few days had past since the ravens flew from the walls of the ancient castle, and all of the Northern Lords and Ladies hurried to prepare their armies and ride to Winterfell. Now, in the courtyard before the gates of Winterfell, with the Wolf's moon shimmering in the black sky above them, banners with sigils such as the bear of House Mormont, the blazing sun of House Karstark, the crossed chains of House Umber, the flayed man of House Bolton, and numerous others swayed with the night's breeze, the Northern Lords and Ladies stood before the firstborn and secondborn sons of Lord Eddard Stark. The four direwolves stood tall, and proud, beside the Starks, with the black wolves beside the secondborn and the wolves with the lighter fur coats beside the firstborn. The Northerners eyed the young Stark boys, the Ladies thought them to be quite handsome for Nothern men whilst the Lords thought they held themselves strong enough, worthy of their loyalty in the war.

They thought the tales of Rikson of House Stark, the Controller of Beasts and Maker of Widows did him no justice. He was quite handsome, cleanly shaved with wavy hair that reached just above his shoulders. His tall frame was defined with strong muscles, and he had this aura of superiority. And his eyes, everyone swore they were looking in the eyes of the wolves that stood beside the Starks, accented by the ice that built the Wall that protected them from Wildlings.

Rikson of House Stark, the Midnight Wolf, was quite an interesting Northerner to the Lords and Ladies, that much was clear, yet they found themselves almost wary of the young boy. This Stark had a wild look to him. His eyes like those of a direwolf along with the Wolf's Blood flowing through his veins just made him seem more superior than all of the Northern Lord and Ladies, even though he never thought he was.

The Northern Lords and Ladies felt challenged by this Stark with his wild look and aura of superiority, and it only made Rikson Stark all the more interesting to them, therefore, the Northerners ceased their staring at the sons of their Lord and approached them.

It was the firstborn whom spoke first, "Thank you, My Lords and Ladies, for riding to Winterfell."

"Not to worry, My Lords, we'll shove a spear through every Lannisters' leg, and then some, for what they did to your father." The voice of Lord Umber spoke up from where he stood, in between Lord Karstark and Lady Mormont, in front of the other Northerners.

"And then some." The secondborn spoke in a low voice as he cocked an amused brow at his brother beside him, whom struggled to conceal his smirk, therefore, the firstborn responded, "If you'll follow me, My Lords and Ladies, I'm sure you'll all be hungry after the long ride." The direwolves, Greywind and Summer, walked beside the firstborn Stark as he began to lead the Lords and Ladies into the stone walls of his home, towards the Great Hall where a feast of a sort was to be held for the hungry Northerners, and to discuss the matter of the march South.

Lady Mormont approached the secondborn Stark, whom stood to the side as his azure eyes watched all of the Lords and Ladies follow his brother into the walls of his home, with the black direwolves beside him.

"The Maker of Widows,
an interesting title."

The secondborn's gaze fell upon the woman that approached him, her braided dark brown hair reached just below her waist, accenting her brown eyes. The Lady, then, came to stand beside him, although she were too close for the Stark's liking, therefore, he turned to face her whilst subtly putting a fair distance between them. Though, being the young and devious boy he is, Rikson decided to humor the Lady as he took her hand and brought it to his lips, "My Lady."

"They say you went beyond the
Wall and slaughtered a village of
Wildlings, that's brave."

Rikson lowly hummed with a swift raise of his brows as his lips straightened into a thin line, unaware of the stirring in the Lady from his actions, as he was reminded of the thing that haunted him.

Rikson didn't think what he did was brave, he thought it was a cowardly and selfish act of revenge, but he shoved his memories away as he gave the Lady his attention, wishing he had just walked away as she continued, "You control the beasts of Westeros, too, do you think you could control a dragon if they came back?" He shrugged, "Possibly, but dragon's are strong minded creatures.. I'd call it luck if I could delve into their mind and see through their eyes."

"You're the Controller of Beasts,
of course you could."

Rikson, politely, chuckled, but on the inside he screamed, why did I kiss her hand, why didn't I just follow Robb, though he hid his internal debate beneath a kind smile, that gave the woman a warm feeling in between her legs.

The Stark and the Mormont were unaware of the pairs of amused eyes upon them, their shoulders shaking as they struggled to contain their laughter at the Stark's obvious distress. Though, the direwolf of the Stark turned her head towards the men, glaring bloody daggers at them with her red eyes.

Therefore, the arrogant Greyjoy emerged from the shadows, and walked towards the Stark he had never gotten along with, "Lady Mormont." The Lady with dark brunette hair and brown eyes softly smiled at the Greyjoy, as he took her hand into his and pressed a tender kiss to it, bringing the woman underneath his Greyjoy love spell, as Jon used to call it, "May I escort you to the feast?" The Lady smiled, subtly clenching her legs together, "O-Of course." Looping his arm with the Lady's, Theon began to lead the woman away from the Stark, whom released a breath of relief once they were out of sight, though Rikson winced when he realized the arrogant Greyjoy would find some way to use what just occurred against him.

"My Lord."

Rikson, and the black direwolves, turned their heads towards the voice of Lord Torrhen Karstark, whom seemed to be calming himself of a fit of laughter, as he walked towards the Stark. Lord Torrhen Karstark was a young-ish man with dark brown hair and steel blue eyes.

"Lord Torrhen."

Standing before the secondborn Stark, the Karstark felt intimidated by his height and the wolf of ice in his eyes, but he continued on, "Could I have a moment of your time, My Lord?" Rikson lightly chuckled, before he nodded, "And you may dispense with the pleasantries, Lord Torrhen." Torrhen chuckled, as well, "I'll just get right to the point, then, wouldn't want to keep your brother waiting on us," Rikson snickered, "Adryana Snow was my bastard, and I know what happened between you and her."

The Stark's smirk slowly fell from his lips, before he licked his lips as he responded, "She was my wife.. for a time, before those revolting savages killed her."

The Karstark held regret within his eyes as they fell to the ground beneath his feet, remembering the way he treated the sweet girl he never once called his daughter, "I never did right by her, never called her my daughter, wasn't kind to her. I know these words mean nothing, but I am sorry. Sorry for what happened to her, and for how I treated her.. I hate how it took her death to show me how much of an ass I was to her." Torrhen returned his gaze to the Stark before him, whom held an unreadable expression, "None of the Karstarks, except me, know of your marriage... I'll take it to the grave if I have to, it is not my place to share such news with anyone."

A silence overtook the air of the courtyard for a moment of thought, the breeze whisking across the grounds and the leaves on the trees, before the soft voice of the secondborn spoke, "She would have forgiven you.. she was too sweet not to." Rikson inhaled a deep, though shaky, breath, "And thank you, My Lord, for keeping this a secret." Releasing the breath, Rikson turned his gaze towards the Karstark, having been looking at the stone walls beside them.

The Karstark nodded with an expression of gratitude, thought the Stark could see the faint layer of tears in his steel blue eyes, therefore, needing to lighten the somber mood between them, Rikson said,

"Now, I think if we kept my brother, and
those hungry Northerners, waiting any longer
they'll have our heads on the tables."

Torrhen softly chuckled, bowing his head in respect as he said, "My Lord." before he left the courtyard, following the sound of drunken laughter.

Though, the secondborn remained in the courtyard, leaning against the wall as he gazed upon the night's sky, with the direwolves of black fur beside him.

Rikson still hadn't told his brother he was going to war with him, whether he liked it or not, and his worry for his family grew with every day that passed with them trapped in the Lion's jaws.  Alysanne released a low whine as she leaned against her Stark, sensing his worry through their warg bond. The Stark removed his gaze from the sky, and onto his direwolf, whom had grown in the past weeks, alongside her siblings, now they reached just below his neck-line, "Oh, my good wolf.. I know Robb will want to leave tonight, he'll want the element of surprise, so how do I tell him before then?"The direwolf huffed as her snout curled upwards for a moment, showing her sharp fangs, before she shook her head, as if answering the Stark's question.

Rikson sighed, "Well it's not doing any good standing here." He pushed himself from the wall he leaned on and began to walk towards the archway that led into the warm walls of Winterfell, "Come, Alysanne and Shaggydog, I'll get you a meaty bone." The direwolves, immediately, jumped from their positions to walk beside the Stark, whom smirked at their eagerness to have some meaty bone to chew on, wondering what was so appealing about it to them. The thought of warging into his direwolf while she chewed the bone crossed his mind, but he shook the thought away, more worried about how to tell his protective brother of his decision.

ꕥ 𓅓☽𓅓 ꕥ

"For thirty years I've been making
corpses out of men, boy. I'm the man
you want leading the vanguard."

The voice of Lord Umber spoke above the chatter of the men and women that ate in the Great Hall from where he sat at the end of the table, directly across the young Lord of Winterfell.

The banners of all the Northern Houses lined the walls of the hall whilst the Lords and Ladies of those Houses filled the tables in the large hall, eating and drinking to their stomach's content. The candles in the black-steel chandeliers provided the only source of light in the hall as the sun slept beneath the horizon. The direwolves, Greywind, Alysanne, and Summer, laid underneath the wooden table their Starks sat at, whilst Shaggydog had left for his Stark's chambers with a meaty bone held between his teeth, courtesy of Rikson Stark. The secondborn Stark sat in between the arrogant Greyjoy and his younger brother, Bran, on the dark wooden benches next to the table, whilst his eldest brother sat at the head of the table.

"Galbart Glover will lead the van." The firstborn responded to the Lord, clear frustration on his features as he knew how stubborn Greatjon Umber was. Steam practically radiated from the enraged Umber as he shouted, "The bloody Wall will melt before an Umber marches behind a Glover." Greatjon, then, laced his fingers together as he leaned his elbows on the table, "I will lead the van," Rikson could see the annoyance on his brother's features as Robb huffed, "Or I will take my men and march them home." The firstborn looked into the stubborn man's eyes, with an expression that showed how frustrated he was but he held himself calm as he spoke, "You are welcome to do so, Lord Umber." Robb stood from his seat, gaining Greywind's attention, as he continued, "And when I am finished with the Lannisters, I will march North, root you out of your keep and hang you as an oathbreaker." 

"Oathbreaker, is it!?" Lord Umber shouted with rage in his tone as he stood from his seat across the Lord of Winterfell, resulting in the Lords and Ladies turning their attention towards the scene as the loyal guards of the Starks stood from their seats as Greatjon shouted, "I will not sit here and swallow insults from a boy so green he pisses grass!" Lord Umber, then, reached his hand towards the hilt of his sword, and Theon, instantly, stood from the bench as he removed the dagger from his belt, though before the Lord could unsheathe his sword, Greywind jumped onto the table and ran towards the man whom dared to threaten his Stark, snarls releasing from his snout, before he pounced onto the Umber.

A smirk overtook the secondborn Stark's slightly cracked lips as the direwolf protected his Stark, tearing off two of Lord Umber's fingers, whom shouted in pain, before returning to his Stark's side.

"My Lord father taught me it was death to
bare steel against your liege Lord."

Lord Umber stood from the floor with a scowl on his aged features as he cradled his hand, releasing a huff in rage as he eyed the firstborn, whom continued,

"But doubtless, the Greatjon only meant
to cut my meat for me."

"Your meat..." Greatjon glanced around the hall, his eyes landing upon every Northern Lord and Lady, the guards of House Stark, and the eyes of the wolf belonging to the secondborn Stark, "... is bloody tough." The Umber began to laugh as he held his bloody hand out for everyone to see, and soon enough, the Northerners began to laugh alongside him.

Young Bran Stark, with his heart still pounding in his chest from the chaos that had just occurred, looked towards his older brother beside him, whom smirked at the laughter of the men around him, Northerners, the secondborn amusingly thought to himself.

Rikson, then, felt a little hand clutch itself onto his arm, removing his gaze from the Northerners before him and onto his younger brother beside him. Rikson only chuckled at the fearful look his younger brother gave him, before he wrapped his arm around young Bran's shoulders, whom leaned into his safe embrace, already feeling his fear melt away.  

ꕥ 𓅓☽𓅓 ꕥ

The silence of the secondborn Stark's chambers was accented by the cracking of the flames in the fireplace against the damp logs and the light snoring of the Stark, himself, as he slept away on his bed. The direwolf of the secondborn, Alysanne, laid beside her slumbering Stark, her head resting on his back as her pointy ears twitched towards any sound she heard echo across the corridors outside of the chambers whilst her rubies for eyes stared at the door.

The direwolf, then, began to release low growls as she heard footsteps approaching the wooden door, the vibration of the growls resulting in her Stark beginning to stir beneath her. Though, the direwolf ceased her growls when she heard the patter of paws on the stone floors, therefore, her Stark stilled as he fell into his slumber once more.

The door opens with a muffled creak of wood, Alysanne lifting her head from her Stark's back as her tail begins to wag when her brother, Greywind, trots into the chambers with his Stark beside him. Walking towards his slumbering brother, Robb feels an amount of guilt for having to wake his brother that was always so stressed and tired, but does so anyways as he lays his hand on Rikson's shoulder, lightly shaking him awake.

His younger brother, groggily, blinks his eyes open, before they drift towards his eldest brother, and with his voice laced in sleep, "Robb?.. What's wrong?" Robb chuckles at the sleepy state of his younger brother, his wavy hair messy as he yawns while sitting up on the bed, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Alysanne lays her head on Rikson's lap, as Greywind sprawls across his legs. Rikson notices his brother is dressed for riding, "You're going South.. now?" Robb nods as he sits beside his brother, laying his hand on Greywind's fur, "The Lannisters have spies everywhere, Riks, I don't want them to know we're coming, yet.. it's best to travel at night." Rikson nods with a small sigh leaving his lips, knowing how his protective brother was going to react to his words, "Alright then.. I'll get dressed, I'm coming with you."

"No, Riks.. you're staying here with Bran and
Rickon, someone has to protect them."

Rikson looks into his brother's light Tully blue eyes as he responds, "Someone has to protect you too, Robb."

"Riks, I have eighteen-thousand men to
protect me, Bran and Rickon don't, they'll
only have the guards and the wolves."

Rikson lowly scoffs, "Summer and Shaggydog won't let anything happen to them, Robb. I trust the direwolves more than my own sword." Alysanne licks her Stark's hand, whom releases a low breath as he caresses her fur while he continues, "Look, I don't want to leave them, either, but I will not stand by those gates as another member of this family rides South without doing something about it. Father took Sansa and Arya with him to the capital and we both know how that turned out, and mom.." The Stark releases a sharp exhale, "we haven't heard from her in weeks, for all we know the Lannisters have her too. And now.. you're going to war against the Lannisters, a great House with a very large army, and I will not stay here and wait for the letter that says you died in battle.. I-.. I can't..."

The direwolves whimper when the secondborn Stark closes his eyes and turns his head away from his brother, his shoulders beginning to shake as his throat tightens while inhaling a shaky breath. With his heart squeezing at the pitiful sight before him, Robb pulls his younger brother into an embrace, whom releases another shaky breath as his brother begins to rub soothing circles on his back,

"I'm scared too, Riks.. terrified, even." Robb sighs, "I may not like this, but you are the best swordsman I know, and as reckless as you are, you are also one of the smartest people I know. We need you in this war.. I need you in this war, brother." Rikson removes himself from his brother's embrace, his eyes filled with a determination forged in ice, "Then I will stand beside you, throughout every battle, every meeting, and all that follows in this war."The older brother of the secondborn smiled at him, a smile of pride, and he clasped his head in both hands, before he placed a kiss upon his brow and wrapped him in a tight embrace. Rikson held Robb and laid his head on his shoulder.

The brothers held one another for a moment, terrified for the fate of their family and what would become of them in the war to come.

Robb was terrified for his brother, the brother he would always love beyond life and death, the brother he had vowed to always protect and care for whenever he needed too. The brother that was given to him by chance, but he vowed to be his best friend by choice. He was terrified of the thought of something horrible happening to his younger brother during a battle. He was terrified for his father and sisters in King's Landing, whom were a thousand miles away with no allies. Terrified for his youngest brothers he was going to leave in Winterfell with barely any men to protect them, but they had the direwolves, letting that fact ease away some of the fear. 

Rikson was terrified for the same reasons his brother was, for the fate of his precious family, what would become of the Midnight Wolf after the war.

What will become of me?.. Rikson thought to himself.

The brothers, then, release from their embrace, and Robb says, "Get dressed, say goodbye to Bran and Rickon, because we're leaving.. now." Rikson nods, watching his brother stand from the bed and leave his chambers, most likely heading towards either Bran or Rickon's chambers.

The secondborn, swiftly, dresses himself in proper riding clothes. A black tunic with a dark-brown shirt beneath it and pants matching the color of his undershirt with his black leather boots, accented by his thin-dark cloak with a black wolf's pelt across his shoulders. Alysanne stands from her laid position, stretching herself with a yawn, before taking her Stark's sword into her mouth and laying it on the bed before him. Rikson chuckles as he pats her head in praise, "Thank you, my good wolf." Rikson wraps the belt around his waist, his Valyrian-Steel sword, named Wrath, resting in it's sheath near his left hip whilst his skinny dagger laid in the sheath beside his right hip.

The Stark, then, turns towards his direwolf, caressing her head as her tail wags in content at his cold touch, "You could stay here, my good wolf, with our brothers, and protect Bran and Rickon." Alysanne huffs in disagreement as she jumps off of the bed and stands by the door, waiting for her Stark that she will always protect. Rikson chuckles with a soft grin on his lips, "Alright then, my good wolf.. let's say goodbye to our brothers."

The Stark and the direwolf walk through the corridors of the only home they had ever known, a place they knew they'd always be safe in, as they approach young Bran Stark's chambers.

Seeing the wooden door being opened, Summer lifts his head and his tail, immediately, begins to wag when his eyes land upon his sister and her Stark. Alysanne rushes to lay beside her brother, beginning to groom him in farewell, as the wolves knew they wouldn't be seeing one another for a long while. Rikson sits on the bed beside his slumbering brother, laying his hand on his shoulder as he gently shakes him awake.

Young Bran awakens, turning towards his older brother, and worry plasters itself on his young face as he rants, "What is it, Riky?.. What's happened?"

"Hush, little lord, it's alright." Rikson soothes, and Bran notices the clothes he were wearing, "Where are you going?"

"Robb and I are riding South. For
Sansa, Arya, and father."

Sitting up, using his arms to support himself, Bran's features hold confusion, "But it's the middle of the night, Riky."

"I know, but the Lannisters have spies
everywhere, and Robb doesn't want
them to know we're coming."

The young Stark looks to his lap, "They have more men than we do." Rikson nods, "They do."

"Can't I come with you and Robb? I can
ride now, Riky, you've seen me riding..
and, I won't get in the way, I-.."

Rikson hushes his brother as he rests his hand on his shoulder, "There must always be a Stark in Winterfell, little lord, and until Robb and I return, that will be you and Rickon." His older brother's features then fade to seriousness as he says, "You and Rickon are not to leave these walls while we are gone, understood?" Bran nods, as Rikson continues, "Listen to Maester Luwin, and look after your little brother."

"I will, Riky.. I promise."

Rikson softly smiles at his brother, "I'll send letters whenever I can.. but if you don't hear from me, don't be scared, alright?" Young Bran softly nods his head as he moves his gaze onto his lap, hoping he would never have to receive a letter that told him his brothers had died. And Rikson knows his younger brother is thinking this, therefore, he brings him into an embrace, knowing it comforted him, and it does as Bran wraps his arms around his big brother that would always protect him.

"I'll miss you, Riky.. and
so will Summer."

Rikson chuckled, "I'm going to miss you both, as well, little lord." The brothers released from their hold, though the oldest kept his hand on the youngest shoulder, "But don't be scared, little lord, alright?.. Don't be scared."

"I promise I'll be just as
brave as you, Riky."

Rikson smiled at his younger brother, his brother that he knew he wasn't going to see for a long while, and that saddened him, therefore, he kissed young Bran's head before standing from the bed, "Until I return, little lord."

"I love you, Riky.. don't
forget that."

"I love you too,
little lord."

The secondborn takes a moment to caress the direwolf with creamy-white fur, whispering, "Protect him, Summer." The direwolf huffs with a look of determination in his eyes that mirrored the Stark's eyes, as he licks his hand, before Rikson leaves his younger brother's chambers, with Alysanne at his heels and walks towards the youngest of the Stark children's chambers.

Upon entering the youngest of the Stark children's chambers, Shaggydog lifts his head from his paws and licks his sister's head when she lays beside him on the floor before the fireplace, as Rikson sits beside his youngest brother on the bed, "Little Rickon?"

Without having been able to fall asleep after his eldest brother said goodbye to him, Rickon, almost instantly, sits up on the bed as he begins to rant in his little voice, "Don't go, Riky! Robb already came to say goodbye, and he said you would be going with him. Please, don't leave, Riky!" Rikson hushes the frantic young boy as he brings him onto his lap, beginning to rub soothing circles on his back, "All will be alright, little Rickon-.."

"No, it won't... you've
all gone away."

"Hush, Robb and I will be back
soon enough with father, Sansa
and Arya, and mom."

"No, you won't."

Rikson creases his brows in concern, continuing to rub soothing circles on his brother's back, as he falls into a silence, not knowing how he could comfort his brother as he seemed convinced his family would never return to Winterfell.

Then a thought crossed the secondborn's mind, therefore, he spoke, "Remember when I left for a month, little Rickon, and I came back?"

Little Rickon nodded as he lifted his head to look towards his older brother, remembering being both sad and confused throughout the month his older brother were gone. The older brother that always made time for him, no matter the hour, and was always there to tuck him in or make him feel better.

"This won't be any different, little Rickon, it may be longer than a month, but I will come back, so will Robb, Sansa, Arya, and father and mom."

"You promise, Riky?"

"I promise, little Rickon.. we'll all
be together again soon."

Little Rickon falls into the embrace of his older brother, whom wraps his strong arms around him as he kisses the top of his head, "You must protect Bran, little Rickon, alright? You both will be the last Starks while Robb and I are away, you must be there for one another, do you understand?"

"But I'm your brother, Riky, I
have to protect you."

Rikson softly chuckles, "I know, little Rickon.. how about you protect your brother, Bran, for now, alright?" The youngest of the Starks nods, removing himself from his older brother's embrace, as he says, "I promise I will, Riky.. you'll see." Rikson softly smiles at his youngest brother, before he says, "You and Bran are not to leave these walls, alright.. look after one another, and listen to Maester Luwin, do you understand?" Little Rickon nods, once more, before he wraps his arms around his brother and speaks in a voice laced with sadness, "I'm going to miss you, Riky."

"Me too, little Rickon, so much."

"I love you, Riky."

"And I love you, Rickon."

The brothers, then, release from their embrace, "Now off to bed, little Rickon." The secondborn lifts the youngest from his lap, watching him place himself underneath the layer of furs, before tucking him in for what he knew would be the last time for a long while before kissing his head, and walking towards the direwolves laying before the fireplace.

Rikson kneels in front of Shaggydog, caressing his head as the wolf whimpers, "Protect Rickon, Shaggydog." The black wolf licks his hand, looking the Stark in the eyes with determination to protect his Stark in his green orbs. With a sudden gut-wrenching feeling that he weren't going to see the direwolf before him again, Rikson kisses the wolf's head with a tear in his eye, though, it does not fall as he stands and, quietly, leaves the chambers of his youngest brother's. 

ꕥ 𓅓☽𓅓 ꕥ

The Wolf's moon shimmers in the night's sky, the stars winking at the lands beneath them once or twice, as the gentle breeze kisses the Northern lands. In the courtyard before the gates of Winterfell, the secondborn son of House Stark mounts his black mare, Shadow, whom stands beside his brother's white stallion, named Cloud. The firstborn turns his head towards his brother, "Are you sure about this, Riks?"

The secondborn looks towards his brother, whom swears he were looking into the eyes of a direwolf, "I am... now, shall we begin?"

The firstborn of House Stark firmly nods, before urging his stallion into motion, with the secondborn of House Stark on his mare beside him, as they lead the army of eighteen-thousand Northerners South against the prideful Lions in their den. Passing underneath the gates of the ancient castle, Winterfell, his home of safety, Rikson Stark releases a breath that does little to relax his tense posture.

"How can a man be brave
if he is scared?"

"That is the only time a man
can be brave."

Rikson Stark releases another breath, turning his head towards the two direwolves that would stand beside the Stark brothers in the war, Alysanne & Greywind, whom run through the woods beside the army.

And the Stark knows the Wolves have left their home to go to war against the prideful Lions that stood beside the crowned Golden Stag...

... and fear rings throughout the fierce Wolf's heart.

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~ Author's Note ~

Finally!! One of the longer chapters ( as u lovely & patient readers deserve ) with some happy scenes!! I honestly love Rikson & the wolves ♡'･ᴗ･'♡ and his brothers, they're so adorable!! My baby and his brother are now going to war against the Lannisters!! Who knows what the future holds for the Starks!?

And I'm having such a horrible struggle, so let me ask a question: would u lovely readers be mad at me if I saved all of the direwolves??? Cuz I feel it wouldn't be a Game of Thrones fic without the horrible death ( u know ༎ຶٹ༎ຶ ) so yea, plz tell me your thoughts!!