Catelyn Stark made sure that her families last night in Winterfell was special. It was a private meal, just the Starks, Jeyne Poole, and Septa Mordane. Benjen, Ned Stark's brother, was also there, a man Bran hadn't seen in many years. Sadly, despite his father's many pleas, Catelyn had forbidden Jon Snow from joining them. Jon had always been nice to Bran, and he pitied his bastard brother.
Before dinner, Arya was scolded quite harshly by her parents. While she claimed not to have stolen Sansa's clothes while she bathed in the godswood, the dress found under her bed was quite incriminating. While she had been allowed to attend dinner, she was clearly pissed off.
Everyone's favorite dish was served, from Robb's charred venison to Sansa's Lemon cakes to Rickon's walnuts. Bran even got his favorite, spiced ham with thick gravy.
Bran couldn't stop thinking about what he'd seen in Sansa's room. Why had Jeyne been touching herself to Sansa's smallclothes? Was she in love with Sansa? Bran didn't even know that girls could love other girls, at least not like that. Watching the two talk over dinner, he began to notice things, subtle things. A longing glance from Jeyne, a shudder when Sansa whispered something in her ear. Was Bran not the only one who desired his sister? He couldn't blame her. Sansa's had an immaculate body. Her face, her breasts, her ass... Even a woman could appreciate that kind of beauty. He was so distracted that he stopped eating, his father taking notice.
"Bran, you've barely touched your food. What's the matter, I thought ham and gravy was your favorite?"
"Oh, sorry Dad," Bran stammered, trying to find an excuse, "It's just... tomorrow we're leaving for King's Landing. I've never been to the South before. Will I ever see home again? What if I don't fit in down there? What if I never become a knight?" While Bran was lying about why he wasn't eating, this really did bother him. He was entering a whole new world, and it frightened him.
"Bran, you are named after one of the bravest men I've ever known," Ned said, leaning closer to his son. "I'm not going to lie. A lot is going to change, and I'm not sure what lies ahead. But what I do know is that we are Starks, and Starks look out for each other. The lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. I swear to guard my children with my life, but I may not always be there. I need you to watch over your sisters, Bran. I need you to be brave. Can you do that?"
Bran nodded, inspired by his father's words. Banishing the thoughts of sex from his brain, he enjoyed the company of his brothers and sisters. He would do his best to make his father proud.
Dinner finished and the sun well below the horizon, Ned Stark sends everyone to bed. Walking to his room, the Jeyne Poole reentered his thoughts. Should he tell Sansa? It felt wrong to oust Jeyne like that, especially since he harbored similar feelings, but it might improve his relationship with Sansa. On the other hand, he could just ask Jeyne to explain herself. Or he could ask someone for advice. Maybe he should just go to sleep...
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