The first thing I would like to say, is a big and very sincere sorry to all of you people kind enough to give my story the time of day. I know it has been a long while since I have updated this and I'm well aware that this relatively small chapter in no way makes up for it.

Since my last update I've had University assignments and exams crammed down my throat, that coupled with a 2 week Snowboarding trip in which I managed to aggravate a rather painful back injury I suffered early last year hasn't left me much time to write and get this story progressing to the extent I would like.

Hopefully despite being back to a regular University semester I can find more time to update. Hopefully by the end of the next chapter I can have the entirety of Winterfell done with. To be clear I will follow the show fairly closely but I will also add bit's and pieces from the books that I find interesting.

In other news I've decided to finally close the poll now. Final results are as follows:

With a total of 97 Votes Arianne has won the poll.

Coming in at 58 Votes was Margaery.

And with a smaller total of 27 Votes was the elusive 'Other'.

I'm very excited to be writing this pairing, while it was exactly what I had planned when I began to write this story I do believe it will turn out well.

Please be sure to drop a review if you liked this chapter!

As it turned out, Bran Stark was more than happy to lead the Prince and his uncle around Winterfell, showing them any and all things of interest. It quickly became clear to Naruto that Bran didn't have many friends, outside of his family at least. The way that he spoke and acted around Tommen was not dissimilar to desperation, though more than likely longing.

Bran showed them his favourite climbing spots, pointing out singular stones that held some great importance to the climber. It wasn't long before Tommen expressed great interest in attempting the climbs, looking to Naruto in a pleading manner.

Naruto had noticed very early in Tommen's life that the boy would look to him for help and advice the majority of the time, something that at first caused Naruto a fair deal of problems with Cersei until she came to realise that Naruto was moulding her son into a great man, her assumptions were not far wrong.

Naruto had relented, giving the boy permission only if he was present to supervise him. Bran had then taken them to see the Winterfell's hot springs, something that brought back many fond memories for Naruto, most of which ended with Naruto laughing and Jiraiya beaten into the ground by angry women. Naruto quickly wrenched his thoughts away from the painful topic; even after decades he found it hard to accept Jiraiya's death.

Jiraiya's teachings had been invaluable for Naruto in Westeros, a world were politics and subtleties were valued more so than the direct approach Naruto was used to. It was one of the hardest things Naruto was forced to adjust to growing up though Jiraiya had taught him well and he was able to painstakingly establish a reliable spy network that was close to rivalling that of Lord Varys, more commonly known as the Spider, even if the eunuch didn't realise yet.

The Gods Wood had been next. Tommen was more than fascinated as he had never seen a true Gods Wood before; the one maintained in Kings Landing was more of a Gods Garden than anything else. The Heart Tree, a great white weirwood, stood proud beside a small, pitch black, pool of water. Naruto had never had time to study it but he clearly noticed that every time he had ever been close to one of the old trees, his power grew weaker.

Since arriving in Westeros Naruto had relied almost entirely upon Nature Chakra as it was in abundance in the South. Up here in the North however, the only conclusion Naruto could draw was that the weirwoods themselves were taking in the vast majority of the Natural Chakra in their surrounding area. Naruto dreaded to think of how bad it was North of the wall. Whilst Nature Chakra came easily to Naruto, he preferred to use the abilities he had gained after merging with Ashura's soul though only when he needed to augment his reputation.

Naruto had seen fit to make sure that none truly knew his full power; he had made use of his abilities only after careful considerations and preparations were made. He needed rumours, not eye witnesses that could not be dealt with easily.

The face carved into the Stark's weirwood was no less unsettling that the others he had seen. Naruto had heard many a tale from those that had been in the presence of one of the ancient trees at point or another that the eyes carved into the wood always looked as if they were following you. It gave Naruto pause to see that this particular weirwood had no interest in him whatsoever. It eyes were firmly planted on the young Stark boy, watching him intently as he and Tommen took stock of their reflections in the black pool. It was then that Naruto could truly feel it. The tree was in fact 'stealing' his Nature Chakra, for lack of a better term. Though it was what the tree was doing with that energy that unsettled him greatly. With enough focus Naruto could clearly see the Natural Chakra being forcibly absorbed by the great, white tree, the faint yellow mist of power being drawn from his body like poison from a wound. Naruto had once believed that the trees used the energy to help themselves grow and to stay alive for such long periods of time. The truth was much more perplexing.

As soon as the yellow mist of Natural Chakra entered the mouth of the Weirwood it was being redirected straight into Bran Stark.

Night came quickly to Winterfell, the sun dropping from the sky to give way to bright moonlight in the time it took for Naruto to make sure Tommen was settled into the room he had been given and made ready for the feast the Starks were preparing for them. Tommen was to enter the Great Hall with young Arya Stark on his arm, Eddard's youngest daughter.

Because of this, Cersei had insisted that he be garbed in only his best finery, a striking red doublet emblazoned with a roaring lion wrought in gold filigree. No doubt another attempt to try and prove Cersei's view of Lannister might to the Starks. Naruto knew better, Eddard Stark was too sharp a man as to fall for such a weak ploy. He would see it for what it really was, Lannister's blowing gold and jewels out of their asses yet again.

Naruto himself had chosen only a simple crimson doublet along with plain brown britches. Jamie had only just recently arrived back from finding Tyrion who had unsurprisingly been found at the nearest whorehouse. Despite that, Naruto was sure Tyrion would present himself sooner or later before the night was through. Naruto was pulling on his boots when Cersei opened the door to his own chamber unannounced causing Naruto to smile.

"Kind of you to knock," he said as he stood, "It's not nearly late enough in the night and I'm not nearly drunk enough yet sweet sister, whatever would Jamie think?" he jested confidently. He was rewarded when Cersei's cheeks flushed a bright red; only for a moment but it was a victory nonetheless.

"Enough of your jokes," Cersei snapped quickly though her anger was rather unconvincing. "Come, it's time we made an appearance at whatever these Northerners call a feast." she finished looking rather dejected about the situation.

"You ought to cheer up Cersei; I highly doubt it will be as bad as you believe it will be. You're seated with Lady Stark, I have no doubt she will be pleasant company." said Naruto, in an attempt to bring some measure of cheer to his sister. Cersei looked thoughtful at the statement.

"No matter," she said after a moment's pause. "We should try not to arrive late, Jamie will meet us as we near the Great Hall, if you could call it that." said Cersei as she turned about, not waiting for a reply. Naruto easily caught up with her as she began her descent down a long spiralled stair.

"Tommen is becoming fast friends with young Bran; he's even been given a formal invitation to go climbing the old watchtower some time before we leave for Kings Landing." said Naruto, making conversation. He already knew what Cersei's response would be before the words passed her soft lips.

"He will do no such thing. Tommen is a Prince; he will not be climbing anything." She said, trying to sound as intimidating as possible, but to Naruto, someone who had stared down nearly god like adversaries and won, Cersei was nothing.

"He is a boy, boys play no matter who they are or what station they may hold. If Tommen wishes to go climbing with Bran than that is exactly what he will do, under supervision of course." He said, in a tone that brooked no argument.

"Did you know," continued Naruto, "That before Robert met Eddard Stark, the North and the vast majority of houses within its borders wanted nothing to do with the South. Robert and Eddard's friendship united a nation under a common cause. Without the Stark's, Robert would not sit the Throne and our family would still be lounging around in Casterly Rock, waiting until that bastard the Mad King dropped a pot of Wild Fire on himself by accident." he explained calmly, causing Cersei to sigh softly.

"Fine, I suppose nothing bad can come of Tommen's friendship with the Stark boy." She relented. "But if Tommen comes to any harm because of any ridiculous climbing activities then you will be to blame." said Cersei, some measure of her usual fire rising in her tone.

"There's nothing to worry about Cersei," assured Naruto, "After all, I'm the best climber in all the Seven Kingdoms!" he announced proudly, his voice nearly reaching a shout.

It wasn't long before they reached the chamber which led into the Great Hall of Wintefell. Jamie was waiting near the doors, a long cream leather overcoat covering a soft white cotton shirt. Joffrey stood a short distance behind him with young Sansa Stark close beside him. Her bright red hair had been braided magnificently atop her head complementing the obviously custom blue cotton dress she wore.

She was talking quietly with another young girl that stood beside her, one that Naruto did not recognise. He did notice however that they both seemed to be looking in his direction, smiling and whispering softly to each other as he looked their way. Naruto smiled softly in their direction and nodded his head slightly as a gesture of greetings, causing both girls cheeks to brighten considerably. It only caused Naruto to chuckle softly to himself.

Tommen was not far behind the pair of girls, Bran Stark at his side. It seemed Tommen had become rather enthralled with the Direwolf pup that stat wagging its small tail beside Bran's Leg. Arya stood nearby looking none too pleased with the dress she had no doubt been forced to wear and Myrcella was waiting near Bran. Jamie noticed them as they approached and smiled brightly.

"Finally, we can get this night started and by extent, closer to finished." he said. Cersei quickly made her way to Jamie's said as the doors great wooden doors were opened slowly. The brother and sister entered quickly and were followed soon after by Joffrey who was leading Sansa into the Great Hall. Arya seemed very reluctant to take Tommen's arm when he offered it but she knew what was expected of her and relented in the end. After a short moment Bran led Myrcella through the doorway as well, leaving only Naruto and the girl Sansa had been talking with in the small chamber alone. Naruto smiled at the opportunity to tease the young girl a little more.

"It seems that I have no one to escort inside My Lady." he said as he offered out his arm. "Would you do me the honour?" he asked, the girls face turning a bright shade of red in an instant.

"O-of course My Lord." she stuttered out softly as she looped her arm with Naruto's.

"Might I have your name?" He asked politely as they entered the Great Hall, a sudden rush of noise assaulting their ears as they breached the threshold of the doorway.

"Jeyne Pool, My Lord." she replied, a touch more confidence in her voice now.

"Ah, the Steward's daughter. You will have to give your father my compliments, the chambers I was provided with are quite lovely." he said, having to lean down and whisper in her ear to be heard.

"I will My Lord. Thank you My Lord." She said as she somewhat reluctantly let go of Naruto's arm as they neared the table reserved for those or noble birth or importance. Naruto could see Cersei sitting beside Lady Stark, conversing with feigned interest, though both of his brother's weren't in sight. Naruto only hoped Jamie had been able to get Tyrion out of the whore-house in time, as much as Naruto cared for him, he wouldn't always be around to protect him from Cercei's discomfort, even if his help wasn't always required.

Naruto slowly ascended the short flight of cold stone steps until he was standing in front of the main table with Catelyn only a short distance before him.

"I must thank you My Lady, this is a very pleasant feast." he said as he turned around slightly gesturing towards all of the laughing, dancing and drinking men and women. "A fest in the Capital is usually a little more couth than this, well more to the point boring in my opinion. It is nice to see such festivities now and again." finished Naruto, visibly putting Catelyn at ease, something which Naruto picked up on quickly.

Either she wasn't a fan such large get togethers or the pressure of hosting the better part of the Royal Family had begun to trouble her.

"You are most welcome My Lord, I am glad you are enjoying yourself." she said calmly and Naruto nodded in assent.

"I'm sorry to trouble you My Lady but I was wondering if you would be able to tell me the whereabouts of your Lord husband, there are a few things I need to speak with him about." he asked casually. A brief moment of confusion passed over Catelyn's face but that was quickly reigned in.

"I should think he will be seated somewhere off to the side of the hall, somewhere relatively quiet. He mentioned having a word with his brother in that direction." she replied. Vague, but useful all the same thought Naruto as he gave his thanks and went off in search of the Lord of Winterfell.

Naruto found the man leaning against a wall in the shadow of a balcony that jutted from the right face of the great hall. He was in deep conversation with another man who Naruto assumed must be Benjen Stark, Lord Eddard's brother and also First Ranger of the Night's Watch. Naruto was more than happy to wait for the two old warriors to finish before stepping in but as he came closer to the siblings it was hard for him not to pick up a few choice words that stopped him dead in his tracks.

"That boy I killed, he was talking madness. He said the Walkers slaughtered his friends." Said Ned, his voice nearly lost in the sea of music and raised voices that swirled around the hall. Those few words of almost mocking disbelief sent a chill ringing its way up and down Naruto's spine. Naruto didn't hear the rest of the conversation shared by the elder Stark brothers. His head swam, his mind rolling over the new information he had just heard.

If the boy Eddard Stark had killed had been telling the truth, it was far too early, the Seven Kingdoms were nowhere near prepared enough for an invasion from those sleeping beyond the Wall. Naruto no longer needed to speak with Ned. Naruto had hoped to only ask if there had been any rumours, whispers from the small folk, he had definitely not wanted to hear of any firsthand account. Naruto knew that he needed a little fresh air to clear his head and soon found his way out of the main hall and in front of a set of oaken doors that lead out into a small training yard.

Naruto spied Tyrion making his way towards him holding a wine sack to his lips. Tyrion caught his gaze as they drew closer and his face visibly brightened.

"Here I was hoping to join in on the fun inside and now I see that the fun is already leaving the party. It seems tonight isn't going to be as enjoyable as I had hoped." he said as he gave out a small chuckle.

"First the bastard is angry with me and now I assume our sweet sister will not be happy to see he arrive so late." Naruto could only smile knowing full well that Tyrion couldn't give a damn about what Cersei thought of him.

"What did you say to the boy?" Naruto asked, curious to know as from what Naruto had glimpsed of the boy earlier in the day he was a very calm, cool and collected individual.

"I simply tried to give the boy some advice though he didn't seem very happy to hear it. Honestly I was trying to help the boy." Replied Tyrion almost mockingly and Naruto could only sigh.

"Go on then, go and enjoy yourself. I'm sure Cersei will be very pleased to see you." said Naruto which caused Tyrion to snort loudly before making his way down the hall in the direction of the main hall. After a short few moments of walking Naruto soon found himself in the small training yard to see a young man with dark, shoulder length hair viciously attacking a training dummy by the far wall next to a small set of stables.

The wooden post holding the dummy was starting to splinter from Jon Snow's relentless assault when Naruto began to approach him.

"You'll never learn anything by simply destroying training dummies, trust me I know." he said, causing the boy to seize up quickly in shock.

"No need to be alarmed," Naruto laughed softly, "I've simply come to apologise for whatever it may be that my Brother has said to upset you so." he said as he raised his hands up in a placating manner. Jon turned around to meet Naruto's gaze and for a fraction of a moment Naruto glimpsed familiar features, similar to those he had not seen for many years now, but he quickly put the thoughts aside.

"There is no need to apologise my Lord," he said quickly, "Lord Tyrion said only what he believes to be true."

"With as much wine as I'm sure my Brother has drank tonight I would wager that he will believe a great many things before morning comes tomorrow." said Naruto, eliciting a small smile from Jon. Naruto made his way over to an open barrel containing a multitude of training swords, found the cleanest of the lot before giving it a few practice swings to test its balance.

"Fighting an armed opponent, one that can swing back at you, is a much better learning experience. Now, come at me with the intent to kill." Jon balked at the statement.

"W-why?" he asked shakily. Naruto put on a wicked smirk.

"Because if you don't, you'll never come close to striking me." he said as he closed the distance between himself and Jon Snow in seconds.

The sound of steel striking steel accompanied by the occasional grunt of pain could be heard long into the night.