I do not own the GoT characters; only the Westwood's and the people of Stoneclaw

Stoneclaw is based at the edge of the Wolfswood in between Winterfell and Torrhen's Square

A tiger bearing its teeth resides on their flag

This is my first Game of Thrones fan-fiction so go easy on me please. The story will divert from the series but major scenes will be included. Any criticism is appreciated!

This chapter will just feature the Westwood's and future chapters will be longer, I promise :)

Elyana was used to awkward silences during their family dinner. As she picked at her food, she saw her mother steal glances every couple of minutes. She rolled her eyes, wishing that she could leave but her father had said that it was important that she hear him out. Thirty minutes had gone by and he still hadn't said anything. Elyana watched as her father stuffed his face with mashed potato with no intention of slowing down.

"For gods sake, Edwin. Are you going to tell us what is so damn important?" the auburn haired woman snapped, slamming her cutlery down on the table. Elyana jumped a little at the sudden outburst and stared down into her lap, not wanting to know what her father had to say. Edwin sighed heavily and wiped food out of his long, dark beard. The sound of metal hitting wood chimed as he laid down his cutlery next to his plate and held his hands together, looking seriously at the young girl in front of him.

"Elyana, your eighteenth name-day is fast approaching. We should have sorted this a long time ago," he said, his low booming voice, echoing in the hall. Elyana swallowed hard as she knew where this was going. "It time to find you a husband. I have one in mind but I won't worry you yet as nothing is set in stone."

"Marriage? Edwin are you sure?" her mother seemed surprised by the news. He would normally consult with her about important issues such as this.

"Of course I'm sure, Talia. I don't do anything unless I am sure, you know that." Talia just nodded in response. Edwin Westwood was a tough man. No one in their right mind would disagree with him. A sickly feeling overcame Elyana as she tried to hear what her father was telling her. They had never even mentioned her marriage before and now he was planning on sending her away to someone she doesn't even know about yet? She felt like punching something or someone.

"May I be excused, father, so I can think about this?" Elyana felt dizzy. Edwin waved his hand, excusing her then stuffing his face, yet again. Elyana dropped her cutlery and almost sprinted out of the dining hall.

Elyana raced down the corridors towards her chambers. Guards saluted her as she passed and servants smiled at her as she opened her door, locking it behind her. She fell to her knees, clutching her chest as she tried to catch her breath; she was on the verge of a panic attack.

"Milady?" Vivian, Elyana's handmaiden called from the hallway. Elyana stood and opened the door, allowing her to come in. "Are you okay, milady?"

"No, Vivian. I'm not." Vivian placed a tray on the table in the corner of the room and poured Elyana a glass of water. She handed Elyana the glass and she drank it quickly.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, watching Elyana as she paced back and forth.

"He thinks he can send me off to a stranger!"

"A stranger, milady?"

"He's marrying me off to someone and I'm not allowed to know who," Elyana put her fingers to her temples to try and ease the headache that was creeping up on her. Vivian stood by the table, awaiting orders.

"Maybe a walk would help?" Elyana nodded and Vivian went to retrieve a cloak for her as it had started to snow.

The women walked through Stoneclaw, the snow crunching beneath their feet. Men bowed their heads and grinned sheepishly at Elyana. She knew why they were staring, she was not as naïve to the ways of men. With her dark brown hair and her ice blue eyes, she knew she was a beautiful woman; the people of Stoneclaw liked to call her the Beauty of the North. That was an unofficial title, of course, as the eldest Stark daughter held that title.

Elyana strolled in the direction of the Wolfswood. Vivian noticed and grabbed her arm. Elyana turned to her handmaiden, wondering why she had been stopped.

"Vivian, what's wrong?" Elyana's voice almost cold.

"I- I am scared, milady." She looked at the floor which caused a confused look to cover Elyana's face.

"Scared of what, Vivian? There are trees, that's it. No monsters and no ghouls. Come on," she turned on her heels and continued into the woods. Vivian let out a small whimper and followed Elyana into the dark woods.

Elyana loved walking through the woods. She didn't care of the stories she was told as a child; bandits waiting in the trees, deadly creatures hiding in bushes. She laughed, thinking of the other girls in her town, terrified listening to Septa Haines tell the stories of the Wolfswood. Elyana knew they just didn't want the children of Stoneclaw getting lost in the woods. Vivian had slowed, stepping cautiously into the darkness making Elyana roll her eyes at the petite blonde. Elyana closed her eyes, smiling as she felt the cold wind hit her face. She loved living in the North. She didn't know what she'd do if she couldn't feel the snow beneath her feet and the cold against her face and she didn't want to find out.