Investigating the scene
Jason looked up to the ruined tower, noting the viable heights that could explain the landing spot. "Should go up there. Get an idea of where the fall happened and what caused it." Moving around the tower, he'd find the entrance yet slowly drew his steel sword. If this had been an attack he had to be sure no one was waiting to ambush him within the ruin. Being light with his step, he'd be careful where he stepped, not wanting to ruin any footprints in the dirt and dust. His sharp eyes focused on the ground as he'd note two sets of fresh footprints.
"Huh...boot prints and ladies shoes. A couple? Two tracks as well as leading in and out." He muttered curiously. Pacing towards the stairs, he'd move up to the higher floors until reaching the top floor the damaged stairs reached. The area seemed clear, letting him relax as he'd sheath his blade once more. "Footprints leads up here." Following it along he'd see that it ended at the corner of the room.
"Seems they cleared this spot. Set something down too, cloak or blanket..." However, he'd notice how the dust was spread about, giving him ideas why the cloth had been set down. "Heh…no doubt some lovers came here for some privacy. the place is far away enough to be secluded." He'd catch an odd scent near the spot though, something flowery. "Perfume? Not something a commoner girl would have. Maybe a courtier or noble?" His attention moved to the nearby opening in the wall, a window that widened from the tower's neglect. Moving towards it, he noticed bare footprints on the ground, fitting for a man's when considering the size and shape.
"Now why did you move there for suddenly?" He'd see the prints end at the rubble window which he'd gaze out from. Looking down he'd see the spot Bran had fallen onto, the height matching for the place right where the window opening was. Stepping out carefully to the ledge, he noticed the loosened stone where the fall happened, mainly on the edge and on the very side of the opening. Focusing he'd see the faint marks of nail scratching and handprint from lingering dust. "Lost his grip or balance…or trying to keep hold?" Looking back at the footprints he already questioned what was going on here.
"Alright time to review…" Pacing back towards the blanket spot, he'd think for a moment. "A couple sneaks off here while Bran arrives unknowing. He climbs up the tower yet hears something, voice or moaning I'd guess." Looking to the window, he'd continue. "Climbs closer and peeks in, seeing the couple in the middle of the act. Could be he was surprised and lost his grip. The couple hears the yell and fall, the man comes to check which explains the prints by the window. Still…doesn't explain why they didn't go for help or take him away. Winterfell isn't far after all." Pausing though, he'd think over the details.
"Other possibility. Other is Bran saw the couple and his notice. the man quickly reacts and grabs him before he can climb out of reach. Pushes Bran down to silence him before the two flee." His gaze drifted back to the lover's spot. "That means the couple must be someone Bran instantly recognized. Yet who could it be…" The sunlight shined in more, catching a faint gleam in the wooden floor which makes him crouch low to check. "Pieces of hair…long and golden." Collecting the strands, he'd examine them closely. "Only one person at the keep with this colour and lengths. Guess infidelity goes both ways between the King and Queen." He'd pocket the hair as poof before moving back to the window.
"So the woman must be Cersei considering the hair and perfume. Just leaves us our mystery man." However, he'd stop muttering as he'd see a nearing group of riders in the distance, approaching the tower. He'd head down and back outside as the riders arrived, Rodrik being at the lead.
"We came here as fast as possible. Jon brought Bran to the keep and Luwin is already tending to him." The Master-at-Arms quickly explained. "Was it an accident? I'm surprised the boy would climb this tower despite its worn age."
Jason crossed his arms, shaking his head. "I searched the inside of the tower. Seems someone was there recently, at least a few hours." He started. The Surgebinder pulled Rodrik aside to privately share the details about the blonde hair and who he believed it to be. The knight was shocked at the idea.
"Look Jason…what you're suggesting is…" Rodrik muttered.
"Just going off the facts Rodrik. We don't know who the man was or if he pushed Bran off or not. All I can say is the clues I found suggested that outcome." Jason answered back.
"Who else should we share this with?" The knight questioned.
"Lord Eddard for sure yet I don't know if Lady Catelyn is fit to know this. She'll be too hasty and accuse the Lannister." Jason advised.
Rodrik was silent, yet nodded in agreement. "She is distraught. You make a good point, Jason." Looking to the men who were fanning around the area for any other clues, he'd continue to speak. "We'll search the area more. Maybe can find out where they were heading."
"They'd need to horses at least to arrive separately or go on foot. Try to check the paths leading back to Winterfell, especially one that is partly hidden."
The Master-at-Arms nodded. "And what will you do now?"
Jason paused looking to Winterfell in the distance. "Need to examine Bran. He could have clues on him to identify the man. Plus I feel my skills can help Luwin treat his injuries."
"Agreed. You've done your part here Surgebinder." The two shook hands while Jason climbed back onto his horse. "We'll search until nightfall before returning. I'll be sure to inform you of anything new we discovered."
Nodding, Jason had his horse quickly move out across the plains, heading for Winterfell in a hurry. Arriving back to the main courtyard, there was already a crowd of people gathered around, quickly chattering about what was going on. Avoiding the group, he'd head to the stables to return the horse before hurrying across the yard quickly for the Great Keep. A few people couldn't help but give a double take noticing Jason's sprint inhumanly quick, yet guessed that the crisis at hand had him in a hurry.
He guards directed the Surgebinder to Bran's room where Luwin was treating Bran's injured. The bed was cleared of its fur covers and placed with clean sheets while Bran lay on his front, shirt remove which revealed the extent of his injury. His back was bruised and cut yet the lower part of his back had gash at the spine. Luwin was already stitching the wound carefully, the old man having a steady hand as he used the thread and needle. At times he'd get more ointment to clean the wound and prevent infection, correcting treating the injury.
Beside the bed Catelyn was next to Bran, holding one of his hands while staring at his face. The boy was still unconscious yet he seemed more relaxed from his peaceful expression. The woman's face was still damp with tears, yet she had composed herself for the moment while Luwin worked. However, hearing Jason enter, she'd look to him. Those eyes had a mix of emotions in them, making it hard to read how she felt.
However, he didn't speak to her as he'd move beside Luwin. "How bad is it?" He calmly asked.
"The drop was a high one for sure…yet it was the landing that was the most life-threatening." The Maester muttered. "From what Jon told me, the jutting rubble has dislocated his lower spine and cut through his nerves. I've seen men cut in such ways lose all feeling to their lower bodies in such a way." Jason was silent as he'd watch the Maester finish the stitching and sigh. "The boy may never walk again. I need to do more tests to judge his muscle reactions yet so far they don't look good. We won't know the full extent until he wakes up."
At that point Catelyn spoke up, her voice low and cold. "You let this happen…" Both Jason and Luwin looked at her, confusion showing across their faces while the woman continued to speak. "You knew that he'd go climbing beyond the Keep despite being disallowed from it. You didn't even come along to watch him." She'd sob, looking right at Jason harshly. "Now he's like this…crippled forever because of your choice!"
Jason's expression didn't change as the woman accused him of being the cause for all of this. He'd step closer to her, yet she didn't move an inch. "I understand your anger Lady Catelyn, yet blaming others isn't going to help Bran or anyone else." He calmly stated before glancing at the sleeping boy. "Maybe I should have gone with him, kept watch to make sure he was safe." Yet he'd look back at her, yellow eyes stern towards her. "Yet I promise you…I'll do everything I can to help him and the truth on what happened."