Chapter 3

On a chilly cold night, within a large castle a woman could be heard screaming in pain. Not from being tortured or killed, no she was in immense pain due to going into labor. Her screams echoed through the castle and courtyard, making the guards and staff very uneasy, mainly due to the identity of the one giving birth.

Her name was Catelyn Stark, wife to Eddard Stark the Warden of the North. Her husband was away to fight in the rebellion and to rescue his sister. Everything was going smoothly with the rebellion and wouldn't be long until it would be over.

What had everyone on edge was child birth was very dangerous, many mothers have passed away during child birth. Even with a Maester on hand didn't guarantee survival, but did decrease the risks by a large amount.

The Lady of Winterfell was young and healthy but because this was her first birth, it was the most dangerous for the first time mothers. To top things off they were informed that she carried twins, which was rare for both Stark and Tully houses but not unheard of.

The guards made sure that no one was able to interfere or cause trouble while the maids ran around to keep everything in order and making sure the Maester overseeing the births had everything he needed.

"Push my lady, Push..." Maester Luwin coached Catelyn Stark to help the process along. The longer it took the more risk to the mother and baby.

Catelyn, ignoring the anger she felt toward the old Maester, continued to push through the pain until she heard the cry of a baby. That cry making the pain all worth it as it faded quickly.

However it was very short lived, because after one came out the other was right behind him.

Quickly wrapping the baby that was just delivered and cutting the umbilical cord, he handed the baby to a waiting wet nurse so that he could deliver the twin.

Doing his best to calm Catelyn down while she pushed the baby out. But due to having already gave birth to one it didn't take long for the baby to come out as well.

As soon as the baby was out, Maester Luwin was stunned. Unlike the baby before this one didn't cry upon entering the world like his brother.

No the baby looked around inquisitively, almost as if to take everything in. Even the wet nurses were stunned by the babys behavior, it wasn't like normal babys.

Not hearing a cry from the second baby, Catelyn immediately thought the baby was still born. She began to break down and cry, even though one was confirmed alive she still felt a great heartache for her child. And after seeing the looks from the Maester and nurses she immediately thought the worst.

Being brought out of his thoughts, Maester Luwin saw the hurt on Catelyns face and quickly clarified.

"Its okay mi lady, you have two healthy boys. The second born is just a little peculiar is all. He is very alive and well. See." Carefully bringing the baby to Catelyn so she could see for herself, he was once again surprised by the speed at which the baby was snatched from his arms.

Catelyn, after hearing what the Maester said quickly grabbed her new baby and was stunned for but a moment until tears of joy started streaming down her face.

Seeing her beautiful baby looking at her and giving the most beautiful toothless smile she had ever seen had made all that she went through worth every once of what she went thru.

Quickly remembering her first born who hasn't stopped crying since his birth she looked to the nurse, without having to say anything the nurse quickly placed the baby in Catelyns other arm.

Looking at her two beautiful sons Catelyn thought for a moment and said the names she had ready. "You will be called Robert after your father's best friend and king heir to Winterfell, and you my little silver haired angel shall be called Cyrus, named after the great swordsman who emerged during the Age of Heros. You will be a great warrior who will bring honor and glory to your family."

After naming both baby's Catelyn Stark was overcome with exhaustion, quickly falling asleep.

Taking both babies to get them washed and fed, the nurse took both babies while Maester Luwin watched the baby known as Cyrus.

The babys silver hair reminded him of the Targaryens hair but also not the same. Unsure of what to make of the baby, especially due to the strangness the baby displayed he decided to leave it for later and get some rest.

Maester Luwin made his way to his office to concoct some healing tonics for the lady of Winterfell so that he could rest.

It didn't take long for news to spread of Catelyn Stark successfully giving birth to two healthy boys and that the Lady of Winterfell was alright. Many in the North celebrated the birth of the next generation of Starks. Even the news of the silver haired Cyrus who displayed unnatural awareness and curiosity spread like wildfire.

The Stark's were loved by the people of the North and were greatly respected. So hearing of the birth of the two heirs to house Stark was a godsend. After the death of the two main pillars of the Starks in Kings Landing, Rickard and Brandon Stark, at the hands of the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen many believed that the fall of house Stark was inevitable.

Not that they didn't have faith in Eddard or Benjen but neither was as good as Brandon "The Wild Wolf" Stark. Also since the Great Tourney at Harrenhal Benjen wasn't the same. He distanced himself from everyone and there was talk of him taking the Black after the rebellion was over.

As the days went by it wasn't long until they received a raven notifying them that the rebellion was over. The Targaryen line had ended and Lord Eddard Stark was on his way home and would return by the next full moon.

Again another round of celebration's went thru the North, everything was looking brighter for the future of the North.

Their lord was good friends with the new king and was safe and sound and on his way to see his new sons. Many babies were made within that month in the North.

While festivities were going on in the town in and around Winterfell, up in the keep where two cribs were, a raven flew into the open window and perched on one of the cribs.

It examined the baby in the crib, seeing the baby sleeping the black raven turned and jumped to the crib beside doing the same thing.

But instead of the baby sleeping, he looked right back at the raven and excitedly squeeled and reached up to the raven with a big smile.

The raven continued to study the baby, looked toward the window and back at the baby. Then let out a few caws then jumped down into the crib next to the baby.

Shortly after a few more raven flew into the window, each landing in and around Cyrus crib.

Soon and owl and other birds began to fly into the room all of which watched over the baby as he giggled and started playing with the birds until he tired out and fell asleep.

That next morning when a wet nurse went to the room to feed the two young lords she was startled by the sight of the birds all around Cyrus. After running off screaming all the birds quickly flew out of the room, by the time she returned with the guard they were no longer there. After inspecting both children and seeing not a scratch on either baby and that both were fine, the wet nurse released a sigh.

Having the guard quickly leave so she could feed them, she proceeded to feed the babies after the guard left.

Nothing was thought of it at first but when it continued to happen each morning and it being witnessed by Maester Luwin as well as several guards, another rumor was spread throughout the North.

Cyrus Stark was blessed by the Old Gods. Animals gravitated to the boy. Even while being held birds would land on him almost like they played with him. It wasn't just birds either. Cats and dogs, horses, rodents and rabbits all the animals seemed welcoming to him.

Almost as if he was one of them. Many no longer knew what to think anymore.

Especially Maester Luwin, he wanted to research this ability but he knew if the Citadel found out about Cyrus they would stop at nothing to make sure the boy didn't grow. Even if he refused them they would just move him elsewhere and send one of the Maesters who would.

He so needed to talk with Lord Stark about this as soon as possible. He was thankful that Lord Eddard Stark would be home tomorrow, he wasn't sure how much longer till whispers reach the Citadel. Quickly making his way back to the library in Winterfell so he can have as much information for Lord Stark as possible, he takes a few deep breaths to calm his fear and excitement as he enters and closed the door behind him.