A/N: This fic is based on the TV series. I haven't read the books. I do look up things from time to time that may align with the books better but it'll be little things like the colour of someone's hair and such. I know the show changed some of those things. This fic won't necessarily follow the proper timeline or what happens at all, I'm just seeing where it takes me. So things may change quite drastically to what happens in the actually story.

That's what fanfic is all about right? =D

I do not own Game of Thrones, either in book or TV form. This story is purely for my enjoyment and as a fan of the series.

"Ellie! ELLIE!"

A young girl raced into the room, her face red from running up the stairs from the great hall. Elinor dropped her book and rushed over, helping her sister over to a cushioned bench set in the window.

"Whatever could be so important for you to nearly kill yourself in the process? Running around the castle is not what I would call safe Gwinnie. You need to be more careful. What would have happened if you had tripped on your skirts? Or a loose floor stone?"

Elinor shook her head as the girl appeared to ignore her words. She had known telling her sister off would do no good but it was what she did anyway. Like a tradition of sorts. She smiled and waited as Gwynevere opened her mouth to impart her news.

"Lady Stark was just here. She was asking father about something to do with the war. I was in the back, hiding so no one would see me so I couldn't hear everything but at the end I heard father make her promise to marry her eldest son to one of his daughters! Just think, one of us could be Queen of the North! How exciting."

She clasped her hands to her chest and twirled around the room. Her brown dress fanned out around her along with her brown hair. Elinor laughed out loud.

"I think you're a bit young Gwinnie. They'll want an older girl, one who has flowered. And I'm sure he'll pick Roslin. She's the most beautiful, though it's not much of a competition really."

She said this without malice. Elinor was quite happy with her looks and hoped her older sister would make a good match. In her opinion any match was good if it got you out of the dismal building they called home. She hoped for love but a comfortable home and a not-too-horrible husband was what she would settle for if given the chance. That's if she got a chance to marry at all. With so many sisters around it was getting a bit difficult for their father to marry them off. There were a couple who had chosen to stay at The Twins and help look after their siblings but the majority of the women dreamed of making a match.

Elinor sometimes wished she was a man so she could venture off and make her own way in the world. Instead she had to sit idly by and wait for someone to make decisions about her future for her. And now the household would be in chaos as King Robb made his way there to pick a bride. Some of her sisters would do anything to be chosen, meaning they would likely resort to underhanded tactics. It was usually the case when a suitor arrived but a king would turn up the competition tenfold.

Gwynevere was happily babbling to herself about the whole situation and Elinor had had enough.

"Come Gwinnie. We're going to get some fresh air and get away before the news spreads. Hilda and Edith will no doubt be in here soon to sort through dresses and trinkets."

Elinor didn't particularly care for the two sisters she shared the bed chamber with, she mostly tried to stay out of their way. Hilda was especially vicious at times. Her rages were something to avoid if possible. Elinor pitied the man she ended up with.

The girls made their way down to the kitchens to grab whatever they could before running out to the stables. Elinor went straight up to her favourite horse's stall and offered a carrot on the palm of her hand. A silver muzzle appeared over the top of the stall gate and just about inhaled the treat. She giggled as she felt the wet tongue lap over her skin appreciatively.

"Hello girl. Miss me?"

The animal neighed softly and pushed gently at the gate with a hoof. It only took Elinor a couple of minutes to put a bridle of the horse and lift Gwynevere up before hoisting herself onto the broad back. She leant forward and whispered in the creature's ear," Run for me Luna."

She felt her sister wrap her arms tightly around her stomach but she knew it wasn't in fear. Riding horses was one of the freedoms they had and they both liked to fly through the air as if they were really up above the clouds. Soon the keep was in the distance behind them as they raced along the grassy paddocks that came up to the river's edge. Once they made it to a small forested area the horse slowed down to a walk and eventually stopped to nibble on the tender plants at the base of a nearby tree. The girls slipped from the creatures back and wandered to their favourite place. No one but they seemed to come here and it made it all the more special in their eyes. The trees began to thin out to open into a small glade with a clear pond in the middle. Wild flowers dotted the soft green grass and convenient stones were situated near the water's edge, as if someone had created this place just for two girls who needed a space of their own from time to time. The surrounding trees kept them hidden from view, unless someone was to come right up to the edge of the glade.

Elinor breathed in deeply and smiled. The forest was quiet and still in comparison to the commotion that she knew was occurring at The Twins right now. She briefly wondered when the king would arrive and how he would go about choosing his bride but she pushed the intrusive thoughts away. Right now all she wanted to do was soak in the silence and tranquillity of the trees. She settled herself next to the pond and absent-mindedly trailed her fingers through the water. As she gazed at her reflection she noted her features and looked for any sign of beauty. Her brown eyes were nicely shaped she thought and her lashes were long and plentiful but that was hardly a claim to loveliness. Her nose was straight and wasn't overly large and her chin didn't jut out like her sister Francine's did.

Luckily Francine had no intention of marrying and spent her time in the training pens with swords and daggers. Her lips were nice and plump but not too big. Overall her looks were fine but not outstanding though Elinor wasn't sure she would know what to do if she was truly beautiful. All of the attention would get to her. As she was, she could slip by unnoticed and let the men of The Twins gawk at her more attractive sisters.

She glanced at her sister, taking in her face and figure and knew she would be quite pretty when she grew into a proper young woman. That wouldn't be for some years yet and Elinor almost laughed as she watched her sister make little houses out of grass and flowers with her tongue poking out of the side of her mouth. She was so innocent. Elinor hoped she would get to keep her lovely simple nature and perhaps marry a man who was kind and thoughtful. Anyone too harsh and mean was a sure way to destroy her gentle sister and she shuddered as she felt a shadow fall across her even though the sun was shining brightly.

After spending most of the morning outside, Elinor felt her stomach rumble and knew it was time to return to the keep for the midday meal. She stood and brushed any grass from her skirts and Gwynevere did the same. They smiled at one another and went to collect the horse. Luna hadn't wandered too far away and seemed ready to leave as well. They clambered onto the animal and she took off at a fast gallop back to the stables. There was no one around as they gave the mare a quick brush down before securing her in her stall once more. Elinor sighed as they made their way to the dining hall. She was dreading having to sit with her sisters and hear them talk about the impending visit by the king. She usually got along with the other girls quite well but it was always the same when a single man visited the castle.

And it wouldn't matter if he wasn't unmarried either, she thought to herself. She knew some of her older sisters weren't bothered by the rules that a married man should follow. They knew the chance of being wed were slim so they had decided to just enjoy themselves when they could. Father didn't seem to mind too much but Elinor doubted he knew about everything his daughters got up to.

The noise from the dining hall echoed down the corridor as the two girls hurried along, the excitement of the conversation was obvious. After pausing briefly in the doorway they spotted an empty space on a bench seat near the top table. As soon as they sat Gwynevere turned to another of the younger sisters next to her to happily chatter on about the topic at hand. Elinor focused on filling her plate and tried to tune out the gossip that was thinly veiled as conversation that was flying around.

"I heard he's the most handsome man in the North. And charming. So charming!"

"Well I heard he turns into a wolf at night and goes hunting in the forest to slake his blood lust for those that have wronged him."

"I was told he's bedded every woman in the North, even a wildling woman!"

And so it went for the remainder of the meal. The rumours grew wilder as her sisters tried to best each other and soon the comments began to make Elinor blush as they got more and more outrageous. She glanced at Gwynevere to see if she was listening but found her sister had already left the table, probably for her lessons with the septa.

She didn't envy the younger girls being cooped up with the bitter old woman. Thankfully her time in the school room had ended a couple of years before. She rather enjoyed sewing and embroidery and was very good at it but the presence of the septa had ruined any shred of accomplishment she might have felt. There wasn't a nice bone in the old woman's body and she sought to put down and sully any achievement by the girls. She couldn't remember a single compliment she might have received for her work and she had discovered quite early on that if she kept her head down and got on with things, then she was more likely to escape notice and a horribly negative comment.

The hall had begun to clear by the time Elinor stood to leave. She was at a loss as to where to go but decided on the library. It was one of her favourite places in the keep. The windows were larger to allow more light in and a spiral staircase in the middle of the room allowed access to the two upper floors. Tables were overflowing with parchment and writing implements and bookcases were practically bursting with books and scrolls. The uppermost floor was where Elinor loved to go as it held the history books and poems and songs. Hardly anyone ever went there and I they did it was usually one of her father's councillors, looking for this money ledger or that natural remedy for gout.

She climbed the staircase slowly, savouring the slightly muffled silence and the smell of old parchment. Her usual chair by the window was vacant and a pile of books that she had set aside last time sat untouched.

After settling into the chair and opening a book on her lap, Elinor found herself gazing out the window. Rain had begun to fall gently and she watched as tiny rivulets ran down the glass panes. Her thoughts drifted until they settled on the young king and his upcoming visit. She wondered how it would go. She supposed the initial introduction would happen in the great hall. Would father line them all up like cows for the market? Or would he request that they meet him in his chambers and they would see the king in that way? Knowing her father's lack of manners, Elinor was certain he would have then line up in the hall and try and make the king choose on the spot. She hoped he wasn't so stupid but as she hadn't met the man she couldn't really say.

If he succumbed to pressure and chose on the spot, she was afraid the poor man would end up with one of her less agreeable sisters. It wasn't that some of her sisters weren't attractive or even beautiful. The problem was the personality beneath. Elinor felt sorry for him in a way. A king should be free to choose his own bride but this one had made a deal and now he had to honour it. She sighed. It seemed even as she avoided the conversation about King Robb, she couldn't escape her thoughts and musings. An image of herself being wed to the currently faceless king entered her mind. She was wearing a beautiful deep blue gown with grey embroidery around the edges. Her hair had been arranged in an intricate bun at the base of her head. A smile graced her face as she gazed into the blurred image that represented the king. Elinor knew right away it was a fantasy. Not only was she sure she wouldn't stand a chance at being chosen, she had noticed she was smiling. If anything a pensive frown would be on her face as she fumbled through the ceremony and then the feast that would follow after. And then the bedding ceremony, she thought. And then the bedding! A shudder ran through her at the thought. She wasn't naive. Living in a large family tended to open one's eyes about what happened in all aspects of married life. She had listened to her older sisters' talk about their occasional night-time excursions. And then if any of her married sisters happened to be visiting, they would then join in the ribald conversation. Elinor ignored them as best she could but the odd comment would slip through to her occasionally. And she had seen the horses being mated at times, though she hoped the action was a bit less violent between a man and woman.

There was, however, an appealing part to the whole arranged marriage to the king. It would mean that whoever married him would get to leave. Forever. Elinor had to admit the thought was a nice one. And to get to go somewhere so different like Winterfell.

Elinor shook her head. No, she would not entertain any notion of being chosen. It would only make it that much harder when she heard the name of another come from the king's mouth. She would settle with being herself and see where that got her.

Robb sat in his tent, listening to his mother talk about her visit with Walder Frey. His heart almost stopped when she mentioned the part about him marrying a Frey. Not only had he been forced into a war, he had also been forced into accepting the title of King in the North. Now his mother of all people was trying to force him into another situation he didn't particularly care for.

All he wanted was to be home, next to a warm fire with a drink in his hand. His family would be there around him, including his father and everything would continue on as it had before King Robert had arrived to ruin it all.

He sighed and rubbed his temple as a throbbing pain began to make itself known.

"Excuse me please."

He stood suddenly and strode from the tent, surprising everyone present. As he wandered through the camp men and women bowed or curtsied but he didn't pay them much attention.

His feet eventually led him over to a pen that housed some of the horses. Robb rested his forearms on the topmost railing and watched the animals as his mind twisted and writhed around the new information.

He knew he had acted a little rashly, just leaving everyone like that but right now he didn't care. Right now he wasn't a king. He was just a young man who desperately wanted something that he had nearly had within his grasp. But now he couldn't even have that.

Talisa, he thought. The pretty healer's face was foremost in his mind. What were they going to do? The first time he saw her he knew that he could fall in love with her. Her very presence on the battlefield told of her courage and compassion. He had thought she would make a great queen and mother of his children. He also couldn't deny the physical pull he had towards her. And he knew she felt it too, even as she hurled thinly veiled insults at him during their first meeting.

Now it was all to come to nothing. He had to keep his word. But at the same time….

"You seem disturbed your Grace."

He didn't have to look to the side to know who it was that spoke. A smile began to form but disappeared just as soon as a warmth he couldn't contain travelled through his body at her closeness.

"Not at all my lady. I just have a lot on my mind but your presence beside me does much to lighten my thoughts."

Brown eyes met blue as the couple gazed at one another. All thoughts of his potential Frey bride flew from his mind as he looked at the woman beside him. She was the first to break eye contact as she looked back at the horses. She mimicked his stance but had to reach further to rest her arms on the railing. Robb couldn't help but notice how close their hands were. All he had to do was move over a little and they would be touching, arm to arm. The warmth turned into a fire as he thought about touching her bare skin. He felt agitated as he found it difficult to restrain himself. It wasn't the place for that sort of contact. He focused on the horses as well and tried to quite his thrumming body. Talisa spoke.

"Sometimes I miss my home. Every day I wonder what my mother and brother are doing. I wonder if he has met someone and if he's happy. But then I think of the work I do and how many people I have helped and healed. And the people I have met. Then I know I wouldn't want be anywhere else but here, with you."

A blush crept across her face at the admission as she waited for his reply, eyes straight ahead. Robb was amazed that she seemed to know just what he needed to hear. His previous longing for his family was soothed just a bit as he thought of how far away she was from her own kin and how she seemed to be alright with the distance.

Robb smiled and went to reach for her hand but stopped himself just in time. Talisa noticed the small movement and moved to look at him properly. Robb felt as if she wanted to touch him badly, if only to lay a hand against his face in comfort.

"I should retire for the night. Good night, your Grace."

He nodded, not trusting his voice to be steady enough.

He watched her walk away in the direction of her tent, noting the way her hips swayed. A slight change in the air suggested someone was standing behind him. Robb knew without turning who it would be. He sighed and turned to face his mother. The look on her face suggested that she knew exactly what he had been thinking.

"Robb. You must be more careful. Now that your bannermen know of your…agreement with Walder you cannot be seen to be lusting after another woman. We need their loyalty and if they think you will break your oath about this then they will no longer trust your judgement and may leave the host."

Robb crossed him arms and scowled.

"I know you mean well mother but please don't say any more. I did not make an agreement with Walder Frey. You did. I can still refuse and find another way around the Trident."

His words hung in the air and he suddenly realised just how foolish they sounded. His arms dropped to his side and he hunched slightly. The weight of being a king had never felt as heavy as it did right now.

Catelyn's expression softened as she looked at her first born. She hadn't wanted to agree to the marriage but it was the only way they would win the war and avoid having their heads on spikes. She wanted her children to be happy in life and love and have the freedom to make their own choices, but sometimes you had to make sacrifices.

She put her hands on his shoulders, making him lift his head to meet her gaze.

"I know this is an awful situation but we must get through it. The only way is Walder's way. If we defy him he will withdraw his men from your army. And we won't be able to cross the river. You must keep your word and follow through with the marriage. Don't underestimate the Frey's my son. The family may be scorned by everyone but they still wield power."

She ruffled his hair as she used to do when he was a boy. A half-hearted smile appeared on his face. Catelyn took it as a kind of acceptance.

"Good. We will ride out with a small party tomorrow to The Twins. The sooner we get this choosing over the better."

Robb grunted in reply and walked his mother back to her tent before returning to his own for some much needed rest. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.