It had been six years since the Greyjoy Rebellion and three years since Lady Edith's last visit. The rebellion itself didn't last long. Nor did it interfere with Edith's trip to the North. She managed to make two other trips up North during those six years. Catelyn was always happy to see her friend. At times she felt bad that she didn't return the favor. But Edith never complained.

Catelyn sighed. She was waiting for Edith to arrive. Edith had begun talking about marriage between their two children. Catelyn wasn't sure if it was a good idea. The three times they had visited both Robb and Vivian argued more than they should have. Neither was happy being in the other's presence. Edith claimed it was because of their age, but Catelyn wasn't sure. This visit would decide for her whether she would want Vivian to be a part of her family or not.

"I wanna play?" five year old Arya complained. Four year old Bran stood next to her. Picking his nose with one hand and holding the hand of his younger brother, Rickon, with the other.

Catelyn reached down and pulled his hand away. "Don't," she whispered.

"Arya," Sansa hissed as she shook her head at her sister.

"Not long now, Arya," Catelyn said as she stood back up.

"Don't see why we have to stand here and wait," Arya said begrudgingly.

Eddard had taken the older boys, Robb, Jon and Theon, out hunting. Theon Greyjoy had become their ward after the short lived rebellion that his father had. Eddard was a kind man and treated Theon with the respect that a noble boy of his age deserved. He never acted as if Theon's father was a traitor.

Finally, the carriage made it into Winterfell. Arya jumped in anticipation. She couldn't wait to be allowed to play with her little brothers. It didn't take long for the older Edith to exit the carriage. The last three years had been unkind to Edith. She looked far older than Catelyn could believe.

"Edith!" Catelyn said as she hugged her friend.

Behind her, fifteen year old Vivian got out of the carriage. The girl looked so much like her mother when Edith was younger. Catelyn was surprised by the similarities.

"Vivian," Catelyn said with a smile.

"Lady Stark," Vivian replied with a curtsy.

"Can I play now?" Arya asked.

Vivian looked at her and smiled. "Arya? Is that you? You have grown. You were this big when I last saw you," she said as she placed her hand below her knee.

"I don't remember you," Arya replied.

Vivian opened her mouth to answer when she felt her mother's hand on her shoulder. Vivian, do you mind watching the children?"

Vivian shook her head, allowing the two women to go inside.

"Come on, Bran!" Arya said as she skipped through the courtyard.

Sansa picked up little Rickon and went to sit at a table. Vivian joined her.

"Will you tell me about court?" Sansa asked wistfully.

"Oh!" Vivian laughed as she shook her head. "I had forgotten." She got up and motioned for one of the guards to bring a medium sized chest. He set it down on the ground and she opened it. "I don't think mother would mind. We brought some presents." She pulled out a dress and handed it to Sansa.

"Beautiful!" Sansa cried out as she set Rickon on the ground. She picked up the dress and pressed it to her body. It looked like an impractical dress to wear in the North. It looked to be made out of silk, but when Sansa pressed it against her body she could feel the warmth.

"It's close to court fashion these days," Vivian replied. "I had it special made for up here so you can wear it and not look at it longingly."

Sansa hugged her. "Thank you," she said gratefully.

"What's that?" Arya asked almost in disgust when she spotted the dress.

"It's a dress," Sansa said, sticking her tongue out at her little sister. "I don't expect you to know what that is."

"I got something for you as well, Arya," Vivian said as she pulled out a small box. "From your mother's letters I gathered you wouldn't want clothing."

Arya hesitated as she opened the box. Inside was a little round object. "What is it?" she asked as she pulled it and a string out.

To Sansa's horror Vivian sat down on the ground and reached out for the object. Arya gave it to her and she wrapped the string around it. "New toy that arrived from across the sea. It's called a top." She set it on the ground and quickly pulled the string out.

"Wow!" Arya said in wonder as the top spun. "Oh, thank you!" She hugged Vivian who fell back against the table.

"Be careful, Arya!" Sansa commanded.

Arya grabbed the top and string and motioned for Bran to follow her. She went to another corner of the courtyard to play.

"I'm sorry about my sister," Sansa said, shaking her head.

Vivian smiled. "Take that into my mother's room please," she said to the guard who stood near her. "Tell her I gave Sansa and Arya their presents."

The man nodded as he picked up the box and left.

"Where are you going?" Vivian asked Sansa who ran to her home. Sansa didn't answer and disappeared. Vivian sighed as she picked up Rickon who motioned for her to pick him up.

"So you are the youngest Stark," she said as she bounced him on her knee. He happily let her bounce him up and down.

"Is it true that you beat my brother in a sword fight?" Arya's voice startled Vivian.

"What?" Vivian asked in surprise as she looked at the little girl.

"I overheard Jon teasing Robb earlier. He said that you beat him good in a sword fight," she said.

Vivian giggled then let out a sigh. "Promise to keep it secret?" she asked. Arya quickly nodded her head. "I cheated a little, but I did beat him. Mother was furious. 'Ladies aren't supposed to know how to fight,' she told me."

Arya sat down next to her. "How did you learn to fight? Sansa always tells me that a lady doesn't fight with weapons, but with words. I wanna to learn." She jabbed her hand in the air.

Vivian sighed. "My grandfather taught me what I know. He said that the maidens of our family always learn how to fight. And if I'm to wield Ashes then I need to know how to use it. But father found out and he stopped my lessons."

"Ashes?"

Vivian nodded. "The family heirloom. Grandfather is going to give me the sword when I'm married as long as I marry a noble of the North. Grandfather said that I need to know range and melee weapons, and not just one or the other."

Arya looked at her in awe. "You get a sword?"

"It's just an old family heirloom," Vivian replied with a shrug of her shoulders.

"It doesn't matter," Arya said, shaking her head. "You get a sword. I wish I could get something that amazing."

The two sat quietly and watched as Bran tried to get the top to move.

"Will you tell me the story about Ashes?" Arya asked.

Vivian nodded. "One of these nights I'll tell you how he came to be in the family's possession. We don't know exactly how he was made."

Arya frowned. "Why can't the sword be a she?"

"Hmm," Vivian said as she thought. "I guess some swords can be female, but Ashes is a male."

Arya crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't like it. When I get a weapon it'll be a female."

Vivian chuckled in reply, then she gasped. "Sansa!" she said. "You look beautiful." She stood up, placing Rickon on her hip, as Sansa made her way toward them. She wore her new dress under her coat. For a brief moment she took off her coat to show her dress.

"That is a lovely dress, Sansa," Eddard's voice made all three girls jump in surprise. He had somehow ridden in without them noticing. Behind him was the rest of the hunting party.

"Papa!" Sansa, Arya and Bran shouted as they ran to their father, who dismounted.

He happily hugged his children then stood up when he noticed his guest. "I'm glad that you made it safely, Lady Vivian."

Vivian curtsied to him and he nodded his head. Vivian looked over at the rest of the riders. Robb had stopped his horse and couldn't help but stare at her. Remembering his manners he quickly got down and bowed to Vivian who curtsied back at him.

"Your mother?" Eddard asked her.

"Inside, my lord," she replied.

He nodded. "Boys groom the horses then you are free for the rest of the day," he commanded. He allowed a servant to take his horse as he went into his home. He could hear a slight grumble from the boys as they directed their horses toward the stables. He smiled. He was a lord. He didn't have to groom his horse if he didn't want to. Sometimes, it was good to let others do the work for him.

Robb turned to look back at Vivian before he went to the stables. She didn't look back at him.

"Who is that?" Theon asked as soon as they got into the stables.

Robb didn't pay attention as he slowly took off the saddle from his horse. His mind was on other things. She had grown since last he saw her. When he found out that she was coming to visit once again he was angry. Each of her visits had always turned disastrous between the two. She seemed to make it her special mission to bother him at every turn. They had argued constantly. Finally, he had had enough and foolishly challenged her to a duel. It was a ridiculous thing to do. She was just a girl, but he wanted to win at something. But no, she had to take that away from him as well. She expertly out bested him, much to his annoyance.

When he had heard that she was coming he had expected to see her the way she was three years ago; A freckled, tall, fat girl with a condescending look on her face. But now she was nearly a woman. She was still tall, but now her weight was proportional to her height. She looked like a true noble woman with the clothes that she wore. And she had breasts. If she had them when she was younger they for sure weren't noticeable.

A sharp jab to his ribs brought Robb back to reality. He glared at Theon who stepped back.

"Well?" Theon asked as he raised his hands.

"What?" Robb snapped.

"Who is she?" Theon asked. Theon hadn't been there the last time Vivian visited. He was Eddard's ward at the time, but King Robert had requested his presence at court. By the time he had gotten back she was gone.

"Vivian Cynious," Jon replied. "She comes up here to visit. Her mother and Lady Stark are good friends."

"Oh," Theon said as he thought. "Well, if you two aren't together then…"

Robb couldn't help but snarl. "Suit yourself. She's annoying and wild," he said. "Raised to act like a true noblewoman."

Theon smiled. "I shall tame this noble," he said in a conniving voice.

Robb was the last to finish grooming his horse and putting everything away. His mind kept distracting him with Vivian's new figure. He wondered what else about her changed. Finally, he made his way to the courtyard. Vivian's laughter echoed, causing him to quicken his steps. Jon stood, awkwardly, beside a post while Theon stood next to the table that Vivian sat at. He had one leg on the bench and leaned in close to her.

Jealousy filled Robb from how close Theon was to her. She looked up and smiled at him. It wasn't one of the smiles she used to give him. This one was different. Robb cleared his throat, causing everyone to look at him. He was suddenly nervous. He hadn't prepared what he was going to do next.

"Did you have a safe journey?" he asked. He heard Theon give a silent laugh at his expense. He wanted to glare at his friend, but he couldn't take his eyes off of Vivian. He expected her to make fun of him. After all, the last time she had visited she had no problem laughing at him. He was surprised when she gave him a sweet smile. He searched her face for hidden laughter, but found nothing.

"It was well," she replied. "Thank you for asking. I hear you went out hunting."

He nodded his head.

"Did you catch anything?"

Robb opened his mouth to answer but Theon interrupted him. "You caught my heart, lovely lady," he said as he grabbed her hand and pressed it against his lips.

Vivian's eyes darted around and she awkwardly stood up, and pulled her hand away from him.

"Excuse me," a servant girl said softly. "But Lady Cynious requests the presence of her daughter."

"Very well," Vivian said with a wave of her hand.

Theon gave the servant girl a quick wink before he focused his attention back at Vivian. "I look forward to seeing you again," he said then gave her a bow.

She curtsied back and quickly followed the servant. Robb kept his face straight as he ignored everyone and went to his quarters. He had to think.

!*!*!*!

Robb walked through the Godswood. He had dressed himself in his finest clothing for the simple dinner that was prepared earlier that evening. It wasn't a grand feast like the last few times that Edith and her daughter had visited. Robb wasn't exactly sure why, but he had a feeling that it had to do with Edith. The woman looked much older than he remembered and she was deathly pale. Although no one had told him he suspected that she was very ill. She joined them for a brief moment before a servant escorted her back to the guest quarters.

Vivian sat with Sansa, Arya and Jeyne Poole. The two older North girls were extremely intrigued by the things that Vivian had to say about court. When he could, Robb listened to their conversation. It was far more boring than he had anticipated. Sansa and Jeyne were more interested in court fashion and who was engaged with whom.

Robb shook his head. He didn't understand why the girls wanted to know such ridiculous things. It wasn't as if they personally knew the people. The information that Vivian gave seemed pointless to him.

Still, he had hoped that she would at least notice him during dinner. But she hadn't. It seemed to him that she avoided looking at him.

Robb looked up and caught a gasp that had attempted to escape his mouth. Standing near the weirwood was Vivian. She seemed surprised to see him there and looked around, as if trying to find a place to escape.

"I did not realize that you were here," he couldn't help but stammer.

"I came to think," she replied as she looked at the tree. "I remembered what your father said about this place."

He nodded and forced his feet to move closer to her. Part of him wanted to leave her alone, but then he didn't like that there was no one around to look out for her.

"I'm sorry, Robb," she finally said.

He frowned. "For what?" he asked.

"The last visits. I was a real brat," she said then chuckled.

"Oh," he said as he thought. It was true. The two of them argued constantly the last time she had come.

She turned and looked at him. "You deserved it though," she quickly added.

"What did I do?" he asked in surprise and defense.

"The first day I was here you decided to scare me," she said. She looked at the tree and a small shudder passed through her body. "It worked."

He blinked twice as he tried to remember when he had insulted her. "I'm sorry," he said, shaking his head. "I… I didn't know I was going to scare you that much."

Vivian nodded and sighed.

"Why be nice to me now?" he couldn't help but ask.

She looked at him then gave him a real smile. "Because we were kids. And…" she paused and thought about how she was going to phrase her next sentence. "I would like to start our friendship over. Is that alright by you?"

He nodded his head.

"My name is Vivian Cynious, my lord," she said as she curtsied.

He bowed. "Pleasure to meet you," he replied. "I am Robb Stark, my lady."

She giggled, making him smile.

"Can I escort you back to your quarters?" he asked her as he raised his arm.

She looked back at the weirwood before accepting his raised arm.

"Has the tree ever given you a vision?" she asked him as they walked.

He shook his head. "Did you see something?"

Her eyes narrowed then she shook her head. "No."

He couldn't help but feel as if she were lying. But he didn't want to start an argument with her already.

They talked about random and little things as they made their way back to his home.

"Lady Cynious requests her daughter to join her," a servant said as soon as she was in earshot of the two.

"Thank you for the walk," Vivian said as she curtsied.

He nodded his head and bowed to her one last time and watched as she left with the servant. His body tingled with anticipation as he watched her. He had had crushes before. He couldn't help but wonder if this would be more than that.

A/N: Okay, so the next two chapters were supposed to be one, but they got so long I had to split them. Hope you guys continue to enjoy. I'm having a lot of fun making this. It's interesting how quickly a story evolves from a simple scene that was in my mind.

97hollster – Thanks for your review. I hope I updated fast enough. Trying to keep myself on a semi-regular update schedule. Hope you continue to enjoy.

Azalia Fox Knightling- I'm glad you liked the beginning. Hope you liked this chapter too.