A/N Sorry to have kept you waiting for this, it was originally going to be one chapter but due to the length I've split it into two. A big hello to new subscribers of this story, hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing (when I get the time!)

I'm also working on another fic at the moment, it's still being written but it's more of an indulgence/experiment so I'll let you know when that's up. Happy reading and hurry up April!

Chapter 14 – Returns

It had not been as long as Robb had initially anticipated before his call was answered. Some sent replies stating they were on their way, others simply turned up. He was ready for them and welcomed the Stark banner men with an open house. There had initially been tension between Jon Umber regarding his doubts of Robb's capabilities to take on such a task, but finger amputation via Grey Wind put a swift stop to his – and any other- grievances. Now the time had come to march south. As the farewell feast was drawing to an end in the hall, Robb excused himself from the table where he sat with Alyssa and some of the higher Lords.

"Where are you going?" she frowned, "Surely you can allow yourself to enjoy your last night in comfort before the morning,"

"I am, and I intend to carry on doing so," he smiled, "But I want to talk to Bran tonight, I'll be too busy in the morning," Alyssa nodded her understanding and ensured to draw the others into conversation so they would not think their host rude. Robb slipped out of the hall and jogged to the castle, nodding at the guards along the way. He quickly arrived at Bran's room, acknowledging yet another pair of guards he had insisted stand outside at all times until further notice.

"Are you still awake?" Robb whispered, knocking softly whilst pushing the door open anyway. Bran had been allowed to attend the feast, with his younger brother, on the condition that they went to bed when they were told and that was some time ago now.

"Yes," yawned Bran. "What is it?"

"You know I leave in the morning," Robb began, closing the door and absent-mindedly scratching Summer's ears as he crossed the room to sit in the chair by Bran's bed, where his mother had kept her vigil as he slept. "I wanted to make sure I got to say a proper goodbye,"

"Can't I come with you?" Bran implored, struggling to sit up.

"There must always be a Stark in Winterfell," Robb chided, ruffling his brother's hair. "And that's you, you're going to have to be brave while I'm gone and look after your brother,"

"How?" Bran indicated his useless lower half.

"You're a smart boy. Just because your legs don't work doesn't mean you won't be effective or influential in other ways. It's your job to teach Rickon this while I'm gone,"

Bran considered his words and was silent for a moment.

"You will come back though, won't you? With Mother and Father and Arya... even Sansa?"

Robb chuckled and pulled his brother into his arms.

"Of course, you'll see! And soon we'll all be together again. We'll go riding, go and visit Jon if you like. And Maester Lewin was telling me you should be able to learn archery from horseback and no doubt Theon will be dying to show you some of his skills," to his surprise, his voice was beginning to crack and he worked hard to compose himself, not wanting Bran to see him upset.

"Promise?" Bran asked excitedly, snuggling closer to his brother. He was still just a boy of ten and had missed cuddles.

"Promise," Robb kissed him on the top of his head and gently put him back into bed, covering him with blankets and furs. "Now get some sleep, and if you're up early enough Hodor can bring you to see us off in the morning,"

"OK," Bran smiled, giggling as Summer licked his fingers. Robb hesitated by his bedside and then took his leave. He could feel tears pricking at the corners of his eyes but would not let them fall; he was Lord of Winterfell now and had to act in such a manner. He walked slowly back to the feast, taking deep breaths and composing himself before rejoining Theon, Alyssa and the men whom had sworn to help him yet were still mostly strangers.

The following morning, it was still dark when Alyssa was awoken by a sudden cold as Robb got out of bed. She yawned and sat up whilst he washed and dressed.

"It's early," she observed, getting out of bed and facing the morning chill with a shiver.

"We're going to want a good breakfast before we set off," he stated; always so practical when he had to be.

"And I'm sure the servants love you for it," she yawned, preparing herself for the day. Dressing in riding clothes, she arranged her hair into a loose braid to keep it from her face. Before they left the room, she took Robb by surprise when she grabbed his arm and turned him so he was facing her, pulling him towards her to meet her lips for a passionate embrace. It was slightly bizarre; about to leave for war at an ungodly morning hour yet it was like time stood still for them. Their kiss said everything their hearts wanted to; which mere words alone would not be able to articulate.

Love. Fear. Need. Longing. Uncertainty.

"I think we should get some breakfast," Robb was the first to speak when they finally and reluctantly broke apart. Alyssa agreed, taking his hand as they left his room for the last time and went down to eat. The courtyard was already buzzing; horses being prepared and supplies being checked and double checked. Robb felt he should be the one doing all of this but Maester Lewin had insisted he have a decent meal and get himself ready, physically and mentally for what was to come. He had Theon and the servants to assist him if need be.

Mere hours later, which felt like minutes despite the heartfelt goodbyes and cheering, they were on their way. Alyssa had wanted to ride near the front with Robb but he had put his foot down, so she rode towards the middle rear with the other women accompanying them.

For the first leg of their journey, Olivia had been frightened as her travel companions had left the King's road and were travelling through wooded paths; inevitably encountering bandits. But Lord Baelish had some surprisingly good swordsmen at his disposal, a little too good perhaps for escorting mere trade supplies. Unless they were very valuable. Grateful enough just to have her life spared, Olivia made little conversation, which suited the others-who were all men- just fine. They were two weeks into their journey and making better time than when she had travelled south, and this was off the main road.

Suddenly there was tension as a cry from one of the men was heard.

"Scout!" and all horses were pushed forward in pursuit. Several of her companions gestured she stay back as they rode forward to greet the stranger who stood his ground cautiously, letting the others approach him.

"Who do you ride for?" called one of the men; Tobin she thought his name was. He was like their leader, although there had never seemed to be a single one of them in charge.

"Robb Stark and Winterfell, my Lords," he called back. At hearing Robb's name, Olivia's heart soared. She was getting closer to her destination. This did not go unnoticed by the other men who had hung back, ready to protect her if necessary.

"You're a bit far down from Winterfell," commented Tobin, "As it happens, we're on our way there ourselves. And We're not Lords," he added with a smirk.

"Pardon me. I don't ride from Winterfell, Stark has a camp half a day away from here. May i ask what business you have there?" Tobin glanced back at his party and returned his gaze to the scout, who still looked tense. There was no way he'd stand a chance if this group of men decided to turn on him.

"We're to deliver this young lady here safely in the hands of the Starks and her kin whilst we make some other deliveries," he shrugged. "If you would be so kind as to escort us, we'd be extremely grateful," and with that he held up a gold dragon for the scout to see. This caused the reaction he was hoping for, it was a lot to pay for such a small task.

"Certainly. Gentlemen, m'lady, this way please," the scout turned his horse and setting off at a moderate pace rode back north towards the camp. Olivia mentally urged the carriage she was riding in to hurry up. She just wanted to be with Alyssa and Robb and Theon... especially Theon.

The scout had been right in his estimation, as the light was beginning to fade the direwolf banners of house Stark were visible, as were tendrils of smoke and the sound of many voices. Olivia desperately wanted to ask their new escort many questions but did not even get close to him from her position; she just had to wait. Their arrival was met with suspicion at first and Olivia did not see anybody she recognised. Some other guards took the place of the initial scout as he rode off to inform Robb of her arrival. He could not be found immediately, but her former escorts had to get moving so left her, refusing the offer to spend the night in the camp. Olivia was glad to see them go. They had protected her and been very polite, but there was something about them she could not put her finger on. They were dangerous men, the further away from her the better. Having been given leave to explore the camp, she went in pursuit of her cousin. Although the camp was vast in size, it did not take her long to locate the prominent tents and banners in the centre, no doubt where Robb would be. She had no idea why he was marching south anyway, unless he had heard of the attack on his father. Surely it wouldn't be the best of moves to go against the Lannisters now that the horrible, nasty little Joffrey was on the throne. The crowds thickened as she grew closer and closer to the larger tents in the middle.

Several people were gathered around fires, the smell of cooking meat filling the air and making her mouth water. Trying to ignore her growling stomach, she took her time, carefully scrutinising all the faces around her. There was no sign of Alyssa, Robb or Theon but then she heard a familiar sound that stopped her in her tracks. Looking to her right, Theon was sat between two girls and they were passing round a wine skin in merriment.

Olivia could not move, she did not know what she was going to say to him, especially as he looked like he was in the throes of a celebration never mind marching to war. It did not matter anyway. As if sensing her presence he looked up and caught her eye, capturing her with his gaze. A look of surprise and confusion, then hurt and anger crossed his features. As her eyes were fixed on him, Theon turned to the girl to his left and removing his eyes from Olivia, kissed the girl deeply. She clearly hadn't been expecting it but delightedly wrapped her arms around him in delight. Not long after it had begun, he pulled away and turned to the girl on his right and repeated the same action. When he looked up, Olivia had gone.

"Fuck you Olivia Dorsinger," he whispered to himself, and returned to his companions suggesting they retire to his tent for the night.

Trying to ignore the tears threatening to spill and the tightness in her chest, Olivia strode blindly and aimlessly away from Theon and his small camp. It hurt more than when Jaime had used her. Not paying attention, she started when she heard someone call her name.

"Olivia!" she turned to see her cousin running towards her, Robb not far behind.

"Alyssa, thank the Gods," Olivia smiled, despite herself. Overcome with tiredness from her journey and emotional at Theon's actions and being reunited with her cousin, she burst into tears as Alyssa took her in her arms.

"Hey, it's OK. What happened?" Alyssa soothed, concerned.

"Don't let go," Olivia sobbed. "Is there somewhere we can talk?" Alyssa nodded against her cousin, flashing Robb a "piss off, women need to talk" look that he seemed to understand and returned to his meal. Wiping Olivia's face with her sleeve, Alyssa took her hand and led her to Robb's tent. Technically it was Alyssa's as well seeing as she hadn't spent a night away from him since they set up camp there or anywhere. Once they were safely inside Olivia took a deep breath and both girls sat on the makeshift yet comfortable bed.

"One thing at a time; what are you doing here?" Alyssa was still pleasantly surprised to see her cousin, they had not been in touch very much since she left for King's Landing.

"I don't think it was safe for me to stay in the capital," Olivia bit her lip in reply, and poured out everything that had happened with Jaime, Cersei, Lord Baelish and now Theon.

"Ugh, prize cocks the both of them! I mean, it's the kind of thing I'd expect from the Lannisters but Theon? If Robb heard about this..."

"No don't tell Robb," Olivia pleaded, "Really, I mean I must have done something to upset or offend Theon for him to act like that,"

"It's not really out of character for him though, the womanising. I thought he'd stopped all that when he met you but obviously not," shrugged Alyssa.

"I think I've had enough of men. Sorry for getting so upset, though I am glad to see you again. I couldn't stand being in that city for another second, and although I can't say I completely trust him I am grateful to Lord Baelish for getting me out of there,"

"I'm glad you're here too, though I must warn you I intend on staying with Robb. Where he goes, I'll go. I know it's not the ideal life out here, so if you want to ride on to Winterfell where you'll be warm and more comfortable I'll understand,"

Olivia laughed and embraced her cousin again. "Don't be silly, you're going to need someone to keep you busy whilst Robb's out swinging his sword,"

"Don't remind me," Alyssa rolled her eyes. "Are you hungry? Let me get you something to eat," Olivia did not protest as Alyssa slipped out of the tent to grab a trencher and some meat while there was still some left. Robb was no longer at his previous spot, and there was a sense of excitement rippling through those that remained.

"What's going on?" she asked a nearby soldier, clearly in his cups and in jovial spirits.

"Lady Catelyn has arrived," he gestured wildly, spilling some of his wine. Alyssa smiled, his mother's presence would do Robb the world of good. She returned with the food to his tent to share the news with Olivia.

Robb was with his bannermen in another tent, discussing their current position and that of the enemy.

"The River Lords are falling back, with Jaime Lannister on their heels. Lord Tywin is also bringing a larger army from the south," he announced, indicating on the large map spread out on the table before him. There was a general hubbub and muttering about the room as each man had their own opinion on what should be done.

A strong female voice cut through the tent as Catelyn Stark announced her arrival.

"Robb!" she cried, ignoring the other men and rushing to embrace him. Robb felt to overwhelmed to see his mother, he was momentarily lost for words. Remembering he was surrounded by older men waiting to hear his decision, he dismissed them whilst he heard his mother's news and contemplated their current position. With respectful nods to Robb and Catelyn, the others left one by one leaving mother and son alone for the first time in months.

"I received this," she explained, handing him the letter she had received from Sansa.

"I received one similar, Maester Lewin says it is the Queen's words in my sister's hand,"

"I fear he may be right. There is no mention of Arya in this letter," she pointed out.

"Nor in mine," he admitted, his mouth forming a grim line. "But I will get them back mother. Father, Sansa and Arya. The Lannisters won't get away with this,"

"How many men do you have?"

"About 18,000," he said tentatively.

"I hope you're right. I don't know if you realise what's at stake here but you must win Robb. Remember what happened to the Targaryen children, mercilessly butchered in their sleep at a King's command. Children, Robb. These people won't stop until all of us Starks are dead."

"That makes it simple then," he replied. "We march and fight, there is too much at stake," Catelyn felt proud at seeing the fire in her son's eyes and the honour he displayed in fighting for his family.