A/N: Hey guys, another chapter for you.

Hope you like it, do let me know!

:)

Coming Together

A shout outside his room jolted Robb awake as someone began pounding on his door. He threw the covers off himself and wrenched it open at once, a man of the Night's Watch was stood there looking pale and Robb's first thought was of Edmure. Before he could ask though the man was speaking.

"Stannis Baratheon is here your Grace," he told him.

"Stannis?" Robb questioned incredulously, why in the name of the Gods was he here?

Robb was instantly wary as he crossed the courtyard. He could see the man he assumed must be Stannis at the front of a small party, an aging, weather worn man on his right and a woman dressed from head to toe in red on his left. The Greatjon and Dacey were stood opposite him, Jon hovering nearby as he approached, walking between his two most trusted generals and looking towards Stannis and his host.

"Robb Stark," Stannis nodded to him, no trace of welcome in his voice.

"Stannis Baratheon," he nodded back, noticing the red woman looking irritated at his greeting.

"You arrived before us," Stannis noted.

"No doubt we were closer," Robb replied.

"Indeed," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"How did you know the Wall needed aid?" Robb asked then, his own eyes narrowing.

"Ways and means Lord Stark," Stannis replied and the Greatjon bristled next to Robb at the title.

"Well as you can see, there is nothing for you to do here," Robb said, keeping his voice even.

"Oh I wouldn't say that," the red woman piped up then and Robb's blood seemed to freeze in his veins as he looked at her satisfied smile.

Stannis was staying and Robb was furious, he had no idea what he thought he was going to achieve. The Wildlings had been beaten back, the threat had passed; Robb wouldn't even still be at the Wall if it weren't for Edmure. He seethed as he walked up and down the room, Jon watching him warily, as though unsure whether he should speak. Before he could open his mouth a knock sounded on the door and he got up to answer it.

"Robb Stark?" an unfamiliar voice asked and Robb turned his head.

"In here," Jon said, stepping aside to let the man in.

"Davos Seaworth," he introduced himself and Robb took the hand he held out.

"You're one of Stannis' men," Robb nodded.

"Aye," Davos confirmed, "and I need to do what's right by him"

"What does that mean?" Robb asked.

"It means the King is not in his right mind, that woman has seen to that," he said quietly.

"The red woman?" Robb checked.

"Aye," Davos nodded, "Melisandre, she is dangerous, her magic killed Renly"

"It was her?!" Robb said, aghast.

"I fear for your life now she is around you," Davos said, meeting his eyes.

"Why are you telling me this?" he asked, suddenly suspicious.

"Because you need to go, and I would have you take someone with you," Davos answered.

"Who?" Robb asked.

"King Robert's bastard boy, Gendry," he said.

"Why?" Robb questioned.

"He's not safe with her, she plans on using him for some ritual," Davos explained.

"My Uncle is gravely injured here, I can't just leave," Robb said.

"If you don't you risk more than injury," Davos said desperately.

"I can check with the Maester if Edmure can be moved," Jon put in then.

"Thank you," Robb said.

"You need to go Stark," Davos said, "before her shadow monster gets to you too."

Theon had pulled Ana up to the old tower, desperate to show her the shooting stars that were sweeping across the sky, the view was the best from up there; it was where they had always watched them from when the showers came. Ana had let him pull her along, a wide smile on her face at the sheer look of joy on his own face. When they reached the top he gestured for her to come to the ruined window and pointed up at the night sky. When the first flash streaked across the sky she gasped and Theon's grin widened, he knew she would love it.

"I've never seen anything like this before," Ana breathed.

"It's incredible isn't it? We all used to come up here and watch them," Theon told her.

"How often does it happen?" she asked him.

"Once or twice a year, but you can't see if there are clouds," he answered her.

They continued staring up at the sky for the longest time, their arms brushing slightly against one another as they stood so close. Eventually Ana tore her eyes from the stars and turned her face to Theon, he sensed her movement and turned his own face. There was a look in his eyes that Ana had never seen before, he looked almost carefree and happy; perhaps she was seeing a glimpse of the old Theon. She turned her body towards him then and he did the same. They were a breath away then, so close that they could almost hear one another's hearts pounding in their chests. How long they stared at one another Ana didn't know, but the tension was becoming unbearable and she had the strongest desire to move closer to him, to let him envelope her completely.

"Have you made love to many women Theon?" she asked him softly.

"Yes," he answered her honestly, resisting the urge to close the tiny gap between them.

"Could you make love to me?" she asked then and it took everything in him not to grab her to him.

"I could," he whispered and her hands came tentatively to his chest.

"I've never known a man's gentle touch," she said.

"I know," he breathed, letting his own hand come up and stroke her cheek.

"You would be gentle," she stated, meeting his eyes again.

"I would," he confirmed and they inched closer, hesitating slightly when their lips were a breath away.

He could feel her warm breath on his lips as he held his own, if he closed that final gap then he would lose himself. His feelings for Ana had grown so strong and he didn't know if he could cope with her consuming him entirely. What if she didn't feel the same? He pushed that thought away at once, she was here. She was here with him despite everything and he knew from the look in her eyes that she wanted him just the same. He pressed his lips to hers then, slowly, carefully, not wanting to rush her as he knew the torment that she had endured.

It felt nice to Ana, his lips on hers, and she allowed hers to move with his, the sensation building; knots twisting in her stomach. Theon's kiss became more insistent then and she let her lips part further so he could slip his tongue into her mouth, her own twisting with his, deepening their kiss and deepening the hidden desires that she had never known before. He let his hands come to her waist then, placing them gently, gauging her reaction as she continued to kiss him. She tensed for a moment but relaxed almost instantly, her own hands resting on his chest. He pulled her closer to him then, his own desires rising, his fingers feeling for the lacings of her dress.

She felt his fingers tentatively toy with her lacings and she let her own move to unclasp the cloak that was tied about his shoulders, hearing it drop to the ground. Her move encouraged him to unlace her ties and her heart pounded as she felt her dress loosen, Theon's hands coming up to her shoulders and pushing the material down her arms. Her hands found his buttons then and she undid them, pushing his jacket away and starting on his shirt. He froze then as she undid it, the thin material falling open to bare his chest. She felt him tense and pulled out of the kiss, looking up into his eyes that were now so uncertain.

She knew why at once as she let her eyes drop to his chest, seeing the scars and marks that marred his skin. She had known what had happened to him, he had told her it all and she let her hands trace some of the lines on his skin, stepping closer after a moment and pressing her lips to a burn mark above his heart. He breathed deeply under her then, the tension lifting from him, he had been so worried that she would be repulsed, that she would recoil from him in horror when she saw the extent of his injuries. Her acceptance meant everything to him and he let his fingers pull at the laces of her shift, feeling her tense slightly as he did so.

"I won't hurt you," he whispered.

"I know," she said softly.

"We don't have to do this," he said.

"I know," she repeated, "but I want to," she added before putting her lips to his again.

As their lips melted together Theon moved his hands back to the laces of her shift and finished unlacing them, not taking his lips from hers as the material slid silently to the floor. He let his hands wander then, feeling her bare skin, his action making her almost moan as his hands moved so gently. It was so different, Theon was so different with his soft touch and his gentle kisses. He pulled away from her slightly then so he could look into her dark eyes. She was so beautiful, he had listened to her tell him how her father had never bothered with her, not thinking her anything special. Her father was a fool he decided, a blind fool. Ana was the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on, not just on the outside but the inside too. What had happened to her made him angry and it also made him want to protect her, to keep her safe from anything and anyone that could cause her harm.

"Theon?" she said questioningly as he continued to stare at her.

"You are so beautiful," he told her seriously.

Robb went to bed reluctantly, Maester Aemon had told him that Edmure would possibly be able to travel in the morning but he was unhappy about it. His fever was starting to break but the Maester was still worried about his wound and the thought of letting him be taken to Winterfell did not rest easy with him. Edmure would have to be carried by litter if the Maester allowed and that would almost double their journey home. Robb would have rather him stay until he fully recovered but Davos' warning had scared him more than he had let on. Melisandre sent chills up his spine just by looking at him, he felt uneasy around her, even more so now he knew what she had done to Renly. Would Stannis really have him killed in such a way?

He fell into a restless sleep with Grey Wind by his side. The wolf watched his master, he too was on edge, his eyes open and his ears pricked up for any sign of disturbance. The fur along his back was standing up on end and he was just waiting for the danger to present itself. He knew his master was under threat, he always knew and he would always protect him. He was a faithful and loyal companion to his master and those closest to him, his mate and his pup. If danger ever came close to them he would eliminate it, or at least do his best to. His master was always happy with him, he treated him well and he would always strive to return the devotion.

When the shadow began to creep under the door Grey Wind growled softly, his fur standing up even higher, instinct telling him that something wasn't right. It also told him that swiping at it, that sinking his teeth into it would do no good. He knew he wouldn't be able to touch it and he wondered if his master could as he barked loudly, a snarl leaving his throat. Robb jerked awake at once, seeing Grey Wind stood above him, his fur on end and angry snarls leaving his mouth. For a second he was confused but then he saw the grey shadow seeking under the door. He reached for his sword before realising it would do no good. This was what his mother and Brienne had told him of. This was what had killed Renly and he knew that he couldn't fight it. The end had come for him and it had come all too soon.

He closed his eyes then and he thought of Elissa as Grey Wind continued to snarl and snap. She was looking up at him with those beautiful honey eyes. She was lying beneath him with her chest heaving and her mouth gasping out his name. She was round with his child, her hands clasped around her growing stomach, that breath-taking smile on her face. She was holding their new-born son in her arms, her eyes shining with happiness. He had Torrhen in his arms then, so soft and warm and perfect, his eyes so like his gazing up on him as his tiny lips broke into a smile. It was Elissa again, a vision of perfection as she walked towards him in the Godswood. It was her in his arms as her own fingers toyed with the curls at the back of his neck. It was Torrhen, sat on the floor in the nursery building a tower of blocks, his head snapping round to him and his face breaking into a grin as he called out 'Papa'.

This wasn't fair. He couldn't die like this. It wasn't fair. He had to go home to his wife and son. They had years together. This couldn't be the end. He wouldn't let it be, not without a fight. He opened his eyes.

Theon pulled Ana gently to the floor, his hand feeling behind him for his discarded cloak, clumsily spreading it out behind him so he could lay her down on it. He moved above her then, noting how her chest rose and fell more quickly as he tentatively pressed his bare body against hers. Her hands came around his back then and he felt relief as he looked into her eyes. He let his hand stroke through her hair as he positioned himself above her, his other hand lightly trailing her side and landing on her thigh, coaxing it up and around his waist. She took his hint and moved the other one up too, feeling him against her as she did so, unable to stop herself from tensing as it brought back a thousand horrible memories.

"We don't have to do this," he told her again, his eyes on hers.

"I want to," she replied again.

"Ana …" he began.

"Theon please," she said softly, "I want to know what it's like … what it's really like"

He bent to kiss her again then, remaining pressed up against her, feeling her desire but also her tension, not wanting to take her until she was ready. Slowly she began to relax as his lips moved with hers, his hands trailing lightly up and down her sides, lingering on her breasts and making her sigh softly against his mouth. When her tension melted away he shifted again, pushing slowly into her, breaking their kiss again and looking into her eyes as he did so. She bit her lip expecting pain but none came and she let herself smile up at Theon as he filled her completely. He smiled back and moved his hips slowly, a gasp leaving her as he sent pleasure shooting through her body.

Theon was encouraged by her reaction and moved again. He couldn't remember the last time he had been with a woman like this but he knew that he had never been with a woman like Ana. He had never cared for a woman as he cared for her, never wanted one more than he wanted her. She let out a little breathless cry then as he continued to move inside her, his thrusts slow and gentle, he didn't want to bring back any horrible memories. Her hands moved up and down his back then, her fingers tracing the scars she felt there. He didn't tense, he was too comfortable with her now. He knew that they didn't bother her, that they didn't disgust her as they had disgusted him for so long.

Ana let her hands tangle in Theon's hair as he continued moving slowly inside her, her breathing getting heavier as a bubble of pleasure built up in the pit of her stomach. It felt so good, having him like this, as though every time he moved he melted away another dreadful memory. She would never forget, how could she ever forget? But she could get better, she could be better with Theon, he made everything seem so much better as his body pressed against hers, his lips at her neck kissing her gently. The bubble was ready to burst now and she couldn't help the soft moans that were leaving her mouth as he trailed kisses back towards her lips. She reached the highest height then, sensations she had never thought she would feel rolling through her body as she finally realised what she had been missing out on all this time.

Theon had planned on pulling out of her, not wanting to spill himself inside her and risk getting her with child, but when she came to her height she felt so perfect around him that he could hold on no longer. He let himself go with a groan as she gasped out underneath him, her chest heaving as she tried to get her breathing under control. Gods she looked so perfect lying there, beads of sweat having formed across her hairline and between her breasts. He bent to kiss her lips then, finally sliding himself out of her as their lips worked together, he never wanted to be anywhere else. He wanted this night to last forever, lying under the stars wrapped up in Ana.

Robb's heart was pounding as he scrambled out of bed. It had gone. The shadow had gone. He looked around wildly. How could it have just disappeared? He had only closed his eyes for a second. Grey Wind was pawing at the door then, whining desperately to get out and Robb managed to move, pulling on a shirt and his boots quickly before wrenching open the door. His wolf darted ahead of him and he hurried to catch up, somehow knowing that something had happened, Grey Wind always knew when something had happened. Robb followed him out into the courtyard and was met with a scene of confusion as Jon stood in front of a snarling Ghost, his sword drawn and pointed as several of Stannis' men.

Stannis himself was staring in shock at the body that lay on the floor. It was then Robb noticed the blood that coated Ghost's muzzle and dripped from his bared teeth. Grey Wind had gone straight to his brother, putting himself in front of Jon, growls leaving his own mouth as the men seemed to pause in their advancement. Robb moved closer to Stannis then, his heart still pounding as he looked down at the body. He already knew who it was, it was her, the woman who had conjured a shadow to murder him. Her throat was torn out and blood dripped sickeningly onto the stones of the courtyard, her eyes staring blankly up at the stars.

A/N: There's one more chapter coming tomorrow and then it's my two week break.

Any thoughts on this one would be awesome.

Last one (for a while) tomorrow.

:)