Restless and Worried

The second her brother had added his last condition concerning the capture of the Greyjoy traitor, Alynna excused herself from the tent. By then her anxiousness had increased to the point that she didn't want to waste a single moment. She tried to contain herself, but was aware that her pace was much too brisk to not attract any notice. Fortunately the place where most of the Winterfell men had set up their tents was not that far from where the King's tent was located. As soon as she reached it, she called for the four captains who were in charge of the Winterfell men. Each of them commanded a group of men that used to reside in one of the four barracks at Winterfell.

The four men were very experienced warriors and had been loyal to her father throughout all their lives; their devotion to the Stark family never wavered or needed questioning. And even now, being surrounded by a sea of warriors that swore their allegiance to her brother, she knew that these few men were the ones that she could trust implicitly. When they heard the young lady from Winterfell call out to them, they knew from her tone that she meant business and they hastened to reach her as she strode towards them.

Alynna did not bother explaining what had caused her foul mood, instead she demanded an audience with all the Winterfell men. The four knew from previous experience with the Stark family that no amount of coaxing would get her to tell them what this was all about, so they simply directed her to the campfire where nearly the whole garrison was assembled.

As soon as Alynna arrived at said fire, the men fell quiet as they quickly saw her obvious annoyance. Alynna, now among the group she needed, wasted no time in providing an explanation, using one of the tree trunks that had served as benches before her arrival as a platform for her announcement.

Alynna waited impatiently for the men to properly converge around her before clearing her throat and taking a deep breath. She didn't want the rest of the camp to know about Theon's betrayal just yet. Sure by morning the whole camp would know what had happened, news like that always traveled like wildfire, but she planned to be long gone by then.

"Alright listen up. I was just in his Grace's tent. We've received some disturbing news." She composed herself, straightening her posture to look more commanding before carrying on. "Theon Greyjoy has betrayed our trust. He was sent to his father to secure an alliance with the old squid. Instead he turned on us and joined the Ironborn forces." That news alone brought forth some angry grimaces and lots of murmurs so Alynna decided to give it a few moments so the noise could die down. "Unfortunately that is not all. He and around twenty of his men have attacked Winterfell and they've taken the castle." The murmurs of a moment before were nothing compared to the angry shouts and fury emanating from the men now.

"So it would seem that I need your help." Alynna started again after she had glared the men into silence once more. "I know that I have not fought with you for quite some time but I hope you will follow me as you've always followed my father. Together we can uproot the squids and punish them for the audacity of so much as thinking of invading our homelands. Do I have your support?"

"Aye!" The men spoke up, not quite as one but close enough, fury still very evident in their expressions.

"Very well then. All of you who do not have specific duties can come. The rest will stay here to support my brother. We ride at dawn." And with that Alynna returned the menacing looks of the men with a smile that promised them their vengeance before she stepped down.

It took a while before she managed to separate herself from the group, as many of the men spoke to her individually to confirm their allegiance to her cause. Alynna was not surprised, for not only had these men always fought loyally for her father, and by extension herself, but it was also their home that had been invaded, their families that were facing the wrath of the Ironborn bastards and their loved ones that were at risk of being abused. In fact she received quite a few complaints from the men that had responsibilities to her brother that they could not easily get rid of but yet wanted to ride to Winterfell. However, Alynna was very firm in that particular matter. All that had no such responsibilities or duties come dawn were welcome to ride with her. The rest were to stay behind.

When the men finally settled down and started making preparations to begin their journey in the morning, Alynna was free to go off and make her own. She would have preferred to ride off this very moment, but knew that if the men got at least a few hours of rest, they would be able to ride harder and much further than if they were to depart tonight.

With that in mind she searched the camp for one more man she would need. He was a slippery one and ever since his arrival she had barely seen him, but every once in a while she caught him staring at her with that knowing little smile of his. Something told her that those few moments were of his creation however. She doubted that he had anything else to do and he had probably been watching her for far longer. Even so, she had no need to talk to him before this though, and now that she found herself wanting to find him, he was - again - nowhere in sight.

"Is a girl looking for me?" His voice suddenly came from behind her. Alynna didn't spin around like she had last time. Instead she sighed and rolled her eyes at his behavior. She had no doubt that he had hid himself from her as she had searched for him, only coming out when he was bored with his little game.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I was." Alynna replied as she turned to face the faceless man, taking in his Stark uniform. It hadn't occurred to her before that he would be wearing the plain armor of her family and to be honest it didn't suit him. It made him stand out with his weird hair and foreign features.

"I am riding for Winterfell at dawn and I have a feeling that a man might be given a name once I arrive." She said before he could interrupt her. His smile grew at her phrasing and he simply nodded, even bowing slightly before he turned around and once more vanished in the darkness.

Once he was gone, Alynna made her way to the last preparation she needed to make while contemplating the move she had just made. Of course she couldn't give him Theon's name as his life was Robb's to claim but there were other ways to make the traitor pay.

She found Lord Umber and Lady Mormont sharing a campfire, surrounded by their own close friends. Many of the young men and women were close friends of Alynna's as well. People such as Dacey Mormont and Jon Smalljon Umber. It was due to her own close relationships that had begun in her childhood and strengthened in the few weeks in the camp, that she was able to push aside her pride and seek help when she needed it. It didn't hurt that these people had always been unquestionable loyal to her father as well, and all the generations of Starks before him. Unlike some people.

"Lord Umber, Lady Mormont, I wonder if I might speak with you in private for a moment?" Alynna requested softly as she approached. She didn't want to disturb the rather exuberant group, especially since she didn't want to draw too much attention towards their talk.

The two nobles apparently understood her meaning without further words and got up quietly - and uncharacteristically in the Greatjon's case. The giant man led them to his tent which was nearby and guarded, meaning they would not be overheard or disturbed.

"Alright let's hear it deary. What's on your mind?" The grey haired woman said kindly. There was no need for courtesies between them in that moment, they were both very dear friends to her father and Alynna would treat them with the respect they deserved. She had even come to view the woman as a type of surrogate mother. Of course she would never be able to give her the true type of motherly affection that Alynna needed but at least she could lend a listening ear to her troubles or simply some comforting companionship.

Alynna sighed at her words, sat down – rather unladylike – and told them of the news they had just received. All the while she stared at her folded hands which she'd placed in front of her on the table. It wasn't until the Greatjon cursed colorfully and loudly that she looked up. Lady Mormont looked murderous as well but she managed to keep from vocalizing her displeasure.

"How can we help?" was all the stout woman asked. Alynna send her an appreciative smile for the words and continued to explain the plans that had been made to counteract Theon's actions.

"There is one thing that worries me however…" Alynna continued before she hesitated. The Greatjon noticed and waved her on, clearly impatient and restless as he always was.

"It didn't escape my notice that it was Lord Bolton that manages his Grace's letters for it was he who brought us the news." At those words Lady Mormont grimaced and Lord Umber's expression darkened even further. "It seems to me that his lordship is entangled with many of my brother's affairs. Perhaps too many." Alynna had considered this matter carefully as she'd watched Lord Bolton talk to her brother about a myriad of things and it had bothered her too much to let it lie. Of course she could not blame this generation for the faults of its predecessors but she could not help but be wary. Too many Starks had fallen or disappeared due to Bolton interference. On top of that they were one of the most powerful houses next to her own house in the North and would be an obvious choice for her enemies to conspire with.

"I was wondering if you might perhaps nick some of them in my absence. To restore the balance of responsibilities in the war council and perhaps turn it more in your favor." Alynna saw the two nobles visibly smirk at the suggestion and the two even shared a knowing look. "My father trusted you with his life and I trust you with mine. Far more than I would trust Lord Bolton though those words need never be repeated." With that she shot a warning look at the giant across from her. She knew he would never betray her confidence on purpose but the man had a habit of saying the wrong things at the wrong time.

Lady Mormont reclaimed the Stark girl's attention by patting her hand. "Consider it done. And don't worry, I'll keep this one in line." She said with a pointed look at her friend.

"Oy!" Lord Umber exclaimed indignantly. "I'll have you know that I'm more than capable of keeping myself in line!"

"Uh huh" Lady Mormont just uttered with a knowing look shot to Alynna before she rolled her eyes. Lord Umber did not retaliate to that but he continued to grumble about insulting womenfolk who did not know what they were talking about. The scene almost made Alynna smile but she was too anxious to really appreciate the moment. Lady Mormont continued as if she were uninterrupted "Would you have us send our own troops to help you in Winterfell in addition to the Bolton's?"

Alynna hesitated at that. She had of course considered the idea herself while she walked to meet the two nobles but she had decided against it. "No I'd rather not draw too much attention to my arrival. On top of that it would not be wise to concentrate our Northern troops in one place. It would leave the other keeps open to attack. Perhaps it would help if your men were to ready themselves discreetly so they can answer my call quickly if something were to happen."

"We'll get it done then." The kind woman smiled assuredly "You better get some sleep now, my dear. It's going to be a long ride tomorrow." She warned ignoring the continued mumbles of her companion.

"Yes I will. Thank you My Lady, My Lord." Alynna curtsied slightly for each of them as she respected them both but not too much so they would not be embarrassed. When she walked out of the tent she could still hear Lord Umber muttering.

Try as she may, Alynna could not find sleep that night as even with the calming presence of Tala next to her, her mind was beyond agitated and worried. All she could do was stare at the canvas of her tent as she laid down to at least give her body a few hours rest.

As soon as she saw even the faintest light coming through the canvas she was up, preparing herself as fast as she could. This time she forewent the dress and the apron though. Instead she donned gear that she'd been lent from one of the Mormont women as she had lost her own in King's Landing. She still had her own swords and other weapons as she had carried them out of the city herself. However, she had been wearing one of her dresses instead of armor during their escape so as not to attract too much unwanted attraction.

And so now she was left with gear that was slightly uncomfortable, as it was suited for the formidable women of Bear Island and it swarmed her. However, it was still better than nothing. She had been lent it in the first place so that if the camp were attacked she would be able to fight. Unfortunately there was no armory in the camp nor were they close to one, and so she hadn't been able to have someone design a new armor for her. She had discussed it with Gendry a few times and the boy had a few well thought out ideas on how to improve the gear that she'd lost; mainly to lighten her burden while still offering the same protection.

The young Baratheon was in Winterfell however and therefore in as much peril as her own siblings. It was a small blessing that Theon hadn't known the boys' true identity for the Ironborn would have surely killed him for the fact that King Robert had smashed their countrymen during the Greyjoy rebellion.

Shaking those thoughts out of her tired mind, Alynna made her way to Robb's tent, wanting to bid him goodbye before she left. He was waiting for her at the entrance of the tent with a sad smile on his face. They looked at one another for a while, not needing words to communicate and having nothing to say anyway.

"Do me a favor would you?" Alynna broke the silence eventually, again feeling the constant pressure to move. "Don't do anything foolish while I'm away."

Robb's eyebrows rose at that. "I haven't done anything foolish in a long time." He countered.

"Perhaps." Alynna allowed. "But it seems in war times even the most innocent actions can become dangerous once our enemies catch wind of them. Things like courting a pretty girl whilst already having agreed to marry another." There was no judgment in her voice, nor warning, simply a reminder.

Her brother sighed and his shoulders sagged. "I know." He said resigned.

"I'm not saying you can't court her at all, brother; just to hold off until I can keep an eye on you once more." The last part she said teasingly and her smile grew further as she looked at her twin's baffled expression.

"You… What?" He exclaimed, slightly floored. "You think I should court her?"

Alynna made a non- committal noise in response. "I don't know the Frey girls; I don't like them anymore than I dislike them. But I know Talisa and I think she has all the qualities needed to make a good queen; a kind queen. She would be a fine choice. However it is your choice, not mine. You have not enforced anything yet just on the grounds of your new title, but you are a King now and what you say, goes." She could see her brother considering her words and saw a small smile return on his face.

"Either way I will support your wishes. I'm only asking you to give it time. This is a delicate matter, not something to rush into. If you want to get your way without too many casualties, you're going to have to be smart about it. I'm asking you to wait until I get back. Then we can put our heads together and figure something out. Alright?" When she saw her brother nod in agreement, Alynna stretched up to embrace him.

"You be careful as well, you hear?" Robb said while squeezing her before he released her. "Consider that an order."

"Yes, Your Grace." She almost sang before she curtsied, which looked quite ridiculous sans dress. After one more wink, Alynna turned around and walked away, restless once more.

That first day Alynna's group rode until it was too dark for the horses to see properly. After a quick meal, which consisted mostly of bread and dried meat, they slept until the first rays of dawn could be seen. Then they rode straight through the day again. This pattern was followed for the rest of the next week and because of it they reached Winterfell in record time. Alynna knew it probably wasn't the wisest thing to do as they grew hungry and tired. She simply didn't feel the need to rest or eat however, the only need she had was to reach her home as quickly as she could. No one complained however as they all shared that restless feeling, save perhaps for Jaqen. Alynna noticed that she wasn't the only one to suffer from worry-induced insomnia at night either.

The only problem she'd foreseen was the hassle of crossing the Twins. She didn't want to waste time by trying to evade it, nor did she want a drawn out audience with the residing Lord who would undoubtedly try to fiddle out another match for his offspring. Fortunately though someone in Robb's camp had the foresight to warn the Lord in advance and told him of the situation so no obstacles were placed in her way. Once the guards recognized who she was they even cleared out the bridge for her, so her men could ride on swiftly. Alynna knew that this kindness would probably have to be repaid later but honestly, if Lord Frey thought he could refuse orders from his King so easily, he had another thing coming.

Alynna also knew that she should probably have sent out scouts ahead to secure her passage, and she should have stayed at the occasional keeps of faithful Lords along the way but she couldn't begin to care about such matters. She resolved to make her return journey to Robb a longer one so she could have the Lords pay all the necessary respect to the sister of their King.

And if an Ironborn was foolish enough to try and stop her? Well… let's just say that they would get a taste of the fury she was planning to unleash on Theon. Fortunately, the time she gained by refusing to stop and send out scouts, ensured that her unannounced arrival in the North remained as such and her men were able to plough through with no such resistance.

On the last day she granted them more rest however, even stopping for a quick lunch. That night she tried once more to get some decent sleep but it was no use and if it weren't for her faithful wolf at her side she would have gone mad by now. She was itching to take her home back from the traitorous bastard her brother had once called friend.

They finally sighted Winterfell in the afternoon of the following day. As soon as they did they took off at full speed once more, wanting to inspire fear in the invaders by their show of strength. Robb had given Alynna two hundred Winterfell men and so they trumped the Ironmen with ten to one. The squids were in for a major surprise.

Unfortunately, one of the bastards must have sighted them for the gates were closed when they arrived in front of them. Alynna grimaced at the sight of the Greyjoy banners flying on top of the castle but what she saw next made all the other atrocities pale in comparison.

Again she felt the curious sensation she had when she first heard the news, as her heart froze up and her lungs refused to draw breath she stared at what else hung from the castle walls. Four charred bodies hung from left to right in order of height with a noose around their necks; three of them obviously children, the fourth quite stocky. For what seemed like an endless amount of time, all Alynna could do was stare as horror and grief penetrated her mind.

All of a sudden her horror was overtaken by a much more potent emotion; rage. Blind, white-hot rage consumed her. It restarted her heart and with the first breath that she drew Alynna screamed so loud that the birds in the surrounding trees fled en masse. In truth it sounded more like a howl and Tala's followed immediately after making the two even harder to distinguish. If there had been any hope in the invaders minds that they were going to get away with a peacefull resolution, that hope was now shattered. Alynna's renowned Stark fury was obvious to all and there wasn't a single Ironborn in the vicinity that didn't fear for his life right then. Especially one in particular.

"THEON GREYJOY!"

Author's note: So I know it's been way too long and I'm sorry for that. It's no excuse but I've found that my free time is being reduced every week. Mostly it's my professors faults really. They seem to derive a perverse pleasure from swamping me and my fellow classmates with group works and tasks while we really should be studying for our exams.

Anyhow... :) I hope you enjoyed it and that it was worth the wait! Please let me know what you think regardless!