Robb

Robb watched as Theon hit dead center at fifty paces with his bow.

"Good shot," Robb said offhandedly as he looked past Theon where Eddard Karstark and Rodrik Forrester were dueling with axes and shields. Asher Forrester, who had just arrived with Mira to visit their brother, and Arthur were paired next to them, both of them smaller than the grown men but attacking each other fiercely. Harmond sat there speaking with Rodrik and the other Stark men, most like arguing over the use of a greatsword vs. a longsword. Robb smiled at his newfound group of friends then focused back on his old one, who loosed another arrow that hit a finger's width to the side of the center.

Theon turned his head, "My arrow always hits the mark, Stark." Theon laughed at the rhyme, and Robb rolled his eyes at the poor attempt. Right then, the kennel master's daughter walked by, looking at Theon, then turning quickly away and smiling. "I won't miss my mark tonight, either." Theon laughed, and Robb smiled lightly. Robb took a quick look around the yard and didn't see green hair that caused his nerves to fray like an old rope. He didn't know why she made him feel so anxious and insecure, and seeing that she was nowhere near, he thought he could relax, so he turned back to Theon and his bow.

"Careful Theon, we don't need a bunch of Pykes running around Winterfell." Robb japed, but Theon frowned a bit.

"Aye, got rid of one Snow and replaced him with another, don't want to add more bastards," Theon said. Robb felt his anger rise, this was the first time he had spent alone with Theon since he'd come back from White Harbor, and even with Jon gone, Theon still wouldn't stop.

Robb had enough. "We didn't 'get rid' of Jon, and as soon as I am Lord of Winterfell, he'll come back, and I'll give him a keep for what he did."

"And what did he do? Try and bed a highborn girl and beat a man near to death," Theon shot back.

"Fuck you," Robb said without thinking.

Theon turned to look at him, "Fuck me?" Theon turned back and knocked an arrow and pulled it back too fast and let it fly with anger. It went wide right, "Fuck me?" He repeated, "If Jon could learn to get off his high horse and fuck a whore instead of pining for a girl above his station, he would still be here."

Theon didn't get a chance to defend himself as Robb tackled him to the ground. They struggled and wrestled, but Robb was able to stay on top. Robb raised a fist, and Theon's eyes went wide.

Robb stared at Theon, and the fear in his friends' eyes forced Robb to drop his fist to his side, and he got off Theon, but his temper was still there. "He saved her Theon, I know it, you know it the whole fuckin' North knows it. I was the first to find him, and as soon as I pulled him off Rykker, he cradled Ella, trying to stop the bleeding."

"Aye, 'cause he was caught," Theon said as he tried to get up. Robb kicked him hard in the arm, causing Theon to sprawl back on the ground. "What the fuck?" Theon said, grasping his bow arm.

Robb stood above Theon, grabbed him by the collar, Robb's nostrils flaring, "You know Jon, he was always the best of us, bastard or no. You know he wouldn't do it. I know Jon wouldn't do it. He didn't want to fuck a whore because he knew what a bastard's life was. That is why he would never do what the Rykker's accused him of doing to a woman. Highborn or not. He was good, and he was fucking innocent."

"Yet he was exiled, why would he be exiled if he was so innocent?" Theon asked the mocking in his tone was subtle but noticeable.

Robb took a moment, then quoted his father, "Because life is not fair and the North needs to be stronger." Robb stared at his friend and his temper flaring. He started to utter, "If you ever talk about Jon like that I'll-," Robb trailed off, knowing if he completed that sentence, he could never take it back. Theon didn't say anything either as he got back up off his ass.

They shared a look, and Robb felt guilty immediately, and he knew Theon did too, though neither would ever admit it to each other. Robb had spent nearly all of his time with the sons of the northern lords and ignoring Theon. It had affected their friendship, and Robb realized Theon was taking it out on Jon. Robb knew he was doing the right thing by spending time with others, and times like now, he felt validation for his choice.

Still, a strong friendship with Theon could potentially bring a generation of peace for the western shores of the North, and that was worth too much to lose over anger, pride, and guilt, no matter how valid. "Theon look-" Robb started to explain but was interrupted by Larence Snow, followed closely by Arya.

"Robb I just got-" Larence said, covered in sweat and dirt.

"Robb, Robb Uncle Benjen-" Arya shouted at the same time as Larence. Robb put up a hand to them so they both wouldn't continue talking over each other.

"Larence go ahead," Robb said, and Arya tried to kick Robb, but Robb dodged her leg. "Hey! Larence was here first." Arya just sighed and then looked at Larence, who stuttered for a moment before starting again.

"I just wanted to let you all know that Ella has woken up," Larence said, but he wasn't as excited as Robb thought he should be.

"That's great news!" Robb said, and Arya agreed with him. Robb turned to Theon, who was already back shooting his bow. Robb let the frustration roll past him, and he looked back to Larence, "That's great news, right?"

Larence sighed, "She doesn't remember anything."

"What do you mean she doesn't remember anything? From that night?" Robb asked, tension pulling at his voice.

Larence shook his head and cuffed an eye, "I mean she doesn't remember anything . She doesn't know who she is, where she is...who...who I am." Larence looked to the ground, trying to hide his eyes watering. Robb felt his elation dim, realizing she couldn't help Jon, then feeling guilty that he felt that first instead of sympathy for his friend. "She also-" Larence took a deep breath. "She is struggling to walk, or use her hands, even speak sometimes." Robb then felt his heart sink and looked at Arya, whose eyes were watering.

"Larence…. I-I'm sorry." Robb said, and Arya gave Larence a quick hug and separated when Theon whistled teasingly. Robb glared at his friend, who didn't seem to notice as he notched another arrow.

Larence stood there, and Robb put a hand on Jon's friend, no, now his friend's shoulder. Larence continued, "They say she is getting better, with physical stuff, just slowly, and Lady Hornwood is with her, and they brought a maester from the citadel which is knowledgeable about these things. My father says she should improve, but it might be a few years before she is back to normal."

"That's good," Robb offered lamely.

"And her memories?" Arya asked with little sensitivity, but in such a way, only a young girl could get away with.

Larence chewed his lip, "Apparently, the maester says it could come back in time, or they never will."

"You should go see her," Arya said, "I know Lord Manderly is leaving for White Harbor soon."

"Aye," then Larence looked sheepish, "I-I just thought you would want to know, so you could tell Jon."

Robb smiled at the young man, "Aye, that's a good idea." Larence left, and Robb looked at Arya, "What did you want?"

Arya brightened again, "Uncle Benjen is coming!" Robb pushed the sorrow away, and his enthusiasm soon matched his sister's, and they both left, walking quickly through the yard when his mother saw them both.

"Arya, Robb!" They both froze, both knowing that tone, "You are both filthy, go and bathe and dress to greet your Uncle."

Arya whined, "It's just Benjen, he doesn't care."

Robb flinched and pushed Arya towards the Keep, "Yes, mother."

"Thank you, Robb," His mother said while eyeing Arya, who just stared back with defiance.

They walked through the Keep, and Robb spoke gently to his sister, "Mother just wants you to look your best, no need to antagonize her."

"I didn't anagize her!" Arya shouted, but Robb laughed at her mispronunciation, which got him a kick in the shin, making him stumble and lean against the wall.

"Gods Arya!" Arya was tearing and about to run off, but Robb just grabbed her arm. "What has got into you?"

Arya was cuffing tears away, "I hate her."

"You don't."

"I do! She's happy Jon is gone, so is the septa, and Sansa. They are all stupid, and I hate them!" Arya broke free and ran back to her room.

Robb just stared after his upset sister, trying to disagree with her, but something in the back of his head knew there was a hint of truth.

Just then a man in Stark livery rushed past him in a hurry, Robb thought it was Jory but wasn't sure. Robb followed the man and discovered it was Jory, who had led him to his father's solar. Jory knocked and was let in, and Robb looked at Fat Tom, who was on duty. Jory came back out and saw Robb and froze.

"Lord Robb."

"Jory."

"Your-uh, my lord is busy and wants you to get ready for your uncle." Robb nodded but thought he heard something break in the solar. He looked at Jory, who refused to look anywhere near Robb.

A few hours later, he was in the yard as Benjen and a handful of Black Brothers came through the main gate and into the main yard. Benjen was four years younger than his father, and his hair had yet to gray, but he looked very thin, almost gaunt, and when he and his father looked at each other, there was little warmth. He then saw Robb and his siblings, and his smile showed through, and Robb smiled back, and Arya, Bran, and Rickon ran and embraced their Uncle shouting for stories.

"Hey, hey, hey, come now I was just in the Haunted Forest for four months tracking a band of cannibals…" Benjen said, trying to sound menacing, which made Rickon cover his mouth while Arya and Bran smiled.

"Then what happened?" Bran asked.

Benjen just shook his head, "I'll tell you tonight when we eat as it is a long story, first let me greet your father and mother."

Benjen went over and gave a brief hug to his father and, somehow, a more brief hug to his mother.

Benjen came to Robb, and Robb smiled and grasped his uncle tightly, "It's good to see you Benjen."

"You too, my boy, gods, you are almost a man. Spar later? It might be the last time I can beat you," Benjen said, and Robb smiled and agreed.

Benjen came to Sansa, who curtsied like a lady, and Benjen waved her off to engulf her in a hug, which Robb knew Sansa secretly enjoyed.

Benjen and the Black Brothers greeted the other Northern Lords that were present before Benjen came back to his father, and his father whispered something to Benjen. His father turned around to Robb, "Robb, you come as well."

Robb was nervous as they walked through the Keep in silence, Benjen was glaring at his father then looking away, then looking back. This repeated over and over again until they finally made it to the solar. When they entered, his father spoke first, "Robb close the door, you will need to hear this as well."

Before the door was closed, Benjen spoke, "Where is he?" His father was silent as his head dropped. Benjen repeated himself, "Where is he, Ned?"

Robb spoke up, confused by his silence, "Jon?" Benjen turned to look at him, and Robb thought that meant to continue, "He is in Braavos, with Tormo Fregar and is training with the Muqueddes Cinler, the Holy Demons of Braavos."

Benjen started to scowl as he turned back to Ned, "You pushed him to Braaovs? To train with mercenaries!" Benjen said, but his father still hadn't looked at Benjen, and Robb felt something start to coil around his insides.

"He-" His father stopped for a moment, "Jon was sent to escort a merchant with ten other soldiers to Pentos. It was supposed to be a quick journey for Jon to get experience..."

Robb's blood drained, and he saw Benjen's fist close and clench as he gritted out, "Ned, what happened?"

"The ship never made it, it's...Others take me…." His father took a shuddering breath, "It's gone."

Robb staggered back in shock and Benjen put his head in his hands as he fell into a chair, "Tormo Fregar is trying to find out what happened, but he is not sure, he said it might have been pirates or just a bad storm." Robb felt tears well up in his eyes and looked at his father, who wiped his own away. Benjen was shaking. "Robb, why don't you go gather your siblings, I need to tell them as well." Robb didn't move as he felt something inside himself start to fade. His father may have said something else, but Robb felt the rest of his body go numb. Robb didn't even feel the tears on his cheek.

Suddenly his father was in front of him and wrapped his arms around him. Robb tried to keep the tears at bay, to be strong like his father, like Jon.

They separated, and his father put both his hands on Robb's shoulders.

"Robb." Robb looked up to meet his father's grey eyes, "Go to the godswood, Robb. I'll-I'll tell them later." Robb just nodded, and not knowing what to do left the solar trying to keep his emotions under control. Theon came up to him in the yard, but Robb pushed him away, hearing his friend mutter 'asshole.' Larence, Arthur Glenmore, and Eddard Karstark came to him, but Robb waved them off as he entered the godswood. He got to the heart tree and saw Arya there, the hem of her dress already dirty with mud. She held a stick, pretending it was a sword and hit the tree, pretending it was a foe.

She must have heard his footsteps for she turned briefly and then focused back on her wooden opponent, "Tell mother I am coming, I only come here cause she and the septa are scared of it." Arya laughed, but Robb barely heard her and just hugged her fiercely, holding back a sob. Arya yelped and tried to squirm away, "Er, Geroff me," Arya said as she successfully extricated herself from Robb's embrace. She looked at Robb, who was now weeping freely, Arya looked at him nervously, "Robb, what happened?"

Robb choked out, "Jon." Arya looked confused, trying not to comprehend it, so Robb continued, "He was on a ship for Pentos. Its... he's... he's gone."

Robb saw Arya's eyes widen, then filled with tears. She tore away from him, and she sprinted deep into the godswood, her cries echoing in concert with her footsteps. Robb couldn't find the energy to chase after her and only kneeled in front of the heart tree, praying for Jon, hoping against hope he was out there still. Robb couldn't control the tears as they wet the ground in front of the tree.

He wasn't sure how long he was there, but at some point, he heard footsteps behind him. Then a high, thin voice started speaking, "You know, I think I prefer godswoods to septs. They always were much too drafty, and the old Septon always tried to look down my sister's dress." Robb just clenched, he did not want anyone to see him like this, especially not Wylla Manderly, she would never let him hear the end of it.

Every time they spoke since the night of the feast, it had been awkward and disjointed, yet his father and mother forced them to spend time talking with each other every couple of days. Now, however, he could not be seen like this, not by her, not with tear stains and puffy red eyes.

"Go away," Robb said, curter than he intended.

"Uh," Wylla scoffed, "Looks like your manners are still as lacking as ever, I guess only fine ladies such as Lady Royce get your best."

Robb felt his grief turn to rage, "Leave me, now!" Robb didn't turn but knew the face Wylla was probably wearing, and the words she said next confirmed it.

"Oh, don't worry, I will, my Lord . Why my father insists is beyond me," she said, and Robb heard her turn and started to walk away.

Guilt flooded him, mixing with grief and rage, and gods knew that he had not been the best host. "I'm sorry, my lady," Robb's voice wavered severely as he wiped his eyes, trying to dispel the tear tracts. The sound of her steps stopped, and Robb continued, trying to get his voice under control, "I'm sorry, I just heard the news of my brother Jon." He heard steps get closer, then suddenly she was kneeling next to him, her garish green hair and blue eyes were a deep blue and filled with sympathy when she saw his red-rimmed eyes. "His ship-" Robb took a deep breath "His ship disappeared in the Narrow Sea, they don't know where it is." Wylla placed a hand on his shoulder, and Robb made no move to displace it, finding it comforting.

"It's a shame, he was much more courteous than you." She said, and Robb, despite his grief, gave a choked chuckle and smiled at her. She smiled back. As they stared at each other for a long moment. Robb felt the tears come back and looked away, trying to keep it at bay.

"He was always better at that then me, though he was shy as a maid if anyone tried to speak with him," Robb said.

"I never understood that phrase, maybe it's because I was never that shy," Wylla said, and Robb smiled again. "Though your brother could hardly look in my eyes when he greeted me."

"Aye, Jon never thought he was good enough," Robb said, "He was much better than me, but Jon never wanted anything, he only wanted to go to the Wall to protect me," Robb said as tears continued to well and Robb struggled to try to stop them falling. Wylla's hand never left his shoulder, and then Robb felt her hand in his. He gripped it tight and placed the other on the heart tree.

"He sounds like a good man," Wylla whispered, "A good brother."

Robb gave another quick silent sob, "I didn't realize how much I needed him or relied on him. I thought he was going to be by my side, helping me do what my father does and now…"

Wylla wrapped her other arm around Robb's shoulder and leaned her head against his as he cried again. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew if his mother or the septa caught him, he would be berated for how inappropriate this was. Robb didn't care, couldn't care.

Wylla sat back and removed her hand from his shoulder, but left the other where it was. Robb felt the warmth of her hand still and wished it hadn't left. Then she spoke softly, "Tell me about him."

They sat in silence as Robb was eventually able to gain control of his voice again and thought back on Jon, "Did I tell you about the time Jon and I hid in the crypts?"

Wylla just shook her head, "We have never spoken long enough to get to that story." Wylla had a small smile, and Robb knew it was gentle teasing, so he gave a little grin back.

"No, I guess we haven't." So Robb told her that story, then another. Then Wylla told him one of hers, which was about her sister. They continued to talk for a long time. Sitting underneath the red leaves and pale limbs of the heart-tree as the sky slowly started to darken, all the while, Wylla's hand never left Robb's.

A/N:

Thanks to everyone who has continued to read this! It is always fun to escape and come up with stories in this world. As I have warned previously, Jon is going to go through some rough times and I know that is not everyone's cup of tea in fanfiction so if you stop reading this I totally get it.

I haven't been writing as much the past few weeks so I've been eating away at my chapter bank. Hopefully, I'll have more focus this week!

I hope everyone has been keeping sane!

Feel free to comment on what you think, both good and bad. Also if you want to ask questions, I am more than willing to answer any that I feel won't spoil the future.