A/N: Thanks for the continued support you show this story.

Our Blades Are Sharp

By Spectre4hire

41: Robb

"Arya!" Rickon half squealed, half laughed when he saw his older sister for the first time in months.

Robb bit back the reprimand at seeing his brother abandoning any sort of dignity that was expected of a Stark. He knew how much Rickon needed this, watching his youngest sibling sprint towards their newly arrived sister. So he settled for watching the reunion in silence, with nothing but a smile for the siblings he loved so much.

Arya had just enough time to dismount her horse before she found Rickon on her in a frenzied embrace. "Rickon," She was smiling ear-to-ear, "I missed you." She tussled his hair.

"I missed you too," He giggled, looking up at her.

"I wasn't expecting you here."

The here was on the King's Road between Castle Cerwyn and Winterfell. Robb had gotten a raven from Cley who had informed him of House Mormont's arrival to his castle. So he had decided to ride out on the King's Road to surprise his sister, an idea that had delighted Rickon and Bran. He had seen little of them these past few days. Lords from the north arrived every day and it fell on Robb to host them, dine with them, listen to them. It meant he didn't have much time for his brothers so he seized this opportunity.

"Did we surprise you?" Rickon asked happily.

"You did," Arya answered, "But it was the best surprise." Her eyes found Robb at that as if knowing his involvement in this.

Robb gave the reins of his horse to one of the few guards he had brought with them so that he could greet his sister. "I'm glad to hear it," he made his way over to her, unable to stop from smiling at seeing her before him. "You have grown," She was still as thin as a needle, her hair had grown out, but it was done in a battle braid, her trousers and tunic both Stark grey with a sprinting direwolf on the latter, both were dirtied and a bit wrinkled.

Some things don't change, he thought amused, taking in her appearance.

"Rickon," Robb had to coax his brother so as he could get a turn in welcoming back their sister. Rickon let go with a groan, and a pout but stepped away where Shaggydog and Nymeria were quick to appease him. "I missed you," Robb hugged her.

"Me too," her voice muffled against him. When they pulled apart, he could see the tears in her grey eyes, threatening to spill.

"I-I had to return," she sounded determined, "A-after what happened," her voice shook but it wasn't sadness that filled her tone. It was anger.

"I know," Robb hugged her again. "You're home," He assured her, "The first of many more to return home," he promised her. Father, Mother, Jon, Sansa, the names of those who still needed to come back. He felt the pang in his chest upon thinking that so many of their family were still separated from each other.

The pack is at its strongest when they're together, he remembered the words father taught him and his siblings growing up. Now their pack was split, alone and vulnerable, surrounded by enemies. Still holding onto Arya, he was pleased to have at least one reunion.

He bent down and kissed her forehead before finally ending the embrace, "We'll have time to catch up," he promised her, "I also want to see what you've learned."

She looked up and smiled, "Really?"

"Really," he squeezed her shoulder, before looking over her to see the Mormont party watching on in respected silence.

"Lady Mormont," he greeted her, silently chastising himself for failing as the acting Lord of Winterfell for not greeting her earlier and properly. "My apologies," from the corner of his eye he watched Arya make her way over towards Bran who remained atop his horse.

"Pah," she waved it off, "Your pup's returned to her pack." She grinned, "I'd be distracted too, if it was one of my cubs," she gestured to her daughters who were behind her.

"Thank you," he felt relief calm his nerves at her understanding, "Winterfell welcomes you," he told them, "And my family thanks you." He moved to get back on his horse. "I will be honored to escort you back to the castle and have food for you and your people."

"We would be honored," Lady Mormont smiled, bowing her head.

Robb returned the smile, settling atop his horse he gave the order for his retinue to head back towards Winterfell. He looked to see Rickon getting back on his pony with help from Arya. In these few peaceful seconds he didn't have to think about the duties that awaited him at Winterfell.

So much is depending on me, that sliver of doubt coiling itself around his heart. Hearing the laughter from Rickon and Arya, seeing Bran smile, Robb found the strength to stamp out that doubt and to embrace this moment where everything felt just perfect.

"I missed this," Arya was standing in front of the weirwood tree within the Godswood.

"As you should," Robb moved to stand beside her, "You are a Stark." He chuckled when she rolled her eyes, he enveloped her in a side hug. Her arms slid around him, holding him tight. "I missed you," he said again. "I'm so happy to have you back."

"Me too," Arya agreed, loosening her grip on their embrace as she stepped towards the weirwood.

After Robb had made sure the Mormont party was settled in, he took his siblings to the Godswood. A reprieve that he boldly took, knowing he had lords to speak to and plans to make, but Robb was still a brother, their older brother, and he couldn't neglect his siblings, his pack. He had to do right by them, and if that meant delaying his council with his lords, then he'd do it. Robb made sure to get Luwin's counsel. The maester agreed that a brief delay could be acceptable, but it wouldn't be wise to make it longer since Robb's duties as Lord of Winterfell couldn't be ignored.

How did Father make it look so easy? Robb wondered. He was failing at balancing it now and was only acting Lord and yet Father had done it so well for so long. He always had time for them and his duties to Winterfell and the north.

I'm failing them, he felt the cold stab of guilt in his heart at the truth. And soon I'll be leaving them.

"I have them!" Rickon's happy declaration shook Robb from his musings. His brother's mood was infectious and Robb found his despair being chased away at seeing Rickon's wide smile.

"Careful, Rickon," Robb cautioned him. He didn't like seeing his brother running with swords in his arms, blunted or not.

Rickon obeyed at once, stopping in his sprinting and settling into what could be called a hasty walk. Shaggydog heeded no warning. The dark furred direwolf running through the woods, barking animatedly, excited to be reunited with his littermate-Nymeria, as the two playfully ran and wrestled with one another. A cautious Summer stayed just outside the fray while Grey Wind watched with a careful gaze.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Having second thoughts?" Robb teased.

"No," Arya sounded insulted at the mere suggestion.

Robb grinned, "Then shall we?"

She matched his grin, before nodding.

Robb stepped forward to retrieve his blunted sword from Rickon, who seemed very proud of his role in this. He tried to maintain a serious posture, while his blue eyes gleamed with excitement, and his feet twitched from the boundless energy he always seemed to have.

"Thank you, good, ser," Robb said in a feigning haughty voice that earned a giggle out of his siblings. He took his practice sword giving it a careful flick back and forth before being satisfied he stepped away.

He looked over to his other brother Bran, who had been quiet. He was sitting against one of the towering oak trees. Bran had rarely spoken since Robb had brought him out here. He felt his chest tighten at seeing his brother looking so defeated.

How could the gods wrong him? Robb still couldn't accept seeing his brother in such a way. It should be Bran laughing and playing with them. He remembered how eager Bran was to begin sword training and how he'd beg Robb to show him anything he could no matter how brief their lessons were. Now, here he sat a shell of himself, rarely smiling or talking, who seemed more inclined for sullen silences than lively chatter.

"Mayhaps after this we should go riding, Bran?" Robb wanted to keep his brother involved in their conversation even if he couldn't partake in the sparring. He didn't want him to feel ignored or forgotten. "You can show Arya how fast and formidable you've become atop a horse." A ghost of a smile appeared on Bran's lips at the suggestion and that made Robb feel better than any decision or action he had taken as Lord of Winterfell.

"That sounds wonderful," Arya quickly agreed, sensing their brother's despondence, "But I should warn you that I wont go easy on you because your younger than me," She stuck her tongue out at him, earning a brief but genuine chuckle out of Bran, and a giggle from Rickon.

"Me too!" Their youngest brother chimed in, "I want to go too!"

"Of course," Robb tousled Rickon's hair, "The pack will ride together."

"I want to," Bran's voice sounded raspy, but there was an inflection of happiness within his tone.

"Then it's settled," Robb couldn't keep the satisfaction out of his voice at seeing such an improvement out of his brother, no matter how small. He then turned to his sister, "But first I must teach our sister a lesson in swordplay."

Arya didn't wilt at the challenge. There was a hue of confidence in her grey eyes, she moved her feet into her stance and raised her blunted sword to show she was ready. "I'm waiting, brother."

Robb made the first move, curious to see what training his sister received on Bear Island. He went in first with a careful jab putting little force behind the move, not wanting to overwhelm his sister so quickly.

Arya met his attack with her sword, guiding the blade away from her body, before she angled her sword into attacking him with a quick thrust.

Robb parried the attack with ease but remained proud of her move. She had always been quick, and if she used that advantage in her attacks then Robb had no trouble in seeing her becoming a skilled fighter with more time and training.

Rickon groaned at Robb successfully blocking it, causing him to glance over at his youngest brother, "Who are you rooting for, Rickon?"

"Arya!" He answered instantly.

Robb feigned a look of annoyance while Arya grinned. "Bran?"

"Arya," He answered back, a smile was slow in spreading across his face as it seemed he was gradually coming out of his shell in the company of his siblings.

"Very well," Robb sighed, "It seems I'll be disappointing my brothers and sister today." He teased, just as he was about to strike, Arya moved instead, quickly sidestepping to try to flank him, but Robb easily stopped the attempt, so she settled for a flurry of quick cuts.

"Dacey has outdone herself," Robb praised, parrying the last of his sister's strikes. He noticed the proud look on his sister's face at receiving such a compliment. "You have learned quickly, Arya."

He pushed forward past her defenses with his own strikes, she dodged and blocked them the best she could, but Robb was putting more and more of his strength and force behind his attacks. He was successfully tiring her out, she didn't have the stamina or the training to yet properly counter the strategy. With a final strike, he swatted Arya's sword away and put a swift end to their fight.

"I lost?"

"You weren't expecting to beat me in our first fight were you?" Robb asked his youngest sister, winking when she frowned at him. "We'll have other practices, I promise."

Rickon groaned in disappointment at her defeat. Robb didn't take it personally, settling instead on a look of feigned outrage which he sent towards his brother who responded with unapologetic giggling.

"Thanks," she said sincerely moving to pick up her sword.

Robb responded with a smile, "You really were good, Arya."

"M'lord," A guard came scurrying forward interrupting the solitude of the Stark siblings. He was red faced and breathing heavily, he quickly bowed, "Apologies, m'lord, but banners have been spotted nearing Winterfell." He straightened up, "It's the flayed man. Lord Bolton is leading them."

Any mirth Robb felt was snuffed out when the image of the flayed man entered his mind. "Have Lord Bolton and his men tended to, I will see to him in the solar," Robb instructed to the guard, who nodded along, "And send word to the kitchens have them bring bread and hippocras."

"I will see to it, m'lord," the guard bowed and went off.

Robb turned back towards his brothers and sister, who were unable to hide the disappointment at seeing their time together cut short. "I'm sorry," he hated to do it, but he had to.

"We know," Arya had taken Rickon's hand in her own. She sent Robb a reassuring look which made Robb so thankful to have her back with them.

"Thank you," he moved to leave, "We'll still go on that ride," he told them, "I promise."

"Eat and be welcomed," Robb told his newly arrived guest.

Lord Bolton broke the offered bread in two, taking a small bite before inclining his head in Robb's direction, "I am honored," he next took the offered cup, looking down at its contents, "Hippocras," he raised it towards Robb before taking a sensible sip.

Robb was silent as he watched guest right be observed between himself and Lord Bolton. He kept his hands under his desk as to not to let the Lord of the Dreadfort see them shaking. The man before him was plain in appearance, but the flayed man stitched into his armor sent a chill through Robb.

He should've been use to the image having had Domeric in Winterfell for these past few years, but with Domeric, Robb saw a friend, in Lord Bolton he saw something else. His eyes drifting back to the flayed man on Lord Bolton's pink doublet. It looked to be crying out in anguish. He felt his stomach clench, as his thoughts drifted back to the stories he heard about the rooms in the Dreadfort, where the Boltons hang the skins of their enemies.

During one feast Robb had found his courage at the bottom of a tankard to ask Domeric about the supposed room within the Dreadfort. "We do," Domeric had answered grimly.

Robb pushed away that reminder, blinking back in the present to see Lord Bolton was watching him quietly. His colorless eyes were taking him in like Robb was a page in some book that he was reading, and the curve of Lord Bolton's lip seemed to indicate what he found was amusing.

Is he picturing my skin hanging alongside so many others? That image nearly made him shiver, but Robb forced himself not to, trying to settle his suddenly rapid heartbeat with some water. He willed his hand to remain calm as he took the glass and drank from it, feeling the eyes of Lord Bolton on him. His gaze felt as sharp as a flaying knife.

"I come before the arrival of my levies," Lord Bolton's soft voice broke the silence within the solar. "I assure you my men will be here within the week," his fingers tapped his glass. "However, I thought it prudent that I speak to you as swiftly as I could."

"Oh?" Robb detected the seriousness in Lord Bolton's soft tone.

"Yes, I bring news from White Harbor," he revealed, "Domeric and the Lady Sansa are safe."

Robb felt relief and happiness swell in his chest at this unexpected source of good news. "Truly?" He felt a smile stretch across his lips, silently wondering how quickly he could pass this news on to his siblings.

"Yes, Domeric wrote a letter from White Harbor to inform me of their safe return."

There, Robb spotted it. A small but noticeable crack in the Lord of the Dreadfort's veneer at the mention of his son's safety. It was surreal to see a look no matter how brief of contentment upon the intimidating Lord Bolton's face.

"They ride to Moat Cailin with a hundred Bolton swords to sure up its defenses and wait word from you."

He was still ecstatic about the news of their safety that it took a few seconds for a particular word to sink in Robb's mind. "They?"

"Aye," Lord Bolton confirmed, "Both of them." He looked him over before adding, "If I may be so bold, a move I endorse."

"And why is that, Lord Bolton?"

"An arrangement has been made between our families."

"I am aware of that," Robb was careful to keep his tone respectful, "A betrothal that my family has no intention on breaking."

"We have no doubts," he bowed his head, "However, it would be foolish to ignore recent events. You've called your banners, and the last two times the banners were called, war answered." He noted softly, "Our betrothal with the Lady Sansa is too important. It must be protected, even if that comes with some discomfort on your sister's part." He explained, "Let the Lady Sansa travel with our forces. She will be well looked after, and if required the wedding can be observed and consummated."

"I understand your concerns, Lord Bolton, but I'm not certain that is the best course for my sister," Robb knew it wasn't wise to upset him, but he still had his duty as Sansa's older brother to look after her.

"Of course," he didn't look the least bit bothered that Robb disagreed with his assessment, "I will say no more on the matter. "

"I will think on what you've said," Robb didn't like the idea of having Sansa join them on the march, but he also needed to tread softly. He couldn't afford to alienate Lord Bolton, he was aware of the amount of men the Lord of the Dreadfort commanded, as well as his close ties to Houses Dustin and Ryswell. Robb was certain that they'd support Lord Bolton's suggestion of keeping Sansa with them to insure the Stark-Bolton alliance.

"Thank you, my lord," He smiled. It was thin lipped and brief. His pale eyes concealing his thoughts and emotions.

"Tonight, Lord Bolton, I invite you to sit at my table, by my side, and we will drink to our family's alliance," Robb offered, "and to our prospering futures."

"I would like that," He agreed, "However, I will be riding out in the morning."

"To meet up with your forces?" Robb guessed, "You are welcomed to wait for them here under my hospitality."

"You are kind, but I ride to Cerwyn Castle," he revealed, "I have come to an agreement with Lord Medgar in regards to a betrothal with his daughter, the Lady Jonelle," he sipped his hippocras. "With such uncertainty ahead of us, I found it wise to remarry," he put his cup down. "We are not all so blessed," he said softly, "To have so many young and hale spares to carry on the family name if the worse were to come to pass."

Robb reacted carefully to this news. "May I be the first to offer my congratulations."

"You are too kind, my lord," Lord Bolton stood up, "If you will excuse me,"

Robb allowed it, "Of course," he stood as well, noticing Grey Wind stirring from where he had been resting by the hearth.

Lord Bolton nodded, and left the solar without another word, his pink cloak rippling behind him looking more akin to skin than cloth. When the door closed behind him, Robb sat back down, eyes on where the Lord of the Dreadfort had exited.

A threat was spoken, he realized, silent, but sincere. He felt the hot breath of Grey Wind upon his hand, his direwolf had moved to sit beside him. Robb smiled, petting him atop his head, while he mulled over Lord Bolton's words certain of the intent behind them.

To keep my vassals appeased, I must permit my sister to travel with the army and into the dangers we march into.

As an older brother he disliked it, wanting to dismiss it at once. However as acting the Lord of Winterfell he couldn't deny Lord Bolton's points and the reasons he was pursuing it. Not for the first time did it feel like the two roles were at war with each other within him. Brother and Lord, fighting to be heard, for its will to win out.

"Come, Grey Wind," Robb knew what he needed to do. "I promised the others a ride before supper." He got up to see Grey Wind swatting his tail back and forth looking excited and happy at the prospect of a run through the woods. With his decision made, Robb left his father's solar not as the acting Lord of Winterfell but as an older brother intending on keeping his promise to his siblings.

It was time.

He had given the order. The men were waiting.

Robb felt his heart thunder in his chest. It besieged his ribs in a rhythm moved by uncertainty and fear. He'd be a fool to deny that he wasn't afraid. It had been there with him since the beginning ever since he received word from the capital about father's arrest. It was always with him. A shadow that stalked behind him. A crushing weight that rested on his shoulders.

He released a shaky breath as he made his way to her chambers. His fingers trembled at his side so he balled them into fists to hide the growing fear he felt curl within him.

When he arrived to her chambers he wasn't surprised to hear noise coming from within despite the late hour. Even though Robb was pressed for time he still put his ear to the door and listened, a smile quickly formed from what he heard.

His smiled turned wistful when he pulled away and knocked.

She cursed. He tried not to laugh before he pushed the door open to see Arya standing there, wide eyes, her bedpost showing severe signs of wear and tear. Confirming his suspicion that she had been practicing her sparring with it. The blunted sword that was used was hidden poorly behind her back, she bit her lower lip.

"How did you fare?" Robb gestured to her opponent.

Her worried expression flickered away at realizing she wasn't in trouble. A proud smile replaced it. Helping to amplify the clear happiness she felt at not only not being reprimanded, but actually encouraged in her training. "I was practicing the moves you showed me."

In seeing her so happy, Robb felt his heart twist. Reminding him just how much he loved and had missed his youngest sister while she was away. Their reunion was so painfully brief with him now having to leave.

"You're leaving," she said suddenly.

Robb wasn't surprise she figured it out so quickly, after all it wasn't just her blade she was quick with. "I am." He watched her eyes dim before her head dropped.

"I-I must leave," he found himself saying, eyes averting his crestfallen youngest sister, knowing if he lingered on her, he'd only open up his heart to more doubt and he couldn't afford that. Not when his father and so many were counting on him.

To protect my father, I must abandon my sister and brothers.

"Let me come too," Arya begged, "Sansa's going! I can help too!"

"No, Arya," Robb declined firmly. He had been prepared for his sister to make that argument. "Bran and Rickon need you here." He looked down when he heard her sniff, and he put his arms around her and held her close, feeling her shaky sobs. "Will be together soon, I promise," he soothed her, her arms were wrapped tight around him, but he didn't care.

"And J-Jon?"

"We'll find Jon," Robb assured her, knowing how close they were. Jon's absence left its mark on him as well. He had been troubled when his brother hadn't been mentioned in the princess' letter making him fear and worry what the Lannisters had done to him.

If they harmed him, I'll kill every one of them, he had vowed angrily when the fear of his brother's fate churned in his stomach.

"You'll show him everything they taught you," Robb continued, not wanting to dwell on his brother's absence. He felt the tears prickling his eyes. A sniff followed, but he tried to mask it as a cough.

"It'll be a surprise," Robb's voice hitched, but he ignored it, "He's going to be so proud of you," he squeezed her tight, "So incredibly proud." Robb bent down and kissed her hair. "We all are."

"Really?" Her lower lip was trembling and her cheeks stained with tears.

"Absolutely," He said without hesitation. "Come, I still have to say my goodbyes to Bran and Rickon," he expected them to be just as painful as Arya's. He held out his hand for her to take which she did. An act that had been done countless times between them growing up; whether it was walking throughout the castle or exploring the Godswood. Robb had always wanted to be close. He saw it as his duty as the eldest to look out for the others. To support and protect them whenever they needed it.

Now if they needed him he wouldn't be there. It seemed in order to be the Lord of Winterfell, Robb had to put aside his role as their older brother and that hurt him more then he could say.

A/N:

I went with the tv show version of Robb leaving instead of the book version. I like the added intimacy it offered. Also if you haven't realized it by now, I enjoy writing/exploring the Stark family especially the strong bond between the siblings. I hope you like my interpretation of it as well.

Please don't forget to drop a review. It means a lot to me.

Thanks for reading,

-Spectre4hire

P.S: All these mentions of Jon, I wonder if that means we'll be hearing from him soon…