A/N: This story started nearly four years ago, and I just want to thank you for the support you've given me and this story throughout that time. I never expected this story to reach the numbers it has. It really does serve as inspiration/motivation to continue this story.

Many if not all of the remaining chapters of this story after this one will include multiple perspectives within each chapter instead of the usual one.

Our Blades Are Sharp

By Spectre4hire

54: Robb

Robb could only smile at his successful disarm of Jon.

His brother took the rare defeat in silence and a frown. He knew his brother well enough to know Jon was going over their bout in his head and trying to see how Robb had gotten the better of him.

"I think that's the first time I disarmed a knight."

"Aye, but you've lost to one quite a bit." Jon didn't try to hide his smirk. "Including the two before this one."

"You had me." He waved a way the truth. "But I got you the last one." He let out a tired breath.

They had been sparring for a while. His brother was the better swordsman, and Robb would never deny his brother that honor. So that's why Robb felt the need to gloat just a little at achieving such a rare feat.

"That move you used." Jon picked up his sword. "I hadn't seen that before."

Robb flashed him a grin. His brother had figured it out. "Uncle Brynden showed it to me."

"It was effective."

"That's a mild way of saying I beat you, brother."

"I don't think they can hear you in Winterfell," Jon replied dryly.

Robb responded by clapping him on the back. "I missed you." His brother looked humbled at the admission. "I need you here with me."

He wasn't sure how he would've gotten this far without the support of Sansa and Jon. They gave him advice. They also served as a calming presence and an audience for him to rant about this grumbling lord or his frustrations and doubts.

It had been Sansa who brought the Freys into the fold with her deft negotiating at the Twins. She continued to cultivate alliances with her charm and grace. Sansa was weaving loyalty with those she traveled with and was attempting to make smart and beneficial matches that would further solidify the north and riverlands position into a cohesive force.

Jon showed his quality as a man of honor when he helped defend Lord Piper's lands. As well as his skill when he killed the infamous Gregor Clegane. The man responsible for the pillaging, raping, and burning of the Riverlands under the lash of the lion, Tywin Lannister. He was a knight, whom soldiers and smallfolk looked up to. The White Wolf was a popular story that was spreading throughout the riverlands.

Together, we will get Father back. He was certain of it.

They had the Kingslayer, and Robb knew the man was still considered Lord Tywin's heir. The Lannisters also needed peace between them, so as to concentrate on the growing threat to the south of them. Where Renly Baratheon, the newly self proclaimed king was gathering his own strength with the banners of the Stormlands and the Reach at his back.

The lions did not want to find themselves fighting a war to the north and the south simultaneously.

For the first time in awhile, Robb felt that he was nearing the promise he made to his siblings back at Winterfell. We'll be together again soon.

He had sent them Mother back first. He knew how much his younger brothers missed her. Her absence was keenly felt. It was in seeing them in such a state that made Robb decide his mother was to return to Winterfell instead of joining him on the march. Her treatment of Jon at the Inn where she abandoned him, injured and alone only made her protests fall on deaf ears. He could not forget what she had done to his brother. So he sent her on her way back to Winterfell where he knew she would be needed and welcomed by Rickon and Bran.

Now, she was traveling to Riverrun with Rickon and Arya. Bran having to stay behind in the name of duty.

The pack was returning, and he knew father's words. The wolf was at its strongest when they were together, and soon they would be. He only hoped Bran would not be too despondent at Winterfell, alone.

He's not forgotten, Robb hoped Bran would know that too. When he had found out who was coming with Mother, Robb had sent a letter to Winterfell to Bran. Speaking of pride and praise for his younger brother in doing his duty for their family and reminding him that he was going to keep his promise.

I will see you soon, brother. I want to see how good you are at riding.

"Reliving your short lived glory?" Jon's mirth pulled Robb out of his reverie.

He smiled. "It's a rare day." He handed his sword to a waiting page.

"No rematch?"

"Allow me a day to savor this feeling."

"Aye," Jon eventually said, giving his own sword back. "But tomorrow?"

"Aye tomorrow, you can have your bloody rematch."

Him, Jon, together, sparring and teasing, laughing and talking it reminded him of home.

How long had it been when they were back at Winterfell? All of them? Before Jon went to the Wall. Before Robb had to call the banners to get Father. Looking back, he felt like it was a lifetime ago, in those memories he saw himself as a boy.

Now here he was in Riverrun. He led his forces to two important victories against the Lannisters. His men were calling him the Young Wolf. The leader who has beaten and captured the Kingslayer and outsmarted the Lion of Casterly Rock, Tywin Lannister. While his brother, Jon had earned himself a knighthood and his own name, The White Wolf. Jon, the Protector of the Red Fork, and the man who killed the Mountain.

"We're no longer in the training yard." Robb thought about the battles in the Whispering Wood and outside the walls of Riverrun. The lives he ended with his sword. The clash of steel, the shouts, and the cries of agony of metal meeting flesh.

Jon looked around and then gave Robb a look and a raised eyebrow.

Robb chuckled. The mirth a welcome dispel to try to send away the memories of death and blood. "We're no longer under the scrutinizing glare of Ser Rodrik."

"No, we're not."

"What would you think he'd say to us now?"

"That you tip your moves too easily," Jon japed, "But luckily your fighting lions and not wolves."

Robb laughed, but nudged Jon all the same which got a chuckle from him.

His brother sobered. "I know what you mean," His grey eyes, his solemn look. He looked like Father in his reflection. "The battles were not what I imagined," He confessed quietly.

Robb agreed. The two brothers left the training yard and took a path that would take them around the castle. Grey Wind and Ghost moved to follow them.

"In another life I'd have been on the Wall," Jon said softly. "A man of the Watch, but I'd be powerless to help you and Father."

He was thankful to have Jon with him. They were always together at Winterfell. In their games and in their sparring and in each other's confidence. He did not like to think of the possibility of them separated especially at a time so crucial for them and their family.

"The Wall could use fine men like you, Jon."

"Just not me?" He had a small smile to belay his question.

"Exactly." Robb knew it was selfish of him to try to keep Jon. He did not know Jon's struggles. Robb knew his path what lay ahead, but Jon wasn't given the luxury of titles and names like Robb had been for being the first born.

"Have you thought at all about your standard?"

Jon was now a knight which meant he could create his own. He was confident in believing Jon could form his own cadet branch too if he decided not to go to the Wall. Robb knew royal decrees were needed, but he did not think it fair that Jon be denied a worthy reward just because the king who sat on the throne was a spiteful little shit.

"Aye, I've given it some thought. A white wolf on a red field."

"A red field?" That surprised Robb. He knew bastards often inverted the colors of their family's house. In Jon's case the white wolf was fitting since the Starks were a grey wolf on a white field. So he had thought his brother would chose a grey field but instead he picked red.

"For Ghost," Jon revealed.

Robb saw the sense in that. "A fine banner that will be," He patted him on the arm. "This will only solidify the White Wolf into the legends of the north and riverlands."

"Will they include the parts of the Young Wolf being a nuisance?"

He took his brother's jape with a laugh, "Never. Have you thought of a name?"

"That is not certain," Jon dismissed it.

"But it should be." He would not let his brother's cautiousness deter him. "Snowstark?" He guessed. "Or Whitestark?"

"You already have my name picked out?" Jon asked, amused.

"I needed a name to put on the betrothal."

Jon nudged him, but laughed, "Ass."

Robb's laughter joined his.

Eventually, the laughter subsided, his brother's long face grew pensive.

"Brother?" He thought he saw a wince come from Jon at the word, but he was not certain. He frowned. "If this is about you marrying or starting your own branch, you'll still be my brother, Jon." He put his arm around him. "Your new name won't change that." He was relieved at the small smile that came through his brother's expression.

"Thank you," Jon clapped him on the back. "Thank you, brother."

Robb nodded, pleased that his words were heeded. "Or if you decide to take the Black."

"How can I go?" Jon snorted. "If it wasn't for me you'd probably march these men in the wrong direction, Stark."

Robb chuckled but before he could return his brother's joke, a soldier came running towards them, "M'lords." He stopped and bowed when he neared. "The Boltons have been sighted. They are close."

He thanked him and then sent him back with instructions. "Come, let us greet our friend."

Jon agreed, and they changed their direction and took the way that would lead them to the Riverrun gates.

"I should've told the guard to send word to my sister," Robb realized his mistake too late. He knew his sister would be upset if she was not told of her betrothed's pending arrival. He turned to Jon to see an odd look pass over his face.

"She may already know," he muttered.

Robb was about to ask his brother what he meant by that, but when they neared the gates he spotted his sister was already there. She was standing and waiting and looking ready for Domeric's appearance. Her hair was freshly combed and braided. She was wearing a blue dress with red embroidery, the pattern looked to be of wolves and trouts.

Odd, he thought, at seeing Sansa already there. He turned to see if Jon was as surprised as him, but Jon did not blink at their sister's presence. It was as if he was expecting her. Just like it looked that she was expecting Domeric...

Jon must have sensed Robb's looking at him, because he turned to face him with a small, but noticeable wry smile on his face. He pointed at Grey Wind to answer Robb's unasked question.

That only made him more confused, What? He wanted to ask. He would have to wait to get an answer as they took their places beside Sansa just in time.

The red banners of the Dreadfort streamed through the gates of Riverrun.

There was little fanfare for the flayed man.

The servants and smallfolk not knowing what to make of them. There were no cheers or smiles, just curious gazes and hushed whispers at the new arrivals.

"Who would've thought we'd be smiling at the sight of the flayed man," Jon cracked to Robb's left.

Robb chuckled, glancing over to see his brother's smirk. Their sister, Sansa who had heard swatted her brother's arm, which only made Jon laugh.

This was normally the duty reserved for his uncle, Edmure. However, he had ridden out with a few riverlords to inspect some of the nearby damage done by the Lannisters. So it had fallen on Robb, but it was a task he did not mind if it meant being one of the first to welcome back a friend.

Before anymore could be said, a familiar sight came sprinting forward, Lady. His sister's direwolf who caused many of the horses to become skittish and rear. While some of the people let out soft gasps or murmurs. They were still not use to the sight of direwolves even when Ghost and Grey Wind dwelt within the castle's walls.

"Lady," Sansa greeted her direwolf, crouching down to welcome her back with a hug.

Ghost and Grey Wind were next to welcome back their sister. They nuzzled and yipped playfully as each littermate affectionately and excitedly greeted Lady's return. Ghost was as silent as his namesake, but his reunion was no lesser for it. His tail was wagging, and nuzzling her to welcome Lady back.

It was at the front of the column did Robb spot his friend, the heir to the Dreadfort, Domeric Bolton. He noticed that Bolton only seemed to have eyes for his betrothed. He looked over to see his sister's cheeks were going a bit pink as her own smile grew at the sight of her future husband. Robb turned to Jon, who gave an eye roll, and Robb nearly laughed at the expression that accompanied it.

Instead, he composed himself. "Come," He told his siblings, "Let us greet our friend." Moving forward as one, just as the Bolton horses were being greeted by grooms to take them. Others were giving orders and directions to accommodate their new northern guests.

Domeric slid off his horse with an ease that showed his proficiency at riding.

Sansa's pace had suspiciously quickened. Robb and Jon shared a look, but said nothing. Instead, they chose to be silent in letting the reunion unfold between their sister and her betrothed. He embraced her as soon as she was within arm's reach.

Robb watched with a scrutinizing eye to make sure decorum was observed. His sister proved his worries were for nothing as she broke it before it could be seen as improper. That was until he saw the brief kiss they exchanged.

He glared in their direction. He felt his hand tighten. There was a reprimand on his lips, but then the annoyance melted away upon seeing how his sister was radiating with her smile and her bright blue eyes at being back with him.

In that moment, he begrudgingly decided to ignore it. Knowing that if circumstances hadn't shifted so dramatically, they'd probably already be wed. Robb looked to see Jon was smiling and had seen it too, but had followed Robb's choice in being quiet about it.

That will be the only lapse, Robb thought firmly. I can allow nothing else until the two were properly wedded.

In seeing his sister happy with him, Robb could not help but think of his betrothed, Princess Myrcella. He had not seen her in months, but it was her letters that he missed. Her wit and kind words, and her sincerity that seemed to bleed onto the ink in each page she sent him. He had said farewell to her as if she was a stranger when she departed Winterfell, despite being his newly announced betrothed. It was in her writing was he given a glimpse of the woman he'd one day marry. It was in her letters did he appreciate and start to care for her and think of the future they may have as husband and wife.

Will we still marry? The question hung heavy on his mind. The actions of her brother threatened to ruin the foundation that their fathers had planned between them to unite their families.

I would still call her my wife, he admitted quietly. Would that make me foolish or fortunate? He reflected, knowing he was marrying the sister of the man who had arrested his father. Those are Joffrey's sins not Myrcella's.

He sighed. It was not a matter to take lightly, and if he was honest, it was not his to make. Just as the betrothal had been agreed by his father. Its future too would be for his father to decide. He was the Lord of Winterfell, and Warden of the North, not Robb.

"Robb, Jon," Domeric greeted them both. Sansa was standing closely at his side.

"Welcome to Riverrun, it is good to see you well," Robb clapped him on the back, before Domeric turned to Jon to give a similar exchange.

"You all as well," He replied. "My father shall be joining us in a few days."

Robb nodded, he had already been told as much. The Lord of the Dreadfort was leaving the bulk of his forces behind north of here under Lord Umber's command to attend his son's wedding. "You must be tired. We'll have some servants have your belongings sent to your quarters, and we'll have food and drink fetched for you."

They were already leaving the yard and making their way inside the castle.

"I would not argue for some company either," Domeric's words were for meant for all of them, but his gaze lingered on Sansa, who nodded eagerly to his suggestion.

"I think we all could honor that request." Robb was not expecting anything new. His uncle, the Blackfish had already informed them of his scouts movements in the morning meeting as well as the other reports and any fresh grievances that his lords needed to make.

This was a rare instance of having some time and the freedom to spend it how he liked. It was a feeling he had forgotten. How many of these instances had he had since he left Winterfell at the head of the northern army?

Too few, he thought. With his family and friends with him, he was ready to relish this one.

"What do you think it means?" Theon gawked.

They were standing out on the balcony that adjoined the solar. The river rushed loudly beneath them, but it was what above that had all their attention. A red star could be seen amidst the black cloth of the evening sky. It drew a red streak along its wake. It was brighter than most of the stars. Its long tail trailing behind like a bloody cord.

They had finished eating a small meal together, savoring some peace without war and politics bleeding into their time. They shared summerwine and talked and laughed. For the first time since Robb could remember since leaving Winterfell there had been no interruptions. No lords he needed to speak to, no orders he had to give or reports that he had to read.

He knew the moment would not last, because there was work to be done. Inspections to be made, plans that needed to be devised, and other matters that would require his attention. It is better for me to find them instead of them finding him.

"Some of the men have quietly said it means a Lannister victory," Jon noted.

"Uncle Edmure insists it means a Tully victory," Robb countered. "He claims its a fish with a long tail, swimming."

Domeric was strumming the strings of his harp, a sad but familiar melody followed. He looked up at the comet from where he sat. "Its blood." He said simply over the tune.

"Blood?" Robb turned to him.

Domeric nodded, "A herald of what is to come."

"Lion's blood," Theon guessed with a nod. "It means the Lannisters are bleeding," He drank from his glass for his bold prediction.

"I heard one of the Freys say it was for Joffrey," Sansa said quietly, from where she sat beside Domeric.

Theon took that suggestion with a snort. "The gods honoring that little shit?" He laughed, "Never."

"It would have to be gold if it was for Joffrey," Sansa added, her blue eyes had a reflective hue to them. She had a sad smile as she listened to Domeric's harp, while one of her hands were resting on his arm.

Domeric's song continued to play. It was sorrowful, but strangely comforting and it carried over them like a soft breeze.

Robb eyed the red comet warily as it sailed above them. "What do you think, Jon?"

"I think," he said slowly, "That it will mean different things for different people and that includes kings." His arms were crossed as his grey eyes followed its trajectory. "The Lannisters claim its for them, and the Tullys think its theirs, but, I think that's what makes it dangerous." He paused, "A means for them to justify what is to come."

Theon looked at him before rolling his eyes. "You Starks are a grim lot." His gaze then flicked to Domeric, "Boltons too." He finished his glass with an audible sigh. "I'm telling you it means: A lion's defeat," he said confidently, "You'll see."

Before any of them could comment on Theon's claim, a servant appeared in the doorway. "M'lords," He dipped his head, "and M'lady," he added hastily upon seeing Sansa. "A rider has been received."

"A rider?" Robb had not been expecting any scouts to be returning at this time.

"Yes, m'lord," The servant answered. "He carried the white flag."

"Lannisters," Theon was looking to them expectantly as if they should congratulate him about his assumption on the comet and this new information.

"Indeed, it is m'lord," the servant confirmed. "He brings terms for you. They come from Ser Kevan Lannister."

Robb nodded, "We must gather the men and meet in the Hall to hear these terms."

The servant nodded, "At once, m'lords," he bowed his head, "m'lady," And then he slipped away.

"We should not keep this man waiting," Sansa observed. "The closer we can agree to terms the closer we can get Father back."

"And rid ourselves of the Kingslayer," Theon added.

"Then let us see what he has to say," Robb decided, before he turned back to the heir to the Dreadfort who was the last to leave the balcony. "Domeric?"

"Yes?"

"What was that song you were playing?" It was familiar to Robb, but yet he could not think of its name.

"Jenny's song," Domeric answered quietly.

"Of course," Robb nodded, understanding why his friend would play it.

It had been one of Sansa's favorite stories growing up. The Crown Prince Duncan Targaryen who gave up the Iron Throne to marry a peasant girl. She would always gush and sigh dreamily at how romantic it had all been.

She had flowers in her hair, Robb recalled the lyrics, from the many times his sister would sing it, but it was Myrcella's face that flickered before him. Her golden curls framing her face and her kind green eyes looking at him. She was wearing flowers in her hair and it made him smile.

The Lannister's terms were met with loud derision and jeers. The Great Hall had erupted with noise from lords squabbling with one another on how to move forward.

Robb could not fault them for their anger. The lions were ludicrous in their demands. Looking out from where he was sitting. The high seat of Lord Tully was empty in respect to his ailing grandfather, his uncle had taken the seat to the other side. He was trying to pacify the protests, but had been drawn into the arguing fray.

In watching them, Robb realized his mistake. He should've met with them after he had read the terms.

The Lannisters demand too much.

They insist Father take the Black.

They demand the return of the Kingslayer.

They pushed for a wedding between himself and Myrcella despite the previous agreement that Myrcella would first foster at Winterfell for a year.

They demand that Theon be handed over and to go to the capital since he's considered a ward of the crown.

There was more, but Robb had had enough. He looked down at the parchment that carried the terms. The Lannister lion on which Ser Kevan had used as a seal, instead of roaring it looked to be laughing at him. He frowned down at it. Wanting to crumple it up, but he restrained from doing so.

"They must know how we'd react to this," He murmured, not even the Lannisters could be that arrogant.

"They see you as a boy. One without his father to guide him," Sansa said quietly. She had been given the seat to Robb's other side.

A boy, he wanted to smirk at the Lannisters and their pride. His friends had been given seats in the hall below the Tully table.

Theon looked to be arguing with a riverlord, but Robb could not recognize the man or see the standard that he wore. While Jon was watching it all unfold with a frown. Domeric was taking in the room with dark eyes, and an impassive mask that showed nothing of what he was thinking. Quiet, and calculating, Robb thought eerily, seeing the uncanny resemblance between the Lord of the Dreadfort and his son.

His sister's voice brought his attention back to where she sat at his side.

"To them the terms work well for them either way. There is no risk for them. If you accept you prove to them that you're the foolish and inexperienced boy while also gaining them a huge advantage in the wars to come. Or you reject and give your own which allows them to see which ones you're amenable to and which you are not."

Robb smiled at his sister's cleverness. "So let us give them a counter offer." He realized he could do more talking with Sansa than he could trying to reel in these men. Let them bluster and bicker until Robb actually had a plan to quiet them and get their agreement.

"Father will be exchanged for the Kingslayer," He said. "I'll have it no other way. He will not take the Black." He clenched his fist in anger at the thought of them besmirching his father's name and honor.

If they insist on giving Father a black cloak, perhaps I shall insist on giving them Jaime's hand for breaking the King's peace.

Then let us see how quick they are to speak of treasons. If they claim my father a traitor than I shall claim Jaime one.

"Theon should stay with us," He looked down at his friend. The thought of betraying him and handing him to the lions left a sour taste in his mouth. He drank from his glass. He did not want to think what reception Theon would await in Joffrey's court.

"What of the others?" Sansa's voice did not convey her thoughts on his choices.

"Marrying Myrcella," It was the only tempting offer the Lannisters had given, but one that he could not accept hastily.

"Exactly," she agreed, "And they must know that," Her blue eyes shining in thought. "It's as if they want you married before father could be given over."

That didn't make any sense. "Why?" He said aloud, "To bind us to their cause?" He understood the importance of betrothals and alliances, but to march south and fight Lord Renly under Joffrey's banner. The notion made him sick.

"Or to prevent another alliance," she offered, at his confused frown, she continued. "You are the heir to Winterfell, the future Warden of the North, brother. You being unattached can help in making alliances throughout Westeros in case we cannot come to terms with the Lannisters. Or shoring up our northern allies if we look within the borders of our land."

He saw the truth in her words. "We'll ask the Lannisters to prove that they're negotiating in good faith," He decided. "Have them bring the bones of our family's faithful household guards and servants who were butchered." So many of them had been familiar faces growing up and for their fate to be so cruel, it did not seem right.

"Ice will be returned to us. It is our sword and it was stolen from us."

"The Lannisters covet valyrian steel," Sansa pointed out. "They've never stopped looking or asking in trying to get a replacement for the one they lost."

"Ice is ours and they have no claim to it."

Sansa studied him, but gave no further objections despite the look she gave him. "It may come when messengers and riders will not be enough. You may need to send someone to treat with Ser Kevan."

"I will go," He volunteered as soon as she mentioned it.

"Robb," she gave him a scolded look. "You're needed here. You're the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North without Father. We cannot send you in case the Lannisters decide trickery is better than honor or honesty."

"And if they are speaking in good faith?"

"You have other options."

"You?" It was not meant as a slight. Her handling of the Freys had helped them greatly. He knew she could handle it, but he thought it was his role not hers.

"I'm among many you could choose," she deflected, her eyes flickering over to the lords who were squabbling. The din was dying down. He was certain they'd be looking to him shortly for their response.

"We shall think more on it when the time comes," Robb decided, "But until then, let us prepare our counter terms."

Sansa smiled in agreement at the unspoken truth.

They were one step closer to getting their Father back.

A/N: Snowstark? Redstark? Whitestark? Tarstark? Morstark? Mormont? Stark? Some of these are bad, and I don't like, but all I know is its on Jon's mind too. What do you guys think? Any of these stand out?

I don't think Jon's standard is too original, so I won't claim/pretend it is but I hope you guys liked it. If his origins does get out, I could see him tweaking it to maybe make it a winged wolf. If the story goes that way.

I checked the timelines and it did say the comet was first seen towards the end of thrones even though its mostly discussed in Clash. So it should fit here in this chapter. If not then consider it a liberty, please.

Stannis' letter and claim has not been forgotten or ignored in this story. We just haven't quite reached that part in this story yet.

I'm aware that Jon is the better swordsman, so please don't quote the book at me. Robb mentions it too in this chapter. I just saw it as an opportunity for some fun banter between the brothers.

Thanks for your support,

-Spectre4hire