The first thing Robb became aware of was the soreness, every bone, every muscle, felt like it had been trampled and broken, his skin felt raw and like thousands of miniscule needles pricked him again and again. The second was the deep exhaustion, his entire head felt like a brick of lead. The third was someone shouting his name, multiple someones. Robb finally managed to crack an eye open. He was on his side, slowly he turned onto his back, groaning as his muscles protested even the slightest movement. He was able to see blue sky though the canopy of trees, he simply lay staring at the morning sky, his mind slowly trying to process what had befallen him during the night. He had left the others in the cave, gone out into the woods and waited. The wild thing had been pushing and pulling waiting for something. Then as the full moon rose it surged within him, breaking through Robb's very being, consuming his mind and body. The pain had been terrible, unlike anything any person could ever live through. Robb had tried to fight the wild thing. No. Not thing, wolf, the wild wolf. The wolf had won, it had taken him over and he physically transformed into a wolf. He had been almost incapable of thought, everything became pure instinct, his humanity locked away in the mind and body of the wolf.

"Robb!" The trees and sky vanished, golden curls, green eyes with brown specks filled with worry, replaced them, the scent of lavender and rosemary permeating the air around him along with something else, anxiety, his mind supplied. He could smell Myrcella's fear and anxiety. Two hands gently cradled his face, "Robb." He slowly reached up and gripped her wrist.

"Ella." He croaked. He tasted the familiar coppery taste of blood and raw meat on his tongue. Suddenly he felt bile rising in his throat, his stomach tying itself in knots as waves of nausea passed through him. He pulled away, flipping back to his side he vomited violently. Gagging at the vile contents of his stomach, Robb felt tears stinging at his eyes. Head pounding, he was aware of Myrcella yelling.

"I found him!" Then her gentle hand were once again on him, pulling him up away from the sick. Robb sank against her side; he was too exhausted to move. "Here, drink." Myrcella lifted a water skin to his dry lips. The water was cool and fresh, and helped banish the bile from his mouth. He could hear movement around him, the others finally joining them.

"Seven fucking hells." Someone swore, Jay maybe. "He looks like shite." Two more people knelt next to him and Myrcella, Griffin and Greatjon. The pair helped Myrcella move him upright and sitting. Robb finally looked down at himself, his tunic and trousers were rags, he was covered in dirt and dried blood. Whether the blood was his or not he didn't know.

"Whose blood is this?" Robb asked raising his hands. Jay and Toby exchanged a look.

"Well King Robb, I would hazard a guess and say it's from the giant shadow cat corpse we found a bit away from here." Toby stated. Robb groaned and buried his face in his hands as disjointed memories of the night flashed before his eyes. He vaguely remembered fighting the shadow cat, and the joy he felt. He felt a small hand on his shoulder, it was Myrcella.

"Robb, you look exhausted, let's get back to the cave so you can clean up and rest." Robb nodded and Griffin and Greatjon hauled him to his feet. The world spun and Robb felt his knees begin to buckle. The walk back to the cave was a haze, just like his memories of the night before. But soon enough they were back at the cave, Griffin helped Robb to his sleeping role and Myrcella was once again by his side, this time with a wet piece of cloth that looked like the scarf she used to tie back her hair. Robb couldn't help but think for a moment about how they needed more supplies. Myrcella used the rag to gently clean his face and hands, part of him wanted to make her stop fussing over him, but he was simply too tired to protest. When Myrcella finished she helped him lay down and the last thing Robb saw before falling asleep was Myrcella Baratheon's beautiful green eyes.

Robb remained asleep for the entire morning and into the afternoon. As daylight had returned Myrcella had rushed from the cave. Robb swore that he would return with the dawn yet he was no where in sight. Myrcella had dived into the woods shouting his name and searching for him. The others were close behind her. When Myrcella finally found him collapsed in the woods not moving, she had feared the worst. Myrcella had rushed to his side and thanked the seven when he moved and whispered her name. Robb looked like he had been through one of the seven hells. His tunic and pants were in ribbons, dirt and blood were caked on his arms and face, there were dark bags under his golden eyes. It was no wonder he had passed out almost as soon as he had lain down.

Myrcella sighed from her seat next to Robb's bed role. She glanced over at the entrance of the cave. After getting Robb back to the cave, Toby and Jay went back into the woods and retrieved the Shadow cat corpse. Myrcella was curious as to what they could possible do with such a mangled body. Dacey entered the cave and sat down next to her.

"You go and take a break. You'll worry yourself silly just sitting here next to him."

"But-"

"No buts." Dacey growled. "He'll be fine, if you're that bloody worried then I'll stay with him." Myrcella knew there was little point in arguing with Dacey. Getting up, Myrcella winced at the pins and needles shooting down her foot. She shook it, trying to get the blood flowing again and went out to see what the brothers were doing. Myrcella needed a distraction or else she would fret over Robb until he woke up. Apparently, Toby and Jay's father was a tanner and also, dead animals were incredibly useful. Toby and Jay worked quickly and efficiently, they had already skinned the beast and had stretched out the fur and hide between several tree branches and were now cutting meat from the bones. It was messy and just a bit gross but Myrcella was fascinated and when the two northmen saw her watching they invited her over. Back in King's Landing, Myrcella would have never been allowed in the same room as a tradesman let alone learning from one. Yet here she was, a princess of the Seven Kingdoms working with her hands in the innards of a shadow cat learning the finer points of butchering and tanning. Myrcella loved every second of it.

It was several hours later when Robb finally appeared from the cave. He joined the rest of them by the fire outside sitting down next to Myrcella, shaking his head when Greatjon held out a morsel of cooked meat. He couldn't even think about food right now, or ever again as he recalled vomiting up the shadow cat that morning. A wave of nausea rolled in his stomach.

"How are you feeling?" Myrcella asked quietly.

"Better. Still tired." Myrcella nodded.

"Thank you for coming back."

"You all had to go out and find me this morning. I wouldn't really say that was coming back." Robb replied. Myrcella took his hand into hers. Robb noticed that Myrcella's hands were starting to roughen up. He couldn't help but run his thumb over a blister he was fairly certain hadn't been there this morning.

"But you're still here Robb." Myrcella looked up and smiled at him softly. "You're still with us." Someone cleared their throat, Robb looked around at the others who were staring at him expectantly.

"So… What exactly happened last night?" Jay asked hesitantly. Robb groaned and let go of Myrcella's hand. Last night, it had been just as Maggy the Frogg had said. Memories of his time transformed flashed in his mind. Robb shuddered.

"It was what the witch said." He started. "As the moon rose, I, transformed." Robb could still feel the phantom spasms of pain. "Every bone in my body, every muscle, every piece of me, broke and remade itself. The pain is not something I would wish on anyone, not even my worst enemy."

"We heard you screaming." Petey muttered. "It sounded like you were dying."

"It felt like it." He paused. Not really knowing how to describe the rest. "Ever since I woke up, there's been something… inside of me. It's hard to describe, not a voice and not really feelings. It took over when I changed, I was aware, but I was unable to think really, all I could do was act on instinct." Dacey spoke up.

"When you woke the first time in the witch's home. You weren't you. You attached us." Robb had no memories of what had happened when he had awoken the first time. Only what the others had told him, that and Dacey's bruised face. "It was like you were a wild animal. Which I suppose in a way, you were. The only one who calmed you down was Myrcella." Jay and Petey snickered. Robb turned to the young woman next to him, she was blushing furiously and glaring daggers at the two. Robb had no idea that Myrcella had stopped the wolf. But, looking back it made sense. The wolf seemed to calm down whenever Myrcella was near. Robb was brought out of his thoughts by Toby speaking.

"So, this is going to happen every full moon?"

"Aye, I suppose so. Or at least until I find balance or acceptance or some other weird shite. Then supposedly I'll be able to change whenever I wish."

"Can't imagine ever wanting to willingly turn into a wolf." Toby muttered. Robb nodded but remained silent. Something, he couldn't bring himself to tell the others was what it was like to live last night after he turned, relying simply on instinct, having the strength and agility he already had developed increase ten-fold, the adrenaline rush as he fought the shadow cat. He enjoyed it. No, that part of the night would remain his secret.

"Now that we know what happens when you turn. Where do we go from here?" Griffin asked. No one spoke for a moment. The rest of the group was surprised when it was Robb who spoke next.

"Nowhere." He stated. "We've already staid here for a week. The caves are private and we have access to clean water and game in the woods. I can't go back to civilization; it would be too dangerous. At least for now. If any of you wish to go then you can." No one spoke up. They would all stay, this motley company would stay together in their new home.

Oh dear god people the world is fucking ending! I am not just talkin about CORVID 19. Y'all, I live in Utah where we had a 5.9 Earthquake this morning, the largest earthquake in the state since 1992. It also happens to be the first quake I have ever actually felt because I was not alive in 1992. Holy shit it woke me up and sent me diving for cover! Everything was shaking and I legit thought I was about to die. We've been having really strong aftershocks all day too. So I've pretty much been on edge all day and thought writing would distract me.

I know this chapter is really short but I like where it is and how it really just deals with the direct aftermath of the night before. The next chapter will be much longer, I have no idea when it will be out though so yeah... Is it too early for a drink? Cause I need a drink. And Pot... and a Xanax.