Readers! So sorry to be so late on my updates! work is insane but finally over, and the holidays are crazy, but I finally finished my Christmas shopping so i have more time to devote to this story! especially during the winter break :) I have stayed fairly true to form and true to the period (1910s) but I will soon start deviating from the norms of the 1910s. there will be some things that are plausible, but not likely in history. that being said, it's fiction! i want to have my fun. I will be updating again soon. until then, much love!

-FlamingRose

April 16th, 1917

"I wish we were back at Winterfell," Arya said. She had been reading to Sansa aloud from one of her own books while Sansa embroidered. She chose to read Peter Pan to Sansa the night of April 6th in an attempt to help Sansa sleep. Now, they were both wrapped up in the story—Rickon, too. Rickon loved the adventure of it all, and for the girls it was a temporary escape from the reality of the last ten days.

Two days ago they received word from Robb. He and Jon were enlisting. Theon Greyjoy also planned to enlist. Even though Robb mentioned it in his letter, and they got word from Uncle Benjen, Jon had taken the time to write a letter to Sansa himself explaining his decision. Sansa's letter, though earnest and heartfelt, had done nothing to persuade Jon to stay. If anything it steeled Jon's resolve. It's because of these things, the things so worth living for, that I must risk my life, he'd written. You said it's in my nature to protect, so I must protect those that I hold dear. She could say nothing more. She hadn't the energy to write any more on the subject, but she knew it would not be the last time she breached the subject with him. She did not want him or her brother to leave.

"Me too, Arya," Sansa gently replied as she pulled her purple thread through the fabric, "but soon we will be."

"It won't be the same."

"I know. But at least we get some time with Jon and Robb before they leave." They made sure to speak quietly. Rickon had fallen asleep, and neither of them wanted to wake him.

"I'm scared," Arya whispered. Sansa barely heard it, but the look on Arya's face was enough to know she said it.

"I know," Sansa answered, "So am I." the evening light poured into the room, but now with the sun nearly set, it was quickly dimming. Soon, they would have to turn on the lamps in the room in order to continue their activities. Sansa watched her little brother as he slept. She was grateful that he was too young to fight. At that moment, her mother came in.

"Sansa, Arya, Margery is downstairs. She wishes to speak to both of you." Sansa and Arya exchanged curious glances. It was odd for Margery to come unannounced, and to come in the evening was also out of character. The girls promptly made their way downstairs. Whatever reason Margery had called with no notice and so late in the day, it had to be important.

Margery stood in the parlor, a lilac dress flattering her figure.

"Sansa, Arya, how good to see you both!" she kissed them each on the cheek before Sansa offered her a seat.

"So Margery, what's the news? Is anything the matter?"

"Oh! No. Well—not exactly. I wanted you both to know before I told anyone, and before Robb says anything."

"What?" Arya asked eagerly.

"I'm leaving for France this summer," Margery said.

"France! In the middle of a war?" Sansa asked.

"Well, that's just it," Margery answered, "I'm joining the war overseas."

"You can't fight, though," Arya stated, "girls aren't allowed."

"No, but I can help. I've decided to offer my services as a nurse. There's a hospital in Virginia where I can receive training and experience, and they have room for me there. From there I will go to London, and then on to France." The Stark sisters were silent.

"I know this comes as a bit of a shock. I'm sure I'm the last person anyone expected to walk into the fray, but I want to help. These men are risking their lives. I want to try to preserve some of them. I know I can't save them all, but—"

"I think it's wonderful Margery," Arya said as she came to sit to the right of her on the floor.

"Really, Arya?"

"Yes. Scary, but wonderful."

"Scary and sudden," Sansa commented.

"I suppose it seems that way from the outside." Margery looked at her hands. She was silent a while. When she spoke again her voice was soft, but full of certainty.

"Robb told me he was joining the war the day after the papers came out with the news. He sent me a telegram. Silly of him really. Spending the money on that. It's as if he couldn't delay the news by writing a letter instead, it was that important. I made the choice then I would follow him there. I don't want him to face the war alone. I know he has Jon and Theon and others, but those hands will be trained to kill and to protect. What happens when one is wounded? They need hands that heal. I want to know he has that, and the only way to know for sure is to be those hands. He may not make it through this war. I want him to survive, but I know how dangerous war is. I've read the papers. I know the stories they've been telling. The odds are stacked against them. I want every possible second I can have with him."

"You really love him," Arya stated. It was no question. All three young women knew it to be true. Why else would you risk your life than for love? Margery nodded slowly.

"If I had any doubts before, I don't have them now. So Sansa," Margery addressed her, "what do you think?"

"I think," Sansa said slowly, "I think I will miss you terribly." She went to Margery's other side to hug her friend, holding her tight.

"Please be safe,' she said to her.

"I will do my very best," she answered earnestly, "and if any of our boys end up in my tent, I will do all in my power to ensure they walk out alive." Arya buried her head in the folds of Margery's dress as she hugged her tight. The three girls sat together, embracing each other and finding comfort in their shared melancholy. Sansa didn't want to let go. First Robb, Jon, and Theon, and now Margery. She was afraid she would be the only one left.