I woke to a sharp stabbing feeling in my stomach; the pain was something I hadn't experienced before. I was bound and it seemed I was tied to a tree; my wrists were hanging above my head and the rope was winding around the tree. As my eyes looked at the winding rope I caught a glimpse of the white bark beneath my hands as a flicker from the nearby fire washed over the tree. I was bound to the Weirwood tree; my thoughts went directly to the Gods.
The rustling of leaves and a snapping twig bought my attention back to the fire where a figure stood; it was hard to tell if it was a man or a woman because their face was covered by a hood. From the height and size I was guessing it was a woman; locks of hair could also be seen. A sharp kick and another piercing pain shot through my stomach and I couldn't hold in the scream as it erupted from my mouth.
These feelings were similar to the one's experience in my dreams but for some reason I knew that this wasn't a dream; the feelings and pain were too real. I was in the process of having my babe and I wished it was a dream; I needed Robb here with me, he needed to be here when his child was born. A tearing feeling ripped through the lower half of my body and I called out for my husband.
"Robb!" I screeched knowing he wasn't anywhere near me and wouldn't be for a long time; he was with his brother.
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Winds blew down from The Wall, flowing down towards the South as if giving a warning. The Gods had control of the most drastic of things and within their grasps were the fates of three important people; three Stark's. They could decide whatever they wished; they could end the lives of any three of them. Only two were true Stark's the other was a mix between three houses; they could only allow two to live. The choice was not theirs but it was written that they could only let two live.
There was young Brandon Stark; a boy of ten nearing his eleventh name-day. He was a fired spirit and took on almost every challenge; there was proof from the last time the Gods had thrown him a challenge.
Then there was the young Queen of ten and six; she had many years in front of her. She was a rare type of human having three powerful families within her; two more powerful than the third. The Gods would not want to ride this child from the world she was a link between the war; she had the blood of the Frey's, Targaryen's and now the Stark's. She had only married into the Stark's but one that babe was placed within her womb she had the Stark blood within her. She would always have the Stark blood within her.
It was the unborn babe that she carried that made the Gods think that it was this rare child that would take her last breath. They had seen her and they knew she would give her life for her child's. It was a pure child the first-born of the three families; the first to have a strong and powerful bloodline and they knew that somehow the babe would survive anything.
The decision was hard but it had to be made; the young Brandon Stark had proved himself already and his soul and life was not to be touched. The only problem the Gods had now was choosing which person would live and which shall die; that would be left to Robb Stark. He had to make the choice would he let his wife live and lose his child or let his child live and lose his wife?
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"The babe is coming; it can't be stopped." A soft voice whispered into the night as the tears rolled down my cheeks. I recognized the voice; although I hadn't spoken to her much I recognized her voice. I blinked past the tears as the woman stepped closer and caught sight of her dark hair. "The Gods wish for the babe to born now."
"Lady Talisa." I whispered pulling away from her as she reached out to touch my cheek. She was the person that had hit Gendry and then bound us to trees; Robb had lied to me. Robb told me she was being sent to The Free Cities. "You were meant to be gone."
"I was meant to be; it doesn't mean I was going to go." She told me resting her hands on my bump before lifting my skirts up and pulling my legs apart. I have had many dreams where I was in labour but I had never imagined having the babe in the Godswood. "I won't be going until I have my daughter." She stated folding the skirts over my legs and pressing down gently on the bump. Her movements caused the babe to shift inside me and a splitting pain erupted between my legs.
"You have no daughter!" I cried out trying to move me arms against the rope. The blood was running from my raised arms making them go limp as they hung in the air against the bark. Talisa gave me a sinister smile as she pushed even harder against my bump; the same feeling ran through me and the pain grew between my legs.
"If you push on the babe it will always find its way out faster." She informed me rubbing her hands on either side of my bump before lifting up a mug to my lips, pushing the edge between my lips. "The wine will take the ache away." I sipped at the wine and when she pulled the mug away sprayed it over her face. I knew I made a mistake when her hand left a burning print on my face.
"You won't take my child." I spat out attempting to kick her but stopped when the babe kicked and shifted in my womb.
"She's nearly coming out and then I will take her." Talisa muttered pushing my skirts up again and lifting my legs up so my feet were flat on the ground. "It may hurt for a while; she will tear through you." She brought a stripe of fabric up that had rested against the floor and forced it into my mouth with strength as she peered down in between my legs. "I don't need you drawing attention to us; I just want my baby and then I'll leave."
I tried to mumble through the fabric but it was pointless and I could tell that when Talisa sent me a small grin before rushing over to the Godswood pond and filling a basin with dirty water; she obviously knew what she was doing. The pains within my stomach were growing stronger now and I knew that this babe was going to be born within the next hour; and Robb was going to miss it.
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Robb Stark had just left the chambers belonging to his younger brother; he had taken a fall once again and had dropped into a sleep. Maester Steel had looked over him and stated he wouldn't know what cause this fall would have until Bran woke; if he woke. The sudden realization that his brother may not wake up this time was terrifying; this was his little brother. This was Brandon Stark, he was a tough boy and defiantly had the Stark blood within his veins; he was going to wake and Robb believed he would.
Robb walked down the halls until he reached his chambers; chambers that where empty. He was sure that Evie would be here waiting for him; she had not met him at Bran's chambers and he just assumed she would be waiting in their own. Upon seeing the empty room and the bed that hadn't been disturbed Robb made his way down to the great hall hoping she would be there having a late snack or talking with his sisters; they had also been missing from Bran's chamber.
The great hall was also bare on Robb's first glance but as his eyes swam over the lowly lit room he stopped when they settled on the small outline of Tyrion Lannister; he was perched on a bench, his back resting against the stone wall and feet upon the table. Robb cleared his throat announcing his arrival and watched as Tyrion snapped his eyes open; he looked confused to see his King standing there.
"You're Grace, any news on young Bran?" Tyrion asked removing his feet from the wooden table and shifting into a standing position dropping his head into a bow as he did so. Robb stared at the little man before flicking his eyes around the room hoping he had missed his wife; his eyes made no mistake.
"Bran's health cannot be told until he wakes; have you seen Evie?" Robb replied turning his eyes back to the Lannister not caring what he had to say unless it was about his Evie. Tyrion frowned and turned his gaze toward the window before looking back to his King.
"She has not returned?" the imp asked looking concerned now as he walked forward to his King's side; Robb frowned at Tyrion's words and copied the imp's expression.
"What do you mean she has not returned?" the panic was clear in Robb's voice and Tyrion couldn't help but notice the pure love and pain upon his King's face; this man was clearly in love.
"She went to the Godswood with Gendry." Tyrion muttered looking down the hall past Robb as if his Queen would walk past and calm his nerves; he knew that logically that wasn't going to happen. Robb fiddled with the chain-mail against his chest then looking down at his boots before directing his eyes onto Tyrion.
"When did they leave?" Robb demanded turning out of the great hall directing Tyrion to follow him as he did so; he needed to be with his wife. Tyrion ran his hands down his shirt and felt the metal dagger press into his side at his movements; at least he was armed in some way.
"Right after we returned; she wanted to pray to the Gods." He replied counting the hours in his head and noting that the Queen had not returned for over three hours; that wasn't right, Gendry wouldn't keep her out there that long.
"She's been gone for over three hours and no one has noticed!" Robb spat rushing out to the courtyard where a few of his men were roaming at this late hour; Tyrion could tell that a few of these men were drunk. No doubt they had been down to the town's brothel and had only just returned. As a few men caught sight of their King they dipped into a drunken bow, toppling over or tripping on their own feet.
"She had Gendry with her; I was expecting her back sooner." Tyrion offered flinching as Robb sent him a harsh glare before turning away and rushing to the stables. By the time Tyrion reached the stables Robb had already mounted his horse and was directing it in the direction of the gates.
"Wake my men and send them out on a search party; their Queen needs to be found!" Robb ordered before rushing his horse out of the gate and toward the Godswood. He would find Evie if it meant he would have to give up his last breath; he was going to find his wife. Hopefully she wouldn't be in any harm; hopefully she was alright.
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The sweat was streaming down my face and I was breathing in fast, unsteady breaths as I continued to push against my will; this baby was coming whether I wanted it to or not. I tried to cry out but the fabric between my mouth prevented any sound from be heard; I wished I had stayed within the castle walls like Robb suggested. This was my fault and if anything happened to this baby I would take the blame; my actions could have possibly put my child at harm.
A howl entered the night and I hoped that it was Greywind leading his master to me; I needed Robb now more than ever. Talisa scurried around on her knees in front of me for a few minutes before shooting a glance in the direction of Gendry; he was waking up. She must have hit him harder over the head than she did with me; it may have been because I was carrying a babe. Talisa rushed over to his side a large branch grasped between her hands; was that the weapon she used to attack us?
She raised the branch just as Gendry opened his eyes and smacked him on the forehead gashing his skin open and leaking blood down his face; this was also my fault. If we made it out of here than I was going to have to repay Gendry for this horrid ordeal; he shouldn't have been attacked. I tried to call out his name but it came out as a mumbled; I was going to hurt this woman. It may not be through a hit or a smack but I could hurt her by sending her far way where she would not be giving anything; she had betrayed not only one King but two Kings.
Talisa walked back over to me dropping the wooden branch down next to her; she wouldn't be leaving it deserted on the floor. Her hands reached for my knees and pulled them apart roughly as she leant forward and peered in between my legs. When she did that I couldn't help but feel disgusted; this was a woman I disliked dearly and she was treating me as some common whore.
Another howl could be heard over the wind sounding closer to the Godswood now and I had hope that Robb was coming to find me; I would be found.
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Men were rushing around the courtyard shouting orders through the night; some were drunk while others sober. If Catelyn Stark had been asleep she would have woken to their loud calls and rushed down to the courtyard ready to question what was going on; but she already knew. Her good-daughter was missing and had been since her young Bran had been brought back to her in a deep sleep; not a good sleep either.
Her eldest, Robb had gone searching for his wife with no last words to her only to the young Lannister; Tyrion had informed her as soon as Robb's men had been ordered out in the search for their Queen. Catelyn wished her good-daughter was okay because she wouldn't be able to handle the pain of more than one of her children suffering tonight; she also cared for Evie like her own and that grandchild was already loved.
"She will be okay won't she?" the soft voice of her eldest daughter asked causing Catelyn to turn and face the young red-head; she looked like a younger version of Catelyn yet there was something within Sansa's eyes that told Catelyn that her daughter had gone through things far to horrid for a girl of ten and four.
"Your brother is out looking for her; she wasn't alone Sansa. She should be okay." Catelyn assured her daughter wrapping her arms around her as she kissed her forehead gently with tenderness and love. Catelyn was glad she had all her children with her and for some strange reason she missed the presence of Jon; she didn't know what it was but she knew no one would be able to replace him.
"I hope the babe is okay." Sansa whispered resting her head against her mother's shoulder as she looked down at the courtyard from the balcony above; she caught a glimpse of the Stark black hair before it disappeared under a hood. "Arya!" Sansa called ripping out of her mother's hold as she rushed to the edge of the balcony in hope that her sister would turn around and stop whatever crazy idea she had floating in her head. Upon hearing Sansa's call Catelyn turned and rushed to the ledge as well spotting the figure that Sansa was pointing at; that was her daughter, her most stubborn child.
"Arya come back!" Catelyn called receiving no reply as the girl jumped upon a horse and raced out of the gate after a few men and then being followed by many other men. Catelyn's heart jolted at the thought of two of her children roaming the dark woods when danger was near. Words that her Ned repeated many times ran through her head; Winter Is Coming. She couldn't help but feel the dread as those words chilled her bones and set her heart into a frenzy; never had she hated those words more than now.
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Tyrion Lannister stood in the courtyard giving orders out to men that believed they were better than him; he didn't care about stupid things like that they were to trivia in a moment like this. He had more important things on his mind such as the King and Queen's safety; there was an unborn child's life at hand as well. He couldn't get anything wrong; he had to send many of his King's men out to search for the Queen before the worst happened.
Did he blame himself for the recent events? Yes, it technically was his fault; he could have stopped her from roaming out of the castle grounds even with her guard. He would feel so guilty if any harm came to that innocent girl and the babe she carried.
Maybe it was because he had a soft spot for her, it could have been because the shared something in common; they know what it felt like not to really feel their father's love. She understood him even if they didn't talk when in each-others presence; there seemed to be no need for silly things when they were together. Did he love her? Yes in some way he did but not in the way his siblings shared; he didn't love her like that. She was the little sister he was never graced with and just because they didn't share blood or family it didn't mean he wouldn't see her as family. The Stark's were more of a family to him than the Lannister's he shared a name and blood with.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Catelyn and young Sansa running towards him; they both looked scared to their wits. Catelyn was looking at him in an almost begging expression; she wanted something.
"Lady Stark, Sansa." He muttered waiting for one of them to speak, he knew they wanted to say something and he could tell one of them would speak within the next few seconds.
"Arya has gone out with Robb's men!" Catelyn exclaimed grasping hold of Sansa's hands as the young Stark frantically turned toward the gates where a few odd men were still filtering through. Tyrion frowned and followed the gaze of the young Stark he had come to know quite well.
"Do not worry my Lady I'll go after her." he informed her dipping his head down before rushing off to the stables cursing the youngest daughter of Ned Stark; she was like her father in too many ways.
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Tears streamed down my face as the screams were held in by that stupid, unwanted fabric; how was I supposed to breathe properly if I was muffled by my screams every few seconds? I wanted this to be over, I never wanted to feel this pain again; Talisa was a cruel, manipulative bitch and she was going to get what she deserved.
I was covered in sweat and I wished for nothing more than to get out of this dress; I was too constricted. Everything was closing in on me, my dress was too tight, my hair was covering my face in sheets of wet curls; I needed the cool air to drench my skin and calm me. I shouldn't be having my baby like this. I should have been relaxed in my chamber with Robb by my side and maids I knew ready to deliver the babe, Maester Steel should be there as well to make sure everything went well and Catelyn, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon should be waiting close by for news on the new heir. Instead I was tied to the Weirwood tree like some hostage being bound and gagged against my will; I was being forced into this labour.
I had a feeling that if I never stepped foot in the Godswood this evening this babe would still be waiting to come out tomorrow or the following day; it felt like an involuntary labour. This was the working of Talisa, she was trained in the arts of healing and she knew how the process of child-birth went; she knew how to take care of the babe when it was born.
All this time she had planned on taking my babe; throughout her time of being with us on our travels from The Twins, to Raventree Hall, to Riverrun. I should have expected something like this after Robb told me she had confessed her feelings for him and then attempted to break his vows to me; she would have planned something like this. I she couldn't have my husband then she would have the next best thing to Robb; his child.
Talisa brought a fur from by the fire and rested it on the ground near my opened legs; I also saw a flash of silver and knew instantly she had a dagger with her. Talisa looked up as I grumbled something and noticed that my eyes were narrowed on the dagger; she smiled softly at this before forcing my chin up so my eyes were connecting with hers.
"Some women don't stretch enough and need assistance; you're a young one and I have the belief that you will need my assistance." She muttered bringing the dagger up so my eyes could rest in the sharp silver metal before setting it down again. Her fingers pressed into the skin of my bump and she furrowed her brows before sliding her hands down to that area and prodded gently; this time her eyebrows rose in shock. "She's moving faster than I expected." She mumbled to herself before reaching over and brining the cup of wine to my lips once again; she pulled the fabric from my mouth but covered it with her spare hand before I could scream out. "You need to drink this; it will be easier for you trust me. Don't scream and everything will be okay understand?" as her eyes pierced into mine and I nodded my head violently as a burning pain spread through the lower half of my body.
I sipped at the red wine this time not spitting it out in hope that her words were right and the pain would ease a little; I needed a small bit of relief. Just as Talisa reached up to place the fabric back into my mouth an earth-shattering scream poured out of me before I could stop it.
The scream echoed through the trees shaking the branches and leaves and frightening the animals and birds that slept through this night. A howl replied to my scream and I knew I would be safe soon.
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That scream it belonged to her; he didn't know because he heard it but because he could feel it. She was in pain and he needed to be by her side; she was his wife. She could be hurt, being tortured; his son could be in danger. The only thing he could do was follow Greywind now as he rushed to the Godswood; he hated that it had taken him too long to reach her.
He had that stupid idea that maybe she wouldn't be near the Godswood, not if she was with Gendry; there would be no way that he would keep her out here that long. If something happened to either of them it would be his fault; he hadn't rushed to her side, he hadn't been there for her.
He felt stupid now having not gone straight to the Weirwood tree where she would be praying to the Gods. He felt ashamed to call himself a Stark.
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She heard the scream as if it was close to her; it was a scream of pain, a scream that begged for the end. It was also the scream of a loved one, a scream of a sister, daughter, soon-to-be-mother and wife. It sent shivers down Arya's spine and forced her to push forward on the horse pleading it to go faster.
"Go faster please I beg you." Arya cried into the horse's ear as she clung to its neck in hope that it would speed the running of the horse; she needed to help her sister, she needed to stop her pain. There was also the biting thought that she needed to see Gendry; who would be there to care for him? He should be left alone, he needed someone there for him as well and although he may deny it he was part of the family.
Gendry had been there to protect her from the beginning; he kept her secret, he had helped protect her and now she needed to do the same for him. No matter what was said to Arya, Gendry would always be her family; in her heart he was a Stark.
If he didn't make it she would suffer for a lifetime; she could already feel his pain.
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"Please make it stop." I cried trying to reach out for her arm, my wrists rubbed against the rope burning my skin and causing me to cry harder. This was too much, the pain was unbearable, I couldn't feel my arms and I was afraid that something bad was going to happen.
Talisa looked down at me in shock and I could tell that she wasn't expecting me to break like this; she had heard the sayings spread about me from my father's mouth. That girl has fire in her. Now in this woman's eyes those whispers had been mistaken; one that had fire within her wouldn't be begging for the pain to stop. I could see the pity in her eyes and I didn't like that look at all; I was going to prove her wrong.
That look made me feel weak, it made me feel ashamed to be called a Stark now; Stark's were not weak neither were Targaryen's or Frey's. I had the blood of three different houses on me and I would not bring shame to each and every one of them. I stared Talisa down, keeping my eyes locked on her own and was about to speak but was interrupted by a fierce growl and the snapping of a branch and the rustling of the leaves. Talisa reached out for her wooden branch but was pushed and pinned down by the fierce and frightening direwolf. She muffled a scream as he bared his teeth so close to her face that they scraped against her cheeks.
"Greywind don't!" I snapped as I caught the look in his eye; he wanted to hurt her, rip her from limb to limb, and make her feel the same pain I was. He didn't stop baring his teeth at her but he did pull back slightly and look in my general direction; was it possible for a direwolf to feel sympathetic towards a human? It looked as if his eyes lost the fierce hunger behind them and allowed the hurt and pity to leak through.
Talisa's breathing was growing heavy as the direwolf turned back to her and I wanted to say something but no words came to mind. This woman had bound me, hurt me and was trying to take my unborn babe; what could I possibly say to that? It seemed that I had no need for my words as I was saved from that thought when the thundering gallop of hooves could be heard; my head snapped in that direction and I spotted a figure jumping down from horseback. Robb had found me, I was going to be safe now; I wasn't alone.
"Evie!" he exclaimed collapsing to his knees in front of me as his hands cupped my face and his panicked eyes settled into a calm, content gaze. His hands rushed up to my wrists and cut through the rope with an unseen dagger. My arms dropped to my sides painfully and the prickle pains of pins and needles spread through them as the blood flew back into my arms. It was almost as painful as the sharp contraction ripping through me at the same time.
I screamed out clutching onto Robb as he leaned closer to me and allowed the tears of pain and happiness to roll down my cheeks. There was no stopping this babe coming now and although I wanted to have the babe safely in Winterfell there was no questioning the fact that we simple wouldn't make it back. I stared up at Robb not bothering to keep the pain from both my face and my eyes as I peered into his sharp blue eyes; tears streamed down my cheeks blurring my green eyes.
"Robb, the babe's coming." I cried out gripping onto his arm and pulling myself forward; this movement took pressure off my back, pressure I didn't know was there. A warmth spread down my back relaxing the lower half and the tops of my legs; the pain within me slowly slipped away into a mild tingle. Robb's eyes widened at my words and his hands ran over my bump before he flashed his eyes to mine and then peeked in between my legs; I tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that spread through me. I needed Robb right now and I couldn't be disgusted that he was trying to help this babe out.
"We can reach Winterfell in time." He assured me reaching forward to wrap his arms under my own; I pushed him back gently knowing his words weren't true. We would never make it in time; we both knew that.
"Robb, this babe is coming now!" I shouted as another searing pain shot through me indicating that the babe was indeed coming at a faster rate than expected. Robb nodded his head quickly and flinched as I gripped onto his shoulder with a fierce grip. He kissed the top of my head before flashing his eyes to the woman lying under his direwolf.
"Greywind move," he shot at the direwolf before glaring down at the woman. "You will tell me what I need to do but I swear if you move I will kill you." Talisa nodded her head slowly bringing herself into a sitting position her eyes never leaving the direwolf as he watched her movements. She couldn't look away from Greywind and I understood how she felt; it was the same way I felt when I first met him. I could see Robb staring at the terrified woman but as my hands gripped harder into his upper arms he took on a less pitiful expression and an angered one instead; he was scared. "I need you to tell me what I have to do!" he spat turning his face to look at the woman before looking back at me and giving me a small smile.
"You need to – to position her legs so the – the babe will flo-flow out with ea-ease." She stuttered flicking her eyes from Robb to Greywind, settling them on the direwolf instead of her King. Robb nodded his head before pushing me gently back down against the rough white bark of the Weirwood tree and positioned my legs like Lady Talisa suggested. Lady Talisa shifted slightly and was about to move closer to me but stopped when a voice rung out shocking us all.
"Gendry!" the sharp voice of Arya called leaping from her horse and rushing the slowly waking boy; he had been out for a long time but considering her had been hit twice I wouldn't blame him. Once Arya dropped to her knees she pulled the cloth from his mouth and un-knotted the rope around his wrists; this also untied the ropes around the tree. "Get up you stupid boy!" she snapped smacking him round the face causing his eyes to flicker open. Although it wasn't funny I couldn't help the small smile that graced my lips at her aggressive behavior.
"Mi'lady." Gendry muttered flicking his eyes open and looking at her with those gleaming blue eyes before blinking again and shifting into a better position. Arya's jaw clenched at his words but I could tell by her body language that she was happy he was talking.
"Don't call me mi'lady!" she snapped smacking him against the arm as she lifted him into a better position before turning to face us as I cried out in pain once again. This babe wasn't going to wait for anyone, no matter who they may be. Arya's eyes turned from me to Lady Talisa and a look of pure rage found its way on her face; it was frightening to see. Within seconds Arya had pulled her sword from her side and was rushing over to Talisa. Her arms rose in the air ready to strike but a large hand stopped her.
"Don't do it Arya." Gendry muttered attempting to pry the sword from her hand, but had no luck over her firm grip. Instead he wrapped his arms around hers and squeezed them tightly together until her hand released and the sword dropped to the ground.
"I could kill you!" she spat but upon receiving a squeeze from Gendry and a look from Robb she lowered her eyes and bit her lip. "I won't but you should always watch your back." She told Talisa in a ton that made me believe that her words were true; Arya Stark had a bad side that shouldn't be messed with. It looked like Gendry was going to say something but the small painful groan I gave cut him off. His eyes flashed to me and then widened as he saw the situation I was in; his eyes showed guilt and hatred.
"Robb, please." I whispered clenching onto his hand as the babe kicked against me hitting one of my ribs with its feet. It hurt too much and I felt like a disgrace; what woman couldn't stand the feeling of giving birth to their child? Robb's eyes flashed to me giving me a painful smile before turning to face his sister.
"Arya take Gendry back to the castle. Tell Tyrion or mother that I found Evie but the babe's coming; send Master Steel here as fast as possible." He ordered giving her a look that stated she didn't want to be argued with. Gendry nodded and he dragged Arya back over to her horse; I didn't see them mount it because another painful contraction shot through me making me squeeze Robb's hand until it crunched.
"Let me check her." Talisa muttered once again shuffling against the dirt ground ignoring the growls emitting from Greywind as she crawled closer to me. Her rough fingers run down my thighs before settling at my centre where she prodded gently. There was something hard settling between my legs and I had a feeling that it was the babe's head. Her eyes opened wider as she peered down at me before shooting a glance to Robb and losing the colour in her face.
"What is it?" Robb demanded attempting to see what she had seen only to be pushed back and given a look that drove me crazy. What did she know that she would not share? "Tell me what is wrong!" Robb begged giving Talisa a pleading look; one he wouldn't want many people to see. Talisa flicked her eyes to me before looking back over to Robb; she then lowered her eyes and grasped her hands on the fabric of my dress.
"The babe is stuck." She announced in a defeated tone keeping her eyes pierced on the ground. My heart fluttered at her words and now I understood why I was in so much pain; the babe couldn't come out.
"You've seen this before." I called out stating the thoughts we were all thinking. The reason why she was so calm about it was because she had seen it before; she knew what was going to happen.
"Once a long time ago." she admitted keeping her gaze on the floor instead of meeting my eyes. She was scared I could tell that much; I also knew I was scared. Robb eyes widened and he looked mortified at the news; his child wasn't coming out.
"What happened?" Robb whispered keeping his eyes on me as he spoke; it was as if he was asking me but I knew he wasn't.
"The babe didn't make it." She whispered avoiding eye contact like she did earlier. I could tell from her movements that there was something else she wasn't saying.
"And the mother?" Robb asked voicing my thoughts after Talisa left that part silent. His eyes left mine to look at her and she slowly lifted her eyes to meet his. I knew then what she was going to say.
"Save my babe, please." I whispered leaning forward to clasp her hand. If there was one thing I was going to do before I died it was to save my child. I could see Robb snapping his head in my direction but I ignored him and kept my eyes on Talisa; I didn't care what he thought at the moment I was going to give this babe life. I could see Talisa thinking through it before see looked at me with a regretful look before nodding in agreement. "Thank you." I whispered pulling back and settling against the tree.
"No, no I won't lose you!" Robb snapped placing his hands on my cheeks so I could look him in the eye. He was terrified and he wasn't keeping it from his face; he wanted me to know he was terrified. I sighed raising a hand and resting it against his cheek, the tears were slowly running down my face.
"I know you don't, but I have to do this Robb; I have save our child." I whispered giving him a look that told him he wouldn't change my mind. My decision was made and he had to support me through it. I didn't want to put him through the pain but if he lost both of us then he would be hurting even more; I was doing the right thing. "You have to let me go Robb."
"I can't; I won't." he pressed leaning his head against mine. I could feel his tears dropping onto my cheeks as he let loose on his feelings freeing them from the grasp his mind had over them; he had to let go.
"You will and you can; you have to look after our child." I told him running my hands through his hair before screaming out in pain as the babe tried to move once again. My eyes flashed to Talisa and she gave me a tight lipped smile before resting a hand on Robb's shoulder to push him out of the way. She settled between my legs and grabbed hold of Robb's hand placing it on my knee.
"Don't let go." She ordered him before resting one hand on my bump and the other at my entrance between my legs where the babe's head was appearing. "This may hurt, but you can' fight it." She told me making sure I understood her words. I nodded telling her I understood and braced myself for the pain.
My mind went numb from the pain and I only felt what was happening by watching it through blurring eyes. I could see Robb watching as everything happened and I could see Talisa pushing down on my bump and I could feel her other hand pulling the babe out, but it was barely there in my mind. This was my time to go, I just needed to hear that my babe was okay then I could let go; I had a place to be.
A shrill cry broke through my numb mind and I could see Talisa lifting up the babe, cutting the cord. She wrapped the babe in a large fur before handing it over to Robb; I had no clue whether I had just given birth to a boy or a girl but I didn't care. My babe was safe and I could go now.
Talisa knelt between my legs and was saying something to me; she was trying to save me. It was no hope I was already going. I grabbed her hand in my own and whispered a short thank you giving her a grateful look before closing my eyes; I was ready to go.
GOTGOTGOTGOT
Rain was dropping onto my skin and the ice cold touch of it brought my eyes wide open. I was in the Godswood, but it was daytime now, no night like I thought it was. Why was I waking? I knew I had died; I had died to save my babe's life. I should not be here; I should be with the Gods.
"You are with the Gods my child." a soft voice whispered next to me and my eyes turned to see my mother crouched down next to the Weirwood tree. I smiled at her knowing that I was indeed with the Gods now; I had giving my life.
"Mother," I whispered raising my hand and pressing it against her cheek. Her hands grasped mine and she helped me into a sitting position resting my back against the tree; I died in this position. "I had my baby."
"I know you did darling, I am so proud of you." She muttered kissing my head softly before turning to face something behind her. "She isn't meant to be here." I lifted my body forward to see who she was talking to and saw the three men that were here last time. Ned Stark still looked the same yet slightly aged at the same time; was it possible to age after you had died? Robert Baratheon was smiling gentle at me as if I was his most prized possession and Hoster Tully staring down at her with a fatherly look of love.
"She won't be here for long the Gods have changed their minds." Ned announced leaning down and settling in front of me. "You are a brave one, but it is known why now." He muttered softly and I knew he was talking about my family. Upon his words I turned towards my mother and gave her a confused look.
"Why did you never tell me?" I asked knowing she would understand. She knew I was talking about the Targaryen blood within me.
"You didn't need to know, no one needed to know." She whispered closing her eyes as she rested her head in her hands. She stayed like that for a few minutes and everyone waited. "Your father expressed his thoughts on the Targaryen's before I was going to tell him; he hated them and wished they would all die. I never told him and I thought it unsafe to tell you. I never kept it from you; I always gave you a hint. It seemed the only one to understand that would be Tyrion; he is a smart man Evie, you should trust him."
"Tyrion Lannister is the only Lannister to do right by you." Robert muttered sitting on a fallen trunk and then was soon followed by Hoster. I looked between them all and gave a small smile.
"And Jamie." I softly mumbled feeling their eyes settle on me at my words. From the looks I was receiving I knew I had to explain. "He killed his own man for me; he saved my life and I owe him that. Jamie is not a bad man just misunderstood."
"If he saved you he went against Cersei; he doesn't believe in her anymore." Robert muttered thinking carefully as Ned stared at his long friend with furrowed brows.
"Robert don't you go meddling with my daughter!" my mother snapped shooting up from the floor and hovering in front of the old King. My mother could look very intimidating with her hair flowing loosely and her hands resting on her hips; she was like this when I was a child. At the mention of the word 'daughter' I couldn't help but think of the child I had given my life for.
"My babe … is he okay?" I asked looking between the four of them waiting for one of them to answer. Ned and my mother exchanged a look before Ned rested a hand my shoulder and peered down with a sot smile.
"She's fine Evie; beautiful just like you." He stated me bringing his hand up to cup my cheek. 'She' it was a girl, I thought she was a boy; Robb was wrong about the Stark's having boys as their first child.
"It was a girl?" I cried out feeling my tears trickled down my cheeks at the thought; I was a mother to a little girl. I looked up to my mother and smiled softly before looking over at the other two. Robert gave me a proud smile whereas Hoster frowned and shook his head muttering something about a boy. "What did Robb call her?"
"He wasn't named her yet; you have to understand that he just lost you." My mother whispered walking over to me and touching my cheek softly. "He misses you but you will return to him soon." Ned cleared his throat and gave my mother a look before directing his head into the trees where howling could be heard. "They will be here soon."
"The Gods seem to have a soft spot for you Evie; you weren't meant to die. You took your daughter's place and now they are sending you back; be grateful. You are special to the Gods and they will be watching over you. Your wish for Bran to get better; they will grant you that but over time." Ned muttered taking my hand in his and helping me stand; he towered over me and I felt so tiny standing next to him. Ned pulled me other to the other two where they rested on the trunk and my mother followed behind us resting her hand on my shoulder.
"Your choices shape the future Evie; the Gods will listen to you. They work in mysterious ways and it may seem like they aren't listening but they are." My mother told me kissing my head before pulling away and staring over into the trees. "Take care of my granddaughter." She voiced before running into the forest towards the howling.
"Where is she going?" I asked looking toward Ned in question. He surely knew where my mother was going.
"The Gods are sending the direwolves to take you back to Robb; she's sparing you time." He uttered to me picking up a loose curl of hair and pushing it behind my ear. He leant down and kissed my forehead in his way of saying goodbye; before he could walk towards the forest I grabbed hold of his hand.
"If we have a son Robb wishes to name him after you." I informed him releasing his hand and giving him a sad smile. Ned smiled brightly and dipped his head down to me in respected before whispering as he walked away.
"I would be honored."
I watched him walk away after my mother and then turned to face Robert as he stood and grasped my hand within his own. Through the time of Robert's rein I had hardly spoken to him but when I saw him here it was like we spoke often when he was alive. Robert seemed different here than he did when he was alive; maybe it's because he realized he didn't have anything to live for now.
"My boy, Gendry; he's my real son. Take care of him and apologize for never being there for him." He muttered squeezing my hand gently in his own. Gendry really was Robert's son; I knew I wasn't mistaken when I came to that conclusion. Robert leant down close to my ear and whispered horrifying word that made my blood turn cold. "Cersei has plans for your child; don't take her for a fool." He warned before kissing my head and following after the other two.
"Don't believe the Gods, Evie; they tend to be mistaken." Hoster suddenly said bringing my attention to him. To my eyes he looked younger than the last time I saw him; he looked healthy and satisfied. I frowned at his words but walked to sit next to him on the old, withering trunk. As I sat he grasped my hand and rested it on the trunk between us; it felt like I was with my granddad something I had never experienced. "They say things but even the Gods can be wrong."
"Will you stay with me?" I asked him clenching my hand around his as the howling came closer; the direwolves were nearing now. Hoster chuckled lightly next to me squeezing my Hand gently as well.
"I will stay with you, I promise." He whispered just as six direwolves came charging out of the trees growling and baring their teeth. They all looked different and as I stared at them I could see that they were the Stark's direwolves; Greywind, Summer, Shaggydog, Lady, Nymeria and Ghost.
"I'm ready to go." I declared releasing my hold on Hoster's hand and standing to meet the oncoming direwolves; just before they could attack everything turned black. The only image in my mind was Robb and I called out to him. "Robb!"
GOTGOTGOTGOT
"Robb!" I whispered as my eyes opened to the dark night. I was lying against the Weirwood tree once again but this time I was back with Robb; I wasn't with the Gods. As his name reached his ears Robb's head snapped toward, eyes wide and tears streaming down his face.
"Evie?" he questioned shifting over to my side carefully as he had a bundle held within his arms; that was my daughter, he was holding our daughter. I smiled at him and tried to move but the pain between my legs caused me to hiss out in pain. "You shouldn't move." He muttered sounding and looking confused, I could see him turning to face Talisa and I followed his sight to see her looking pale and half dead.
"You are graced by the Gods." She mumbled pushing herself away from me as if she was afraid of me; her actions were confusing me so I turned to face my husband. Robb's eyes connected with mine and he flicked his eyes down to our babe before looking back up at me.
"You died Evie; you were gone for a while. I had lost you and now your sat here talking and breathing." He announced reaching out his hand and touching my cheek to see if I was real; his fingers pressed against my cheek spreading warmth into me. "You came back to me." I nodded my head at his words and brought my hand up against the one resting on my check. I went to say something but was interrupted by a soft, but demanding cry; my eyes shot down to the bundling in Robb's arms.
"I want to hold her." I mumbled reaching out for my daughter. Robb's look of confusion took my focus away from my child and up into his confused eyes. What was wrong with him? All I noticed was he didn't pass over our daughter like I requested.