Robb Stark

For a woman who spent years praising the Seven and countless hours reading from the Seven-Pointed Star Robb couldn't help be momently amused when his mother pushed the blame of losing Tyrion Lannister on her sister Lysa; wasn't accountability for ones actions mentioned numerous times in her holy book.

His amusement didn't last however as he looked to his mother feeling the anger he's felt towards her for near six years surface once more. 'My lords I would speak with my mother and uncle alone, see that the army is ready to leave at first light' Robb said trying to sound as much like his father as he could.

It wasn't till the Greatjon had all but pushed Theon from the meeting room did his mother attempt to speak again. He didn't give her the chance however as he held his hand up to her before looking to his great uncle.

'Ser Brynden I'd be honored if you took command of my outriders, you know the Riverlands far better than my men' he said bringing a small smile to knights face.

Before the Blackfish was able to respond however his mother once again tried to speak calling his name trying to get his attention. Waving her to silence once more he continued speaking to his uncle saying he would need his advice in the coming days on the state of the Riverlands and what lords he could depend on most to aid the northern army.

Unwilling to be silenced anymore his mother all but shouted his name causing Grey Wind to spring from his relaxed state growling angrily. Calling his direwolf back it didn't take long for his mother to regain her composure but Robb spoke first not giving her the chance. 'You will ride north to Winterfell tomorrow while the army marches south, i will give Ser Rodrik command of twenty men to see you safely home!'

'Robb you will need me in the south I'll stay by your side' she replied moving closer as she spoke.

For a brief moment he was tempted to relent but he remained strong, 'no you have done enough already, you will return to Winterfell.'

'What have I done?' she asked a look of confusion etched across her face.

In an instant his mind went to Jon and the last time he had seen his lost brother with a reddened face from the slap he had received from Robb's mother. He didn't let his mind linger on that day or the pain he still felt for him missing brother instead he kept his mind focused. 'You kidnapped the Imp without cause and without telling anyone! The Riverlands is burning, thousands no doubt lay dead and father and the girls are prisoners all because of your stupidity!'

Shocked no doubt at being held accountable for so much his mother stood open mouthed unable to respond.

'My lord' he heard spoke forgetting for a second that his uncle was in the room. 'My niece holds blame I won't say otherwise but everything can't be leveled at her feet. The Lannister have wrecked havoc and we have heard conflicting reports of the capital; we don't know enough yet' the aged knight said stepping closer to Robb further away from his mother. 'I agree your mother should be sent to Winterfell but not yet; you will need her to speak to Walder Frey. Someone who is familiar with the old shit should speak to him if we are to cross his bridge'

Robb knew that his uncle was correct his bannermen had all informed him that Lord Frey was prickly and couldn't be trusted. Robb would be a fool to go into the Twins himself he would be sold to the Lannister's in an instant and the Blackfish couldn't lead the outriders and be his emissary.

Cursing Walder Frey he looked once more to his mother. 'You will offer the terms I decide and no more, I won't have you make anymore decisions!' he said before dismissing her without another word.

It wasn't till he was within sight of the Twins did he see or speak to his mother again and even then they weren't alone, the lords of the North stood around them as he spoke.

'The Blackfish said before he left that Lord Frey would desire a marriage but you will make it clear to him that I am not an option. I will marry a Northern bride when this war is over. You will offer uncle Edmure, having a daughter as the future lady of Riverrun should be enough to make Lord Frey remember that his liege lord is under siege. If he is still hesitant tell him lands in the North will be given to one of his son's or grandsons of his choosing'

Looking around the tent he was relieved to see that all the northern lords and lady were pleased that their future lord intended to marry within the North. In fact the only one who didn't look pleased was his mother who for as long as he could remember wanted him to marry a southern bride like his father had.

Despite her clear hesitation she nodded and promised she would deliver the Twins. Robb stayed within the tent alone looking over the maps of the Riverlands with orders not to be disturbed until his mother was returning from the Twins.

'My Lord, Lord Forrester requests an audience he says its urgent' one of the guards said peaking his head into the tent.

With a nod to the Winterfell guard; the older Lord of Ironrath was escorted in followed closely by a younger man with a scar on his face.

'My lord I apologize for the interruption but my son rode into camp moments ago asking for an audience' Gregor Forrester said looking to the younger man hesitantly.

Confused for moment Robb then remembered that the man in question was Lord Forrester's second son Asher who had been exiled from the North by his father several years ago.

'My Lord what I have to speak about is private' Asher Forrester said looking towards the two Stark guards who escorted the Forresters into the tent.

Hesitant at first until he saw Grey Wind perk up, walk over to Asher sniff him and return to his place at Robb's side.

It wasn't until his guards were fully out of the tent did Asher speak once more, ' I apologies for all the secrecy my lord but the less who know of what we speak the better. I bring a letter from your brother Jon'.

Grabbing the letter that Asher Forrester pulled from beneath his cloak. Robb looked to the single word wrote on the front; Stark.

Robb,

There is much I wish to say to you but know it must be said in person. Just know that I'm sorry for leaving without saying goodbye I had no choice. I will explain when we meet again.

I still carry the wooden wolf who tried carve for me for my ninth birthday and hope your skills with a blade have improved since then.

I will not have you fight this war alone brother Asher will share what I cannot in a letter just remember the loan wolf dies, but the pack survives and we will be pack soon I promise you that.

Your brother always

Jon

He read the short letter a half dozen times before finally putting it down and looking to the two Forresters again. Whatever doubts he had that the letter was truly from his brother were squashed after Asher told him things that only Jon would have known.

'Where is my brother now' Robb asked meeting the man's gaze

Robb listened intently and for the first time in six years he felt himself truly smile.

Notes

A new idea I have for a story and depending on interest levels I will post more.