King of Winter

by X.x.Try.Defying.Gravity.x.X

Eddard Stark has escaped & been proclaimed King in the North. He never expected an alliance with Daenerys Targaryen, to leave one daughter behind married to the most cruel King in an age, and to betroth a son to Myrcella Baratheon in attempt to stop a war already begun. The Iron Throne isn't be comfortable to sit, but Eddard thinks the Throne of the North might just be worse.

10. Moon Four (Full)

Chapter Four (Full)

The Grey Wedding

Chapter Summary:

At a Grey Wedding instead of a Red One, Roslin and Robb wed, sealing the pact to allow Robb to cross the Twins and binding their lives together as one.

Or: Robb gets thoroughly wedded and subsequently bedded.

How had he managed to drink so much without realizing it? Had it been six cups or seven?

It was the first thought Robb had upon waking. He felt dizzy with an aching head and was thirsty despite a rolling stomach. At some point in the night, his body had calmed down enough for him to sleep, but now even though he desperately needed a piss, the morning had brought a renewed arousal that threatened to make that difficult.

Clearly there was a reason the Stark children had only been allowed one glass of light wine on special occasions. Robb felt almost guilty now for having teased Jon so badly the morning after the King's arrival feast at which Jon had gotten completely, soddenly drunk.

When Robb tried sitting up, pain lanced through his temples and the dizziness caused him to wind up back on his pallet while Grey Wind looked at him with worried eyes.

"Never drink," Robb told the direwolf with a groan.

Finally, Robb forced himself to his feet and went across the tent to pour some water to splash on his face. It helped a little.

"Eggs help. Here, eat."

Robb nearly jumped out of his skin as he turned to see Brynden Tully at the entrance of his tent with a plate of eggs and fresh bread spread with honey. Robb could tell from the look on the Blackfish's face that somehow he seemed to know exactly what Robb had been up to the previous evening. Robb took the plate and motioned for Brynden to sit, which he did. Brynden poured a flagon of water, which he also pressed on Robb. "Drink that. All of it." He instructed, and Robb drank.

"How did you know?" He asked, taking a ginger bite of the eggs to see if his stomach was going to reject them or not. At this point, Robb would not have expected he had any dignity left with which to be embarrassed, but he apparently did.

Brynden chuckled lightly, though the mirth was not unkind and his blue eyes danced. "I have not seen six and fifty years and as many battles not to know what sort of things go on in an army camp. I suspected with you getting married tonight. Well."

"I… didn't…" Robb was starting to believe that the color of his face might as well stay permanently red.

"No, I suspected not. Though, from the looks of you, they did get you damn good and drunk."

"Aye." He managed. He took another bite of eggs and one of the bread and honey. It did seem to be helping a little. "My mother?"

"Has no idea."

"Thank the Gods."

"You'll feel back to normal again by mid-morning. Keep drinking water. No wine — that only makes it worse in the end." That was a relief as well. He needed to feel better if he was to function at all today. Robb also had little inclination to drink anything other than water or tea for a good long while given his current litany of physical complaints. Not to mention, he felt like he ought to be absolving himself in a Godswood or something after the previous night's depravity. And, yet, Robb was embarrassed to admit it had felt good. Very good. It probably should not have, but it had.

It was in that moment that it came rushing back to him how much he wished his father was here. Robb could have talked to him about it and Eddard would have understood. He would have understood Robb's conflicted feelings about the marriage and it suddenness and probably even about everything that had occurred the previous night. Robb had always been able to talk openly with his father and found himself missing it more than ever today. He had never envisioned a situation in which he would be getting married and one of his parents would not be present, wouldn't even know likely. He hoped his father was okay and would be okay until they could reach King's Landing.

He glanced up at his great uncle and wondered if he might try talking with him instead. It was the closest thing to his father that he would be able to get. He pondered it for a moment before hesitantly asking, "Did you ever get into situations like this? At my age?"

Brynden's mouth twisted with wry amusement. "Worse," he admitted. "Much, much worse." Perhaps, someday, he would tell his great nephew about the nighttime events of the day he had been knighted. That had involved prodigious amounts of alcohol and discovery in an unfortunately compromising situation with the only salvation being that what occurred amongst brothers in arms usually stayed there. It seemed, though, that the mere knowledge he was not alone was enough to relieve Robb.

Brynden stood and gave Robb's shoulder a re-affirming squeeze. "You've done well and you'll continue to do well. I'm proud to call you my nephew. I think your bride is likely as nervous as you are, but you'll be able to figure everything out together if you are patient. Not that I am in a position to give anyone advice about marriage. And, on that note, we have business to attend to before this evening."

Robb smiled slightly at the compliment and realized Brynden was right. It was well after first light by now and the commanders needed to convene and sort out how to best distribute the Frey men amongst the contingent as well as sort out the specifics of the plan for after they left the Twins. Those things must be sorted as soon as possible. He nodded, "I'll be along directly."

He had barely finished taking the long overdue piss and breathing a sigh of relief and began to pull out clothes for the day when Olyvar Frey quietly, almost hesitantly, asked if he might come in. "Of course." Olyvar was absolutely an anxious sort, but in a way that suggested he wanted to do everything correctly. Robb had had a few minutes to talk with him the previous evening at supper and decided that he seemed to be an all right lad. But, with so many men surrounding him and needing his attention, they had not had a chance to talk as thoroughly as Robb might have liked.

He really wanted to get to know his new squire more. If they had been marching that day, likely he would have had Olyvar take a place beside him. Instead, they were staying another day so that Robb and Roslin Frey could wed. The thought still boggled his mind. He would have appreciated more than 24 hours to wrap his mind around the idea, but this was how it was and he would rise to it the way he knew his father would have done.

"I would have brought you food to break your fast but Ser Brynden said he had seen to it."

"He did." Robb had to admit it had been nice to break his fast with his Uncle as he also got to know the Blackfish better.

Olyvar nodded. "I've seen to your armor and your sword including a proper polish. You may not want them for today, but when we march… I have clean clothes for you for the day and someone is seeing to something nicer for tonight. I'll make sure a bath is drawn for you after you have met with the other lords. I visited your horse and made sure he had a nice bran mash today. I figure everyone is celebrating, maybe he should too. Does he have a name?" Olyvar said. Then, he continued "Have you any messages you would like me to see to or anything else I've left out?"

Robb sat there and looked at Olyvar in stunned silence. The idea that suddenly he had someone to see to all of these tasks for him, tasks he'd always seen to (been expected to see to!) on his own was quite new. The response was better and more than he could have expected. He had not given Olyvar any instructions of tasks. In fact, he had just told him to settle in. And he had done all of this. The boy did know about squiring it seemed.

"No.. You've done well. Thank you. His name is Night Raider, sometimes just gets called Raider." Robb said.

"It's a good name. Do you do want your armor? I can help you with it, but I suspect you won't without us marching?"

Robb shook his head, "Not today, but tomorrow I would appreciate that a good deal. Go break your own fast if you have not already done so. You've seen to everything I need." Robb said, his appreciation clear in his voice.

After Olyvar left, Robb dressed and made his way to the tent where he had been holding his war council with the other lords and commanders of import. His face turned red once more when the Greatjon sat beside him at the table. While Greatjon was all business now, there was a slightly amused twist to his lips all the same. It was only by sitting next to Roose Bolton on his other side that Robb managed to calm his blush and focus on the meeting before him.

"Good morning." Robb said and the usual pleasantries and good mornings went round the table before he turned to business. Robb was doing his best to manage the duties of leading so many men and show confidence even if he did not always feel it. "Since Lord Frey had given us permission to cross and turned his banners to us, we will march on the morrow. It is best not to delay here any longer than we must."

The sooner they could finish things in the Riverlands, the sooner they could go for his father and sisters. He just wanted them safe and returned to him. But he had no choice but to be patient and go about this in the proper way. "And of course, I'm glad you are able to join us Ser Stevron." He said, giving a nod to the new lord who now had a place amongst them as he was in charge of the four thousand man contingent House Frey had brought to their army.

"It is my honor to be here." Ser Stevron said. House Frey now seemed completely devoted to their cause and the men were polite, which made Robb thankful.

Robb inclined his head in response before turning back to the matters at hand. "When we march tomorrow, our forces will split. The foot will go with Lord Roose on the Kingsroad. Meanwhile, the horse will go with me. Ser Brynden will ride ahead with his scouts to ensure our split is unnoticed by the Lannisters.

"I will ensure they have no idea," Brynden vowed. He was quite certain that was something he could manage.

"You have my thanks," Robb responded. "Tell us what your scouts know currently."

"At the moment, the Lannister forces are regrouping from their victory at Riverrun." Brynden's tone was bitter about that. He intended to relieve the siege on his family's keep and lands as soon as possible. "Roose, your men are likely to encounter them at the Green Fork still — somewhere between here and the Inn at the Crossroads. I hope you will be able to take them unawares."

Robb nodded, "I think that strategy makes sense. Lord Roose, the overall command will be yours. You'll have roughly 17,000 foot — 16,500 infantry and 600 heavy cavalry as far as I can work the numbers. The banners with you, beyond your own men, will be Wylis Manderly, Lord Cerwyn, Harrion Karstark, and Lord Hornwood."

Roose nodded his approval. "That sounds sufficient."

"Many of the riverlands forces are completely scattered after the Kingslayer destroyed their hosts. We will need to bring everyone together into a cohesive unit again. The Lannister forces not holding siege on Riverrun are at the Ruby Ford. Tywin likely believes he will be intercepting us there. We, of course, have other plans. I am thinking we could take him by surprise."

Roose Bolton nodded, "What do you propose specifically?"

"If we are successful at hiding our split, the Lannisters may hope to lure me into battle. They would like to use the fact that I am a 'green boy' against us, and I will not give them that opportunity. I will go to relieve Riverrun. Likely, they hope we will overcommit, but we shall not. I suspect Lord Tywin himself will have the command at Ruby Ford as the Kingslayer remains at the Riverrun siege. By not over-committing we will, perhaps, be able to even things out a bit and get a victory over the Lannisters while also relieving the siege at the same time. Lord Roose, should you encounter difficulties, you could draw back to the mouth of the causeway and reform there. Of course, we hope for better outcomes. Ideally, I would have you ensure Lord Tywin's distraction long enough for him not to realize that my contingent is falling upon the Kingslayer's host as well as winning the battle against Tywin himself. In that case, he will not get in my way and net is two victories."

Robb turned to the other Lords and saw that they were nodding in approval. As they had marched, Robb was becoming a better commander and at least somewhat more confident in his strategic moves. He no longer had to rely on the Lords to make all the plans, though their counsel was always welcome.

"I approve," Roose Bolton said with a nod. The others seemed to do as well, so Robb continued.

"Meanwhile, my contingent at Riverrun will see if they can outflank the Lannister forces — they won't be expecting us there."

Ser Brynden nodded, "I'll see to that. My scouts will go ahead if you approve. I'll take perhaps 300 outriders and ensure we shoot down any Lannister ravens and we'll see to Jaime's scouts."

Maege Mormont spoke next. "If I may? We could send Ser Marq with a small set of men to create a distraction. Perhaps to harry their supply trains. It might draw the Kingslayer out of his camp."

Robb looked toward Ser Marq who nodded in approval and Robb suggested, "Half a hundred should be sufficient. Meanwhile, if Ser Brynden's scouts then also raid, we'll be assured Jaime will have to leave to deal with at least one or the other if not both. He'll likely be expecting to deal with a small force of raiders. Meanwhile, I can bring the rest of my men round and pull him into a trap."

Greatjon nodded. "I see your thinking. Let's lure the Kingslayer into the woods near Tumblestone. If your men, Robb, are in the valley but hidden they could fall on Lannister from all sides and take them by complete surprise."

"Not in the valley, but around it," Ser Stevron suggested. "I would propose… Lady Maege's and Lord Jason Mallister's forces at the East, Lord Karstark's forces to the North. Meanwhile, my own forces to the West. Across the ridge Greatjon could have his men."

Lady Maege nodded, "When the Lannisters are drawn into the trap, we can fall on them from all sides with Robb's forces from the middle — they could indeed be hidden at the back of the valley in the black. We only need a signal. I could sound a horn once as my vantage point will be the best if we arrange as Ser Stevron suggests. We would then all know to fall upon them."

Robb looked around to see that everyone approved and they seemed to do. "I think the plan is good. We can refine any details as we need to when we draw closer, but we will proceed with this plan. Thank you, my lords — and lady — for your wisdom and suggestions.

As Robb rose from his chair, he noticed Lord Rickard Karstark standing near him. It seemed to Robb as if the man had something on his mind and so he invited, "Would you care to walk with me?"

Lord Rickard accepted and the two men left the tent together behind the others. However, they were no sooner out of the tent than they were greeted by a young boy in House Frey livery. He looked as if he were perhaps eight or nine — around Bran's age. A page, Robb decided. He had been sitting on the ground, presumably waiting for the meeting to finish. However, when he caught sight of Robb, he jolted to his feet at once. "I've a message for you, Lord Robb."

"Of course. I am at your service," Robb told the boy with a smile.

"Lady Roslin sent me to ask if you might wish to meet before tonight. I could show you where would be pretty to walk with her in the gardens."

Robb was on the point of saying yes before he remembered that Lord Rickard had seemed to already want to speak with him about some matter.

"You should go. What I was going to inquire about isn't urgent."

Robb looked between the page and Lord Rickard but knew his duty. There was true regret in his eyes and his tone when he said, "Please give my honest regrets to Lady Roslin and let her know my duties keep me here for the present, but I… look forward to meeting her."

The thought was odd. He was going to meet Roslin for the first time at their wedding. He would have given much and more to be able to go with the young page, but he knew what his father would do and remained steadfast in his decision. He only hoped that Roslin would be understanding. He could only imagine that she must be as nervous as himself.

After the page had left to return his message, Lord Rickard smiled slightly. "You're a good man, Robb but I truly would not have been offended if you had wanted to go."

"That is because you are also a good man, Lord Rickard. That said, my duty lies here first. I will have time to meet my betrothed later today. My men and duties must come before myself."

"I am certain you have heard it before, but you are so like your father," Lord Rickard told him as they began to walk.

Robb had heard it and wasn't sure he was deserving of the praise, but couldn't help but feel a burst of pride whenever he was reminded of the similarities to her father as Lord Eddard was everything he and his brothers had striven to be throughout their growing up years. "Aye. I hope I do him proud. But tell me what it is you wanted to talk about." Grey Wind fell in beside their heels as they walked through the camp.

"I had been wondering if you had thought toward what you wished to do with your hostages, namely Tyrion Lannister."

It was a good point. Robb chewed his lip. It was something he had considered but not yet come to a conclusion on. Robb had one hostage — one of any particular value anyway — but both sisters and his father to try to win in exchange. It would be poor military strategy to try to use the Imp to reach his sisters, but he knew it was what his father would want. Eddard would want Sansa and Arya out of King's Landing as soon as possible. However, Robb wanted his father. He wanted his council and advice. Yet, at the same time, he recognized the vulnerability of the girls. The letter he had been sent by Sansa worried him once his mother had pointed out how unlike Sansa the note sounded truly. It was a question with no good answer.

"I've not thought my way to a particularly good solution," he admitted sheepishly. "Have you a suggestion?"

Lord Rickard seemed slightly surprised to be asked his opinion on the matter and considered the question. "I would not act too swiftly. The Lannisters will likely expect you to try to trade hostages at the first possible moment. They will take you as a boy who will want his father and sisters back — someone easy to take advantage of if you offer terms too quickly."

Robb nodded. It was what he had been afraid of, really. "There is that. And the fact that I have one hostage to their three."

"The battle you plan to wage against the Kingslayer at Tumblestone by luring his host into a trap might be an apt time to try to capture more hostages."

It was a good point. If the trap functioned right, the Lannister host would be completely taken by surprise and, in the chaos, it would not be difficult to capture more men. "You make a wise point. They would need to be officers or knights in Lannister house employ, though. Elsewise, they will not be interesting to Lord Tywin. Likewise, I think I would be wise to try to wage a hand full of battles — ideally victories — before offering trade terms unless Lord Tywin brings them up first. The longer I delay and the more I have to offer, the more I can expect in return." I hope.

"I'm glad to know this is how you are thinking. You are learning quickly."

Robb couldn't resist a small smile at the compliment. "Thank you, my lord."

"One other thing I will leave you with to consider. Once you have your few victories, Lord Tywin may wish to talk terms with you. I would advise you to think about what you want."

"Well…" Robb sighed and ran a hand through his auburn hair. Initially he had started this because he wanted to free his father and sisters. At some point, however, it had spun well out of hand of that. Now, it had become a full on war. "I think.. It's too late to go back." A grim determination settled over him. "It is something I will bring up next we all meet. I am not inclined to offer him easy terms. We've come too far. On the other hand, a war in the south means less time for bringing in another harvest in the North before winter."

"Indeed. The men will follow you. If you continue to press on. Most houses are well provisioned enough. Likewise, the Southron Lords will need the relief. That, too, is something to consider. They have become involved and would be left without enough aid if we pull North too quickly. Not that I look forward to a drawn out affair either."

Again, Lord Rickard made excellent points. Robb had allied with the River Lords and their plight was entirely different from the North. Many of their fields and holdfasts were burnt and pillaged. "Another question to raise — perhaps with those Lords themselves. I suppose it is possible we may need to augment their stores if the Winter is a long one. Regardless, I want to try to include as many as possible in the decision. I do not wish something the other Lords do not support. You have offered leal service in House Stark's time of need, but I would like as many of us to be of a mind as possible on our courses of action henceforth. I shall bring this matter to council as well."

While Robb's headache was gone, his mind was reeling with all the points Lord Rickard had given him to consider before they met in council again.

When Robb had finished all the business that needed to be attended to within the camp, he returned to his tent to find almost everything had been removed save Grey Wind's blanket, which the direwolf was laying on. When Robb entered, Olyvar Frey hopped up from the ground and brushed off the grass. "I hope you will forgive me of taking the liberty of being in your tent," He muttered hesitantly.

Robb was definitely recognizing what his mother had meant when she said Olyvar was an anxious sort. As well, it still bore the need for some getting used to, the idea of having a squire to attend to needs he generally attended to on his own and didn't mind doing so. He wasn't sure he actually needed a squire, but Olyvar was quick and able so far as it seemed, so if this was what he wanted, Robb did not have an objection.

"You're my squire." He pointed out. "There's no reason for you not to be here." And he offered the boy a small smile in hopes he could reassure him. Well, he called him a boy but Robb could tell he was probably his own age give or take a year. "Though all of my things appear to be… missing."

"Oh! Ser Brynden, your lady mother, and some others are moving into Water tower for the night, and I took the liberty of moving your things over as well so you would be settled. I already arranged a bath for you and someone to give you a shave if you want. Your armor and such is moved there for you to dress in the morning. The only thing I didn't move is your wolf's pallet. He doesn't seem all that… sure of me yet."

Robb looked over at Grey Wind who was still laying contentedly on the aforementioned pallet. "Olyvar is a friend. Stop being difficult. Off." Robb said jerking his head to the side in indication. "To me." He instructed and Grey Wind came. Robb took some time to rub Grey Wind's head and ruff. He no longer had to lean down to pet him. The direwolf came up almost to his lower chest now and must have weighed some fourteen stone by now. He could see why Grey Wind was surely imposing to others.

"Come and pet him if you want. He'll be good now."

"You're sure that's a good idea? He won't… bite my hand off or something?"

"No. I told him you're a friend."

So, Olyvar came forward and placed a very hesitant hand on Grey Wind's flank and give him a little scratch. The wolf seemed happy enough about that. Robb picked up the pallet and handed it to Olyvar. "Hopefully that was helpful."

"It was my lord. Thank you."

Robb was always embarrassed when people kept referring to him as a Lord. His father was the true lord, not Robb. "Just Robb. Please. I appreciate all you have arranged. Thank you." He said sincerely. "Could you find out if anyone else is in need of me. If not, I think it is time I went and cleaned up. I'll walk down by the river for a bit until you can let me know if I'm needed for anything here." Robb could have gone to see to it himself, but Olyvar seemed so enthusiastic about his squiring duties that Robb might as well let him have them. He had barely given the instruction when Olyvar dashed out of the tent to do his bidding.

He also thought he might be able to pick some wildflowers for Roslin. It was small tidings compared to expecting her to participate in marriage to someone whom she didn't know, whom she would, in fact, not even see until they met in the sept given that his day had been filled with battle plans and talking to both common cavalry men and lords as well. Nonetheless, small tidings or not, it was something at least — he hoped.

Wandering along the banks of the Greek Fork, Robb had the first time to think and be alone and appreciate nature's quiet beauty for the first time in weeks. While it was no Godswood, it was certainly a pleasant place to walk. Grey Wind came along at his heels, plodding silently through the grass. His familiar presence was a balm to Robb's nervousness, which was truly setting in now that he was alone with no specific task to accomplish other than think about all that was about to unfold. The course of his life was about to be changed forever. "Please let her be good and kind and a good Lady of Winterfell," he whispered a prayer hoping that the Old Gods could still hear him even in the South.

He moved along the bank of the river picking wildflowers. Robb found himself wishing he had paid more attention to Sansa's ramblings about flower meanings. He found he could remember a few and made a point to choose those when he saw them. He found daisies first, finding a clump of them in a bright, sunny area. He remembered Sansa saying something about daisies meaning purity and that they were also the Mother's flower. His father brought some to his mother every time she had given him a child — at least that Robb could remember. Robb had little doubt as to why Walder Frey wanted him to marry Roslin now. No doubt, he wanted to try to ensure she would get with child sooner rather than later.

He remembered that the little yellow daffodils with their darker trumpets raised and opened represented new beginnings. That was certainly fitting enough. He found what he thought was Larkspur, too. In the North it usually was more of a purple color. Here it was a soft pink, but he remembered the odd way it looked — growing up with flowers on top of each other in a line. It meant an open heart if he remembered right. Wanting to even it out a little bit, Robb picked a bit of Queen Alysanne's lace. Was that one femininity? Maybe? He couldn't remember. He examined the small bouquet of pink, yellow, and white and decided he was happy with it.

He looked up just then to see Olyvar cresting the hill above the river bank, moving purposefully toward him. He stopped to wait for the squire to catch up. "From what I can tell, everything has been seen to my — Robb." He corrected himself. Apparently Robb had told him enough times now just to call him Robb.

"Thank you. Would you be willing to run one more errand?"

"Of course." Olyvar looked at the flowers in his hand and grinned. "For Roslin?"

Robb nodded, the lately ever-present blush blooming across his face.

"She'll love them," Olyvar assured.

"I hope." Robb admitted a bit hesitantly. He was slightly worried Roslin might be offended that he had not come to meet her before. He hoped she knew he had wanted to.

"She will. Girls like this kind of thing. Wouldn't your sisters like them?"

Robb grinned. "One would love it. One would stick her tongue out at me and run off."

Olyvar couldn't help but smirk at that. "Well, Roslin will like them."

"How can you be so sure?" Robb asked, handing him the bouquet.

"She's my younger sister by a year. Your age."

Robb's eyes widened in surprise. "Why didn't you say so?"

Olyvar shrugged and smiled, "Hadn't come up. Now that it has: be good to her."

"I will. You have my word," Robb promised seriously.

"I believe you." Olyvar responded sincerely. He took the flowers and turned to go and then stopped for a moment before he looked back at Robb. "We'll get your sisters back. And your lord father. Don't worry."

Robb looked at the other boy with a small smile and a nod. He knew Olyvar couldn't truly say that anymore than he could, but it felt good to hear nonetheless.

"Better go see to these."

"And I had better go get ready."

Robb looked around the suite that was his — and Roslin's (a strange thought) — for the night in quiet appreciation. While the Twins' architecture might not have been to Robb's taste, the inside of the suites in the Water tower were something to appreciate.

The suite denoted for his use was tucked in the undercroft of the tower where crossed arches formed the ceiling. Limestone lathed smooth to the touch made up the tower both inside and out, though the floor had been laid down in wood. A tall, narrow window faced east. Beneath it sat a tiny round breakfast table with blue flowers in a vase; these, Robb didn't recognize. Heavy light blue and grey brocade curtains framed the window. The wall adjacent had a beautifully carved stone fireplace with a chair to the side. The central item in the room was a large bed. Its posts were carved flowers and were hung with curtains made of the same brocade as the drapes and tied back with blue and grey tassels. The coverlet was made with fringe all round the bottom. A carved end table at each side of the bed held candles and one held two goblets and a flagon Robb suspected was wine — which he felt less apt to touch after the previous night's experience. A carved trunk with the same vining flowers as the bed's posts sat at the foot of the bed.

It was the center of the bed Robb was drawn to when he realized the bride's cloak his mother had sewn was spread out there. He cross to it and simple stared in wonder. It was truly a thing of beauty, and he wondered how his mother had made it so quickly. Soft grey cloth, but warm for the Northron weather, fur lining, white trim and a white direwolf sigil with black embroidery silk outline. She had stitched the Godswood with the heart tree along the back of the cloak. Robb touched his finger to the brilliant red thread that made up the heart tree and felt his throat grow thick. It was everything he could have hoped to cloak his bride in, and all he could do was stare in wonder at it. It felt like home. It was a tiny piece of Winterfell there with him even though he would be marrying Roslin in the faith of the Seven.

He looked up when he heard a footstep on the stone just outside. His mother was standing there in a beautiful gown with her hair all done up in Southron style and jewelry. Her gown was jade green with gold topaz accents. Moving with an army camp the last few moons' turns, it wasn't as if they usually had a chance or reason to dress in finery. They had not brought any such clothes with them, so Robb expected she had borrowed these from one of the many Frey women. If there was one advantage to the number of Freys present, it must be that there was more than enough dress clothes to borrow for the occasion. Earlier, he had seen Blackfish's own squire helping him into clothes through his slightly open door as well.

For a moment, Robb could not take his eyes off his beloved mother. She looked happier than she had at any time since Bran's fall. And when he thought about the cloak he had made for her, tears he fought not to let show gathered in the corners of his eyes and he went to embrace her. "Thank you, mother. It is perfect. It is everything I could have wanted." He leaned down to give her a soft kiss on both of her cheeks. Catelyn's smile was watery too as she looked up at her son, a man-grown now. The pride she felt for him swelled within her and could not be expressed in words. Instead, she merely returned his hug quite tightly and returned his kiss on the cheek.

"I am so proud of you, Robb. You have grown into an amazing man." Tears glistened in her eyes too. She hugged him once more, very tightly indeed. "I wish your father were here to see you."

"We will carry him with us in our hearts." Robb reassured, smiling slightly. "And, if the Gods are good, we will soon have he and the girls safely home again. Tonight, we will celebrate. He would wish that. I can only hope that Roslin and I may find the love and affection for one another that you and father happen."

"I wish that for you as well," Catelyn told him, cupping his cheek gently once more. Her eldest, all of her children, made her so happy and they fulfilled her life. "Now, go and clean yourself up. I assume Olyvar saw to a bath waiting for you."

"He did. He is doing a very good job. I'm quite pleased with him thus far, really. That seems to have been a good trade."

"You're of the same size, so I believe he has lent you some of his dress clothes, or is going to, based on our brief conversation."

Robb smiled at his mother and said, "Thank you," once more before wandering into the tower to find the place he might clean up.

Robb realized that the rooms were small squares ringing a tiny central hallway that fit perfectly into the square base of the tower. Directly across, he saw that a bathing tub had been set up in the Blackfish's room which had more space for such a thing as it had a smaller bed — though was slightly less luxurious than his own. A barber's tools were laid out on a leathern case, which he was glad of. He hadn't had a chance to have a proper shave in a while. Pushing the door closed, Robb didn't hesitate to strip out of his clothes and sink into the bath all the way up to his neck.

The water was fresh and exceptionally hot, but it felt good all the same. Robb took a breath and ducked beneath the water to wet his hair and then began to rub the soap all over with a square of linen left for a washing cloth. The soap had a woody scent with hints of both sweet and spice. He made quick but thorough work of cleaning his body and washing his hair. He had not felt so clean and refreshed since bathing the night before he left winterfell. He took a moment to just lay his head back on the bathing tub and relax, though when Olyvar came in, he raised his head.

"I found you some of my clothes I think will fit," Olyvar said, pleased.

Robb stood and wrapped a drying linen around him so he could look at the clothes. They were satin and velvet. The breeches were vertical striped navy blue and deep grey slashed through. There were grey hose style socks, fresh smallclothes, and cleaned and polished dress boots. For the top was a cream colored doublet with a pattern of grey stitching with tiny dots in fours and a black jerkin with actual silver cast buttons to go over top. Robb's sword belt, scabbard, and sword were cleaned and polished to a shine and brought along with the clothes. Robb couldn't help but be amazed and thankful for the clothes and told Olyvar as much.

Not wanting to get the nice clothes mussed, Rob put on only the clean small clothes before the barber came to shave him and cut his hair. Once that was finished, Robb assured Olyvar he could go and dress and Robb would manage with his own clothes (had he not managed for five and ten years?).

Once he was dressed, anxiousness and Grey Wind were his only companions, so he paced. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he was getting married in less than an hour. It felt extremely jamais vu. Grey Wind laid on a rug by the hearth. "Glad you're so relaxed. I'm nervous as the seven hells." Robb said, tugging slightly at the collar of his doublet. "You know, what if I'm not what she wants or she's not what I want? I haven't even met her, hells, haven't even seen her, and I'm wedding her in less than an hour." Robb silently asked the Old Gods to watch over him and help him be calm and everything Roslin needed — and for good measure, since they were marrying in a sept, he asked the New ones too.

It felt like years before Olyvar came to tell him they were ready. Robb near ran out of the room before he remembered something and stepped back. "Will you keep an eye on Grey Wind tonight? And during.. The ceremony and all. He's just always with me and, well, tonight. You know maybe it would be better if he… wasn't?"

Olyvar looked at Grey Wind with a nervous expression but nodded.

"He'll behave. I promise." Robb turned to look at the direwolf. "Go with Olyvar," he motioned so Grey Wind padded over and sat beside Olyvar. Robb could tell it was going to take the slightly anxious boy a while to get used to Grey Wind. Robb couldn't blame him, Grey Wind was huge and it was well enough known that he had bitten off the first two joints of two of the Greatjon's fingers. Robb gave the Wolf a rub on the head and side with a fond smile. "Thanks," He told the squire. "He'll likely just lay on the hearth — or else go hunting tonight." He paused. "Did you warn Roslin about him?"

Olyvar nodded dutifully. "I told her. She likes animals, so she ought to be fine. Maybe a bit nervous of him at first but… who wouldn't be, really? He looks like he could eat me for dinner."

Robb looked amused. "I think a human would still be too big a prey item for a direwolf."

"Well, that's a relief. Though, I note you didn't say he couldn't kill me."

Robb couldn't help but chuckle. "Probably he could, but he isn't going to. Nothing to worry about. He listens to me, and I've told him to behave himself. He seems to get to know what humans are in his pack. He'll figure out you're one of them soon enough."

He rubbed Grey Wind once more before they left the room and headed toward the sept. Olyvar and Grey Wind parted to go stand in the crowd.

The sept was already crowded with people. Most of Roslin's family was there, what little family Robb had with him and most of the great lords and then as many minor lords as could fit and as many foot and horse men as they could fit. The rest of the company, all twenty-one thousand of them, were as close as they could get to the building proper. The sheer amount of them made Robb's head swim. Did all of his mean truly care about seeing him wed? The answer seemed to be indeed yes.

Inside the sept, Robb caught sight of his mother, of Blackfish, Theon, and Olyvar with Grey Wind all together near the front, and there was a sudden pining pain in his chest as he thought of those who were missing: his father, Jon, his sisters, Bran and Rickon. He took a deep breath. They would be here in his heart.

The crowd had managed to part enough for a silver carpet to be placed down for Roslin to walk on with lavender and light blue petals scattered all over it. The columns in the sept had been bedecked with white roses on vines, wrapping around the columns from top to bottom. Each of the seven faces had candles lit before their statues. He suspected that his lady mother had been there earlier in the day to pray and leave one of those candles at each of the Seven, which touched his heart. The septon stood at the front of the sept waiting for them and Robb's nerves seemed to get that much worse, his heart pounding in his chest. Yet, there was also some sort of anticipation he could not explain as well.

He caught sight of his mother once more and she gave a slow nod of encouragement that made Robb feel better. Catching sight of Grey Wind, Robb realized they had forced him into being brushed and having a silver, white, and black ribbon put around his neck. Robb might have laughed aloud if it wouldn't seem irreverent.

Robb stood at the front with the Septon and tried to keep his nerves under control and not fidget, which was easier said than done. It was surreal; in a few minutes he would be saying his wedding vows to a girl he had not even met. A girl he knew nothing about other than that she was kind, gentle, liked music, and liked animals, and liked painting — these things had been told him by Olyvar. They seemed promising, at least a little. That sounded a little like Sansa, and Robb though he would be okay with that as long as she could also be strong enough to survive in the harsh realities of the North when they were home again.

And then, all of a sudden, she was standing at the door to the sept. Robb had to fight to keep his jaw from dropping. This young girl in front of him, no a woman grown really — his own age, was more exquisite than he could have imagined. Perhaps beauty was skin deep alone, but Robb was fifteen and he could not help but notice her beauty. 'Gods. This is my wife,' Robb thought, not able to stop staring in disbelief. His heart was pounding and he tried to keep his hands from getting clammy. Robb's blue eyes just drank her in and could not stop staring.

Roslin was small. Her head would come to his chest, just beneath his neck where he could hold her, he was willing to bet. (How was he already thinking of holding her?) She was slender with delicate features. Her skin was very white, like magnolias, Robb thought — the sort that grew in the warm glass gardens at Winterfell. Her cheeks were currently flushed with pink. Her features were so delicate. She had a soft closed mouth smile (he'd later learn the way she smiled helped her to hide a small gap between her front teeth. She was self conscious of it even though it was small). Her nose was delicate and just slightly up turned, her chin softly pointed. She had big brown eyes with long lashes; Robb knew he could melt in those eyes forever.

Roslin had long, shining nut brown hair. It reached her waist. She had done it in a Northron style, Robb noticed in disbelief. His throat felt thick and he tried to swallow because he realized not only was her hair Northron style, but she had woven the flowers of his bouquet into it. It was half up with two small braid leading along each side back to a braided knot at the back. One braid was loose from the bottom of the knot and trailed down her back. The other half of her hair was left loose to flow down her back. The Queen Alysanne's lace was tucked into the small braids along the sides. The stems were gone and just the tiny flowers poked through. She had twisted the Larkspur into her bun so that it was a circle of braid, a circle of larkspur, a circle of braid and so on. Meanwhile, the daisies and daffodils were woven, delicately, into the braid going down the back.

Roslin's gown was a mixture of white cream and softly muted peach pink. It had a square neck with slender three quarter sleeves made of cream lace. The overdress was cream silk with peach flowers embroidered around the bottom, their centers made of pearls and opals. The under dress was the peach color. The dress's bodice was cream around the sides but peach up the front. It laced down the back with peach ribbons. Tied about her neck was a grey velvet cloak edged in deep blue. Robb knew it would have the twin castle sigil of house Frey at the back. Robb couldn't help but think how she would look with his grey and white bride's cloak about her shoulders.

'Gods she is beautiful.'

Roslin was with Lord Walder who was leaning heavily on a walking stick. Robb realized he did not walk well at all, could barely do it in fact, but seemed determined to walk with Roslin through the sept. He noticed Roslin was helping her father along and was touched by her gentle care and thoughtfulness.

Robb was not the only one staring. Roslin had seen Robb from afar but never this close. He was handsome, tall and strong with broad shoulders. He had a mop of curly auburn hair and soft blue eyes the same as many members of the Tully family — they matched his mother's, she realized. He had a short, neatly trimmed beard and mustache and lips that looked soft. She imagined that soon she would find out how soft and had to fight to keep her face from reddening. Her heart was pounding as fast as she had ever known it to do. In his hands was carefully folded a bride cloak for her. Roslin helped her father sit in a chair, placed at the front for that purpose, before turning to Robb.

Their eyes met and Robb hoped his stomach was not the only one doing flip-flops.

Roslin hoped her heart was not the only one pounding as if she had ridden her horse in a race.

Robb found that he wanted to take her hand in his, but it wasn't time yet.

"Hello." Roslin whispered. Robb was nearly borne away by the soft, sweet sound of her voice.

"Hello." He whispered back, and she gave a soft smile that made his breath catch already. In that moment, neither of them were able to look away, their eyes meeting and not parting — her brown and his blue. "I'm sorry I couldn't meet you today." He whispered with true regret in his voice.

Roslin's heart swelled. "You were meeting with your Lords. That was important." And he could have kissed her for understanding. But he wasn't allowed to touch her just yet. So he smiled at her instead, just a small smile, but it said everything: a smile of hopefulness for the future one could say. Gods, did he already care forthis girl before him? This girl who would be with him for the rest of his life? Was she feeling the same about him? Not a single thing mattered except them. Robb's world had shrunk to the size of just Roslin. He might have been surprised to learn she was feeling just that same thing.

So fixated on each other were they that Roslin almost jumped slightly when she heard the septon's voice as they all took their places between the statue of the mother and the father. She wanted to take his hands.

Robb wanted to feel her small hands clasped in his too, but not yet. So, instead, he turned to the septon.

"You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection."

Robb and Roslin where sharing shy smiles and pink cheeks. Something warmed in his stomach when Roslin bit her lip lightly during her smile. Gods she was beautiful. And something warmed in Roslin's heart when she saw the tenderness in Robb's blue eyes.

Slowly, Robb untied the cords at the front of her cloak that held it closed and then slid it down her shoulders. He was careful as he folded it and set it aside. His touch was so warm on her skin as he wrapped soft fingers around her arm to encourage her to turn so he could put his own cloak on her. Robb's entire body felt as if it was thrumming with an energy he had never felt before. Whatever it was, he thought he liked it. Tenderly, he spread the Stark cloak over Roslin's shoulders and tied the ribbons before she turned back to him. Both of them were smiling shy smiles at one another again.

Roslin's heart pounded and her skin tingled where Robb's bride cloak had replaced her maiden cloak. She was his now. The Stark cloak on her shoulders was proof of it. In her quiet, soft nature she had dreamed of a match made for love even though she knew that was not how it worked for highborn maidens. But, maybe, just maybe, it could happen. The way she felt beneath his cloak was an emotion so strong she didn't know how to describe it beyond a safety and happiness she had never known before.

The Septon was saying something, but Robb could barely hear him. It was as if the man was a hundred leagues away. The only thing he could focus on in that moment was Roslin.

"My lords, my ladies, we stand here in the sight of gods and men to witness the union of man and wife. One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever."

Robb found his bride's hand and felt her fingers slip between his as if they were meant to be there. His skin tingled where she touched.

Roslin felt his large hand envelope hers and felt safety descend on her as she had never felt before. Robb Stark had claimed her. She was his now. His hands were larger than hers and lightly calloused from work with his sword. Their hands were perfect together. Could it be a good omen of things to come?

Robb looked down as he saw the septon begin to tie an intricate ribbon around their hands. His eyes went back to hers, meeting, holding. Finally their hands were tied together. Neither could have made sense of or put into words what they felt if they'd been asked to try. Robb only knew it was one of the most powerful things he'd ever felt in his life and Roslin felt the same.

"Let it be known that Roslin of House Frey and Robb of House Stark are one heart, one flesh, and one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder. In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity."

Even though the Septon undid the ribbon, Robb made no move to separate their fingers and neither did Roslin. She liked holding his hand. Her hand felt like it belonged in his and always had, somehow. His hand felt to her as if he was protecting and cherishing her. Her family was large, and sometimes she felt lonely. But this man was claiming her and only her. And she could already feel that love could grow for him if he was the man she believed him to be from what she had heard.

Robb kept his fingers gently laced through hers. Her fingers felt so soft and delicate in his. Her skin was like cream. Softly, he rubbed his thumb against the center of her palm and was rewarded with a small smile and gentle brown eyes. Softly, he let his fingers stroke hers, just a bit. He wanted to much to pull her into his arms and hold her against him. He wanted to know what her mouth would feel like against his, though it was not something he had ever known before. Yet, he knew he wanted it. But there would be plenty of time for that at the feast when they ate, drank, made merry, and danced. But he could not stop himself from slowly caressing her cheek with his free hand. He felt her lean toward his hand just a bit.

"Look upon each other and say the words," the Septon instructed. Robb dropped his hands and took both of hers in his.

Roslin stared up at him. Somehow, there was no nervousness like she expected. There was only a feeling that she thought might lead to true love. When he had touched her cheek it had felt wonderful. It had felt loving, protective, safe. Had the Gods heard her prayers and brought Robb to her? They must. She could not think how many hours she had spent praying at the Mother's and the Maiden's feet the night before: until her knees were raw. Could he possibly be everything she had prayed for: brave, strong, kind, faithful, honest, intelligent, gentle… could one man be all of those things? Roslin wasn't sure but somehow she thought it was possible Robb could be as they held each other's hands tightly.

Robb and Roslin stared deep into each other's eyes and began to speak together as one. "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am hers and she is mine from this day until the end of my days." And he shivered when she repeated it save making it "I am his and he is mine." Their fingers were remained clasped tightly.

"With this kiss, I pledge my love," Robb murmured.

Robb had never kissed anyone before, though Theon had given him advice on it years before. Despite his lack of experience, Robb found that he was not scared at all, not with the beautiful, sweet girl in front of him. Slowly, Robb figured it out, sliding a hand into the back of her hair to tilt her face up to him and Roslin stepped closer slightly until they were chest to chest. Roslin's fingers spread along beside his shoulder while Robb's free hand slipped around her lower back, pulling Roslin close against him. She rested her head into his hand, trustingly. Robb tipped his face over hers and slowly pressed his lips against hers. Tiny electric shocks felt as if they were going all through his body. He could smell her scent and feel her mouth so very soft against his.

She felt his lips too. Her fingers held more tightly around his upper arm and her free hand clenched the jerkin at the nape of his neck. She could smell his scent and found it intoxicating. There was a woody scent to it with slight spice, metal from his sword seemed to have worked their way into him somehow, and the soft warmth of his breath over her lips. And when his mouth touched hers, Roslin tipped her face up and pressed her mouth softly against his own. She knew nothing about kissing, just did what felt good. Softly, trying to figure it out, their lips moved together in a way that sent sparks all through her body.

Robb didn't rush to end the kiss. It was soft, with the innocence of their mutual first kisses, but beautiful nonetheless. Roslin found the hand on his chest moving round to join both hands behind his neck and lift herself to her tiptoes to press her mouth more firmly against his. Robb thought it was both an eternity and could never be long enough by the time their kiss broke. Roslin's eyes were glowing as was her face. One strand of her hair was in her face and Robb gently brushed it away.

The entire audience applauded then, but neither bride nor groom saw them or cared. They had eyes only for each other. "I think I'm falling in love with you." Robb breathed softly enough only for Roslin to hear.

Her heart thrilled to the words and she repeated honestly, "And I you."

Robb offered her his arm and Roslin linked hers through it as they moved across the sept to get outside. Her arm was warm in his and his was strong and reassuring in hers. "Shall we go to our wedding feast?"

"Mm hm. I'm starving," Robb admitted with a soft chuckle.

"Me too. I was too nervous to eat." Roslin admitted. "Now, I know I have nothing to worry about."

"Nothing. Until the end of my days and yours." Robb whispered. He looked around for a moment to see how many people might notice before he tipped her jaw up to kiss her very quickly. Even though he was quick, he still attracted attention and some claps as well as a wolf whistle that Robb knew had to come from Theon without even having to look. "Let them look. You are my husband." Roslin whispered; a sense of pride and warmth flooded him.

Then, Robb took her arm again and led her toward the castle at which the feast was taking place.

As Robb held Roslin close to him, he could not help but look around the Great Hall impressed by how quickly the women had managed to turn it into a place of beauty truly worthy of their wedding feast. This part of the castle was made of fieldstone both floor and wall. It had a gambrel roof a story above with strong wooden beams to support it. Two high, small windows up by the roof let in a bit of light from the full moon, but most of the light was from candles and a roaring fire in a gigantic fireplace. White roses were placed across the top of the mantle. At one end there was a dais for the wedding party while the rest of the room was given over to numerous long tables and benches. Robb knew that outside on the banks of the river even more men were celebrating. Behind the dais huge banners of House Stark and House Frey unfurled down the wall. A chandelier of brightly lit candles cast light through the room as well. Place settings were at the tables just waiting for food to be brought out.

More comfortable chairs were at the high table versus the common benches. Robb carefully pulled out Roslin's chair for her and then settled himself beside her as they began to greet both the members of their table and others as well. He found his left hand slipping into hers beneath the table and smiled at her. Roslin smiled back. This whole thing felt surreal and as if it was just part of some big dream that Robb didn't want to end. He pinched himself a couple of times but found he didn't wake up, that this was really happening.

"Your brother said you like music."

Roslin nodded excitedly. "Very much. I enjoy dancing too."

"Do you play any instruments?" He asked. Robb found he was legitimately enjoying getting to know his young, pretty, sweet wife. So far, she was everything and more that he could have hoped for.

They had been served the traditional pigeon pie and Roslin was taking small, ladylike bites from it. She stopped, though, and nodded excitedly when Robb asked. "Yes, the harp, the flute and the harpsicord. Usually I play songs that are well known, but.. I have composed a little." There was a flush of pleasure and shy happiness all over her face.

"Will you play for me? When there's a chance."

Roslin nodded excitedly and smiled a bit, giving his hand a squeeze. "Of course. I would be happy to. If you want."

"I would like to hear anything my beautiful lady wife wants to play for me." Robb knew he was flirting a little bit, but he couldn't seem to help himself. Roslin just ducked her head and blushed, but Robb could tell she was smiling.

"What do you do as a hobby?"

"I enjoy archery and sword play. Sometimes I hawk when there's time."

"Do you ever joust? You would be very good."

Robb shook his head, "I never have, though it doesn't mean I couldn't. My lord father has always said sword and lance should be saved for true combat, that he doesn't like to draw steel unless it is truly needed. He is very serious like that. But.. If.. I fought in a joust and won then I could crown you my queen of love and beauty." Robb said.

Roslin was blushing a bit still and smiled. "You would choose me?"

"In a heartbeat. You're beautiful and kind." Robb murmured, reaching to brush a stray lock of hair from her eyes. "You're wearing my flowers," he breathed.

Roslin nodded, "Yes… it was so kind of you to pick them for me, and I wanted to find a way to incorporate them, so. Thank you for them. Later, I'll press them so I will be able to keep them and all their beautiful colors."

"And you're wearing your hair Northron."

"Yes." She murmured. "I thought you might.. Like it. I'm sorry there's no Godswood here for us to marry in. I know you follow the Old Gods."

Robb's fingers stroked her cheek. "I thought it was perfect just the way it was. And I do love your hair too. It's beautiful done up how you have it."

"If my lord husband likes it, perhaps I'll have to wear it this way more often," she murmured.

"Your lord husband will likely kiss you every morning if you wear it as such," Robb teased softly.

"Then I shall wear it Northron every day so my lord husband will kiss me every morning," Roslin teased, though there was the hint of something very real and honest beyond her soft teasing.

"I think, from what little experience we've had, that I'll be happy to oblige," Robb murmured, his face reddening.

"I think I would like that very much."

He had to change the subject before he kissed her again right there. "You like animals." He continued.

She nodded, "Yes. Very much. I have a cat. And you… have a direwolf."

"Yes. Grey Wind. Olyvar is seeing to him for the night. Will he scare you?"

"I don't think so as long as he doesn't decide I look like a tasty snack."

Robb chuckled. "He won't. You can meet him tomorrow."

"Were you nervous? When you called the banners?"

"Terrified." Robb admitted. "But I didn't know what else to do. I have to get my father and sisters back, and we can't let the Lannisters just destroy the riverlands, so they've not given us much choice in the matter. He smiled slightly, grimly. "But tonight we will forget about all of that. Tonight all that matters is us." Robb murmured, brushing fingers through her hair again.

"Us." She murmured. "I.. I think I.. Like the sound of that."

"I think I do too," Robb responded, honestly.

Roslin shyly skirted the topic then. "Will you tell me what Winterfell is like?"

Robb couldn't help but smile. Roslin was doing everything to win his heart and he hoped he was doing the same for her. "Mm well, the keep is huge and kind of sprawling with great walls to protect it. There are two, one inside the other. The outer is eight feet and the inner one hundred feet with a moat between. There are guard towers on both the outer and inner walls. So it is a very safe keep. The main gates have a gate house and a drawbridge that opens into the edge of Winter Town. Oh! Winter Town. Outside the walls there is a village called Winter Town. You'll probably enjoy visiting there. My sisters always did. There is a tunnel inside the inner wall that goes halfway around the castle so you can go from the south gate to the north secretly. We all made use of that from time to time, not always for toward purposes. There are three gates. One opens to the wolfswood so we can leave without going through Winter Town. The East Gate opens directly to the King's Road and the Battlements gate is the one with the drawbridge that opens to Winter Town." Robb paused before he continued.

"Winterfell was built near an ancient wood called the Wolfswood. My siblings and I had plenty of adventures there. There are hot springs to bathe in. Specifically, the keep was built on part of them and pipes run hot water through the walls and it makes it warm even on the coldest days."

Roslin seemed to almost let out a breath of relief and Robb couldn't help but chuckle. "All I've ever heard of the North is how cold it is!" Roslin defended, giggling herself.

Robb's leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, "I'll keep you warm," though predictably his face was quite pink as he said it. And he was sitting close enough to Roslin he could feel a shiver go through her.

"I think I will like that very much."

Robb had to return to his story of Winterfell before he choked. While he was well aware (to his chagrin) that his parents enjoyed the physical aspects of their marriage a good deal. He and Jon had learnt that in ways they probably should not have done. But that did not necessarily mean all marriages were as such. He knew that many wives considered marital relations to be a duty and to be done primarily to bring children into the world. Robb had never before had to think about that, but found himself hoping it might be otherwise for he and Roslin.

"Um." He stumbled causing Roslin to giggle again. She seemed to enjoy his awkward embarrassment. "The uh.. There's dozens of courtyards within the walls. There's a place for weapons training and a forge. There are huge stables of course. Perhaps I could… maybe you would like a little filly of your own? I know you love animals. And of course.. You must bring your kitten. We'll figure out a way to care for it on the journey."

Roslin excitedly wrapped her arms about him, squeezing him as hard as she could. Robb jerked slightly in surprise but then grinned at her. Clearly she liked this prospect.

"I never thought I'd be allowed!"

"Of course you are. And if there is a horse you like here, I will talk to your father and see if we can bargain for it." And they went through the process of hugging all over again but this time Robb was more prepared and hugged her in return. It was an awkward motion with them sitting in chairs side by side but he managed it. As well, he pressed a light kiss to the cheek people couldn't see.

Finally, he was unembarrassed enough to return to his explanation of Winterfell. "There is a place for archery training as well. There is an old broken tower. It's called the burnt tower and the archery is near there. Once, it was the tallest watch tower but a century or so ago it was set afire by a lightning strike. The top third collapsed and it just never was rebuilt. But I've gone on and on."

"No!" Roslin squeezed his hand. "Winterfell will be my home. I want to know everything about it. Please, tell me more."

Robb smiled and squeezed her hand in return. "Well, I suppose if I continue with the outer keep — as I am really not thinking to tell this in any order it seems — There is the First Keep. It's a drum tower. It's technically the oldest surviving part of Winterfell, but no one really uses it for anything anymore. Winterfell is so huge that that often happens — things not really needing to be used. Brandon the Builder — yes, the same who built the wall — built Winterfell eight thousand years ago.

Roslin's eyes widened, "Eight thousand years. That's fascinating. Our Crossing was only built six centuries or so ago and I believed it was old." She admitted with a chuckle.

Roslin's eyes were alight with curiosity and so Robb continued. "The First Keep isn't in use either. But there is a lichyard where the ancient Kings of Winter buried loyal servants. The keep has Gargoyles atop it. One of the old maesters before I was born said that was built after the Andals arrived."

"Perhaps we could restore some of these buildings. And use them again. One day." Roslin suggested.

Robb smiled softly, "I would like that very much." He paused and then continued. "I mentioned the lichyard, I suppose I ought to mention the crypts. The bones of thousands of years of Starks are there. It is underground and made of stone. Each of the deceased has a statue carved in their likeness. I'm sure my little … sister." He almost stumbled over the word but made himself go on, though he felt Roslin squeeze his hand again and that meant more to him than words ever could. "They'd be sure to tell you that a sword is placed in the hands of each statue. The legend is that the swords keep the spirits of the dead from roaming the castle. Arya would be sure to tell you that some of the swords have rusted away by now. She loves to make up ghost stories." He admitted, chuckling slightly.

"When we get them back," Robb noticed she did not use 'if' and her tone was very strong when she said 'when'. "I will tell her the ghost stories of the Crossing. We have some as well."

Robb smiled, "She would adore that." He was quiet for a moment before continuing. "Food can be a problem in the winter, I'm told. I've never lived through a winter, so I don't remember. But we have a glass garden heated by the hot springs that grows both food and flowers. Its panes are stained glass of green and yellow. It is very beautiful really. My other sister Sansa was the one who made me learn all about the flowers in there — and the ones just growing wild. Um. There is a Bell Tower. It's connected to the rookery by a covered bridge and that runs all the way from the fourth floor of the tower to the second floor of the rookery. We loved to play on that bridge as children. And the Maester's turret is below that. There is a great Library Tower. There are shelves and shelves of books there and a stone staircase that winds all round it so you can go to the top. Sometimes we have gone up there to look at the constellations," he said with a fond smile.

Roslin's eyes glowed. "I could look at the books? I love to read."

"Absolutely. You can do anything in Winterfell that you want." He said, brushing soft fingers over her cheeks. "It is your home too now." He paused and then continued. "My father built a small sept for my mother to pray in. You would be welcome there as well, I know."

Roslin smiled again. Her lips were full of smiles tonight as she scooted as close to him as the chairs would allow. "I would like that very much. I did not think there would be any such thing in the North. But we will talk more of that later. I want to drink up every detail of our home."

He didn't miss how she said it 'our home' and it sent tingles up his spine and set him to grinning like a fool. So, he continued.

"Oh let's see. The First keep, I forgot to mention, has both undercrofts and cellars as well as dungeons and tower cells. Arya and Bran played in them as children — and Jon and I before that. But all of those things are only the outer castle. Perhaps I should tell you more about where we actually live." He pointed out with a chuckle."

"Please?" Roslin requested and Robb acquiesced.

"The Great Keep or Inner Castle is innermost and the stronghold of the Winterfell. Like I mentioned, it's over the hot springs so always warm. But some of them are above ground and you can swim in them. They are warm even when snow coats the ground around them. Though it is slightly painful to come out of the warmth into the cold." Robb admitted. "Jon and I would dare each other to jump in and then sit out in the air in just our small clothes and then jump back in," he admitted laughing.

"That sounds like a form of torture that only young boys would invent!" Roslin protested giggling.

"No doubt it is! Nonetheless, the hot springs are fun. You must come in with me sometime. And there are even more complexes and yards inside the inner wall. The Inner Castle is made of granite and it contains the Great Keep and Great Hall. Oh and all the halls and such have great windows with diamond shaped panes. So the castle is not dark and dreary at all. All of our bedchambers and living quarters are there. My father's solar and my mother's. As children, we often gathered there for my father to read to us. It has a covered bridge to the armory. You can see the entire yard from that bridge. There is a Great Hall for receiving guests. When there are feasts, it can accommodate eight rows of tables and there is a dais for honored guests. It can hold five hundred people. And the walls have Stark banners — and Tully for my mother. Perhaps there will be Frey for you now… when we go." Robb brushed her cheek affectionately. "Oh! And at the dais there is the high seat of the old Kings of the North Its arms have carved heads of direwolves on them. However, our family eats together every night as often as we can. We are close with each other." He said with a soft smile.

"Also, there is a Godswood with an ancient Weirwood heart tree. Though the Godswood is darker and grimmer there. I suppose it reflects the nature of the North. It has its own kind of beauty once you get used to it, though."

Finally, Robb had run out of things he could think of to tell her about Winterfell.

"It sounds amazing. And it will be my.. Our.. Home."

Robb nodded, "Yes. Forever. As soon as we finish this. As soon as my family is safe and the River lords are too. We will go home. Together." And suddenly, Robb realized he could not, would not, leave Roslin here at the Twins. If she was willing, she would come with him. He would ask her later.

"I can't wait," She said honestly in a tone that made Robb's heart thud in his chest.

To try to calm himself down, Robb switched the topic. "You said that you have a kitten and a palfrey. Would you tell me of them?"

"The kitten is a few months old. Uncle Stevron gave her to me for my birthday. She's orange with a white tummy and white paws, so I call her Socks."

Robb couldn't help but laugh at the sweet name. "That's amusing. And aptly named. We'll teach Grey Wind to be nice to her. He didn't bother Winterfell's cats when we were there."

Roslin breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. I wouldn't want any harm to come to her."

"It won't." Robb murmured. He wanted to pull her forward and kiss her, but with everyone looking at them, it was a little embarrassing to do so. He resisted. "But tell me of your palfrey."

"She's beautiful. She is chestnut in color with an even lighter mane and tail. She is delicate but hardy. Like me, I suppose. She can run very fast. Sometimes, Olyvar and I race with our horses. She can outrun his destrier." Roslin explained proudly. "Her name is Maiden."

Robb had to smile at that. It was not so different from Sansa's Lady. It was the sort of thing Sansa would name a horse if she had one. She never had, as she was not a particularly confident rider. A sadness fell over Robb when he thought of Lady and of her fate. But then a sense of confusion as he remembered the rumors of what he had heard from King's Landing some months before. It was something he wanted very much to speak to Sansa about, but he could not get to her now. Instead, he re-directed his thoughts. "Tell me about your siblings."

Roslin flushed in pleasure. "We are very close. I'll miss them a good deal, and I'm extremely grateful Olyvar is your squire so he can go with us."

"Then he can remain my squire when we go North if that is what he wants. You'll be able to see him every day."

Roslin beamed. "You are too good to me." She murmured, sliding her finger along the top of his hand without ever unclasping their fingers. "I was so scared when I learned I was going to be married, and so quickly. I was afraid of what you would be like. A great warrior does not a great husband always make."

Robb chuckled, "I am hardly a great warrior. I'm not even the real Lord of Winterfell. I haven't even encountered any actual fighting."

"You will be. I know it. And you must have done something because twenty-one thousand men are following your commands Robb and have been all the way from Winterfell for two moons. That is not a small feat. And when you do go into battle.. You will be so very strong. You will be as strong as the Warrior himself."

Robb chuckled softly and brushed her cheek. "You have far too much faith in me, but it warms my heart all the same. Now please, tell me more of your siblings."

"Well, Olyvar and I are the closest. We're only eleven months apart in age so at a rare time we are the same age, but usually he is a year older than you and I. Sometimes he is anxious. He is a very dedicated person and feels that he should always do his very best at anything he tries. He has been wanting to be a squire for well over a year, but my Lord Father just.. Hasn't seen to it. There are so many of us that I think it can be hard to manage us all," She admitted with a tinge of sadness to her voice. "Anyway, he is a very hard worker. He dreams of being a great knight," Roslin admitted with a chuckle. "I hope his dreams can come true. He likes to dream. He's like me in that regard. Though such antics were not appreciated by my Lord Father so he dreams less now," Roslin sounded a little sad. "But girls.. Can dream as they wish. And I do often enough."

"Of what do you dream?" Robb asked her.

"The things most girls dream of, I suppose. To have a good marriage. Maybe even one that could develop into love in time. And to have many children. To paint the world and compose many songs and learn to play even more instruments. Perhaps to learn other languages. To read ever so many books. To always be close with my family — both the one I was born into and my goodfamily. Those are the things I have always dreamed of."

"I will make them all come true." Robb murmured. And this time he simply could not resist drawing her close so he could press his mouth to her soft one. He wasn't sure they were supposed to kiss so much in front of thousands of people sitting on a dais in front of them all, but he found he could not restrain himself very well.

Tears shone in Roslin's eyes. "How did I get so lucky?" She whispered. Robb brushed them away.

"I think the question is how I got so lucky," His fingers linked into hers again. He found he was holding her hands so often that they were not actually eating that much, but also found he didn't care. They had certainly made their way through the pigeon pie, and that was the important part anyway.

"I want to know everything about you," Robb murmured.

"And I you. I suppose it is good that we have a lifetime to learn."

"Very good. Oh.. They are calling to dance! Do you like to dance?" Her eyes were shining so very hopefully.

Robb smiled, "I'm not bad. My younger sister, Sansa, made me let her practice on me," he admitted. And there was a yearning inside him. He so wished his siblings and his Lord Father were here. "But I could not resist dancing with my beautiful wife on her wedding night, so, will you do me the honor of dancing with me? — and I'll try not to step on your feet."

Roslin laughed softly. Her laugh sounded like music notes. "Of course I will. And I suspect you won't step on my feet at all."

Robb smirked, "I might. I'm terribly out of practice," he pointed out.

"Then I shall have to help you get back in practice." Roslin said. He felt her stroking a soft thumb across the skin between his thumb and first finger that made him shiver in delight and smile at her.

"I think I like the sound of that.

Robb led Roslin to the dance floor after the tables had been pushed aside to make room and took her into his arms while a singer played music for them and he spun her and spun her as her skirts flared behind them and she giggled in happiness and got Robb doing the same. This time, their faces were red from exertion and bliss rather than embarrassment, but neither wanted to stop.

Lord Walder watched them from his litter while his young wife sat beside him. He actually looked somewhat happy — or if not happy then at least satisfied at seeing his daughter so happy as she danced in the arms of the young Lord who had swept her heart away — so it seemed anyway.

It took them six dances before they stopped so that Robb could dance with his mother and Roslin danced with Olyvar. Robb wished his father was here for Roslin to dance with and that Roslin's mother was alive. Eventually, he did take a dance with Lord Walder's young bride and found her to be enchanting enough in her own way. He danced with some of the other Frey girls as well, but he never danced long without finding his way back to Roslin for a song or two. He didn't want her out of his arms for long and never seemed to lose sight of her no matter whom he danced with.

"You look very happy," Catelyn said when he danced with her.

Robb grinned, "I am. I… I am already fond of her." Maybe it was too soon to say he was falling in love with Roslin, but he thought that might be true as well."

Catelyn interrupted the dance for just a moment — long enough to hug her eldest to her tightly. "I'm so glad. I'm happy for you, Robb."

Robb just smiled at his mother as he spun her about once. "And soon… soon we will have father and the girls and we will throw a great feast at Winterfell. When this is all over."

"I hope so, Robb. I hope so." Robb could tell in her worried blue eyes that she did not believe it would be so simple. But Robb was determined to make it so. He was determined to reunite his family, the North, and help the River lords. He would do it. He would find a way, no matter what it took.

"It will happen. You'll see." He leaned down to kiss her cheek gently before the song ended and he was off to seek out Roslin again. It felt right when she was in his arms already.

He loved when he spun her about and she giggled and her brown eyes danced with pleasure. And he loved as much when the music was slow and he was able to hold her against him with his arms about her waist. They danced to Two Hearts Beat As One, Lay My Sweet Lass Down in the Grass, Six Maids In a Pool — about Jonquil and Florian, My Lady Wife, Let Me Drink Your Beauty, and then The Maiden of the Tree, also sometimes called My Featherbed.

Robb found himself singing along to the last very softly and just to Roslin as it was a slow song and he could whisper the words in her ear.

"My featherbed is deep and soft,

And there I'll lay you down,

I'll dress you all in yellow silk,

And on your head a crown.

For you shall be my lady love,

And I shall be your lord.

I'll always keep you warm and safe

And guard you with my sword."

And then, to Robb's surprise, Roslin picked up the song with the lines sung by the lass in the song. She sung them softly back to him and her voice was so beautiful that everything else in the room died away.

"And how she smiled and how she laughed

The maiden of the tree.

She spun away and said to him,

No featherbed for me.

I'll wear a gown of golden leaves

And bind my hair with grass,

But you can be my forest love

And me your forest lass."

Robb smiled and pressed his forehead against hers for just a moment.

Of course… the dancing could not be complete without Greatjon singing The Lusty Lad and, once again, The Bear and the Maiden Fair. At this point many of the men were severely in their cups and joined in on both the bawdy songs. Robb, of course, was quite red given the previous night's shenanigans with the Greatjon singing just that same song then.

And when the singer played and sang The Queen Took Off Her Sandal, The King Took Off His Crown. Roslin giggled in spite of herself and so did Robb.

"Feel like they're giving us a message?" Robb asked.

"Yes, I rather think they are!"

As was not at all uncommon as the last verse of the song began, the bedding started to be called for. It was Lord Walder himself who began the call in fact! Of course it took mere seconds for Greatjon, Smalljon, Theon, and Patrek Mallister to join right in. Robb couldn't help but think, though, that it was rather perverse that Lord Walder himself was one of the loudest voices and had started the call — for his own daughter. He was unaware of all the lecherous comments the man had made in front of his mother the previous day and, so, could only think it passing odd.

However, his deeply reddening face and attention to the fact that the bedding was actually about to be a reality kept him from being able to think it over properly. The cries just got more raucous as Robb ducked his head and playfully tried to ignore them, keeping Roslin in his arms. So, instead, men began to stamp their feet on the floor and clap their hands and yell "A Bedding! A Bedding!"

The singer took up the song again from the beginning as women surrounded Robb and men surrounded Roslin. There were so many of them he could barely see her. He was completely surrounded now. Due to the amount of Frey women, he realized right away he was not going to get off as easily as he had perhaps hoped. Roslin was not either given the number of men between Freys and the Great Lords and as many of the bannermen who could fit in the Great Hall and were not celebrating in the tents outside. Robb hoped they would not undress her all the way but suspected that was probably a thankless wish. For himself, he didn't really care what they did. His embarrassment had been so complete the night before that anything they did really wouldn't top it, but he wanted to make completely sure Roslin was okay.

However, when he finally saw through the women around him whose fingers were, with surprising rapidity, divesting him of his clothes he could see Roslin giggling and playfully fending off the men even as they had her dress was half off. As long as she was okay, that was all that mattered. Robb had long ago lost his boots and stockings as well as his sword, scabbard, and belt. Then, they were undoing the buttons of his jerkin. How were they doing it so fast? How were there so many of them? They spun him back and forth between them until he was incredibly dizzy which made their task even easier. The room spun around him. He caught another glimpse of Roslin. Her gown was completely off now and was being tossed about as none of the men knew what to do with it. Her shoes and stockings were also long gone. They were working at the knots in her corset now. He saw a flash of her beautiful magnolia skin.

However, he was then completely distracted as a woman fondled him through his breeches too! Robb's cheeks burned like the summer sun at sunset as he wriggled away from her. Not even Alrya had directly fondled him! Gods. And then the same woman had her hands on his breeches and was unlacing them. He tried to move away from her but another simply took up her cause. He tried again to avoid them but only managed to have his breeches down round his ankles so he tripped. That was when the women got hold of him and bore him off toward the Water Tower and his bedding suite on their shoulders. All the way along the bridge they'd been removing more and more clothing!

He tried to peer over their shoulders to see Roslin, but all he saw was the flash of naked legs and ankles as the men swept her up, carrying her on their shoulders just as the women were doing with him. It took significantly more women to lift the muscled Robb, but they seemed to have no problem with numbers! He could see Roslin's dress still being bandied about through the men, flying above the crowd every few seconds like batting around a ball. He looked down again as he realized the women were now going for his smallclothes, which was the last thing he had! Dammit, he would be completely naked for sure by the time they got him to their chambers! He wondered if the men were being as determined with Roslin. Now, he couldn't see her at all as they were on the bridge and she was behind him. Over all of it he heard bawdy continuances of The Queen Took Off Her Sandal and the Lusty Lad by turns. Gods help him. "Oh, Seven Fucking Hells!" Robb exclaimed as they 'liberated' him off his small clothes and threw them right into the Green Fork below! But the women only laughed and held him tighter on their shoulders.

Finally, they had reached the marriage suite and the women deposited him and the men deposited Roslin there and slammed the door behind them. However, they were far from done as the crowd pounded on the door making every manner of ribald jokes and 'helpful' suggestions. Robb was pretty sure he distinctly heard Theon yell, "Make sure she's wet!"

However, once Robb caught sight of Roslin everything outside their room faded away completely. He couldn't even hear the men and women outside their door. His wife (how odd it felt to think!) was standing in front of the roaring fire, lit from behind. From what he could tell, she had managed to maintain only a sleeveless shift that reached her knees. And even that was ripped at the back. Then again, it wasn't as if they had been 'kind' to him either considering he was as naked as his nameday! But he was also as completely unaware of his own nakedness as he was to the yelling outside the door. He was simply staring at Roslin with wide eyes because Gods was she beautiful.

The light of the fire made her body glow beneath the shift. He could see through it. He could see the outline of her breasts, could see her nipples, pink and inviting and already pebbled, could see the dark, secretive place between her legs. He could see the curve of her hips. Petite she might be, but she had a figure under all that fabric.

Robb was vaguely aware that with all his staring, he had started to get hard. Actually, being that he was a green boy, it barely took any time at all before it was a thing well past 'started.' Though it wasn't what she was looking at (yet) as far as he could tell. Instead, her eyes were tracing along his broad shoulders and strong chest. And for a few moments all they could do was stare at each other in silent wonder and appreciation. Robb longed to feel every part of her and have her warmth against his skin. But he remembered some piece of advice the night before about going slowly. So, instead, he said "They left us some wine. Would you like some?"

Roslin only shook her head slowly and bit her lip. Her doing that made his cock twitch, though he ignored it. And then Roslin ran toward him while he took quick steps toward her until their bodies collided. Roslin wrapped her arms around his neck and nearly pulled herself all the way up into his arms. He caught her in time and helped, wrapping a strong arm around her back to hold her and pressed the other hand up into her hair.

She linked her legs around his waist. Her shift rode up around her hips and Robb let out an actual groan as he remembered they had divested her of her small clothes as well. He could feel the heat of their most intimate areas pressed together. Gods. Roslin linked her ankles tighter around him, shifting herself into a more secure position, and somehow it felt even better than his experience the previous night. Oh Seven!

Robb pressed his hand gently against the back of Roslin's neck and she didn't hesitate to respond, bringing her lips to his. This time, the kiss was messier than the ones they had exchanged before in their haste to find each other's mouths and explore them thoroughly. They bumped noses for a minute, but didn't let it bother them as she simply turned her face slightly. Robb's mouth was soft and heated beneath her own and she felt secure in his arms, safely wrapped against him as warmth mingled between their bodies.

She could feel every muscle of Robb's chest and stomach for as little thick as her ripped shift was. She could feel his aroused body pressing into hers. Having grown up with as many older sisters and girl cousins, Roslin was well aware of male anatomy even though she hadn't seen it for herself. Well, not since she and a boy cousin had played 'maester' as children, but that didn't count. Now, she was far more curious, though his mouth was currently too distracting to allow her to follow any curiosity she might have. Moreover, the free hand he had in her coming-down hair felt good.

Her lips slipped between his, enveloping his lower lip and causing the tips of their tongues to brush for just a second. It was accidental but sent what felt like a shockwave up her spine. It must have felt as nice for him, as Robb held her closer which hadn't seemed possible until he did it. It was shocking to her how the things she had heard about, though odd indeed, somehow felt amazing and exhilarating with Robb. She had not thought there would be anything particularly pleasant about touching tongues in a kiss, but every time they did she liked it more and more.

She liked his taste and his scent all around her. It made her head spin as if they had drunk the aforementioned wine — and she knew she had not drunk enough wine at the feast to make her head spin this much. Her fingers knotted in Robb's curls and guided him to press his mouth all the more firmly on her own. His mouth tasted of the meats from the feast, a little of wine, a little of some cream desert they had had. His scent was that inexplicable one of wood and spice and sweet mingled with metal and Gods but was it nice. She wished he could rub it off on her so she would be able to smell it all the time. Perhaps it would all change — after all, they said it would hurt, but at the moment she failed to see how some of her sisters considered this a 'duty' it felt as if her blood was boiling, her body singing. He became more bold, slipping his tongue around hers and she didn't hesitate to respond in kind.

When she shifted against him again, Robb found his hold on her slipping as he gasped in a breath, but he didn't let her fall. He placed her lightly on her feet, their bodies never parting as she wrapped both arms around his neck and leaned up on her toes to kiss him still more. Her warmth was a fascination to him, or perhaps it was the warmth they were creating together; he wasn't quite sure anymore. His knees were almost weak now and he began to walk her backward toward the bed. It was a very messy 'walk' weaving this way and that with them stepping all over each other's feet and her arms never leaving from around his neck and his never leaving from around her waist, although they were giggling amidst their kisses. "I think I'm drunk on you," she whispered against his mouth. He had to agree he felt the same.

Robb could tell when the back of her shins hit the bed behind her and Roslin lost her balance unexpectedly and the two went sprawling into the bed with Robb splayed on top of her and quickly rolling to the side so he wouldn't crush her. Both of them were giggling like mad as they rolled over one another on the bed. In between the giggles, Robb was blindly reaching to the head of the bed to grasp at the comforter, furs, and linens to get them out of the way. However, he was also too busy kissing Roslin to really be able to focus on the task of getting the linens pulled back and so continued pulling blindly at them, but they were tucked securely. Perhaps it didn't help that Roslin had started to become braver and was gently exploring his tongue and lips with her own and making him feel as if he was floating. "Dammit." Robb muttered, trying to yank at the bed linens once again.

"Are you having trouble?" Roslin couldn't resist teasing him a little bit as their lips broke.

"Could say that," Robb managed breathlessly.

Roslin responded by rolling over the top of him and pulling him with her so they were no longer horizontal on the bed. Robb groaned as he felt her body slide against his. It took some doing to get the linens loose given they were laying on them and the majority of both their attentions were given over to kissing rather than accomplishing their task. Eventually, though, the bed was undone and the furs covered their lower legs. In unspoken agreement, neither of them seemed to feel the need to have them any higher. They were generating their own warmth anyway.

He took advantage of Roslin being atop him to slide his hands along the smoothness of her legs and thighs until he reached the shift that had bunched about her waist by now. Their eyes met for just a moment, his asking permission and hers granting as he skimmed his hands up her hips and sides as he slid the shift over her head. He felt her sharp intake of breath as his thumbs brushed the sides of her breasts while he was sliding the shift up and off.

When it was off, Robb realized there was nothing between them now, and he held Roslin on his chest and slid his hands along her back beneath her waves of hair and kissed her. His hands were slightly hesitant as he began to slide them over her skin again now that he didn't have the pretext of removing her shift as an 'excuse' but the soft catches of her breath rewarded him with knowledge he was apparently doing what she liked. Slowly, he rolled them onto their sides to face each other and so that the light from the fire bathed them in a dull glow. He would have been lying if he had said he wasn't anxious to see her without the shift. And when he did it only caused a shuddering feeling in his belly and a stab of pleasure that went through his cock, already so unmercifully hard. Once again, his fingers brushed over the curve of her hip, up her side, slowly pressing over her breast, stroking its soft pink mound of flesh with his thumb, finding it firmer beneath his touch than he had expected. Robb's eyes flashed to Roslin's when she let out a soft gasp in response to his touches, but when their eyes met, she only leaned forward to kiss him and he lost himself in her lips.

She had once expected that she would feel worried or exposed on her wedding night while a husband she fully expected not to know well yet looked at her and touched her, but she felt neither thing with Robb. His touches were warm, soft, and a little shaky. She could tell he was nervous too. His gaze was like an artist staring in wonder at a tapestry or painting. She wondered how it was possible her body could make him have that expression and how his lips could make her feel like she was flying and his hands touching her feel like a thousand coals upon her skin, and yet she loved it all the same. No, this was not what she had expected a bedding to be like, and she was glad it had been anything other than her expectations. Then again, those had shifted some throughout the evening, really ever since she heard the sincerity and gentleness in Robb's tone when he spoke his words to her.

Her fingers slid against the planes of his chest and she felt tremors and the release of gasping breath as her touch ran along his strong muscles, over his shoulder, along his jaw, all the while kissing and stopping to catch their breaths and then doing so again. Robb's fingers explored and learned her body with a gentleness she had never quite expected a husband could have. She loved the feel of his hard, strong muscles under her hands and the soft sound of his breath against her ear, the feel of his well-kept beard tickling against her skin, not as scratchy as she'd have expected. He was so much bigger than her, enveloping her petite frame in his strength. Somehow, even his nude form and what it revealed didn't concern her. She trusted that he wouldn't hurt her. Instead, she found herself far more curious about his body and found her fingers slipping down the chiseled skin of his stomach, over the jutting bone of his hip and then slowly across his aroused length.

The touch caused a blinding flash of sensation and Robb hissed as he felt Roslin's burning touch. She went to withdraw her hand, but Robb shook his head, "No, that.. It.. Was good." He managed. There would be no way for him to describe how good and how much he, perhaps selfishly, wanted her to keep touching him.

"Show me?"

Robb had to stifle a moan at the mere idea that Roslin not only didn't mind touching him but that she wanted him to show her what he liked. Robb covered her hand with his and slowly guided her fingers along his cock showing her how to slide the tips of her fingers along his length and both of them gasped together when he guided her thumb over the tip. Like everything, he hadn't expected just how intense her touch would be compared to his own, and only a few brushes of her fingers left him gasping for breath as his mouth melded with hers in response.

His own fingers slid along her skin and found their way hesitantly to brush through the slightly coarse curls at the apex of her thighs and between them. Surely, his touches were clumsy and amateur, but her intake of breath encouraged him as did the fact that when his fingers dipped between her folds of skin he was absolutely certain he now understood what Theon had said about making certain she was 'wet.' When he touched her, she shifted pleasantly beneath him and his fingers came away coated with clear, stringy wetness. He liked the sounds she made when he touched her this way and remembered Theon had once bragged about bringing a girl 'off' with his mouth. At the time, Robb had not entirely understood what he meant, but an added two years and the night of debauchery and advice had ensured he knew exactly what Theon had meant by this point. He wished he could do it to Roslin.

Robb's fingers produced reactions from her that she hadn't entirely expected. The intensity of the sensation provoked when he brushed between her folds made her head swim and her stomach flip. She felt herself squirm against his touch. A deep ache had begun to settle inside her that seemed to be at least partially acknowledged by his fingers brushing her woman's place, exploring to find where his touches would be most rewarded by her moans and she trembled when he found the place most sensitive to his touch and stroked her there in the midst of her heat and wetness. She found herself arching her back to press her hips forward into his touch. "That's good?"

She nodded quickly in affirmation and then managed a gasped "Very good."

"Can I … well let me try…" For he also remembered what he'd been told about fingers. And when he experimentally slid one inside her a little way the way her muscles clenched around him made him shudder almost as much as she did. She was tight. He didn't know how he'd expected it to feel, but it was nice. He found himself sliding the finger back and forth and searching again with his thumb for the place that had made her arch into his hand. Inexperience took him a while to find it again, but when he did, the combination of this and his finger inside her caused a wanton moan she couldn't hide to spill from her lips, but that only made Robb kiss her and claim her moan in his own lips. For some perverse reason she found that she was proud of him. Her sisters had told her if he was 'good' that he would start with his fingers, and he was hers and he was good. She couldn't resist how her hips pressed up into his fingers again and again when he touched her or the way her moans came more easily into their kisses or her fingers clenched on his skin. An ache she was positive was not from his fingers filled her.

Watching her shift against his touches was incredibly rewarding. She pressed into his arms further and moved kisses over his shoulders, his chest, his throat and swallowed beneath the touch of her lips. When his fingers slipped free and let her mind clear slightly, she found herself determined to bring him the same pleasure he showed her. She remembered the way he had guided her fingers and mimicked the motion again now. It satisfied her to see Robb shift and gasp under her touch.

Shift and gasp and moan he did. He could hardly believe the sounds were from him, but also didn't have the presence of mind to question them either. It was so much more potent than his own touch. Perhaps that was why he recognized that feeling of his balls tightening too late (and much faster than if he had been alone.) Robb hissed and clenched his teeth, trying to keep himself under control, but it did no good and he spent himself in her hand with a muttered, "Ah.. Dammit!" And a blush that spread across his cheeks. "Sorry." He managed after his breathing had become slightly less labored. Clearly, he ought to have taken Theon's advice to hand — literally — as short lived as that had been. It was no more than the green boy he was, but he still wanted to be more for her.

"No.. Don't be sorry," Roslin said, swiping her messy fingers on the sheet — not like it mustn't needs be washed anyway and she wasn't sure what else to do.

"That… wasn't supposed to happen yet." Robb mumbled, the redness in his cheeks only growing, but Roslin only kissed him.

"But you… liked it?"

Robb nodded fast. "Yes. And you.. You've liked…"

"Yes. Which is what matters."

"I.. Yes but it'll… take a while before it.. I.. It takes time in between…" And, now, his seed spent, he felt a rather unimpressive specimen indeed with his softened cock, showing himself for the green boy he was. ('Fool! Why didn't you listen to Theon when he said to…').

Nonetheless, if Roslin was deterred, she didn't show it. "We have a whole night. That's enough time?" she affirmed.

"Yes," And he caught the back of her neck and drew her mouth to his, relieved that at least she didn't seem bothered by his proving to be just like the green boy he was but had hoped to be more than. His embarrassment soon died in the heat of their kisses though. Nothing, Robb was realizing, was stronger than the sensations their lips and tongues could make when they met. He knew he could spend an entire night, many nights mayhaps, just enjoying her mouth under his and her fingers knotted in his hair as they were now.

Robb's lips slipped from her own and moved to press warmly down her neck and over her throat. There was something nice indeed about the feel of her throat vibrating with gasps beneath his lips. The trail of his mouth paused at her collar bone and pressed kisses at its point. He explored her body with both sliding hands and warm fingers but also with his lips and tongue. His mouth pressed a burning trail down the center of her chest. The gasp caught in her throat for a second but then came free as she felt his fingers against her hip while his lips explored the swell of her breast. Then, his other hand slid from her hip to caress her soft curves. Her back arched toward him as his tongue and lips brushed against the peak of one curve while his fingers circled the other. She felt almost as if she was floating rather than stuck to the bed.

His mouth moved along her stomach, ghosting her navel and his fingers sliding along her hip again. She didn't question him both because it felt good and because she wasn't sure words would come as he pressed his lips still lower into the curls between her legs and then the heat between. Slowly, he explored with his lips and tongue what first he had with gentle fingers. Roslin's fingers were anything but gentle as she clenched the linens with as much force as she could as Robb's tongue brushed the sensitive place he found before and his name and a soft moan spilled from her lips. She wondered if her body tasted strangely to him. A blush heated her cheeks as she thought she would like to know how more than his mouth tasted. And when his tongue darted out against that sensitive place she moaned wantonly and arched her hips up toward him.

She felt him slip an arm around her waist, drawing her to him while his lips explored further and his tongue delved into warm wetness, pressed hesitantly against her opening. His lips were glistening from her when he lifted his chin to meet her gaze, as if he needed to reassure himself that her gasps and whimpers were for the positive — Gods knew they were! Roslin could have never imagined her body could have been made to feel this way. An ache built somewhere inside her that throbbed both with her heartbeat and when Robb's tongue brushed her most sensitive areas. Somehow, it felt as if she needed him to quench it, that nothing else would do. Her mind slipped between memories of that day and then was wrenched back to the moment every time his kisses or the tip of his tongue slid between her folds and his fingers tightened against her lower back and hip where he held her. Later, Robb would learn that if he kept on he would be able to bring her to her own pleasure just the way Theon bragged about doing with girls. He was still too green to realize he shouldn't stop.

Their bodies seemed to mirror each other in understanding as his lips found hers once more and his body settled atop hers, though he tried to keep most of his weight to his knees as he didn't want to crush her. "Stop me if I hurt you." His fingers curved around her cheek in a tender touch for a moment. His forehead pressed to hers for a moment and his lips brushed hers once more. There was much more pressure than he'd expected, as if he was trying to press inside something that had no room for him — until he made it so anyway. Tight and hot and so much better than the fingers of his fist while he stifled his gasps into a pillow for certain. Senses accosted him. All of this to realize he was barely inside her at all.

"I think you have to be less…"

Oh. More pressure and he felt something give. Maybe only because he had been aware it would, was waiting for it.

Roslin hissed and bit her lip. Robb froze, blue eyes flashing to hers. It probably would have gone easier if he hadn't hesitated half so much. His fingers were soft on her cheek again.

"Don't stop."

So he didn't. And when he was finally fully in her properly both were gasping from some combination of exertion and pleasure. Something bloomed and spread through her lower stomach it felt like. It hadn't hurt as much as she expected — or at least not the way she had expected. There was a sharp ache for a moment and then only a dull but persistent tinge with a lot of pressure. But she found when she stopped holding her breath, it helped a good deal. The first time he moved was almost an accident as he tried to shift his weight, but it brought the both of them a soft gasp. Yes. That was good. It was very good.

His mouth found hers, seeking the familiarity they had already begun to find in their kisses. He realized even more now why he'd been given the instructions he'd failed to follow. If he hadn't, this would barely have lasted a second. The very slightest movement either made sent spasms of pleasure ricocheting all the way up his spine. The vague memory every man has of trying to use his fist for this while conjuring up imaginings would have made him laugh even now. Robb moved when she urged him and more spasms of sheer pleasure slid their way all along his spine and heat threaded through his belly.

At first, they weren't quite sure how to move together, but Roslin's instincts told her to lift her hips to meet his in response when he moved. Oh Gods. Despite pressure and slight discomfort, the sensation of moving together was like something delicious and forbidden. Instinctually, she parted her legs more and drew him closer, clenching firm hands around the back of his shoulders. Her movement caused him to settle deeper inside her and she let out another gasp of mingled discomfort but more pleasure. One of her hands stayed on his back while the other moved to knot in his hair. They kissed, but their lips slipped while gasps and soft moans escaped as their bodies finally found a rhythm together, rocking against one another again and again. The deep burning ache that had begun with his fingers finally felt satiated — as if her body had been craving him and now had what it wanted, what it needed. His name slipped between her lips and she felt Robb shudder in return or else from the touch of her hands, the movement of them across his back while they moved.

It felt not long enough and Robb wanted more even before the familiar clenching below his stomach reminded him he wouldn't last as long as either of them wanted. His control was fading and his thrusts became slightly more erratic now, but her fingers just laced deeper into his skin leaving bruises the shape of her fingers in his skin that would somehow be a mark of pride in the days that followed before they faded (though constant replacement of her fingers in those same places made them last longer than they might have too…) The way he moved faster now caused pulses of pleasure and warmth and Roslin found herself moaning his name soft and into his heated skin, but she knew he heard and he responded with her name on his lips in kind. He tensed above her for a second. She felt something seem to contract in him and then there was a rush of sudden heat that flared between them, wet and sticky and wonderful before they were a tangle of limbs and spent, gasping bodies.

It was a long time before either could move or even wanted to. At first, he would have rolled off her, but she kept him there, stopping him before he could. "I want you in my arms a little longer." She breathed, slipping her fingers through his sweat, soaked curls, to which he could only nod.

"I didn't hurt you?"

"No." And she loved him for it. He had been soft and gentle and sweet.

"We should rest. Tomorrow will be long," she reasoned.

It seemed they both knew without speaking it that he would never leave her behind here. Not now. She would have despaired if he had. But there was something in her voice that was wistful when she spoke of rest and his lips found her ear and Roslin shuddered delightedly when he whispered "No." It was a tone that made a shudder race up her spine all over again.

Eventually, sleep must have claimed them, because Robb could remember stirring and half waking and feeling the warm weight of Roslin in his arms and the scent of her hair that smelled like wildflowers and flowed over his shoulders. He shifted, half believing it all to have been a dream, but she stayed in his arms and sleep re-claimed him with the pleased knowledge that that had been far too wonderful to have been only dreamt.

When he woke more properly sometime near dawn as the first hints of early grey touched the sky, though, Roslin wasn't in his arms any longer. Their furs were half off in the floor and he realized the cold must have been what woke him and sat up, yawning and stretching. He did not know what time Roslin normally woke and was a little sad she was up before him keeping him from being able to wake with her beside him as he had done at some point in the night. That said, it was perhaps fortunate she had risen if the light was really as far as he thought it might be. He would absolutely need (another) bath before he could be suitable to dress and they needed to march as early as possible.

Robb stretched and finally found his way out of bed. He'd likely have been more tempted to stay if all the warmth hadn't been spilled on the floor where the furs and blankets had gone. He went across the room to wash his face at the basin and saw something out of the corner of his eye. Fresh clothes were folded for him on the trunk at the end of the bed — far neater than any squire could have done (and that was if Olyvar had been particularly willing to see the results of his sister's bedding to come into the room and find clothes to fold to begin with. Robb judged that to be unlikely) — only women folded clothes that neatly. Wives folded clothes that neatly. A warmth spread through Robb's chest.

Laying across the folded clothes was a sprig of white heather. It made his throat feel thick and a smile spread across his lips at the same moment. It was a tradition to put white heather in one's helm or armor or wrapped around the hilt of a sword to bring luck and protection in battle. That was a tradition in the North dating back to the Age of Heroes. Brides in the North also never failed to have a sprig of white heather in their bouquet. Robb could only wonder how early Roslin had gotten up and how far she might have had to wander to find white heather given its purple variation was the majority of what Robb had seen this far South. He lifted the flower and touched its blooms with the delicacy he would have touched her cheek or hair.

Robb hid the worst of the mess from the previous night before he summoned for a bath and found that Olyvar arrived with it bringing food to break his fast and Grey Wind at his heels. The direwolf pressed against Robb's side and nudged him to get attention and a good morning rub. He was not accustomed to being left out of Robb's chambers at night. "I see he didn't eat you," Robb pointed out as he stuffed a piece of fried bread into his mouth.

"No. I mean, I suppose it was a close thing a time or two," Olyvar grinned. "But I think we've managed to become friends. Though not quite as good friends as you've become with my sister."

Robb choked on tea he had been drinking and stared at Olyvar. "Theon's rubbed off on you already," He finally managed.

"He's got a way about him of doing that. I know you… were good to her. And I… well, thank you."

Robb smiled slightly. "You're welcome. She's…"

"Fine. Roslin likes the morning. She's always up early. Has been running all over the castle saying goodbyes. Persuading Father to let her take Maiden with her. Not that that ought to be hard. She's always been his favorite." But he said it with a good natured grin.

When, at last, everyone was made ready to leave, Robb brought his destrier to the front of the column of men. Lord Walder was watching them from his litter and Roslin was hugging him goodbye rather fiercely. There had to be some good, Robb decided, in a man whose daughter loved him so dearly — perverse though he might be.

Though Maiden was saddled and waiting for her, when Roslin returned Robb heard ribald, joking suggestions before she could mount that she ought to ride double with him. The suggestions were coming, vociferously, from the Greatjon, Theon, and the rest of the usual crowd of malcontents. He couldn't help his face going red. He had specifically avoided being cornered alone with Theon or the rest of the men who enjoyed teasing him so mercilessly, but that had clearly not been enough. He had to admit that the situation was somewhat humorous even so.

"Married her to pay your toll, so across with you she has to go!"

Robb could only sigh as he knew he wasn't going to get out of it with more people taking up the chant and even Lord Walder (not so surprising) joining in. Finally, he surrendered to the demands and leaned down to lift Roslin up in front of him which garnered a raucous cheer. And a second when he leaned to kiss her cheek gently.

"Thank you for the good luck, though I think you're the only good luck I need." He whispered to her, squeezing her warmly for a moment. "You're comfortable?"

"Very. I might have to ride with you every day. You're warm," Roslin pointed out, snuggling backward against his chest.

Robb signaled and the company started forward across the bridge. He knew it would take them hours to complete given how numerous they were even now that they were splitting. His reins were loose in one hand, giving the horse his head and his other arm wrapped warmly around Roslin's waist. With her safe against him, Robb couldn't help but be slightly less afraid to face all the things he knew were coming; it was he who had somehow gained in his 'toll' for the Crossing.