Chapter 3: House Stark
A/N: Again, a huge thanks to all of our reviewers! Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Medea's POV – Bitterbridge
It was still hard to believe that she would be leaving the camp today, Medea ruminated as she attached her saddlebags to her horse. She thought it would be the first time in a while that she would be parted from her brother, and certainly for the longest time. She supposed that she should be grateful that at least she would be accompanied by Rosalyn, which was better than having to go alone.
Medea raked a hand through her dark hair, pondering what the north would be like. Lady Stark was a good woman from what she had seen, and hopefully her son Robb was the same. At first, Medea hadn't fit in at Renly's camp either, but she had grown accustomed to the friendly atmosphere. She hoped that the same could eventually be said of the Stark camp.
"So this is it, then." Rosalyn led her own horse over, and Medea inspected her carefully, trying to read her expression. They were both in the same situation, and had grown quite close over the time they had spent together at Renly's camp, so Medea thought that they would be sticking together around the Stark camp as well. She was very much aware that 'ward' was just a fancy way of saying she was a hostage for Renly's – and her brother's – good behaviour.
"I think this is the first time you've been off all by yourself," Bryce noted as he watched his sister fussing about with her saddlebags.
"Not for me!" Rosalyn piped up, earning a rather concerned glance from her older sister, who like Bryce, didn't seem entirely comfortable with the notion of her younger sister going off to the Stark camp.
"Still…" Brienne murmured, before raising her voice, "You sure you'll be okay?"
"Girls, how are things going?" Renly walked across, all golden crown and bravado. As their liege, it was his duty to see them off – but he had also found himself growing rather fond of the sisters of two important members of his Rainbow Guard.
"Well thank you, your grace," Medea replied politely, turning to glance at him.
"Actually, sister," Bryce called, fishing around for something in his pocket. "I have something to give you."
"Hey!" Rosalyn exclaimed as Brienne secured her saddlebags. "It's fine, I can do it." She finished up and glanced around Bitterbridge. The colourful feasts, the jovial conversation…there probably wouldn't be a lot of it up north. "Hmm. I think I'll miss it here."
"This belonged to Mother." Bryce drew out a silver necklace and walked over to his sister. "Here, turn around."
"It's beautiful!" Medea couldn't help but smile as her brother fastened the pendant around her neck. It wasn't often that Bryce offered her gifts, so she knew that he was really going to miss her when she ventured north. She tried to ignore the pang in her own heart that she felt about leaving him.
"Wow," Rosalyn nudged Brienne in the ribs as she watched the Caron siblings, "Hey, do I get something like that?"
Brienne cleared her throat. "Actually…"
"I was joking!" Rosalyn exclaimed with a grin as Renly laughed. "Seven hells, just kidding!"
Catelyn Stark walked across, accompanied by the rest of her entourage. She had assured Renly – and any concerned siblings – that Medea and Rosalyn would be very safe during their journey north.
"Are you nearly ready, ladies?"
"Just saying our goodbyes, Lady Stark," Medea called across to her, as Loras sauntered over. This was not well-received by Rosalyn, who audibly groaned at the sight of Loras – although Medea knew she was not exactly averse to his presence really.
"Oh gods, it's you."
Loras tipped her a wink. "Now is that really such a bad thing?"
"You have no idea…" Rosalyn grumbled.
Brienne coughed to attract her sister's attention. "Sister, I have something for you."
Medea threw her arms around her brother's neck, hugging him tightly. "I'm going to miss you."
Bryce chuckled. "Behave yourself, sister."
Brienne pulled out a gold bracelet with some blue stones. Medea marvelled that it would go very nicely with Rosalyn's blonde hair and blue eyes – although really, anything looked nice on Rosalyn Tarth now she thought about it.
"It wasn't Mother's or anything, but I thought you'd like it."
Rosalyn gasped delightedly and slipped it on her wrist, before hugging her older sister. "Thank you so much!"
"Nice bracelet," Loras observed, examining it, "It's very pretty."
Rosalyn rolled her eyes. "You compliment too much for me to take you seriously."
Loras took her wrist and kissed her hand. "You flatter me."
"Oh please…" Medea groaned, feigning disgust, although secretly she thought the show of affection was quite sweet. Rosalyn jerked her hand away, her cheeks started to flush red a little.
"It wasn't a compliment!"
"Loras, your charms aren't getting you anywhere with Rosalyn," Renly pointed out.
"Perhaps I should change my tactic…" Loras grinned and raised his eyebrows at Medea, who looked less than impressed. Bryce was also very quick to notice Loras's cheeky flirtations and did not want them directed at his little sister.
"Nails. Tree. Manhood."
Rosalyn sighed wistfully. "I wish Brienne threatened you more…"
"My apologies for the interruption," Catelyn spoke up, "But we really should be departing soon. Lord Renly, thank you for your hospitality."
Renly inclined his head. "It has been my pleasure. You are always welcome, Lady Stark."
Medea turned and hugged Bryce tightly, knowing that their impending departure had arrived at last. "I'm going to miss you."
Bryce laughed and ruffled her hair. "Like I said, behave for Lady Stark."
"Thank you for everything, your grace." Rosalyn curtsied to Renly before she turned to Brienne. She tried to keep her expression blank, but then couldn't keep her emotions in check and threw her arms around her sister tightly. "Well, goodbye again. I'll miss you."
"Me too." Brienne hugged her back. "I'll see you soon, little sister."
"Thank you for putting up with us, your grace," Medea smiled.
"Please! It was my pleasure." Renly went quite against etiquette and gave each of them a brief hug. "Take care."
"Make sure Bryce behaves himself, Brienne," Medea tossed casually, trying to maintain a brave façade. "Loras, too."
"Hey!" Bryce exclaimed indignantly.
"We always behave!" Loras chimed in.
"Not around me you don't," Rosalyn muttered, causing her sister to laugh.
Medea climbed onto her horse, feeling a sense of loss. Bryce was the only family she had left, and despite the fact that their relationship could be strained at times, she still loved him. Now she was leaving him. It might not be for forever, but it certainly felt like it.
"I'll write often."
"Take care, sister," Rosalyn called to Brienne as she mounted as well, before the Stark entourage started off.
"And you," Brienne replied as Bryce waved to his sister.
"Farewell, ladies!" Renly called.
Rosalyn smiled and waved back to the ones she was leaving behind. "Bye!"
Genna's POV – Stark Camp
Genna let out a sigh as she continued to walk through the forest. She was collecting herbs to make more medical remedies. She knew with the upcoming wars that they would need them. Jon had followed her and was looking around for her, noticing her as she bent down to pick some herbs. He carefully approached her so he didn't startle her.
"Hello, Genna."
"Hello, Jon." Genna greeted, turning to face him with a smile.
"Lady Stark should be returning soon." Jon informed her, watching as she sorted through her herbs that she had collected.
"It would be nice to finally meet her." Genna told him.
She had heard much about Lady Stark and was eager to meet her. She felt saddened that she would never be able to meet Robb and Jon's father, from what she had heard Lord Stark had been a noble man caught up in a war he didn't wish to be a part of.
"There is word she is bringing two young ladies with her of your own age." Jon stated, watching and following her as she continued through the forest.
Genna nodded as she leant down to pick more herbs. "It would be nice to have someone my age around here, that was female."
Jon smiled as he watched her. "Hopefully you'd get along with them. What are the herbs for?"
"Medicine." Genna answered him.
Jon nodded and continued to watch her, more carefully this time. Genna ran a hand through her hair, collecting her picked herbs, before standing up and turning to face him, a smile on her face.
"Does it feel strange to be here?" He inquired as they began to walk back to the camp.
"Yes. It's warm." Genna admitted, she was used to colder conditions.
Jon couldn't help but grin. "Do you like it?"
"Yes." She nodded with a smile.
"Do you miss your family?" He asked her.
"Very much so." She admitted, a tinge of sadness in her voice.
"I'm sorry for your loss." Jon apologized solemnly.
Genna nodded, a sad smile on her face. "It wasn't your fault."
"I suppose so. But I don't like that you had to lose them. It wasn't right." Jon told her as they stopped just outside of the camp.
"There are a lot of things in this world that aren't right." Genna told him.
Jon nodded, taking in her words. "You are wise."
She couldn't help but smile. "Thank you."
"Lady Stark is a good woman. I think you will like her." Jon told her as they walked into the camp.
"I'm sure I will." Genna agreed with a small smile.
Rosalyn's POV – somewhere near Riverrun
They had been riding for some time now, and Rosalyn could happily say that both she and her rear would be happy when they finally made it to the camp. It wasn't that the journey had been at al boring, it had just been many long days spent sitting on horseback. Rosalyn loved riding, but, coming from Tarth she hadn't exactly had much opportunity to do so properly before. And it was certainly catching up to her, but she hoped that within another few weeks she might be able to achieve the naturalness that Medea and Lady Stark seemed to be at with horse riding.
But soreness aside, the days had certainly been interesting. She and Medea chatted often about many things, the war, leaving, missing their siblings, and of course, men. Lady Stark left them to themselves sometimes, but there were times when she would join in their conversations, offering a mother's advice. Something that both Rosalyn and Medea had lacked in their lives. It was strange how easily Rosalyn felt she slipped into having a mother figure like Lady Stark in her life. Medea seemed to enjoy it too, it was something new for them, and they treasured it. Not that Lady Stark was over stepping the bounds that their relationship was, they were wards, but also hostages of a form. But Rosalyn was grateful for the woman's advice and input.
They reined in on the crest of a hill looking down at the sprawling expanse that was Robb Stark's camp, it was bigger than Rosalyn had thought. Despite reports of the Young Wolf's numbers, she'd somehow always remained skeptical and doubted the truth, a poorly based assumption made from her little knowledge of the North. Clearly she had been wrong though, it was a sizeable force indeed, white banners bearing the grey Direwolf of House Stark rippled in the wind. They would be in the camp for a while, until such time as they could go on to Winterfell, and somehow that prospect daunted her a little more than being in King Renly's camp.
Lady Stark turned to face Rosalyn and Medea, "The thing you have to be aware of, girls, is that the population of the camp is composed almost entirely of men. So until we return to Winterfell, you'd best be on your guard."
"So what population is women? Rosalyn inquired a little nervously.
"There is myself, you two and another wildling girl named Genna. A few cooks, but that's about it, I'm afraid," Lady Stark replied; a very short list indeed.
Medea nodded her head, glancing around with interest as they rode down into the camp. On the surface she seemed to be a lot calmer than Rosalyn felt. Maybe that's because she'd had an older brother, but that was her mind jumping to an generalization that just because she'd grown up mostly surrounded by men she'd be more fine with the idea. That was silly of course, Medea would have had as many ladies around her as Rosalyn, the only difference was in their siblings.
Rosalyn herself was glancing around a little more nervously, "So less than ten of us, verses... how many men?"
"It's alright, dear," Catelyn smiled and put a hand comfortingly on Rosalyn's shoulder, "None of them will harm you."
Two people walked over to them, well, the young man swaggered in a manner that made Rosalyn instantly see he would be cocky. Dark hair and a lean, handsome face, his grey eyes glinting with amusement as he eyed the newcomers. He bowed before Lady Stark though, but flashed grins at Rosalyn and Medea. Rosalyn was at a loss as to who he was for some time, before noting the kraken accenting his clothing, making him out as Theon Greyjoy; heir to the Iron Isles, and also a ward of House Stark. The other person was a young woman, perhaps more of an age with Medea than Rosalyn, dark hair and strong eyes characterized her features, but her face was a little weary. Judging from her manner, and way or holding herself, Rosalyn could see she was no lady. That must make her the wildling, Medea was watching the pair suspiciously.
Rosalyn dropped a polite curtsy for the Ironborn ward, but smiled genuinely at Genna, "Hello, you're Genna right?"
"Yes," the other girl replied, "And you are?"
"Rosalyn Tarth, of Evenfall Hall," she introduced herself, "Lady Stark said you were a wildling?"
"I was," Genna replied shortly.
"Was?" Medea repeated, "So you WERE a wildling but you're not now?"
"What's it like beyond the Wall?" Rosalyn found herself asking impulsively.
"Cold," was the only reply Genna gave.
Rosalyn laughed, "I've never been this far North before, but I know that it's hardly any distance compared with how far you've travelled."
Medea continued to watch the proceedings with a little suspicion, maintaining a silence for now. Another tall young man walked over, his colouring and clothes marking him to be the famous Robb Stark; King in the North. He certainly cut an impressive figure, and a handsome one as rumors told, giving his mother a hug and bowing before the ladies.
"How are our guests fairing, mother?" he inquired.
Another man strolled over, good gods, were they going to meet everyone now? This one was of a height with Robb, but darker colouring, holding more to what Rosalyn understood to be traditional Stark appearance, "And who might our guests be?"
"They are well. This is Medea Caron, and this is Rosalyn Tarth," Catelyn introduced; indication who was who respectively, "Both are sisters of Rainbow Guard members. Renly agreed to let them be fostered in return for peace...for now. Girls, this is my son, Robb Stark, and Jon Snow."
Rosalyn couldn't help the slightly critical glance she gave Jon, recognizing the bastard name of the North, "Hello."
He gave no sign of being put out by her glance, inclining his head, "A pleasure to meet you both, I trust you had a good journey?"
"It was fine," she said; rather un-descriptively, but Medea took that out of her hands.
"Uneventful compared to the south," Medea replied, "But a fine journey nonetheless."
Theon laughed, the first sound he'd uttered, "Isn't this one a sulky piece?"
"Maybe you just bring it out in her Greyjoy," Jon Snow shot back; Rosalyn instantly picked up that their relationship would be an insulting one.
"It isn't sulkiness I bring out in women..." Theon murmured suggestively/
"Theon, enough," Catelyn chastised.
"Theon, don't you have somewhere else to be?" Robb inquired.
Jon groaned, "Ladies, just ignore the squid."
Rosalyn was a little at loss as to what to say, Genna merely ran her hands through her hair.
"He seems to think his womanizing ways are far more effective than they really are..." Medea noted.
Genna muttered something as Theon glared at Medea, and Rosalyn was reminded a little of Loras.
"So it would seem..." she agreed.
"I like her," Jon chuckled; making Theon huff.
"Perhaps you boys would be best to show Medea and Rosalyn around the camp." Lady Stark phrased the request so that it was a statement, "Make yourselves useful that way."
Jon turned to them, "Would you like the guided tour?"
"Is the squid coming?" Medea asked.
Rosalyn laughed and murmured contemplatively, "Squid…"
"I am not a squid!" Theon protested.
"Yes, you are," Genna retorted.
"Jon, I'm sure you can manage them," Robb said.
Jon nodded, "Have you got Kingly things to get done brother?"
"Yes," Robb replied with a slight sigh, "Theon can help."
"So the squid's coming with us?" Rosalyn clarified.
Jon whacked the back of Theon's head with the elder boy groaned, "Now now Greyjoy, be nice when in front of the ladies." He gave them an apologetic look on the ward's behalf, "Sorry, we only let him out on special occasions"
Medea and Rosalyn both laughed at this, and Theon's indignant expression.
"Ow!" Theon complained; rubbing the back of his head, "Mind your tongue, Snow. You didn't even get to come INSIDE when we had the royal visitors."
"I wish they wouldn't let you outside at all, Greyjoy," Genna muttered; then shook her head, "I'm going to go collect some herbs." The once wildling girl walked off.
Jon scowled; though Rosalyn thought she saw a flash of hurt, "And you wonder why you only get attention from-"
"So that tour?" she intervened quickly.
"I think the tour sounds wonderful right about now," Medea agreed.
"Fine," Theon said, "Come along, then."
Jon offered Medea is arm politely, "Would you care to accompany me on the tour? He shot Theon a look and shook his head despairingly as Medea smiled and took his arm, "Really Greyjoy, manners."
Theon glanced at Rosalyn as they began walking through the camp, "Is your sister not the really homely one?"
She shot a burning blue glare at him for a moment, but then put in a falsely sweet smile, "Perhaps, I don't think so myself, but others have said it truth be told. However I do know for certain that she is the one who could kill you in a duel with one hand tied behind her back"
Theon looked a little taken aback, and more than a little dubious, but Jon spoke before he could open his mouth again.
"So Lady Medea, what do you think of your camp mates so far?
"I find that Rosalyn is easy to get along with," Medea replied, "But I am not sure about Robb and Genna, and I certainly don't like the squid."
Jon nodded in understanding, "They're fine once you get to know them. Robb's just busy a lot with the war and being King, but Genna's good fun.
"It must be a lot of responsibility for one so young," Medea noted.
"It is, but war makes us all older," Jon replied.
The rest of the tour continued mainly in silence.