A/N: Had to post this up here. So apparently I messed up. I had done minor edits to my last chapter and when I reread it I realized that I posted an old draft where I had Ashes be a bow. I'm sorry to confuse my readers in that. Ashes is a sword. I had been playing with various weapons for Ashes and in the end it just has to be a sword.
It had been nearly three weeks since Vivian had arrived to Winterfell. Strangely enough, her mother's health had improved dramatically in the short time. She had regained some of her color and also some weight. They had brought a physician with them and it was clear that he was baffled by her improvement.
Robb and Vivian had little time to talk with each other, during that time. Vivian spent most of her day with Sansa and Jeyne doing what girls did. He wasn't exactly sure what she did. He spent most of his days training with his father and the Master of Arms.
If Vivian wasn't with Sansa and Jeyne she was watching over the three younger children as they played. It wasn't her job to watch them, but she seemed to enjoy it. At times, Robb would watch her interact with the children and join in. He loved that his siblings loved her. She seemed ready to be a mother, but he wasn't sure if he was ready to be a father.
Robb walked by the new tapestry that hung near the entrance to their home. It had been the gift that Edith had given to his mother. It was a beautiful tapestry which depicted a direwolf sitting at the edge of a small lake. The wolf had his tongue sticking out and leaned close to the water. In the water was a little fish, peeking her head out. The direwolf was the symbol for House Starks while the fish was the symbol for House Tully.
He had just finished getting ready. His family and Vivian and her mom were going to go to the Summer Festival. He was excited. He always loved the festival there was so much to do. It was going to be Vivian and Sansa's first time there. Last time that Vivian had come up both of them got into trouble.
Robb smiled when he thought of Vivian. Every night the two had a few minutes to talk "alone". Maester Luwin and Mordane were present wherever the two went. Not that Robb would have taken advantage of Vivian. But he understood why the two kept an eye on them. For the past three weeks they had discussed major subjects. It was easier said than done putting the past behind them. The first time Robb and Vivian talked they ended up arguing. Both quickly realized that they needed to discuss previous events. It was difficult for Robb to express himself to her. At times he waited for her to belittle him. But when it didn't happen he slowly began to relax around her. Still, she did most of the talking.
Tonight was going to be different. They weren't going to have the ever watchful eyes and ears of Maester Luwin and Mordane. The two elders were staying at home to watch after it and the three younger children who couldn't attend.
Robb stepped outside and spotted Vivian, Sansa and his mother. The three women sat on top of their horses. The road they were going to take was too small to allow carriages. And for this event, his mother liked to be simple in how she dressed and the way they arrived. The majority of the people who were attending the festival were the peasants of the land. Still, it was tradition for the Starks to attend.
"This is exciting," Sansa said happily as Robb mounted his horse next to her. She looked at her brother and gave him a large smile.
He laughed as he shook his head. "Don't get too excited," he told her. "You'll tire yourself out before we get there."
"Let us go," Eddard Stark commanded as he rode over to them. Behind him was a small escort of guards.
Catelyn rode behind her husband, who led the group. Behind her were Robb, Jon, Vivian, Sansa and Theon. The small group of guards surrounded them.
It wasn't long before the sound of merrymaking and music caught Robb's attention. They slowed their mounts then finally stopped and dismounted. The night air was chilly, but at least there was no snow. Vivian fell in step with Robb as they followed behind Eddard who held his wife's arm. Soon, they stepped into a clearing. A large bonfire was in the middle of the meadow. Men and women were everywhere. There were two tables which held caskets full of either mead or ale, and were attended by their prospective owners. A few tents surrounded the area, but nothing was in the middle where the large bonfire was at.
"Robb," Catelyn said as she turned and looked at the young folks. Her eyes fell on her son. "Take care of your sister," she commanded.
Robb nodded to his mother then father. Both smiled and nodded in returned before they walked away. The guards made their way to the edge of the festival, joining the others who kept watch.
"Wow!" Sansa said in awe when she spotted a man blowing on a torch. The flames instantly went larger. Sansa stayed close to Vivian, as they made their way around the area. Entertainers from all around had gathered in the area to show off their talents. Sansa waved at Jeyne who stood with her parents. Her friend waved back but didn't join her.
The festival was well known in the North. Many aspiring entertainers made their way there to be noticed by the nobility who attended. Each hoped that their talents or act would go noticed by the nobles. If they were then they knew they would be hired to entertain at parties. It was an easy life if they were able to be noticed.
Someone rolled up to Robb and his group. Sansa yelped in surprise as a young man sprung to his feet. She grabbed Vivian's arm and hid behind her. He gracefully twirled around then produced a flower and bowed to Vivian.
"Thank you," she said as she took the flower. He smiled then back flipped his way back where he had come from.
Vivian twirled the flower in her hand as she looked at it thoughtfully.
"I see my calling," Theon muttered as he left them and made his way to were two young women stood. One of the girls spotted him and gave him a large smile when he reached them.
"Who are they?" Sansa asked, curiously.
"Come, Lady Sansa," Jon said, ignoring her question, and holding out his arm to her. "Let me show you one of the best performers here."
Sansa hesitated and looked at Robb who gave her an encouraging nod of his head.
"Nicely, done," Vivian teased as soon as Sansa and Jon were out of earshot.
Robb winked as he held his arm for her to hold. She wrapped her right arm around his and followed him. "Since Jon and Sansa are going to see the best performers here then what are we going to see?" she teased.
"He said one of the best," Robb corrected her. "Not the best." He noticed as she put the flower into her hair and looked around. He motioned for a flower girl to approach them. The girl gladly did. He didn't ask Vivian to pick the flower as he looked at the girl's selection. He found a pink flower that had hints of yellow on the edges and paid the girl.
"Thank you, my lord," she said enthusiastically as he waved her away.
"What's this?" Vivian asked him as he took out the flower that was in her hair. She didn't stop him as he gently put his flower in her hair.
"It's fair prettier than the one you had," he told her.
She looked away and he realized that she was blushing. The soft glow from the bonfire made her look even prettier. Suddenly, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. She was surprised by his action and looked at him. Part of him expected her to scream or leave and find Jon or even hit him. Instead, she leaned closer to him and allowed him to guide her to where he wanted to go.
His heart fluttered by her being so close and allowing him to kiss her. Finally, they reached the tent that he wanted. And they went inside after he paid. The group that surrounded them was the rich folk; mostly young and only a few older. And they were either children of nobles or rich merchants. There was no one of poor or very low status in the group.
"What is this?" Vivian asked as she looked around. The room buzzed with chatter as people talked to one another. Suddenly, the stage in the front exploded as smoke and fire covered it. Vivian shrieked in surprise and pressed closer to Robb.
The smoke cleared, revealing an old woman. Her eyes were white, but that didn't stop her from turning her head as if she was looking at the room.
"Hmm," she said as she waved her arms in front of her. She extended her arms in the air and suddenly, the image of an infant appeared. Everyone "Ooed" and "Awed" as the illusion went straight to a young couple. It stopped in front of them and smiled before it sparkled and disappeared.
The young woman seemed ecstatic as she looked at her man. He held her closer and smiled.
"Is that magic?" Vivian asked in surprise.
Robb shook his head. "I've been trying to figure out how she does it," he whispered.
The old woman turned her attention to another young man. "Missing some riches?" she asked as she blew into the air.
Gold coins hovered in the air then danced around the young man. The people around him tried to grab the coins but they disappeared.
"Ah ha," the old woman said as she tossed nothing into the air. Flower exploded above her and rained down pedals around a group of young woman. The girls giggled and blushed as they quickly chatted to each other.
The old woman's eyes sparkled as she looked at a young man then pointed up. He looked up and spotted a bucket over his head. He yelled in surprise as the bucket turned and water fell on him. He covered his face, but it was just an illusion. Everyone laughed as he straightened his clothes and pretended that everything was alright.
Then the old woman grew serious. The sound of chickens filled the room as two birds fell and clucked around a young man. He snarled in anger and kicked at one of them. His foot went through the image and he lost his balance and fell to the ground. The group laughed as he scurried to his feet then he walked away. He slammed his shoulder into Robb's who snarled at him.
"Watch it!" Robb snapped as he wrapped a protective arm around Vivian.
She ignored him as she watched the old woman in amazement. Suddenly, a little bird flew over to her. She stared wide eyed as it looked at her. The bird was on fire and the size of his fist. It was red with orange and yellow at the tips of its feathers. It flapped in front of her and she slowly reach out her hand to touch it. Suddenly, it bursted into flames. She quickly cupped her hands underneath it and it appeared as if she caught something. Gently, she opened her hands. There was a tiny egg inside. The egg moved as it was broken from the inside out, revealing a baby bird. The little bird looked up at her then exploded into tiny sparkles.
Vivian shrieked in surprise as she jumped back. The crowd giggled and laughed, causing her to blush.
"Excuse me," she said as she took a step closer to Robb.
The people quickly turned their attention back to the old woman, who kept staring at Vivian. Finally, the woman raise her hand in the air and smoke wrapped around her. There was a loud boom and she disappeared. Some people clapped while most grumbled at the shortness of the show.
"That was amazing!" Vivian said in delight as they made their way out of the tent.
Robb nodded in agreement and smiled at how happy she looked. Suddenly, a large, burly man blocked their path. Robb couldn't help but put his hand on knife that was on his belt.
"Mistress Ussa would like to give a free reading to the young lady," he said with a low bow.
Robb frowned as did Vivian. "Free?" she asked somewhat skeptical.
The man nodded his head. "Readings rarely come free," he said. "Best take her up on her offer before she changes her mind."
Vivian bit her lip then nodded her head. Robb stayed close to her side as the man lead them to Ussa's private tent. There was a line of people waiting for a reading, but the burly man pushed everyone to one side. He lifted the tent flap and motioned for Vivian to enter. She nodded as she made her way inside.
Robb started to follow her but the man stood in his way. "Only the lady," the big man said.
"I will not leave her alone in that tent," Robb said firmly.
"It's alright, Robb," Vivian said with a small smile. "I'll be fine."
Robb glared at the big man then nodded his head. "I'll be right here," he said. "If you need me."
Vivian nodded her head then made her way inside.
The inside was pitch black, but Vivian's eyes quickly adjusted to the low light. The elderly woman sat at a small round table and beaconed for her to sit across from her. Vivian quietly sat down and waited. "You're hand," the woman said.
Vivian gingerly gave Ussa her right hand. The woman's hands were firm and callused. "Interesting," the old woman said as she traced Vivian's palm. "Give me Ashes."
Vivian tried to pull away, but the old woman's grip was firm. "Excuse me?" Vivian hissed.
"Ashes! It belongs here in the North. It belongs to my people," the old woman said. "Give it to me."
"No!" Vivian said as she struggled to free her hand. "It will belong to me. My grandfather has promised."
"That sword will give you only misery," Ussa said. "Give it to me and these next few years will fill you with joy and happiness."
Vivian stopped struggling and frowned. "Then what?" she asked.
The old woman looked surprised by her question. "There are events that will happen that not even you can stop," the old woman finally said. "Give me the sword and you won't have to live in misery for now."
"But I will later," Vivian said. She was smart. The old woman scowled.
"You have two paths," Ussa said. "One is to give me the sword and your next few years will be filled with joy and happiness. You will want not and have no worry. Or, keep the sword and you will live in misery and sadness doomed to feeling doubt and helplessness."
Vivian frowned. "But for how long?" she asked. "I would rather suffer through a few years of misery and then live happily ever after. Then live happy for a few years only to live in misery for the rest of my life."
The old woman let her go and leaned back. "There is no certainty that you will live happily after only a few years of misery," she finally said. "It could be that you will never have happiness."
Vivian frowned.
Ussa leaned forward and grabbed her hand. "You still have time," she said. "I will appear once more and ask for the sword. If you give it to me then I know you will live happily for some time. But if you chose to keep it then you will live in misery. The road leading to your happiness will be long and hard. Do you think you have the strength to travel it?"
"I have to try," Vivian said. "Ashes belongs to me. It always has. I cannot give him to you."
Ussa snorted and let her go. Vivian stood up and started to walk away. "You have one more chance," Ussa called after her. "Trust me. Will you be able to lose he who protects you now?"
Vivian stopped then turned and looked at the old woman. "Robb?" she asked.
The old woman's eyes flashed with triumph as she stood up and nodded her head. "It is either him or the sword. If you chose the sword then the lion will devour you, and there will be nothing that the direwolf can do."
Vivian felt cold when she heard those words. It was like her vision; the lion grabbing her and pulling her away from the direwolf. Vivian turned away then walked out of the tent. Her mind was reeling with what Ussa had said.
"Are you alright?" Robb said in concern.
Vivian nodded her head. "Let's go," she said.
He looked back, but didn't see anyone but the burly man shooing everyone away.
"What did she say?" Robb asked.
Vivian waved her hands in the air. "Nonsense," she said with a fake smile. "What's that?" she asked when she heard some music.
Robb smiled as they made their way back to the middle. The bonfire had gotten larger and minstrels played their instruments as a group of young women danced.
"Vivian!" Sansa called out as soon as she saw them. She ran over and pulled Vivian to the group of dancers. Catelyn smiled and moved so that Vivian could join with her.
"Looks like she likes the North," Eddard spoke, surprising his son.
Robb hadn't noticed his father sneak up beside him. He nodded his head then smiled. "Even when we were arguing I could see that she loved it up here. Despite living even further south than mother."
Eddard nodded his head. "Do you love her?" he asked.
Robb didn't answer quickly as he thought. He knew his father and knew that rash decisions were never a good thing. "My siblings love her and she loves this land. The reason why we fought was because she thought that I hated her. We still have a lot to talk about, but you and mother didn't have that chance," he pointed out. "Thank you, father. For allowing me to talk with her. I know that most of the other nobles my age are already betrothed."
Eddard smiled as he looked at his son. "You are my eldest and Winterfell will go to you and your wife when I am gone," he said. "We are loved and strong because our people love us. Not all noblewomen have a noble heart. Do you think she is worthy of Winterfell?"
Robb nodded his head. "She has a fierce spirit like mother. But she is also very loyal. I believe that she would feel honored and greatly appreciate being a part of our family."
Eddard didn't say anything as he looked at the woman, thoughtfully. Catelyn had already told Eddard her initial fears. Vivian didn't come from a rich house. Lady Lyse had sent her sister a warning letter about Vivian's father. The man was said to be greedy and was looking to marry his daughter off to the highest bidder. Eddard did not like the fact that that, in a way, she was being sold.
But Eddard was a watchful man. Despite the accusations about her father, Vivian herself didn't seem to be particularly vain or greedy. The last time she had come up she had shown some skills in wielding a sword. Although she hadn't shown that same ability this time, he was sure she still had it. He rubbed his chin as he thought.
"If you want her to be a part of our family then tell me," Eddard finally said. "I will then discuss with her father. I will let you decide what you want to do."
Robb smiled at his father. He knew how rare it was to be able to pick a wife. Most noble children were betrothed when they were young and rarely met each other. He was truly honored to have the father that he did.
A/N: Next chapter was supposed to be this chapter, but I didn't like how quickly it went. Hope you continue to enjoy my story. Thanks for the reviews/favs/alerts.
PrincessOfSilence – Thank you! I feel so loved. Hope you continue to enjoy.
97hollster – I'm glad you liked the chapter. Hope you continue to enjoy. Sorry for the small delay.
Azalia Fox Knightling – I had him change his opinion because he's a teen boy and she's a growing teen girl. Lol. After I finished writing that chapter and I was rereading it I thought to myself "wow… that's so Swan Princess of him." Lol. Hope you liked this chapter too.