Robb straightened his clothes before running his hand through his hair. He couldn't help but feel slightly frustrated. It had been a week since the Fire Festival. And during that time he had had little time to speak with Vivian. Her mother had taken a turn for the worse and she spent as much time as she could with her. There was talk that she would be leaving soon. They were just waiting till Edith was strong enough to travel.
Robb paced in his room until he heard a knock on the door. He threw his door open and stared in surprise at his half-brother Jon. He wasn't exactly sure who he expected, but he wasn't expecting Jon.
"She went to say good night to Arya," Jon whispered. "Sounded like she had a few spare minutes." He didn't bother saying anything else and walked away.
Robb made his way to his youngest sister's room and gently opened the door. Vivian looked up and smiled at him.
"Robb!" Arya said excitedly.
"Good night, Arya," Robb said to his sister as he motioned for Vivian to follow him. She nodded and started to walk over to him.
"You haven't told me the story about Ashes. Will you tell me now?" Arya suddenly asked.
Robb gulped and Vivian sighed. Of course Arya would pick this time to ask Vivian for a story. Vivian looked up at Robb as if to ask for him permission. He almost shook his head, but Arya's pleading face was too much for him to handle.
"I'm curious, too," he said.
Arya clapped her hands happily as Vivian sat down on the bed. "Then I'll start from the beginning," she said
Robb couldn't help but sigh as he leaned against the wall. He knew that neither could resist Arya. But this cut into his "alone" time with her. But then again, this was a story he was curious about. Heirlooms usually had interesting stories behind them.
"Ashes was forged with the fires of the last phoenix. Which may be in part, why it got its name," Vivian started as she tucked Arya in.
"A phoenix?" Arya asked.
Vivian nodded. "They were said to be the kings or queens of all birds. Might creatures whose bodies were composed of fire, or their plumage was bright red and made it appear as if they were on fire." She smiled at Arya's widened eyes. "Legend says that the birds were immortal and lived for hundreds of years. And then, when they finally died they would turn into ash, and their ashes would reproduce another phoenix. Their songs could bring tears to one's eyes or terror into one's heart. I haven't found many books that mention them much anything else about them. It appears that one day they just disappeared."
Arya let out a breath of excitement. Robb cleared his throat.
"Right," Vivian said, nodding her head. "On with the story. It was during the time when the Andals started to conquer Westeros. They say that she came from the North, up here somewhere," she moved her hands motioning around her. "She was the eldest daughter and leader of her people. Legend says that with her by their side they never lost a battle."
"Really?" Arya interrupted. "A girl fought? What was her name? How did she get the sword?"
Vivian sighed as she shook her head. "None of our scrolls give her a name. I'm afraid it got lost long ago. And yes, she did fight. I'm not sure how she came into possession of the sword. But I know how my very very very great grandfather got into possession of it. She came down to Firelake. It wasn't known as that at that time. I believe they called it Crystal Lake because of how clear it was."
Arya nodded as she stared wide eyed.
"Martel, my very great grandfather, met her just before Firelake. It was frozen over due to the cold winter. For the first time in her history she commanded her people to retreat. Everyone was astounded and Martel, foolishly, followed. More than half of his army was on the frozen lake when she turned and made her way back. It is said that she rode a black stallion with fiery red eyes. She unsheathed Ashes." Vivian made the sound of a sword unsheathing, and motioned as if she were unsheathing the sword. "She screamed 'Give me your eternal fire, Great Phoenix'. At that moment the blade caught on fire. She jumped off her stallion and slammed the blade into the ice. Fire shot out and engulfed the lake. Men swore that they heard the battle cry of a fierce bird. The soldiers had nowhere to go and the majority of Martel's army drowned or burned from the flames."
"Amazing," Arya said in awe. "What happened to her? How did your great grandfather get Ashes?"
Vivian sighed and looked almost sad. "Like most people who are victorious she got extremely cocky and careless. Martel found her camp and captured her. They say despite her numerous war wounds that she was still extremely beautiful. He forced her to marry him in exchange for letting her people go. He took Ashes from her and they renamed the lake to Firelake."
"Does it catch fire? Ashes?" Arya asked.
Vivian shook her head. "Legend continues that she cursed the sword. Said he and his heirs would never be able to use the full potential of the sword. But one day one of her heirs will bring it back to life. Now, go to sleep."
"Fine," Arya said as she closed her eyes. "Viv?" she asked when Vivian got to the door.
"Yes?"
"Do you think it will ever catch fire?"
"Anything is possible," she replied.
Arya smiled and closed her eyes.
"Flaming magic swords?" Robb asked her as soon as they closed the door.
"It's a legend, Robb," she replied almost defensively. "Your sister wanted a story and I gave her one."
Robb didn't reply back. It was then that he realized that she was tired. Her eyes were slightly more sunken in and she shoulder's slightly sagged. It was almost as if she had an incredibly heavy burden on her.
They were silent as they made their way down the stairs. "I think a pleasant ride in the forest will be a nice change of scenery," Vivian finally said. "Just you and me."
Robb looked at her in surprise.
"I mean, you and me and a few guards," she quickly added. "My mother has given permission." She fidgeted slightly as if afraid that she had given him another meaning in her previous words.
Robb nodded. "I will arrange for such an adventure for tomorrow." There seemed to be a sudden distance between the two of them. He didn't know what he had done to have her pull away from him.
Suddenly, she seemed like herself again. "Good," Vivian said with a smile. She leaned closer and kissed his cheek. "Then I best rest for the… adventure that we shall have tomorrow."
He couldn't move as she half skipped to the guest quarters. She didn't look back at him and he pressed one hand against his cheek. He couldn't wait for tomorrow.
"It's so perfect," Vivian mused as she looked had stopped in to a small clearing next to a tiny spring. There was very little snow and most of it was on the trees.
The morning had started out nearly perfectly. Robb had little trouble organizing a quick almost private picnic. Eddard ordered only a handful of men to guard the young people. They weren't going too far, but caution was still needed. Robb didn't have to worry about any of his siblings joining him nor Theon. Eddard commanded all the children, including Jon and Theon, to stay with Maester Luwin. The old man was going to teach all the children a few lessons. Theon wasn't happy that Robb was exempted from the classes.
One of the guards placed a blanket on the ground while Robb helped Vivian down from her horse. It was a nearly perfect day. Maester Elkhart, who was to take over Maester Luwin's post, and Vivian's servant girl had joined them to keep an eye on them.
Luwin wasn't exactly ready to retire. He loved the Starks and had been with them for a long time. But he was getting old, and he knew that he needed to have someone ready to take his place when the time came.
A slight breeze caused Vivian to shiver. Robb looked at her in concern but she flashed him a happy smile. He couldn't help but smile back. She pulled him away from the people who were setting up their lunch and walked toward the woods. She stopped by a tree and looked up.
Robb looked around. The guards positioned themselves around the woods while Maester Elkhart and the servant girl set up their lunch.
The servant girl glanced back and looked in horror. "My lady!" she nearly shrieked then quickly covered her mouth.
Robb looked to his side then realized that she wasn't there. Feet caught his attention and he looked up. She sat on the closets branch and her feet dangled in front of him. For some reason, his first thoughts were of surprise that he could see her shoes. He looked up at her and she gave him a mischievous smile.
"Have I surprised the young lord?" she teased. One hand rested softly on the tree trunk. While the other was by her side, holding onto the tree branch.
"Be careful you don't fall," he said with mischief in his eyes.
She leaned closer to him. "Why?" she whispered. "Will you not catch me?"
Robb's heart skipped a beat. There was something about the boldness of her actions and voice that called to him. This was the playful girl that he remembered from his youth. She had been a lot more tame this visit. He had missed the mischievious pranks and games that she used to play. He smiled.
The branch cracked and she let out a soft cry in surprise as she lost her balance. Suddenly, his arms wrapped around her and he pulled her forward. She shrieked in surprise as her arms wrapped around his neck. One of his hands held her back while the other went under her legs. She looked at him in surprise as he held her in his arms.
"I didn't see that one coming," she said softly.
He looked at her in concern. "Are you alright?" he asked her.
She looked into his eyes and slowly nodded. "You can put me down," she finally said after a brief moment of silence.
His eyes lit up as if he then realized that she was in his arms. He quickly let her down.
"Hmm," she said as she looked up at the tree branch. Half of it clung to the tree. "I'm sorry," she said, looking at him. "I didn't mean to scare you. I thought it was safe. I guess…" she paused then smiled an impish smile. "It's been a while since I've climbed a tree."
Robb laughed. "At least I was there to catch you," he said.
"My lady, my lord," the servant girl said with a slight bow. "Lunch is ready."
Robb held out his arm to Vivian who gladly accepted. It wasn't the most elaborate of lunches, but decent none the less. The two ate in silence. Vivian sat on her knees while Robb stretched his body out and lay on his side.
"I have a question, if you don't mind," she said, breaking the silence.
Robb sat up and smiled. He was glad she said something. He didn't mind the silence, but he knew that she did. "What is your question?" he asked her.
He frowned when she nervously rubbed her hands. "Don't think me crazy. I mean, I can't…" she shook her head. "No, maybe it would be better not to say."
"You have me curious now," Robb interrupted her. "I won't think you're crazy." He knew it was rude to interrupt, but he wanted to know what she was going to say.
Vivian let out a sigh. "Let's say that you already inherited your father's sword, Ice right?"
He nodded his head.
"Say you were given a choice. You lose Ice but know for sure that you will have a few years of happiness. But you are guaranteed to be miserable for the rest of your life, after that. Or you keep Ice and live in misery. There is a slight chance that after a few years you'll be able to have a happy life, but it's a long and hard fight." She stopped talking and looked at him.
Robb blinked as he thought. That was an odd question. He understood why she was nervous. He let out a soft chuckle. "That's a strange question," he told her as he thought. "When would I have this decision? What kind of happiness should I expect?" She seemed confused by his question. "I mean, will I be extremely rich? Live comfortably? Am I married? Or will I marry the girl of my dreams?"
She blushed then let out a soft laugh. "Right now," she said. "If you had to make the decision right now the way you are, except you have Ice. And whatever would make you happy. Say, not giving it away would make you lose someone you love."
"Hmmm," he mused. "Guaranteed happiness for a few years then misery, or misery for a few years and fight for happiness, but no guarantee? Lose Ice for happiness or keep it for misery." He looked at her as if trying to make sure that he was correct in her question. "You have posed the most frustrating of questions." He couldn't help but laugh.
She seemed embarrassed as she looked away. He reached out and grabbed her hand, forcing her to look at him.
He didn't change the subject. "I do not want to seem like a coward in giving Ice away just for a few years of happiness. But keep the sword and lose someone I love would be very difficult," he said softly. "Right now? I would keep the sword."
Vivian didn't say anything or move to indicate if he made a good decision. "Why?" she asked.
Robb sighed. "I'm a fighter," he said. "I will fight for those that I love. I cannot fight without a good weapon. Maybe I'll have a few years of misery at first, but I would fight for my happiness. And I know I would win it." His eyes burned with triumph at his answer.
Vivian smiled. "You are much braver than me," she said.
Robb shook his head. "You are brave," he told her in a low voice. "You can sit next to Sansa and listen to her talk about court. Even though she knows nothing about it."
Vivian laughed, making him smile. He loved her laughter.
"Do you like it up here?" he asked her. It was a question that he wanted her to truthfully answer. After all, if she were to become his wife then she would be moving up north to live in Winterfell. "It's colder than from where you are from," he added as if she didn't know.
She looked around thoughtfully then nodded. "It feels perfect here," she said.
Robb laughed, shaking his head. "I meant, up here in the North." He thought she was talking about the area they were at.
Vivian giggled as she nodded her head. "I know," she replied. "I always loved coming up here. Even when we weren't on the friendliest of terms." Her eyes danced with mischief. "Your people are nice and your family is lovely. I feel a…" she paused, looking for the right words. "I feel right here."
Robb smiled and opened his mouth to reply, but a scream interrupted him.
"Wildings!" Theon shouted as he rode out of the woods with Jon close behind him. "Too many to fight!"
Robb didn't bother to ask for an explanation as to why Theon and Jon were so close by. Nor did he ask as to why they were being chased by wildings. His immediate thoughts went to Vivian's safety. He grabbed her arm and pulled her up to her feet. She grunted in slight pain and frustration before rushing over to her horse. He didn't have to help her up. And would have admired how easily she got onto her horse, if his mind wasn't on other matters. Jon grabbed the servant girl and helped her onto his horse.
An arrow whizzed and hit one of the guards in the chest. He fell back dead as the servant girl screamed. More arrows shot out from the woods, killing another guard.
"Go!" Robb yelled as he kicked his horse into a gallop. Vivian was close behind him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Vivian's horse stumble. "Viv!" he shouted as he looked back at her. She looked at her horse then shook her head. It was fine, for now.
"They're chasing us!" Vivian yelled when she turned and spotted the wildings. He nodded. "Five are on horses. They took down a guard."
Robb turned his attention in front of him, looking for a way to escape. Options raced into his mind, but nothing sounded right. He spotted the river. It was flowing fast from the melting ice, but he knew that it was the only way to escape. The wildings wouldn't be stupid enough to follow them.
"We have to cross!" he shouted.
Vivian nodded her head.
"This is crazy!" Theon shouted when he saw where they were headed, but still followed. Their horses didn't like the idea, and jumped into the river instead of riding in.
Vivian let out a shriek of surprise and Robb lost his breath from the cold water. Due to the melting ice, from the warmer weather, the river was deeper than it should have been. The horses started to cry out in fear and cold as the current pushed them further down.
"Come on!" Robb shouted as he urged his horse forward. The beast cried out as it swam. Both could feel as it finally touched the ground and forced itself out of the river.
Robb allowed himself a brief look back. They had lost another guard leaving them with two. Theon, Maester Elkhart, Jon and the servant girl were also alright. Robb didn't say a word as he kicked his horse into a trot. They may have been out of one danger, but they were soaking wet. There was a tavern only a mile or so away from them and it was going to take them a little time to get to it. He worried about Vivian's health.
Vivian's horse buckled from underneath her and collapsed. She screamed and threw herself on the ground. Robb returned back to the present, andturned his horse to go back to her when his horse reared. It cried out in pain then collapsed as well from an arrow. Men jumped in front of the other horses, surprising them.
Vivian made her way over to her dead horse, but Robb quickly grabbed her and forced her behind him. Jon and Theon quickly joined him as Vivian's servant fell to the ground in front of her and cried. There were at least twenty wildings who surrounded them.
To Robb's surprise, the men didn't attack although they were ready, too. Then it happened, a man's scream of anger echoed in the forest. That was the signal as the men attacked.
Vivian and the servant girl crouched on the ground as the men fought.
Out of the corner of his eye, Robb saw Vivian sprint toward her dead horse. "Vivian no!" he shouted, but was stopped by a wilding who attacked him. He yelled in frustration as he fought the man.
Vivian ignored him as she ran to her dead horse. Her hands went into the folded blanket that was behind the saddle. A wilding screamed as he rushed at her. Robb couldn't dispatch his opponent fast enough. He quickly stabbed the man in the stomach and turned toward Vivian. He wasn't going to make it and he knew it. Still, he tried.
Vivian pulled out a sword and stabbed the man in the stomach. He gasped in surprise as she swung the blade across his neck, nearly severing his head. He fell to the ground dead. She pulled out the sheath from the blanket as Robb grabbed her and pulled her beside him. She didn't seem to be surprised that she killed a man. In fact, she let out a small warrior like cry as her body challenged anyone to fight her.
Five wildings surrounded them with bows and arrows ready to fire, but they didn't. The last two guards had been killed as well as Maester Elkhart.
Theon moved his sights from target to target. "What are you waiting for?" he shouted.
Jon held his bow ready on one target and waited.
Something moved in the forest in front of them. An old woman slowly made her way out. It was the fortuneteller Ussa. She looked at the dead bodies surrounding the young people, and nodded her head in approval. Then her eyes scanned the five before they fell on Vivian. "Interesting," she said in a raspy voice. "Do you accept…" she paused when she spotted the dead man by Vivian's horse. Her face contorted with anger as she snarled. "You have made a grave mistake."
Vivian shifted her weight as she glared at the old woman. "Take it," she said as she held out her sword. "Take it and let us go." Vivian could not risk the lives of those around her. If Ussa had confronted her when she was alone then she would have fought for the sword till her death. But there was Robb, Jon, Theon and her servant to think about.
"Do you realize what you have done?" the old woman snarled. "You have spilt blood with it. The sword is now yours." The old woman was furious, and Vivian was surprised.
Robb placed himself closer to Vivian, but didn't say a word. Ussa had talked to Vivian in private. He never found out what the conversation was about, but something inside told him it was about the sword.
The old woman's eyes narrowed as she looked at Robb. Then she dismissed him and returned her attention to Vivian, shaking her head. "I tried," she said with a long drawn out sigh. "I warned you. Now live with your consequences. Kill them."
"No!" Vivian screamed, as Robb pulled her behind him.
Jon and Theon let their arrows go, killing two wildings.
The old woman didn't say another word as she turned her back to them and walked into the woods. Robb attacked a wilding who ran at them, protecting Vivian. They were clearly outnumbered.
Robb's eyes widen slightly when he realized that the pounding wasn't coming from his heart. There were horses coming, and it was either the wilding's reinforcements or Robb's. The wildings briefly looked at one another before they disappeared into the woods. Within minutes the young nobles were surrounded by a group of soldiers.
Robb frowned. These men did not wear any of the markings of the men under the Starks.
"Lannister," Vivian whispered. Robb frowned. What were the men of the Lannister's doing so far north?
A man rode up to them and got off his horse before taking off his helmet. He was handsome. His light gold hair framed his perfect face. Robb felt Vivian tense beside him, as Jaime Lannister flashed them his smile.
"Looks like we arrived just on time," he mused. "Was there a witch with them?"
"Yes there was," Robb said, nodding his head. The old woman had been the reason for their near death experience. He had no loyalties to help her. Robb motioned in the direction that the old woman went, making Jaime's smile widen.
Jaime gave one of his men a side glance. "Go find her," he said under his breath.
The man heard him and nodded his head as he motioned for half the men to follow him.
"What brings you here King… Lord Commander?" Vivian asked while she gave him a quick curtsy. It was evident that she was going to call him the Kingslayer, but quickly changed her mind by his expression. "Do you not protect the king?"
Jaime's eyes narrowed then he let out a hollow laugh. "You have me at a disadvantage," he said, ignoring her question. "You know me yet I do not know you."
Robb squared his shoulders as he answered for Vivian. "She is Vivian Cynious of Firelake. I am Robb Stark. He is Theon Greyjoy," Robb said. He didn't bother to introduce Jon or the servant girl. He knew that Jaime wouldn't care to know either. Robb only hoped that Jaime would show more respect to them, now that he knew he was dealing with nobles.
Jaime kept a fake smile on his face. "I see," he said with a nod. "As for your question, Vivian Cynious." He turned his attention to the young woman. "The witch made some terrible accusations against the queen, as well as, giving false prophecies to the king. I was commanded to bring her back to Kingslanding to interrogate her."
"Thank you for helping us," Robb said as soon as Jaime finished talking. There was something off about the man in front of him. He didn't like how Jaime seemed to dismiss everyone but Vivian.
A cool breeze passed through the forest, causing all of them to shiver from their wet clothes.
Jaime gave them an assessing look.
"We had to go through the river to escape them," Robb said, refusing to cower before Jaime. "If you would be so kind as to help us get to the nearest tavern. There I may call upon my men and send word to my father."
Jaime nodded as he motioned for some of his men to dismount. He spotted the sword in Vivian's hand and reached out for it.
Instantly, she pulled back, making his eyes narrow.
"A lady has no need to carry a sword," he said with a cocky smile on his face as he tilted his head to one side. "You are safe now."
"It's mine," she said firmly. "I may be safe, but I will not allow anyone to hold it."
The soldiers chuckled at her response, but she didn't seem to care. In fact, she raised her body in defiance and it seemed as if she challenged Jaime.
"As my lady wishes," he said as he gave her a small bow in feigned acceptance and sincerity. His expression changed ever so slightly as his eyes quickly darted up and down her body. Then he turned and got on his horse. He reached his hand down to her. "Come," he said. "Best make our way to the tavern before you catch a cold."
Vivian clenched her hands then finally accepted his hand. He easily swung her up and onto the back of his horse. She had to wrap her arms around his waist as he turned his horse and kicked it to a gallop. Her own heart raced inside of her chest. The fight was still fresh in her mind, but there was also something else.
"If you chose the sword then the lion will devour you, and there will be nothing that the direwolf can do."
Those had been Madam Ussa's words the night of the Fire Festival. Why hadn't she thought of it before? If the direwolf symbolized Robb then the lion could mean Jaime. His house symbol was a lion. It only made sense. And now she had her body pressed against him to shield her from the cold. She didn't like how close they were. She didn't like it at all.
A/N: Thanks for the reviews/alerts/favs. Hope you continue to enjoy this story.
Trulzxoxo – I'm glad you love it. I'm really having fun writing them together.
Azalia Fox Knightling – I was tempted with having the baby image float over to them, but had to refrain myself.
Melanie-Baker – I'm glad you think this is a good story. Hope you continue to enjoy.
UndercoverCaptain - I would give up the sword, too. But maybe keeping the sword will be better off for both her and Robb. ^_~