A/N Slightly longer chapter this time, I had no complaints so more sexy times to come in future chapters!

Chapter 8 Water water everywhere

The sound of footsteps interrupted the girls in their solitude, and looking around were confronted with the approach of Robb, striding purposefully towards them. He was clearly upset, the look on his face stony and solemn.

"I'll leave you two alone," whispered Olivia, squeezing her cousin's knee. "My lord," she nodded at Robb as she took her leave. Robb nodded politely and sat next to Alyssa, his shoulders drooping.

"How is he?" she asked, taking his hand in hers.

"Maester Lewin says he will live," he responded, squeezing her hand gently. "Mother and Father are with him, there's nothing more that can be done for now." She leaned her head on his shoulder as they sat in silence together in the presence of the heart tree. Alyssa had silently prayed for a sign that the young Stark boy would get better, but he had fallen from such a height and had not yet regained consciousness. Alyssa also had other things on her mind, something she would have to explain to Robb but now wasn't the time.

After some time had passed, Robb sighed and rose. "I'd better get back, there are still duties to perform with the King and Queen here. I probably shouldn't have taken time out in the first place,"

Alyssa felt a pang in her chest, it was so honourable of him to consider other people despite the concern he felt for his brother. "Of course. I'll see you later?"

"Of course," he smiled, kissing her softly.

"Will it be OK if I go and see him?"

"I think my parents would like that, and you never know, he might be able to hear. It will do him good to hear familiar voices,"

She took his arm and together they left the Godswood before going their separate ways, her to the castle and he to find Poole.


As she walked to Bran's room, she was overcome with a feeling of familiarity, it reminded her of the time at The Eyrie when she approached her uncle's room and entered to see his lifeless body on the bed, the anguish in her Aunt and cousin's eyes. She could feel tears pricking her eyes, and was glad of the dingy corridor so nobody would notice as she passed by. The door was closed, and Jory Cassel was on guard outside.

"May I see Bran?" she asked him.

"I'll ask for you, my lady. Please wait," he smiled kindly at her before going knocking and announcing her presence.

"Send her in," she heard Ned call, and with a nod and sad smile to Jory she went in. Ned looked stressed and Catelyn's eyes were red from when she had been crying. Bran lay still on the bed, almost peaceful as if he were just sleeping. Which in a way he was. He was covered in furs to keep him warm, and a large fire burned. The room was lit by candlelight, dominated by the bed and some chairs either side.

"Ned, Catelyn, I'm so sorry," she gushed, embracing them in turn. "What happened?"

"He was climbing and fell," Ned explained solemnly. "He was found at the bottom of the broken tower,"

"I told him not to climb, I made him promise me," added Catelyn, voice shaking slightly.

"I hear he will live," Alyssa stated, "He's a Stark, he carries the blood of the north and the first men. I bet when he wakes up he'll be surprised to find out he was the centre of attention during the royal visit, even under the circumstances," Lord and Lady Stark smiled in response despite their concern.

"That much is true," Ned agreed. "I only wish I didn't have to depart soon for King's Landing,"

Catelyn stifled another sob at this, even though now she had reason for her husband to leave her it still hurt, and with Bran's fall as well it felt like too much.

"Excuse me, I'd better go and see if Septa Mordane requires any assistance with the other children," Alyssa stated, sensing they needed some more time alone.

"Of course, and thank you for coming Alyssa," replied Catelyn. "Look after my son,"

"It seems he's already in good hands, my lady," she replied confused.

"Not this one. The older one,"

"Oh, er, OK," she stammered, blushing as she left the room. Despite her sadness Catelyn smiled after the girl.

Alyssa found the septa and children along with Olivia in the school room above the courtyard. They were meant to be reading the histories of the seven kingdoms but it was apparent they werne't really paying attention, and it was also apparent Septa Mordane didn't really mind, under the circumstances. She picked up a book and sat between Olivia and Sansa. Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen had joined them as well, which was unusual but pleasant as the older girls were already familiar with them.

After a short while, and before Alyssa had really got into her book, they were all dismissed. Her and Olivia were the only ones left in the room.

"How's Robb?" her cousin asked tentatively.

"He's OK, worried but trying to go about his - and some of Lord Stark's - duties bravely as if nothing had happened," they left the room in contemplative silence and descended to the busy courtyard below. The royal party - and Olivia - would be leaving for King's Landing in a couple of days and it seemed to pass between them they didn't want to talk about it. The girls had grown closer and closer with all of the time they had spent together, and both of their romances has blossomed at the same time and it was nice to have a confidant to discuss everything with.

Supper was a quieter, more sombre affair than usual despite all of the people. There was an atmosphere of concern in the air, and Lady Stark's absence was noticed. Alyssa sat with Robb, and Olivia with Theon. Jon had joined them at one of the top tables, a rare honour but no doubt Lord Stark wanted his children close seeing as the life of one of them was in the balance. Conversation was scarce, all present were aware that in a couple of days Olivia would be returning south along with Eddard, Sansa and Arya and Jon would be riding for the wall. It was one of the last times they would be alltogether like this for the forseeable future. At least Jon seemed to have thawed out a bit more now, he'd been friendlier with Alyssa since their chat but still kept his distance. Since the accident though, he'd been a lot warmer towards her, perhaps noticing himself how precious life is. Catelyn Stark's absense was noticed, the spot beside Eddard distinctly empty.

"Isn't your mother going to eat something?" asked Alyssa, gazing at Robb in concern.

"Yes, though she's eating at Bran's side tonight," he sounded so matter-of-fact in his reply, keeping his emotions under control as he had been doing all day. Alyssa nodded and turned her attention to her stew, though didn't really feel like eating. It didn't seem like it was the same day, when that morning she had awoken and felt so incredibly happy.

"Are you feeling prepared for the Wall, Snow?" asked Theon, hoping conversation would help a little more normality resume.

"As much as I can be," the younger man shrugged, finishing off his meal. "Uncle Benjen says we'll ride off with the other recruits in a couple of days and shouldn't be on the road for too long,"

"Other recruits, have you met them?" asked Olivia.

"No, they're arriving from other parts of the country and we'll meet up with them just outside Winterfell," he shrugged. "No doubt I'll have plenty of time to get to know them," he smiled weakly.

"You could say that, and if it gets cold on your journey, plenty of men to keep you warm," grinned Theon, unable to help himself.

"You'd probably know more about that," scoffed Jon.

"I'm sure my lady begs to differ," he looked at Olivia imploringly, who felt her heart skip when he referred to her as his lady though it was just manners.

"I'm not getting involved," she resolved, lightly squeezing Theon's thigh.

"I don't blame you my lady, what he gets up to in his own time is up to him," retorded Jon, earning a glare from Theon as the others cracked a smile.

Finishing his meal, Robb turned to Alyssa and placed his hand on the small of her back.

"Are you finished eating?" he gestured towards her cooling half-filled bowl.

"Yes, I don't have much of an appetite," she confessed.

"What do you say we get out of here?" he suggested, caressing her through her dress.

"Sounds good to me," she smiled, "Don't you have anything else to do this evening?"

"Not that can't wait," he smiled

"Lead the way," she smiled, rising from the bench, pushing the wooden bowl away.

"Can I have that?" Theon indicated the rest of her meal.

"Yes, help yourself," Alyssa slid it over to him. "I'll see you later," she looked at her cousin. The others bid them farewell as Robb stood and offered her his arm.

"Do you think we should check on him and your mother?" she asked as they entered the castle. Bran's room wasn't too far from Robb's, where she assumed they would be going.

"Leave them until morning," he replied, wanting to be alone with her and at least temporarily forget everything else that existed. The world would keep turning for one night, he assured himself, as he led her into his room for the second night in a row.


Olivia had been winding Theon up in the great hall throughout the remainder of their meal. As he finished his own - and Alyssa's- meal, she discretely removed her slipper and was caressing his lower leg with her toes. It amused her greatly that he just pretended to ignore her, acting as if nothing was happening and keeping his focus on talking with Jon.

"At least you won't have to worry about your brother when you're gone," he stated, noticing how Jon's expression froze briefly for a split second before returning to normal.

"He's a big boy now, I'm sure he'll manage either way," he shrugged. Olivia didn't know what had occured between Jon and her cousin when she had first arrived here, so didn't pick up on the underlying tension. In fact, she had now slipped her hand onto Theon's thigh again, massaging the muscle gently under the table.

"I wouldn't go that far," scoffed Theon, regretting his words. "So Snow, before you go to that big wide wall, how about a night with Roz or one of the girls?"

"And how are you so well aquainted with her and her colleagues?" Olivia raised an eyebrow, leaning in to him and using the opportunity to move her hand across his crotch.

"Yeah Greyjoy, why is that?" asked Jon, raising an eyebrow and smirking.

"I've lived here a long time, I've got to meet all of Winterfell's residents at some point or another," he muttered, clearing his throat.

"I'm sure you have," Jon winked, "Some more than others, hey?"

"At least I have experiences to speak of, should I so choose but being the gentleman I am I choose not to disclose," Theon huffed, his cock responding to Olivia's touch and the memories of the brothel.

"You make me out to be such a saint," Jon said mockingly, "I'm done anyway. See you later,"

"I wonder where he's going," Theon called after him with laughter.

"I don't know but I know where I'd like to go," Olivia purred in his ear. Theon loved how she just seemed to control his libido with her voice.

"Where would that be?" he asked, lowering his voice and removing her hand, keeping it in his own and stroking it.

"Depends," she replied with a shrug.

"On what?"

"Where you next see yourself and I naked," she whispered, kissing his cheek and keeping her hand in his rose and pulled him up with her. "Come on," Theon was only too happy to oblige.


Robb was pleasently surprised to see there was a full, steaming bath and towels in his room upon his return. How thoughtful of the servants, he mused, as they had also replenished some of the candles that had almost burned down and there were fresh furs upon his bed. Alyssa looked round approvingly, the room was certainly warmer and cosier than it had seemed last night, and the oils in the bathwater gave off a verey pleasant, heady aroma.

"That looks inviting," he gestured, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "What do you think Lady Arryn, care to share the warm water with me?" he kissed her on her neck, making her automatically roll her head back into him.

"Mmm that is a very tempting offer," she replied thoughtfully, her heart and stomach turning somersaults at the prospect. He turned her to face him and kissed her deeply.

"Persuaded yet?" he asked, pulling her closer to him and stroking his hands up and down her sides.

"I didn't really need a lot," she confessed, already working on undoing his tunic. They helped each other undress, Robb's arousal very obvious as the last of their garments were cast aside. The bath wasn't huge, but would be big enough for both of them if she were to sit in front of him. "We're not going to be very comfortable with this," she took his cock in her hand, stroking it lightly with her palm.

"It's not going to go if you keep doing that," he murmured against her lips as he kissed her again. It took all of his self control not to lift her and take her on his bed right there and then. He didn't have too rein himself in for long, as she took his hand and led him to the bed, instructing for him to sit up against the headboard and close his eyes, not to open them until she said he could. As he sat there, eyes shut tight, she climbed onto the bed and positioned herself so that she was sat facing him on his lap, legs either side of his trunk. Carefully, she grabbed his cock againand guided it to her entrance, slowly lowering herself onto him.

"You can open your eyes now," she whispered, rolling her hips and relishing in the feel of him inside her. Robb's hands found her hips and his lips her neck as he did his best to thrust up into her. Alyssa gripped him with her knees as she continued to roll her pelvis against him, her internal muscles squeezing him as he thrust ever deeper. She lifted his chin and placed her mouth on his, trying to stifle the moans which were spontaneously escaping her lips as his hands travelled her body, caressing her hips, stomach and nipples before his right thumb rested on her clit, rubbing it as she rode him harder and harder. puiching up with her knees to increase the intensity of their thrusting. She was right on the edge and gave a gasp of surprise when he suddenly stopped; only to manouver her onto her back in such a swift movement that he managed to stay inside her; this time him being in control. The term control is used very loosely, Alyssa grabbed on to him almost for dear life as something animalistic seemed to take over him, his pace increasing faster and faster as if he were taking out all of his concern and frustration through their lovemaking. It felt incredible, she felt her orgasm build up from the very pit of her stomach and couldn't help the loud moans of pleasure that escaped her lips. She came as Robb hoisted up her left leg, allowing him to push himself even deeper as he shortly followed suit.

They lay still for a moment, panting as they gathered their wits and breath back. Robb kissed her, and pushed her hair back from her face.

"Bath's probably getting cold," he smiled, rolling off her and gently pulling her up.

In the warm, delicious smelling water, Alyssa closed her eyes and leaned back against Robb's chest, encircled in his arms. He was being rather quiet, but that was fine by her; she hadn't felt this relaxed for a long time and had put the day's events to the back of her mind.


Theon and Olivia surveyed the wet floor at the foot of Theon's bed. The rushes were soaked and would have to be replaced in the morning but it was only bathwater. Well, perhaps with some added biological substances but that hardly mattered. Theon had also had the plasure of discovering a bath in his room that night, and he and Olivia had wasted no time in finding out exactly what a bath tub was or wasn't big enough for. This had inevitably resulted in a lot of splashing, hence the current state of the floor.

"How are you going to explain that?" she giggled, lazily tracing her fingers over his chest as they snuggled together in the warm furs of his bed.

"I'll say that I was accosted by a rabid Southren girl," he replied, tracing patterns gently on her arm. "Either that or one of those bloody wolves decided to hide in my room and go for a swim,"

"A very creative story my lord, but alas not one I think many would find believable," Olivia kissed his shoulder, enjoying the feeling of their warm skin touching.

"Which part?" he asked, earning a playful kick.

"Well, don't you worry because in a coupld of days this rabid Southren girl will be back in the South," she scoffed, then realised that thought made her sad.

"So I have two days to tame you? This should be interesting," he replied, surprised to find that the idea made him feel a little.. dissapointed. He put this down to the fact that he'd spent some time with a great, pretty girl who knew what to do in the bedroom and it didn't cost him anything. And her company was nice as well, he hadn't taken a bath or spent nights cuddled up to any of the girls in the whorehouse. This feeling was... nice.

"Good luck with that one," she yawned. "I should probably head back to my room, if I stay much longer I'm going to fall asleep and then explain myself to Alyssa in the morning," she untangled herself from him and threw the furs aside, shivering as the cool air hit her skin. Theon sat up and put his hand on her shoulder, gently turning her to face him.

"Stay," he stated, pulling her towards him.

"You know I can't, it's not..considered proper," she shrugged, blushing as she really would like to.

"I think it's a bit more proper that just fucking and leaving," he shrugged. "And I'd like it if you did," Olivia considered his words for a short while. She didn't really care too much what others thought of her as she'd always done her own thing, and this kind of behaviour was not out of place in King's landing which is where she'd be back soon enough. She probably wouldn't even see him again, but that didn't mean that she couldn't enjoy the time she had with him. Alyssa would understand.

"I'd like to," she replied, and realised to her surprise that she meant it.

"Good, now come back here before all heat leaves this bed,"

"I know how to make it warm again," she winked, disappearing beneath the furs and making Theon very, very happy indeed.


"Do you really have to go?" Robb asked Alyssa after she had dressed and was preparing to go back to her own room.

"You know why Robb," she replied sadly.

"Yeah," he sighed, adjusting his own clothing. "At least let me escort you to your room,"

"Thank you, that would be nice," she replied with a kiss. He was quiet as they walked through the corridors together, looking frequently as if he was going to speak and then changing his mind. To Alyssa's slight relief, her room was empty. Olivia was obviously still otherwise engaged. It amused her to see a bathtub and towels unused by the dying fire, which Robb immediately tended to to keep the room warm.

"There's something I need to talk to you about," he announced, still tending to the fire and not looking at her. "It's a difficult topic, and forgive me if I inadvertently cause offense but I have to know,"

"OK," Alyssa gulped, not knowing what this could be about. Robb took a deep breath.

"I've really enjoyed our time together recently. Really enjoyed it, and being with you and making love to you." he stood and turned, closing the distance between them and taking her hands. "But I have to ask... the things we've done... I figure they're not entirely new to you,"

"No," she gulped, slightly taken aback by the personal question.

"And you've probably gathered it's not entirely new behaviour to me either," he continued, making Alyssa smile and blush a little bit, she had to agree. She simply nodded, wondering where he was going with this. "So here comes the thing I've been wondering. If I'm not your first, who was? Were there many?"

"I'll tell you Robb, I promise. But forgive me, it's not something I'd like to go into right now. We will talk about it though," she kissed him and he detected a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Good night Alyssa," he kissed the top of her head.

"Good night Robb Stark," she replied, embracing him before he returned to his own room.


A/N Thanks again for reading, it's a bit quiet on the review front despite all of you who are following or have favourited this story! I take your silence as a gesture that you're enjoying things the way they are so far, so I shall carry on! Sorry updates aren't as frequent at the moment, I have a lot of uni work to do which apparently has to come before writing this :(