Chapter 11 Moves are Made
A/N Sorry this has taken so long to update, I've just been so busy over the festive period that I didn't realise how much time had passed me by! So, in order to try and make up for it, there's some Jaime in this chapter. But that might just be for my own personal selfish reasons
Robb took his role as Lord of Winterfell very seriously whilst Ned was down in King's Landing. Especially with his mother away, he wanted to prove he could do a good job, this proving himself. He spent most of his days drilling the guard out in the training ring, and most nights was with Maester Lewin, hunched over account books and discussing the running of Winterfell. He was grateful for Alyssa's presence, for aside from warming his bed from time to time she was brilliant at comforting his brothers whilst he was busy. Rickon in particular was having a hard time of it, with his mother gone and some of the time when Robb had to ride away for days at a time to visit smallholdings and take care of other business.
He was at present sat on his father's place at the top table in the Gallery, glaring at one of the two visitors in front of him. Yoren of the Nights Watch was more than welcome, but his companion, Tyrion Lannister, was less so. The dwarf had expressed a wish to speak with Bran now that he was awake, stating he had a gift for the boy. Robb didn't trust him, but Alyssa knew him a little better and wanted herself to see what he had brought. Thankfully, Robb agreed though made it very clear there was to be no funny business, hand on the hilt of his sword as he met the eyes of the Winterfell guards posited around the room.
Theon was sent to fetch Bran along with Hodor.
"Come on, your presence is required in the gallery," Theon announced on arrival to Bran's room. "Look sharp,"
"I don't want to," stated Bran sullenly. "I don't want to see anybody,"
"Well Robb insists," said Theon firmly. "Come on Hodor, bring him down,"
"Hodor," Hodor nodded, carefully lifting the boy from his bed and cradling him in his arms. "Hodor!" Theon led the way and soon they were in the gallery, Bran clearly surprised to see Tyron Lannister standing there.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, and questions Bran couldn't answer, the Imp presented him with plans for a saddle that could be made allowing Bran to ride, and instructed Robb how the horse should be trained to accept it. Grateful, Robb warmed more to the dwarf and offered him the hospitality of Winterfell, which he politely declined as the dire wolves made him uneasy.
When their guests had left, Robb took a look at the plans in more detail, smiling to himself. Bran looked anxious at the adults gathered around and talking excitedly.
"Will I really be able to ride?" he called out, scared of hearing the answer.
"With this? Certainly," Robb smiled, "I'll take this plan to the saddler now myself. Then, more drilling," The beam on Bran's face was almost enough to bring Alyssa to tears as she approached him.
"That's brilliant Bran, I can't believe you'll be able to come riding," she gushed, kissing him on both cheeks to his annoyance. He couldn't hide the grin that was slowly spreading over his face, at least now he would have something to focus on and it meant he wouldn't be restricted to his bed or Hodor's arms; he would be free on horseback.
King's Landing
It was stiflingly hot in the capital, and Olivia was not prepared for this heat. It made her face shimmer and her hair frizz, despite having dressed it in the popular southern style. There was to be more feasting that night in celebration of Lord Stark's new position, followed by jousting on the morrow. Olivia didn't care too much for the actual sport, though she did like to admire the handsome knights from afar as they strutted around in their polished armour, barking commands at their squires and reigning in hot-tempered stallions. Her and Amelie were sat atop Visenya's Hill in what should have been the shadow of the sept, but were not getting any shade from it.
"So are you going to tell me anything about this Northern boy now?" Amelie prodded, not willing to let it go.
"I don't know," sighed Olivia, idly pushing loose hair behind her ears. "I think, to be honest, it was probably more of a distraction whilst I was up there," Olivia had been contemplating her relationship with Theon since she returned. Initially she had missed him, his humour, good looks and skill in the bedroom. But then, thinking about it more, she wondered if he had just been something to pass the time in the North. And it was nice having his undivided attention – but she couldn't believe how she had reacted when she had seen him leaving the brothel.
Now, she realised she didn't actually care and was more upset that it might reflect badly on her if Winterfell's inhabitants knew they were...involved and he was still visiting places like that.
"Good, does that mean you're going to stop moping and come and play tonight?" Amelie poked her with a sly grin on her face.
"I suppose it does, but I'm going to need a bath and some clean clothes, I feel disgusting from only coming here in this heat," Olivia complained. "And I think it's about time I challenged myself again, I've been away from the capital too long," she placed the back of her hand against her forehead in jest.
"That's the spirit! Now as we're here, we might as well say a little prayer for the souls of all the men out tonight,"
Amelie squealed as Olivia poked her in the ribs. "Hey, what are you insinuating? I'm a respectable lady don't you know!"
Chuckling, the girls rose and made their way back to the Red Keep to change. As her family were long-term friends with the Baratheons, Robert always ensured there was a room for the family in the capital which was mostly used by Olivia. Arm in arm, they walked briskly through the long streets of King's Landing until they reached the impressive keep to prepare themselves for the upcoming festivities.
Winterfell
The sound of Bran's delighted laughter almost made Alyssa weep with joy as he rode round and round her and Robb in a clearing in the forest. They weren't too far from Winterfell; Robb had insisted he and Alyssa remain on foot just in case anything happened and they could lead Bran's mount by had initially. He had wanted Theon to come initially, but the two had a bit of an argument and Theon had stormed off to calm down. Bran wasn't happy about this but was promised he could ride on his own once they got there; it was just to check that the training had progressed as planned with the horse.
"It's so nice to see him so happy," Alyssa sighed, snuggling closer to Robb to share the warmth of his cloak. "Perhaps the Lannisters aren't all so bad,"
"Maybe not all, but he's still one of them, though it is a great kindness Tyrion has shown my brother," admitted Robb, squeezing her in return.
"Whilst we're here, I'm going to look for wildflowers," she announced, kissing him sweetly and gently. "I'll be back soon,"
"Don't wander too far," he called after her, returning his attention to Bran. Only, Bran wasn't there. Not wanting to alarm Alyssa, he stood and walked in the direction he thought Bran would have ridden. Listening out, he heard no hoof beats. "Bran!" he called. "Bran, where are you?" Hearing no reply, he began running into the forest. He'd specifically told Bran to stay in sight, but then if he hadn't been distracted by Alyssa he might have seen him... but he couldn't think like that. "Bran!" he called, trying to keep his voice calm.
"Robb!" called a small voice. Running a little further, he noticed a group consisting of two men and a woman surrounding his brother, one firmly holding the reins of his horse. Robb immediately drew his sword, killing one of the men who lunged for him. The woman was next to attack, and Robb easily managed to restrain her and held his blade to her throat. As this was happening, the second man had pulled Bran from his horse and held his own blade to the boy's throat, the sight Robb was greeted with as he looked up.
"You'd better drop your blade boy," the man growled with a sickening grin on his face, "Or he's going to get it,"
"Don't Robb!" cried Bran, gasping as the man's grip on him became tighter. Ignoring his brother, Robb dropped the blade and threw the woman to the ground, seething with anger.
"There, now let him go," Robb stated, voice even but with a definite chill behind the words.
"Hmm, I think I'll take that blade of yours, this horse, and I don't see what use a cripple's going to be to you in the long run. I'll be doing him a favour by killing him now, a mercy," he roared with laughter, as Bran gasped again and Robb felt at a loss of what to do. "And that pretty thing will do as well," he added, for Alyssa had wondered where the boys had gone and after a moment of panic followed the sounds and was shocked at what she saw and froze still.
"Alyssa, run," Robb ordered.
"I wouldn't," smiled the man. "Who knows who she could bring back? I think her and this horse will do nicely. You can keep the wench, and say goodbye to this wretch," he laughed again. Robb was about to rush forward, when the man's laughter was replaced by a gargling sound, he let go of Bran and fell backwards, an arrow sticking through his throat.
Robb and Alyssa turned to see Theon, quickly restringing his bow and aiming it at the woman who still lay at Robb's feet.
"What the hell Theon? You could have hit Bran!" Robb exclaimed, running to his brother. He saw there was a deep gash on his thigh which would need stitches, but otherwise he was OK.
"I didn't," Theon sulked; annoyed that Robb was still being argumentative with him. "What about her?" he indicated the woman who was slowly sitting up, very aware of his arrow trained on her.
"Please, m'ords, spare my life and it will be yours to serve however you wish," she pleaded, imploring Theon and Robb.
"What would we do with you?" asked Theon, disgusted by her begging.
"I can cook, clean, tend fires...I'd make a good servant," she insisted. "Please m'lords, spare me!" Theon looked at Robb.
"Fine, you will come back and serve us. However, one mistake and you'll be going the same place as your former companions," Robb decided.
"Thank you, thank you so much m'lord. I promise I won't let you down," she gushed gratefully, returning to her feet. Alyssa was still stood at the edge of the scene, not sure what to make of it. At her feet was her bunch of wildflowers, which she had dropped in shock when she saw Bran with the knife being held against him. Robb seemed to remember she was there, for he rushed to her side after sheathing his sword.
"Alyssa, are you OK?" he asked, cupping her face in his hands.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Can we go back now please?" she replied, taking his arm. Robb nodded, as Theon lifted Bran carefully back on to his horse and led the woman beside him as together they returned. Maester Lewin was shocked when he saw Bran's wound and even more so when he heard how it had been acquired, but with some ointment and stitches it would heal nicely.
The woman, whose name was Osha, was set to work almost immediately having been given a bath and some clean clothes; her intentions were pure in that she would serve in exchange for her life. It was much better than where she had come from, and no doubt would be more amenable than where she had been headed with the men.
King's Landing
Olivia was feeling shaken after the violence at the tourney, first with the unexpected and shocking death of newly-knighted Ser Hugh and then the mountain had completely lost it when beaten by Ser Loras, killed his mount and almost had the Knight of the Flowers had his brother not stepped in, sword in action. It wasn't supposed to be like that, it was supposed to be fun and exciting.
Olivia dined with Sansa, Arya and Jeyne, nibbling idly on cuts of suckling pig and drinking the wine in front of her.
"Joffrey is definitely looking at you," Jeyne whispered to Sansa with a nudge.
"Stop looking," hissed Sansa, immediately sitting up straighter and wiping her mouth delicately with a napkin.
"He's talking to Jaime Lannister now," gushed Jeyne, making Olivia wonder who was more excited about the engagement between Sansa and the crown Prince.
"Who cares?" yawned Arya, making light work of her own meal, trying to eat with as much vigour as was accepted as ladylike.
"You wouldn't understand," snorted Sansa, who suddenly looked surprised. "Oh no, Jaime's coming over," Olivia looked and saw the Kingslayer approaching them, white cloak flowing gently behind him. Normally she would have dismissed him, but tonight she remembered what her and Amelie had been discussing earlier. Was this the distraction from her distraction?
"Ladies," Jamie bowed politely as he approached their table. "Please excuse my intrusion, but Lady Sansa, my nephew requests your presence,"
"Thank you ser," Sansa nodded politely, rising from her seat. "Will you be escorting me?"
"I'm sure your lovely friend here is more than capable," he smiled, indicating Jeyne who had gone silent and distinctly pink. "Though I will of course accompany you. And Lady Dorsinger," he addressed Olivia by her title, to her surprise. "It's always a pleasure, perhaps we can have a talk later?" Olivia was a little taken aback that he wanted to speak to her, but the Gods didn't always work in her favour so smoothly so she smiled and replied affirmatively.
"What's with them?" Arya pulled a face when Jaime, Sansa and Jeyne had gone.
"When you meet your future husband, you'll be the same until then just forget about it and focus on other things," Olivia smiled kindly.
Winterfell
Alyssa was studying herself as Bran had his afternoon lesson from Maester Lewin. Having grown bored of being cooped up in the library, she had decided to learn about the properties of plants and the distillation of oils for different purposes, and the Maester had kindly found her some reading material on the subject. Also, where Bran had his lessons overlooked the training yard and she had a clear view of Robb drilling the guard. That was what was occupying her mind most of all, and she felt a pang of pride and longing as she watched him bark commands and have the other men obey him.
She knew he knew she could see him, for she had told him she would be studying there that day. But when he was Robb the Lord, nothing interrupted him and he was every inch the professional, not letting him get distracted especially chasing some skirt. Finally though, he finished, praising his men for their good work. As they left, he looked towards her.
"I'm done for the day, thank you Maester," she tried to act casual as she put away the parchment and her notes. "Keep up the good work Bran," she ruffled his hair as she walked past to the yard, Robb already awaiting her with a red face and smile.
"That went well, though I could perhaps do with freshening up," he admitted. he still felt in awe that his father's men actually listened to him, but with the master-at-arms away it landed on him to do his duty.
"Ugh, you mean I have to spend some time with a smelly horrible man?" Alyssa complained, stepping away from him.
"Not for much longer, I hope," he smiled, tiredness showing on his face.
"Come on, I'll take care of you," Alyssa took his arm and walked back with him to his room.
To her disappointment, there wasn't a warm tub of water awaiting their arrival in Robb's room but there was plenty of water and a sponge on the night stand. She led him over to it and kissed him as she removed his cloak and began to undo his tunic.
"You're going to dowse me in cold water?" he murmured between kisses.
"Not exactly, and I'll make sure you don't get too cold," she winked, continuing with her task. Robb shivered as he stood topless in front of her. Alyssa ran her fingers over his well-defined stomach muscles and pectorals, making him flinch and jump a little. "Come on, I've not even got the water yet," she teased, pinching his nipple for good measure making him yelp.
"This really does seem a little one-sided," he muttered, obediently waiting as Alyssa got to work. She squeezed the sponge out as much as possibly after dipping it into the water which although wasn't freezing could certainly be described as "cold". Gently, she brushed it over his chest and down each arm, paying close attention to every inch of skin available to her. Carefully she lifted his arms to wipe his armpits and sides, then wordlessly turned him around so she could do his back.
He had to admit it felt good, and the coldness of the water was actually refreshing. There was some kind of oil or ointment in the water as well, for it smelled faintly floral when she gently bathed his face.
"All done," she smiled, stepping back as if to admire her handiwork. "And I bet you feel a lot better too,"
"I do," he smiled, taking her in his arms. "Let me show you," she giggled obligingly as he showered her with kisses, lingering on the sensitive spot on the side of her neck he had discovered. Alyssa sighed in contentment, relaxing into his embrace and idly caressing the smooth skin of his back. Again they found themselves interwined on his bed, this time Robb taking the lead; laying her on her back and covering her body with his so she had no choice but to accept what he was going to do with her.
He began slowly stroking her through her clothes, lingering at the base of her stomach causing her to twitch and flinch as he had done. Undoing her bodice, he gently lifted her up and removed it, eager to feast upon the flesh beneath which he was beginning to get to know so well.
A loud knocking on his chamber door made Alyssa jump and Robb groan. Immediately she covered herself, and Robb assisted by wrapping her in some of the furs atop his bed.
"Who is it?" he called.
"Me," came Theon's reply. "It's important," Robb cursed and pulled a shirt over his head.
"Just a minute Theon," he muttered, staggering to the door once Alyssa was safely and modestly covered up. Theon burst into the room and shut the door behind him.
"Sorry," he stated, noticing Alyssa who smiled weakly; Theon wouldn't exactly be shocked to see her there.
"This had better be important," Robb growled, staring at the older man pointedly.
"It's your mother," Theon exclaimed, "She's taken the imp," he looked up and his eyes met Robb's, the young Lord of Winterfell's jaw clenched as a thousand thoughts ran through his head.
