Apologies again for the late update, they will be a little slow at present as I'm back at uni so bear with me! Thanks again for the reviews, even if it's just a few words to say you're enjoying this it means a lot.

Chapter 13: Dreams, Vows and Banner men

His fingers ran delicately over the warm, soft skin of her waist, and he smiled as she groaned at his touch. Head thrown back, he had a clear view of her naked torso as she writhed against him slowly, her movements seeming to defy the laws of nature. He returned his attention to the journey his hands were undertaking. She leaned forwards so that he might focus upon her breasts and hyper-sensitive nipples. There was something familiar about them, he thought, as he confidently manipulated them in his fingers. Her moans grew more insistent as she reached her climax and he knew he was fast approaching his own.

He closed his eyes, enjoying the powerful sensation he was experiencing and tried to speed up at the crucial moment; only to find that he could not. Frustrated at needing to find his release and unable to do so, he opened his eyes and they met hers, half-lidded with lust as she murmured, quite audibly, his name. Desire stabbed at him when he saw who she really was; his release almost taking him by surprise though he knew it was inevitable.

The sight of Alyssa Arryn climaxing on his cock was greater than words could describe.

Jon Snow awoke with a start, panting. Then he felt the warm wetness on his stomach and felt ashamed. He had not yet taken his vows and therefore shared a room with the other recruits. Nobody else appeared to be awake, so silently and quickly he dressed and went to the privy to clean himself up. He wondered what the dream meant. It dawned on him that was the day he would take his vows; no doubt it was his mind's way of reminding him what he would be giving up once he said the words.


Robb was awoken by a noise he couldn't quite place. Alyssa was next to him, appearing fast asleep despite the smile on her face and incoherent mutterings she uttered. Smiling, he rested his chin on his hand and watched her. Soon she was visibly squirming in her sleep, and the noises coming from her mouth grew louder in such a way that from knowing her intimately he recognised as arousal.

Thinking she would perhaps appreciate her dream becoming a reality, Robb slipped his free hand under the soft fur blankets and tentatively ran his fingers along her inner thigh. She opened her legs in response, sighing happily in her sleep as he guided his digits to explore her sweet spots. Incredibly, Alyssa still did not wake but her movements became more pronounced. Robb removed his hand to her disappointment and transferred his attention to her sleeping face. As he kissed her gently, Alyssa stirred and began to wake.

"I don't want you to go," she murmured, eyes still closed.

"I'm not going anywhere," he whispered, lowering his lips to take hers again softly.

Alyssa was having the most wonderful dream; she was lying on a comfortable yet temporary bed and the attention her body was receiving was heavenly. Her body felt like it was charged with sexual electricity, brought on by the gentle yet deliberate ministrations of Jon Snow's hands and mouth. She was not aware she was waking; it felt so real tasting his lips upon hers. She opened her eyes and for a moment was genuinely shocked and surprised to see Robb above her, the want in his eyes reflecting that she had felt unconsciously moments earlier. She didn't want to stop, and eagerly accepted his silent invitation.


Eddard Stark had been reinstated as Robert's hand. He did not voice this opinion to anybody, but felt it important for his King and his own family's personal safety. Olivia's mood was dark. It seemed that in addition to her humiliation at being used by Jaime, she also noticed that the courtiers, Amelie excluded of course, had recently begun to speak with her only when necessary and became aloof and distant when they did. As for her romantic affairs...there had been none since the disastrous night with Jaime which now seemed so long ago.

She found herself thinking of Theon again. At least he made her feel something as much as she had tried to dismiss it. The new direction she previously had thought to take was hastily heading towards a dead end, of which was situated above a sheer drop the height of the wall.

"Lady Dorsinger," a voice disturbed her from her solitary breakfast. To her dismay, Cersei Lannister was gliding towards her with her familiar false smile.

"Good morning, your Grace," Olivia bowed her head in respect she did not feel.

"My, you have been off the radar girl. I do not recall seeing your presence at any of the recent feasts or social gatherings,"

"No, your Grace," Olivia lowered her eyes, instead looking at the simple but well-cut light blue dress the Queen wore this morning. There were few others in the dining hall, those present paying them no mind aside from the usual Kings Guard.

"Such a shame, such a shame. Though I must admit it is my dear brother you may have to thank for that," Cersei smirked at the brief flash of anger in Olivia's eyes.

"What do you mean, your Grace?" Olivia didn't think she wanted to know. Sleeping with him in itself was not a bad thing, as an unspoken rule it was not frowned upon for a young single lady to enjoy herself on an evening with a knight or Lord.

"Oh, you know. I almost feel uncomfortable bringing it up," she began with a sly smile on her face. "But my brother was left with a certain... irritation after he spent the night with you. Luckily, Maester Pycelle managed to treat him soon enough, but walls have ears my dear. And everybody knows there's only one place my brother could have got such an ailment..." she let the rest hang in the air, Olivia flushing with anger.

"I assure you, it was not from me," Olivia stated, jaw set and forgetting the manners with which one was to address one's Queen.

"Well it is his word against yours, and I think it's pretty clear what everyone else thinks. Do you really mean to go round to every courtier and claim you did not pass your filth when you slept with my brother? No lady will listen to you and no man will touch you here," Cersei added, though she wore a smile on her face her eyes channelled pure poison, a distinct sound of malice in her voice. Olivia had to hold herself in check, her face burned and her knuckles were white as she gripped the table firmly. "Nothing to say?" Cersei raised her eyebrow, and then frowned at the girl in front of her. "Ah well, it was nice talking to you Lady Dorsinger." With a flourish, she left, smug smile never leaving her face.

Olivia let go of the table and realised she was shaking with anger, yet also shame. It explained why people had been so cold towards her later, but knew that there was no way of changing that by denying the rumours. Even if people believed her, they would not dare go against the Queen for fear of similar treatment. Such was life in the capital. For whatever reason, Cersei was really annoyed that her brother had slept with Olivia and she could not recall a similar fate of any other girls like this. At a loss, she headed to the library where Sansa Stark was alone, sighing over a book of love poems. She looked up as Olivia approached.

"Forgive me for disturbing you," Olivia sat down, still feeling shaken.

"Not at all, are you alright?" Sansa asked in a polite voice, yet even that seemed strained. At that moment, Olivia realised Sansa was under the Queen's spell and that talking to her alone made her feel uncomfortable.

"Yes, fine, thank you. I was looking for somebody but they're not here so I'll be going now," Sansa did not say a further word to her yet merely nodded, which made her feel very sad as until now the girls had seemed good friends. Olivia left the library quickly and decided to take a walk in the gardens to calm down and clear her head. The King was out hunting perhaps that was why the Queen had decided to have some sport of her own.


After another restless night, Theon leaped out of bed in frustration. It had been many weeks since he had seen Olivia and he had not even heard from him since she had gone down south. At first he had forgiven her for not writing, assuming she must have many affairs to attend to and get settled once again in King's Landing. Then he had begun to feel upset; and with it a little foolish. This led to the anger he was now feeling.

"This is enough," he told himself as he hurriedly washed and dressed. It was early, and few others were up at this hour. He walked quickly out of the castle and strode purposefully towards one of the buildings on the outskirts, not looking if anyone saw him. He pushed the door open, startling the woman who had been asleep on one of the soft covered benches.

"What the seven... ah Theon, I've missed you," she yawned and stretched with a sleepy smile on her face.

"I need a girl. Now." Was his brusque reply as he dug into his purse for some coin.

"They're all asleep m'lord," she pouted apologetically, sauntering towards him slowly. "And I have to stay here until I'm relieved," she winked.

"Then wake one. I'll wake one. I don't care who," he replied in a low, angry voice. Not used to this behaviour from him, the girl laughed nervously and stepped away from him.

"Well, I can try Bessie if the price is right m'lord, after all she was working late...you understand," her voice returned to being caramel smooth and sweet.

"Whatever. Just take me to her," he relaxed a little, realising what he had been missing. Not specifically fucking whored, but the anticipation and knowledge that he was going to get his needs met. He was also feeling angry about the events that had transpired in King's Landing to Lord Stark. Though he was technically a prisoner, Ned had treated him like one of his own children and he knew that for this he was very lucky. Robb had wanted to go to war, but now he was reinstated as hand and under the King's protection Maester Lewin had advised strongly against it. Especially with his mother still away and Ned, Arya and Sansa's lives potentially being at stake.

"Bessie!" the whore who had led him up the stairs knocked sharply on the wooden door. "Wakey wakey, you got a visitor,"

"Who is it?" came a weak reply from the other side of the door.

"It's Theon Greyjoy," the woman announced, "And he's got good coin," she added for good measure.

"Tell him I'll be with him very soon," the voice shouted back, voice sounding sharper at the mention of coin.

"I think I'd prefer you now," Theon announced, opening the door firmly. The woman shrieked and then gathered her wits. She had nothing to fear from this one, she'd serviced him on more than one occasion in the past.

"Easy there," she giggled as he slammed the door shut behind him and assaulted her bare neck with kisses, fumbling at the fastenings of her nightdress. Soon, Theon was receiving exactly what he wanted and to his pleasant surprise managed to draw out the experience longer than he had thought possible. Bessie was certainly feeling a lot more awake now as he thrust into her from behind, forcing himself deeper using her hips for leverage.


"Come with me and don't make a sound," Olivia jumped to hear the voice whisper softly but deliberately in her ear. Turning around, Lord Petyr Baelish stood in front of her, finger on his lips. With his other hand, he motioned for her to follow him.

"Where are we going?" she asked, not sure why she was obeying in the first place. She didn't trust this man and wished she had some kind of protection. He did not reply, and entered one of the brothels away from the red keep. Olivia hesitated for a moment and decided to follow him; it was not like her time down here could get any worse. Silently he whisked her straight to an upstairs room, decorated with lavish drapes and fine furniture. This was no poor man's whore house.

"The King is mortally wounded, child. They say he will not live long,"

Olivia gulped, she had felt like running before she even knew he would bring her to this brothel and he sounded sinister now.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Lord Baelish," she replied, and meant it. Despite his wife's recent behaviour towards her, she had always liked Robert Baratheon and the frequent feasting and dancing that took place under his rule. "But why did you bring me here to tell me about it?"

"Because I'm going to give you what nobody else here can; a choice. I've noticed the Queen's hostility towards you and although I'm powerless to stop that, I can help you,"

"How?" she asked in a small voice.

"You have two choices; remain in the capital and suffer the wrath of Cersei and her twin, or leave," Olivia considered his words for a few moments. There was nothing to stay in King's Landing for, but where would she go? Then it hit her; Winterfell. She had felt so welcome there and Alyssa would be happy to see her. And Theon. Nasty court rumours would have not reached that far north.

"I want to leave and go to Alyssa Arryn in Winterfell," she admitted.

"Very well," he smiled. "I think the sooner you leave the better. I have a feeling things down here are about to get very complicated," Olivia did not know what he referred to other than when King Robert died the abhorrent Joffrey would take the throne and she did not want to celebrate that.

"I could leave now," she smiled weakly, but then her expression hardened. "Why are you helping me?" Petyr did not look offended.

"I'm glad you asked, and it shows you are not stupid. Because I don't want anything unpleasant to happen to you. If the treatment you're receiving is merely because you fucked the Kingslayer then it's totally undeserving. I've been watching you and you're no threat," he shrugged, and Olivia flinched at hearing him say it so bluntly. "I have a caravan heading north with trade goods, they won't mind an extra passenger. Gather what you need and have your things brought here," he instructed. "You have an early start, the caravan leaves at first light. As far as anyone else is concerned, you're in my employment but sadly disappear," Olivia nodded, finding the situation hard to believe despite it happening and she was very much in it. She bid goodbye to Lord Baelish and went in search of a servant to help her pack. By nightfall everything was in place as she lay on one of the brothel's more luxurious beds, alone, and tried to get some sleep.

It was not even dawn when she was awoken by one of the servants. She dressed for travelling, adding a long hooded cloak for warmth and to hide under, and climbed in place on the cart she was instructed to travel on. In four weeks time she would be in Winterfell, back with Theon. Funny how she thought of him first. She had not dared send a raven, hoping the Starks would not mind the intrusion.


Jon stared at his smeared reflection in the puddle of water. Although he did not look different, he felt like something had changed inside of him. He was now a sworn man of the Night's Watch, for better or worse. There would be no going back. He heard the distinctive lumbering footsteps of his friend Samwell Tarley approaching him from behind, stopping just short of him.

"So," began Sam, hoping Jon would continue the conversation and break the air of intensity surrounding them. "We're men of the watch now,"

"That we are," Jon affirmed with a nod, turning to face the other man.

"Hadn't we better go back now and get supper? It's getting dark and I don't think I'm ready to fight off wildlings just yet," Sam enquired with a nervous smile. This made Jon laugh, the boy may be craven and fat but he was a good sort.

"Alright Sam, let's go,"


Winterfell heard the news of King Robert's passing by raven not long after it had occurred. It surprised Robb that it was in Sansa's hand, though anger bubbled inside him the more he read. That impudent Joffrey was on the throne and was holding his father captive as a traitor; if Robb marched down and swore loyalty to Joffrey then there would be no bad blood between the Starks and Baratheons, which he knew meant Lannisters.

"You can't let them get away with this!" Theon exclaimed, "Are you really going to go down there on your knees before that fucking brat and swear to him?" He was pacing back and forth in Robb's solar; the only other person present was Maester Lewin who had thus far not said anything.

"Watch what you're saying about the King," Robb replied, voice steady looking straight ahead. "Some would call it treason,"

"And would you?" Theon scoffed; though he couldn't help but admire how collected Robb appeared with the news his father had been taken prisoner.

"I'm not bending the knee to him, that's for sure." Robb glanced at the Maester, who gave a slight nod in understanding which gave Robb the conviction and confidence to declare; "Call the banners. We ride south to bring back my father and sisters,"

"I'll send the ravens now," Maester Lewin bowed slightly and left. Robb thanked him and re-read the letter before putting it carefully into his pocket. Maester Lewin had already pointed out that although it was his sister's hand, the words were most definitely those of the Queen.

"So this is it," Theon remarked, "We're going to war,"

"I think so," Robb replied, suddenly feeling very scared and was worried that his body language would betray him. Despite Theon being his best friend, he did not want to show any signs of weakness especially with circumstances as they are.

"You know I'm right behind you," Theon placed his hand on Robb's shoulder, "Now and always,"

"I know, thank you," Robb replied and Theon removed his hand and went back to pacing.

"So what do we do now?"

"Wait for a response," Robb shrugged. "Meanwhile, I have planning to do. Come on, make yourself useful and help me," Theon pulled a face and followed Robb to meet with the guards and staff of Winterfell.

It wasn't until much later that night he returned to his quarters and Alyssa was waiting for him, an anxious look on her face as she put down the book she had been reading and ran over to him, cupping his face in her hands and kissing him deeply.

"I know," she stated simply, stepping back as he removed his cloak and sat before his dresser.

"I thought you would, news travels fast and you don't miss a trick," he said, taking off his boots.

"When are we leaving?" she enquired, unsure of whether to touch him or not so sat on the edge of the bed looking at him.

"We?" he raised an eyebrow.

"I may not be able to wield a sword but I can help by warming your bed at night," she answered. "I'm coming. Either that or you'll have to lock me in the dungeon because otherwise I will come with you," Robb put his head in his hands and sighed loudly. Secretly, longingly he wanted her to come, because whatever horrors faced him on the battlefield it would be worth it knowing she would be there on his return, and even if only for a few hours make him forget everything.

"You know I won't do that," he finally replied, looking at her with serious eyes.

"Good," she smiled, kissing his cheek. "I'm sure I won't be the only woman amongst you anyway, I need to defend you from whoever else fancies their chances with the acting Lord of Winterfell,"

"So it's my title they're after?" he raised his eyebrow, looking at her pointedly.

"Amongst other things," she replied, deliberately averting her gaze to appraise him with her eyes.

"Come on Alyssa, think. Seriously. This is going to be war, there will be death and casualties and living in a camp for gods know how long. Are you sure?"

Alyssa nodded feverently. "Of course I am, I'll go wherever you will be," she meant it. Robb scooted her over and wrapped his arms around her.

"In that case I need to tell you something," he sounded solemn, and she feared more bad news and did not know how she would take it. She had been trying so hard to remain positive and optimistic for his sake. He saw the look of worry still present in her face and kissed her cheek, pulling her closer. "I've never said this to anyone before so forgive me if it's not like in the stories and songs; I love you,"

"What?" she gasped; it wasn't what she had been expecting to hear at all but it sounded so beautiful coming from him. The only other man who had said that before was her late fiancé, and she realised with slight guilt her feelings for Robb were greater than those she had felt for him.

"I love you too," she replied, her voice sounding raspy and dry.

With their love for one another affirmed, it was not long before their clothes had joined Robb's cloak on the floor and they took their time in expressing it. Overhead, scores of ravens noisily departed as the banners were called.