I sat with my head in hand and a quill in another as I tried to determine exactly how we could harvest enough supplies to replenish everything taken and eaten by the royal visit. I looked up upon hearing footsteps into my personal chamber, which was now effectively a study.

"The Baratheons and Lannisters have been gone eight days, and they are still giving me headaches," I commented.

Maester Luwin gave me a sympathetic smile, "They certainly cost us a great deal."

I shook my head, wiping the tiredness from my eyes. "I think I found a way to balance it all, but I would welcome Lady Catelyn's advice."

"I shall ask her to look at them; however…"

I didn't need Maester Luwin to continue. I had visited Bran and Lady Catelyn for an hour each day since Eddard and the girls had left, sitting with her. I could offer no words of encouragement – she would not hear them – nor any requests for her to leave the chamber to help Robb and I – she was even less receptive to that idea. Still, I wanted her to know she was not alone.

"I wish you the best of luck," I added as Maester Luwin bowed, taking the figures along with my comments and suggestions out of the room.

A few moments later, Robb arrived. He leaned against the doorway, sighing in exhaustion.

"Gods, you finally did it. You locked Rickon in his room," I jested.

Robb chuckled and pushed himself off the door. "No, though, I have half a mind to. He is in his chamber."

Rickon had taken to following Robb around through his daily duties, sobbing, grabbing on to his leg. I had jested that if nothing else Robb should gain even more developed thigh muscles. He replied, saying he appreciated my ability to see the positives in anything.

"So no letter writing tonight then?" I asked.

It had been one of the few times in his day that Rickon seemed not to cry.

Robb shook his head, "No, Rickon is actually sleeping. I don't think I've felt this happy in eight days."

"No?" I asked with a teasing smirk.

"Almost," Robb admitted. He strode towards me and sat down in the chair next to me. He mimicked the expression I had on my face just before Maester Luwin walked into the room. His messy hair was further mussed as his hand slid through it before holding up his head. I leaned forward, kissing him softly on the lips. Robb smiled at me, his blue eyes sparkling.

"I needed that."

I smiled widely, "Me too. Long days."

"I had hoped we might have more direction from my mother. Try to slow into this."

"You should talk to her."

Robb shook his head, "And what good will it do?"

"Maybe none," I answered. Robb's eyes squinted, somewhat surprised by my complete honesty. "I still think you will have a better chance of reminding her that we need her help than I."

Robb nodded, "I'll see her tonight."

"Okay, you better go soon. I have plans for you later."

Robb grinned, "Good, looking forward to it."

He cupped my face with both hands and kissed me once more before standing up. I watched him walk away. Despite his exhaustion and the knowledge that we were not completely confident in our abilities, Robb never showed doubt. He walked with confidence, sword at his side, and held his head high. He looked the part.

I left not long after Robb, tired of being in that room any longer. I needed fresh air. I pulled on my cloak and took the stairs quickly to go outside. The cold night's air forced my eyes to open more widely. I inhaled deeply, appreciating the way the coldness stung some life into me. It was much better than the staleness indoors.

"Enjoying pouring over your books?" Theon's patronizing tone called my attention.

I sighed silently and looked over at him, "Thrilled."

"We haven't trained in four days. Are you nervous?"

I laughed, "Yes, after successfully beating you a few times, Theon, I am more concerned. If you're going make snide comments like that, at least have them make sense."

"Oho, yes, my lady."

I smirked, "Well, if I can't find time to fight with swords, I must at least try with words."

"Well, tomorrow night. No excuses."

"Deal," I replied, extending my hand.

As Theon shook it, a look of confusion passed over the both of us. It smelled as though something were on fire.

"Where is that coming from?" I asked.

Theon nodded towards our left, "The library."

I turned to see the smoke growing more visible form the library tower.

"Come on," he added.

Theon didn't wait for me to follow. I ran after him, but froze upon seeing the flames lapping at the windows. My mind went back to the day after I left Winterfell, attempting to return to House Samelson. I remembered the way the flames shot up along the trees, the curtain of fire separating me and my brother Philip from the rest of our family. The memory paralyzed me.

"Ana!" Theon's scream ripped me from my thoughts. "We don't have time for this. Be the fighter you think you are!"

Theon moved quickly to get buckets of water as I chased after him, cursing him, "The Others take you, Theon Greyjoy!"

"You fill; I'll carry. I"m stronger than you."

"Shut up, Theon. Two carrying water is faster."

Theon said nothing. We started filling buckets as quickly as we could from the well before running the stairs towards the library. The fire was contained, but the books were all tinder for the fire. We tossed our four buckets onto the base of the flames, but stopping this fire would require many more people than Theon and I.

We ran back down the stairs and saw Robb with a team of guards filling and carrying buckets of water.

"Ana, Theon, what—"

"—It's all contained at the top level so far," I interrupted. "We just need to hurry to keep it that way."

Robb nodded, "Stay down here."

"I want to help."

"Then you can fill."

Robb could see my expression fall and then my jaw tightened.

"There's no time to discuss this. I have men who can carry twice as many buckets at a time as you. Fill. That's what I need from you."

I wasn't happy about it, but Robb was right. It was the same thing Jon told me weeks before - I would never be as physically strong as most men but that did not mean I could not be critical to a cause. I filled as quickly as I could, pulling the rope with all of the strength I had. We had almost put out the fire when a scream rang out. It came from the direction of Bran's room.

I had four buckets of water waiting at my side as Robb exited the tower. He had a pole in hand to help carry the water, but his attention was also focused on the scream.

"That sounds like my mother," he stated in fear. His eyes darted between towers; his already ragged breathing seemed to get heavier.

"Go, take half the men and go. I'll see this finished and find you."

Robb nodded and barked orders to Theon and Rodrik to bring half of the man, running back in the direction they came from. I stared after them for a moment before men came to pick up more water. I picked up empty buckets and quickly started fill them again, putting out one fire in hopes that we weren't walking into another.