Analysa Stark
"Hurry up, Ana!" Robb called over her shoulder. "I am beating you far too easily."
His teasing smile lit a fire in me as I urged Chimera onward. The horse spurred forward probably more to reach the direwolf than even from my pressure. We soon reached my husband, and began our race across the fields, us on horseback and Grey Wind charging beside. Our company was a considerable distance away, so for a small time at least, I could almost imagine it was just us.
Robb's blue eyes stole a mischievous glance at me as Chimera began to pull us slowly ahead of Robb and his steed. Naturally, Robb's horse rode to the challenge, but Chi's enthusiasm was unmatched as he continued to nudge a little further and further.
"Steady, Chimera," I cautioned once I was well in front of Robb and the rest of the company.
He let out a displeased whinny but complied, shifting from a gallop to a canter and finally a walk. Robb caught up and slowed his horse as well so we could ride together for a while.
"It won't be much further now," he stated.
I nodded my agreement, "Then, you can meet Lord Whyte…try to curtail your excitement as he won't show any. And as he does not like me, it's unlikely he shall take much to you."
Robb laughed loud with a wide smile that spread to his bright eyes, "Nonsense, he will love me."
I smirked at him, "Well, he is a fool if he does not."
Robb's wide smile softened at the edges. I glanced towards the ground before gazing back at him. Somehow, I still blushed under his intent stare. Even as the sound of hooves floated towards us, we kept our eyes fixed on each other.
"Please try to look like a lord and lady, not dogs in heat," Theon called as he neared.
I cast a gaze towards the heavens as Robb chuckled, "Manners from Theon Greyjoy?"
"You'd do well to learn from me," Theon returned with a smirk.
I was happy to see them both laughing again. It seemed out of balance when they were not together, jesting, and enjoying themselves. But as I watched them, I still felt there was one piece missing, but he had gone far North long ago. Sometimes, I thought I could see Robb just look to his other side, almost expecting Jon to be with him, but it was a ghost of a memory and a wish that remained unspoken.
Robb led our company through the gates with me at his side. Theon followed closely, his horse merely a step behind. Lord Whyte was civil as he introduced his household. As I explained to Robb, his wife had passed, his children were all female and married, and he was left with a nephew who was to inherit his lands. Still, there were many family members visiting and the house seemed rather full.
We were shown to our chambers and led to supper shortly thereafter. As Robb and I sat down at Lord Whyte's table, the man's civility began to fade into surliness as he pointed out that he was entirely unsure why Robb or I felt the need to visit him.
"The fires no longer touch my lands, Lord Stark. I feel your visits are better left to others," he stated.
"My wife spoke very highly of you when you took part in the festivities in Plenair. I thought if we were nearby, I would want to meet you myself," Robb replied.
"Then your wife has perjured herself. I showed her no particular kindness."
I tried to fight off a rueful smile. The blood began to heat my skin as a fire pushed towards my eyes, but I held my tongue.
"Perhaps, highly was not the appropriate word…" Robb returned as Lord Whyte's stormy eyes lifted. "She did speak of you."
Lord Whyte regarded him coolly for several moments before beginning a low laugh. My eyes shot towards Robb, unable to contain their shock.
"That I'm sure she did," Lord Whyte agreed before turning to me, "And, what did you say?"
"That you knew much more about my father than you told me, and that there were things I needed to know."
"A brief visit won't cure that. You have much to learn. The both of you. You are what? Eight and ten? Six and ten? Something and ten, regardless, it's much too young," he added, swiping at the air.
"I know we go to war. Soon. I know that Robb and I lose everything," I whispered, my tone heating.
"No, you saw that happening. If you truly believe that the gods gave you this gift so that you would see what would happen but change nothing, then I have grossly misjudged your intelligence."
"I need direction."
Lord Whyte looked at me, appraising me slowly, "As I mentioned before, you lack concentration. Your father could be in the middle of a battle and would hear nothing but his own thoughts. You need to focus." The man then looked to Robb, "And you need to help her."
Robb's eyebrows raised, "Yes, any way I can. How would you suggest going about that?"
"Practice," Lord Whyte returned.
I could see the ice start to come into Robb's eyes. He did not enjoy being toyed with, and it seemed Lord Whyte did not enjoy being overly helpful. Underneath the table, I took Robb's hand, squeezing it softly. When he looked over at me, I communicated silently that it was unnecessarily, hoping my warm smile might relax him.
"Well," Lord Whyte added, standing. "I believe it is the time for me to go to bed, but enjoy yourselves this evening. The night shall continue without me."
Robb and I stood to say a proper farewell, but as we sat back down, Robb and I turned to each other with tired eyes. This was not quite what we had expected.
"He did say one thing – your father," Lord Whyte added.
Robb and I looked up, wide-eyed, afraid he might have noticed our frustration.
"Thinking of the person or thing you most wanted to see wasn't always enough. Sometimes, he needed to hold an object that belonged to the person or place to ground him in it," he explained. "Good night."
"Good night," I returned; Robb echoed.
"That was actually useful," I said when he was at a distance.
"Shhh, he probably does not realize it. Don't let him hear you," Robb returned with a wry smile.
I giggled as Robb swung a leg over the bench to face me fully.
"What should I concentrate on?" I asked asked.
Robb's grin fell a little.
"What?"
"I thought we might work on that tomorrow."
"But tomorrow we visit another farm."
"In the morning. In the afternoon, we practice, and tonight, we're dancing," Robb replied, standing up.
He extended his hand to me, and I felt the smile start to grow across my face. He looked handsome every night, but something made him even more attractive tonight.
"What is it?" he asked as I took his hand.
I shook my head, "Seeing you with all of your people these past few days...you have been amazing. I'm very proud of you."
Robb grinned, spun me around, and pulled me close to him. Gazing into his eyes, it felt like we were back in Winterfell, back to the days when we were just beginning to know each other.
"I'm sorry!" Robb exclaimed after stepping on my foot.
I laughed, "It is just like when we met."
Robb chuckled, his face slightly red, "You would think I would have learned by now."
"I think you have learned a great deal. Perhaps not about dancing, but other things."
Robb tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear and kissed me softly. Closing my eyes, I wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. My heart started to pound harder in my chest, my breathing heavy.
"We should go to bed too," Robb stated.
"I want to, but can we dance for a few more songs?"
There was something so comforting about these memories. In the middle of all the uncertainty, I didn't want to let go of them just yet. I wanted to feel safe and warm in Robb's arms, dancing as though there was nothing else to do.
"As long as you want," Robb returned, kissing my forehead.
I stole a glance at my husband and stood on my toes to catch his lips for another moment.
"Forever then," I whispered before resting my head on his chest