A/N: What's this? An early update? My I'm spoiling you. At least I hope I am! Thank you as always, and enjoy!

Guest: Thank you, glad you're finding it interesting so far. Jon is at the Wall. He may make a few appearances along the way but he won't really be a major player in this story.

Guest: It was only her first day so everyone wanted a piece of her. Robb and Amy will get plenty of alone time over the next few chapters I promise. Thank you though, and here is more, hope you enjoy it!

unnamed visitor: Thank you! Your reviews always kind of make me want to blush, but in a good way haha. I'm really glad you enjoyed their first meeting, and don't be too dismayed - alone time is coming (see below!) Theon is a character I always like to try and redeem, but I understand your dislike of him. In canon I cannot stand him but what happens to him is so awful I always like to change it. No, Tywin won't be the "bad guy", I'm not saying he's a "good guy", but should serious trouble occur it will not be from him. Right, anyway. Thank you again, I'll let you get on to the new update!

Guest: No, it's not like Amelia. It is literally just Ella, with an Am at the beginning. Hope that makes sense!

GuestLiz: Well hello new reviewer and welcome! Thank you very much for your review, I very much enjoyed reading it. You will indeed see some of Amy's feisty nature - she will show a bit of it off in this chapter! Glad you like the OCs and the story so far. Hope you enjoy the next update and I very much look forward to hearing from you again!

Right-ho folks, I shall tarry no longer. Enjoy!

:)

Knowing

When Amy woke the next day there was sunlight peeking through the gap in the drapes as she pushed her tangled hair out of her face, blinking blearily as she looked around the room. It took her a moment to remember where she was but her confusion didn't last long as she remembered the previous day. A small smile graced her face then as she conjured up Robb's image in her head as she regretfully shoved the warm furs away from her and climbed out of bed. She had promised herself she would spend more time with him today and she could not very well do that if she was lounging around in bed. A dress with long sleeves had been left out for her and she imagined that Elsa must have come by earlier when she was still sleeping. A shift was left beneath it as well and she pulled her nightdress off and replaced it with the shift before she pulled the dusky blue dress about her. Her stomach rumbled then and she knew she would have to go in search of food before she went in search of Robb. She quickly brushed her hair through, making sure her curls were free from tangles before she tossed it back over her shoulders, not bothered about gathering it up or styling it. Most of the women around Winterfell seemed to wear their hair loose, with the exception of Sansa who seemed to favour more intricate styles. Amy already knew she would fit in well down south when she went to the Capitol for her own wedding.

She hurried from the room when she was ready, briskly walking down the hallways and almost running down the stairs, her pace only slowing when she reached the entrance hall. When she crossed to the dining hall she saw that there were few people in there and none of whom she had already met. There was still food from breakfast though so she made her way in, her eyes finding the high table empty. Without the presence of the Starks she didn't feel comfortable making her way up there and so she made a beeline to one of the other tables, taking a clean plate and pulling some buttered bread and crispy bacon onto it. Ignoring the wine she only poured herself some water, vaguely wondering if the North grew fruits that could be pressed into juice. She swallowed her breakfast down as quickly as she could without appearing unladylike before draining her glass of water. When she was done she rose up again and made her way back out into the entrance hall. She hesitated then, wondering where Robb would likely be. After a moment she decided he was most likely outside and so she made her way out, stopping on the steps to ask one of the guards where the tiltyard was. He pointed her in the right direction and she thanked him warmly before heading off the way he had told her.

She knew she had gone the right way when she heard the clashing of steel coming from behind the stables. When she rounded the corner she saw that it was Robb sparring with an older man likely around Lord Stark's age. She couldn't see anyone else that she recognised and so she walked slowly around the yard, casting her eyes towards Robb and the way he moved as he clashed with his opponent. Years of watching her father and the other men at the Rock had taught her to recognise a good swordsman and she could see that Robb had incredibly quick feet. Sometimes he was a little too predictable with his swing and too easily blocked but she imagined that was something that could be corrected over time. Perhaps her father could go a few rounds with him. She quickly dismissed that idea, thinking that her father would likely maim Robb and claim it as an accident. Her eye was caught by the archery boards then and she bit down gently on her lip before she crossed to pick up one of the bows from the rack and weigh it in her hands. Surely there would be no harm in shooting a few arrows while she waited for Robb to finish his bout? She plucked and arrow from the bucket then and notched it into the bow before pulling it back to aim at the boards.

"You're holding that wrong," a voice said behind her.

"Am I?" she said, narrowing her eyes and zoning in on the central ring.

"And your stance is atrocious," the man continued.

"Is it?" she raised her brow and loosed the arrow, a smile of satisfaction gracing her face as it flew right into the centre.

"A lucky shot," the man said and she turned to look at him, somehow knowing he was Theon Greyjoy, Robb had spoken about his prowess with the bow.

"Was it?" she cocked her head to one side before plucking another arrow from the bucket.

He remained silent as she notched it and drew back the bow again exactly as she had done before. She loosed it when she was ready and it sailed right into the centre again, landing just a hairs breadth from the first one. Amy lowered the bow then and turned back to face Theon, her brow raised as though daring him to criticize her again.

"Not bad for a girl," he said and she smiled.

"Theon I presume?" she asked, outstretching her hand.

"You've heard of me," he smirked, taking her hand and pressing a lingering kiss to the back of it.

"I have," she confirmed.

"Robb is going to have to watch himself with you, you're not as sweet as you look," he said.

"I'm not sure whether that's a compliment or not," she said.

"Oh it is," he grinned at her, "wicked girls are much more fun"

"You think I'm wicked?" she raised her brow again and he took a step closer to her.

"You're dangerous," he said lowly, leaning in closer, "and I think you'd be an awful lot of fun"

"Do you?" she asked.

"Robb's never touched a woman you know," he told her, "he wouldn't know what to do with a delight like you"

"And you would I assume?" she questioned him, her eyes meeting his.

"I could make you scream," he said huskily.

"Oh I think I could make you do the same," she said lowly, her lips quirking up.

"Really?" he asked, the tone of surprise not quite hidden.

"Oh yes," she said, holding his eyes and coming even closer to him.

"Perhaps we should go somewhere else?" he suggested, his eyes flickering towards Robb.

"Oh I think I can make you scream right here," she said and before he had even half opened his mouth to reply she had snatched an arrow from the bucket and pressed the tip right between his legs. She smiled sweetly at him then as panic danced in his eyes, his breathing coming sharply; "you know how good of a shot I am," she whispered, "especially at this close range," she continued, pushing the arrow closer to him and causing a whimper to come from his mouth.

"I was just jesting my Lady," he said in a panicked voice.

"Perhaps it's your sense of humour," she mused, "I didn't find it very funny"

"I'm sorry my Lady," he babbled out.

"Robb regards you as one of his closest friends and I am to be his wife," she said lowly, her eyes holding his, "if you ever speak to me like that again I will geld you and then tell him exactly why I did it"

"I won't my Lady I promise," he said then and she pulled the arrow away from him.

"Good," she smiled sweetly again, "now why don't you show me how you're supposed to shoot?"

When Robb finished his bout he clapped Jory on the back and wiped the back of his hand across his sweaty brow before sheathing his sword. He looked about the yard then and started when he saw Amy over by the archery boards with Theon. He narrowed his eyes then, seeing Theon near his betrothed had an intense wave of anger crashing through him. Gods. When had he become so possessive of her? They were only talking. He shook his head then and made his way towards them in time to watch her loose an arrow and see it hit dead centre. She had clearly been modest in her letters to him when she had told him she was adequate with the bow. Theon looked dumbfounded and Robb couldn't help but smirk, it was about time he met his match at the boards, he was far too smug about his prowess. "Good shot," Robb commented and Amy lowered the bow, her head turning to him and a beaming smile coming to her lips.

"Thank you," she said, "not bad considering my stance is all wrong and I don't hold the bow right"

"I already apologised for that," Theon said exasperatedly, "is it not enough that you have completely emasculated me?"

"No," she said simply and Robb chuckled as Theon rolled his eyes despairingly.

"Have you finished your round?" Robb asked her then.

"I suppose I have humiliated him enough," she said, jerking her head towards Theon.

"Can I tempt you to walk with me?" he asked with a small smile.

"I think you can," she returned his smile, handing the bow to Theon before coming to his side and taking the arm he offered her.

"He didn't bother you did he?" Robb asked lowly as they made their way across the yard.

"Theon?" she raised her brows, "Not particularly, why?"

"He has quite a reputation with the ladies," he told her and she nodded slightly.

"Well he would be foolish indeed to try and charm me when I am promised elsewhere," she told him.

"Yes but Theon is foolish indeed, he can't help himself," Robb said.

"Don't worry Robb, I doubt he will try anything with me now he's seen me with a bow," she smiled.

"No," he agreed with a slight chuckle, "I don't think any man will dare cross you once word spreads."

She laughed herself at that and the sound of it had warmth spreading right through his body. He glanced down at her then, seeing the way her arm was looped around his, her other hand had come up to rest on his forearm as well. It felt right there. It felt right having her by his side as they walked in perfect step with one another across the courtyard. He wondered where best to take her and decided her would take her through the gardens and then into the Godswood. She had told him in one of her letters that Casterly Rock had a Godswood but he was confident that the one at Winterfell would be far more pleasing to the eye. "Where are we going?" she asked him then and he smiled slightly.

"The gardens," he answered, "I thought we could walk through them, they lead on into the Godswood"

"I'd like to see that," she told him.

"Then we'll go," he smiled down on her as she looked up at him.

"What about the hot springs?" she asked him then.

"They are out beyond the Godswood, we can go later if you'd like?" he suggested.

"I would," she said happily and he felt that warmth spreading through him again.

He realised then that it was because he had made her happy. Making her happy seemed to make him happy and more than a little pleased with himself. He knew then that he would do anything to make her happy. She had been here less than a day and already he was firmly in her clutches but he could not be happier to be there. Amy was something he couldn't quite describe. Being with her somehow made him feel like twice the man he had been before. He wondered how she was able to do that but he imagined it was not something that could be reasonably explained. Whatever it was it made him happy, a little bubble of happiness nestled firmly in his chest. He could only hope that that bubble would grow and that he could keep Amy happy here in the North. He knew she would miss her home and her family but Gods he hoped he would be enough for her. She peeked up at him again then and he smiled as he met her eyes. He had thought them blue when they had first met but looking at them properly in the beaming sunlight he could see they were flecked with green. He had the overwhelming urge to tell her how beautiful they were then but he managed to contain himself, merely continuing to smile at her as they made their way into the gardens. They wandered the length of them in companionable silence, it was neither awkward nor crushing; it just felt nice and comfortable.

"The Godswood is just through there," he spoke up when his eyes landed on the little gate.

"Shall we?" she asked him as they came to a halt in front of it.

"After you," he said, pushing open the gate and gesturing for her to go ahead of him.

"Thank you," she smiled in response, picking her skirts up slightly so she didn't trip making her way down the uneven steps.

He followed on after her, watching her carefully as she stepped closer to the heart tree. She placed her hand on the wood after a moment and slowly ran it down the tree before she stepped back slightly and wandered around it, gazing up at the leaves before her eyes came to linger on the carved face. Robb was desperate to know what she was thinking as she appraised the Godswood but he was afraid to ask her in case he didn't like her answer. Eventually she stopped her circling and turned her attention back to him; "it's beautiful," she said softly then and he could see the sincerity in her eyes as she met his and it had him smiling widely. "I'm glad you like it," he told her honestly and she returned his smile before lightly stepping towards the pool, her feet coming to a stop just a fraction from the edge. "Is this one of the hot springs?" she asked him and he shook his head, coming to stand at her side. "No," he said as they both gazed down into the water, their reflections staring back at them; "they are further on, this pool is cold … I wouldn't recommend jumping in it."

"No," she agreed, stepping back slightly from the edge.

"We can go onto the springs if you like," he told her.

"No," she said again, "perhaps later … I think I'd like to stay here a while"

"Whatever you want," he said and she smiled that beautiful smile at him before she lowered herself down to sit at the water's edge, her eyes fixed for a long moment on the heart tree.

"Will we marry before it?" she asked after a while.

"Yes," he answered her, hesitating for a moment before he sat himself down next to her.

"I thought so," she said softly and again he wished he knew what she was thinking.

"There is a Sept in the keep, my father had it built for my mother," he told her.

"There was not one before?" she asked, turning to look at him.

"No," he smiled, "no Stark had ever married outside the North before"

"Your father seems to have started a tradition," she told him teasingly and he chuckled.

"A rather good tradition I think," he said before he could stop himself and she looked delighted.

"I'd have to agree," she said quietly before she blushed slightly and averted her eyes, her words making Robb feel immensely pleased with himself.

"How does it compare to home?" he asked after a few moments of silence.

"Smaller," she answered, "but I like it"

"I imagine the Rock is grander," Robb mused, "I imagine I'd get lost there"

"I'd guide you," she promised him, turning to meet his eyes again.

"I should think so too," he said teasingly and she beamed at him.

"Can we go one day Robb?" she asked him seriously.

"Of course," he promised her.

"You'd love it I know you would, I could finally show you the beach ..." she sounded wistful and he smiled slightly, "we could go swimming in the sea …" And make love on the sand, he thought to himself.

"Yes," he said instead, wanting to blush at his illicit thoughts of her, "I'd like that"

"Me too," she said softly as they met one another's eyes again.

He so badly wanted to lean in and claim her lips then but he stayed still where he was. She had been here less than a day, it was far too soon to make any kind of advance on her whether they were betrothed or not. Part of him still couldn't believe that it was real. Part of him thought that it wouldn't happen. That her parents would change their minds about leaving her up here in the North so far from her home. He almost shuddered at the thought. The only way he wanted her going back to Casterly Rock was if he was at her side. He would keep his promise to her and make sure they visited her family home because he knew she would miss it and he wanted to keep her smiling above all else. She was smiling now as they gazed at one another but it faltered slightly as a shadow suddenly crossed them and she turned her head and jumped slightly. He turned his own head then and grinned at Grey Wind who had apparently snuck up on them. "Hello you," he said in an amused tone and his wolf yapped happily in response, a burst of nervous laughter leaving Amy's lips in response. "I would have introduced you sooner but this one was out all night," Robb said, jerking his head towards Grey Wind.

"Grey Wind?" she asked him, her eyes slightly wider than before and her cheeks a little pale.

"Aye," Robb nodded, the smile still on his face.

"Can I …?" she hesitated, moving her hand slowly towards the wolf.

"He won't bite," he assured her, "go ahead"

She shifted herself then so she was resting on her knees and inched her hand even closer to Grey Wind. Robb saw the slight shake in it but she moved it closer despite it, finally coming to rest it on top of his wolfs head. Grey Wind whined slightly then and Amy glanced at Robb who nodded encouragingly to her. She stroked her hand through his fur then and his wolf nudged his head happily against her hand, another whine slipping from him.

"Is he always like this?" she asked.

"He enjoys attention," Robb told her, "though he doesn't get much of it, mother is still rather afraid of him and she doesn't like them in the keep"

"Poor thing," she almost cooed at his wolf then and Grey Wind whined again as though to agree with her.

"He gets in regardless though," Robb continued.

"I'll bet," she smiled, "was it difficult to train him?"

"No," he shook his head, "sometimes I feel like he can read my mind"

"How strange," Amy frowned slightly, continuing to stroke the wolf as he let his great head come and settle in her lap.

"He likes you," he commented then and her frown became a smile at once.

"You think?" she asked him.

"I know," he said softly, "just like his master."

Amy smiled widely when she entered the dining hall, seeing Robb's eyes already on her as a smile lit up his own face. She began to walk towards the high table then and he rose from his chair as she stepped up onto the dais. He pulled the one out next to him then for her and she thanked him warmly before seating herself. When he sat back down they exchanged another smile as one of the servants bustled in front of Amy and poured her some wine. She thanked the woman and she bobbed into a small curtsey before taking her leave. Amy moved to pull some food onto her plate then, feeling Robb's eyes on her again and feeling that familiar shiver running up and down her spine. Their day had been wonderful, they had spent their whole afternoon in the Godswood, only returning when both of their stomachs were snarling with hunger. They had raided the kitchens then for bread and cheese before Robb showed her around the rest of the keep. She was slightly disappointed that they hadn't made it to the hot springs but he had promised her they would go another time but that it would be best to wait for a sunny day.

"Is everything to your liking?" Robb asked then as she played with her food.

"Yes," she assured him at once, "but I think I rather filled myself up earlier"

"It was rather late for luncheon," he agreed with a smile.

"Late indeed," she returned his smile before turning her attention back to her food and determining to eat some so she would not appear impolite.

"Amy," Arya piped up on the other side of her, "is it true you beat Theon at archery?"

"Don't be ridiculous Arya, as if Lady Amella would be out in the tiltyard!" Sansa snapped back at her.

"Oh she was there, though I'll bet Theon wishes she hadn't been," Robb put in then and Sansa looked scandalized.

"Did you beat him?" Arya persisted.

"Well, I certainly showed him that I was more than a match," Amy smiled and Arya grinned at her.

"Did you shoot much at Casterly Rock Amella?" Lord Stark asked her then.

"Yes my Lord, my mother wouldn't allow my father to train me to use a sword so they compromised on the bow," she told him.

"See!" Arya burst out, "Ladies can learn to fight!"

"I never said they couldn't," Lord Stark chuckled slightly.

"But is it not improper?" Sansa frowned slightly, "Undignified? I mean … what if the lady was better than her husband, he wouldn't like that would he?"

"Amy's far more skilled with the bow than I am," Robb said in a teasing tone, "perhaps I ought to ban her from the yard when we're wed lest she dent my pride"

"Well … I suppose you would be perfectly within your rights to do so," Amy said then, raising her brow as they grinned at one another.

"You wouldn't really ban her would you Robb?" Arya asked him seriously.

"Of course I wouldn't," he laughed, "not when she can put Theon in his place"

"But …" Sansa started again, looking thoroughly confused as she looked towards her mother.

"Not all ladies like to sew Sansa," Lady Stark said gently but firmly.

"Can I take archery lessons then?" Arya asked at once.

"Arya do you really think that we don't know that you've been bullying Theon into teaching you for the past few years?" Lord Stark asked her and she blushed.

"Well can I?" she asked after another moment.

"Perhaps Amella can teach you, she seems to be an expert," he said.

"Really?!" Arya looked disbelieving.

"Only if she doesn't mind," Lord Stark said sternly.

"It would be my pleasure," Amy smiled between them.

"Can we start tomorrow?" Arya asked eagerly.

"Whatever you like," Amy laughed slightly at the look of delight on the younger girls face.

Robb's hand came to lay atop hers then and she turned to look at him, seeing amusement in his eyes and something else that she couldn't quite place. Whatever it was it made her feel warm inside, as did the feeling of his hand on her own. She smiled at him then and he smiled back, his hand squeezing hers lightly. At that moment as she stared into his eyes she was absolutely certain that she did not want to be anywhere else in the world.

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed all that lovely interaction! And Amy putting Theon firmly in his place! More soon!

:)