A/N: Sorry about the wait! Here it is, hope you all enjoy!

hltran: Thank you very much, it has indeed been a long time coming!

unnamed visitor: Yes indeed, it was inevitable that Robb and Amy would have to be apart at some point, but still not easy for them. Glad you liked the Tywin/Cersei moment, I think it was about time they spoke honestly and with feeling. I'm not too sure about another Lannister redemption story, but after prompting from another reader I am going to give Robb/Myrcella a go. I wasn't sure at first but I think I've come up with a story that will work, hopefully anyway. It will likely be posted in the new year.

Guest: Thank you!

Boramir: Thank you! Indeed, I think they would both like a little more affection. No, Stannis will not be told about Margaery until he returns to the Capitol. You shall find out which troops Robb is taking in this chapter. As for the last part, no comment haha!

Right-ho folks, onwards!

:)

Split

Amy took a soothing breath as she met her own eyes in the mirror. She was determined not to show upset, nor worse, accusation. Robb had enough guilt heaped on his shoulders without her adding more, she saw it in his eyes every time he held their son. She heard the scuffle of footsteps behind her and she turned, bringing a smile to her face for her husband. He returned it, his eyes meeting hers as he opened his mouth to speak. The words didn't come though as Aedan called out insistently from his spot on the floor, dragging their eyes to him. Amy couldn't help but smile as she watched him, almost bouncing where he sat surrounded by cushions and toys, reaching his arms up and clenching and unclenching his fists in Robb's direction.

It didn't take a moment for Robb to stride towards him and gather him up into his arms. Amy watched as he clutched their son close, a kiss pressed to the top of his head as he snuggled into the crook of Robb's neck. It was almost enough to have her eyes stinging, but she swallowed hard and refused to succumb to tears. She needed to stay strong, at least until Robb was gone and out of sight. He was leaving this morning, the men were already gathering in the courtyard, she had watched them from the window while Robb had been trying to tempt Aedan with some mashed fruit. She still couldn't quite comprehend how she would cope with being parted from him for so long, but she had promised to write to him every day and tell him everything that she and Aedan had been up to. Part of her thought that he might find the tedious detail dull, but he had met her eyes and promised that he wanted to know everything.

Amy just didn't know how she would cope without him, especially as Jon was also leaving for Dorne this coming afternoon. She would only have Theon left to talk to, and he was hardly known for being sympathetic. There was Sansa and her aunt Cersei, but Sansa was nearing term now and both of them had enough worries with Renly's upcoming arrival to court. As did Steffon and her grandfather. Karenza would be gone from court and Eleanor had her own companions nearer her own age. Amy would be loath to weigh such worries on her shoulders, she was still so young and innocent. She repressed a sigh. Perhaps she and Aedan could travel to the Rock sooner than planned, at least then she might feel as though she were doing something useful.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" Robb asked her softly, approaching her with Aedan grinning in his arms. "How did you know I was thinking?" she asked in return, and he smiled, his fingers coming to whisper along her brow. "The little crease you get between your brows," he said, and she couldn't help but return his smile. "I was thinking that I might travel to the Rock a little sooner than planned," she told him and he nodded his head slowly. "I don't want you going anywhere until Renly has arrived and the whereabouts of his men is known," he said seriously, meeting her eyes and holding them fast. "If that's what you want," she said lightly, though his serious expression did not soften. "You and Aedan would be valuable hostages, and I would never forgive myself," he said, and she came to lace her hand with his free one.

"Do you really think my grandfather would let us leave if there were any danger?" she asked him quietly and he smiled slightly. "And you know damn well that he will put a party together that is far larger than necessary," she continued, seeing him looking slightly more placated now. "I just hate the thought of you going all that way without me, of travelling even further from me," he confessed, and she moved to press herself against him as best she could. He shifted Aedan around onto his hip so he could pull her into a tight one armed embrace. "I would be going to the Rock without you regardless," she reminded him and he kissed the top of her head in response. "Once Stannis has come to claim Storm's End I will come at once to the Rock, I swear to you," he told her fiercely.

"Will you not need to report to the King first?" she pulled her head back slightly so she could see his face, seeing him scowl. "I suppose," he said irritably, "but after that I intend to tell Steffon that I am taking leave from the council. It seems only fair, this trip to Storm's End was never supposed to be part of the deal." Amy only nodded slightly at that, unwilling to say anything sceptical. There was already a muscle twitching in Robb's jaw and he was holding her just a little too tightly again. She was grateful for a tirade of nonsense from Aedan, an almost laugh escaping her when he reached up his hand to paw insistently at Robb's face. Robb's own expression softened, his head turning to contemplate their son. "I hope you're going to be good for your mother," he said pointedly as Aedan squawked loudly. "I think you can take that as a no," Amy said, raising a brow, thrilled when Robb chuckled lightly. "Perhaps," Robb agreed, smiling slightly at her. She could see the regret in his eyes and she wished she had the words to reassure him. "It's time, isn't it?" she asked him quietly, to which he nodded his head slowly in agreement.

Robb reluctantly left Amy's side to approach Jon, knowing it would be many months, or even years, before he saw him again. He was leaving this afternoon, accompanying the party that was escorting Princess Karenza to Dorne. It was selfish of him, but part of Robb wished that Jon had turned down the opportunity, at least then he would know that someone would be here to take care of Amy. Now he would have to make do with Theon, the thought almost made him roll his eyes. "So, this is goodbye," Jon said, in what Robb suspected was a falsely jovial tone. "Aye, a new adventure for both of us," Robb said in a similar manner, Jon smiling wryly in response. "You'll be alright," Jon said, "you've had enough training with Ser Jaime, though hopefully you will not need any of it."

"Hopefully," Robb agreed. He and Jon met eyes then for a moment, in the next instant grabbing one another in a fierce embrace. "Enjoy Dorne Jon, I hope it's everything you are hoping for and more," Robb told him honestly, feeling him grip even tighter to him for a moment before they released one another. "You'll be back with Amy before you know it," Jon replied and he tried to smile, determinedly nodding his head. "Don't forget to write," he responded and Jon smiled, nodding his own agreement. "Aye, I will, and once you're back at Winterfell I'll be sure to pay a visit," Jon promised him and Robb chuckled slightly. "Aye," he agreed, "if you can tear yourself from the warmth of Dorne. I'll see you, Jon." He clapped him on the shoulder as a final farewell and Jon did the same to him, their eyes meeting for a moment. Finally they inclined their heads slightly to one another, unspoken words floating between them before Robb turned away, his eyes now seeking out Theon.

He found him after a moment and made his way over, his friend nodding his greeting as Robb moved his hand to lay on his shoulder. "You are like my brother," Robb said, "you always have been." Theon nodded his agreement, his eyes uncharacteristically serious as he met his. "You are a brother to me, you know that," Theon said, and it was Robb's turn to nod. "Take care of Amy for me," Robb said, holding his eyes. "Of course I will," Theon responded and Robb swallowed hard. "Likely she'll paint on a brave face," he said, "and I know you prefer to tease her and have a jape with her but…but she's not as strong as she pretends to be. She will need help with Aedan, probably more than she would ever let on. She –,"

Theon cut him off with a slap to his shoulder. "Robb, I know," he said, still holding his eyes. "Thank you," Robb said, the only words he could muster. "Do you want me to keep her bed warm too?" Theon asked with a sly grin and Robb cuffed him round the back of the head, unable to stop the burst of laugher coming from him. "I knew you being serious couldn't last," he chuckled, and Theon joined in with his laughter for a long moment. "Just be careful," Theon said when their laughter subsided, the seriousness back in his tone. "I will," Robb nodded, and Theon did the same. They hesitated a moment before embracing, Robb clapping him on the back when they broke apart. As with Jon, there were no more words to be said, and so he inclined his head before making his way back towards Amy. He was not looking forward to this goodbye, but he had to say it, and he was almost out of time.

Most of them men had already made their way out of the courtyard, and were just waiting for Robb's small party to join them and lead them off. The section of the army he was leading to Storm's End was made up mostly of Stannis' men, though in his own personal party he had several Northmen. Some troops from the Crownlands had been pledged by Steffon and Robb knew forces from the Vale would meet them on the way. In all likelihood they would have more than enough men, but he was glad of it, knowing that it was better that they be safe rather than sorry. Robb pushed all thoughts of the coming campaign to the back of his mind as he approached Amy, wrapping his arms tightly around her and Aedan when he reached them. Both her arms were around their son, but she was leaning into him, her head resting against his chest where she could no doubt hear his pounding heart.

"The time will fly, I am certain of it," he lied, hoping she could not detect it in his tone. He had no doubt whatsoever that for him the time would drag, that each night without her would feel like a week or more. He wouldn't tell her that though, and he would pray that for her at least, the time would pass quickly. "I love you so much," she whispered, "and I will pray for you every day, for you to come back safely to us." He regretfully pulled away from her at that, easing Aedan from her arms and clutching him close to his chest for a long moment. Amy's eyes were on him as he cradled their son but he couldn't look at her, he would break down if he did, and he couldn't. He had to be strong. Robb pressed a fierce kiss to the top of his son's head, praying with every fibre of his being that his son would not forget him.

"I love you," he finally spoke again, "I love both of you more than I have words to explain to you. I will be back with you soon, I promise Amy." She nodded determinedly at that, a smile that looked suspiciously forced twitching at her lips as she met his eyes. "Tell Sansa I'll be thinking of her," Robb said after a moment. He had been to say goodbye to his sister earlier that morning and she had been irritable, not enjoying her confinement one bit. Likely she would be a mother by the time Robb returned, the thought made his head spin and he hoped that everything would go well for her. "I will, I promise," Amy's smile looked more genuine this time, and his own lips tugged up slightly. "I'll be back soon," he said, regretfully passing Aedan back into her arms. He glanced towards the men, seeing them saddled and ready, knowing that he would have to join them.

"Stay safe," Amy said, understanding shining in her eyes. He nodded, and before he could stop himself he cupped his hands around her cheeks and kissed her with everything he had. Finally he forced himself to pull away, his hand ruffling Aedan's hair as he offered Amy a faint smile. Her expression mirrored his and he turned away from them, determined not to look back as he strode towards his horse. He saw Steffon as he crossed the courtyard, inclining his head to his King and good-brother, seeing him do the same in response. His hands came to the reins of his horse and he hauled himself up, still determined not to look back towards his wife and son. If he looked back now then he would never leave. "Ready?" one of the men saddled with him asked and he nodded curtly. "Aye," he agreed, "let's move out."

"Is something wrong?" Jaime asked as she scanned down to the end of the letter from Amy. She let out a sigh, placing the letter on the table and contemplating her husband. "The King has asked Robb to lead a campaign to take Storm's End from under Renly's nose while he's at the Capitol," Lanette told him and he grimaced. "I assume Amy hasn't taken that well," he said heavily, and she shoved the letter towards him in response. "Is Robb going to war too?" Bran asked nervously from where he was pouring drinks in the corner. Lanette jumped slightly at the question, Bran was so quiet that at times she forgot he was there. She should have known that he would be, since he was rarely away from Jaime's side during daylight hours. "Not war," she reassured him at once, "he is just going to secure Storm's End until its rightful Lord returns to claim it."

"Knowing Stannis he will not be far behind him," Jaime said, sending a smile towards Bran who looked faintly placated at his words. Lanette caught his eye and saw the slight look of unease in them, she quickly averted her own, thanking Bran as he set two glasses down in front of them. "Bran, would you mind going down to the kitchens for me to tell them that Lanette and I will be dining in our own chambers tonight?" Jaime asked and Bran was nodding at once. "Of course Ser, I will be as quick as I can," Bran bowed shortly to both of them, and Lanette smiled widely for him, only letting it drop when he had safely left the room. "What do you think?" she asked Jaime as soon as the door closed behind him.

"I think the sooner Amy comes to the Rock the better, at least we will be able to keep an eye on her while Robb's away," Jaime said, and she nodded her agreement, taking a sip of the water that Bran had poured for her. "What do you make of it? Storm's End, I mean," she elaborated when Jaime looked confused. "If Robb has the Storm lords onside then it will be easy for him," he answered her and she nodded slowly. "And if he doesn't?" she raised her brows, almost afraid of his answer. "Then it will be a great deal more difficult for him, and it may take months rather than weeks," he replied and she sighed heavily, rubbing her hands over her stomach as the baby jabbed at her ribs. "Amy will be beside herself," she said and Jaime nodded his agreement. "As I said, the sooner she comes here the better," he repeated, "are you alright?"

"The little one is fast running out of room," she told him with a smile, and his own lips twitched up at her words. "It will not be long now," he said, excitement clearly visible in his eyes as he looked at her. "Not long at all," she agreed, and he leaned over to place his hand over hers. "I'll be there, if you want me to be. I know when you had Amy that you didn't…but, this is different," he said meaningfully and she smiled widely at him. "I know you mean well Jaime," she said, "but having Amy only made me even more certain that I never want you to see me like that. Besides…you will only likely end up getting in the way."

He chuckled at that, squeezing her hand affectionately before he pulled back and settled further into his armchair. "If you're certain," he said, and she nodded at once. "Quite certain," she assured him with a smile. "Good," he said, picking up his glass and taking a long sip of wine. "I'm not even sure I want Amy there, though I know she is insistent," Lanette confessed to him after a moment of just contemplating him. "She only wants to help you, be there for you," Jaime said, "she's afraid Lana, I think her being with you will help both of you."

"Perhaps," she said, biting down on her bottom lip before she took another drink of water. "I imagine Aedan will have trebled in size by the time they arrive," Jaime said, clearly changing the subject, something that Lanette was mightily grateful for. "Gods yes, she said in her letter that he is able to sit up unaided now. It doesn't seem that long since we last saw them, yet he will likely be unrecognisable," she said, thinking of Robb despite herself and feeling immense pity for her good-son. "Amy didn't forget me when I went to fight during the Greyjoy rebellion," Jaime said, clearly guessing what she was thinking. "Amy was far older than Aedan is," Lanette said, shaking her head slightly. "He will not forget the father who has been with him every day," Jaime said firmly, and she nodded, determining to believe him.

"You and I need to be positive," he continued, "we need to be able to convince Amy that everything is going to be alright. We cannot afford to make her even more upset than she likely already is." Lanette nodded along to what he was saying, knowing that he was right. "You're right," she voiced her thoughts, bringing a smile to her lips for him. "I'll write back to her and tell her that she is welcome to come earlier should she wish," she continued, and he smiled back at her. "Good, and tell her not to worry," he said; "though I imagine we will be better placed to soothe her when she is back here with us."

Cersei swallowed hard as she watched Karenza's guards all assembling on the docks next to the gangway that led onto the ship she would soon be setting sail in. They were all ready, bar Jon, who was stood slightly apart from them in conversation with Amy. Cersei moved her eyes away from her niece, knowing that they would both more than likely be as miserable as one another in the coming weeks. She had every hope that Robb would come back safely though, whereas she knew damn well that Karenza would never permanently live here with her ever again. Gods. She closed her eyes and prayed to the Mother and the Maiden, begging them to protect her sweet girl and bring her all the happiness that she deserved and more beside it. Please let them be good to her, please don't let any more sorrow come for her.

"Mother!" her excited voice broke through Cersei's prayers and she opened her eyes, forcing a smile for her eldest girl. She walked towards where she was waiting with Steffon, her older brother's hand resting protectively on her shoulder. Eleanor was stood on the other side of her sister, her hand clasped firmly with hers. Cersei could only look at her younger daughter for a moment, the sight of her eyes welling with tears was almost enough for her to break down. If she did that then she didn't know how she would ever stop. Her eyes instead found Steffon, seeing the uneasiness in them. She knew him well enough to know that he was feeling guilt over the match. He had agreed easily enough at the time, but now that the time had come to send Karenza away she imagined that he was not feeling quite so sure of himself.

She could reassure him later. Right now, she needed to focus all of her attention on her elder daughter, their eyes meeting for a long moment. "You are sure you have everything?" it was such a stupid question but it was the only thing that came to her mind as she gazed down at her. "I'm sure," Karenza nodded her head and Cersei again had to swallow down the lump in her throat. "Don't forget to write to us, as soon as you've arrived safely," she reminded her daughter for the thousandth time, seeing her nod obediently in response. "I will mother, I promise," Karenza said earnestly. She dropped Eleanor's hand in the next moment, and in the blink of an eye Cersei had folder her into her arms. Cersei bent her head to press a fierce kiss to the top of her head, wildly thinking of Robert and wishing for the thousandth time that he was here to call a halt to these proceedings.

Part of her had always imagined that he would never let either of the girls go. She had adored his protectiveness of them, his devotion. He had done everything to keep all his children happy, but he had always been far gentler with the girls. With Steffon he was a wonderful father, but once he had grown to a certain age the affectionate embraces had been replaced with ruffles of his hair and slaps on the back. With the girls it had never stopped, they were never too old for a snuggle with their papa, that is what she had caught him telling them once. It had melted her heart. How could it not? She forced her mind from him, forced her arms to come from around her daughter, instead bringing her hands to Karenza's shoulders and pushing her back slightly so she could appraise her.

"I am so very proud of you," she told her daughter firmly, "and you know that I am always here, and I will always love you no matter how far apart we are nor how long we are away from one another." Karenza nodded vigorously, a tear escaping her now and rolling down her cheek. "I love you too mother," she choked out, and Cersei had to resist pulling her back into her arms. There were shouts from aboard the ship, and she knew well enough that the captain wanted to set sail as quickly as possible as the winds were favourable. "Your father is proud too, I know it," Cersei met her eyes, and she nodded again, more determinedly this time. "Mother, it's time," Steffon said quietly, and she nodded her own head, squeezing Karenza's shoulders once more before she let her go. Her daughter managed a smile for her before she turned to be fiercely embraced by her brother.

"You be happy," she heard Steffon murmur to her before he kissed the top of her head and released her. He sent her a weak smile as his two sisters embraced, tears spilling freely from both of them as they held one another so tightly that Cersei imagined it was almost painful. Ser Barristan came closer, bowing to Karenza and gesturing towards the gangway when she finally pulled away from Eleanor. She nodded, taking the hand he had outstretched towards her to help her up onto the ship. "Take care of her," Steffon said, one of his arms coming to drape around Eleanor's shoulder, pulling her into his side. "I will your Grace, we will all guard her with our lives," Ser Barristan promised, to which Steffon inclined his head towards the ship. Cersei tried to force out a final goodbye but she couldn't make her lips form the words.

The lump in her throat was rising up again as she watched Karenza led onto the ship, her guard all following on behind her. Jon brought up the rear, turning when he reached the top to send a final wave to Amy. Karenza came to his side as the gangway was pulled away and the call shouted out to haul up the anchor. Cersei could hear it being dragged up but she didn't look, her eyes only for her daughter as she waved vigorously towards them. It took everything to make her lips turn upwards as she waved back, refusing to let any tears fall before Karenza was well out of sight. As the ship began to move Steffon came to her side, his arm still firmly around Eleanor. The three of them waved until the ship meandered its way through the docks and out between the harbour walls. Cersei finally let her arm drop, feeling utterly defeated as Steffon's free arm wrapped around her shoulders. She let out a shuddering breath, unable to believe she had let her little girl go as the tears finally came to track down her cheeks.

A/N: Those anticipating Renly, he's coming next chapter.

Also, those waiting for the new chapter of For His Honour, I'm almost done, I swear!

More of this as soon as I can.

:)