Chapter 23: The pack

299 AC

Robb

He was looking over the maps with his commanders again. Their plan was clear. He had sent a peace offer with Cleos Frey to Tywin, in the meantime he would go west. He would give the Lannisters a piece of their own medicine and go capture their keeps, steal their livestock and destroy their fields.

It was said that another force was amassing itself in the Westerlands and they couldn't allow themselves to be pincered like that so they would deal with it. Besides that, Tywin seemed to have split of around a thousand of his loyal men to force the Crownlanders between Duskendale and King's Landing under arms. With his force even weaker, he doubted they would move on him any time soon.

The split of force seemed to have been able to levy untill it became a force of three to four thousand. Now it was apparently marching on King's Landing to finally bring order to the city. It seemed that around half of the city was still in rebel hands after weeks of fighting and a lot of the communication of the enemy seemed to be disturbed. Another thing to lighten the mood was that reports told that a Lannister had died in the battles in the streets of King's Landing. His scouts didn't know which one but a big funeral had been held so it would have to have been some close relative of Cersei. Maybe Tyrion the dwarf? Or someone else? That damned family was too big.

They went over the details of the campaign once more and everyone was in agreement. The spirits in his army where high, although some like the Umbers and Karstarks were getting restless in Riverrun.

They had been here for weeks now and sitting and waiting was also getting on his own nerves. He would react quickly. Already he was drawing out his supply lines for when he went west, nothing would stop them if they finally made their move.

Suddenly Maester Vyrman entered the hall. "Your Grace, a raven has arrived for you from Winterfell. It bears the queen's personal seal." At this, he smiled. He couldn't wait to hear back from Alys.

He planned to leave it until his lords had left, as to not take extra time from them. That plan didn't work however, as Harry shouted. "Come on Robb, don't keep my sister waiting."

This was met by both assent and laughter from his lords. He looked at Harry and shook his head, but he still opened the letter.

Dear Robb

I miss you here in the North. I am finally getting used to Winterfell and all the people are still very nice to me. Your family seems to like me. I spent a lot of time sewing with Sansa or playing with Arya or Rickon and they seem to look at me as one of their own. Even their wolves come to play with me now, almost like Grey used to do in those blissful days at Moat Cailin.

I sent this letter because I have joyous news. News that might better our spirits after all we've lost already.

Yesterday morning I found out that I was pregnant. The Maester says that I'm in perfect health and over two months gone now. Everything seems fine, I feel a little sick in the mornings but other than that there is nothing of note just yet.

Some of the servants tell me it is a sign of the Gods that they bless our marriage so early, your mother just states that you are like your father in this regard. Your mother is overjoyed with the news. She has had a very difficult time after what happened to your father, but this news seems to bring her some new life. I hope it can do the same to you.

Avenge your father and Edd and then come home safe to me, my love.

Hopefully the baby and I will be waiting for you when you do. I love you with all my heart.

Alys.

He looked at the letter in astonishment. He read it again and again and didn't know what to think. I am going to be a father. Kept ringing in his head. This can't be real. It can't be, can it? He put his hand on the council table to stabilize himself as everything started turning.

"Robb, is everything okay?" Jon asked, always loyally standing by his side.

"I don't know." He whispered and he gave his brother the letter. By now all the lords had noticed his behavior. Harry shouted out, "What is it, Robb? Has something happened to my sister?" When he didn't immediately respond, the man walked over to him with quick steps and asked him again.

He just waved to Jon to give him the letter. Jon did so, the smile on Jon's face clearly reassuring Harry. Harry read the letter intently and the smile that crept on his face grew bigger and bigger. When he finished the letter, he looked towards all the lords who were awaiting some information.

"It seems our king is going to be a father, and Jon and I are to become uncles." Harry boomed, happier than he had seen him in months.

The sounds from his lords were deafening. All of them shouted in support of the news and all came up to congratulate him. Some said encouraging things, others just showed their happiness at the possibility of a Stark heir or praised Alys. His uncles congratulated him both, all promising to send a letter to his mother in Winterfell.

After a while, they left the council room to give him a moment to gather his thoughts. Only Harry and Jon remained, while someone was sent to get Torr and Os here.

"It seems my father's plot to unite the North with your marriage worked even better than expected." Harry beamed as he slapped his shoulder. "I'm happy for you and Alys, Robb. The Gods know our families can use some happiness right now."

He looked into his brother-in-laws eyes and nodded. Then Jon came to him. "Congratulations Stark, another pup for the litter. Father would be proud." He looked into his brother's eyes then, the typical grey Stark eyes of his father and without a word he hugged his brother.

"I wish he could be here. To know it and see his grandchild one day." He said sadly.

"I know, but he is with the Gods now. If there is a possibility to see it from there, be sure that he is proud. He always approved of Alys, you know that." His brother felt and the pain slowly dulled his heart, although it never left.

He turned back to Harrion, who looked compassionately at him. When they saw that he was getting it together again they smiled. "This calls for a toast!" He said, as he sent a servant to bring some Northern ale for them. Northern ale had become sparse here, after their march and stay in Riverrun. However, they all agreed this was an occasion where they could empty the storage.

They then talked about Alys and growing up in Winterfell. Harry joyful with every word, suddenly asked. "Will the child have a wolf, like you do?"

He looked into his eyes. "I don't know. If there are pups, then most definitely. However, for the moment there are none. This could change in the future, but I wouldn't know how."

The Karstark heir nodded at that. "Just asking, I was thinking of helping my nephew or niece piggy right one of those monsters. It was an entertaining thought."

He looked at his brother-in-law in shock. "You want to do what with my unborn child?" He exclaimed.

Ignoring him, Harry continued. "Maybe I could just convince Grey here to do it. What do you think boy?" He said as he looked towards the wolf.

The wolf looked at Harry and turned his head slightly, before doing something that looked suspiciously like shrugging and the Karstark's laughter boomed through the room. "That's settled then, boy!" He shouted, as he threw Grey a bone that had remained from their meal.

"What's so funny here?" Torr asked as he entered the room, followed by Os.

"Sit down, the both of you! We have amazing news to share." Harry called out.

They sat down suspiciously and were given a tankard of ale. "Well, the news is bloody good already, brother. It's been way too long since I have gotten some good ale. I really missed this stuff."

"Wait until you hear this, Torr." Harry said to his brother, as he turned towards him as to say 'come on, tell them'.

Torr and Os looked at him. "We just got a letter from your sister, Torr. Alys is pregnant." Both of them looked at him in shock before a huge smile spread on their faces. The both of them stood up and went to embrace him. "Congratulations, Robb! I am happy for the both of you and can't wait to meet the little wolf." Os said smilingly. His hug was a bit awkward as he clearly didn't know what to do with the stump on his left arm, but still kind all the same.

"Yeah, me neither." Torrhen said. "Although I do hope he has Alys' hair, the world is too small for another Redstark." The whole room laughed at that.

"Thank you for that, Torr." He smiled, as he looked upon his best friend. "Now, I know again why I was thinking of keeping you away from the baby as best as I can." Now the room laughed even louder, as they turned on Torr.

"Haha, as if that'll work, Robb. As if." He smiled and then they sat back down. The rest of the day was spent with telling stories of their youth in Karhold. While he and Jon also told about Winterfel. His brother even told of some of his adventures in Braavos and Pentos and vowed to take his unborn child travelling when he or she was old enough.

Then came the question of what it would be. "What do you think, Robb?" Harrion asked. "Is it going to be a boy or a girl?"

"I don't know, Harry. I don't care for now, I just want Alys and the babe to be healthy when I return." He said honestly.

At this all men nodded, until Torr said. "It's still going to be a boy! Your father got three sons and our father as well. Uncle Arnolf got six grandsons and no granddaughters. It's in the blood! You'll have a lot of sons too." At this all the Karstarks hummed their approval.

"Aye, a strong Northern boy who will lead the North one day." Os said approvingly.

"No," Jon said. "I think it's going to be a girl. A little she-wolf like Arya or aunt Lyanna. A girl that will turn Robb's hairs grey before he's thirty. One that he will find in the stables or or the practice yard when she ran away from her sewing lessons." He said with a booming smile and all the Karstarks started crying from laughter.

"Aye, I'll take that! If only to see the look upon Alys' face when she has to deal with the little one." Harry said.

"Forget Alys, think about Robb's mother. She will pull her hair out if her lovely precious princess of a granddaughter is running around with stableboys and refuses to make dresses." Torr exclaimed loudly as he wiped the laughing tears from his face.

Now everybody laughed again, Jon hardest of all. He had to laugh too. He loved his mother with all his heart, but the idea of her running after another girl like Arya was too much for him. "Imagine the both of them doing mischief together. A fifteen-year old Arya learning a five-year old copy of herself how to fight with swords and chat up the kooks, so she gets sweets." Jon said and all laughed once more.

"Now imagine Lady Catelyn running after the both of them. I can see Arya skip her own wedding to play with swords with her niece or nephew." Osric laughed and the thought broke every restraint he still had as the tears came to his eyes.

"That won't be anything compared to her reaction when I propose to take her on a sailing trip." Jon said. "Your mother might explode that instance." He jovially laughed. All knew of his mother's dislike for Jon, but if he could laugh with it himself then so could they.

"I can see her sending ravens to White Harbor to try to stop you from leaving and have you arrested for kidnapping." He winked to his brother.

"Good luck that'll do her. Ser Wendel will probably join the both of us as he speeches about the honor of having a Stark princess on his boat." Jon laughed and all joined in for another round of laughing as they all thought about the loyal Ser Wendel and his mother.

"I still think it'll be a boy." Harrion said. "He can foster at Karhold with me when the time comes. I'll make a man out of him. In Winterfell with you and Alys he will become soft." The eldest one at the table laughed.

"I think you have forgotten the marriage contract, Harry. It clearly stipulates that your son will come to Winterfell, not the other way around. The only one that I'll make soft is your son, just to spite you." At this Torr and Os burst out laughing, as Torr spit his ale all over the table.

"You wouldn't dare." Harrion said as he squinched his eyes.

"Watch me, Karstark. You better call your first son Robb, or I'll make a Septon out of the boy." He laughed at his eldest brother-in-law.

Now Torr and Os fell from the table out of laughing. "A … A Septon, haha! Harry's heir as a Southern pony. Wanting to become a Septon, I can't haha!" They heard from under the table.

"That's more than enough ale for you Torr. You can't even stand anymore!" Harrion said, trying to get back at his younger brother.

"I'll have to drink a lot more, if I were to wash away the family shame of your son being made a Septon." Torr laughed as he sat back at the table. Now everybody joined in again, even Harry laughed it off.

Like that the day continued, until the last sunshine was gone. At night he stumbled away, almost being carried by Jon and supported by Grey Wind. They had drunken the whole keg of ale with the five of them and he could barely stand anymore. It was one of the best days in his life so far.

Arya

She had been good for weeks now. She did well in her lessons and didn't skip any. She didn't get into any major trouble, only small bouts that were easily fixed. She did everything perfect and, to be honest, she didn't mind as much as long as she was with Jonelle and her friends. Now however, she wouldn't listen.

Bran had been sighted in Castle Cerwyn last night and she would be damned if she was forced to wait here in the yard for him. She would behave like a good little lady when it was needed, but she wouldn't put on the act for her little brother who she had missed dearly. Bran didn't want her as a lady. Untill he left, they played with swords together, rolled through the mud in their fine clothes or climbed trees. He would want her for who she was, not how she behaved, and she wouldn't wait here passively.

So at first light, she and her friends snuck out their rooms and snuck to the stables. Nymeria helped them out a lot, as she was using her superior hearing to detect guards.

At the stables they quickly saddled their horses. She had seen how a young guard had been opening the front gate when they snuck towards the stables. That meant they would be able to ride through it quickly.

She got on top of her horse and waited until her three friends had done the same. She looked at her three friends and all nodded silently at her. "You ready, Nym?"

She could have sworn the wolf nodded at her. She shrugged and stared at the end of the stables. "Hiyaa", she finally screamed as she forced her heels in her mare's flank. She tried to race her horse to full speed almost immediately. Normally that would be a very bad idea, but her mare was used to her antics and so she obeyed quickly. She raced outside of the stables and turned towards the gates. In doing so, she ran two stable boys to the ground.

She turned in the saddle and saw that they were all right. She let out a sigh and looked to the front once more. She was nearing the gates and the two guards had started to notice her. One lowered his spear at her, while the other tried to stop him. The latter screamed at his companion to hold back his spear for "Princess Arya". Gods she hated that name, even more than the lady one. Now for once, she was glad the man recognized her as such. She wouldn't want her horse to die or have Nymeria do something to the guard.

The man threw down his spear at the last moment and she raced past the man from the right, as a growling Nymeria raced past his left. Her friends followed some ways behind her. "Get the captain or Ser Rodrik here, now!" The young guard screamed at his colleague. "Ready the horses and the men, we need to follow them." The other shouted to the quickly awakening castle.

It all didn't matter as she was out of the gates already. She rode on quickly and only slowed down to let her friends catch up with her. Together they rode south as fast as they dared without expending their horses. They had packed water and fodder to feed them and had made sure they had been rested the past few days. Her plan to sneak out had gone perfectly as planned.

They rode on the Kingsroad for a while. They passed several smallfolk from the surrounding villages on their way to Wintertown. Most recognized her through Nymeria and she tried to be as respectful to them as she could without slowing down. She only slowed down once, as she saw how an elder man's cart had been stuck in the muddy snow next to the road.

She stopped and quickly ordered Nymeria to ram the cart out of the mud. Her direwolf did it effortlessly. As the man was thanking her profusely, she departed while calling back that she was in a hurry.

She silently thanked her father for repairing the Kingsroad so thoroughly, otherwise she would have needed to stop a lot more after yesterday's snowfall.

They started to pass merchants and patrols wearing Stark livery. The further they got away from Winterfell, the more different colors were seen. Merchants from all across the North traveling to the Wintertown. Most let them pass but one or two tried to stop them. Nymeria quickly got them out of the way, however.

As they rode and no one in sight was following them, they started laughing amongst themselves. Lyanna told her stories about how she used to go on rides or hunts with her mother and sister in Bear Island. Allara told her she did the same with her brothers and father from Last Hearth to Queenscrown.

Wylla told them sadly that she was never allowed to race through the streets of White Harbor, although she snuck out to do it once. Leaving the city was impossible as it was well guarded, and her father and grandfather had given clear instructions to bring her back to the keep if she wanted to get out without a letter from them. Because of that, she seemed to enjoy this trip all the more.

After an hour and a half, they saw the dust from a group of riders behind them in the distance and so they sped up again. They asked a lot of their horses, but they managed to hold on. As the dust got farther and farther away, they relaxed once more but kept going.

They travelled for another hour until they finally saw a group of men about a mile in front of them. Around thirty guards walked in two columns behind three riders. A wolf walked next to the small rider in the middle and she became overjoyed. "That's Bran! There, in the middle, that's Bran with Summer!" She called out to her friends.

Nymeria also became excited, as she recognized her litter brother. She howled out and they quickly heard Summer return the call and both wolves started to run towards each other at a terrifying speed. Without saying a word, she followed suit and raced behind Nymeria with her friends hot on her heels.

In front of her, she saw the wolves crash into each other in a mighty clash and they started rolling around with each other. Playful sounds were coming from the both of them. She looked fondly at them as she passed but didn't stop. She had her own brother to greet after all.

She saw how Bran wanted to race towards her too, but he was stopped by the man next to him. She then saw how the third rider was a boy too and wondered who he was.

Didn't matter though, as she came to the group. She jumped out of the saddle before her mare had completely come to a halt and raced towards her little brother who had dismounted as well, albeit a lot more orderly. She grabbed him in a hug as she called out "Bran, it's so good to see you! We were all so worried about you!"

She saw how a huge smile had set itself on her brother's face as he replied. "I missed you too, Arya. I'm alright! I saw two battles from atop the gates of Riverrun, but I was never in any kind of danger."

"Two battles? You have to tell me everything about them! How are Jon and Robb? And grandfather and our uncles? Is uncle Edmure still such a prick? Is Robb really winning the war against Tywin Lannister?" She fired off in quick succession and her brother started laughing at her.

"Robb and Jon are well. Grandfather is really ill though. Our uncles are just like we remember, although Edmure has changed somewhat for the better after his loss at Riverrun. Yes, Robb is winning but the war isn't over yet. It could still change. I'll tell you all about it later." He said, as he hugged her once more.

"Now where are mother, Sansa and baby Rickon?" I thought you and your friends would have raced it front of them, but I can't see them anywhere. They aren't even in the distance where you were yet." her brother asked as he looked towards the horizon. She suddenly felt guilty. She had been so focused on seeing Bran that she forgot how he would like to see all of them.

She looked down to the ground sheepishly. "They're still at Winterfell. We kind of snuck out to greet you."

Her brother looked at her for a while before laughing hard and hugging her a third time. "I hoped that you wouldn't have changed. I can't wait to show you all the fighting moves I learned in the Riverlands from uncle Brynden.

She beamed at that, knowing that her brother would like her for who she was. Their wholesome moment was ruined however, by the man next to Bran.

"Princess Arya Stark, are you telling me you ran from Winterfell and rode close to four hours here without the permission of Lady Catelyn? Your mother must be worried sick, what if something happened to you on the road?" The man said and she fondly recognized him as Hallis Mollen.

"Good to see you too, Hallis!" She exclaimed, as she laughed at the man. At this, her brother and all her friends joined in laughter, the boy next to Bran joined in too.

"Four hours, phuh! We did It in less than three!" She boasted proudly. "Besides, do you really think anyone would hurt us as long as she is here with us?" She asked, as she pointed to Nymeria who was still rolling around and nipping at Summer.

Hallis had a thoughtful look on his face. "No, I suppose not. I saw your brother's wolves kill men at the Whispering Wood and the battle of the Camps. I will never forget how vicious those beasts can be if they want to, still your mother will be worried all the same."

"What? Grey and Ghost killed people? How?" She shouted in surprise.

"Tore them limb from limb or bit out their throats, a gruesome sight for friend and foe alike. Although they never even growled at me. It seems they only show their vicious side towards the Lannisters." Hallis said, a dreadful look on his face.

"Good, they deserve nothing less for what they did to father." She responded darkly.

"Agreed, young princess. Now tell me, would you and your companions like to rest? I can halt the soldiers here. They will be thankful for the stop. You will be able to talk with Prince Brandon then and it might give your pursuers a means to catch up to us so they can stop worrying." Hallis said with a smile and both she and Bran agreed easily.

"How do you know I am being pursued?" She asked surprised after realizing his last words.

"Well, I've worked for your family for twelve years, Princess. I know your mother and Ser Rodrik. If they don't search half of the North for you, then no one will." Hallis responded, a smile on his face.

She nodded and turned back to her brother. "You remember the girls?" She said, as she waved her friends over. "Aye!", her little brother said. "Good to see you again, Allara, Lyanna, Wylla. May I present you my friend? This is Alyn Blackwood, a son of Lord Tytos Blackwood of Raventree Hall."

"You brought another Southerner North? It's getting crowded already with those annoying Freys here." She said as she suspiciously looked at the boy.

"The Blackwoods are halve Northerners." Her brother replied. "He and his family pray to the Old Gods and keep some of the customs of the First Men, just like us. They are also distant kin. Grandfather Rickard's grandmother was Melantha Blackwood, she was married to Lord Willam Stark." She looked at him weirdly, trying to remember something about her ancestor Willam.

"The one whose son Old Nan came to Winterfell for." Her brother exclaimed. "Oh, that one." She responded understandingly. "Wasn't he the one that died fighting Raymun Redbeard the Wildling King?"

"Yes," Alarra Umber joined in. "He and my great-great grandfather Lord Harmond Umber defeated the Wildling force, but he died. His brother Artos Stark revenged him and killed the wildling. Harmond the Drunkend Giant they called my ancestor. My father looks up to him greatly."

They both nodded at that, remembering the story. "So, you're some distant kin to us?" She asked the boy. He nodded. "I suppose, but just call me Alyn."

"I wasn't going to call you cousin or something, if that's what you think." She replied smugly, and the boy laughed. "Let's sit down and talk, we have a lot of tales to tell you." Bran said happily.

They sat down and he told us about the battles he had seen and how their families were doing. It seemed the boy Alyn's father had fought at the lost battle of Riverrun and he had managed to save the castle. He had later sallied out to help Robb win, so these Blackwoods might not be too bad. Definitely better than those weasely Freys. She was still angry with Robb about betrothing Bran to such a family. She wouldn't say it aloud anymore though, as her mother had told her that if it weren't for Bran it would have been Sansa or her that would have been betrothed. Just imagine being forced to marry a slimy git like Little Walder.

When he had just started talking about his fostering before that, a group of armed men came over the hill. Hallis Mollen pushed them back and walked up to them as they came closer, flanked by both Summer and Nymeria. The guards jumped up and grabbed their weapons but soon the Stark colors on the approaching riders' liveries were visible. She and Bran looked at the men coming in, concentrating on their wolves who walked in front of them.

Soon they heard Hallis say. "Good day, Ser Rodrik! I heard you might be looking for a missing princess?"

"You heard right, Hallis." The man said, relief clearly audible in his voice. Still he looked at her fiercely, but she looked him defiantly in the eyes.

"Well, as you can see, I have both the Princess and her brother Prince Brandon here. I suggest you and your man take something to eat and we get on our way so we can make it back before sunset. What do you think?" Hallis said, it seemed his position as captain of the guards had severely boosted his confidence.

"Aye, we'll do that." Ser Rodrik said as he descended from his horse. The dozen men behind him did the same. "It's good to see you, Bran." The man said happily as he walked over to her brother and her.

"You too, Ser Rodrik. I'm sorry about Jory." Her brother responded sadly.

"Aye lad, so am I. About your father as well, both should've never happened but you're almost home now. That's the most important. Jory left me with three small Cassels to worry about and he saved the family name in doing so, so I'll forever be grateful for him for that. All thanks to your father, that is. He would've never been able to land a girl like Jonelle without him." The man smiled sadly.

"It's also good to see you, Princess. I'll take a good look, as I think we won't be seeing so much of each other in the next coming weeks. I heard Jonelle scream she would have you and your friends work in the kitchens for the next months, all due to your insolence. Serves you right, your mother is scared to death and my men here are exhausted chasing you."

She swallowed, as she thought of scrubbing pots. After that she looked apologetically to the men in Ser Rodrik's company as they were quickly helped to some dried meats and watered ale.

"I know …", she said, "but I couldn't wait to see Bran. I've missed him."

"Hmmph, we all did, you could have just waited for a few hours like your sister." Ser Rodrik said.

Bran laughed at that. "Ser Rodrik, I know I've been away awhile but even I know there was no way Arya Underfoot was going to wait for me in the courtyard wearing a pretty dress like Sansa will later on. That's not who she is."

She beamed at that, thanking the Gods once more for bringing her little brother home. Ser Rodrik had to laugh at Bran's words. "Aye lad, you're right. Doesn't matter anymore now, you're all safe that's what counts." He responded with a smile still on his face.

"Now let us depart, your mother will call for my head if I don't return Arya before nightfall." He laughed as he walked back to his horse.

Bran

They arrived in the courtyard just as the sun was starting to set. His mother stood there, with Sansa next to her. He was shocked how much they looked alike now. Next to Sansa, while holding her hand, stood baby Rickon. Shaggydog proudly beside him, with Lady a little in front of him. It looked like she was trying to keep a hold of him, like Sansa was doing with Rickon and it made him smile.

He jumped of his horse and ran towards his mother and hugged her. As he felt those auburn curls rest on his head while she cradled the back of it with her left hand, he felt home and safe for the first time since he had heard about father. He still had his mother and oh had he missed her. As he cuddled mother, Sansa joined in as baby Rickon walked over to Arya.

After a while they broke apart and he walked over to Rickon. "Hey, remember me?" He asked joyfully. His little brother looked at him strangely, but when he saw Shaggydog play with Summer he said. "Shaggy remembahs Summer. Dyu are the one that was always with me when Nan told stories."

He nodded. "Yes, that's me. I've been away for a while, with mother's family, but now I'm back home."

His brother looked at him strangely once more before saying "I remember dye leave. You left with that weird uncle and with father. Are they with dyu? I missed father, when is he comink back?"

He looked sadly at Rickon, as he answered. "Our uncle is with Robb, he is helping him fight." At this, his brother nodded. "And fatha?" He held in the tears in his own eyes as he sat down on his knee to come to a height with his brother. "Father isn't coming back. He died, little brother. We are here, mother and all your siblings."

Now Rickon looked sad. He looked at the ground before looking back at him. "Will Robb, Jon and weird uncle die and not com back too?" The little boy asked saddly.

"No, no they will come back for sure!" He said as he hugged his brother. "It might take a while though, they need to fight a lot of bad men before they can come home." At this his brother nodded and looked a little happier.

"Now that I'm home, we can play again with Shaggy and Summer like we used to. They are both bigger than ever so it will be even more fun! You like that?" He asked his brother, as he tried to cheer him while holding his own tears about father in.

His brother nodded heavily and happily exclaimed. "Shaggy will like that!", and ran over to the wolves as he started to roll around with them. "Rickon Stark, watch your clothes!" His mother shouted, and he laughed. It's good to be home.

He saw another woman standing to the side then and remembered her as Alys Karstark. Well, Alys Stark now, he guessed. He walked over to her.

"Nice to finally see you after the marriage Alys. I was sad to hear that I missed it. I've heard a lot about you from Robb and have a ton of long letters with me. Robb said he wrote everything that he couldn't send by raven for you." She brightened up immediately at the mention of Robb.

"Thank you, Brandon. I was sad you couldn't be at the wedding either but you are here now that's the most important thing." She said sweetly.

"For family, it's Bran." He smiled at her and she smiled back. "Bran, it is."

"Yesterday in Castle Cerwyn I heard that you are pregnant. Is that right?" He asked her.

"Yes." She replied as she blushed lightly.

"Good, I hope it's a boy! Then everyone can stop talking to me about this heir nonsense and Summer and I can have fun again. I want to be a knight, not the Lord of Winterfell! That was always Robb's job, not mine." He exclaimed relieved.

Alys laughed. "I hope so too, but it might still be a girl." She responded. "You'll be heir a while longer then." He sighed. "Oh, well. I guess Sansa and mother will love a girl. Jon will too, so it doesn't really matter." He shrugged. "As long as you get a boy later when you're older. I still want to become a knight!" He said seriously, and she laughed once more. "I will try!" She said as she blushed again, which he found strange.

He went back to his mother and hugged her again and started talking to Sansa as Jonelle and mother were scolding Arya. Afterwards mother showed him to his rooms. She and Sansa had a new doublet made in the Stark colors and had layed it on the bed to wear for him this evening. He quickly got himself ready and almost ran to the hall. Not being able to hold his excitement of having a moment with his whole family together.

This is all for this chapter!

After all the action, I wanted to show you some peace and family once more. We also get our first look back into Winterfell. From now on Bran and Arya will serve as the main POV's that will keep us up to date with news in Winterfell.

Alys is pregnant and the family seems to be coming together because of it. Will it be able to take off some the edge from the Karstarks? Will it be able to heal the Stark family about the loss of Ned? Let me know!

I have a question for my loyal readers, if you would like to send me in PM about it, I would appreciate it. What do you think about the White Walker plot line? Could I remove it and make Mance Raider a traditional wildling invader like the other Kings behind the Wall? Or do you want to see it happen? The problem I have with it is that it will never change anything about the story. There are 0 stories where the White Walkers win, it is just about what and who they lose before they defeat them/beat them back. It would mean some +20 more chapters later on and my planned story would not change too much because of it. Worse case scenario would be that some main characters die and their family lives happily ever after. It just feels ... unrewarding to write. Don't write reviews about this, I will only reply in PM's.

Thank you so much for your support.

Fannic

Force numbers now:

Robb's force: 4500 Northern cavalry, 1500 Riverlander cavalry and some 2500 foot. The Riverlander part of the army is constantly growing. A lot of lords are only now turning up at Riverrun (or some have returned after fleeing from the battle of Riverrun). The region can rally 40k men and maybe 10k have died in total with the battles and sacks of some keeps and towns. The other 30k are scattered everywhere or (forcefully) wholed up in their keeps (like House Darry), so they will never be able to raise 30k now. Still a lot of them are now making it to Riverrun and the force swells. You can expect at least some thousands more. This is the force Edmure later commands at the Fords, only here it will be able to be much larger (but greatly under 30k).

Rickard's force: 14500 men, 600 cavalry all the rest foot. Of those some 1200 are Freys the rest are Northmen. They are on the right side of the Twins.

Helman Tallhart: Four hundred men in the Twins.

Garrison of Moat Cailin: canon, no numbers

Tywin's force: Of his original force some 12500 men. A lot of them are heavy cavalry (basically the medieval super weapon). He is being joined by a few thousand Crownlanders and forces some thousand Riverlander's to fight for him from around Harrenhall and south of it. (This 1k is of course part of the 30k the Riverlands in theory can call up so take that into account.) He is also raising mercenaries and hiring some more from in Essos (more than in canon as he sees how dire his situation is). Around 17-18k now and growing.

Tywin's secondary force: 3-4k man (of which 1000 hardened Westerland veterans and the rest dubiously loyal Crownlanders) marching on King's Landing.

Ser Forley Prester's force: Around 1500 men at the Golden Tooth, will send some of those to Stafford Lannister.

Stafford Lannister's force: Still amassing, no numbers yet (canon).

Take into account that this includes all Crownland houses North of King's Landing. No more reinforcements will be avaible here after this and the region is severely weakened, unlike in canon.

Reviews:

- Thecurler66: Thank you!

- Jaimerey7000: Interesting idea for a story! If you wright it, I promise to read it.

- Dark Angels and Light Angels: That is factually not true. A lot of daughters of lords have been surpassed by the Lord's brothers in Stark succession. I don't know if it's a Stark, a Northern or a First Men thing but brothers inherit before daughters quite clearly here. Some examples of Stark daughters past over are: the daughter of Rickon Stark (Son of Cregan) and the four daughters she had with her uncle Edric (who was next in line after Rickon (second son) but his younger brothers were even in front of double first line daughters). I thinks sons of lords take preference over daughters of lords/heirs in First Men houses. It also depends on the strength of the mother. So Bran, as a son of Lord Eddard, takes prevalence over Lord/King Robb's daughters but Bran's children don't. That would explain why nephews don't inherit before daughters but brothers do. Anyway that is where I'm going with this.

- Raw666: Good suggestion. I think so too. Jon will never be accepted as an ambassador to Renly as he is a bastard and there is no obvious other. So maybe ravens will do.

The Tyrells will never join Stannis. Stannis hates the Tyrells and still wants to punish them for Storm's End. They will never be able to ally. The Tyrells on paper can raise +100k men and much more importantly, they can feed a standing army of that size. So that will be a huge factor. However, as the Lannisters are weaker I suppose Olenna will get even more from it if the Lannisters hope to secure the alliance. This could destabilize things there. However, (!) this all stands on the premise that the battle of the Fords will still happen which I'm not going to spoil. It might, but it also might not. If the battle doesn't happen there won't be time for Tywin to sweep back with the Tyrells and destroy Stannis' forces.

The Tyrells could declare indepence, but they would be very unstable. As a lot of other houses in the Reach have a much better claim to Kingship. So independence for them is much more dangerous than for any other Great House in Westeros.

- Kuman: That was my intent! Robb is angry, but he is also smart. He won't do anything for now if he can help his people, because that's what Ned would have wanted him to do. If the Kingslayer can't do anything for him, ... his inner Karstark might come out. He has been with the Karstarks for years, maybe he picked up their need for vengeance too?

It is an option. Yes, Jon would get what he wanted, but he has gotten a lot now already. He is becoming Robb's right hand. Something he always dreamed of! He is respected by all the Northern lords, despite his name. What he really wanted was to feel loved and respected in Winterfell, the name was the means he would get it. He is already there now! Would he still want the name? Of course, but not so desperately as before. Alliance wise, no non-Northern House would marry him even if legitimized (unless some small Riverlander ones but that has no real benefit). Robb has two brothers, two sisters and a baby on the way, Jon is not really prime real estate for big houses. So I don't think he could offer too much there as the North is very much secure. The bastard benefits are still big. So I'm leaning towards it for now, but it can very much change still.

Harrion should have taken prisoners, he was lucky he didn't kill someone to important. I imagine the knight to be a son or nephew of Lord Banefort but no cannon members are mentioned so he's not irreplaceable.

The Karstarks are this upset because they love each other very much, like in canon and they have a vengeful streak. Rickard has and here his sons inherited it. Edd didn't just die in battle. He died throwing his life away to protect Robb. He actively protected Robb and died because of it. So Robb promises it for a mixture of things: 1. He feels indebted to Edd and Os for saving his life and tries to repay it to promise House Karstark vengeance. 2. He wants vengeance himself for Edd, as he sees the Karstarks as family, so he agrees more easily. 3. He likes Harrion and he tends to give him what he wants more than others. 4. Maybe he thinks Alys will like him for it?

- TheNiemand: Thank you! I always add the latest reviews before uploading. :-) You agree with my explanation to Kuman?

Yes, their problems are severe but Tywin is working on it. He will try to bail his daughter and grandson out of their own shit once more.

- Greatazuredragon: Yes, but really? Do you know Renly and Stannis? :P

- Angeluszuko-z: Yes, but who to send and they will never accept independence. Renly thinks he has already won and Stannis has 'his right'. The macro politics aren't easy for the Starks but they still have options in the Vale with Lysa or Lord Royce. The Greyjoys will attack, but they don't know this yet. I won't say anything about the military campaigns yet.

- Poly19hum: It is! Maybe a baby can sooth the vengeance a little? Thank you!

- Kingmaneana: Thank you so much!

- Osterreicher97: Maybe, but Tywin's fear factor is also very important. Everyone knows what he does with rebels so nobody is keen to rebel.

- Perfectcell69: No plot armor, if Tywin does anything jaime will suffer. It is diplomatically just so much smarter.

- Force Smuggler: He still could. All depends on Tywin.

- Freakdogsflare: He could or he could just mutilate him, we'll see. He will do something if Tywin refuses, I promise you that. The question is, did anything change for Lysa to consider her changing her opinion to that in canon? If not, I will never change canon. I hate stories where you are some chapters in and boom they change something just because it fits their narrative.

Maybe, Robb also has a few other Lannisters. ;-)

A second force isn't necessary for Robb now, because he doesn't know about the Ironborn. After that it might. The warfleet will happen just like in canon. Around this time, Alys/Catelyn (with Luwin) and Lord Wyman will make the deal. I probably won't show it as it will be done similar to canon.

- Guest1: Thank you! There are too many Stannis/Robb fictions already out there. It also doesn't make too much sense in my eyes, except for Robb pushing his own opinion through. The Northern lords don't care for Stannis and the Riverlords are split between not caring and being scared because of the Rebellion. Robb is also a lot more Northern minded here, so independence would probably sound to him as what the North needs. He got a Karstark education after all.

- Guest2: Wow!

- Guest3: (Guestrighted) You haven't really. I changed it after your review to Jon but I might change it back. Jon is a very important character in the story, that doesn't mean he has to become savior of the continent or the King at the end. He is and will be Robb's rock in difficult situations. Much more importantly, if something were to happen to Robb let's say a wound or killed in an ambush or battle, Jon could command the force without it falling apart. He would crown Robb's son or Bran and become the main general and the North knows this. For this, there is a lot less stress on Robb as there is a plan B here. It hasn't happened yet but the possibility is powerful.

About things not changing: Yes Bran will be in the North but so will Alys, Catelyn, Sansa and Arya be. That's two more direwolves and someone else in charge. If Theon would do the same as in canon (spoiler, Theon's story is different and so his story will slightly divert) it wouldn't matter. Alys is in charge of Winterfell now. If Theon captures Bran she doesn't need to surrender. It's just not that easy anymore. If Alys, as Queen, says to let Bran die and kill the Ironborn she could. Also with all those Starks there, more guards will be present.

The Freys might do something, but the Red Wedding is impossible. Robb won't force Edmure in a marriage to please the Freys, just because some of his friends died and Walder is a shit about it. The Boltons are also different with Domeric. Tywin is in real peril right now and King's Landing is unstable. Those seeds are planted and will blossom in the future.

Thank you for the battle scene compliment! A lot more will come.

- Guest4: (DM) Tywin tries to fix the capital but bringing back order and keeping it are two different things entirely. Force numbers above! If the Riverlands can rally he greatly outnumbers him but Tywin's forces are also growing both in the West and in Harrenhall.