Savages - LolaStark

Chapter Twelve

[Fallon]

The winter town was full with festive spirit. The harvest was upon them and the villagers were celebrating with music and merriment. The clouds were a friendly shade of grey that kept the spirits rising. The festival would go well into the night, she was told. It was tradition to pay homage to the harvest moon and the old gods on the eve of the harvest.

Fallon had been fighting back the feeling of dread deep in her stomach as she walked through the village, Rickon dragging her towards his favorite events where she would do her best to smile and not recall the image of the green ribbon Kathryn Ashford now donned in her blond hair.

She remembered the last time she had been wearing it, the night Kathryn had stormed into Robb's chambers throwing around accusations. Fallon had been wearing it to hold her plaited hair. She could only imagine she'd lost it when hiding quickly under the bed. Had Kathryn found it then?

If that were the case, then Robb's protests to Kathryn's accusations were all for naught. She would know that Fallon had been there and she would know that Robb's lies were meant to hide that. If they were found out, then it could mean any number of things. That was the problem with Kathryn, she was unpredictable with her games. She'd warned Robb that Fallon would only bring him pain. To Fallon, that meant there was already a plan in the young girl's mind.

And there would be no stopping it.

"Fallon did you hear me?" Rickon said and she looked down at the boy holding her hand.

"Sorry, Love," she said with a smile, bending down to his height. "What was it you said?"

"The archery contest is starting, come on," he told her, pulling her over towards the crowd of people near the field where ten men, including Theon, were preparing to begin the traditional contest of the archers.

Rickon pulled her until they were squeezing through several people. She apologized as they bumped into them and they eventually opened up a spot, generously, when seeing Fallon and Rickon were much too short to stand behind the tall men. They were at the front, standing where Fallon could lean against the wooden fence. Rickon climbed so that he was standing taller than she was, looking out at the archers with excitement as they began shooting their targets.

Rickon's joyous smile were enough to content Fallon and cause her to temporarily disregard the images of Kathryn's fury in her mind. She could hear Bran's shouts of excitement in the back of the crowd as he sat upon Hodor's shoulders. She too cheered Theon as he shot target after target, hitting the bullseye on each of them with his expert form. She knew he'd be eating up the attention, only inflating his oversized ego. But at least this time, he deserved it.

Theon was in first place as the contest went on. It had been some time as they stood there with the cheering crowd, when soon she felt a hand over hers and she looked to her right where Robb was now standing. He didn't look down at her, only looked out into the field with a smile played upon his lips. Their hands were hidden by their fur-lined cloaks. She could feel the warmth of his hand even through the barrier of their gloves and felt her stomach leap like it did every time he touched her.

She remembered the first time their hands had touched, accidentally grazing fingertips out by the fire during the King's visit to Winterfell. Back then she'd felt the spark of curiosity growing within her. But now she was alight with a fire burning for this man and she was sure nothing could douse it.

His gloved hand stroked the skin on her wrist and she had difficulty concentrating on little else aside from the soft circles he was drawing. She glanced up at him once again and he still had his sights set on the archers. Rickon cheered loudly when Theon hit the farthest mark and she jumped at the proximity of the shout.

"For the second year, our champion!" the announcer shouted, lifting Theon's hand in the air as the crowd cheered. There were a few jeers from friends of the other contestants, but most turned into laughs. It was a time for merriment and many were too drunk in the spirit to make a big deal of anything so trivial.

Albertha was enjoying herself in her last few days at Winterfell and the festival was a great way for her to celebrate before heading back to the Vale to her home. Not long after her arrival they'd found out she was with child. Fallon had been overjoyed for her sister who had yet to have any children with her husband. Now that she was expecting, she wanted to be back at Longbow Hall with Eustace.

"Fallon!" she heard and she turned quickly to see Rowan and Albertha waving her over excitedly. They were standing near where a group of villagers were dancing merrily. She grinned, not letting go of Robb's hand as she led him and Rickon over towards them.

"They're playing 'the Iron Lances.' You love that song," Enat said excitedly as she joined the pair.

"You know the Iron Lances?" Robb asked her and Fallon laughed.

"Of course we do," she teased, letting go of his hand to join Enat and her siblings. "I may be from a savage land, My Lord, but we do have music."

"I didn't mean.." he started to say but he stopped as she turned and walked into the crowd, holding Enat's hands.

The dance was one they'd known since young girls, one that was known throughout all of the North, including beyond the Wall and Skagos. The steps were ingrained in her memory. She closed her eyes as the words were sung, the rousing song of heroism. She lifted her long dress as she skipped and hopped. Rickon joined in as well and Fallon helped him with the steps as their laughter filled the air.

She danced until her feet were sore and the sun began to set in the village. There was a wealth of food to be had and Fallon had a great deal of wine until she was feeling as if she were floating. The feeling rose quickly within her as she smiled, her eyes watching the sun setting over the moors. Shouts of excitement were still heard and the music played loudly over the roar of participants in the well known dances she'd been learning at Winterfell.

But she found herself in need of quiet and she made her way around the side of one of the shops towards the edge of the forest nearby. There was a large weirwood there, standing tall against the winds that rushed through it's branches. Darkness was falling but she could still see the flame-colored leaves above.

"You shouldn't be out here alone," Robb's voice whispered behind her and she turned to him with a wide grin, the wine in her veins giving her a giddy disposition.

"Why? When I have you watching after me?" she joked, wrapping her arms around his neck. She craned her neck and stood on her toes so she could kiss him on his lips. He, too, was grinning from ear to ear, and the taste of ale was strong on his tongue.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself," he said when he pulled back, stroking her hair and she nodded.

"I don't know how I'll survive the week," she joked. "I'll have my fill of excitement before long and it's only the first day."

"You haven't even seen the joust yet," he told her and she couldn't help but laugh.

"You and your jousting," she mocked. "Will I get you to dance with me?" she pleaded and he looked hesitant. "We've been practicing, I know you know a few on your own. Rowan told me he saw you practicing in the hall just yesterday."

"Please remind me to have a few words with that brother of yours," he said with an embarrassed grin.

"Well?" she asked, nodding towards where the music was growing louder.

"Wouldn't you much rather stay here with me? I can kiss you and you can tell me how brave I'll be for winning the joust in your name," he offered but she only giggled.

"Even if you could were to tell you such silly things, Mo Faol, we both know you cannot name me tomorrow," she whispered, kissing his stubbled jaw. It tickled her face and she laughed as he pulled her up into his arms.

"I will name if you if I wish," he joked stubbornly. "Don't you want to be my Queen of the Harvest?"

"It is a tempting offer," she teased. "I cannot think of a more flattering title, than to be the Queen of the Harvest."

"You wound me," he told her in mock disappointment.

"Come, let me wound your pride further," she told him, pulling him in the direction of the dance.

"I will dance with you," he said and she grinned excitedly. "But," he added. "Let me see that my brothers are taken up to the castle and then I will let you embarrass me in front of all the Northern Lords to your hearts content."

"Well hurry up then," she said impatiently, watching as he ran off towards where Hodor and a few of the guards were sitting with Bran and Rickon.

She walked until she reached the backside of one of the shops and leaned against it's wall for support as she awaiting Robb's return. The song was ending and there were claps and cheers as the musicians debated on which song would be next.

It was then that she heard several footsteps in the grass nearby and she turned to see two figures on the other side of the wall near where she was concealed by the dark side of the wall not lit by lanterns and torches. She could hear the whispers of harsh words but could not recognize the voices until the larger figure rose his voice.

"You're not to say anything, do you hear me?!" he commanded, his voice harsh. Fallon knew the voice belonging to the champion archer, Theon. At the sound of the second voice, her eyes widened.

"I saw what I saw. I am thinking Lord Stark would want to know his ward is taking his soon-to-be bride to bed before him," was Enat's threatening voice.

Fallon wasn't sure what she was overhearing, or how it had been prompted, but if they were saying what she thought they were saying, then she was in a very dangerous position to be eavesdropping, as was Enat for being the one to bring forth such accusations.

"You open up that Skagg mouth of yours and I swear I'll slit that pretty throat of yours!" he replied and Fallon's hands fumbled through her gown searched for the small dagger she kept on her belt.

"You think he won't find out? About your little tryst with Kathryn?" she asked and Fallon heard the sound of Theon's hand against the woman's cheek. Fallon's hand went up to her mouth to cover the sound of her gasp. The dagger was out of it's sheath but she didn't move, waiting to see if she would need to attack. Enat could take care of herself, she knew. But she refused to let Theon lay his hands on her again.

"He won't be finding out from the likes of you," he said darkly. "Now go back to the castle, Bran and Rickon need to get to bed."

There was another shuffle of footsteps and mumbled whispers before she realized they had gone. She didn't feel safe leaving the spot she stood in until the shadows were far from view and the next song has started to cover the sounds of her own steps. She made her way out into the crowds of people by the dancing where she bumped into several people as she tried to keep her balance. The wine was heavy in her stomach as were the thoughts she was trying to process, the words she thought she overheard.

Theon and Kathryn?

She leaned over, her stomach suddenly feeling as if she might be sick and held on to the nearest post within grasp. It was too much, she thought. She was angry at herself for overhearing a secret that was so damaging, for now being responsible for telling Robb something that could ruin so much for his family.

"My Lady?" a man said nearby, placing a hand on her back as she bent over and she glanced up to see it was one of the Lord's sons that Robb had introduced her to. Cley Cerwyn was a year her junior but was tall enough that Fallon though he was several years older than he actually was. "You look unwell," he said and she nodded.

"Too much wine, I expect," she lied, or at least she thought it was a lie. She tried to stand but clasped onto his arm to keep her balance as she took in several breaths. It was several moments before she could see straight. When she looked up from where her eyes were previously glued to the ground she saw Robb walking quickly towards her.

"Are you alright?" he asked when he reached her side and she didn't take his hand when he offered it, only looked quickly from his eyes to Cley and then back before Robb understood. But he didn't seem to care as he placed his arm around her waist.

"I'm okay, just dizzy. From the wine," she tried to explain offhandedly but the concern on his features did not disappear. She was about to explain further about her wine intake when suddenly four men on horses rode up towards the edge of town. Robb's attention, hers as well, was now focused on the urgency with which the men were riding. Seeing Hallis Mollen, Winterfell's captain of the guards in Jory's absence, was the face that caused that feeling in her stomach to return.

"Something's wrong," he whispered and she nodded as they both walked quickly over to where the horses were searching for him. All the while, holding her hand stiffly in his with seemingly no intention of letting go.

"Milord!" Hal shouted, dismounting his horse.

"What is it?" Robb asked, his voice stern.

"A letter, from King's Landing. "They said it was urgent for you, from the Hand of the King."

"Here," Robb offered, reaching out his free hand to Hal who quickly placed the letter in his hands.

Robb tore open the letter quickly, not bothering to be gentle with the parchment. Fallon could see the script, written in Lord Eddard Stark's handwriting. The words were written with urgency, she could see the slant in the letters and the distorted lines it what was usually the neat script of the Hand. And then the words started to make sense. Her hand fell from Robb's grasp as he, too, took in the message his father was relaying.

"He's been, arrested," Robb said, his tone disbelieving at first. "Treason."

"Milord?" Hal said, just as confused as she was, shaking her head, her hand over her mouth in shock.

"How can this be?" Fallon asked. "Robb surely it is a mistake."

But Robb didn't say anything, no words came to mind as his eyes flew over the words again and again. She looked up at Hal.

"When did this come?" she asked quickly and Hal looked at the soldier to his right, Garreth.

"It came just before dusk, Milady. We had received it by rider from White Harbor and another message not long before by raven. The raven said a rider would be coming, that we were to deliver it to Lord Robb immediately," Garreth said, his tone nervous and she placed her own shaking hand over his.

"It's alright, you did well," she assured him and he nodded, stepping back to where his horse was standing, agitated by the shouts and crowds.

She turned to Robb who had yet to tear his eyes from the letter. Theon was now approaching, Hal updating him on the situation and he looked wide-eyed at Robb. Fallon couldn't bear to meet his questioning gaze when he looked to her.

"Robb?" she asked quietly. It was several moments before she placed her hand on his arm and slowly, he looked up.

"Treason is punishable by death," he whispered and she stared at him a long moment before she nodded, understanding his pain. She'd received a letter like this once. But there was hope to be had, Lord Stark had seen to that.

"The King won't let it get to that," she started optimistically but then then stopped as her eyes saw his expression.

"The King is dead," he said slowly.

Nothing seemed to make sense. Eddard Stark arrested for treason, plotting against the crown? It didn't fit. They were the same charges her father had received, the same crimes she knew her father also could not have committed. And yet both were charged and sentencing had yet to be passed on Robb's father. Surely they'd spare him.

"You should go," she said finally, looking away as she held her stomach, the feeling returning that caused her to cringe. "You should write to Lady Stark, and your sisters. They will need reassurance."

"You need to call the banners," Theon interrupted and both Fallon and Robb shook their heads.

"And if I call the banners and my father is spared?" Robb countered and Theon frowned.

"You will look weak if you do not," Theon argued.

"And he could be accused a traitor to the crown if he does so without apt reason," Fallon argued sternly. "We already have one Stark facing the ax, do you mean to place another's neck in jeopardy?"

"So you propose we do nothing? Just like we did nothing when the Lannisters openly attacked your father? Killed Jory?" Theon said in disgust.

"Marching on King's Landing would not have prevented this," she whispered.

"And how do you know!?" Theon shouted at her but Robb stepped between them. It was the first time she had seen Robb openly oppose Theon in front of her.

"She is not the one we should be angry with," Robb replied, his voice commanding and dark. "I will write to my sisters and to my mother. She might not have even heard yet." He then looked to Fallon. "You can ride back up to the castle with me," he insisted but she shook her head.

"I need to find Rowan," she explained. "I will ride back with him at once."

She saw him nod distractedly, walking in the direction of the stables where Conall was tied. He looked back over his shoulder once and caught her eye and she nodded, reassuringly, trying to hide any signs of uncertainty.

It was courage he would need now; courage for whatever was to come.

[Enat]

Fallon stood as still as she could while Enat sewed on the sleeve of the dress she was making. The gown was a beautiful shade of green, the color of House Magnar's banners. It had been nearly a week since Robb had received word from King's Landing, and he had yet to get a reply from Sansa. Enat couldn't help but wonder if things in King's Landing were worse than Fallon had initially expected.

Neither Enat nor Fallon had discussed the possibility of House Magnar going to war. They were already at war with the hill tribes, while simultaneously dealing with the attacks on Kingshouse and the Magnar family members. Both knew that eventually Robb would have to call his bannermen. And all the noble houses of Skagos would be called to fight. That meant her brothers, and Aedan as well.

And of course there was another issue Fallon and Robb had been avoiding. She had only discussed it with Enat briefly, but she could tell by looking at her friend, even now, that the issue was weighing on her.

"You know you will have to discuss it will him eventually," she whispered through the side of her mouth, holding a needle between her teeth as she pulled the top of the dress and the sleeve tightly together.

"I am not sure that is a priority matter," Fallon replied, annoyed. Enat ignored the bite in her friend's tone, knowing that she was dealing with more than a girl of her age should ever have to.

"You have not been to his chambers since-"

"Enat," Fallon warned, attempting to end the conversation.

"I just mean, he might need some comfort, is all," Enat tried to explain. "He might have to go to war and you've abandoned his bed." Fallon sighed.

"It is not like that," Fallon told her. "Robb and I have not-" Fallon trailed off and Enat realized what the girl was trying to say. She and Robb had not been together how she'd originally though. "I would just rather not wake up alone most nights."

"I saw your bedsheets untouched each morning, I just assumed-" Enat apologized but Fallon waved it off.

"It is alright, I know how it must look, me sneaking into my own rooms before dawn each morning," Fallon said distractedly. "I haven't been to his rooms since he got the letter. I thought he'd want space."

Enat could see the worry in her friend's eyes. She hardly ever talked of Robb if she could help it, knowing Fallon would just ignore the statements as if there wasn't something going on between them. They used to share everything as girls, all their secrets. It wasn't as if Fallon was hiding things from her, but it was clear she wasn't as forthcoming with the information as she once was. Then again, Enat had yet to tell her about Kathryn and Theon. It made her just as guilty.

"I know you don't want to speak of it, Fallon," she whispered, pausing her sewing. "But you both saw what was in that letter. Do you think you both can continue to ignore it?"

"Of course not," Fallon replied. "But he has more important matters to worry over. I cannot bother him with this. Not now, not yet."

"And what if he calls his banners? Marches South? Will it not be too late by then?" Enat asked seriously. "Men do not always return from war, Fallon. You of all people know what happens at war."

"He and I both knew this day would come, though I had not thought it would be so soon," Fallon admitted. "What he and I were doing, it was foolish and reckless and not without expiration. We had our moment and now that moment is coming to its end."

"Something else plagues you," Enat said, her brow furrowed as she calculated the look in Fallon's eyes.

"It is nothing."

Enat knew it was not 'nothing' as Fallon was insisting but she didn't pursue it further. If she did, she might have to come clean about the secret of her own. Even Rowan didn't know she had disregarded their agreement and gone to Theon to expose him. She cringed at the thought of the bruise she'd hidden under her hair, received as an answer for her threats. Theon hadn't looked at her since. But more importantly, he'd kept his distance from Kathryn, or at least it seemed that way.

"You should go to him," Enat said but Fallon looked unsure.

"He's been in the study all morning. He's received correspondence from several of the Lords who have heard the news. Rowan says it is only a matter of time."

"Will Broden come?" Enat asked and Fallon nodded.

"He does not have a choice. He is Robb's bannerman, just as your uncle is."

It was true, Lord Crowl was Enat's uncle through her deceased mother. He was a hard man, one that constantly spoke ill of Westeros. He bowed only to the Magnar, he'd always say. He was not alone is his way of thinking. Fallon often downplayed the role her family played in Skagos when she told her stories to the Starks. But to warriors and Lords of Skagos, House Magnar was above the others. The Magnars descended from Kings, just as the Starks did. But House Crowl would heed the call if it was sent, just as Broden would as Lord of Kingshouse.

Enat finished the last stitch of the gown and stepped back to take in her handiwork. It was lovely, bringing out the shine in Fallon's eyes. Fallon was small, but she was fierce. She could have great influence if she would only allow herself to be heard.

"Go," Enat insisted again. "At the very least, find out what is going on."

Moments passed as Fallon toyed with the edge of her hair and she finally nodded, walking out the door, leaving Enat alone to contemplate what was to happen next.

According to Lord Eddard's letter, Fallon was freed from the Stark's charge. She was granted her title and her life back. But now that she was given her freedom, Enat wasn't so sure that Fallon would want it.

[Robb]

Pacing had become his game, walking back and forth, back and forth in front of the firelight that kept the study warm from the icy winds outside the castle walls. His eyes were taking in the words, over and over he read them until he reached the end, and he would again start from the beginning and reread it as if it were the first time. But each time he came to the same conclusion.

"Sansa would not write this," Robb said finally, looking up where Theon, Maester Luwin and Rowan were sitting, watching him patiently as they waited.

"It is your sister's hand," Maester Luwin agreed. "But the Queen's words. You're summoned to King's Landing to swear fealty to the new king."

"Joffrey puts my father in chains, now he wants his arse kissed?" Robb spat. The faces of the other young men, even Maester Luwin showed that they agreed it was a ludicrous request. But of course, it wasn't a request.

"This is a royal command, My Lord," Luwin replied, reluctantly telling Robb that this was not a simple suggestion. This game had now turned into something more serious, more serious than Robb had ever experienced in all of his young years. "If you should refuse to obey-"

"I won't refuse," Robb replied curtly. "His Grace summons me to King's Landing, I'll go to King's Landing. But not alone." Robb could feel everything inside of him shaking. If it was fear or fury, he did not know. Perhaps it was both welling up inside of him ready to explode. But he had to have courage now. He had to do what was required of him. "Call the banners."

It was a command, his first real command and the weight of it washed over the entire room. Theon smirked, his pleading for Robb to call the banners finally happening. Rowan looked at him curiously, knowing what this meant for him, for his brother, for his people.

"All of them My Lord?" Luwin asked, taking the letter as Robb handed it back.

"They've all sworn to defend my father, have they not?" he asked.

"They have," Luwin whispered.

"Now we see what their words are worth."

Robb could see the uneasiness in the Maester's eyes. He was not in full agreement with this course of action as Robb was, but it was clear that he realized it was an inevitability. Both of them knew this was the course of action they were meant to take. Luwin would do as he was told, even if he was uneasy about this particular command. But it was too late for other options. The time for standing idly by, had long passed.

Luwin did not speak, only nodded as he exited the room, off to write the letters to the Lords of the North. Soon Robb would have to court men two, three, and even four times his own age to fight for him, to save his father. He wasn't sure he was ready, but he'd have to be.

As he sat down next to Theon, Rowan sitting across from them, the older of the three spoke.

"You afraid?" Theon asked. Robb wasn't sure how to answer until he looked down at his shaking hand. No matter how hard he tried he was unable to steady it.

"I must be," he answered honestly.

"Good."

"Why is that good?" Robb asked. He didn't understand how Theon could be so calm, so excited about it all.

"Means you're not stupid," he replied and for once the advice from Theon's lips was good.

"He's right," Rowan agreed. "Only a fool would be fearless in the face of war. In Skagos, we don't honor the fearless in our legends, we honor the brave men who do what they must despite the danger they face."

He found Rowan's words comforting. He and Robb were the same age and already Rowan had seen more battles than Robb could even imagine. Perhaps it would be good to have him by his side.

"I'll write to my brother," Rowan said. "He will not refuse your call."

"What of war in Skagos?" Robb asked curiously and Rowan shook his head. "Will he even have enough men to send with what's going on there?"

"Savages rising up to take the lands, that's not war Robb. It happens every day. My brother can spare a thousand men, and still hold the mountain tribes without strain. Our men are skilled fighters, seasoned in battle. They will be of great use."

"Write to him then," Robb said and then turned to Theon. "And you write to Jon, though I'm sure he'll have heard."

Both men nodded, leaving Robb to his thoughts as he sat by the fire, listening to the wind howling outside the large window. It gave him chills just thinking of the cold that was coming, the winter that was soon to be upon them. His heart was racing, his choice was made.

There was a light knock on the door that pulled his eyes from their place on the fire.

"Enter," he said and watched as the large door of his lord father's study opened and the small figure dressed in green entered. "Fallon," he said, his voice almost a relieved whisper as he stood to greet her.

She was a beautiful sight, the green gown bright like her eyes that were now locked on his as he approached slowly. He felt his heart leap from his chest as she placed her hands on his chest. It had been several days since he'd had a moment alone with her, having known she was trying to keep her distance, just as he was trying to keep his. But now was not the time for keeping distance. Right now he needed her.

"I'm sorry if I interrupted," she said quietly but he shook his head. "I was on my way to see you when I saw my brother in the corridor. He said you called the banners?"

"I received a letter from Sansa. The Queen is using her to make commands," he explained and she nodded, her expression solemn.

"So," she whispered. "You go to war then."

It wasn't a question. She knew it was happening.

"My father left me to defend the North, and now he needs our help. I will not bend my knee to her or her son."

"I do not question your decision Robb," she told him. "It is all just happening faster than I thought it would. You shouldn't be in this position. You should be enjoying life as young men do."

"And I wish my father were here in my place so it was not me," he said honestly. He had wished for his father's return more than anything, now more than ever. "I keep thinking, what would he do if he were in my place."

"He would do as you have done." Her words were quiet but firm. "He would be proud of you."

"I do not know if I can do this," he admitted. "I have no idea how to lead an army. I've never fought outside the walls of Winterfell."

"You will learn. My brothers will help you, your bannermen will help you," she told him. She placed her hand over his stubbled jaw. "Men are not always prepared when they are thrust into war. But we must make do."

He pulled her closer, one hand on her waist and the other over hers where it rested on his face.

"Why have you not come to me until now?" he asked and she did not look away as he thought she might. Which meant, she was expecting him to ask.

"You know why," she said simply.

He did know.

"My father has granted you freedom to go home," he whispered. "I thought you'd be happy."

"Happy to leave you?"

"I had hoped not happy to leave me, but I thought you'd be happy to have your life back," he explained and she looked conflicted.

"I cannot go home any more than your father can," her voice started to rise. "You think my brothers will send me back there, alone while they follow you into battle? My life is not back in Skagos. My family almost all dead, my father beyond the Wall and I may never see him again. My sister has gone back to her husband, back to her life. I have no idea where Broden is. Rowan is the only life I have left right now. I don't even have you."

"Of course you have me," he said, his hold tightening on her. But she was shaking her head.

"I have you here, in my arms right now," she whispered, the emotion building her voice that caused Robb's throat to swell. "But where will you be tomorrow? Or in a month? I cannot have a life with you or without you. I have nothing."

Tears began falling down her face and the emotion between the two of them was now coming to a head. They could no longer avoid what neither of them was prepared to face, the possibility of goodbye, and that goodbye being forever. It was something Robb could not bear to stomach. He kissed her forehead and then her cheeks as the tears fell, closing his eyes as he did so as not to let her see the pain in his eyes as well.

"It is not goodbye," he whispered into her hair. "Not yet. We still have now."

"Only now," she said through a strangled sob.

She held back her weeping, staying as strong as she could as she wiped her tears. He leaned down enough that he could place his forehead against hers. He could see the torment in her green eyes but they were also mixed with something else, something familiar.

"Mo Faol," she said, her voice heavy. "I love you."

The words were full off of her lips, full with everything they felt in both of their hearts, bursting from within her soul.

"Agus," he whispered in the Old Tongue. "Ta gra agam duit."

It was enough for her, for both of them then as he whispered her same words back to her in her home language. He didn't know which of them pulled the other, but soon there was no space between them as their lips collided. There was nothing soft about this kiss, it was full of something more human, more savage than either of them could define.

He was overwhelmed by passion, by his need for her then. He lifted her in his arms and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her towards the desk. He didn't bother to move anything, his attention was only on her, on their bodies and the sounds escaping her throat. He did not understand all the words she whispered as his hands slid up her calf that rested over his hip until he felt the warm skin of her thigh under his callused fingertips.

Some words he knew, others were spoken so quickly that he didn't have a chance to think about their meaning before he too called out her name in a hushed whisper against her neck. He then kissed each of her tears on her cheek, trailing down until their lips crashed back together. There was urgency in their touches, an urgency that grew with every passing second.

He had been with one woman before, a couple years prior. He'd have never even sought her out had it not been for Theon who had brought her to Robb's bed one night. She was a whore, Robb knew that despite Theon's protests that she was a local village girl. It had been quick and awkward and when it was done he had never seen the girl again.

This was different.

This was Fallon, his Fallon.

No words passed between them, only their eyes locked and a quick nod from her before they were one. Robb may have been with a woman before but never had he made love. This was making love. Two people overwhelmed in their desire and love for one another, like he and Fallon.

She didn't tense when he entered her, only gasped slightly, his name rolling off her tongue in a longing sigh. It wasn't ideal nor romantic the place or the time. He could have made love to her on silk sheets, candles lit and flowers everywhere, perhaps on their wedding night, or somewhere near the sea. He thought of those memories, the ones she had created for him that they would never have; pictured making love to her under the stars. But as she cried out for him, her hips rocking back, he knew there was no where but now just as there was no time but now. This was a memory they were making together, a real memory that he would have for always.

And no one could take that from either of them.