Savages - LolaStark

Chapter Fourteen

[Catelyn]

There were very few memories Catelyn had of standing in the damp halls of the Twins. Her father's relationship with Lord Frey had always been one of obligation. The man was not to be trusted and all the high lords of Westeros knew as much. The problem was, Walder Frey was now in an immense seat of power with the position his fortress had on the Trident.

She knew as soon as Robb came to her with the plan that she would have to do whatever was in her power to make Walder agree. No one liked the idea of two women going with such a small guard into the clutches of a man they most likely could not trust. Robb, being the brave man he was, had insisted he go himself but Fallon had been adamant that he stay behind. Catelyn had agreed. She wouldn't have allowed it either, Commander or not. The Freys would not harm her or Fallon without bringing down the wrath of the Northerners upon them. They would be safe for at least the duration of the parle.

So there they stood, Fallon to her right as they looked up at the man her father called the Late Walder Frey, surrounded by his large family in his dining hall. It was only the two women standing before him, no guard except those standing just outside the castle gate. Neither looked upon the decrepit man with any fondness, but instead with stern expressions and tight mouths.

"Your Lord sends his mother and her maid?" Walder asked, holding his head up lazily with his hand as he leaned against the large seat of House Frey. "I expected more from the man who wants my bridge to cross. Or the boy, I should say."

"My son waits with his men. An army of twenty thousands stands outside your gates, My Lord," Catelyn replied, her tone full of acid.

"And twenty thousand corpses will be in their stead when the Lannisters arrive. Lord Tywin would be very happy to cross my bridge into the North, I'm sure," he said with a sour expression.

"You are my lord father's bannermen, your sword sworn to his bidding," she reminded him harshly and he laughed.

"My lady, you know as well as I that your lord father is no friend of mine. I may have said some words just as the ones I said to the Iron Throne. King Joffrey wants your traiter of a husband's head on a stake. Your son and his men, they're no better than rebels in the eyes of the crown. Which oath should I keep if I want to keep my own head?" he asked with a bitter laugh. "Then of course, there is all that Lannister gold. Would do me well in my old age, wouldn't you say?"

"Then why not take his gold?" Catelyn replied bitterly and he frowned. "What has stopped you?"

"The fool has but to ask," he replied and Catelyn looked to Fallon whose expression had yet to falter. She looked to be studying the man before them and his words.

"And what will you ask of us, to keep you from taking that gold?" Catelyn asked and Walder looked down at the two of them curiously. "I am asking for your help, My Lord. My voice speaks for thousands. My husband, my sons, my brothers...my father."

"What are those thousands prepared to sacrifice? You don't have the gold to match Tywin Lannister."

Hours of haggling began then.

Catelyn would offer and Lord Frey would counter it with one of his own. All the while Fallon never said a word as she stood obediently at Catelyn's side. Supper was offered as darkness fell and they joined the Freys in a small feast where Walder ignored them both in favor of the entertainment of his fools.

Fallon had sent a hastily written letter with one of the Frey's sons back to Robb's camp with news that the negotiations would last another day. Catelyn had instructed Fallon to write that he was to stay at camp and wait for news and that under no circumstances was he to ride to the Twins to meet them until the dealings were through.

Meanwhile, she and Fallon ate quietly, discussing how the lords would react to the terms. There had been few sacrifices on their part, but Fallon's warning glances told her they were in no place to discuss the matter further until they were alone. When the hour got late it was clear no more deals would be made until the morning and they were invited a room in the tall tower that looked down on Robb's army. Lights from the fires below kept Fallon at the window seat, looking down distractedly.

"We give him what he wants and yet I still feel as though he wants more," Catelyn whispered but Fallon did not turn her head from the window. Catelyn was perched near the fire, warming her hands.

"He will indeed ask for more," Fallon said, without moving. "But he will wait until you have given him what he wants before giving his consent. I thought he would be easier to appease. I was not expecting him to want something so valuable."

"What do you mean?" Catelyn asked then. Fallon had told Catelyn before they arrived that she would haggle until the man could not refuse. But it seemed as though Fallon realized something Catelyn didn't.

"Do you think that he cares if his sons are fostered at Winterfell? Or that we have bargained Arya's hand to one of his anonymous sons?" Fallon asked and Catelyn found her tone harsh. They both knew Arya would be furious to hear that she was to be married off to without her consent, or rather married off at all.

"It was a lot to ask," Catelyn replied. "It was not easy for me to give Arya's hand away. She will no doubt hate me for it."

"But Lady Stark, he has not asked at all," Fallon said, her green eyes dancing in the firelight from the torches below. "Don't you understand? Lord Frey has let you do make the suggestions and he has only haggled in return. He had a price in mind long before we walked through those doors and you only you have yet to name it. Of course just because someone hands you silver when you are waiting for gold, does not mean you will be eager to return that silver. I should have known better."

Catelyn considered this. It was true. When she thought back to the afternoon it had been she who had brought up the subject of marriage. At first it was Rickon she'd offered, but Lord Frey had no desire to wait for the boy to age. Arya was closer in age as Sansa was already betrothed. It was her only other choice, or at least he only choice she was willing to consider.

"You don't think-" she started, the realization pouring over her and Fallon's eyes fell slightly though her head never turned.

"He wants Robb," she whispered and Catelyn shook her head. "That is what he waits for, I can see it in his eyes."

"I cannot bargain my son."

"He want's a Lord for a son-in-law, My Lady," Fallon replied. "He will not agree to anything less than a prestigious marriage between your houses."

Robb had been upset when they'd betrothed him to Kathryn Ashford. But he'd took it as a man and did not argue with Ned's choice. But now that Kathryn was a hostage and no longer his intended, she'd seen a change in him. She wasn't ready to throw him back into this looming fate.

But more than that, it was something in the way Fallon's eyes fell that said more than her words were. She'd seen her son and Fallon exchange longing glances at Winterfell. But nothing compared to the looks she'd seen in their eyes back at Moat Cailin. When Fallon had been thrown to the ground, Robb looked ready to draw his sword on the guards.

She'd followed him here, against his orders, for love. That much had been clear.

But what wasn't clear was why Fallon was now suggesting Catelyn agree to a marriage pact between Walder's daughter and Robb who was so recently unhindered. If Robb was no longer forced to marry the Ashford girl, then that would leave them to do as they pleased. Robb would ask for Fallon's hand, Catelyn knew that. And Catelyn knew she couldn't deny them. But not if he was betrothed to the Frey girl.

"He would never forgive me," she replied and Fallon finally looked at her. There was nothing there, behind the green orbs. Whatever Fallon felt, her face did not betray her. Catelyn only saw the woman from the hall, expressionless.

"He will forgive you when his father is freed, when his sisters are safe. He will marry one of Lord Frey's daughters if it means his family stays as one," Fallon said quickly.

"Fallon," Catelyn said. "What happened, between the two of you at Wintefell?"

Fallon's facade fell for only a split second but Catelyn saw the way she faltered as the question was asked. But just as soon as the defenses fell the were again risen. Catelyn suddenly wished she could talk to Robb. But even if he confirmed her suspicions about the two of them, it would only make the decision that much harder to make.

-o-

The next morning Catelyn woke to find Fallon asleep against the windowsill, not having moved from her spot and she wondered how much sleep the girl had actually gotten.

Their walk down to the hall was met by an even larger crowd of Freys surrounding the Late Walder who was looking even more eager to continue their deal making. Now having heard Fallon's opinion, it was obvious that the greedy man had been milking her for everything during the recent proceedings. But there was only one more thing to be had.

"What have you to bargain with today, Lady Stark?" he asked and Catelyn looked down at her hands and then to Fallon who nodded reassuringly. But no words seem to come as she thought of her son, her sweet Robb. How could she bargain his fate?

"What is it you want?" Fallon's voice was calm and steady, but it rang loudly through the hall and Walder glanced at her in surprise as if just noticing her for the first time since they'd entered the hall.

"And who do we have here?" he asked, stroking his chin in a way that made Catelyn cringe. "Certainly not a Tully by the looks of you. And too plain to be a Stark beauty."

"I am Lady Fallon Magnar, sister to the current Lord of Kingshouse," Fallon replied dryly. Lord Frey's eyes sparked and he sat up slowly. He eyed her carefully now. "Be plain, My Lord Frey. We have bargained much-"

"But not enough, as I'm sure you've noticed," he said with a grin. He then looked to Catelyn. "Alright, I will be plain. Lady Stark, you have a son."

"I have three sons," Catelyn corrected, her voice steady though the rest of her was not.

"And I have many daughters," he said with a large smirk. "Let us end this. How about, your eldest for mine?"

"No," Fallon said quickly and for a moment Catelyn thought she had changed her mind.

"No?" Lord Frey asked with a smirk.

"Robb will be Lord of Winterfell," Fallon said, looking at him defiantly. "At the very least he should be able to choose which of your daughters he will wed," Fallon said, glancing over at Frey's daughters. "Your eldest daughter is older than Lady Stark. She will not produce him with heirs in that dried belly of hers. He will choose whichever suits him. I am sure you can allow that much."

He was right, he had a great deal of children, his daughters ranging in age. Fallon looked them over momentarily, boredom in her eyes before looking back at their father. But what interested Catelyn the most was the way Frey watched the girl with increasing interest. To Catelyn it was unnerving.

"Very well," Frey finally agreed. "The boy will have his pick of any of my girls. And when this mess is over, we will have a wedding."

"Is this your deal?" Catelyn said, finally finding her voice. "If we accept we may cross?"

There was a long moment of silence. No one dared speak as Walder Frey pulled together his thoughts. Fallon didn't seem to breathe as she stood there, looking up into the stare of the man who eyed her curiously. Catelyn knew now that Fallon had been right. This was what he had wanted all along. And she had condemned two of her own children to an arranged marriage, all for a bridge.

"There is-" he started, stroking his chin. "-one more thing I would have. And then you will have my bridge and all the men your son needs."

Catelyn didn't know if it was the look in the old man's eyes or the smile in his voice that caused the chills to run up her spine in fear. And whatever came out of his mouth next, she knew he would be the only one satisfied.

[Robb]

The higher the sun rose in the sky, the more nervous Robb became as he waited in the tent with Grey Wind at his side. He did not like the situation they'd put his mother and Fallon in. The dealings were not supposed to last overnight and when he'd received word from Fallon that they would need more time, he nearly rode through the fortress gates himself to bring them back.

But the lords insisted this was how these proceedings went. There would be much bargaining, they'd told him, and if his mother was as good a haggler as he'd claimed, then they would have very little to sacrifice when all was said and done.

Rowan was the most optimistic, telling Robb that Fallon would insure the best possible outcome for them all. Of course it was Robb who would make this payment. This was his battle and his cost. He wouldn't agree to terms that meant the suffering of more of his men.

"Milord!" someone shouted from outside the tent and Grey trotted after them and Robb not far behind. There weren't many tents still standing, almost everything had been packed up by dawn, ready to ride once the consent was made to cross the bridge.

Robb look towards the boy who was now pointing towards the hill in the distance. It wasn't far from their camp where the men on horses were waiting. The men were in large numbers, the horses all dark, riding down the hill so that Robb could now see that the numbers would be of great use. Towards the front one man rode faster than the others, a large green sigil in his hand.

The sigil of House Magnar.

"It is Broden," Rowan said from next to him and Robb nodded, following his wolf forward, ready to greet the Lord of Kingshouse when he arrived.

It wasn't long before Broden and his men reached the edge of the camp and he handed his banner to what looked to be a young man no older than Bran. Fallon's eldest brother looked older than he remembered. Of course he'd met Broden only once in the cover of night. The man had the same green eyes as his sister and the more he looked at his features, the more he saw their resemblance. Rowan's features were similar but not quite as distinct. He'd never met Drystan, but Fallon had once said Rowan was the spitting image of their father.

"Stark," Broden said, holding his arm out to Robb who grasped it tightly in his own.

"Magnar," Robb said then, the tone in his voice inflecting the respect in the ancient term. Broden's hard eyes looked at Robb's with the same respect, but something else as he then looked around the camp in interest.

"As promised, I have brought a thousand men to aid your cause," Broden told him and Robb nodded his thanks.

Broden then turned to embrace Rowan, it having been months since the two had last seen one another. Aedan too was nearby, a man at his side with a large red beard that Robb assumed was his father, the man Fallon called 'Beardy.' Grey Wind sniffed the large man's boots curiously, and neither seemed to mind the other's presence.

Broden placed a hand on Robb's shoulder and turned them both away from the crowds of soldiers and leaned in close to his ear.

"My sister was not at Winterfell," he whispered loud enough that Robb could hear him over the chatter, but not so loud that the others would overhear. "Enat told me I would find her here."

"Yes, she rode all the way to Moat Cailin after I forbid her to come. She arrived only an hour after we had arrived ourselves," he explained and something seemed to lighten in Broden's eyes as he spoke. "I wanted to speak to you before sending her back."

"She must not go back," he whispered quickly, looking over his shoulder momentarily glancing in Aedan's direction. "You did well to keep her here."

"This is no place for her," Robb said quietly. "How can I go to battle and leave her here, risk her life?"

"She is a strong woman, she's fought by my side many times in battle," Broden said with a frown. "And Enat says she is no longer a ward of Winterfell?"

"Enat is right," Robb said, his brow furrowing deeper each time Broden looked over his shoulder. "Which is why I allowed you the courtesy of waiting to speak with you first. She cannot stay. She is not safe."

"Stark," he said, this time his eyes cold as his hold tightened on his shoulder. "This is the only place she is safe." The words were cryptic but his tone said that the conversation was not to be had here. There was more to be said, but he was not saying it. "Where is she?"

"She and my mother are at Lord Frey's castle. They are bargaining our terms for him to allow us to cross the river," he explained and Broden nodded.

"Yes, she will make you a good deal," he said, just as Rowan had. "Fallon has always been good with negotiations. She once dealt the laird of Southern Shore clan to release our warriors he held captive. The laird called for her hand in marriage and buckets of gold. She left his camp with our captives for only three of our cattle as their final deal. "

"If only Lord Frey only wanted cattle," Robb muttered.

It was well into the afternoon before the saw the riders from the Twins returning to camp. Robb mounted his stallion quickly, riding to greet them with Grey Wind racing next to him. Many of the lords followed. All were eager to hear the terms which Lord Frey would have impressed upon him. What debt would Robb owe to the old man.

They met the small guard with his mother and Fallon riding near the front, several more men rode with them and Robb recognized the Frey sigil on their cloaks.

"It is done," his mother said, speaking first. "You are granted crossing." Neither of the women smiled when they saw him, but when Fallon's eyes caught sight of her brothers she dismounted quickly and ran to them. He watched as Broden jumped off the horse and grabbed his sister in his arms. There was something desperate about his hold on her as he stroked her face and smiled, a rarity for the rugged man.

He helped his mother off her horse easily and they she lead them away from the group. Behind them the lords were eyeing the Frey men suspiciously, waiting to hear if they should pull their swords or not. Among them several of Walder's sons, some older with ugly smiles. It made him anxious.

"What does he want from us?" he asked in a quiet whisper and his mother looked at him with a solemn stare.

"You will spare a few of your swords, enough for a guard to transport two of his grandsons to Winterfell. They will foster alongside your brothers."

"Very well," Robb said, surprised by the ease of the sacrifice. "This was the deal that took all evening to-"

"You will also take Lord Frey's son, Olyvar, as your squire," she told him and Robb could see there was more coming but he nodded.

"Fine, I had yet to take a squire. I am sure he will make a fine one," he told her.

Had it not been for his mother's downcast eyes he would have said Fallon had indeed helped make a very favorable bargain on his behalf. He would have thought much worse of a debt would be dealt. But there was more of the bargain to be heard, and from his mother's expression, what he'd yet to hear was going to be a much bigger sacrifice than taking on a squire.

"Also, when Arya is returned and when she comes of age, she will marry Lord Walder's youngest son, Elmar."

It had shocked him, to say the least. He could only assume Arya was the only logical choice Lord Walder would accept since Sansa was betrothed to Joffrey. But Arya would refuse. How was he supposed to force her to marry against her will, especially after she knew how miserable he had been betrothed to Kathryn.

"She will not like that," he whispered, his sympathy with her and his mother nodded.

"And-" she started and sighed and Robb's brow furrowed.

"There is more than that?"

"Once the fighting is done," she said, glancing over her shoulder once. Robb followed her glance, to where Fallon was crouched, stroking Grey Wind's fur with light touches, seemingly unaware that they were watching her. "Once the fighting is done, you will wed one of Lord Walder's daughters. He will allow you to choose whichever one you wish."

Robb wasn't sure how to react. He was unsure if he'd heard correctly but by the grasp of his mother's hand on his arm, he assumed her words had been clear. His eyes immediately sought out Fallon's and he saw her, Grey Wind nudging her cheek. He felt himself willing her to look his way, to assure him this was a mistake, to beg him not to do make this deal. But she did not look and Robb felt a sharp ache in his chest.

"Do I have a choice in this, mother?" he whispered, not pulling his eyes away from Fallon. "Can I refuse the man?"

"Not if you want to cross, Robb," she replied, squeezing his hand in hers. "Do you consent to these terms?"

Robb knew it didn't matter what he felt now. No matter the anger or the pang of sadness in his heart, he had no choice but to consent. He was no longer a boy, no longer training to one day become his father's heir. Without his consent, they could not cross. Without his consent his father could be killed, and for what? How could he explain to his men that he could not agree to a pact that involved his marriage to a woman who was not Fallon Magnar? They would laugh at him, return home to their warm hearths and beds. This was no place for love. Boys played at war, but men fought in them. And men made marriage pacts when they needed to cross a bridge.

"Then I consent," he whispered curtly, looking away from Fallon and back to his mother whose eyes showed how she felt. His mother was always showing what she felt and for that he was usually grateful. But for now he did not want to see the pity in her eyes. When he stepped back he saw the lords eyeing him curiously. "We will cross immediately," he said steadily to them. "Gather the men."

He could see the men were curious to know what it would cost Robb to cross Walder Frey's bridge, but they saw Robb was not planning to say more as he walked towards Fallon.

He didn't care how it looked when he grabbed her arm and brought her towards the nearest tent. When he opened the flap and saw it was empty he pulled her in. She didn't look up at him as he stared down at her, holding her hand firmly in his as he awaited the words he dreaded to hear. He brought his left hand to her face, stroking her cheek as he felt his heart ache. He caressed her jawline until his fingers were under her chin and he urged her eyes up to his.

"Tell me this was not you," he whispered and he could see the red in her eyes. "Tell me you did not do this to us."

"Robb," she whispered and he shook his head. The catch in her voice said everything and he let her go, stepping backwards as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Do you understand what this means? Do you know what is to happen now?" he asked bitterly, feeling his emotions rising up through his throat. She couldn't seem to form words, her mouth opening and closing several times as tears formed in her eyes. "Once my father returns to the North, I am to marry one of Lord Walder's daughters. A Frey."

"It was our only option," she said, swallowing hard. "He wanted to marry you to his eldest and I refused. At the very least now you have a choice," she said, her voice rising.

"A choice!?" he scoffed, his voice, too, far from a whisper. "I may be unable to marry the woman I love but at least I have a choice in which arranged wife I will have." His tone was full of the sarcasm that he could see had stung her.

"Don't do this," she said, pulling at his cloak anxiously as she took a step towards him. "I understand that you are angry, as is your right. If there was any other option I would have made him agree to it. I did not think he would ask for so much. But there was nothing else to be done. I have still managed to make you a good deal. There was a large debt involved, but no you owe him nothing."

"Nothing but mine and my sister's hand," he scoffed and she looked down at her feet.

He knew he shouldn't be angry with her, but he couldn't help but feel it rising up within him as he thought of what she had done. She had made it so they were again in this limbo. She had made it so they were once again forever separated. The more he thought of it, the more bitterness that he felt.

"Perhaps it is better this way," he whispered coldly. "You were the one, after all, who said we could never be together. So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you did this." The look on her face was one of hurt, her tears falling down her cheeks as she frowned. "I am once again unattainable, as you prefer."

"You think me so low?" she asked, wiping her face.

"I don't know what to think anymore, Fallon,' he whispered and he turned to leave but her hand on his arm stopped him.

"Your mother did not tell you all the last thing he wanted," she said, through her tears. Her words gave him pause and he turned to look at her curiously, the anger in her eyes directed at him.

"She told me of the boys we are to foster, of the Frey boy who is to squire for me. And she told me that Arya has the same fate as I am to have," he said, frowning but she shook her head.

"Lord Frey could care less about those boys, about his son becoming your squire. Oh Seven Hells Robb do you think he actually cares about your sister's hand? All he wanted was you!" she shouted. "You and one other thing to cross the bridge, everything else was just a bonus for him."

"What other thing? My mother did not-"

"Me!" she said angrily. "He wanted me as well."

"What?" he asked, not understanding what she meant but feeling a different kind of anger filling inside of him as he stepped towards her protectively. "He has a wife, Fallon, I will not let him have you as well."

"It is his son, Aenys," she said, her hold on his arm tight. "I am to marry him once the fighting has stopped."

"No, no I did not agree to that," he told her, shaking his head.

"And you will stop your men from crossing that bridge because of me?" she asked. "It will all have been for naught."

"You will not marry against your will," he said sternly. "I forbid it."

"It is not your decision to make," she told him, placing her hand on his cheek. "If you want to cross the river, which you must, then this is the fate we have been dealt."

"Then we will find another way," he said, his voice catching now just as hers had as he looked down at her with desperation in his eyes. She smiled up at him, the sad sort of smile he had hoped to never see.

"There is no other way, my love," she whispered and she rested her head against his chest.

Robb was filled with grief then. He was ashamed now that he had made accusations towards her, that he had belittled her. But this was not something he wanted for her, to marry a man more than three times her age, to have her free will stripped from her. At least when she refused Robb it was of her own choosing. But to marry Aenys Frey, so Robb could gain support of a spidery old lord, that was impossible for him to stomach.

"I will stop this, just tell me to and I will," he whispered to her, his eyes closed as he held her tightly. "I will ride to Lord Frey myself and tell him he cannot have you. That you do not want his son."

"I do not want his son," she replied. "But if I cannot have you, then what does it matter who I marry?"

"It matters to me," he told her, kissing her hair.

"There are more important things," she said, pulling back and wiping her face. "Because of our sacrifice we can save your father and your sisters. What is a marriage pact compared to the lives of your family?"

She was right. Fallon had bargained her freedom for his family. Lord Frey could have asked for much more and yet a simple marriage between families was all he required. While it was not simple for the two of them, to his bannermen, this was a sacrifice that would do more good than harm.

"You said you were going to make him a deal he couldn't refuse," he said then, remembering the words she had used to convince him to let her go. "What deal were you going to make?"

"I was going to bargain part of the Magnar land in Skagos, with a castle or two if he chose. I have a cousin as well who would make a pretty wife," she said and Robb realized how much she was prepared to give up and how wrong he had been to misjudge her motives. "But the moment negotiations began, I could see nothing would sway him from you."

"Why did he want you as well?" he asked her but she shook her head in confusion.

"I do not know. One moment I appeared to be invisible to him, just an average girl accompanying your mother. But then something changed. I told him who I was and he was suddenly very interested in making a marriage match. It was my name that sparked his interest. He had all but called me a plain maid not moments before."

"Plain?" Robb said, squeezing her hand. "The man must be blind as well as cruel."

She smiled then and he kissed her lips, tasting the salt on that her tears had left on them. He felt his heart ache as she clung to him, running her fingers through his hair as he held her. It was the most pain he had felt, holding this woman in his arms, not knowing what they were giving up. To Robb, it was the life he'd never known he wanted until now. As a young man he knew he'd one day get married. He'd do his duty, marry and create a family. But never had he longed for that life so desperately as he did when he thought of Fallon. He could picture her, her belly fat with his child, holding a son in her arms with her green eyes bright with joy.

But they would never have that life now.

"Let us go," she whispered to him, ending their kiss. "We must cross that bridge we have paid so dearly for"

He didn't speak, only took her hand in his and lead her out of the tent. She pulled her hand back to her side once the cold air hit their lungs, no longer in the privacy of the moment that had ended so soon.

Broden was waiting, not far from where they had emerged, holding Fiachra by her reins and looking at both of them with the same solemn expression Robb remembered from their first encounter many months ago. But there was something different about the way he looked at his sister now. Something sad behind his hard eyes that made Robb feel as though something had changed. When she reached her brother's side and he handed her the reins, his hand lingered over hers for a moment and Robb watched Fallon's expression turn to one of confusion as well.

"My Lord," he heard, turning towards a man who looked not much older than himself. "My name is Olyvar Frey, I am to be your squire." Robb nodded.

"Have your horse prepared, you'll ride near me," he told him and then stopped him before he ran off. "Wait," he said quickly. "The Frey men your father is sending, who are they?"

Olyvar glanced at the bridge where the Freys were gathering together. He pointed to the tallest, the man who was large, a chin that protruded out from his sharp jaw and whose arms were tight against his tunic.

"My brothers, My Lord," he said. "There is Hosteen. He is strong in battle, the strongest they say. The smaller man next to him that is Jared. Stevron is My Lord Father's eldest son by his first wife. The one with the darker hair is Perwyn, he is not much older than me. We share a mother."

"And the tallest one?" Robb eyes, his eyes narrowing as he gazed upon the man who looked older than his father. He had no hair on his head but plenty covering his chin as it fell into a thin, rat-like, beard.

"He is called Aenys, My Lord father's third son. He has seen much time in battle, Lord Stark."

Aenys Frey, the man Fallon was meant to marry, was a hard looking man. Nothing about his ridged glare looked pleasant. In fact his scowl seemed to show off the reputation Robb knew of that man his father had once spoke of. It was then that Robb vowed then that until she was ripped from his arms, that he would not let her anywhere near the man. Betrothed or not.

[Fallon]

The night grew late, the fires dim as the cold air descended upon the camp. Many of the soldiers were warm in their tents, enjoying the green ground that had yet to be covered in Winter's snow. Sounds of snores and fires crackling could be heard through her thin tent walls.

Her eyes were glued to the melting candle on the table next to her bed. The light had long dimmed from the time she lit it. Sleep had yet to claim her as she lie awake anxiously, her mind focused on the day that had yet to come. She did not want to miss the dawn, she thought, knowing that if she closed her eyes, surely she'd miss sending the men off to battle.

Robb had forbidden her from riding into combat, saying that it was too dangerous for her. He had allowed her to stay under the pretense that she would help Lord Cerwyn's daughter with the cooking. She had frowned at that, knowing Robb was aware of her immense distaste for the chore. She had never been a very good cook and he had known that very well. This was his way of punishing her for leaving Winterfell. But she also knew Broden had requested Robb let her stay, and as she was no longer Robb's ward, he had no choice but to agree.

Of course she didn't tell Robb she knew this.

She had still begged to be part of his personal guard. But of course he'd refused. Rowan had been the first one chosen when Robb announced the names. They were all young men of the noble houses. From Skagos, her cousin Tristram from House Stane, alongside Kirwyn, Enat's cousin from House Crowl. Aedan and his brother Melot were Friels, not nobles in name but through marriage.

When he'd then named the fierce Dacey Mormont, Fallon had cast him an angry scowl to let him know the insult she felt. He had banned her from joining, but Dacey, a woman, was welcomed because of her skill and strength. She was beautiful, long dark hair and lean in her stature. But she was older than most of Robb's guard, approaching her 28th name day.

She sat up when she thought of Robb, who would soon be leaving for what would be a difficult battle near the Whispering Wood. They would catch the Kingslayer off guard, but still the Lannister forces would be difficult to overcome. It was his hope that Roose Bolton would keep Lord Twyin's forces from warning Jaimie's and Riverrun would be released from it's siege.

The dangers were endless and Robb, who had never been to war, while guarded by experienced soldiers and bannermen, would be facing a difficult fight. She pulled her cloak over her nightgown, the worry in her stomach overwhelming her as she stood.

She knew she had to see him.

She had barely made it out of her tent before she heard voices approaching. She slipped behind one of the larger trees a few tents down from her own as the whispers grew louder. She expected perhaps squires, waking early to prepare for their lords. But as the men grew closer, the voices became more familiar. She nearly stepped out into view when the sound of her name caused her to pause.

"Fallon cannot know," the first one said, the deep commanding voice of her eldest brother. "Knowing the secret nearly cost my father his life and now you want to put that burden on her as well?"

"It is her past we speak of, not your father's," was Aedan's reply. "If it were you, you would want to know. Fallon would want to know."

"I know her well enough that this secret would devastate her. She has already given herself away to Aenys Frey. Her right as the Nighean can no longer be disputed. She has abandoned that right by making this pact."

"But your father says she was never born to be the Nighean. He was the one who made it so, against the will of his Council," Aedan said and Fallon frowned, trying to make sense of the words.

"And you think we should tell her that? Tell her my father made her the Nighean although she has no claim to it."

No claim? she thought.

"Claim or no, Fallon was his choice. She is legitimate by his choosing. She should know the truth, it may stay her desire to wed herself to that animal. Or do you wish to see Aenys Frey take your sister?"

"My sister will still wed herself to him so long as it aids the Young Wolf," Broden said harshly his tone matching that of Aedan's as he spoke of Robb. "Fallon has always had a choice. I cannot take that away from her. And she will not be swayed, not to break the Young Wolf's pact."

"Only another reason I should tell her," Aedan then hissed. "The selfish cad lets her sacrifice herself in his stead. I would forbid her from doing something so foolish."

"And here I thought you knew my sister," Broden said, his tone dark. "She would die for him."

"And you would let her," Aedan barked.

There was silence and for several moments Fallon began to wonder if they had left. her thoughts ran wild with their words, the cryptic conversation made with whispers of her name. But as soon as she thought to step back out she felt a hand behind her mouth and panic rose within her. The words continued but she only heard Robb's whispered order to stay as he brought his other hand up to his mouth, signalling her to keep quiet. She nodded.

"My sister is yours no longer," Broden continued. "She has made her choice. Rowan says the Wolf loves her."

"I love her," Aedan hissed. "I would have wed her had your father-"

"My father would have never wed you to her," Broden interrupted. "Lover or not, she was meant for greater. He would not have made her the Nighean otherwise."

"And the Stark is greater than a warrior of Skagos?! Do you think me weak? Do you think I could not protect her?"

"You could not even protect the sister you were bound by. Her ashes litter Skagos because of you. Should we explain that to Fallon as well, how you left Elsbeth to die?" Broden said slowly.

She wanted to move forward then but Robb's hold on her tightened, his hand around her waist, her back flush against his chest as he held her from moving towards them.

"If I would have gone back I would be dead as well," Aedan argued and Broden let loose a cold laugh.

"And yet if it were Fallon? You'd have risked your life for her." There was no reply and the answer was as she feared. Aedan would have gone back if it had been her in the fire that night her sister was burned alive. But Fallon would rather he be dead if it meant he had tried to save Elsbeth. "Fallon told me her Wolf saved her from the fire at Winterfell. Nearly died himself pulling her from the flames. That does not sound like a man of selfish motives to me. Rowan may forgive you for what you did. But do you think Fallon will?"

"Enough! I will not be the one to tell her of Drystan's message, but the longer you wait, the more she will hate you for keeping it," Aedan said before stomping off.

Soon enough Broden's footsteps were heard as well, walking through the fallen leaves until they disappeared and she could no longer hear his heavy walk. Although the woods were silent, she did not move until Robb did, turning her around to face her. She could barely make out his features in the darkness, but his touch was enough to guide her to where his body was. Still she craned her neck up as if she could see him plain as day, though all she could make out was his jawline.

"How long were you standing here," she whispered to him, grabbing the edge of her cloak in her hands.

"No longer than you," he whispered and she now knew he was close enough that his breath was warm on her cold nose. "I followed you when you came out of your tent."

"I was coming to see you," she replied and he shifted so that he was closer, wrapping his cloak around her shivering body.

"It is good that you did not," he explained. "Olyvar Frey is there, readying my armor for our departure."

"My brother keeps something from me," she said in disbelief and his hand came up to her cheek and she could see that he had understood most of what was said in the Old Tongue just moments ago.

"When he arrived at camp, I knew something was wrong. I could see it when he spoke of you. Your lord father gave him news when they travelled to The Wall," Robb said and she nodded, though he couldn't see her.

"My father has never kept anything from me, in my whole life," she whispered. "If he keeps something from me now, it is to protect me."

"Aedan is still right, you should know whatever it is they keep from you," Robb said and she was surprised he took Aedan's side after the latter had insulted his honor only moments ago.

"Perhaps," she whispered, her brow furrowed. "He is wrong about you, however," she said, moving her hand up over Robb's chest, the thin tunic warm from the flesh beneath. "You are the least selfish man I've ever known."

"And yet I allow you marry a Frey in order to cross a bridge," was Robb's reply, warm against her ear.

"It sure was a pretty bridge, My Lord," she argued in jest, then leaned in so her mouth was over his ear. "And I would not have let you do anything to keep you from moving forward. Your family needs you."

"And I need you," he whispered, his head on her shoulder. She took the moment to hold him there, as he often held her. She let her hands find the auburn curls of his hair, memorizing the way they felt in between her fingertips.

"Then aren't you glad you allowed me to stay?" she asked and she felt him smile against her neck.

"What was it you were coming to my tent for, My Lady?" he questioned, she could hear that he was smiling.

Now was not the time to wonder about her brother and Aedan. There would be time for that, she thought. Broden was strong, he would return from battle. And then, they would have words about what secrets he hid from her. But now, her time was for Robb.

"I wanted to be sure you didn't leave without saying goodbye, for a second time," she told him and he laughed.

"And how would you send me off?" he asked her, kissing the skin of her exposed neck and her eyes closed at the feeling of his warm mouth on her skin. "I told you I am no good with goodbyes."

"I will teach you, Mo Faol, how to give a proper farewell."

She had hardly finished speaking before he covered her mouth with his. It was a soft kiss, full of longing for her that was no doubt pent up inside of him. There was also a desperation to the way his hands moved under her cloak, seeking out the warmth of her skin through the thin linen of her nightgown. His mouth soon turned as hungry as she felt, eager to be drunk off his kisses. He sought out every part of her exposed skin. Her jaw, her neck, her collarbone soon were all traced by Robb's lips and the ache between her thighs grew with every touch.

Their breaths were staggered, unsteady as their lips were twined. A small moan escaped her throat that caused something to stir within him. His hands tightened around her, moving down over her hips and around her backside until he was lifting her up. Her legs immediately wrapped around his waist and there was nothing gentle about the way her back was pushed up against the tree behind her. But she didn't notice anything except him. She could feel his desire for her pushed up against her thigh, the hardness of him making her bite down on his lip, her body responding just as eagerly.

She felt the sting of cold air, only briefly, before his warm hands moved under her nightgown, seeking out the soft flesh of her thighs. She gasped against his lips as he touched the part of her that ached for him. He too let loose a strangled groan as he felt her desire for him increasing around his fingertips.

Her patience was nearing its end and she fumbled clumsily with the strings of his trousers until he was freed from the constrictive fabric. She felt the dull ache of what was most likely the bark of the tree against her back, but she was soon numb to all except the feeling of him thrusting into her. She clawed at his back, at his arms, anything that would keep her from screaming out at the pleasure she felt as they moved as one.

"Robb," she gasped into his shoulder, his whispered name rolling off of her tongue. His hand rose to her breast and she felt her hips buck into his, their skin damp from the urgency of their movements. He whispered things into her ear, sweet things in her home language that made her cling tighter to him as he said them.

"Mo ghra," he whispered against her lips, holding her face in one of his hands as their mouths met and she felt the passion reaching it's peak as he spoke. 'My love,' he had said, the Old Tongue rolling easily from his lips as if it were the most natural thing in the world and she felt herself smile as she cried out again, this time in the culmination of their passion.

It wasn't long after that he was crying out as well, her name moaned against her neck and both were left with ragged breaths and shaking palms. They held each other for many moments as the wind blew hard around them. Neither spoke, only catching their breaths as they stayed in each other's arms.

It wasn't until the dull roar of soldiers rising in the camp was heard that that they pulled apart, both with small smiles on the corner of their lips. She placed her stilled palm on his cheek, lightly feeling the stubble against her flesh and sighed.

"Come back to me, Stark," she said seriously, watching his blue eyes glance over her features as if memorizing them.

"As My Lady commands," was his whispered reply.

Tonight, there would be a battle and by dawn the next day, either many men would would return with their lives or they would litter the battlefield in red. But now was not that time to think of that, she thought. Her only thoughts were of her wolf and the victory he would win.

A/N: Reviewers, I seriously love you. You have beyond exceeded my expectations for this story. I never expected the response I did and I am so thankful to all of you for being so kind and helpful in your reviews. I hope these chapters are living up to your expectations. I do not want to disappoint. Yes, I betrothed Robb to one of the Late Wader Frey's daughters, however be patient, it is still necessary for my story. There will be differences my plot than the original story. But a Frey marriage pact was still necessary. Fallon wanted to try to keep Robb out of it, but she knew Walder would not accept less than his daughter married to the future Lord of Winterfell.

But there are more important things happening along with it. Walder wants Fallon to marry his son for a reason, Broden and Aedan learned something when they met with Drystan Magnar in the North and HINT it has something to do with why Drystan was sent to the Night's Watch to begin with. Fallon will want to know why she is not meant to be the Nighean (the daughter of Skagos) and Aedan is still holding a grudge about Fallon moving on. All of these things will be addressed in the upcoming chapters and we will get a look at Fallon's fiance and more of the Skagosi warriors.

Hope you guys are still enjoying it. Keep the feedback coming because I love it all. Thank you! xoLola