Few and Far Between

[Sansa Stark]

• 
  

  

  
  
  Winterfell. Long have the Starks guarded the North and kept it
  
  safe from surrounding threats. But what happens when the threat comes
  
  from friends, royalty and an unstoppable power? Can the bonds of love
  
  safe a country from guaranteed demise?
  ​
  
  
  
  
  
  

• No godmodding

• Post as often as life allows you~

• Have fun!

The swift, gentle breezes of the North flitted and pushed themselves tenderly past her arms and through every raven-colored lock of hair. She gently closed her eyes and breathed deep, letting it fill her lungs to the brim and refresh her in ways King’s Landing never could. Colors and flowers and perfumes were one thing, beautiful in their own way, but raw open fields of ice and budding snapdragons brought her more joy than a red palace on a summery hill ever could.





“Do you like it, Clara?” her father’s deep voice asked from a short distance as he sat on his horse beside her. The two had ridden abreast for a few hours, enjoying each other’s company and the dewy morning scents. “I never liked the North. Too cold up here for my tastes. Ned always told me I needed to ‘get used to it’, damn him. If I can’t have a big cup of wine in one hand and a woman in the other, with the sun beating down on me or a horse between my legs, I can’t be happy.” He took a long drink of wine from a skin his squire had fetched for him, and Claryse smiled at her father’s confessions. She was accustomed to them and their vulgarity, to say the least.


“Perhaps they make good wine here,” Claryse said thoughtfully. The poor girl had inherited the king's taste. “Frozen grapes are just as delicious, if not more so than the plump ones we grow at home. I bet Winterfell’s wine is ice cold and rich in velvety flavor.”


The King bellowed with laughter. “Smart girl. Raised you right. We’ll have to taste it together and bring some home if you like it so much.”


“Of course, father. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”


Her words were stolen as father and daughter peaked over the small hill they’d been ascending. A large stone castle in the distance rose to her line of sight, small tufts of grey smoke from warm hearths floating effortlessly above the skyline. Thick forests of pine and evergreen smothered the shoulder of the plains adjacent to the castle itself, a formation of ponds and flower fields to it’s right. She could hear the croaks of frogs and crickets accompanied by the faraway howl of wolves.


“Is that Winterfell, father?”


“Of course it’s Winterfell,” Robert replied, a large smile growing on his round face as he turned to face his daughter’s excitement. “It’s more grand up close, I guarantee you. I haven’t seen it in too long, though.” He pushed out an exhausted sigh. “Finally. Bloody hell, that’s a lot of riding. You, get in that box with your mother and sister.”


She protested immediately. “But I wanted to--”


“No. You’re a princess still, a princess first and foremost. Forget the fact that you’re my favorite and get in the damned thing, will you? I won’t have Ned Stark thinking I’ve not raised a lady.”


Claryse knew when to bite her tongue, though the ‘favorite’ bit warranted a smile. She supposed he was right; a princess on horseback upon arrival to a royal destination wasn’t the most proper of things. She submitted without another word, turning the reins of her red mare back towards where the Queen and her sister Myrcella were sitting in the perfumed and confined darkness of a gilded litter.


I’m not food, Claryse thought bitterly. I don’t belong in a box.


The brutes carrying the ornamented carriage lowered it for the princess to enter as she dismounted. Fresh incense and the stench of her mother bitterly filled her nostrils. Clara made an effort not to make eye contact with the Queen, which was a difficult task considering the small space the three of them were confined to, though it was not entirely in vain. The eldest picked up a book she’d left behind from earlier and flipped to where she’d left off, wasting no time in tuning out the lion in her cage.


“Winterfell is on the horizon,” she said after a few moments, only because she knew it would displease her mother. The queen hated to leave the Red Keep. Too far away from gold, Claryse liked to think. “We’ll be there before the hour’s end.”


Myrcella’s ears perked up immediately, and she rushed towards one of the many peepholes. “Winterfell? Really?”


Clara nodded. “Yes, Winterfell. It’s a great stone castle. I just saw it with father. I’ve heard it sits on waters that boil with the earth’s heat, and warms the entire castle with it’s steam--”


“Nonsense.” Cersei looked entirely displeased about the idea, warm castle or no. She slapped Myrcella’s tiny hand as she attempted to open the small window to snatch a glimpse.


“This is a frozen wasteland,” the queen muttered, examining her nails with disinterest. “The sooner we get there, the sooner we leave.”


“I think it’s going to be a beautiful place,” Claryse retorted firmly. “I’ve read that the North is a land of hardy people, who do what needs to be done for the better of their realm. They are serious and also kind, loyal, loving, and generous. That’s more than any princess or queen could ever expect from her subjects. Since you rule these people as well, it would be in your best interest to treat them as they deserve to be treated.”


The Queen’s face hardened and turned into something monstrous. It nearly made Clara smile. “I should slap you for saying such words to me.”


“Thankfully, I am on the other side of the carriage.” She turned a page in her book and paid no more attention to her mother, which was easier than one might think.


An hour of excruciating silence passed. Myrcella fiddled with the ends of her dress, much to the Queen’s fussing, but Claryse herself made good use of the time. Another chapter had been read in her book, a door closed and another opened, before the royal host had arrived at great stone gates with wooden spikes and Direwolf flags. She opened the window to view the scene, much to Cersei’s discontent.


“The sigil of House Stark,” Clara commented under her breath. “Quick, Myrcella. What are the Stark words?”


“Winter is Coming?” the young one guessed.


“Good. And what are the Stark’s significance to the realm?”


“They’re the wardens of the North. Their sigil is the Direwolf. Eddard Stark is the head of their house, papa’s friend.”


“Right, wonderful job.” Claryse patted the top of Myrcella’s head fondly and ignored Cersei’s attempts to shush them.


The two sisters watched their father ride up through the courtyard on his gallant steed, dismounting as the crowds of Winterfell bowed before him. Claryse hardly noticed that the door to their litter had opened before Myrcella practically pulled her arm out of it’s socket trying to get her to to move.


The Queen exited first, in all her gracious majesty. Joffrey stood proudly beside her, the little shit, Claryse thought bitterly. Myrcella skipped to their side as well, but Clara went to the side of her father instead. The winds of such a wintery place filled her with their joys once more.


She studied the faces of the servants and common folk, blacksmiths, chefs, stable boys and butchers, maids and shop owners and traveling merchants, all the way to the front of the line where the Starks knelt before their king. Furs and cloaks adorned them.





Will wonders never cease?

 

[Akeira]

[NOTE: As an opening post and to accurately set the scene, some key words and lines come directly from A Game of Thrones. Credit for these is given to George R.R. Martin.]




​

The grey direwolf on the banner of the Starks of Winterfell flapped in the faint wind, presenting a chill across the land to what already could be considered the cold North of Westeros. Robb Stark sat tall on his horse, his red-brown hair blowing slightly with the wind, though his layers of clothing kept him warm from the chill. Hearing movement from his left, Robb turned his head slowly to see the guardsmen carrying a worn man to the iron stump in the middle of the square. He looked at the man curiously and remained stoic, as he knew the fate that would come to this former brother of the Night's Watch.


"Ice." Robb' father, Eddard Stark, called as he dismounted his horse, calling Robb's attention to the grand sword wielded from Valyrian steel brought forth by Theon Greyjoy.


Do not look away. Robb remained himself mentally, knowing that as Lord of Winterfell, it was his obligation to show his bravery to both the citizens and his father in particular. The eldest son and therefore, future head of House Stark and Lord Paramount of the North, it was Robb's duty to remain engaged and valiant despite the current ordeal.


The deed was completed moments later, his father's Valyrian steel taking the deserter's head off cleanly while Robb looked on. His eyes were trained on the head, as it rolled off the stump and into the dirt near their feet. Even as the guardsmen carried the remaining limbs of the body away, Robb could not help but think of the deserter's bravery to accept this fate in the first place.


"The deserter died bravely." Robb remarked to his brothers on the journey back to their castle of granite at Winterfell.


Robb's bast--d brother, Jon, looked at him questionably, an eyebrow raised before uttering a response. "This one was dead of fear. You could see it in his eyes, Stark." He retorted.


Robb shook his head and clicked his tongue, glancing at his half-brother while they continued to ride. "He died well. Race you to the bridge?" He asked suddenly, feeling a sense of competition overtaking him. After a quick agreement, Robb and Jon were off, the former hollering and laughing, while the latter remained silent and focused.


That was when Robb found her: a female direwolf lying dead on the riverbank near the north side of the bridge. The men in their party begun to argue about the true nature of the creature when they arrived, which Rob simply blocked out. All the while, Robb remained on his knees, holding the bloodstained direwolf in his arms and studying her closely in admiration.


After a few moments, Robb heard shuffling not too far from the bank, and put the direwolf down. Moving closer, he discovered that the dead direwolf was indeed a mother, her pups breathing life not too far away from her body. Robb picked one of the pups up in his arms, chuckling softly at the tiny ball of grey fur engulfed by his large hands. Looking around, he noticed that the others were eyeing the pups, and he urged Bran, his younger brother, forward to touch the pup if he wished.


"There are five of them." Jon said from not too far away, picking up a second pup while Jory reasoned their appearance was a sign. Five direwolf pups for the five Stark children: Robb, Sansa, Ayra, Bran, and little Rickon.


When Theon Greyjoy stepped forward to rid the realm of the beautiful creatures, Bran burst out saying, "No! It's mine," causing the rest of the party to rethink the predicament. The voice of reason, Robb stood and glanced at Greyjoy, towering over him like the authority figure and Lord he hoped to be one day. "We will keep these pups." He proclaimed in a commanding voice, looking at those gathered and then to his father for approval.


Ned Stark agreed to the agreement, though with cautious words, as the direwolf was no dog:


"You must train them as well," Ned Stark remarked sometime later to his sons, as the party returned to the castle with the litter of pups. "You must train them. These are not dogs to beg for treats and slink off at a kick. A direwolf will rip a man's arm off his shoulder as easily as a dog will kill a rat."


Robb nodded obediently, as they continued toward the castle, venturing forward still when part of the party stopped to investigate a sound Jon heard in the distance. Normally, Robb would have jumped at the opportunity, though His Grace King Robert, Her Grace Queen Cersei, the family, and bannermen would be arriving in Winterfell soon. It was an important opportunity, as his father discussed earlier in the days leading up to the event.There were much arrangements to be made to assure the best for the royal family.


Arriving at the Stark castle in Winterfell, Robb dismounted his horse and let the stable boy take him to the barn. He adjusted his thick cloak and proceeded into the granite castle, his direwolf taken with the others for the time being. I'll have to decide on a name later. He thought to himself, sauntering toward his chambers and proceeding toward the bath.


After scrubbing away the dirt, musk, and blood from where he had knelt near the riverbank earlier, Robb exited the bathe to dress. Adorning his best clothes and most lavish wool cloak, Robb made sure he looked presentable before walking out of his chambers into the main corridor. The chaos continued while he walked to the main hall, as the many servants and workers went from one place to the next to make sure everything was in place.


Exiting the castle, Robb made his way to the front of the procession waiting for the arrivals from King's Landing. He walked forward and stopped beside his mother, Catelyn, standing beside his siblings while their father stood in front of them. Glancing out to the road, Robb's thoughts wandered to the true nature of the royal family, wondering how much of the stories he had heard were true.


"A Lannister always pays his debts," was a phrase he heard quite frequently, though Robb was very curious to what this truly meant.


It was minutes later when the King Robert Baratheon rode through the courtyard at Winterfell, causing Robb to kneel in reverence like his mother and father before him. As he heard movement from the royal wheelhouse, Robb looked up while Queen Cersei and the royal children begun to exit the carriage. In seeing her Majesty, Robb bowed again out of respect before King Robert's boisterous laughter interrupted the seriousness of the entire welcome.

 

[Sansa Stark]

Princess Claryse knew all too well that her father anticipated their arrival to Winterfell, and had for quite some time. She had grown from childhood with countless stories of her father's bravery and Ned Stark's unyielding loyalty, though an inward laugh was long overdue and she struggled not to make it audible. The Warden of the North looked no different than how she imagined him as a girl in the stories he used to tell her, but the king himself...well, all of Westeros knew of his not-so-majestic decline over the years. It seemed only Claryse found it amusing, for she loved her father far too much to make fun of him.


"Get up, dammit." Robert Baratheon embraced his old friend with big arms and a warm smile. "It's been too bloody long, I say! We're both fathers now, Gods curse us. Hah! Let me have a look at your litter, then."


The king stepped up to the line of Stark children, all of them with hints of their mother's Southern grace, save for the youngest daughter and the bastard son. He examined them intently and asked for their names one by one until he reached the end of the line, where a tall young man stood proudly as a Stark should.


"My, my. Here we have our future Warden of the North, indeed! You have the look and strength of your father, yes." Robert chuckled. "You're not much older than my eldest, I'm sure. Mm. Curious."


Claryse knew the look on her father's face when the wheels in his mind were turning, but she knew better than to say anything or jump to conclusions. Perhaps he was just tallying the uses of the young Stark boy--or was he a man, now?--and the princess could only offer a small smile. He was certainly handsome, this Robb Stark, and it nearly made her blush to think about.


He would make a fine Warden someday.

 

[Akeira]

Robb Stark stood moments later, walking a few paces back not to crowd his father while he welcomed King Robert. If there was one thing Robb knew about Eddard Stark, it was that he was both a reserved man with a hint of kindness underneath. A sharp contrast to his father's ways, King Robert spoke loudly and with much excitement to all those present. Despite the unprecedented rowdy tone, Robb found this interaction strangely comforting, as it took away from the tension between the Lannisters siblings and The Warden of the North.


While King Robert spoke with his father, Robb took the time to examine the King, though making sure not to stare too long out of disrespect. It was curious, really, as his father had shared many stories of the journey to save the realm from the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen. A man whom Robb always pictured with grace, reserve, and legacy was now before him, though King Robert's beard was much more coarse and his stomach much larger than the young lord would have imagined.


Reserve. Robb reminded himself when His Grace approached his siblings. Beginning with little Rickon and making his way up the line, Robb straightened up considerably and awaited his turn to be addressed by the king.


When King Robert Baratheon stood before him, Robb bowed his head for a moment before looking at the king at eye level. "Robb Stark, Your Grace. It is an honor to have you in Winterfell." He remarked shortly, hoping it would be a statement that his parents thought well enough when addressing royalty.


"My, my. Here we have our future Warden of the North, indeed! You have the look and strength of your father, yes." Robb heard his grace remark with a chuckle, causing Robb to look at him with a smile in gratitude. "You're not much older than my eldest, I'm sure. Mm. Curious."


The King's last statement made Robb want to raise an eyebrow, as it suggested an idea brewing in King's head. Turning his head to look at the eldest Baratheon child, Robb nodded politely to Claryse and smiled gently in return. Struck by her beauty and grace, as she stood close to her father, he was certain this trip would indeed fair to be intriguing.


"The crypt awaits, Your Grace, if you want to see her." Ned Stark voiced moments later while King Robert conversed, pulling Robb from his thoughts to the larger event happening around him.

 

[Sansa Stark]

Her. The mother she should have had, according to King Robert. The tensions between the current king and queen of Westeros were no secret, nor was his love for the late Lyanna Stark that he still harbored and nurtured vigorously. Perhaps it was knowing of such a relationship that gave Claryse the sense of adoration for the North. It was a part of her blood that was missing, absent, stolen by Rhaeger Targaryen and replaced by the Lion of Casterly Rock.


I would much rather have been a Direwolf than a Lion.





"...I would like that very much," came Robert's reply to the Warden's offer. Claryse could practically hear her mother's groaning from behind and paid no attention. The woman was anything but understanding, heartless in nature and it was no surprise to the princess that Cersei despised the mere memory of Lyanna. She wondered to herself if her life would be any different, had the Stark woman been queen instead of Cersei.


"Perhaps your eldest can give mine a tour? Poor girl's been begging to see Winterfell since she read about it in books as a child, I figured someone should indulge her before she explodes."


Claryse blushed at the sudden attention, patting the side of her father's arm with the back of her hand playfully. "Father."


"Oh, now you're a shy one?" He gave a hearty laughed and kissed his daughter's cheek. "Go on, Clara. Your mother and siblings can take care of themselves. This trip was partly for you, after all."


Joffrey snorted, jealous.

 

[Akeira]

At the mention of his deceased aunt, Robb lowered his eyes and became particularly interested in a stray piece of wool on his cloak. Often unspoken on in the Stark household, it was evident that his father missed his fiery sister and even his elder brother, Brandon, at times. Hearing of their deaths must have been difficult for his father, a feeling that Robb never hoped to share. His heart and loyalty would not be able to bare the death, even if it was that of Jon, whom was not a full-blooded relative.


There were times when Robb wondered what Winterfell would have been like if his aunt, uncle, and grandfather had been spared by the Mad King and House Targaryean. Uncle Brandon would have been heir and Lord to Wintefell, changing Robb's parentage completely, as Catelyn would have wed him as planned. Though he would have still been the future Warden of the North, Robb would have grown to be a much different person under Brandon's influence, he believed.


"Perhaps your eldest can give mine a tour?" Robb heard moments later, looking up with sudden interest and blocking out the rest of the King's statement.


Robb nodded at the suggestion both with a polite manner and intrigued expression, stepping forward and offering the lovely princess his arm. "I can gladly escort you around Winterfell if you wish it." He murmured to her with gentle eyes.


Behind him, Eddard Stark nodded in approval, and then looked over at his childhood companion, as it was becoming clearer that King Robert Baratheon came to Winterfell with an agenda.

 

[Sansa Stark]

Seeing the nods of approval from both their fathers eased Claryse's nerves considerably. The princess wasn't necessarily anxious about exploring the grounds alone with Robb Stark, but people tended to speak untruthfully and the encouragement of Ned and the king would lessen such a need. With a soft hand the color of porcelain, Princess Claryse slipped her arm gracefully though Robb's and smiled up at his handsome face. Most of the crowds had begun to disperse with the exit of the king. Though curious onlookers remained, the two oldest children of monarch and lord could consider themselves no longer the center of attention.


"The pleasure would be all mine, my lord. The truth is as my father speaks it; I have always had a fascination with Winterfell and what lies north of the Trident, though it shames me to say I'd never traveled beyond until now."

 

[Akeira]

Feeling Princess Claryse slide her arm through his, Robb looked down at the young woman and smiled. Admiring her beauty and grace for a few moments, the lord observed her with a gentle smile while she looked up at him for guidance. Perhaps some of the townsfolk or even their families were watching this interaction, though this did not matter, as Robb gazed at his companion. A few moments later, Robb cleared his throat and broke eye contact, glancing around at the dispersing crowds before looking back to the princess.


"There is no shame in curiosity, Your Grace. I believe you shall find Winterfell to be a fine capital of the North, despite its harsh winds. Shall we start the tour in the Great Keep of the castle?" Robb suggested with a smile and a small chuckle, adjusting his cloak and seeing that she was not wearing thick furs as he wore. Knowing that King's Landing in the South was much warmer than the ice land considered the North of Westeros, it did not come as a surprise to him that their warmest furs might not endure the cold.


"It is very warm there, and there is a covered bridge that leads to the armory if you would like to see it, Your Grace." Robb continued almost uncertainly, seeing as it was not common for a woman of the realm to be interested in weapons.

 

[Sansa Stark]

"Everything, my lord. I want to see everything." Claryse gave a small giggle as light as rain, followed by the ghost of a shiver. "...though I can't say I would turn down a warm fire to sit by, certainly, considering my attire could not have prepared me for such weather! I bet you're used to this, though, being born here. The heats of the South might be a bit overwhelming for you as the North is for me."


The princess realized she was rambling hopelessly and chuckled, shyly turning her gaze from man to castle. "As much as a tour excites me, so does the promise of conversation with you, my lord, for I'm sure we will have many opportunities to explore the city. I don't know if you enjoy tea, but I brought a special brew with me from the South that goes lovely with small talk." Claryse lifted green eyes, Lannister eyes, up to the Stark and smiled in a manner that wasn't intended to be as flattering as it was.


He seems very kind.

 

[Akeira]

"Then I shall make sure you see everything Winterfell has to offer." Robb promised, smiling gently when her delightful giggle filled his ears. He found it very intriguing and in contrast with that of her father's, a hearty laugh in comparison to one as light as air. "I do believe my sister, Sansa, is willing to sacrifice one of her furs to protect you from the cold for the duration of your stay. I would offer you one of my own, Your Grace, though they might be less tasteful for you." He remarked earnestly, as his furs were much larger than his sister's and would hang on Claryse's frame.


While she continued to speak, Robb smiled politely and remained engaged, raising a brow at talk of tea. "I must admit, Your Grace, that I am not accustomed to having tea, though it would be an honor to share the special brew with you." He stated, looking down at her and admiring her green eyes. Robb stared into them for a what seems like minutes, despite the imprudence of the action, returning her smile and nodding gently. "I am pleased to find myself in good company."


Simply lovely. The young lord thought to himself while they continued their journey to the Great Keep of Winterfell. "We are almost there." He announced upon seeing the covered bridge that separated them from their destination.

 

[Sansa Stark]

"I would not rob your sister of her furs!" she chuckled, as if the idea itself were merely preposterous in an amusing way. "I will survive, surely. And please. You may call me Claryse. Formalities are something I have had my fill of, and my friends always call me by my name."





The wind drifted through the area where they walked, and the scent of him fell over her. Musk, deep fires and a hint of something she couldn't put her finger on. Did all men smell so wonderful? Perhaps she was over-romanticizing it, which wouldn't surprise her. Claryse was known to be the stereotypical princess of hopeless romance. But did his eyes meet hers for seconds too long...?


As the gates of the Great Keep parted to allow them entrance, she audibly gasped at the simple splendors within. "Home" was the first word that came to mind--everything one would need could be found within the castle, she was certain, whether it be weapons or furs or fresh food or the promise of company. She immediately felt comfortable within the stone walls and a fire's warmth washed gratefully over the two of them.


"Oh, it's magnificent..." she muttered under her breath, not sure if he had heard, though it mattered not if he had.

 

[Akeira]

"If you are truly sure, Your Grace. I fear the wrath of your father and the rest of the realm if you were to become lose your warmth." Robb Stark replied with a chuckle, taking her second request with a firm nod. "Claryse." He said gently with a soft smile, watching the young princess and finding himself getting lost in her green eyes once again. "If we are to be friends, then you may call me Robb." He continued in a soft tone.


As they finally approached the Great Keep and the gates parted to allow them in, Robb opened his furs to ensure that he would not overheat while inside the granite walls. The stronghold of the castle complex, the Great Keep was one of Robb's favorite places to visit in Winterfell. From the polished stone throne of Winterfell to the yard leading to the armory building, it was a place where he felt at peace, and did not have to worry about the constantly chilled weather of the North.


"I hope it is to your liking." Robb said in turning toward Claryse, smiling softly at the look of wonder and admiration he saw on her face at the sight of the Keep. "Are you warm now?" He asked, touching her arm gently to make sure she was of proper temperature. When his fingers touched her arm, he froze for a moment in feeling the softness of her porcelain skin. It was refreshing in comparison to the rough calluses that appeared on his hands after a day of gripping the reins of his horse.

 

[Sansa Stark]

It was electric, the sensation of rough hands making even the gentlest of touches along her arm. Claryse felt her face flush and knew it was futile to try and hide it. "To my liking?" she chuckled. "It's wonderful, Robb. Truly. I almost envy you, having grown up surrounded in such beauty. And I am perfectly warm now, thank you."





The princess was able to shed her cloak as well, revealing a dress of pink silks and long ebony curls. She handed it politely to the first servant that offered, thanking them for the generosity.


"Is it true that this castle sits on boiling water?" she inquired curiously with a playful grin. "I've read books about the North that suggest heat from the earth's saunas radiate through the stone in the walls, giving the castle a natural warmth. I always wondered if those were just the thoughts of a madman, or if they were truly fact." Claryse slipped her arm through his again, partly because it was appropriate to do so, but mostly because she admired being close to him.

 

[Akeira]

Robb looked at Claryse with curiosity while their skin touched. In seeing her cheeks color slightly, he questioned to himself whether this was because of their contact or the brisk wind. "I am glad you find it suitable, Claryse." He responded with a soft smile. "If I may speak freely, it is not common for such a fair lady of the South to relish what the colder North has to offer." Robb remarked, glancing around the Great Keep with a chuckle.


When Claryse shed her cloak, Robb could not help but admire the way her dress fell on her frame. Part of him knew it was improper, as King Robert would probably have his head if he saw this interaction, though the young lord could not help himself. Gods. He swore to himself mentally, clearing his throat moments later when he heard Claryse speak.


"Indeed, it is, Claryse. There are natural hot springs that run directly beneath the castle." Robb voiced, a smirk playing on the edge of his lips in seeing her grin. "I can assure you that what you have read in your books on the North is true." He continued, though very impressed that she had read such literature in the first place.


In feeling Claryse slip her arm through his again, Robb smiled and held her arm a bit tighter, enjoying the warmth of keeping her close."Go on and touch the wall." He suggested genuinely. "I believe it is possible to feel the warmth rising into the room."

 

[Sansa Stark]

His smile made her heart flutter strangely. The princess bit her lip and considered his suggestion, eyeing the wall suspiciously as if it were about to jump out and bite her. But Claryse was nothing if not painfully curious and playful to a fault. She was much like her father in being unable to deny a challenge when it arose, and that being said, she inched herself up to the stone and pressed her hands softly against it. Claryse turned to Robb to make sure he was still nearby, and slowly pressed her ear against the wall when she was confident it was alright to do so.


"Ah!" she giggled, eyes wide with realization. "I can feel it, I can hear it! How peculiar!" Claryse glanced back to Robb like a child who just learned how to walk, listening to the water below once again. "Will wonders never cease. How incredible!" She was certain she looked foolish, but it mattered not in Robb's company. Already she was comfortable enough around him to act like a child in his presence. "Is it like this all throughout the castle?"

 

[Akeira]

Robb stood near Claryse and waited patiently while she went to approach the wall. He chuckled under his breath at her caution, though tried his best to make sure he was not heard. Watching her inch up toward the stone, Robb stepped closer just in case she was in need of assistance. Despite his action, the young lord internally doubted that his services would be needed. Unlike many women of Westeros, Claryse seemed to like taking the initiative.


Seeing her press her ear against the wall, Robb laughed heartily, which continued at her reaction to the warmth beyond the wall. "You looked as though the wall would engulf you for a moment there." He remarked with a teasing tone and a light smirk gracing his lips.


Despite her childish ways, Robb thought it to be refreshing in comparison to how his younger siblings acted at times. Her presence was one of comfort and bright life, something he found ironic from the offspring of Cersei Lannister of Casterly Rock.


"It's extraordinary, really." Robb commented with a smile, as he gazed into her soft green eyes. "In fact, a majority of the castle walls are similar to this one here. As you might imagine, it does get particular cold in Winterfell, especially during the cold season." He remarked with a chuckle, holding out his arm once more for her to take once more. "The armory is just on the other side of the bridge if you wish to see it." He suggested, glancing in that direction then looking back at the princess.

 

[Sansa Stark]

"I must admit, Robb, this is the first time I've been offered a view of the armory." Claryse chuckled and took his arm yet again, feeling their bodies brush against each other and not at all feeling any sensation of discomfort. "I would love to. Perhaps after that we can have that drink by the fire? That is, if you're still interested. I'm also fond of wine. I was just talking with my father about how delicious the alcohol must be here."


The servants who passed and witnessed the smiling faces of lord and princess began to chatter excitedly to themselves, and it didn't go unnoticed by the king as he and his friend exited the crypts below Winterfell.


"What's going on, you think?" the king asked his friend with a merry grin, contrasting the somber attitude from moments before.

 

[Akeira]

"I hope you find view of an armory pleasing, Claryse." Robb grinned softly with a chuckle, holding her arm comfortably, as she took his arm once more. Again, it was a comfort rather than what must be done. "I believe I must warn you that a majority of the weapons in the armory are sharp. We have to be careful." He remarked, knowing that it would be his head if the princess were to get injured. As worried as he was about that, Robb would be even more concerned about his friend's well-being.


At the mention of drinking by the fire once more, the young lord smiled and nodded in response to the invitation. "I am still interested, and yes, the North does have good wine. Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to taste a barrel of it myself, as father only lets us one glass on special occasions." Robb admitted with a soft smile, raising his shoulders up in a light shrug. "I am sure an exception can be made, considering this is a special occasion." He reasoned, glancing down at the princess.


While they continued to walk toward the covered bridge, Robb acknowledged various servants he recognized from their work at the castle with a gentle nod. Their excitement was hard to contain, raising question to what was happening.


As Ned Stark exited the crypt with his childhood friend and witnessed his eldest son and the princess smiling arm-in-arm, the Warden of the North let a small smile slip. "I believe the pair before us is getting on well and enjoying the tour, Your Grace." He suggested, King Robert's words of curiosity at their similar ages swarmed his mind.

 

[Sansa Stark]

"One glass?" Claryse couldn't help but chuckle. "I suppose the honor of the Starks is as true as your underground saunas. Though I cannot blame him, your father I mean. Perhaps I'm simply spoiled. My mother and father have a well-renowned taste for liquor. I'm ashamed to say I inherited it." The princess gave a shy smile, not sure a woman of her status should admit such a thing, but she trusted Robb more than she had trusted most anyone.

------------------




​

"Enjoying the tour? I think your son's enjoying my daughter more than Winterfell, ay?" King Robert elbowed his friend in the gut jokingly as he watched their children oogle each other hopelessly.


"You know..." he spoke in contemplation. "It's not too late to join our Houses, Ned."

 

[Akeira]

"Yes, one glass." Robb said afterwards with a chuckle, finding the statement preposterous, as it left his mouth. "I believe it is my father's belief that more will cause us to take on a drunken state, with he cannot condone." He reasoned, continuing to walk with Claryse as they reached the covered bridge. "Ah, the armory is just on the other side of the bridge." He told her, glancing at her with a warm smile and chuckling at her words. "There is no shame in enjoying a drink when in good company. I suppose I have more when I am not in the company of my father." He admitted with a slight smirk, feeling comfortable around her to divulge this information.

-----------------------




​

Ned Stark forced a light chuckle when the King elbowed him in the gut, clearing his throat moments later and rubbing his gut. "I am afraid the Starks have so little humor, Your Grace. They say it grows so cold up here that a man's laughter freezes in his throat." Ned said shortly with a reserved smile.


The Warden of the North looked at King Robert with a raised eyebrow, thinking on his statement and then observing the royal princess and his own son in the distance. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Your Grace." Ned replied a few moments later.

 

[Sansa Stark]

Claryse reciprocated his laugh, soft and flirtatious and very lighthearted. She enjoyed the sound of his voice more than she dared to admit. "Ah, a sneaky first-born, aren't we?" she teased. "I hate to suggest we deny your father's rules, but I brought wine from the Summer Isles. Would you like to try some later? After you show me the armory of course. It would be dangerous to drink there, I'd think."

-------------------------




​

"No humor? Blast it, Ned! Look at you, smiling like a fool." The king gave a hearty laugh that shook his great belly with glee. "Ah, look at them. Young love. I think my little girl would make a fine wife for your Robb there, and him a good husband for her. A strong lad, I can tell. Like the two of us used to be."

 

[Akeira]

Robb smiled at her soft and flirtatious laughter, holding her arm a bit closer and hoping she did not mind. "Perhaps you may call me that." He chuckled with a shrug, looking over into her green eyes, as they made passage under the covered bridge. "It would be an honor to share fine wine from the Summer Isles with you, Claryse. I believe it to taste much different than what we have in the North." He chuckled gently, as they reached the armory.


Looking around, Robb smiled when they approached the door to the building, thinking on his lessons with Bran and Jon on some days. "I would like to welcome to the the armory of Winterfell. As you probably know, this is where all our weapons and armour are held." He stated, looking around and letting his eyes settle on a bow and arrow near the front. "Tell me, have you ever shot before?" He asked curiously, turning to her with a slightly raised eyebrow.

-------------------------

​

Ned Stark looked at the two young adults, as they disappeared under the covered bridge in pursuit of the armory. "It would seem I agree, Your Grace." The Warden of the North commented reverently, resting his hands clasped behind him. "The way they look at each other with admiration cannot go unnoticed. I believe they would make a fine pair." He continued with a small smile, thinking on King Robert's comment about their youth with a light chuckle. "I'm afraid we are men with bellies now, Your Grace."

 

[Sansa Stark]

Claryse welcomed his closeness and desperately hid the newfound rose color in her cheeks. He was warm, hard and soft and comfortable to walk beside, with scents of the North and hair of dark fire. Perhaps it would be foolish to admit such flattery out in the open, or even to herself, but the princess admired him so. A hopeless romantic to a fault.


The armory that extended before her was vast and filled to the brim with swords, lances, maces, shields and all manner of battle weaponry. Claryse gave an audible gasp and dared to slide her hand down the flat side of a greatsword, marveling a the craftsmanship. "Remind me never to go to battle with the North," she teased with a playful grin. "I've never shot before, Lord Stark. I was raised in books and poise rather than warfare, but I always wanted to learn."

-----------------------------




​

"A fine pair indeed." King Robert chuckled as he noticed Robb bring himself closer to the princess before the two disappeared beyond their sight. "He's a handsome lad, too. Cersei wants to marry Claryse to Lord Baelish, but thankfully I'm the king and she's not."


"Bellies!" Robert exclaimed with a hearty laugh. "I've got no damned clue what you're talking about, Ned. You're the fat one here. I'm just as radiant as I was as a young lad, aye?" His merriment continued. "Can't wait for your feast tonight, though. The splendors of the North. Some light and color to such a dreary area. And wine! Lots of wine."

 

[Akeira]

Robb smiled softly when he heard Claryse gasp, thinking that he had done right by showing the princess the armory building. In seeing her run her hand down the flat side of a greatsword, Robb stepped closer and admired her interest in the weapons. "I shall make sure to remind you of it in the future. Though I imagine the South has a remarkable armory." He remarked with a light chuckle, thinking on perhaps more tours and meetings on a later date.


Upon hearing that Claryse had never shot before, Robb nodded with a soft smile, picking up a bow and arrow and glancing at the princess. "Perhaps now is best time as any to learn." He remarked, glancing at her with a welcoming smile and then gesturing to the bow. "My brothers and I usually practice and some of the targets outside if you are interested in trying."

-----------------------------




​

"And your daughter is a beautiful princess. From what you have told me, she is a vision of grace." Ned Stark smiled gently, nodding out of respect for the King of Westeros. "Lord Balish cannot always be trusted from what I hear. From his whorehouse, he remains a slippery man who is always invested in other people's affairs." He continued.


Ned Stark cracked another smile and chuckled in hearing his long time friend's statements. "If that is what you believe, Your Grace." He smiled softly, as they continued to walk. "I fare that I am not the fit man I once was." He admitted, though the Warden of the North believed this to be true for a majority of those who fought during this time period. "I can assure you, Your Grace, that this evening's feast shall be delightful. Plenty of wine shall be provided."

 

[Sansa Stark]

"Me?" The princess withdrew her graceful hand from the blade and turned to face the Stark man once again, a bright grin on pink lips. "Me, shooting an arrow? My mother would flay you like a fish," she joked, picking up a steel helm and putting it on her head. The princess turned to Robb and spread her arms to receive his judgement. "What do you think. Am I a proper soldier yet?"

-----------------------------------




​

"Wine and women and Northern splendor," Robert laughed as he clapped his friend on the back. "We'll announce their betrothal tonight. I'm sure Westeros will be down right joyful, now that I'm finally marrying off the Jewel of the South. That's what they call her, my Claryse. Any man would be a fool not to know why. It's a miracle I've kept her away from suitors for this long!"