Hey!

Sorry it's been a little while, I was on a vacation with my family! I have barely been able to work on this update, but it's finally here! I hate making you guys wait! I am definitely getting excited now! We are almost to the end of season one! I hope you guys are just as excited as I am! So much is about to go down! XD

I'm getting ahead of myself, please enjoy, read, comment, and vote! Love you all!

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Kienna

I was growing increasingly frustrated with everyone in Winterfell. No one would let me get up from bed or stretch my legs. They all insisted on me resting and stuffing me full of food. I was growing tired of eating and resting. 

"Kienna?" Bran's voice called. I looked up. 

"I'm sorry, Bran," I shook my head slightly and sat up in bed. "My mind is in other places." Bran nodded and gave me a small smile.

"I was telling you about the saddle," Bran explained with patience. 

"Oh yes!" I exclaimed. "How was it to ride again?"

"Fantastic!" Bran smiled. "It was almost like before I fell." Bran's eyes looked down. I gently put a hand on his shoudler.

"Even without legs you will be a great man," I told him softly. "I can tell. You are destined for something great." Bran's lips slowly turned into the sweet smile I had missed. "At least you can ride!" I laughed. "No one will let me do a thing around here!" Bran laughed.

"Perhaps I can call Hodor and we can go into the gardens?" Bran suggested. I nodded giddily and began to rise from bed. 

"We can do anything!" I exclaimed. "Just as long as I can stretch and get some fresh air."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After walking with Bran for about an hour around Winterfell, I began to feel fatigued. Bran had Hodor take him back to his room, insisting he had to finish a book he was reading. I wandered about the castle for a while longer before eventually heading for the great hall.

I didn't care if I was spotted. None of the servants would likely be brave enough to send me back to my room and at most they would tell Robb. I thought I could handle him so I didn't hesitate.

I came across Robb and Theon immediately. Robb said something to Maester Luwin and he walked away with an intent face. I stood back for a moment.

Robb seemed to raise his hand to Theon. I could see he was visibly shaking. I came out then, knowing there was little that would make Robb shake.

"Robb?" I asked. The two looked up and Robb dropped his hand immediately.

"Kienna?" Robb stood from the table to walk towards me. "What are you doing up? Maester Luwin said you should rest for a while longer."

"You can't keep me locked away forever!" I smiled at him. Robb seemed to relax a little. I then noticed the letter on the table. "What's that?"

"A letter from Sansa," Theon answered. I walked over and picked it up. 

I had to read over the words twice in disbelief. Sansa would never say things like this. She talked about her father's treason and Robb needing to swear fealty to Joffrey.

"Sansa didn't write this letter," I said, tossing the script down in disgust.

"Yes," Theon agreed. "The Queen put those words in Sansa's writing."

"And what of your father?" I asked. "He committed no treason!"

"We know, Kienna," Robb assured me. "These accusations are false."

"But Joffrey is King!" I cried, a shiver running down my spine. "Sansa and Arya...none of them are safe and I left them there all alone!" I covered my face with my hands. Robb muttered something to Theon and I heard his footsteps leaving. Robb's warm hands soon came to my arms.

"I won't abandon them," Robb told me. "And I won't pledge myself to that false King. Not after what he did to you and what he is doing to my father." Robb seemed to pause. I looked up.

"Robb?" I asked him. "What is it? What have you done?"

"I called in the bannermen," Robb said gravely. "If Joffrey wants me to come to King's Landing then I will, but with an army." His words weakened my knees and his grip on me tightened slightly.

"War?" I asked. "Robb don't do something foolish because of me." Robb shook his head.

"How can I not?" Robb frowned. "And I will make him pay for daring to touch my father. Not only that, but my mother discovered Tyrion Lannister attempted to kill Bran. After Bran's accident he sent an assassin to finish the job. If my mother hadn't been there Bran would be dead."

I stared at Robb for a moment. For the first time I was noticing how much had changed since I left for King's Landing. How much he had changed.

"Come," Robb said quietly and took my arm. "You should get some more rest." I allowed Robb to lead me away. I felt numb and didn't know how to appose.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I stood by the window. Robb had walked me back, but hadn't left me alone. I knew he was behind me, watching me.

Suddenly, a black cloud seemed to pass by the window. It took me a moment to realize what they were: ravens. It seemed hundreds were flying away at the same time. I swallowed hard as I realized Robb was truly intending to start a war.

"Aren't you afraid?" I asked Robb without turning. I was still watching the steady stream of ravens. 

"Of course I'm afraid," Robb told me. I blinked as the last of the ravens flew away. 

"Is that why your hands shake?" I asked, turning to face him. I walked over and took one of Robb's hands in mine. I could feel the slight tremor in his fingers. 

"I suppose so," Robb said, looking down at me. I wrapped my hands around his.

"You have my support, Robb," I said. "You have my council and my bank. No matter what you need, I am here for you." Robb's strong arms were suddenly around me. 

I buried my face in the furs on Robb's cloak. I breathed in a deeply and was very hesitant to let him go. 

"Now get more rest," Robb muttered before turning and walking briskly from my room. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kiara

 It was the middle of the night, but I was wide awake. I was waiting for the small knock on the corner of my door that would signal the time was right. I wanted to see Joffrey. My King Joffrey.

Finally, after what felt like ages, I heard the faint knock. 

I sprang out of bed. I pulled on a pair of slippers and hurried out the door. I knew a secret way to Joffrey's chambers now. 

I walked past the guards without  a second glance and pushed open the heavy door. I slipped inside and shut the door behind myself.

"My Lady," I heard Joffrey's voice even before I turned around. I smiled and stood against the door once I had turned. 

 "My King," I replied as Joffrey began to walk towards me. His elegant fingers took my face in his hands.

"It's been too long," Joffrey smirked at me. I nodded.

"You've been busy, your Grace." I said. "It's not everyday you become a King."'

"Why so formal?" Joffrey asked. I shrugged.

"You're a King now," I responded.

"True," Joffrey said with a mischievous glint in his eye. "And as your King I order you to kiss me." I laughed as Joffrey pulled me in to kiss him.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I sat on the edge of Joffrey's bed and pulled on my slippers. I watched the rising sun out of his window and sighed softly.

"The sun will be up soon," I said. 

"I know," Joffrey muttered and put his hands on my shoulders. "But I am King now, no one will disturb us unless I allow it."

"Even your mother?" I asked before I could stop myself. I flinched slightly.

"Even my mother," Joffrey snapped, tightening his grip on my shoulders slightly. I slipped out of his grasp and looked down at him. 

"I should go," I said. "I should get a little sleep before today and so should you, my King. You have a long day of ruling ahead of you." Joffrey smirked and I decided to take my leave. 

I went back out of the wooden door and hurried back to my room. Some servants were scurrying around the halls, but none of them dared to give me a second glance. I was still considered a highly respectable lady around here. 

I fell straight onto my bed. I wanted nothing more than to take a quick nap. I wasn't sure if I had to serve Princess Mrycella tomorrow, but I doubted it. Joffrey had been slowly trying to bring me out of serving. He said that if I wanted to be his Queen one day I would have to learn to be served, not serve.

I let my heavy eyes slipped closed and fell into a deep sleep, not even bothering to take off the slippers.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I had been right about not having to serve Mrycella. Instead I was excused to go to the throne room and watch Joffrey deliver sentences and judgments of his people. 

I stood among the crowd, not wanting to be noticed. I would occasionally catch Joffrey watching me. 

He had just finished sentencing a man to give up all his lands. I could tell by his smirk that Joffrey was happy. It made me smile. I loved seeing him like this.

I felt a pair of eyes watching me, but it wasn't Joffrey. I tensed when I felt the eyes of the Queen on me. There wasn't a smile on her face and I could tell she was upset. For a moment I worried that she had found out about Joffrey and I, but I realized that was unlikely.

 After Joffrey had finished his final sentencing I stretched my legs a bit. I had just begun to walk back to my quarters when a hand caught my shoulder.

"Lady Kiara," I heard the Queen's voice and my shoulders tensed. "Would you mind speaking to me a moment?"

 "Of course not, your Grace." I said and swallowed hard. I followed her into one of the smaller side halls.

"Lady Kiara," Cersei smiled at me and I returned it. "You know that I am fond of you, right?"

"Yes," I responded.

"And you know how I care for my son?" She asked. I nodded slowly.

"Yes, your Grace." I muttered.

"Then you will understand why I don't want my two favorite things to mix," Cersei put on a sly smile.

"I..." I started to object, but didn't know what to say.

"Hush," Cersei said. "I understand that Joffrey has grown very fond of you, but I want you to begin moving away from him. For now I need Joffrey to focus on ruling and becoming a great King. Perhaps he can return to you, if he's still interested." My heart seemed to drop at her words.

"Yes, your Grace," I whispered in defeat. 

"Excellent," Cersei beamed. "I look forward to seeing you in court." Cersei then turned on her heel and walked away. A shiver ran down my spine. I didn't know what to do.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Robb

The bannermen of the North had arrived. We all sat in the great hall, feasting. I hadn't spoken much of my intentions, but I was getting to it.

"For thirteen years I've made corpses from men, boy!" Jon Umber bellowed. "I'm the man you want leading the vanguard."

"Galbart Glover will lead the vanguard," I told Umber. He leaned back in disbelief.

"The bloody wall will melt before an Umber marches behind a Glover!" Jon yelled. I folded my arms above the table. "I will lead the vanguard or I will take my men and march home." I sighed quietly. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Theon and Bran watching me.

"You are welcome to do so, Lord Umber," I told him sternly. I noticed a flash of light purple and my eyes darted over to see Kienna. She stood on the side of the room, barely being noticed by anyone. I would have smiled, but I turned my attention back to Umber. "And when I'm done with the Lannisters I will march back North to the lands of Greatjon, root you out of your keep, and hang you for an oath breaker." I had stood as I said this, my voice growing increasingly dangerous.

"Oath breaker?!" Umber yelled angrily. Everyone else jumped up as Umber did. "An oath breaker is it?! I will not sit here and swallow insults from a boy so green he pisses grass!" Umber reached for his sword and I tensed. I then flicked my fingers slightly.

Grey Wind jumped up on the table and charged Umber. Grey Wind latched onto Umber's hand and dragged him to the ground. For a moment their were only growls and screams. I half-glanced at Kienna and saw her shocked expression. There was a final scream and Grey Wind came trotting back. I immediately noticed the blood on his muzzle.

Umber finally began to climb back to his feet, clutching his left hand. I noticed the two missing fingers.

"My father always told me it means death to bare steel against your liege lord." I said. "Doubtless, Lord Jon only meant to cut my meat for me." Umber kicked his chair loudly.

"Your meat is..." Umber examined his hand. "Bloody tough." The room then began to fill with laughter. I couldn't help but laugh along with them. 

Everyone eventually settled back down and Lord Umber's hand was treated. I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Kienna.

"I thought I asked you to stay in your chambers tonight?" I reminded her.

"Why?" Kienna asked. "I trust these men. They are your father's allies." I sighed a little, but couldn't stay mad at her for disobeying me. 

 "Lord Stark," I heard Jon Umber's voice again and looked up. 

"Yes, Lord Umber?" I asked him.

"Is that your Lady?" Umber asked. "She bares the sigil of House Tellis." 

I had been just about to speak when Kienna stepped forward.

"I am Kienna of House Tellis," Kienna announced in a strong voice. Most of the men in the room stopped talking to watch her. "I am the last of two of my House. The Starks took me in when I was a child, and now I will support them in these times of war." I was slightly impressed by her speaking out like this, especially in front of men she had never met before.

 "You speak brave words for a woman," Lord Umber told her. "I believe you have these men under a spell." I looked around the hall again, but Kienna's eyes stayed locked on Umber.

"I have to speak brave words, Lord Umber," Kienna said. "If I do not then I will be ripped to shreds by anyone who dislikes me. This includes the false King, Joffrey."

"You have met this King?" Lord Umber asked her.

"Yes, and within a month he sought to starve me to death and threatened to kill me almost daily." Kienna looked around the hall now, as the men began to mutter to one another in disgust at Joffrey. "And when I was able to escape, he captured the rest of the Starks in King's Landing. I will never forgive myself for leaving them, but now I can assist in bringing them back to their home." The men all shouted out in agreement when Kienna finished speaking. Lord Umber smirked at her and I got chills. The men all loved her. Kienna was beginning to make them believe in the cause. I looked up to thank her, but she had already left the Great Hall.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kienna

I hadn't stayed after delivering my speech to the men. I hadn't expected to be addressed, so when I was I had hesitated for a moment. When the men began to react to the way I was speaking I could practically feel the fight growing in the men.

When I finished speaking I turned to leave right away. I was shaking from the power behind speaking to the men like that. I partially loved the feeling. I loved feeling like I was in control, even for a moment. But another part of me didn't like exciting the men over war. I knew the consequences of war and what could happen to us all if we lost. 

I pushed the thought from my mind. I had to believe we would crush the Lannisters. We would save Sansa, Arya, and Ned very soon. 

I crawled into bed late. I was exhausted, but my mind was too busy. I laid in bed for an hour thinking before sleep finally fell over me.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My eyes shot open. Slow footsteps were approaching my bed. My muscles tensed as my mind raced with who could be sneaking up on me in the night. A hand went to my shoulder and I sat up quickly.

"Robb," I breathed out nervously when I saw it was him. I half noticed he was fully dressed, but focused on him. "What are you doing?" I looked out my window. The sun hadn't even risen yet. "It's the middle of the night."

"I know," Robb said. "And I'm sorry to wake you, but I have no other choice. We are leaving tonight, under the cover of darkness." I shot up.

"Why didn't you wake me sooner?" I asked and shot out of bed. I would have normally blushed at Robb seeing me in my night gown, but I was too panicked to care. "I will need to pack for every kind of weather. It's hot in King's Landing, but still cold in the North and the Neck is cool...Help me Robb!" I scrambled around a little while longer before I realized Robb wasn't helping me. "Robb?" I stopped and stared at him.

"Kienna..." Robb sighed. "You aren't coming with us."

"What?" I snapped and walked towards him angrily. "Of course I'm coming!"

"I need you to stay and care for Bran and Rickon." Robb told me. 

"You need me with you!" I exclaimed, growing angry now. "I will support you and you will have my bank-"

"Kienna," Robb cut me off. "I don't want you getting hurt." I sighed.

"I won't be anywhere near the fighting!" I promised. "I will stay in camp. I will be safe."

"Kienna, please don't make this any harder than it needs to be." Robb lowered his head.

"You can't stop me," I told him. "Your men, they love me. I would be able to sneak away without you knowing." Robb stared at me a moment before breaking down into laughter.

"I suppose there is nothing I can do to stop you." Robb sighed.

"No!" I exclaimed, feeling him begin to break down.

"Then you may just have to accompany us then," Robb said. I smiled and quickly threw my arms around his neck.

"Thank you!" I exclaimed. Then I let him go. "I will be packed in only a moment!" I grabbed my clothes and threw them into a trunk.

"Kienna, wait," Robb stopped me again. I looked at him. "I got you a gift. when I thought I was going to have to leave you." I walked towards him and he took my hand in his.

Robb's hand went into a small pocket inside his coat and he pulled out a ring. 

"It is beautiful," I exclaimed. Robb slipped it onto my finger.

"It's the same ring my father gave my mother when he left for Robert's Rebellion." Robb explained. I examined it when he let my hand go.

"Thank you, Robb," I breathed out and pulled him into another hug. I buried my face in his furs.

"I will get revenge on Joffrey for you," Robb whispered. "I swear, Kienna." I nodded.

Robb's hand was suddenly on my cheek and before I knew it he had pulled me into a sweet kiss. My heart skipped a beat. I had wanted to kiss him since the first time I saw him since returning from King's Landing. Robb pulled away slowly.

"We leave in an hour, if you're not ready you'll be left behind." Robb turned quickly and walked away. I smiled after him a moment before returning to my packing.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We stopped in the Neck. I was told that our next movements needed to be planned before we could continue on. We seemed to be stopped for a long time. I didn't look for Robb and a majority of the men ignored me.

I twisted the ring on my finger anxiously as I allowed my horse to graze in the grass. I still felt terrible for leaving Bran and Rickon, but I felt that I needed to be with Robb.

It was getting late and several men pitched a tent for me. It seemed that we would be camping on the side of the Trident tonight.

It was relief to finally take off my riding boots. I sat down at my desk and allowed myself to think of nothing for a while. I wanted to see Robb, but I knew he was liking planning with his men.

I barely noticed when someone came into my tent.

"Kienna," A woman's voice asked. I looked up. Lady Stark.

"Catelyn!" I exclaimed and hopped up. She pulled me into a hug. 

"It's been too long, my dear Kienna!" Lady Stark smiled at me. "How are you? King's Landing? How are my girls?" I sighed.

"They were fine before I left but..." I looked down.

"I know," Lady Stark told me and lifted my chin with her finger. "You couldn't have known what was to come. We will get them back." I nodded slowly.

"You will want to see Robb then," I noted. She nodded. "He is in the biggest tent, near the center of camp." Lady Stark smiled and grabbed my hand for a moment. Her fingers suddenly found my ring.

"Did Robb give you that?" She asked. I nodded. "It's a beautiful piece, isn't it? Ned gave me that when he first left. I believe it's lucky. Ned returned to me when I wore it everyday."

"Then it will give me similar luck." I said. Lady Stark gave me one more smile before turning away. I watched for a while and examined the ring.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Despite the warnings of several men, I wandered into the forests surrounding the camp. I felt crowded in the camp, and rather lonely. At least in the trees I welcomed the quiet.

I wasn't completely vulnerable either. I had Jon's dagger on my belt and I figured I could keep anyone back long enough to get help. 

I came along some brush on the edge of the camp. I walked along it and looked down at the camp. I could almost see it all from here. 

There was a sudden rustling in the bushes. I stopped and drew my dagger. I didn't see anyone, but I could hear breathing.

I took a few more steps and saw him. The man was crouched behind the bushes. I could see a lion peeking out from under his coat. I frowned knowing he was a Lannister.

I walked behind him silently and managed to disarm him in one swift movement. I then brought my dagger to his throat.

"Move at all and I will slice you open." I warned him. "A Lannister spy should be more careful."

I marched the man down into the camp. Several men saw me and came to take him. I allowed them, but followed them as they took him to the council tent.

The two men threw back the flaps and walked the man inside. I followed them, but stood by the doorway.

"Pardon, my Lords," One of the men addressed the others in the tent. "We've found a Lannister scout." Theon flipped a map over suddenly.

"Don't worry," Jon Umber assured Theon. "He won't be leaving this tent with his head."

"Where did you find him?" Robb asked.

"Lady Tellis did, my Lord," A man answered. "In the brush above the encampment." 

"He was counting," I told the council. Robb began to walk around the table to stand in front of the man.

"How high did you get?" Robb asked him.

"Twenty thousand men, maybe more." The scout answered.

"You don't have to do this," Ser Rodrik Cassel said. "Your father would understand-"

"My father would understand mercy." Robb cut him off. "When there is room for it. And he understands honor. And courage." Robb paused for a moment. "Let him go."

"Robb!" Lady Stark stood. Robb turned to her and said nothing. Lady Stark looked down.  He then turned back to the scout.

"Tell Lord Tywin that winter is coming for him," Robb instructed. "Twenty thousand Northerners marching South to find out if he really does shit gold."

"Yes, my Lord," The scout replied. "Thank you, my Lord." Robb gestured for him to be taken away.

Jon Umber walked for the door before turning suddenly.

"Are you touched, boy?" He asked Robb angrily. "Letting him go!"

"Call me boy again," Robb told him, his voice low. "Go on." Umber hesitated a moment before turning and walking from the tent.

Robb and I locked eyes for a moment. He seemed more powerful and dangerous than I remembered him. I then turned and walked from the tent.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was preparing for bed when I heard my tent flap open. I turned to see Robb.

"You were impressive today," I told him. "You are a true leader now."

"And you have discovered a scout," Robb said. "How?"

"I was walking outside the camp." I said. "I needed some fresh air."

"But he could have harmed you, captured you!" Robb exclaimed and stepped towards me.

"I was not unarmed," I reassured him, flashing Jon's dagger. Robb sighed.

"You shouldn't walk alone," Robb said.

"You were busy," I answered. "And I don't know anyone else." Robb suddenly whistled. Grey Wind pushed into the tent and came over to me. I scratched his ears gently.

"Grey Wind can stay with you then," Robb suggested. "And when you want to go for a walk he can accompany you." I smiled at him.

"Then you will have to visit us both." I said. Robb nodded. He then sighed.

"I am already exhausted, Kienna," Robb told me. "And the war has not even begun."

"I know," I told him. I stepped over and pulled him into a hug. "We will survive this."

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Wow!

I am so sorry that took so long! I honestly was just about to put it out when my computer crashed! I had to wait a week while it was finished! :P At least it's finally here!

I even made this one extra long! ;)

Please rate, comment, read, and vote! I hope to update sooner next time! 

Have a great day! :D