Chapter 9: A Memorable Outing

Hey everyone! Thanks for all the love and support! The Coming of the Dragon Queen has 80 followers and 58 favorites! That's way more than I thought! Now that my life is a little more in control I will be publishing one chapter a week, usually on Sundays. The more favorites, reviews, and follows, the better the story will get! So please let your friends know! I have gotten a lot of messages about the characters and the way that they are portrayed. This is not a cannon story so somethings will be slightly out of character. I try to stick to the characters as much as I can, but I have a story line and an idea! I promise Dany and Robb romance will come soon, but Robb is an old fashioned boy. Duty before love… Well at least in this story. Just so you know I am also posting the same story onto the Song of Ice and Fire Fanfiction section of the website. Please go and like it there if you have a chance! That's all till next time!

In the week following the fight, the young people of Winterfell were walking around on eggshells trying not to bring up anything that had happened in the last fortnight. Elizabeth actively avoided Jon by hiding in corridors and finding other routes that she knew she would avoid bumping into him. Dany followed her friend, and luckily did not run into Robb.

That morning Elizabeth and Dany woke up at their usual time, and got ready to break their fast with the Starks in the Great Hall. They prepared themselves in silence only nodding to one another when they were ready to leave their room. Dany began to go down the normal path to the Great Hall when she felt a light tug on her arm.

"Come this way," Elizabeth whispered.

"Why? Where are you going?"

"The Great Hall to break my fast, where are you going?"

"The same place… Why are you going that way?"

"Because…. Because", Elizabeth began to stutter. She was trying to come up with an excuse to avoid the normal path because it passed right by Jon's bedroom. She began again, "Because that way is far too cold! All those open windows and pathways. This way is warmer, and not all of us have the blood of the Dragon to keep us warm."

Dany smiled at her friend, and walked over to her and linked her arm in hers. "Shall we?"

Elizabeth laughed, "We shall."

Once all of the Starks and their guests arrived in the Great Hall, the servants began to serve their meal. All the while the occupants of the table were having lively conversations. Jon and Arya were talking about the shots she took yesterday in the tiltyard. Robb was discussing a labor dispute with his father, and Sansa was talking to her mother. Dany and Elizabeth sat quietly serving themselves food, and taking a cup of tea. Lady Stark noticed the silence and questioned the girl.

"My dear are you alright? You haven't said a word since you sat down at the table."

"I'm delightful, thank you for asking. I'm just thinking about how I am leaving in three days to go back to the Capitol."

Sansa piped up, "You must be excited to go back!"

"I am happy to go back, as is the Kings pleasure, but I'm just starting to find a love for the North. I hate that I have to leave now."

Lady Stark smiled and said, "Ah, yes. I know that feeling all too well. Just know that you will be back in a few years for good. We look forward to that."

"Thank you, my lady."

"How about you and Robb go for a picnic in the Godswood this afternoon?"

Robb looked over at Elizabeth who looked him in the eyes and smiled. He spoke to his mother, "I would like that very much."

Sansa interrupted, "They can't go alone! It's not proper…I could go with them!"

Lady Stark smiled at her daughter, "No, my dear. How about Daenerys and Theon join you?"

Lord Stark looked at his wife and spoke, "Theon is out with Ser Rodrick on business. How about Jon joins them?"

Jon spoke, "I would like that very much."

Lady Stark grimaced at the bastard, and then reverted her gaze back to her future daughter in law. "So it is settled! I shall have the servants pack you a basket of food. Robb? Dear, you can take her to the spot near the heart tree. The spot right by the pond, it would be lovely today."

"Yes, Mother. That would be perfect."

After breaking their fast, the young children went back to their rooms to change into their riding clothes. The servants packed a basket for the children that included all of Elizabeth and Robbs favorites, nothing but the best for the future Lord and Lady of Winterfell. As Elizabeth descended the stair with Dany in tow she saw Robb finishing saddling her horse. He looked up and saw her descend the stairs into the main courtyard, and gestured for Jon to come with him. Robb walked over to Elizabeth and bowed slightly.

"Shall I escort the lady to her horse?" Robb joked.

Elizabeth laughed and curtsied low, "Why yes, my lord."

Robb offered his arm and escorted Elizabeth over to her horse. He helped her up into the saddle, and adjusted her stirrups. He then got onto his horse and kicked it into motion. The others followed him out of the courtyard and into the town. As they rode out, people came out of their homes to see them pass by. Many bowed and tipped their hats to the young nobility.

They were almost out of the city when Elizabeth stopped her horse and quickly got off. "Give me one moment! I have to do something before we head out." She reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a fabric wrapped parcel and ran down one of the alley ways. Robb quickly dismounted and handed his reigns to Jon. He ran down the alley way, and finally saw what she had come here to do.

Elizabeth was talking to a Silent Sister at the front entrance of the orphanage. Robb proceeded closer to the orphanage and overheard their conversation.

"Thank you my lady, you are to kind. The children have wanted to hear a new story."

"This book was my favorite as a child. I am happy to share my favorite story with all. Inside there is also another satchel of coins for coats. Last time I was here I noticed some of the children's cloaks were frayed and worn."

"Thank you. You are truly a blessing from the Seven. Peace be with you my Lady."

Elizabeth smiled and quickly turned around. She took a deep breath and then noticed Robb standing in front of her. "I… I told you I would be just a minute. I'm perfectly fine."

Robb offered his arm once more and escorted her out of the alley. "Has anyone ever told you that you are unbelievable?"

"Many."

After a short journey on horseback the group reached their destination, the Godswood. As they entered the thicket of trees they were greeted by the warmth of the woods. As they rode further into the woods, the group began to engage each other in conversation. A few moments passed and Robb stopped his horse.

"We have arrived."

Robb got of his horse and walked over to Elizabeth. He helped her dismount and gain her footing. She thanked him with a smile and took the arm that he always offered. Jon did a similar form helping Dany, but his eyes never left Elizabeth.

Once Elizabeth stood with her feet firmly on the ground, she took in her surroundings. In front of her was a beautiful tree with white bark and reddish orange leaves. Next to the tree was a small pond with a large rock that stood at the opposite end.

"This place is so… so…"

"Beautiful," Finished Dany.

"Come", Robb said, "We are going to sit right under the heart tree."

"Heart Tree?" questioned Dany.

Jon answered, "It's the place where marriages take place. Every Godswood has one. The one here is the oldest and most important. It is said that Brandon the Builder was married here."

The group sat down on the blanket that Lady Stark had packed them, and they began to pull the food out of the basket. They smiled at all the delicious door that was packed. Jon poured everyone a glass of wine. "To great friends and future happiness."

"Hear, Hear." Robb spoke in response.

Elizabeth laughed and raised her glass, "Cheers." Dany followed her actions but remained silent.

"I'm so sad to leave. I'm just getting used to everything, but I guess it will be easier next time."

"Indeed", replied Dany, "Next time we shall be true Northerners."

"Very brightly dressed Northerners", joked Jon.

"Well someone has to wear bright colors! They keep my soul warm." Elizabeth said without trying laugh. She turned around and scolded the boys, "Not all of us can be true Northerners, or have the blood of the dragon."

The group began to eat and talk merrily. In those moments it felt like time stopped. They were friends now, but there was something more too it. It wasn't love; it was a tight bond that only the North could forge. Something that many aspire too, but never achieve. After they finished eating, they began to pack up their picnic. Robb sat up and went to his horse to pack up the basket.

"Robb?" He heard Elizabeth question behind him.

"Yes, My lady?"

"Could you fetch my sketch book out of my saddle bag? This place is so beautiful. I must sketch it."

Robb opened Elizabeth's saddle bag and grabbed the leather bound book. Beside the book he saw two small packages wrapped with paper. He grabbed them and noticed that his name and Jon's were on the packages. "And what is this?"

"You weren't supposed to find those yet! But if you must know, they are my going away gift to you. I know its small but I hope you like it."

Robb walked back to the group and handed Jon his package. He slowly sat down next to Elizabeth and handed her the sketch book and pencil. She smiled and thanked him with a nod. Robb slowly began to wrap the package and saw a piece of fabric. On the fabric was an embroidered Direwolf surrounded by roses. Robb looked over at Jon's to see it was a handkerchief as well but instead of roses it was a Direwolf surrounded by snowflakes.

"These are very well done my lady. A Northern man is always in need of a handkerchief."

Robb tucked the handkerchief into his doublet and smiled at Elizabeth. She happily smiled back and began to start sketching the scene in front of her Jon and Dany were in a deep discussion about a book that he just finished that she recommended. As he looked back at Elizabeth he noticed how her forehead was slightly wrinkled from the amount of focus she had on the scene in front of her. Her tip of her tongue stuck out of her mouth as the charcoal glided onto the paper.

Robb nudged Jon with his foot. "I would like to have a moment to speak with Elizabeth…. Alone. "

"That is our cue to leave. Would you like to take a turn around the Godswood?"

"Sounds divine," Dany said as she stood up. She took Jon's arm and then walked away from the heart tree deeper into the woods.

As Dany and Jon walked away Robb turned to Elizabeth. He looked down at her book and saw her hands sketch the heart tree with all of its beautiful and delicate features. He hands glided over the page.

"If you keep staring at me, I'll never finish. I get so nervous when people watch. People always watch when I sketch, like they are waiting for this magical moment of finality."

"What do you sketch, other than trees of course?"

"I have done a few portraits," she looked at him, "You have a nice face. Would you indulge me by letting me sketch your face?"

"It would be my honor."

"Thank you, sir. Now if you will go sit on that stump I shall sketch you."

Robb wandered over to the stump and sat down. He adjusted his cloak, and straightened his doublet. When he finally settled, Elizabeth began to sketch. Her face began to scrunch into that familiar face of concentration. She looked up at him every few seconds to memorize his features, and then she would go directly back to the paper. Silence filled the air as she sketched and he posed. After a while the silence was too much for Robb.

"You know I'm going to miss you, Elizabeth."

"Stop moving or I'll never get your nose right."

Robb laughed and remained still. "I have been told I have a good nose to draw."

"You are quite bold, sir. Isn't modesty something that is taught to Northern gentlemen?"

"I'm modest in everything, except in the case of my exceptional nose."

Elizabeth laughed and continued to finish the sketch. She looked up at him, taking in his manly features. She took care to make every detail just as she saw it. This took a considerable time but was kept entertaining with the conversation.

"Done." Elizabeth said with an air of confidence.

"I'm worried." Robb joked as he moved to sit down next to her.

"I hope you like it."

Robb looked down at the sketch and was amazing. It looked exactly like him. It was like looking into a mirror, "This is incredible. It looks exactly like me."

Elizabeth smiled, "Well, I have had a lot of practice. Loras was my first subject, but he was more like my first victim. My first portraits were not of a human likeness. Loras is such a good brother for enduring me."

"You and your brother get along well?"

"The very best. He is on my best friends, besides Dany of course."

A strand of Elizabeth's hair fell in front of her face as she set her book down on the ground. As she sat up Robb moved the hair from her face and rested his hand on the side of her face. She looked him in the eyes as she rested her head in his hand. Robb started to lean in when over his shoulder Elizabeth saw something. As she quickly looked up Robb missed her forehead and kissed her lips. Elizabeth kissed him back for a moment, and then opened her eyes. She quickly got up and move away from him with a shocked looked on her face.

"We can't do that Robb. You must wait till we are married."

"I only meant to kiss your forehead. You're the one who moved."

"I'm so sorry… I just thought I saw something in the bushes."

Robb turned around and walked over to the bushes. He silently drew his sword from its sheath and pushed the bushes aside, and there was nothing to be found. "See, nothing to be scared of."

"Oh dear, you must think I'm a jumpy, crazy lady. That or a love crazed girl."

"Not to worry, my lady. All is well in Winterfell."

"I thank you, my lord."

The pair smiled at each other as they thought about the silliness that just ensued. Robb walked back over to Elizabeth and offered his arm. They remained silent, just enjoying the calmness of the woods, as they walked back to the horses. When they arrived to the horses they saw Dany and Jon packing up the picnic and preparing the horses. Dany looked up at her friend and smiled. Robb looked at Dany and thought how beautiful she looked, and Jon noticed the delicate touch Elizabeth put on Robb's arm.

"You ready to head back brother?"

Robb nodded as he helped Elizabeth on her horse. Jon moved to help Dany up into her saddle, but by the time he got there she was already on top of the horse. She looked at him and said, "See, I told you I'm not a helpless maiden." Jon laughed and mounted his horse. As he swung up into the saddle he saw Elizabeth watching him. He smiled at her, and she quickly turned her head away as she blushed. Dany noticed the interaction and quickly interrupted it.

"Shall we go?"

Elizabeth smiled, "We shall."

Halfway back to the castle the young men became restless from the slow pace the girls were going at. Dany and Elizabeth chatted happily about a multitude of things, completely ignoring the boys. Robb rode closer to his brother and asked, "Race to the castle?"

"I would love too, but we have guests."

Dany piped up, "It's just a straight path from here to the castle, right?"

Robb nodded," Just follow the path."

Elizabeth looked at both of the boys and smiled, "Off you go then."

Without needing any further permission the boys, galloped off towards the castle. The laughed, hooted, and hollered till they were out of ear shot of the girls. After they left silence filled the air, and only the sounds of nature were about them. After a long few minutes of awkward silence, Elizabeth decided to break the tension.

"So, you and Jon seemed to get along well."

"Yes. He was very kind."

"He is very nice; I think you two would make-."

Just before Elizabeth finished her thought, Dany felt something wrong in the air….. "Something doesn't feel right."

"Don't worry so much! It's just the Godswood; the only thing people do out here is pray. Come, or we will never make it back."

Elizabeth kicked her horse and began to trot off when Dany heard the sound of a stick breaking behind her. Dany quickly kicked her horse into a trot, and rode away further into the Godswood away from the Castle. Elizabeth saw her friend trot off in the opposite direction of the castle and out of curiosity she followed her. Elizabeth was fully aware there was something wrong with Dany. Hopefully the detour would bring some new information to light.

"DANY! Dany, WAIT!" Elizabeth yelled to her friend. Dany stopped and looked back at her. She approached at a fast pace and stopped her horse. "What is going on with you? You have been acting unusual ever since we arrived? Is it something I have done?"

"No. Everything is fine."

"No, it's obviously not fine. You have been quiet around Robb, avoiding eating with the family… Does my engagement to Robb make you uncomfortable?"

"No- it's just…"

"Did someone hurt you? Has Theon made an advance on you?"

"NO! No. I am all intact. I'm just tired from our excursion."

"I don't believe you, but I won't force you to say anything you don't want too. Just know you can tell me anything. That is what friends are for. Now come along, we must get back to the castle before they send a search party looking for us."

Dany nodded at her friend. How could she tell her that she was jealous? Jealous that she was living the life that she wanted. She would marry Robb and be the Lady of Winterfell, while she would marry a bastard son of a lord she had never heard of. Dany's heart felt like it was going to explode from the conflict. First off, she had serious feeling for Robb. Not your passing fancy, but true and honest feelings for him. But on the other hand, she was happy that her friend and her betrothed were getting along. With feeling conflicted from all sides she decided the best course of action was to remain silent. She would not ruin this for her friend.

The two girls rode along further, but as they neared the castle they saw something approaching them from the middle of the road. As they got closer they saw a woman in rags hobbling towards them, her hands covered with blood. The woman looked up at the pair, and collapsed in the middle of the road. Elizabeth jumped off her saddle and ran over to the woman.

"Are you alright?"

"The baby."

"Dany! Come quickly! Bring the saddle blankets from my horse," she turned to the woman, "It's going to be alright." Elizabeth waited for Dany to bring the blankets, but she didn't come. After a few more moments, she turned her head to see what was taking Dany so long. To her surprise, Dany was being held by a man with a dagger to her neck. Just then she felt the sharp sting of steel on her neck as well. A voice from behind her, the voice of the woman, spoke calmly, "Cooperate and we won't hurt you."' Elizabeth slowly got to her feet and followed the man and woman off the path.

After a long time walking deeper into the woods, the girls were finally led into the bandit's camp. In addition to their captors, there were three additional men. The girls were quickly bound with rope as they were shoved to the forest floor. Dany moved closer to her friend.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, just a little shaken up. Don't worry; we will get out of this together."

"Turn around", Dany told her friend, "I'm going to try to untie the rope." Elizabeth quietly turned around putting her hands next to Dany's. "Listen to me. I'm going to untie you, and you're going to run and get on one of those horse. You ride back to the castle and get help."

"No. I'm not leaving you. It's me they are after. They are probably just poor and hungry. They just want money."

"As much as I would like to believe that, I don't. Please do not argue. Just go", she finished untying her, "NOW!"

Elizabeth picked up her skirts and scurried to the nearby horses. She stumbled a bit, but before the bandits noticed she was on the horse and getting away. Dany followed her friend with her eyes, but was drawn away when their captor yelled, "Get her!" Two of the thugs got on horses and one quickly grabbed a bow. He knocked an arrow. Dany yelled "DUCK!", but it was too late. The arrow sailed through the air and pierced Elizabeth's shoulder. She cried out in agony, but she didn't stop. The bandit leader cried, "AGAIN!" The same archer knocked a second arrow. It too sailed through the air and hit Elizabeth in the leg. The pain of the second arrow was too much to handle. She fell off her horse, and lie still.

"NO!" Dany screamed out.

"Shut her up", the bandit leader yelled at the woman. She grabbed a piece of cloth and gagged Dany.

"To bad for your friend. Luckily she isn't the one we're after. You must have done something very bad if they want you alive and unharmed."

"Just let her go. I'll go with you with any opposition. Please."

Elizabeth was returned back to the camp on the back of one of the horses. She lied there like a sack of flour one of the bandits picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. That's when she started to kick her legs and arms.

"What do we do with her?" The man with Elizabeth over his shoulder questioned.

"Well, we only need the Targaryen girl so… Kill her I guess…"

Dany tried to scream out but everything was muffled by the fabric in her mouth.

"Let Malum have her. He's the one who caught her", the woman spoke matter of factly to the leader. The man who carried the bow threw it to the ground as he swaggered across the camp to Elizabeth. "WE are going to have fun you and I. Up we go." The man they called Malum threw Elizabeth over his shoulder. She screamed out and flailed her legs as he took her away from the camp. Dany tried to scream out for her friend as she let tears fall from her eyes.

The leader turned to his crew, "Pack up. We leave at sundown. That should be enough time for Malum to have his fun, and dispose of the girl."

The thugs began to pack up their belongings while Dany stared off in the direction in which the man had carried Elizabeth. All she heard were muffled screams and sobs. This was all her fault, but what could she do. Her hands were tied behind her back and her mouth was gagged.

Suddenly, in the distance, Dany heard the sounds of heavy horse hooves. From the way she was positioned, the sounds seemed to be getting closer. Dany struggled to free her mouth from the gage. She used her tongue to loosen the fabric. After a few moments of maneuvering the gage, it slipped enough for her to form words. "HELP!" Dany screamed at the top of her lungs. "HELP! HELP! PLEASE!" The woman ran over to her and slapped her across the face. She re-tied the gag, and picked up a weapon. The roaring of hoof beats got closer as she saw a band of seven or so men roaring toward her. The thugs grabbed their weapons, and took their defensive positions. The woman came behind her and held a dagger to her neck.

"The Lannister's send their regard", but before she could draw the dagger across her throat an arrow pierced her skin. The woman fell back and began to bleed out. Dany looked up to see her rescuer was Theon. She nodded to him in gratitude as she saw Lord Stark, Robb, Jon and a few men from the City Watch dismount. Lord Stark fought the leader, while Robb and Theon took a man, and so did John. The City Watch lifted up the woman and bound her hands behind her back. Robb and Jon ran over to Dany after they had the man bound.

"Are you alright?" Jon questioned.

"I'm fine." Dany said with some shaking in her voice.

"Where is Elizabeth?"

Dany's eyes began to well up with tears, "A man took her over there a while ago… I haven't seen her since… Oh god." Jon looked up at his brother, "You go. Quickly", and without further prompting Robb ran.

Robb followed the path that Dany pointed too, but it seemed to lead nowhere. He looked for a clue, a piece of torn cloth, a trinket, but nothing appeared. It wasn't until he saw the path of blood that he sprinted. As the trail of blood began to get fresher he began to hear the groans of a man's voice, and the muffled sobs and gagging of a girl.

"That's a good girl. Now, I think you are wearing too many clothes, my lady. If your mouth is as good as below, I'm a lucky man."

"Please. My family are the Tyrells, they will pay for my-"

That's when Robb heard the sound of strangulation. "I'm done hearing about who your family is. I don't need money while I've got you sweet heart. Now we a good girl and fall asleep." Robb looked around the tree and saw a man with his trousers around his ankles holding her up by her neck. The man was two times bigger than her. Robb saw what looked like arrows still impaled in her body. Her eyes grew big as she struggled to no avail. When she finally saw Robb she mouthed to him "I'm sorry." Robb unsheathed his sword silently and quickly ran at the man, stabbing his back. The man dropped Elizabeth and attempted to grab a dagger, but Robb quickly cut his arm. The man turned around all the way, and that's when Robb slashed his neck. The man fell quickly, and landed on top of Elizabeth's prone form. She cried out in pain.

"Elizabeth! I'm so sorry."

Robb quickly kicked the man off her, and took her into his arms. He saw for the first time what damage had been done. Her throat was now covered with angry red marks that were beginning to bruise. She had a split lip and a black eye that marred her beautiful face. The arrows were still stuck in her should and leg. Her dress was torn and her body was covered in dirt and bruises after she put up a fight. He finally looked down at her hands and saw her hands were still bound. He quickly undid the rope and saw the raw skin from where the rope had chafed the skin. "Robb?" Elizabeth questioned as she fought of the darkness.

"Yes, I'm here. Don't worry. No one will hurt you. You are safe. But I have to take the arrows out alright?"

Elizabeth mustered all of her strength and she nodded. Robb grabbed the shaft of the arrow, "This is going to hurt." After telling her he braced his hand above the skin on her shoulder and yanked out the arrow. Elizabeth screamed out in pain. Robb noticed she was losing consciousness, and he picked her up and ran back to his father. Her body became still and lifeless by the time he got back to his father.

"Father! We need to get back to the castle, NOW!"

Lord Stark looked up to see his son carry the battered and bruised Tyrell girl. "Here hand her to me, and you get on your horse," Robb stood still in shock, "NOW!" Robb gently transferred Elizabeth into his father's arms. Theon brought over his horse and he mounted quickly. His father then gave Elizabeth to him and spoke, "Ride quickly to Winterfell and get her to Maester Luwin. May the Gods be with her." With those words Robb kicked his horse into action and raced back to the castle.

Apologies for the long wait in between updates. I am working an internship at home and between that and life I barely have any time. I have been writing during lunch! Hope this longer chapter satisfies your craving. I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up, but I hope in the next week it will be. Thanks for bearing with me.