Disclaimer: I do not own the Game of Thrones book or T.V. Show series, the awesome George R. R. Martin does. I think I can speak for all GoT fans when i say we thank him for that.

I woke with Robb's hand curled around me, his head near my neck. I felt his silk undershirt on me and my riding pants clothing me. I felt his hand brushing through my light hair gently. I rose from the bed slowly and walked to the closet.

"You're up earlier than usual," he said, wiping sleep from his eyes and turning in bed to face me. I smiled and opened my closet, thumbing through the dresses to find one.

"Don't want anyone to stumble in and see us on accident," I said, Robb's soft silk shirt hanging large on me over my riding pants. I found a red velvet dress and set it down across a chair, walking over to Robb. I leaned over and kissed him, my hands grabbing his arms and pulling him up. He stood, shirtless with his riding pants on, his lips lingering on mine. I laughed and pulled away, walking to my dress and slipping the silk shirt off. I pulled the corset that lay on the ground on, letting it stay loose so that I still had freedom to move in it. I looked over at Robb, who waited patiently for me to change. I smiled and pulled on the dress, it's velvety fabrics soft on my skin. I laced it up then went looking for a clean pair of riding pants. I found some and replaced the ones I was wearing then pulled my riding boots on under my dress.

"What am I to dress in?" he asked, gathering his clothing from the previous day.

"Whatever you have here," I tossed his silk shirt back to him and went looking for my sword in the room. It was holstered in the sheath and hidden under the dress I wore the day before. I swung it onto my back then looked back at Robb who was pulling on his clothes from the day before. "How early is it?"

"The sun rose not minutes ago," he said, tugging his chainmail on.

"That's quite early," I said, gathering my dirty clothing into a small pile and grabbing my longbow up from a chair along with the arrows. "Maybe we could sneak in a ride."

"I'm not sure," he said, tying his cloak around his neck, "I have to meet with Prince Joffrey in the training yard not long from now and I have to change."

"Oh," I said, "I need to go find Jon anyway, I have to ask him about escorting me to the Wall along with Theon."

"So you're going to try to bring Jon and Theon?" he asked and I nodded, "You're braver than I thought," he chuckled, buckling his belt and standing in front of the door. I picked up a dagger from the table and slid it into my riding pants then walked to the door, facing Robb.

"Shall we be off?" I asked, smirking.

"We shall," he opened the door and laughed a little. When we stood downstairs I looked at Robb, making sure that nobody else was around.

"Robb," I said, "we shouldn't tell anyone yet. Maybe Jon, but I'm not sure."

"I think that Jon should know," he admitted, "but I'm not sure of anyone else."

"Okay," I nodded, "I'll tell Jon when I ask him about the Wall. How about Theon?"

"And have the rest of Winterfell know?" he asked, and I knew he was right, "We should wait with him."

"Alright," I said, "I'll be off now. Beat Joffrey for me." We laughed and he nodded, walking towards the practice grounds. I walked to where Jon would be sitting: a windowsill on the top floor, looking out over Winterfell or maybe the King's Road. He would be sulking, I knew it. I climbed the long stairs, walking through the slanted halls and saw the white direwolf sitting patiently by a sill where Jon sat. I took a seat across from him on the sill, drawing my knees up to my chest as he had done.

"Sorry," Jon said, still looking out at the vast forest and what lied beyond. "I was terrible. I won't try holding you back and I know you can survive alone."

"It's fine," I said, looking the same way he did, "you're my friend and you're worried. I understand and that's why I want you to come with me."

"I can't," he said, turning to face me, "I have to stay here."

"But why?" I asked, looking at him with a pleading expression, "You told me yourself that I need someone to go with me."

"What I meant was I can't go yet," he clarified. "Why don't you bring someone from my father's guard?"

"I was actually going to ask Theon," I said quietly. I knew that Jon would not be happy about that.

"He's a good archer," was all Jon said before turning back to look at the forest. "So what did you do all yesterday. I heard that you didn't get in until early this morning."

"I was out," I said looking back at the forest and remembering last night with the Lannister, "with Robb. We were night riding and heard something."

"What was it?" Jon said, looking concerned.

"A man and a woman," I explained, "one was the Kingslayer."

"And the woman?" he asked.

"Haven't the slightest," I admitted.

"And after that?" Jon asked and a sudden pang of nervousness ran through me. I told Robb that I would tell Jon, but this would be difficult.

"Robb and I," I began, "we... Well, Robb took me back to my room and..."

"Ah," Jon said, a small grin appearing and I knew he understood, "So he finally lost it. You know, I never thought it would be to you. I seem to recall you saying that you don't sleep with friends."

"I said I usually don't," I joked, nudging Jon's foot with mine a little, "Anyway, I promised Robb I would tell you and I'm glad I didn't have to actually say it. I knew you were good for something."

"So when are you leaving?" he asked, laughter fleeting.

"Two more days," I had come to the conclusion that I would leave the day before the royals so that I could have more time to catch up.

"Two days," he repeated, "maybe you should leave tomorrow night. I mean, less people to ask questions, less people to see where you're going."

"Why would I need to hide my whereabouts?" I asked curiously.

"There have been people watching you, Brin," he warned, looking into my eyes seriously, "and not the good kind either. You're important for some reason."

"Why are people watching?" I asked cautiously.

"I don't know," he admitted, "but you have to be extra careful now more than ever. Take Theon tomorrow night, wake him from bed without warning, and drag him to the Wall with you. Spend your last days with those you love and say your goodbyes now."

"You fall again, good prince," Robb said, holding his wooden sword to Joffrey's throat. When the Starks practiced with their swordmaster, he forced them to use wood and not sword, but when I practiced with them, and the swordmaster wasn't around, we used steel.

"I only let you win," Joffrey lied, pushing Robb's wood aside and rising to his feet.

"The prince can't even accept defeat by wooden sword," Jon whispered and I couldn't help but laugh. Prince Joffrey looked over at me angrily and walked to me with a scowl.

"You find my defeat funny, wench?" Joffrey said, grabbing my chin and forcing me to look at him. I tried to move my chin, but his grasp was strong.

"No, my prince," I lied angrily. He didn't budge yet.

"Maybe you'd like to try me in a battle of arms," he said, not letting me free, "I could win back what you stole in archery." He had sent his dog to slip me the gold a few days prior.

"I warned you," I reminded, "my sword is as good as my bow, Prince Joffrey."

"I doubt it," he let me free and pulled his steel, "let's fight with steel on steel, whore."

"I am no whore," I said, angrily pulling my blade and walking onto the muddy practice area. I could hear the old swordmaster calling for us to put down our swords, but we payed no attention.

"Wouldn't you like to change your clothing, whore," he put emphasis on his last word, smiling smugly.

"I need not change," I was angrier now more than ever, but I did not let this blind me. I waited for him to begin and his first shot came fast, but lazily. I swiped it away fast and cut at his arm. I connected with his sleeve and long tear formed. He looked surprised, but swept for me again, trying to get my throat. I dodged and he overextended himself, wobbling then falling to the ground. I turned fast, pushing my foot into his chest hard and holding the edge of my sword centimeters from his throat, "and I am no whore."

Joffrey looked up at me, dumbfounded and angry, but we were surrounded by laughter. I smiled at him, my anger flowing from my blade and the cut I had apparently given him. I moved my foot back to the ground, leaving a muddy shoe print, and slid my sword back into its sheath. I turned to the crowd that had formed and took a small bow, their applause making me even more satisfied with my win. I turned to Robb and he smiled at me, looking extremely amused by the show I had put on.

"Mark my words, wench," Joffrey said angrily and I turned to face him, "you will pay for."

"I don't doubt it," I admitted with a smug grin. He turned bright red with anger and turned to his hound, strutting off furiously. When the crowd dispersed, only Jon, Robb, and I remained. We stayed, not able to stop laughing at Joffrey's anger and arrogance.

"That was some quality entertainment," I heard a man say, his hands clapping slowly. I turned to see Tyrion Lannister, walking to me with a casual pace.

"Glad I could please," I joked and he gave a small grin, stopping just in front of me. "What have we done to earn your presence, Tyrion?"

"Not all of you, just you, Brin. In fact, it would be great if your two friends would leave us," he looked from Jon to Robb. I nodded to them and they left and the Imp started again. "You've made a vicious enemy, my young friend, and you will pay a price for it in King's Landing. Remember, a Lannister always pays his debts."

"The prince is a Baratheon," I said, my grin fading along with his.

"Ah yes," he said, acting as if he suddenly remembered, but I knew he meant his previous words. "Now, Brin, you will be accompanying me to King's Landing, yes?"

"I will be going to the landing," I explained, "but not at the same time as you. I should, however, be there by the time you are."

"Why will you not be with me on the trail?" he asked, seeming almost irritated, but also agitated.

"I need to make a stop beforehand," I said.

"Where?" he looked to be getting more and more irritated.

"Elsewhere," I said shortly, "and I cannot tell you."

"Good," his irritation slipped away and was replaced by a smug grin.

"Good?" I was utterly confused now.

"Yes," he explained, "you hid where you are going from a person you don't fully trust. That is a good thing to do in King's Landing as you will learn soon. Never trust anyone you've met in King's Landing. In fact, never trust anyone. The problem is, sometimes you cannot control who learns what. For example," he began to walk around to find a place to sit, "I know that it will be difficult for you to leave Winterfell because you have a sudden... attachment."

"What do you mean, Imp?" I snarled. If he had been snooping in my personal life, I would show him the blade of my sword.

"Robb Stark, you and him are an item now, yes? Did you cry when you lost your maidenhead?" he asked and I felt my hand go to my sword. He knew too much already, things that I wouldn't dare tell anyone, "Hold it, Brin, you don't want to do that."

"Why not?" I growled angrily.

"Because I am not the only one watching," he said, glancing around a little and making a large motion of his hands. "There is a spy for everyone here. Cersei hired one of the stable boys, Jaime hired a servant, and there are people watching here and I don't know who they are watching for. You see, you must assume that you are always being watched because you are. In fact, I am surprised that I don't know where you are going yet. Watch yourself, Brin, people don't know who you are or what your past is. It's one of your best qualities."

"So you're telling me that I shouldn't tell people anything about me?" I asked, the anger sliding away from me slowly.

"Nothing," he clarified, "and don't let on that you have sympathy for anyone. The more you love, the easier it is to hurt you."

"I just have one last question," I began, letting my hand slip from the blade, "why did Lord Stark ask you to bring me? Did he give a reason?"

"He told me to bring you to King's Landing and help you when we get there," Tyrion said without much emotion, "I'm not sure what he meant by 'help you,' but I'm just assuming I'm to help you in learning the ways of the kingdom and these are the only ways I know."

"Thank you," I said and he looked extremely surprised, "I mean, for teaching me all of this. I really appreciate it."

"You owe me," was all he said before walking off towards a brothel. I smiled a little. It was good to see that someone was looking out for me. I felt two arms link through mine suddenly and Jon and Robb began dragging me forward. I laughed loudly and I could hear their laughter too.

"What are you doing?" I yelled to them as they pulled me further.

"You're leaving soon," they explained, "so we're giving you our gift now."

"Oh no, guys, what gift?" I asked, slightly worried. They refused to answer and as we got closer and to our destination, I could see a sheath and a quiver, but the rest I was still unsure of. Finally, they dragged me up to an opening and I could tell that they had given me new supplies. There was a new longbow, a custom made leather quiver, more than three quivers worth of arrows, and a sheath with a sword in it. I walked to the sheath and put my hand on the handle of the sword, pulling it out slowly. It rang as I slid it out and revealed a great, heavy sword, about as heavy as one of the great ones. It shined like Ice and was as sharp as Dawn. I smiled, running my finger down the rune carvings on the blunt of the blade.

"You like it, huh?" Robb asked, coming behind me and curling his arms around my waist, "It's one of the ancient ones, almost as old as the greatswords Ice and Dawn."

"Valyrian steel?" I asked, turning swiftly to face him, sword down. He nodded and my smile grew larger. I turned and put the sword back in the sheath then swiveled and put my arms around his neck, letting my head fall on his shoulder.

"So what're you going to name it? All greatswords have names" he asked, pulling away after a moment. I remembered the greatswords, all of their names and the slick steel that could slice a man's head clean off in one swipe. I sighed and thought of a name, a good one.

"Remember," Jon chimed in, "it should match you and the blade itself. That sword is going to be part of you like our direwolves are part of us."

"Dusk," I said, looking down at the blade and running my fingers down the carvings. I glanced back up and they were both smiling at me. "Thank you, both of you."

"I got the bow and arrows," Jon said from behind Robb with a boyish grin.

"And I the sword and sheath," Robb said, standing taller than me. I had always been a tad short for my age.

"This will be very useful on the way to the Wall," I said then added, "and the kingsroad."

"Yes," Jon agreed quietly behind Robb, "You will still bring Theon, yes?"

"I shall," I said. I glanced up at the darkening sky. My last night in Winterfell for weeks. I sighed and looked at the two boys that stood in front of me. One was a brother to me and the other my lover. I wondered if they would forget me after I was gone, either to the wasteland or the Wall.

"Let's be heading back," Robb said, "it'll be a long way and it's dark."

"Alright," I said, beginning to walk the long way back to Winterfell. We had walked over two miles, a long, long way.

"Over here," Robb smiled, walking two horses over and Jon came with another.

"My horse," I grinned. I mounted the horse and noticed a new bridle along with a new saddle. It took a few minutes to load up the supplies in my side packs.

"Yes," Jon grinned, "and we have another gift, from Lord and Lady Stark, the girls, and Bran and Rickon, but that's for a bit later."

"That's sweet," I said pondering what it was. We galloped back to Winterfell at a quick pace, trying to get back before full night was upon us. We arrived just as the sun set and put our horses into their stalls in the pitch black stables. When we emerged, Winterfell seemed deserted, but Robb was still wary to hold me. I smiled at that. Robb was kind and honest and valiant, but he was also careful. I looked up at Robb who looked a man already. He felt my gaze and glanced down at me with a confused look. I just smiled and kept walking with my brother and my lover. When the time came, Jon said goodbye and Robb walked me back to my room.

When we closed the door, not a moment passed before he leaned his head down and kissed me swiftly. I pushed myself onto tiptoes to reach his lips evenly, but fell back to normal footing when his strong arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me to him. My right hand went lightly through his hair while my left unbuttoned his shirt.

"Don't leave," I heard him whisper as he pulled away to catch his breath. Both of us breathed heavily and pushed together once more, kissing fiercely and unbuttoning the other's clothes.

"I must," I whispered, feeling my dress drop from my body and land in a light pile around my feet.

"I love you," he said quietly, his mail falling with a loud clang.

"I know," I said, my corset loosening around my chest, "but I still have to go."

"Why?" he asked, his eyes closed as we kissed and he fumbled blindly with the last piece of my clothing. He only had his riding pants on by the time I collected my thoughts.

"A bunch of reasons," I said, fumbling with the intricate silver buttons on his pants, "that I'll explain tomorrow."

"Don't leave," he repeated with a loud sigh. I smiled and put my forehead on his, looking into his eyes. We stood naked just in front of the door and a chilly breeze rushed through an open window.

"Why not?" I asked, kissing him briefly as his face grew into a frown.

"I don't know," he admitted, his arms falling around my waist and pulling me against him, "I'll miss you."

"And I you," I smiled a little and ran my hand down his chest. His warmth was comforting and I knew that I would miss him desperately. After a moment, he took my hand and lead me to the bed. I followed behind him with a simple smile. The fur covers were soft and I sighed as I crawled under them. He pulled me close to him and let his lips move on mine freely.

"You're lovely, you know that?" He said when we finished, brushing a thin blond strand of hair from my cheek. I had my back to his chest and curled up in his warmth. I turned my head a bit and looked up at him. "It's true. Your blond hair like spun gold, your blue eyes as deep as the ocean, your soft skin like cream."

"You've told me repeatedly, Robb," I smiled. He had been asking every few minutes, interrupting my thoughts with the same question. I glanced out at the night sky and sighed.

"What is it, love? Are you tired?" he asked, running his hands through my hair. I smiled once more.

"I regret to say it, but I am," I said, backing up closer into him, his warmth engulfing me.

"Then sleep," he said and I heard the smile in his voice.

"No, no," I yawned, "it's our last night and I refuse to sleep while you are awake."

"You're leaving mid-night tomorrow with a man I don't trust with you," he reminded, "You may just want a little sleep.

"You're right," I said, regret in my tone, "I'm going to get something to sleep in." I rose to my feet and walked to the pile where the clothes lay. I pulled his undershirt on and he walked to his riding pants. "Gods, I'm not sure I can leave."

"Then don't," he smiled, buttoning the pants up.

"You know I must," I laughed, letting myself fall onto the bed.

"I know," he sat on the bed next to me.

"Lay down," I commanded and he did. I put my head on his chest and he ran his fingers through my disheveled hair.

"Not to repeat myself, but," he looked down at me a little, "you're lovely, you know?"

"I do," I laughed and then felt myself yawn. My eyes closed and I pulled myself closer to him, curling myself around him. Everything seemed perfect and peaceful and, before I knew it, I was asleep in his arms.

"Brin! Get up now!" I heard a yell. My eyes flew open and I jumped out of bed, grabbing for my sword. I looked up to see Theon Greyjoy and Robb Stark both fighting off a man in dark clothing with a sharp dagger. Theon had been cut on his upper thigh, but it didn't seem to be bleeding to terribly. I unsheathed my sword, sadly not Dusk, and tried to get behind him. I was just about to swing when he turned, Robb in arms and dagger under my love's neck. I stopped mid-swipe and glared at the man.

"What do you want?" I growled angrily.

"Put down your sword," his voice was gravelly and deep. I knew that he wouldn't hesitate to slit Robb's throat so I dropped it to the floor. "I trust that was your only weapon?"

"It was," I said, still angry, "no what do you want?"

"Stand back there, against the door," I hesitated, but carried through when a droplet of blood ran down Robb's neck. "Now don't you dare move or I will kill all of you."

"What do you want?" I repeated, but he ignored me. He pushed Robb to the side, onto the floor hard and Robb fell unconscious. I kept my mouth shut and didn't move, but I balled my hands up into fists. The man glanced at Theon and whispered something. Theon nodded at him, obviously frightened, and the man turned around. I could see his features more clearly now: sunken eyes that were a piercing blue, dried lips with cracks and some blood, crooked teeth that collided, and a thick grey beard. I gulped as he walked closer, dagger in hand. He stood centimeters from me, staring at me as if disgusted. He reeked of blood and death.

"I want nothing but to serve," he said with a wicked grin, "and in order to that, I must kill." I gulped and felt tears welling up in my eyes. He put the dagger at my stomach, just the tip touching from above the thin shirt. He applied some pressure, send ing a thick droplet of blood down and staining the white silk. He was getting deeper in when a yell came from across the room.

"Lay off her," Theon said and the man swiveled, cutting a small gash across the side of my stomach. I doubled over, putting pressure on the wound as Maester Aemon had taught me years ago when I was small. I propped myself up and glanced at Theon. He had found my sword, but held it awkwardly. The yelled a wordless cry and went to knife Theon. I rose to my feet, finding the strength.

"Theon, the sword," I yelled and he tossed it. An instant later it was in my hand and I was running at the man. He turned to stop me, but it was too late. The sword stuck through one end and out the other and his mouth leaked blood. I stared in awe as he fell to the floor and then I was on the ground and Theon was running to me. It seemed like only seconds and I was in his arms in the stairwell. He ran and the gentle hum lulled me. My eyes shut and a moment later opened to Maester Luwin standing over me and sharp pain was shooting through me. I screamed out, the pain too much. Theon was over me in an instant, holding my hand and willing me to keep my eyes opened. I couldn't anymore, though. I was just so tired and my eyes shut heavily. Their screams drowned out and only sleep was on me.