Reunion [Robb]

[Rickard Stark]

Rickard Stark had gone to the wall after Winterfell had been taken by the treacherous Theon Greyjoy. He had gone to the wall to make sure his little brothers were safe. To leave Bran and Rickon with their older half-brother Jon Snow, and under the capable hands of lord commander Jeor Mormont, the old bear. He was going to miss them, but it was safer for them.

After a short stop at castle Black, Rickard got a horse and supplies to ride south and to join his brother Robb - the king-in-the-north – at the Crag in the Westerlands. He would have to tell his brother, mother and uncle that he, Bran and Rickon were alive. They would already know about Winterfell, but since no ravens were sent from castle Black (at the request of Rickard himself) they would have no knowledge of that.

After he rode into the Crag, nobody seemed to care. To everyone else, he was just another traveler. He reached the keep and demanded to see king Robb. At first, the soldier just laughed at him, but after he warned the man that if he would not let him pass, he would be killed, the man let him in. When he entered the great hall, he could see his brother standing, his back turned to him. ”Big brother, I bring news from Winterfell” he shouted across the large room.

[Deleted]

Robb was prepared to march on Casterly Rock, but there was still much that needed to be done. He had to ensure that Edmure Tully was ready to guard his back as he made this bold move. None had ever taken The Rock. Ever. Robb was sure that the Lannisters had most of their forces in the East, ready to deal with Stannis Baratheon. That couldn't last long, however. The King in the North would need a better fortress than the Crag. Sadly, it would have to do for now. He would take whatever he could in this war.

A voice startled him from his thoughts, but happiness overtook him when he noticed it was a familiar on. His gaze turned to Rickard as he made his entrance. He lived... And that meant that his youngest brothers likely lived as well. The eldest Stark child made his way across the hall to embrace his brother before pulling back and looking him in the eyes.

"You risked much by coming here...", Robb said to him seriously, before smiling all over again. This was good. He would have another of his bloodline to fight at his side. All wasn't lost, it seemed.

"Bran and Rickon. They are well?"

[Rickard Stark]

Rickard relaxed as he waited for his brother to realize it was him. Robb turned around and embraced Rickard after he reached him, and then said that the journey south must’ve been difficult, which it most certainly was. ”Aye, I’ve had some difficulties. I posed as a hedge knight going south to look for work” he just said, not mentioning the loss of the escort the night’s watch provided him. They accompanied him until he reached the Neck where they had some trouble with robbers.

Then Robb asked him whether Bran and Rickon were well. Rickard thought for a moment and then said ”Aye. I left them and Hodor with Jon and the old bear at the Wall. They promised me they’ll be safe there. I couldn’t take them with me, for who knows what might have happened to them if I did. Anyway, I have come to help you win this damned war so we can all go home. Or whatever is left of it.”

[Deleted]

Rickard's words brought hope to Robb's heart. His younger brothers still lived and that meant there was hope that could be restored to this war they were fighting. They would be safe with the Night's Watch. Jeor Mormont was a good and capable man from what Robb knew of him and Jon would certainly see to it that Bran and Rickon were protected. He still felt kind of odd having Rickard at his side. A bit uncomfortable. He didn't know what he would do if he'd lost his brother on the field of battle. He would never forgive himself. But Robb supposed Rickard was capable as any of his bannermen.

"I plan to march on Casterly Rock soon.", Robb said to Rickard, gesturing to the map on the long table in the center of the room. His eyes scanned it as he pointed to Casterly Rock and traced his finger to King's Landing.

"The Lannisters have a great deal of their forces in the East at the moment. I'm sure there's still an impressive amount of men all around us, but we can weather them. Lord Tully is in Riverrun, watching for whomever would come and try to surprise us."

[Rickard Stark]

Rickard stood next to Robb when he pointed to Casterly Rock.. They were going to attack the Lannister’s home. This would certainly hurt them. Rickard, just like about all other people assembled here wanted to hurt them. Taking their home would certainly go a long way. ”Alright then, brother. You know that you will always have my support, what little I can provide.”

Then his thoughts turned to winterfell, and the rest of the North. Parts were still under Greyjoy control, and this would have to be dealt with as well. ”But what of Winterfell, brother. Like father said before he left, there must always be a Stark in Winterfell, which at the moment in not the case. What are your plans?” He asked his brother.