"Victoria, my love, Victoria..."

The Lady of Valiente awoke from her deep slumber with a sharp intake and a spring of her eyes, finding Robb's face as the first thing her eyes captured. His lips formed a smile and the light of the fire flickered across his handsome features. There was slight sweat coating his forehead and his eyes were wide open despite the hour. Victoria felt her eyes heavy and she soon realized that it was not morning, it was still nighttime.

"Robb, what are you doing?" Her voice was coated in deep sleep still as she formed words and rubbed at her eyes. She didn't understand what was happening, the last she'd seen of her betrothed he was standing around all the Northern Lords and Commanders of their army, strategizing the best way to attack the Lannisters. The brunette had guessed then Robb would not be getting much sleep and would likely be sleeping in his own chambers. If Robb had wanted to bed her he would have done it sooner though, so what was happening?

Robb leaned back, sitting on the edge of her bed and caressing her face, once he'd pushed away she could see what was happening in her room. Elaine and a few of the other maids were rushing around, stuffing her items into trunks and pulling them out to the men waiting in the hall. Ser Marcos stood by the door, arms crossed over and a thoughtful expression on his face as he nodded to the Lady. GreyWind was now standing on her bed, head tilted as if he awaited her command. How had she been sleeping through this? How had she not woken?

She was even further confused by all of this and looked to Robb once more, he turned back to the group of them all. "Wait outside everyone, Lady Valiente needs to get dressed. Elaine, you may stay and help her get dressed."

The rest of the women curtsied and headed out while the blonde handmaid walked towards the dresser and began to pull out warm clothes. Victoria's new winter clothes had arrived the previous day and they were still packed.

The blonde occupied herself with this task as the rest of them walked out and Robb turned back to Victoria, grasping her face with his hand as she sat up. "We must go."

"Where?" Victoria retorted, pulling the covers close as she grew cold in her night dress.

"South, we need to leave while the Lannister spies cannot see us. Your carriage awaits love, I thought you would prefer to be with us." Robb explained, he knew her well. The other Lords had commented that it be best to leave the Lady behind with the children in Winterfell but the young wolf knew better then that. Her fathers army would only listen to her and she was not one to sit back.

"It's happening, it's really happening now." Victoria spoke softly and her heart sank.

Robb crinkled his eyes, seeing the worry and fear cross her eyes. It was gone rather quickly but even so he decided it best to comfort her, "yes, it really is, Vic. You and I are saving our fathers and winning this together. We need to do this, and I can't do it without you."

Victoria was terrified, she was ready to shake and cry just thinking about going up against a war. Never in her young life had she thought her father would not be by her side but now the harsh reality had set in, there was no father to guide her, there was no mother to comfort her. She was alone with Robb in this, they needed to take justice for their fathers sake.

She nodded her head and began to pull the sheets away, "okay, let's do this."

Robb found the courage and bravery in her incomparable, he loved her, he really did and despite reservations and fears between them both he couldn't help but be happy she was coming. He stopped her from standing by placing a kiss to her lips, and pulling her up afterwards. "There's guards waiting to escort you to your carriage, your horse has already been brought out as well as your belongings. I'll see you outside." He turned to the blonde awaiting orders, "Ms. Elaine, please assure she is bundled up as warm as ever. I'm going to say goodbye to Bran and Rickon."

The blonde nodded, "yes, m'lord."

Robb walked out with a departing look to the brunette and left her to get dressed. Elaine immediately began to pull off the brunettes night gown and began to place on the warmest of her clothes. Lady Valiente stayed silent, breathing deeply as she simply stood like a doll allowing her handmaid to dress her. The only time she actually seemed to breathe life into herself was when Elaine brought over her fathers coat and placed it on her shoulders.

A tear slipped down her face and Elaine pressed her lips tightly together, the right words did not come as comfort was not easy but she did her best. "Are you afraid?"

Victoria smiled and pushed the tear away with her knuckles softly, "is it that easy to tell?"

Elaine smiled sincerely, "not until now."

"Im scared, I miss my father." She whispered softly and looked down, she placed her hands on her stomach. A sob threatened to escape but she pushed it back and attempted to cool her cries. "I don't know what to do about this anymore."

"It's alright, being afraid is good, it means you are set in reality. You can do this though, Victoria, not many women march to war but you are because you have more then enough to lose." Elaine encouraged her lady and tightened the coat. "It's time to fight for what is yours, are you ready?"

The brunette swallowed her nerves and fears, "I'm ready."

|•|•|•|•|

The first camp was near the Riverlands, a cold desolate place where Lord Walder Frey ruled over. He was said to be an old man with a taste for young girls and no respect to his name, an idea that made Victoria's nose crinkle into disgust every time she thought of him.

The Dornish Lady currently walked through the mud and dirt of the camp, thankful that her new riding boots also manages to keep the ends of her dress from dirtying. Elaine walked beside her and the two looked around towards the many soldiers who stopped to gaze at both women. The blonde pressed her coat tighter to her body, "Ser Marcos is sending word to your Commander, I take it."

Victoria did not seem bothered by the eyes that were on both of them, she was more concerned over the lack of necessities the young men had. Her army had been fully prepared for the harsh winds of winter but these men, the children of farmers and poor fools who had no idea what it was to be in war all came with what they could. She pressed her lips together in anger yet again and looked to the blonde, there was no time for pity right now, she had to get her head in the game. Her darkened eyes took in the handmaids words and nodded, "yes, with any luck they should be docking somewhere by White Harbor soon."

"How do you suppose they will find us?" The handmaid pondered silently.

Victoria deliberated and answered in the best possible way, "they'll follow the trail of bodies."

Elaine felt slightly taken aback by how brash her Lady had spoken but after her own deliberation agreed, there was no war without bloodshed. "The Lords will be in the Stark tent, likely discussing strategies."

Victoria stopped her movements, nodding her head and deliberating her next few steps. She had originally been headed to greet Lady Stark as word had arrived the Wardeness was near but Elaine's words had presented her with another option. She pivoted on her toes, "best we not miss anything important then, let's go."

From a few camps away Ser Marcos was making his way back and noticed the determination in the Valiente ladies step and her direction in particular. He moved quickly, catching up and walking directly behind the brunette, "my lady, I'd advise you not to go into the tent. The Lords won't take too kindly to a women being in their plans."

"Then its a good thing I didn't ask for your advice now Ser Marcos," she rebutted quickly and when he stayed silent she continued, "the Lords don't like me because I'm a women, it's that I'm a Dorne, that bothers them but like it or not I am as much apart of this war as any of them. I have as much to lose."

"Very well," See Marcos whispered.

|•|•|•|•|

The soldiers that stood outside Robb's tent were much like the ones outside her own, they wore Stark armor and nodded at her with honor. One moved aside to allow her to walk in and immediately all men seized conversation.

Victoria met the eyes of many of the Lords and recognized some like Theon, Lord Manderly, Lord Umber, Lord Karstark, and Lord Bolton. Their expression ranged from confusion, intrigue, and slight anger.

Lord Karstark looked to the Dornish women and then beside her to the blonde girl who has his blood running through his veins and instantly his nose flared and his anger rose. "This be no place for a women, best you and your company get back to your tent."

Robb's eyes narrowed at Lord Karstark and he bit his tongue at the tone in which he'd spoke to his lady but thought it best not to get involved. Besides Victoria being perfectly willing to defend herself he also couldn't get on the Lords bad side but he was more then willing to step in if need be.

Victoria had however expected this and after a brief look to her sworn knight indicating he not respond she stepped forward. "Lord Karstark, how many men did you bring to fight?"

"2,000 men, sworn to loyalty," he speaks proudly and boldly, standing tall.

Victoria raises her eyebrows, "Impressive my lord." She walks closer, her eyes never once leaving the Lord of Harhold, she steps closer and blankly states, "I've got triple that amount coming in less then a few days, all of which answer to me and only me and if I'm not here to head the plan then all they'll do is get a look of the scenery in the Riverlands."

"That still gives you no right to a spot here, you're a foreigner, a southern foreigner who could be working for the Lannisters, We cannot trust you." He sneers.

Victoria cant resist but chuckle lowly as the mere thought of being friends with the likes of Cersei Lannister and her dick of a brother, Jamie. "Forgive me my Lord, but the simple idea of me drinking wine with Cersei does amuse me. Indeed, however, I am a southerner and a foreigner just like my father but it seemed that your Warden and the man you swear fealty too didn't seem to care wether we were foreigners or not seeing as how he invited us to stay each and every year in Winterfell and even the late King Robert gave my father a place in court, seems to me that they trusted him more then they did you. Otherwise you'd be rotting in a cell alongside Lord Stark and my father."

Victoria could have stopped there but she was riled up now, she wanted to prove to these men and Robb that she belonged here. Despite their reservations her whole life they needed to see her blood was now as much northern as it was a southerners. "Forgive me My Lords if you feel I am intruding or being too brash for a women but I am done being seen as just another distrusted foreigner. Yes, I am here because my father has been locked away as a traitor but I am also here to defend your lands and castles. Men who trust me, men who are sworn to defend Dorne and my house are risking their lives to come here and defend lands they have never seen all because of me. I am risking the lives of my people because I love the north and I wish to have you all live long enough to be seen as your people, now I may not have been born here and I may not look like your typical northerner but I can't assure you that my blood and my pride reside back in Winterfell. Now, unless anyone else can give a valid reason as to why I should not be here, shall we continue?"

"Seems like you should try controlling your women, Lord Stark." Karstark attempted one lazy jab.

Victoria's lip curled in rage, how Elaine was of his seed was questionable, she thought. She turned to him and muttered, "I am not his women, nor am I anyone else's Lord Karstark. I am the women who holds more forces then you."

"Lord—" Karstark went to speak.

"She stays," Robb cut in, commanding with his tone as strong as possible. "Lady Valiente may seem like a traitor to you but she has proven herself to be loyal to the Starks as her father, besides she does have a point. The commander of her armies will only listen to the Lady of their house."

Lord Karstark remained silent after thought, only offering a grim stare to the Valiente who was immune to it all.

Robb spoke once everyone had settled, only once allowing his eyes to set of the beauty of his Dornish last as the fury has been clear. He continued on and hoped that Victoria would catch on. "The River Lords are falling back with Jaime Lannister at their heels. And Lord Tywin is bringing around a second Lannister army from the South. Our scouts confirm it's even larger than the Kingslayer's."

"One army or two, the Kings in the North threw back hosts ten times this large." Greatjon Umber commented as he clearly thought this was an easy war.

Robb went to speak again but they were attempted once more as he found Lady Stark entering alongside Sir Rodrick. "Mother!"

Robb's smile was bright as he disregarded the planning and walked over towards his mother, pulling their hands together to show his admiration. Lady Carelyn looked as regal as ever as she took a look at her son and commented, "You look well."

Lord Umber walked over and bowed to the Wardeness. "Lady Catelyn, you're a welcome sight in these troubled times."

Theon also spoke , "We had not thought to meet you here, My Lady."

"I had not thought to be here." She retorted and it was clear to the few who knew her she was not pleased with the war. "I would speak with my son alone. I know you will forgive me, My Lords."

The Lords were quick to follow her orders as Lord Umber bellowed loudly. "You heard her! Move your asses! Come on, out. You too, Greyjoy. Are you bloody deaf?" He stopped beside Lady Stark and spoke with courage. "Have no fear, My Lady. We'll shove our swords up Tywin Lannister's bunghole and then it's on to the Red Keep to free Ned. You old devil, Rodrik."

Sir Rodrik smiles at his old friend, "Jon."

"You're not wasting away, are you?"

Elaine and Sir Marcos followed behind the Lords as the two would likely be waiting outside the tent for her.

Victoria was the last left as she curtsies to the women who had been like a mother to her. She had missed the auburn haired Lady of Winterfell, in truth it had been quite lonely not having another Lady to relate too. The brunette found that although she disagreed in some things with Lady Catelyn she did cherish the time they spent together. Her bow was short as she spoke, "Lady Stark, I hope your trip went well. Perhaps we can get some tea later and discuss your trip?"

Catelyn smiled softly at her soon to be goddaughter, truly Victoria has grown into a fine and elegant young lady. There was something about how exotic and well mannered she was that made Catelyn glad she would be her sons wife one day. Lady Stark bowed back to her, "now Victoria, I've thought we were past formalities?"

Victoria gave her a small smirk and shrugged a shoulder as Robb watched in amusement how easily the two got along. "Forgive me, it's a habit, wouldn't want the Lords to think I've lost my manners now, it would give them a new reason to hate me."

Catelyn liked her wit, "forgive them for being bloody oaths, my sweetling, you must stay however. This matter is for the both of you."

Catelyn reaches over for Robb however and hugs him tightly, Victoria turning her head so she could give them a moment to themselves. She walked towards the table where the men had previously been deciding what ways were best to attack. The wooden board of Westeros showed all the noble houses and where they stood. She picked up a Stark wolf, rolling it in her thumb and pleading the gods allowed them to succeed. Off to the side she found freshly carved Panthers, a sign that meant her troops were nearing.

She heard Catelyn voice speak to her first born with a tenderness her heart warmed. "I remember the day you came into this world red-faced and squalling.
And now I find you leading a host to war."

Robb was quick to respond. "There was no one else."

"No one? Who were those men I saw here?" Catelyn inquires.

Robb was fast to respond with his strong voice. "None of them are Starks." He turned and walked back to the table, eyes on the board of Westeros, thoughtful.

Catelyn followed him and continued the conversation. "All of them are seasoned in battle."

Robb looked to his mother with fire in his eyes and his auburn curls bouncing as he seemed angered, "If you think you can send me back to Winterfell..."

Catelyn shook her head and rolled her eyes as if to wave off his threats. "Oh, would that I could."

Robb picked up the discarded scroll he'd received before declaring war, Victoria noticed he'd kept it close since then. It was almost like a reminder of what was happening. "There was a letter. From Sansa."

Catelyn took it and briefly read but soon moved on. "From the Queen, you mean. There's no mention of Arya."

"No."

"How many men do you have?"
"18,000. If I go to King's Landing and bend my knee to Joffrey..." Robb drifts off as they all know he would never.

"...you would never be allowed to leave." Catelyn finishes.

"Not alive you wouldn't," Victoria interjects, they've got no room to pretend like reality isn't already set. If Robb surrendered it still wouldn't be a happy ending for any of them, to that Victoria feels like her stomach shifts at the mere idea and she swallows the nerves away.

"No, he wouldn't." Catelyn agrees. "Our best hope, our only hope, is that you can defeat them in the field."

"And if I lose?" Robb questions softly.

Victoria blinks repeatedly at him, she knows the idea presses the back of his mind like it does hers. They had the troops and with her own quickly approaching there was a great chance they could do this but war was unpredictable, there was never truly a sure thing when it came down to it.

His mother understands this as well which is why she looks him directly in the eyes and states. "Do you know what happened to the Targaryen children, when the Mad King fell?"

Victoria looks away at the mention of her cousins. Her aunt Elia had been her mother's best friend, despite them being cousins the women were inseparable before marriage. Amara Valiente had been present at the Targaryen wedding and even assisted in helping the new queen into her wedding gown. They'd been so close which is ironic considering the two had died in much the same time frame. Her Uncle Oberyn had told her the tragic tale of his two favorite women in the realm when she was old enough and then asked her to remember this when she travelled to Westeros. She kept this thought with her now more then ever.

"They were butchered in their sleep." Robb responded to his moment.

"Slaughtered is more of the appropriate term. Along with my aunt Elia, the rightful queen," Victoria responded, her eyes pricked with tears, of which Robb took notice. She closed her eyes and looked down, bringing in a cooling breath and reigning in her emotions.

Catelyn noticed as well but decided that it best not to speak to much of it so she moved onto her point of it. "On the orders of Tywin Lannister. And the years have not made him kinder. If you lose, your father dies, your sisters die, Lord Valiente dies, we all die."

"Well, that makes it simple then." Robb answered coldly.

Victoria felt chills run up her arms despite the thick clothing she wore, the mention of death meant more now then ever.