Zipporah froze at the news. He was awake. Finally. There would no longer be any doubt about what had occurred. Bran would be the one to bring it all together. Han placed a hand on her shoulder. Zipporah glanced at the older man. The look in his eyes spoke his support for her going to see Bran.

"He's asking for ya, kid."

Nodding to herself and him, she moved silently toward his room. As she walked through the halls, her hearing picked up the various chatter about their young lord being awake. The older women were relieved and the young, hopeful. Perhaps, they figured, that if the Bran had awaken, it would take away Robb's coldness. Zipporah held in a mental snort. Coldness.

His distant behavior was nowhere near cold, but his steel toward outsiders was new and appeared random. If only they had known the truth.

As she opened the door, her eyes swept the smaller room. All of the Starks were present, even Aiden. Catelyn had offered to watch him is morning, and Zi agreed. Gwen must have brought him after her initial sweep.
The older woman had needed a distraction. Aiden, apparently, was a miracle worker.

"Zi." Bran croaked with a faint smile plastered on his face.

"Hey Bran." She murmured as she leaned in to hug him. Pulling back from him was a mistake, Zi felt her head spin. The force was working in him. He had become one with the force, even if it were for a small amount of time.

"You saved me." He affirmed with thankful eyes.

"I did no such thing. You were strong before I ever flowed more of the force into you."

"I can walk because of you." He beamed with a grin, "I'll be able to ride a horse."

Robb and Jon howled with laughter.

"Of course, that's your concern." Robb chided with a chuckle.

Zipporah could tell that Robb felt more relieved that his brother was awake and still himself. There had been a worry that Bran would not come back the same-mentally. Catelyn had told her the story of Hodor, a stable/horse worker. There was something missing from the story. It seemed like Hodor was a piece to the puzzle that the force was crafting before her.

Catelyn shifted so she could hand Aiden over to Zipporah as she sat closer to her son. "I don't want to ruin this joyful moment, but we need to know what happened."

Bran's smile dropped, and his eyes darkened. "I climbed the tower." There was a pause that held a vast amount of tension. Aiden sensed it and easily burrowed into his mother for calm.

Ru, Aiden, ru.

"I got to the window. The queen and her brother were there." Zi could tell that the idea of siblings being together was foreign to him. His face almost contorted into a questioning look.

"They were together..."

"What do you mean?" Sansa asked in hushed tone. Robb quirked a brow at his sister's forwardness.

Bran seemed to be searching his memories for a similar situation. Zi paled at his thoughts.

"Just like Robb and Zi in the library."

Jon stifled his laughter while Sansa and Arya smirked. Catelyn scowled at the couple. Zipporah felt her ears heat up. She hadn't sensed Bran. He must have been able to shield himself from her. He was gifted...before his fall.

"What happened next?" Robb prompted, trying to steer the conversation away from the couple.

"They were upset. I told them I wouldn't say anything. Sir Jaime muttered to the Queen 'the things I do for love.' He pushed me. Then everything went black."

"Love?" Robb grinded out. Zipporah sent him a warning look. This was a discussion to be had elsewhere.

Don't.

Robb's jaw tightened, but he kept silent. Bran seemed to search everyone's faces for something.

Catelyn sighed, "Thank you, Bran."

We're just happy that you're alright.

He nodded at the thought.

" Robb, Jon can we speak in private?" Zi murmured. The two sighed and filed out of the room. Zi gave Bran a reassuring smile, and he returned a similar one.

Once out of earshot of Bran and Catelyn, Robb and Jon began to pace in anger and frustration.

"He dared to call what they do love?" Robb hissed with fire in his eyes. Jon nodded with a similar flame in his eyes.

Zipporah watched them angrily walk to and fro. Han joined her with an amused expression.

"Ya know, you called your forces. Be honest with the heads of household-" Han's advice was interrupted by Theon carrying a letter from the raven station.

"Robb! The little shit has sent you a message!" Theon shouted in a teasing tone, but his serious facial expression told the group how he really felt.

Robb noted that the seal was intact, hastily broke it, and poured over the script before him.

"He's demanding 5,000 men and for me and my lady wife to go to King's Landing and swear fealty to him and his claim to the throne. He states that father committed treason." Robb balled his fists before continuing, "Joffrey puts my father in chains, and now wants his ass kissed?"

Maester Luwin cringed, "This is a royal command, my lord. If you should refuse to obey..."

"I won't refuse. His Grace summons me to King's Landing, I'll go to King's landing." He paused and looked to Zipporah. She knew what he was going to ask of her and Han. To go to war. Another fight. Zipporah's mind began reeling.

I wouldn't miss a fight. I'll fight for you, for us.

"But not alone. Call the banners. Publicly." Robb ordered as he looked to Theon and Jon. Both nodded in agreement.

"All of them, my Lord?" Luwin questioned.

"They've all sworn to defend my Father, have they not?"

"They have." Luwin confirmed.

"Now we see what their words are worth." Robb glanced about. "Send a raven to the brat. I and my lady wife will be traveling to King's Landing soon."

"Let's prepare." Jon affirmed with a solemn look.

Three days later....

Zipporah kissed Aiden's forehead. They would be apart for a time. The separation would allow her to feel and wield the power of the Dark Side. The thought was enticing yet repugnant. She had vowed to walk between the light and the dark. The idea was easy, but actually doing it? She wasn't so sure.

"Han, I wouldn't ask you to fight, instead defend. Will you watch over my Mother and younger siblings?" Robb questioned from the map table. His eyes were intently staring at the aged smuggler. Zipporah silently thanked the force that Robb had come to that conclusion on his own. Han had seen and been through enough.

Han chuckled, "Heh, I'd be honored."

"Thank you," Robb murmured as his eyes returned to the map. "Maester Luwin will fill you in on the key details. If I'm honest, I want Winterfell on lockdown."

"You won't hear me complain. I'd lock her down too. No telling what's really out there." Han agreed with smirk.

"Aye, Rodrick lock her down. I want discreet look outs."

The older man departed at once to secure the fortress.

You need to prepare too.

Alright. Want me to suit up?

As much as I'd like to say no, yes.

I understand my love.

Zipporah heaved an inner sigh and left to make preparations on her end. Aiden sensed the impending departure. His small hands clung to her garments causing her to pause.

My love, it won't be for long. I won't allow it.

Aiden whimpered and refused to release her. Zipporah held in her frustration. She couldn't blame him for his fear. The force, whirling through the castle, reeked of anger and revenge.

Zipporah easily made it to their room where Grey Wind and Vader sat waiting by the door. Whispering sweet nothings to Aiden, Zipporah laid him on the couple's bed. Vader gingerly jumped up and laid beside the child.

"You will be his protector, Vader." The large shadowcat scooted closer to Aiden who seemed to know that Vader would keep him safe.

Zi knew that the shadowcat would be useful in battle, but her son was more important than a tactic in battle. She was going to have to do bad all by herself.

Knowing that her suit was not dress oriented, she quickly shed her gown and under dress. Grasping her old, more battle friendly underwear, she reveled in feeling free. The gowns and all that went into wearing them was taxing.

Putting on the the all-black battle outfit made her feel like she was moving to the Dark Side. Was the attire meant to be an intimidation tactic or was it her subconscious admission to her loyalty?

Jedi always wore beige, yet here she was, donning an outfit that would have made Kylo Ren content. As she moved, she noted that Sansa had given her the ability to move with ease. The cloth felt strong and sturdy but flexible enough to facilitate battle movements. As she opened her bag, she pulled out her throwing knife set and strapped it onto her thigh. Before she placed her gauntlet and her claw set on, she styled her hair into a high braided Mohawk and painted her face with her remaining make-up.

It took sometime to get it right-she was doing this makeup pattern from memory. Her mind noted that Aiden was fast asleep beside Vader.

Some time later, as she moved away from the mirror, she couldn't help but grin at her appearance. Her makeup had been inspired by the Queens of Naboo, pale face with dark eyes and eye catching lipstick. Once her hair and makeup were done, Zipporah grasped the dual sabers. She wanted to ignite them, but knew it would be too dangerous to do so in their room. She placed the two sabers on her thigh sheaves. They latched in perfectly. As she silently thanked the force for Sansa, she moved to scoop up Aiden. He would need to be given to either sister or Catelyn. She could tell Robb wanted to move out the minute the sun disappeared. In the meantime, once Aiden was in safe hands, Zipporah planned to go to the armory and find more knives and other weapons this world would use in battle.

Vader followed her as did Grey Wind. As she moved through the halls, the workers halted their movements . Their eyes widened. They knew about the rumors of her power and possible connection to the gods of old, but some had their doubts. Until now.

Many immediately dropped to their knees. Zipporah fought the urge to tell them to stop and that she was just preparing to defend them. Word would spread through the North and then to the South. The whisperings would be a useful intimidation tactic.

It was easy to find Catelyn. She was still with Bran who was up and trying to walk around his room. Upon seeing her, Catelyn's eyes widened, but she said nothing. Bran grinned at her and complimented, "You look terrifying. Those Southerners won't know what to think."

"Thanks Bran. That's the idea." Zi replied with a grin. "Milady, would you mind being with Aiden tonight? I fear that he is quite antsy at the feeling of me leaving."

"Of course, Zipporah. I will keep him safe. You need to focus on keeping yourself and Robb safe."

"I promise to do my best." Zipporah's voice was soft and slightly sad.

My son, I love you more than anything. I'm doing this to protect you.

Pressing her lips to his brow, Zi inhaled his scent and committed it to memory. Catelyn gave her a reassuring look, reached for, and took Aiden. The infant's face crumpled for but a moment.

No crying my love. I will not be far away. I will tell you 'goodnight' every night.

Zipporah nodded to her mother and brother in law and silently departed. Her heart darkened at the realization of what leaving Aiden meant. No doubt his uncles, aunts, and grandmother would care for him, but not having either parent around? Zipporah could remember the feeling of when her dad left her with the Resistance. She was cared for, but not by whom she wanted. The absence left her feeling unwanted, and she never wanted her son to feel that way.

Maintaining her silent demeanor, she entered the armory without any objections from her husband's men. She walked passed the archery and assorted air projectiles and headed for the remaining swords or knives. As if the force had known her desire for dual swords and a holster for said swords, her eyes landed on two sleek swords sheathed in a all-black dual back harness. The swords were the same ones she had used to dual Theon in the past. That day felt like it were a century ago. Grinning, she picked up the harness, put it on, and tried various moves to see if it impeded her. Luckily, it did not.

Sensing that it was time, she paced to where she sensed Robb. He had his back to her, but Theon and Jon faced her. Jon's face broke out into a grin, while Theon looked like he had seen the devil himself. Robb noticed the looks on their faces and turned to see what they were distracted by.

His face went slack. Zi could not discern what he was thinking nor was she going to pry.

"Lady Stark, you look ready for battle." Jon complimented.

"You look evil in that get up." Theon muttered as he cast his eyes downward.

"Yeah well, I'm not going out there to make friends, am I? I'm bringing death. It should be terrifying for the Southerners."

Robb remained mute and continued to stare.

If I could, I'd take you right here, right now.

So...looking terrifying is something you like?

I find your war paint to be the most sensual thing I have ever seen.

Zi fought a blush and questioned, "What's the plan?"

Robb quickly found his words, "I'm going to check in with Bran, confirm arrangements with Han, Rodrick, and Luwin. We move out at midnight. No doubt there are Lannister spies out there. I don't want to be seen or heard. We meet our bannermen a little further south, in the cover of forest."

"Okay. Would you like me to scout ahead? I can see and hear farther than the average scout. I can take out the spies."

"With what?" Theon scoffed.

Withdrawing her dual swords, she offered her right up, "Reason" and then her left, "Understanding." Jon chuckled at the names. "Theon, you already met them, remember?" She taunted with an evil grin. Theon replied to the jest with a sour look and silence.

Robb mulled it over and then reluctantly gave his blessing, "You are the best suited. Take what information you can from them. Meet us South with the Umbers. You may leave a trail of bodies for confirmation of spies."

"Absolutely." She smirked.

Be safe.

I will be safe, and I will kill them.

Deciding to show off, she crouched near the castle wall, and then jumped up to the top and then back flipped over it.

"Holy shit." Could loudly be heard from Theon.

Pressing herself against the wall, her eyes swept the grounds around Winterfell. There was little noise around the castle. A slight breeze carried a chill that did not affect her demeanor. She welcomed the breeze, it'd bring her plenty of her eyes, she inhaled the landscape, centered herself, and began her mental search. The spies did not even attempt to hide their thoughts. Many were simply repeating what they were looking for. Grinning to herself, Zipporah began her mission.

The first spy was sitting beside a stack of wood, trying to act like he had just finished a hard day's work. With ease, she circled around to come toward him from behind. Pulling out a throwing knife, she brought the blade to his throat, whispered, "Winter is coming,"and slit his throat. No noise sounded from the man. It was a silent, clean kill. One down, many more to come.

It was intriguing to her that these men did not have any useful information, other than the twat was paying them handsomely. Some felt torn; others felt a twisted satisfaction at attempting to take down House Stark. Those, who were apprehensive, were given mercy and killed quickly; the opposite happened to the nefarious spies.

The moon was at its highest peak when she killed the last spy. Her hearing picked up the sounds of Small Jon Umber commanding his men.

She stalked to the men, but before approaching them, she climbed into the trees and perched herself with a view of Robb's bannermen. The men were sharpening their swords and darkening their faces with mud and other substances.

Sounds, coming from the North, told her that Robb was near. She'd rather wait for him than make herself known to them. The tree gave her an excellent vantage point. She sensed no spies or men with ill intent near. Finally, she would receive a break from killing.

Hoof and boot beats echoed through the forest. Robb, Jon, and Theon came into view. Zipporah marveled at how grown up Robb looked. It was strange to see him so serious, without his normal glimmer of mischief.

"Aye, Lord Stark, so serious." Greatjon Umber teased with a chuckle.

"My father is in prison. My brother was nearly murdered, and my wife and mother were attacked. I'm serious about ridding the realm of House Lannister."

"Aye. Your men hear you and stand by you." The She-Bear affirmed.

"Thank you. Have you seen my wife? She was supposed to meet us here. She left us a trail of bodies to find."

"Bodies?" Lord Bolton questioned with a raised brow.

"Aye, Lannister spies."

"She killed them?" Lord Bolton's son pressed.

Thud. The men looked over to see her crouched.

"Yeah, I killed them." She smirked at them.

"How long have you been up there?" Jon asked with interest.

"Long enough to see far ahead and know that there isn't a Lannister sympathizer for miles."