Golden Winter || Robb Stark [on hold]

Chapter VI

VI. Farewell Winterfell

Despite it being the late hours, Reau tightened the saddle and reigns on her horse. Her grey horse which she had now decided to name Sambrar which meant fog in Valyrian.

She was to ride with her father up until they reached a place to set up for camp. Since they were moving south, she made sure to lessen her load because despite it being cold, it will only get warmer.

Of course, she wouldn't forget her sword, strapping it in as well. Who knows? She might need it, after all, they were heading to a war.

As she fastened the last of her bags, she felt a small body crash into her, making her falter. She turned around to see Rickon in his bed clothes.

"Aren't you supposed to be in bed, little one?" Reau asked, kneeling down to his height, smiling slightly at his rumpled state.

Meeting the two youngest Stark brothers was a bit of fun for her. After all, she didn't grow up with any siblings except for Fauna who she counted as a sister, not a brother.

She had never met Domeric Bolton and Ramsay, she will never see him as a caring brother so meeting Bran and Rickon was a bit different since she barely had experience with children.

"Don't go, Reau! Please don't go!" Rickon begged, wrapping his arms around Reau's neck.

Even though he had just met her, he had already grown attached since he was always lonely with Robb going to war, Bran in bed and his other siblings far away.

"I have to, Rickon. I have to accompany my father and make sure he stays safe. Also your brother." Reau added with her arms wrapped around his tiny form, a blush creeping into her cheeks as she thought of Robb.

"Robb is strong, he can take care of himself. Stay here with me and Bran so you can tell us stories everyday. About Braavos and merlings. Please." Rickon begs, making his eyes wide and his lips quiver.

Reau almost cooed at how cute Rickon was. She sighed in response, not wanting to make him cry but also wanting to say goodbye.

"Come now, Rickon. Let Lady Bolton get ready." A voice said, making the two turn around to see Robb watching the encounter.

"Robb! Please let Reau stay!" Rickon pleaded with him, his arms still around Reau.

Reau met Robb's apologetic gaze, only smiling at him to tell him that it was alright.

"Rickon, your brother is heading South so that he can bring back your father and sisters home. He will need all the help he can get. As for you, your job is to stay here so that you can help Bran and continue your lessons." She explained to the little boy, leaning back to meet his eyes.

"But what if you don't come back?" Rickon asked both Robb and Reau.

"I promise you that we will and when we do, father, mother, Sansa and Arya will be with us. All of us together again, just like before." Robb answered, placing his hand on Rickon's head to ruffle his curls.

"And of course, I will have to come back to finish your Braavosi lessons." Reau added, making the little boy smile.

Rickon finally let go of Reau's neck, finally understanding that he cannot stop her from going but now he was filled with hope that he will see his whole family again.

"Goodbye Rickon. It was a pleasure to meet you, little one. Now, I believe it's time for you to say goodbye to your brother." Reau said, standing up and giving the little boy one last hug before leading her horse away.

She couldn't help but worry about what Rickon said. What if they wouldn't succeed? What if they won't come back?

What will happen when the North loses to the South?

{~~~~~~}

"You like Reau, don't you?" Rickon asked his big brother as he stared up at him.

"Of course I do. She's very...friendly." Robb replied, not knowing how to describe her despite many words flooding into his head.

Beautiful. Kind. Sweet. Golden.

"I meant, do you love her? She has a very nice face." Rickon agreed, making Robb look down at him, smirking.

"I think you like her." Robb answered, amused that his little brother had a bit of a crush even though it was on Reau. The girl he had yet to figure out, although he wasn't sure if he ever could.

Rickon only giggled in reply as Robb hugged him.

"Goodbye Robb. Keep your promise, alright?" Rickon said, his little arms squeezing Robb hard.

"I will. Know that I'm doing this for our family." Robb said, relishing the feeling of his youngest brother in his arms, knowing that this will be the last hug they will have for the longest time.

"Keep Reau safe too."

Robb laughed lightly, his chest filling with a bit of glee.

"I promise I will."

~~~

After saying his final goodbyes, Robb headed to the front but he found himself stopping as he saw Reau once again.

With no reason at all, he found himself going to her direction, stopping once he was in front of her.

"Thank you, Lady Bolton." Robb thanked her.

"For what, Lord Stark?" Reau asked, confused on what he is thanking her for.

"For your help with my brother, my lady. I truly appreciate what you did and please, call me Robb. You don't have to be formal with me." He said, watching as she looked down shyly.

He couldn't help but look at how her eyes glowed like molten gold even though it was dark.

"It was nothing, Robb. Then you must call me Reau. It's only fair." She replied, smiling at him.

"Alright then, Reau. I will be heading to lead the men but I will be seeing you at the camp, won't I?" He couldn't help but ask, his heart beating wildly at the sound of his name coming from her lips.

"We'll see." That was her only reply before she left to go to her father's side.

How could such simple words affect him so much?