LIONS AND WOLVES | Robb Stark

03. Among Wolves 𓃬

SHE FELT LIKE AN OUTSIDER.

Being amongst the Northern houses was a strange experience, for Joanna had rarely spent much time here and was not accustomed to their daily lives. They did things very differently in the North compared to the South and if it weren't for Alden and Alayna sticking by her, she would have been out of her depths. They introduced her to the Lords that were camping with them and showed her around, making sure the men were familiar with her face and knew not to try anything with her.

The weather was another factor that Joanna hadn't accounted for. King's Landing was rarely cold and enjoyed warm winters and even warmer summers. The cold in the North was difficult to get used to because it crept through your clothes and lingered like a bad smell.

She was sitting before the fire in the tent she was sharing with Alayna, a cloak wrapped around her shoulders in an effort to warm up. The sun was setting outside and the sky was just beginning to turn dark when Robb walked into the tent. He couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Joanna, huddled beneath her cloak with her hands outstretched towards the flames.

"You always were a baby when it came to the cold," he said.

"Have you considered I'm a southerner?" Joanna asked. "It's a lot colder than where I come from, but the people are a lot warmer if you know what I mean?"

People in the capital were so focussed on themselves. There was a climate of selfishness that came from seeking positions of power within the royal household, but here everybody was on the same level to some degree. People seemed friendlier, chatting and laughing around campfires and interacting with Joanna like she wasn't set apart from them because of her blood.

"I do know what you mean," Robb said, holding out another cloak that was draped over his arm. "Here, this one should be a lot warmer than the one you're wearing."

Getting to her feet, Joanna shrugged off her old cloak and took the one that Robb handed to her. It must have been one of his own, because when she put it on it was significantly bigger on her than her old one. Regardless, it was definitely a lot warmer and had a bit more weight to it.

"Thank you," she said. Robb stepped closer and helped her fasten the buckles. "Does this mean we're married now? You cloaking me like this?" 

"If you want to marry me, Jo, all you have to do is ask," Robb teased.

"I think it's the other way around," she volleyed back. "But come on, I know you didn't come here just to offer me another cloak. That was a preface for something else. What?"

Robb rolled his eyes. "Can I not just do something nice for a friend?"

"No." Joanna pointed at him. "Tell me what you're here for."

"I'm summoning the lords to discuss our next steps, and I'd like for you to be there."

"Me?" Joanna asked, blanching. "Why me?"

"Because you know the Lannisters better than we do," Robb replied. "And having you there with me will show everyone that we're on the same side."

Joanna nodded. "Alright, but you're absolutely certain none of these northern lords are going to try and lop my head off?"

Robb chuckled. "Not if I have anything to say about it."

"Good, because I'm quite attached to my head," Joanna said. "Although if someone wants to take a crack at the Lannisters, I suppose I'm the easiest target to-"

"Jo, you'll be fine," Robb said, chuckling. "Come on, My Lady."

"Please, Robb, we've known one another too long for you to call me anything formal," Joanna said, laughing as she took Robb's hand and he helped her to her feet.