"So what you're proposing is a faux attack?" Victoria voice was surprised at the proposal Robb had just told her.

"Exactly," Lord Umber nodded. He has grown a bit more comfortable with the brunette since the first meeting and was one of the few who now actually acknowledged her whenever she came to the meetings, which was more often then not. "We send the men in, let the Lannisters think they've won and seize the real prize."

"Which would potentially be Jamie Lannisters army?" She finished off the rest of the statement as her eyes looked over the war map. "And let 2000 men die for nothing?"

"For an advantage, my Lady," Ser Roderick intervened.

"They won't know that will they now?" Victoria retorted and then when she noticed how See Marcos eyed her as if to calm herself she decided to breath a deep sigh. "Look, I'm not against the plan I just think if we are going to let men die, then they might as well just die for something more then an advantage."

"So what are you proposing." Robb added. "Should we kill the Lannister army and take Jamie as prisoner."

Victoria blinked at him as the idea blossomed in her thoughts and then seemed to transfer over to Robb who's scowl began to morph in triumph. The Lords around them slowly began to belt out a low laugh as the Lady's grin was showcased.

"Take Jamie Lannister, and we parade him around Westeros like the majestic Lion he is." Victoria bellowed and the Lords quickly agreed with a cheer.

|•|•|•|•|

"Would you like to pray?" Catelyn Stark sat in the tent with Victoria Valiente, both holding hands as the silence clung to their tent. They were in the war tent alongside their maids and knights, both too jittery to sit still and equally worried to talk.

"I'm afraid praying won't stop me from paranoia, my lady," Victoria spoke back softly, squeezing the Northern Lady's hand and standing. She began to pace as her stomach revolted and continued to drop. Pregnancy and war did not mix well, especially when the leader was the father of your child. Her hand pressed against her stomach as she did her best to ignore the feeling and Elaine stood a little straighter in her seat as if ready to jump into action.

"You're looking quite pale, my sweetling. Are you feeling ill?" Catelyn stood and began to approach the brunette who suddenly felt her stomach worsen and she turned towards the exit.

"I think I'll take some air." Victoria spoke and walked out with a quickness that left only Elaine to follow her.

She managed to make it past the crowds and towards the edge of the forrest in which she vomited the contents of her first meal. She threw up until her stomach could no longer heave anything else and then happily grasped the cloth that Elaine handed her, sliding against another tree with long sighs.

Elaine bent down, "you cannot afford to worry this much, not with the child."

Victoria waved her off, attempting to enjoy the peace that overcame here. "Oh Elle, tell me that when the love of your life is out on that battlefield."

Elaine smirked, "I don't think that will happen for me. I have you to think about."

"Trust in me, my sweet Elle, one day you'll be completely dumbfounded how in love you are with a fool and hopefully you'll be smarter then I am right now." Victoria cradled her small bump. "And then you'll be even more surprised at how much love you have for someone who's not even here yet."

The crunching of feet startled them both and the two turned to find Lady Catelyn standing there, shock written across her face as she had clearly heard every word and out more then enough of the evidence together.

Victoria dropped her hands and immediately began to lift herself, scrambling to stand, "my lady, I can explain—"

Elaine helped her stand the rest of the way up as Catelyn walked the rest of the steps forward so she could look her sons betrothed in the eyes. "Victoria, I will ask you once— do not lie to me. Are you pregnant?"

Victoria did want to lie, and it felt like the right decision but with the immense amount of pressure on her shoulders she suddenly wanted to spill her truths. There was so much she had hidden, so much she felt like a mother could only help her with and if she was honest Catelyn Stark was the closest she had to one. Tears pricked her eyes and she placed her hand on her growing tummy, "it's true, I'm pregnant."

Catelyn drew out a loud breath, she had her suspicions that something was wrong but pregnancy had been the last of her worries. She looked down and immediately took notice of the bump, any mother could have clearly seen the protruding skin just under the navy colored dress. She looked back to Victoria's face and hesitated to ask her next, "is it—"

Victoria sobbed softly and nodded her head, "it's Robb's! It's Robb's and he has no idea!"

Catelyn pulled the young girl into her arms and allowed her to cry as the problem set into her mind. Her son was a father to be with a girl who was also to betrothed too, in the midst of a war, and while the two were still cluelessly attempting to figure out their feelings for each other. She had known since both had grown into their bodies the immediate attraction they felt for each other but she had never known them to be intimate. If she was honest with herself their had been rumors but she'd never thought them to be true. Robb had raised to be honorable and Victoria had always been a proper lady.

Victoria was sobbing and Catelyn felt her heart sank the longer her daughter to be sobbed and held her with an iron grip.

"Oh my sweet child, how could you not tell him, or me for that matter." Catelyn asked softly as despite her slight anger she knew there was no longer a point to it. What was done was done.

"I wanted too but our fathers were captured and then we went to war! When was I suppose to tell him this when his mind is concentrated on war." Victoria swallowed her sobs and pulled back to look at Catelyn. "I fear he may grow angry with me now that I've kept it this long— I have no clue what to do."

Catelyn understood her worries and she partly could see where she came from, Ned had been gone for most of her pregnancy with Robb and while she was already married the prospect of giving birth alone did terrify her. Still, Catelyn knew she needed to encourage the young girl to be strong. "Victoria you must listen to me."

Victoria swallowed her last sob and nodded her head, showing that she was ready to head her out.

"You have to tell Robb before it's too late, my grandchild will not be born a bastard, and you will not be branded a whore. Yes, this could have been easily prevented but the time has come and gone for excuse. You must tell him soon, and you will get married before this war is over." Catelyn cradled the brunettes head and wiped away her tears. "Do you think you can do that? Do you think you can be brave enough?"

Victoria nodded and bit her bottom lip, "I'm terrified, Catelyn."

"I know, I am too but there is no room for fear now. You must be brave now for this child, Robb or not you will be the one protecting them." Her eyes softened a tad, and she could almost see how similar Lady Stark's and Robb's brilliant blue were. Catelyn softened her hold on Victoria. "My grandchild will be loved and born to be the rightful heir, but first you must tell the father. The war will be there, Robb must know now."

Victoria nods and shuts her eyes, repressing every emotion she had just let out until finally she can breathe normally and her tears are no more. "Robb must know."' She repeats to herself like a silent mantra and finally agrees on something.

Catelyn looks to the silent handmaid who looks nearly ashamed at herself. "Elaine, take Lady Valiente to her tent, clean her up." She then looks down to the pregnant girl and admits, "I had come to see if you wished to ride near the Trident in hopes we'd see Robb or his men coming back but in your condition that's not advisable. I'll be gone shortly, try to plan out how you may tell Robb."

Victoria nodded despite her heart sinking, she wanted to attend but knew it was not right for her. After a moment she notices how Catelyn's eyes trail from her face to her small swelling stomach, and her hands twitch to touch. She places a hand atop her belly, "it's quite alright if you'd like too— I enjoy it."

Catelyn nods and hesitantly touches where her grandchild grows, finding herself overwhelmed with joy she presses down a bit more and smiles. "Robb will love this child, just like we do already."

|•|•|•|•|

Ser Marcos stands outside the tent of his Lady, patiently observing as the near empty camp grounds no longer echo the sounds of war. It seemed like the battle was over and now he patiently waited to see which flag would rise back to their camp. He had the horses saddles ready to go, and now he simply awaited the young maid to come out. He held a sack in his hand as well, twisting and untwisting the knot in it as he wished to show the Dornish lady what was in it.

"You can come in," Elaine opened the flap slightly to speak to the knight who came in immediaately. He found Elaine walking towards the brunette who sat upon a small chair, her eyes focusing on anything but him.

"My lady, is everything alright?" He questioned softly, watching as her hand smoothed her bump.

"For now? Yes, although they could change depending on the outcome of this battle." She said anxiously. Lady Catelyn had left her and time now seemed to elongate as she awaited the Starks return. Her eyes travelled from the darkness of her tent to the knight and noticed the brown sack in his hand. "Is there something you'd like to speak about?"

Marcos noticed how her eyes had gone to his gift and he swallowed thickly, lifting it to full view. "I've brought you both a gift, something I managed to win off a few of the banner men?"

Victoria sat straighter, now intrigued by what he'd brought and her once crestfallen expression dropped with curiosity. "You're not conning the northerners again are you Ser Marcos?"

The blue eyes of the knight looked up to her with slight mischief and she could only smirk back as they both knew the answer. "No more then they tried to do the same to me."

Elaine looked between them with confusion. Sometimes it was quite hard to interpret the two, and other times they were forthcoming with their silent talks. Elaine knew her and Victoria did it sometimes as well but with Trout it was their preferred method of communication. She still had a lot to learn from the two.

He set the sack on the table and began rifling through it before pulling out to small blades, they were shape and glistened in the light of the fire. Both with black handles and matching leather holsters he twirled them in his fists and then turned them to the two women. "I won them off two idiots. Figured they'd serve you two better then me."

Victoria rose a brow and then slowly turned her head to meet Elaine's shocked expression. The two quickly shared a what in seven hells is he thinking look before turning their gaze to the knight. The brunette the first to speak, "I would thank you had I any idea what this was for."

"I have to agree with Victoria here," Elaine muttered as well but reached out and took the blade. She held it delicately and pointed it away from anyone, taking notice of the intricate design on the sides.

"Well in short, one can never be too safe with war." He flips so the handle is on display and now Victoria can get a full look of its detail.

The small panther etched into the wooden handle is gorgeous and easily identifiable as the sigil of her house. She smiles at this, and her eyes twinkle with bright happiness as she looks at her sworn knight, "as concerned as I am with your words I must admit, it's beautiful."

Elaine also notices how her own has the panther etched into the black handle and nods with happiness to the knight. She'd assumed Ser Marcos only ever acknowledged her presence because she was always around the Lady but this just proved to her that he at least cared for her, even a small portion.

"I won both of them, and while a Knight could always use more weapons I thought it be better for the two of you. The symbol represents your house, my lady, and now the one you belong to Ms. Elaine. I also managed to barter with one of the soldiers to etch it into the wood." He explained and his normally dull blue eyes were eccentric as he spoke about what he was best at. Victoria smiled at him as did Elaine and the two combined seemed to slightly fluster the normally smooth man who ducked his eyes and cleared his throat. "Yes well, like I said, ladies like yourselves can never be too careful in times of war."

"Where will we keep them?" Elaine softly joked but already seemed fond of her personal weapon.

"They came with holsters that I did my best to fix as well, they go wrapped around the ankle, perfect for a lady to conceal under her gowns." See Marcos showcased, brining out the soft leather strapped that would no doubt be convenient for both women.

Victoria smiled and grabbed the two pieces in her hands, clasping her palm around the knights hand as he passed it to her. "You're too good to me, Ser Marcos. I could never repay me."

Marcos swallowed thickly as he retreated his hand and his heart panted, admitting the one thing that would make him happy. "You'll repay me by staying alive, my lady, too many Dornish women have died traveling north. You will not be next."

|•|•|•|•

If the horns of approaching men did not send her heart into a tailspin then the sounds of laughter certainly did.

It was nearing twilight when the sounds came across her ears and no sooner had she looked to her maids did she begin to run out the door and into the open grounds. She was stupid, for that she was quite certain as the men could have very well been those of the Lannister's looking to sack the camp and kill the rest of Robb's men but that did not stop her. Deep down she knew that it was her love returning, the father of the love child that blossomed in her stomach had returned safe and sound. And in short she threw caution to the wind, ignoring the yells of Ser Marcos and Elaine or the trampling of feet that attempted to keep up she ran right to the open field.

The banners of the Starks came crashing from the woods first, and a quick breath was drawn from her as she took the site in.

And then she saw him, bloodied and dirt clung to his heavy armor. Auburn curls were now murky with mud but the bright blue of his eyes could never be shaken, and certainly not when he found Victoria waiting for him.

Robb immediately got off his horse when he neared her, noticing how her lips were pressing together just like her hands, containing the emotions that wished to escape. He was quick to jump off his horse and look at her, awaiting her next moves.

Victoria felt frozen to the ground for a moment, watching as her champion came through the woods and only stopped for her. His eyes never left her own, not even to get off his horse and when his lips lifted in a smile did she know everything was alright, and for once she felt optimism arise.

She laughed and ran straight for him, careful not to run too hard into his embrace she hugged Robb and pressed into his cold armor. With a tenderness Robb picked her up, Victoria couldn't help herself and despite the eyes upon them she had too, she just needed too.

She shut her eyes and kissed him in front of his bannermen, in front of Lady Stark and all the judging eyes she kissed him with pride and allowed herself to feel elated.

"You're back, you're back," she whispered against his lips.

Robb pulled back and smiled, "I told you I'd come back home."

He set her down and amongst her happiness she saw Lady Stark, eyeing her and nodding, as if to remind her of just what she now needed to do. Her throat tightened and her hand unconsciously went to her waist but before she could say a thing a body was dropped near her feet, one with golden hair.

Jamie Lannister groaned, squirming his body as the mighty lion was reduced to a trouble load. He took in his surroundings and noticed the gown beside his head, as his eyes travelled up he was met with quite a surprise.

"Lady Valiente, you are a sight in troubled times." He wittily said as the brunette nostrils flared and was blocked by Robb who pressed her away.

"Take him to his new cell, make sure it's fit for a lion." Robb mockingly ordered his men, all the while the two southerners couldn't seem to leave each other's eyesight.

Victoria watched as they took him away, "once they've got him settled in I'd like to talk to him."

Robb snapped his neck in her direction, noticing her tone drop to the one she'd spoken with in the past. "What?"

"The Lannister and I have some unfinished business."

|•|•|•|

The Valiente Panther walked until the sounds of the men celebrating lessened and the only indication she was on the right path was the light of the fires that led her directly to the disgraced lion, licking his wounds and observing her nature. Her Knight and handmaid has stayed back, and as much as they'd opposed all it had taken was a lasting look of doom from their Lady to silence their rebellion.

There was two guards beside his cell, both silent as they observed her come up. "If you could leave us, I won't be long."

The bannermen looked at one another as if to decide who would take the first steps and when the Lady huffed they promptly walked out of the way.

"Lady Valiente, your wedding isn't quite as glamorous as I'd hoped." Jamie Lannister bitter joke was met with silence. He was quite surprised to say the least, there was no knight in her shadow and no Stark boy by her side even the maid had missed this, she had come alone.

"No, but it is a celebration none the less," she retorted and took a few steps closer, although she was smart enough not to get to close. "The Lion has been trapped by the young wolf, quite a disgrace."

Jamie dodged her mockery and tilted his head, despite his current predicament he knew that they could not harm him any further otherwise the young Stark cubs would be paying. "And the lion has deprived his cousin the panther of her right to marriage."

Victoria's eyes went cold, the way Cersei's would when she was filled with hate. He thought it quite peculiar how the two shared this trait and supposed it may have been the way of the lioness but nonetheless he had her. Her fists tightened with rage and Jamie impatiently awaited what would no doubt be a startling response. She stood a little straighter as she spoke, chest puffing like she would attack. "The wedding has been delayed because of me, not Lord Stark, to have all the lions in the same cage would be quite the entertainment, don't you think?"

She was threatening him, good, he thought, it meant she was fearless. Lady Valiente had struck him as so naive the first time they'd met, she was a small cub protected by her family and friends, the months had changed her though. She was no longer the depraved cub, she was a terror now.

Jamie smirked at her, a sign that despite her words he had optimism. "Quite a peculiar site, seeing you walk out by yourself. No Knight to protect you, the young wolf seems to have left your side, and not even the pretty little blonde has followed you. You're brave."

Victoria sneered at him and went to respond with a catty remark and Elaine suddenly appeared. She looked breathless as clearly she had been running and immediately walked over towards the Lady. Jamie watched as the blonde did not even blink in his direction as she cupped her hand over the brunettes ear and her lips before whispering something very short.

Victoria's dark eyes went from curious to narrowed and her lips turned into a smirk as she nodded and looked to the Lannister. "My troops are here, they've just reached our camp and are ready to wage war with the rest of your clan, soon enough you won't be the only Lannister trapped."

She walked off, leaving Jamie Lannister to watch until the darkness swallowed her whole.

|•|•|•|•|

The banners of House Valiente stood tall amongst the crowd of northerners and as their lady neared the Dornish soldiers grew quiet.

"My Lady, we've been expecting you." Ser Marcos walked behind her immediately after she'd walked out of the woods, falling in step behind Elaine who couldn't keep her eyes off the men. She knew her Lady was powerful, she knew her name sent silence through the crowds and respect to be sought after but this was the first time her power had actually come into full force.

The blonde handmaidens eyes went from each soldier, noticing how devoted each looked to the Lady of their house. The canary yellow of House Valiente stood out amongst the Northern colors in a sort of impenetrable kind of way. They were the lightning that struck in murky skies, the stroke of power that reminded mortals of what true fear could be punished. And at the center was the Lord Commander, a handsome younger man with a slightly crooked nose and dashing good looks yet they all just seemed to be a front as the nose detailed a man more dangerous then most could assume, Elaine swallowed thickly at the idea.

Robb stood off to the side, watching as his intended did not spare him a glance when she walked by. The Lord Commander of her army had not spoken to him just yet and although he was slightly annoyed over this sign of disrespect he also knew that the  Commander was likely awaiting the orders of the lady of his house. Ser Marcos had been the only one to speak and then had asked the small Elaine to run after Victoria. Ser Marcos hadn't said much either and had found his step beside the Valiente army. He no longer stood out with his black armor and specks of yellow, now he seemed part of the force.

Victoria had arrived after the awkward silence and now people watched in slight amazement as a women took command. Her head was high and she seemed to have found something in her talk with Jamie Lannister, like authority had truly been supplemented.

The Commander of the army dropped to his knee in front of the Lady, a sign of respect. The entire army of 6,000 fell to their knees as well and the northerners were slightly stunned at their uniform manner.

"My Lady," Commander Monterroso spoke proudly to the young brunette who he owed his life too. The Commander could still remember the day she had pleaded with her father to spare his life, and while it seemed that Lord Valiente was a stern man, he had relaxed the moment she had spoken to him with her child voice. Her voice back then had been squeaky, like a mouse she could have nearly passed for one as she was a short child as well but in that moment she had spoken with force. Her father had asked her why she wished to spare the life of a pirate and the girl had merely innocently answered that he had kind eyes, something pirates were not known for. Lord Valiente hadn't been able to argue with her after that and had warned the bandit that he would be spared but he would be under heavy scrutiny. And now because of a young child's silly observation, his family had lands, his name meant honor, and he had the privilege to fight for the young girl who had gained the courage to save him.

That had been over 15 years ago and now the same little girl was now a strong women, with beauty, grace, and a powerful name to back her. Even now in her slightly dirty garbs and nervous breaths she spoke with confidence, "Lord Commander Monterroso, I hope the travels went well."

"Ran into a few hiccups, my lady, nothing too terrible however." He remarked with honesty and looked up to see she was smiling at his words.

"Good, now rise so we can take care of the rest of the bloody Lannisters." She spoke with joy and then looked to the men behind him who had also taken a quick knee and then stood with their Commander. "I thank you men for coming when called, my father and I are proud to call you Valiente men."

"I can assure you, my lady, we are all here because we owe more then our lives to your family." Commander Monterroso spoke proudly. His smile soon faded as a cluster of men approached them all and by the auburn curls rested atop his head he guessed this was Victoria's intended. Lord Valiente had spoken about the family to him once upon a time and by the entitled walk Robb Stark, as his old friend Marcos Trout had wrote to him, he managed to guess. Despite his obvious hesitance he was respectful and stood straight, lips pressed together.

Victoria turned to find Robb, Catelyn, Lord Manderly, Lord Bolton, Lord Umber, and even Lord Karstark were approaching her army. Their usual stern faces were present but she could see a hint of amazement in her eyes and she internally cheered to see them even slightly amazed at the power her house had.

"Lord Stark," she bowed to show respect even though silently she rolled her eyes at the audacious manner. The Northerners however would have never forgiven her if she did not show respect so she cleared her throat and began proper introductions. "My Lords, I have the pleasure to introduce some of the finest warriors under the Dornish sun and leading them Lord Commander Monterroso. I do hope we all get along for the sake of our common goal here."

|•|•|•|•|

I think we all know what happens next... also Catelyn knows now yikessss