A Bleak Future - TOS AU

[kingofthenorth]

It had been years spent in the Nysgod world. Robb still questioned what his own Gods' reasoning was for him, but his faith was becoming thinner and thinner by the day. He had become hardened here, retreating back to his training as a king and burying his emotions under layers and layers of stoicism and suppression.

There had been many changes in scenery, being pulled around like pawns of the Nsygods until there was a war no one could prevent or end. Robb had hoped bloodshed would be put behind him since leaving Westeros, leaving him bitter and angry about war, which was only made worse when he lost Talisa.... again.

Whatever had happened at the Frey wedding made her unable to ever bear children, he imagined the scars were too deep within her womb, which only became worse as time went by and little Eddard was never be held in each others arms. Robb had accepted that and made peace on his own terms for it, though it ate away at Talisa. She too became more hardened, disciplined, and dedicated to her healing abilities thanks to advancing technology and the lessons taught from others. That's why it didn't surprise him that she died doing what she knew and loved best: caring for others. That was also the day Robb Stark stopped smiling completely.

There was intermittent peace every now and then, but it didn't last long until another skirmish popped up, inflicting more conflict. Days ticked by into years to where most of the candidates were now spread apart with little communication beyond underground transmissions late at night through a radio.

There were a few allies still left, ones Robb would do anything to protect, and that included Margaery, who now stayed by his side and equally capable of defending herself when the time came. They all had to know this if they were going to continue to survive.

Sitting outside in the small makeshift home they had built together Robb was finishing sharpening his sword when he looked over to Margaery, as if having a thought suddenly strike him, "Today is my name day." Funny, how after all this time he'd still remember this. Surprisingly, the calendar was similar to that they knew back home. "It's my 30th name day..." At least he could be pleased to know there was a pause in battles at the time being.

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[thekittenqueen]

She looked up from her washing, surprised by Robb's comment. It had slipped her mind completely, the days lost in the endless skirmishes and danger that seemed to find them. Safety and necessity had prompted her to remain with Robb, though it was difficult to ever forget what they shared together once.

The many years under the Nysgod and the many pains and losses had changed her as well. She was no longer bubbly or outgoing. She was just as stoic, just as quiet. Though her patience and understanding remained.

While Robb retreated to his former training as King, Margaery worked endlessly about their house and her understanding of archery. Little Robb remained at her side, no longer little, but a fully grown dog. His skills in hunting and guarding invaluable now.

He seemed to perk up when Robb spoke, wagging his tail as it thumped against the wash tub.

"Perhaps we should celebrate?" Margaery suggested, wiping the sweat from her brow.

[kingofthenorth]

Robb bent down, patting the dog's head, gray now marking his muzzle. It was a surprise that he had made it this far, but it stood as a testimony if he could, so could Robb and Margaery.

Glancing over to her, he watches her movements quietly before replying, "Perhaps a walk later," He lingers a moment before asking quietly, "Do you think you could make a lemon cake?" They were really Sansa's favorite treat, his had always been a tart, but it was probably easier to make the other. He had tried not to think about Westeros, now realizing his memories of the paths in the woods were fading or even the castle itself.

He barely even remembered the sound of his own parents' voices now.

I hope you don't mind. I've been picturing a deserted desert region

[thekittenqueen]

She nodded, laying the wet laundry she had finished flat on the line. The wind was picking up and a storm would be coming in soon. They would need to walk before evening, allowing them the last bit of sunlight as the dark clouds gathered closer.

"I will," Margaery promised, glancing out across the landscape. The dust covered horizon, whipping up as the wind increased. They were so isolated and alone, far from the others and miles away from any town. It was only the two of them. Sometimes she could forget there was any other life or that she was once Queen. She had given up on those dreams long ago.

"We will need to bolt the shutters." She said, returning to thoughts of the coming gale.

Not at all! That is perfectly fine!

[kingofthenorth]

Robb nodded, also looking out across the landscape to watch the wind. "I'll do it now." Before it got too difficult and where they both be struggling to keep everything together. Their house was small, but built by their own hands and was quaint enough for them to live comfortably for the two of them.

It took Robb a half hour's time to make sure everything was secure, and by then the wind had picked up more. "Let's go for a little bit." Because they still had enough time before things got worse.

[thekittenqueen]

She wrapped her shawl about her shoulders, giving a low whistle for Little Robb to follow her. The wind was growing fierce and her hair whipped behind her, brushing lightly against her neck as it tickled her skin.

"Happy name day," she murmured to him, turning to meet his eyes. "Do you think we could make it a good evening for you?"

[kingofthenorth]

"Any evening is good when we're still alive." Perhaps it was a bleak way of looking at things, and he shakes his head, "Yes, if this storm allows us one."

They had grown accustomed to these storms, and it was a wonder anything grew on this land at all, but somehow they managed. The power might go off for a little bit, the storm would blow over, and Robb would kick the generator back on and things would resume as they were. At least that's typically what happened.

[thekittenqueen]

His words were bleak and painful, but sadly, they were true. She looked down at the ground, nodding at the statement. There had been so often that they had believed that they wouldn't survive. Somehow, they pulled through. Together.

"We should build a fire tonight."

[kingofthenorth]

"Aye." He had a large stock pile of chopped wood being stored in the back of the house, roped together so it wouldn't blow away. The air was already cool, but it was difficult to determine given the rising winds.

There is some low grassy sand dunes they walk through, a particular path they knew with their eyes closed, before making full circle and coming back to the house where Robb immediately set to work on the shutters.

"It won't take me long!" He promised Margaery.

[thekittenqueen]

She retired into the house with Little Robb. Finding his favorite place near the hearth, he curled into his old blanket, well worn and tattered from use. She had mended it several times over, but the threads were becoming brittle and weak. There was only so long that they would last under his weight and activity.

While Robb focused on the shutters, Margaery set to work on his lemon cake. Fortunately, they had the supplies after a recent excursion to collect the necessities earlier that week. It would last them for over a few months with any luck.

She could hear the wind picking up in speed as she placed the cake in the oven, cleaning up the excess mess on the counters. It was near time for the storm.

[kingofthenorth]

Robb came into the kitchen while Margaery was mixing all the ingredients. Unable to help himself, he dips his finger along the edge of the bowl just before she runs water to clean it.

Licking the batter from his finger, there was a hint of a very rare smile in the corners of his lips to her. "It's going to be good."

The shutters rattled as the wind picked up, and Robb paused a moment, listening. He was confident they would be fine; he had batten them down several times. Giving her arm a squeeze he moved to go change his clothes.

[thekittenqueen]

He still managed to garner a reaction out of her from the slightest of touches. The moment he squeezed her arm, she felt herself intake a sharp breath. It was like electricity, even after all of these years.

She pretended as though she made no such noise, focusing intently on cleaning so that he would not assume there was something wrong. But the moment he left the room, she placed her hand on her brow and trembled against the counter.

The rumbling of thunder approached closer, lightening flashes appearing through the cracks in the shutters, rattling the house. Little Robb whined from his place on the floor. Margaery moved to his side, stroking his ears as she let the fire warm her. Somehow, she felt so cold.

[kingofthenorth]

Robb reappears and finds the two on the floor near the fire. "You look in a sorry state." He commented, unsure if it was directed at the dog or her. Little Robb never seemed to ever grow accustomed to the weather here, which he had to sort of agree.

Joining them on the floor, Robb rubs on the dog's back, now looking over to Margaery. "You're thinking about something." He knew that stern look, though they both often shared it these days.

[thekittenqueen]

"I am," she said, glancing into the fire as she watched the log snap. He always could read her well. After all of these years, he knew the every curve and tic of her face. What she was thinking, what she was afraid of, and how she was feeling.

There was little stopping him from seeing now that she was thinking of him. A small waver of desire still lingering in her heart. It was inappropriate, but it couldn't be removed and remained still since their first night together on the ship.

[kingofthenorth]

"Do you... want to talk about it?" He didn't want to pressure her, though knew over time she'd open up. They had been with each other for too long, and have already eased into each other's habits and lifestyle.

It had been close to three years since Talisa's death, and although Robb retreated into himself for a long time, it was Margaery who brought him back out and encouraged him to keep moving. Naturally, there was appreciation towards her for the fact, but he had started seeing her in other ways beyond companionship. He never voiced it, though, never sure when it'd be a good thing to bring up given their history.

He knew that he had hurt her when Talisa came into the Nysgod world reuniting them once again after their gruesome deaths. They were both in a world they didn't understand and began sharing parts of themselves to each other, and even though things might have been taken too far, he never regretted it. To this day, so many years later, he's beyond thankful for Margaery.

[thekittenqueen]

"I wouldn't know what to say," she murmured, placing her shawl around Little Robb. It always seemed to soothe him during the terrible storms, wrapping him in her familiar scent. Even if he could no longer be snuggled beneath the layers. He was far too big now.

Margaery looked up at him, still feeling that familiar ache. He had broken her heart when he had left her, after Talisa had returned. Her body had been given to him and he had gone back to his wife, disregarding her own honor and her feelings which had been offered to him.

His wedding, his interest in Talisa made it all the worse until she completely disconnected from him. That is until after Talisa died and he needed a friend. Setting aside her prior pains, she had been there for him, not wanting anything more than to help him. She had even stayed with him after they separated. Somehow, these feelings she had now seemed disloyal. It was hard to give voice to it now.

[kingofthenorth]

He nods, not wanting to pressure her. He wasn't aware of what was ailing her, but knew if he left her alone, she might come around and talk to him about whatever it is.

Thunder roared, breaking the momentary silence as even the walls shook and the rain poured down heavily. Silently, Robb looked towards the shutters, seeing the lightening in the cracks, and vaguely wondered if he'd have to repair the roof again after this. If you had asked him years ago about this kind of lifestyle, he wouldn't believe it was now his.

Looking back with the fire bouncing off it's light on Margaery's skin, he sits there watching her a moment.

[thekittenqueen]

She can feel his eyes on her and basks under his attention. Her hand stroking Little Robb's ears. The fire warming her skin, chasing away the cold that seemed to be plaguing her earlier. It wasn't an easy thing to have in the pit of her stomach, but she wanted him and there was only so long they could be around each other before it became overwhelming.

Leaning back against him, she closed her eyes and let this gesture speak for her.

[kingofthenorth]

The guesture wasn't uncommon nor unexpected. Robb had certainly grown comfortable around Margaery, wrapping an arm around her middle loosely, some weight remained in his outstretched opposite arm. As he watched the flames of the fire and glancing over to the dog every so often, Robb relaxed in this state.

"We should sleep by the fire tonight." He suggested, the room was becoming warmer by the minute and little Robb would be more comfortable with them close by.

[thekittenqueen]

The ground shook as a strike of lightening landed near their home, the sound of thunder vibrating through the walls. Little Robb whined pitifully, glancing at the two of them. Margaery shushed him gently, scratching just behind his ears.

The rain began to fall, pounding against the shutters as the wind picked up in speed. It was strange to feel so safe and yet so isolated all in a single moment.

"We'll need blankets." She said, a small draft seeping in through the cracks. There was the faint sound of rain trinkling in the kitchen. Small holes that needed to be mended in the roof.

[kingofthenorth]

Robb nods, glancing over to the kitchen and wrinkling his nose in distaste after realizing he will, in fact, need to do repairs later.

"Do we have any pots to collect the water?" He really didn't want to hear the dripping all night, but it would be better than a flooded kitchen.

Releasing a sigh, he was unable to sit still, going to find blankets first and then dealing with the kitchen. He hoped the lemoncake made up for all of this later.

[thekittenqueen]

She placed her hand on his arm, urging him to remain seated. Instead, she was the one to collect blankets and set out buckets to catch the leaking rain. She brought the blankets to him, allowing him to spread them out.

Meanwhile, she pulled the lemon cake from the oven, letting it cool on the counter.

[kingofthenorth]

He's surprised at her insistence, but complied. As she did everything, he did manage to rearrange things on the floor to be a little more comfortable for the two of them. And petting and loving on the dog, of course.

"Thank you." He replied when she returned with blankets in her arms, which he gladly took and began fluffing some things out for them.

[thekittenqueen]

She brought him a slice of lemon cake, sitting next to him. Little Robb was turned more towards Robb. Each thunder strike causing him to whine again. The sounds disturbing her as the rain came down harder and the wind shook the house.

Margaery gave a small smile, taking a bite of the cake. It was warm and gooey, fresh from the oven.

[kingofthenorth]

Greatly pleased and excited, Robb takes the offered cake and it isn't but a moment before he takes a bite. A pleased hum of approval was all he could muster.

"I've missed this." The fresh sweets, which was ridiculous given she's baked plenty before. He just realized since arriving to the Nysgod world, he had an affinity for sweets that he never particularly realized.

It was the small pleasures like this that kept him going.

[thekittenqueen]

She smiled in return, glad to see him so happy by the gift. "Happy Name Day." She murmured to him, another strike of lightening landing outside the house. Margaery's eyes glanced at the fire, watching as it flickered. It sputtered, cracking against the wood.

The draft was coming through the hearth, causing Margaery to shiver, even against the heat. Subconsciously, she scooted closer to Robb.

"I'm glad that you're enjoying it. I wish the weather was better for you."