Year 284 AL
Catelyn Tully now Stark was feeling the chill that came as part of her new home- Winterfell, even though she was in bed with her husband in the warmest chambers of the castle. Winterfell-The ancient seat of the Starks - The Lord Paramount of the North-the biggest of the seven kingdoms. Although she had been mentally prepare for this day, since her betrothal to Brandon Stark, her bones still shivered from the cold winds. It may also have to do with the events that had brought her here. Catelyn or Cat, as her family called her had arrived to Winterfell to a different North, a different house Stark and even a different Lord Husband in contrary to her father's plans. But, she was not the eldest (and even the smartest) child of Hoster Tully for anything; she knew how to make the best of the circumstances that live presented. But what had truly shocked her was the state of affairs of Winterfell, House Stark and the North in general.
Catelyn had been studying about the kingdom of the North and House Stark since her father had initiated betrothal discussions with Lord Rickard Stark. The Starks ruled the largest of the seven kingdoms, had enormous landmass under their control with access to both coasts of Westeros which gave them enormous advantages despite the harsh climates of the North. But a cursory glance at the finances of House Stark has dismayed her. While not expecting them to be as rich as the Laninsters, she expected certain level as was expected of the Great House of the greatest kingdom of Westeros. The finances of house Stark were in as much ruins as their ancient fortress. Yes, Winterfell while still quite formidable had definitely seen better days. On her first sight of Winterfell, she had been mightily impressed but after few tours around the castle, she had found about the broken down towers, abandoned storehouses and stables, rusting weapons in the armory and the skeleton guard force. Her happiness on becoming the Lady of Winterfell had been short lived as she knew her task was cut out. She will ensure when the time comes for her dear Robb, to become Lord of Winterfell, he will inherit a house as mighty as House Laninster. Catelyn willed herself to do everything in her power to achieve her goals to the extent of manipulating her dear husband, Lord Eddard Stark.
Eddard or Ned as he had asked her to call him was a simple man-honorable and loyal to a fault. A second son, who had been forced to grow up early due to the murder of his father and elder brother. He had led the armies of the North, fought in many battles, defeated in personal combat the legendary Arthur Dayne leading to the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty. Yet, he still seemed unsure and uncomfortable in his role as the Lord of Winterfell. She had seen this hesitation and lack of confidence in Lysa, whenever she had to fill in for Catelyn as Lady of Riverrun. They were second son/daughter trained to follow not lead. But Catelyn was trained to lead as the Lady of Great House since childhood. She will not stand back and let Ned fumble his way through running the North. She had heard the stories of Olenna Tyrell, how she was the one who actually who ran House Tyrell and the reach during both her husband and son's reign. While, she may not go that far, but she will step in whenever required in order to protect the future of Robb. At that moment, Ned turned and embraced her, jolting her out of her thoughts. Catelyn Stark finally let sleep engulf her mind not before deciding her plan, whose first step would be taken coming morning.