A/N: Again, I don't own any of this universe. All proceeds go to George R.R. Martin. Yeah, that guy.

Chapter 29 Stannis and Catelyn IV

Stannis

Stannis Baratheon, the new King of Westeros, was standing upon the same balcony which James Stark used to stand upon not too long ago. He knew that taking King's Landing was a hollow victory, but a victory nonetheless. Stannis knew that it was over before it began. He stayed by the Mud Gate, waiting for his men to put out the fires that raged for two days that burned most of the city to the ground. Stannis ordered his men to try and stop it, but the people who fled helped as well. In the end it took a days worth of heavy rainfall to finally quench the wildfire. By the end of it about one-half of the city was reduced to naught but ash and rubble with thousands of people dead and even more refugees. Now illness had broken out, and the dead still remained unburied. Most of them were Aegon Targaryen's men and some were Gold Cloaks, even some of Gendry's own Baratheon men-at-arms lied dead on the ground. Now Stannis ordered all the dead to be burned or buried outside the city gates, trying to at least stem the spreading of the illness. Now some of his soldiers were sick and that he could not have.

Stannis Baratheon had completely forgotten that Samwell Tarly was behind him, waiting to give him the numbers. Sam was a craven, he realized, the boy who was Grand Maester couldn't even look him in the eyes when spoken to. Stannis knew that Tarly was a dear friend to the Starks and especially Jon Snow, the bastard of Eddard Stark, yet supposedly the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Stannis knew he had to watch Sam Tarly closely, for he had a feeling he had information regarding James Stark's whereabouts and might have even helped him and his family escape.

"Out with the numbers, Tarly," he said to the craven maester as they stood upon the balcony which looked over a half-burned city.

"Most-of…the civi…civilians are ill, Your Grace, and still suffering. Some have recovered-but, but many more have died from it. Ser Davos and your ward have tried to burn the remaining dead as fast as possible, but it…it is folly. I think it would be wise to close the city until the illness passes and to let the refugees make camp outside the city walls."

"I have already thought of it, Grand Maester," Stannis told him. "And how about my own men?"

"Not nearly as many, Your Grace."

"Make sure no more become sick."

"Of course, Your Grace."

Stannis turned to face the Grand Maester now. "While you're here, Tarly, I'd like to ask you something."

He diverted his gaze from Stannis's. "What is it, Your Grace?"

"Do you know where James Stark and his family were headed? Did he managed to tell you where he went off with his family?"

Sam grew nervous. "I'm not-not…sure, Your Grace. I did not see the former king before your victory…"

"But you were close with his family, am I correct? Didn't you and the former Hand of the King, Jon Targaryen, meet each other in the Night's Watch together?"

Tarly stuttered. "Yes-Yes, Your Grace. I have known Jon Targaryen for many years, but my vow is to the Citadel, Your Grace. I am here to serve the realm."

"And by realm you mean James Stark," said Stannis. "Do not think me the fool to believe that you had no part in his escape. I will find his family and all the high lords of Westeros will bend the knee or I will destroy them."

Sam nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. I'm sure all will bend the knee to you."

Stannis had enough of Tarly. "That is all, Grand Maester, for now. Go and treat my men and try to stop the illness. Make sure that it has not spread to the water supply."

"Your will, Your Grace," he said behind a false curtesy before leaving Stannis to his balcony.

He should have executed Sam Tarly for breaking his vows and having gotten involved with the Starks after Stannis had taken the Throne. As Grand Maester his vows were tied to the Citadel and realm, not allowing any loyalty to one family. Yet, Stannis needed a man of his expertise and intelligence. As much as he wanted to get rid of Samwell Tarly, he needed him. He needed him down the road even further if he had to go to war against the Martells to relieve Storm's End. Stannis did not know if Trystane Martell would go back to Sunspear, but if he did not he knew that he'd destroy the green boy. Stannis Baratheon did not have the men to wage war now, but Trystane did not need to know that. He just needed to inflict the fear of an actual battle into the green Dornish boy, and with that Stannis hoped he would go back home without a fight.

Stannis needed to stay and consolidate his position before he could go out there. James Stark was still a threat and could bring men to his side. The Tullys would be more than happy to give him troops, as would the Starks if they defeat the Tyrells on the field. Some of the Storm Lords that were loyal to Gendry might lend a hand, too, and if Daenerys Targaryen managed to get her dragons…than Stannis did not have a hope in the world. He just hoped that the Starks had lost too many men to pose a threat, and hoped the same for the Tullys. Now that Stannis was king he knew the Baratheons would swear to him, and maybe even the Martells would also considering he would hand over Arianne and Oberyn Martells bastard daughters back to them. Stannis in the end did not fear James Stark without dragons.

"Will they bend the knee?" A voice called out to him from behind, Stannis knew it was his ward, Tommen Lannister. Tommen was a good lad and had grown much under Stannis's tutelage. "Has the Grand Maester sent the ravens?"

"He has," Stannis answered with his back to him. "All will bend the knee, Tommen, all of them."

"But, we have heard no word."

Stannis turned to him now, the Kingslayers image staring back at him clad in Lannister red with his long golden hair. "They will write. They will bend the knee. Aegon Targaryen is dead and James Stark missing. I am the only one they have left."

"Aegon is dead?"

"Yes," said Stannis with no remorse in his voice. "It seems he died of his wounds from the battle before the Grand Maester could treat him. Good riddance, I say. Didn't care much for Aegon Targaryen, the green boy he was. He thought he could buy my loyalty with a few words and a false promise, but I saw right through him. Aegon would not have let me be his Hand of the King, nor would he entrust so much in Petyr Baelish."

"What will you do with Baelish?"

"He can continue being the Lord of that city in the sky," Stannis said in contempt. "I care not for his schemes or plots, but he played his part and did it well. Neither of us knew that Aegon could not truly sit the Iron Throne, he'd destroy Westeros and bring back the old Targaryen ways." Stannis turned back to the city. "Westeros has a new king now, and I will serve them better than Robert or Joffrey or even James Stark did. I have finally taken what is rightfully mine since Robert died and left no true born heirs."

Tommen cleared his throat. "And what will you do with the prisoner?"

"Which prisoner?"

"You know of which one, Your Grace."

Stannis grunted. "I have plans for him, Tommen, do not worry. I will speak with him later in the day, but for now I would wish to speak with Ser Davos."

"Sure, Your Grace."

Stannis heard Tommen about to leave when he turned around and said, "I almost forgot. Here is the scroll with the casualty figures that I was meant to give you."

Stannis turned around and grabbed the scroll before Tommen took his leave. He marched back inside his quarters now, the former quarters of James Stark and Daenerys Targaryen. Now the Targaryen and Stark tapestries that used to hang the room were taken down, and Baratheon ones were once again grazing its walls. Upon Stannis' own head was the crown that used to belong to Robert, as James Stark did not leave him his own crown.

Now he was sitting at a table, sipping on some water while he stared at the casualty lists. Stannis needed to talk to Ser Davos about some things, him being promoted to Hand of the King was first. Stannis liked Davos Seaworth, he spoked true and did not hold back, unlike so many men under Stannis's command. He had been the one to suggest attacking Aegon and going in by the Mud Gate, taking James Stark and his men off guard thinking that he'd come to the rescue. Davos was an honorable man and at first did not like the idea of betraying Aegon nor James, but at the end he still followed Stannis into battle like he had done before.

Stannis could remember when they were sitting at the Painted Table in Dragonstone before he sailed his fleet towards Blackwater Bay to attack Aegon's fleet, they'd both been talking about how to attack. "Here, Your Grace," Davos had proposed to him. "Land our men at the Mud Gate once we defeat Aegon's ships. James Stark will not see you as a threat and once you do, order the attack. He will not have the men nor the time to repel us, My Lord. This will work."

Stannis knew this was a good plan right away. And without any issue it came to pass and they landed without any suspicions from James Stark or Gendry, catching them by surprise. The fight to take the city was not as bloody, but then the wildfire exploded and left everything in utter chaos.

He was standing on the beach directing more men towards the Mud Gate when it had happened. The shock almost knocked him to the ground and then he knew the city was in peril. But there was nothing they could do as the fires spread. Soon the crowds inside overwhelmed the Gold Cloaks and the gates were flung open and the people fled as his men stood aside. He told his men to spare any Gold Cloaks who surrendered and surrender they did, in the hundreds. Some had tried to fight back, and they were quickly destroyed.

In the morning the army rested and fed on the growing mounds of supplies his ships were bringing in. Control of Blackwater Bay was complete. Then he sent the men in the city in force and full fire fighting efforts began. But they made little headway. It was only when the heavy rains came on the second night that the fires were finally extinguished.

On the morning after the fires were out, Stannis and a large force made its way into the city to the Red Keep through the smoldering ruins. They found the gates barred and the drawbridges up. He told them that James Stark was missing and Aegon Targaryen taken prisoner. After a short later Tarly game to the gates. He asked for terms, for mercy for the people inside. Stannis told him to surrender and so he would have it. Tarly did not hesitate to open the gates for him.

Stannis kept his word. Many homes were abandoned and many more destroyed. Stannis ordered any raw gold or silver and all coins brought to the Red Keep treasury but the men could keep jewelry, gilded plate and cups, or anything else they thought of value. In this way over the next few days Stannis' army gather a large sum of money from the ruins of the city. There was some protest from some merchants and civilians who had remained but Stannis told them they had to pay for the rebuilding of the city and for the food his army was now providing them.

After the gates to the Red Keep were opened, Stannis made his way to the throne room and immediately called together all the lords and ladies who had been hiding in the Red Keep. Stannis asked where James Stark or his family were, but no one had any answers for him. He sent parties of men to search the tunnels under the Red Keep for him, and hoped that some had found them. The Starks would pay heavy for James and their family, Stannis need him. After it had been clearly established that Stannis took the throne and James Stark was defeated, a septon was found and he declared Stannis Baratheon king of the land, crowning him with Robert's old crown.

Now that the fires were out, and much of the loot gathered, the great clean up began. Civilians and some of his men were clearing the streets of rubble. They were finding bodies and bringing them to the large piles outside the walls to be burned. More food began to arrive by sea and the people were happy with that. Samwell and his assistants were doing all they could to stem the sickness and Stannis had a feeling Tarly was right, that it would soon pass once the dead bodies were removed. The heavy rain had done much to cleanse the city already. But it would need rebuilding, and it would be costly.

Finally Ser Davos arrived in Stannis's personal solar which again used to belong to James Stark. Stannis noticed the man was tidy and kept everything neatly organized. He had kept parchment and ink in stacks and everything was clean.

Davos took a seat across from Stannis and grunted as he always did when he wanted to begin conversation. "You wished to speak with me, Your Grace?"

"I did," Stannis bluntly replied. "Tell me how the city is, how the mens morale is fairing."

"They fair well, Your Grace," said Davos. "As long as they have food, whores, and no sickness than they fair well."

"Whores…" said Stannis in disdain. "I'd outlaw them if they weren't such a necessity to this economy, and I cannot deny my men their whores. They deserved that much."

Davos nodded. "It appears so, Your Grace."

"We need to speak of other matters."

"Of what?" Davos questioned.

"My small council."

"Have you thought of positions?"

Stannis grunted. "Tarly is my Grand Maester. I'm thinking of possibly naming one Edmure Tully for laws."

"Wouldn't you name your nephew Gendry that?"

"Gendry is missing last I noticed," Stannis pointed out. "And no, he will be the Lord of Storm's End while I am on the Throne. I have no sons to give it to and Shireen will be my heir."

Davos nodded. "That sounds right, Your Grace. And the other positions?"

"Varys went missing like the spider he is. I'd have to think of someone new for Master of Whispers, possibly some Tyrell lad. Coin will have to go to Littlefinger, as much as it grieves me so. He will still keep the Vale, but I promised him his old seat on the council. Ships may go to a Martell lad, or possibly Tommen, I'm not sure."

"And what about Hand of the King?"

Stannis grinned at that. "I'd name you Hand of the King, Ser Davos."

Davos got out of his chair and got down on one knee. "I am honored, Your Grace, but I am not worthy. Perhaps you could ask one of the Stormlords or maybe one of your wife's men."

"You're the one who set up this plan to take the city, not them. I need you at my side, Ser Davos, not some ass-kissing highborn lord."

Davos stood up now. "And so I will be your Hand, Your Grace. I hope to serve you well."

"And so you shall. Now take a seat."

Davos sat down again and poured himself some water that Stannis had out for them both. "Has the Grand Maester sent the ravens?" He asked.

"Yes," Stannis answered. "All will bend the knee, I know it. All of them, but one at least. I fear the Starks need some sort of gesture of good faith."

"And what was His Grace thinking?"

"We need to send them a messenger, not a raven."

"And who will be this 'messenger'"

"The prisoner will, they trusted him."

Davos grunted. "So you do know where James Stark went."

"I'm no fool, Ser Davos," Stannis said. "James Stark escaped the city once I began to attack the Mud Gate and took his family to Riverrun. The Lord of Winterfell was last heard of from there, and they're all smart enough to figure out that is where to go."

"Will you attack Riverrun than?"

Stannis shook his head. "The Starks will bend the knee if I send him in my stead. I need to first look towards Storm's End."

"Tommen thinks that he should be the one to relieve the siege," Davos told him. "Says that he is ready for it."

"Tommen is a fool to think so," said Stannis. "He has not been in a real battle-has not lead men into it, and I will not send him to do that. Tommen will be joining the party I'm sending to Riverrun, under a peace banner."

"Do you think that wise, Your Grace, to send Tommen?"

"Tommen is loyal, Ser Davos. He will return to me once his job has been done."

"And if he finds out that James Stark is at Riverrun?"

"Than I do not care if he stays there, at Winterfell, or any other city. As long as he does not attack the Iron Throne."

Davos gave a chuckle. "That sounds fair enough, Your Grace. Now will we relieve Storm's End?"

"In time," Stannis replied. "Unless Trystane decides to break it off."

"And what incentive will we give him?"

"We have his cousins and sister," Stannis pointed out. "Arianne Martell is the Princess of Dorne and is the actual ruler. Trystane would be fool to not bend the knee like the rest."

"Sounds like a solid plan, Your Grace."

"They will bend, Ser Davos, all of them will. I know that much."

Davos nodded and got of his seat before Stannis said, "And bring the prisoner to the Throne Room later this afternoon, My Hand. I will tell him of our plan and then they will leave on the morrow for Riverrun."

"As His Grace commands."

Davos left soon after and now Stannis thought about Asha Greyjoy again. She'd declared herself Queen of the Iron Islands, seeing as Aegon promised her that pile of rocks and salt. He'd also reinstated the old ways of pillaging and raping that was culture for those sea loving people. Asha had attacked the North in his name, taking Moat Cailin, Deepwood Motte, and even Torrhen's square. It left the Northern army trapped at the Neck, and Bran Stark had to take care of that problem. Stannis knew that the Lord of Winterfell had taken the Moat, and now he was at Riverrun. Asha was still in the North, and now Bran Stark had to relieve the rest of his lands once he was done down south with the Tyrells. Stannis figured that he'd have to send a raven to Pyke to inform her of his victory, and that she'd no longer be Queen of the Iron Islands. He'd not give any inch of his kingdom to anyone. Asha could stay as the Lord of Pyke, Stannis did not care, but she could not go around calling herself a Queen. Stannis hoped he did not have to go crush the Greyjoys as Robert had all those years ago.

The rest of the day Stannis spent inspecting his army, visiting his wounded men, consulting with his commanders and reading reports from his scouts about the position any host, which was unchanged. After inspecting his men he returned to the Red Keep, where the sun was setting now. He ate dinner soon after by himself in his solar, and read over a message he received from his wife. She congratulated him on his victory and told him that they will be heading to King's Landing soon. Stannis finished the last of his meal and headed over to the Throne Room, where he knew the prisoner would be waiting.

Stannis walked out of his solar, his royal guard following behind, and made his way to the Iron Throne. Upon arrival he stared at it, in all its glory before he sat down on the most uncomfortable chair he'd ever sit in. Stannis now realized why Robert never sat upon it, and wondered if James Stark was as miserable as Stannis was in this moment. Now he ordered the prisoner brought before him, and about five minutes later he heard the clanking of chains and the Rains of Castamere being annoyingly whistled in his halls.

"Will you remove these chains, Your Grace?" The prisoner questioned. "I fear they are oddly uncomfortable."

Stannis looked down at his prisoner now, Tyrion Lannister, the Imp. They'd managed to find him upon the shore when his men attacked, dazed and alive. He'd fallen off the walls and landed on a sand dune before rolling down upon the shore. A few of Stannis' men found him laying unconscious upon the sand, and he figured the wildfire blast must have flown him off the ramparts. He was just surprised he survived the fall.

"I think not, Lord Lannister. We have business to take speak of."

"And what business does the new King of Westeros have to speak of with a little old dwarf."

Stannis ground his teeth. "I do not appreciate your brand of humor, Imp. Now speak plainly and answer when spoken to. I don't want to have to speak with you a minute more than I have to."

Tyrion laughed. "And here I thought we were getting along magnificently."

"Enough, Lord Tyrion."

"Fine, fine. What does His Grace wish to speak of?"

Stannis cleared his throat. "Has James Stark made his way to Riverrun?"

Tyrion shrugged. "I'm not sure. I was knocked off the ramparts before I had a chance to speak with James or Gendry again."

"Surely you were privy to any plans they had for escape. I'm not foolish enough to believe you didn't know."

"And does it matter if he is? What is James Stark to you?"

"A token," said Stannis. "The Starks will bend the knee for sure if I hold his family hostage."

"The Starks will bend the knee if you promise not to wage war on them. You don't need James or his family to do that."

"Nonetheless, what was his plan?"

Tyrion sighed. "I fear you already know the answer to that, Your Grace."

"So Riverrun?"

Tyrion nodded. "So it would seem."

"I have other news for you, Tyrion."

"Regarding?"

"Regarding you no longer being the Lord of Casterly Rock."

Stannis saw Tyrion's eyes grow wide at that, mismatched they were. "And who do you plan on giving it to? Jaime?"

Stannis ground his teeth. "His son will do just fine, I'm afraid. Your nephew will be the Warden of the West now."

"Tommen?" Tyrion questioned. "The boy who turned his cloak and betrayed me when I was the one who ensured his safety by making him your ward. I'm the one who-"

"-Careful," Stannis warned, "my mercy does have limits, Lannister. I am the King and you will not speak to me that way. Tommen will be the Lord of Casterly Rock now, and you will not."

Tyrion sighed. "So what is to become of me? Will I be made your own jester, I can juggle and dance with bears…"

Stannis sighed again. "No. You will be writing a message to Riverrun, stating for the Tullys and Starks to bend the knee. James probably believes you dead and will bend when he knows that you are alive."

"How will they know you didn't just duplicate my words?"

"Because you are personally delivering it in his hands," Stannis told him. Tyrion's eyes grew even wider. "You and Tommen will be heading to Riverrun on the morrow with an escort of two hundred men. Tonight you will write out a raven to them, telling them about your arrival and asking of their fealty. By the time they receive the raven you will hopefully have arrived. You will make them bend the knee, Tyrion. Is this all understood?"

Tyrion nodded. "I will play my part, Your Grace."

Stannis nodded and told him to prepare for his trip to Riverrun. He also ordered that Tyrion's cell be moved to the second level with the highborns, and the dwarf was thankful for that much. Stannis knew that this would work, he knew the Starks had a soft spot for the Imp after spending so long with him. That night he spoke with Tommen once more before retiring to his bed. The boy was reluctant when he was told he would become the Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West. He even expressed a wish to see his sister in Winterfell once he returned from Riverrun, and Stannis told him that one day they will have to go to Winterfell to ensure the Starks have remained loyal. Tommen only nodded and did as he was told.

The next morning Stannis awoke and broke his fast while Tarly went over the new numbers again. It seemed the water system within the city had become contaminated with the illness, and Stannis ordered that those sections of the city be cut off. He also told Tarly to make sure he'd have fresh water each morning, seeing as he never drank wine. After he inspected his men once more, Stannis and Davos walked out to the Old Gate where Tommen, Tyrion, and the host of two-hundred men were awaiting to begin their journey.

Stannis handed Tyrion a message with his seal. "Give this to James Stark or Brandon Stark when you see them. I sent the raven this morning to Riverrun. Once you arrive there you may be free to go, I have no more need of you. Your Lordship of Casterly Rock ends today, and you have no more power. Make sure to convince them, Tyrion."

Tyrion only nodded and a soldier helped him onto the back of Tommen's horse, the boy was on top if it cladded in Lannister armor from head to toe. Stannis only nodded at the boy and watched as he marched his host forward on the Kingsroad and towards Riverrun.

"I hope the dwarf succeeds in making them swear fealty," said Davos.

"He will," Stannis assured. "The Starks have some odd affection for the dwarf. All will be okay, Ser Davos."

Davos nodded and followed him back into the city. "It is time for a new reign, Ser Davos, and it begins today. Now the books will write Stannis Baratheon under James Stark, and the time for these false kings is over. The Seven Kingdoms deserve a new king, and I will be it. Let us run this kingdom."

"Your will, Your Grace," Davos replied.

That day Stannis Baratheon was on top of the world, and was finally the King of Westeros.

-x-

Catelyn

Catelyn Tully Stark could remember the last time she had seen her childhood home. Bran and Rickon were supposedly dead, her Ned was taken from her too, Arya, James, and Sansa were missing. Robb was King in the North, and they were leaving for Edmure's wedding in the Twins. The thought sent a shiver up her spine. All her children were gone from her, all her and Ned's children at least, she didn't care for Jon Snow than, but part of her did now. Catelyn's thoughts were constantly on her children with each passing day she remained with the Northmen, her children and grandchildren. I want to see my grand babies. Catelyn couldn't imagine their faces when she closed her eyes, and it pained her so. She tried to imagine the brown hair and grey eyes that graced the grandson that was named after her beloved Ned, but she couldn't. She tried to imagine Rhaella's silver hair, Lyanna's brown hair, and Robert's dark hair, but she couldn't do that either. Now she tried to imagine what Bran's child looked like, but that was folly. Their faces were murky in her mind. Catelyn figured she wouldn't recognize them the next time she saw them, they must have grown so much.

Catelyn was sitting upon her horse and staring down at Riverrun from atop of a hill, in front of the Northern camp. She began to recall memories from her childhood. Whether it was giving Edmure a hard time, or gossiping with Lysa about nonsense and lady things. Even the time her and Lysa practiced kissing Petyr, the young boy he was. Catelyn could recall when he challenged Brandon Stark to a duel, because he had loved her since she could remember. Then it all went to hell, as the story goes. Catelyn looked down upon Riverrun once more, looking at its sandstone walls and moats that cause a natural barrier around it.

Now the Tyrell host were in those moats, those crenelations that held archers which pushed back her son's men, and the towers on each side that held enough supplies to last them two years. Fortunately the Northerners had the castle cut off which left the Tyrell army without supplies, and now it was just a waiting game. Catelyn didn't know how long this war was supposed to last, didn't know whether or not Aegon Targaryen had taken the Iron Throne, she was left in the dark. Each day she hoped for news from James that he held the capitol, that Bran would be able to go home after being away for so long. Catelyn just wished to be with her kids and grandchildren again, she didn't want this anymore. But Bran and her eldest needed her, and she was there for Robb, too.

The Northern army had taken Moat Cailin, how that felt like a lifetime ago, and they'd tried to take Riverrun the first time. The Tyrell host led by Garlan Tyrell and Randyl Tarly had managed to push back the first Northern assault. Bran had tried to surround them and take them off guard during the night, but Tarly was privy to their plans. They lost a few good men that day, enough to cause a stalemate between the two armies. Like in Moat Cailin, Catelyn, was left to counsel her son and sit in on the war councils. She was also left to walk around the camp, boosting the morale of the men, and looking after the provisions. Catelyn would walk with the army maester and see that the wounded were being taken care of. They'd managed to cross the Twins and resupply there, seeing as now House Frey was all but diminished after Edmure became Lord of the Riverlands. Unfortunately the wounded from the Battle of Moat Cailin had died from their wounds, leaving Bran with less able fighting men then he wanted. Catelyn knew that he would have to attack again, Bran couldn't leave until Riverrun was relieved. She also realized that Edmure was stuck within the castle with very little bannermen, and his wife Roslin was there too, their child Hoster with them. Catelyn could not wait to meet her nephew once this was all over.

Now her thoughts were on her other children again, as the wind made her hair whip in her face. Catelyn realized she hadn't heard from James since they took the Moat, and that had been over a month ago. Something in her bones told her something wasn't right, that something went wrong. Her mind told her she was being paranoid-superstitious even-but her she just reassured herself that she would hear from her eldest soon. She looked down at the castle once more, and saw Tyrell men in their camps, walking around like people sized ants with their camp fires roaring now.

The wind began to pick up, and Catelyn pushed strands of hair from her face as she sat on the saddle. She was just by herself now, and Catelyn yearned for peace and quiet after being away from it for so long.

"Lady Stark!" Someone called to her from behind. Catelyn whipped around and saw a Stark soldier sitting there on his horse.

"Yes?"

"Lord Stark bids me to escort you to his tent, urgent business."

"Concerning?"

Catelyn saw his eyes grow wide. "Stark riders in the night, My Lady. Their was a battle in King's Landing."

Catelyn's heart sank to her stomach, but she kept her composure. "Take me there, good ser."

The soldier nodded and turned his horse around, as Catelyn spurred hers into a trot. They trotted through the Stark camp, and it was bustling with men. Most of them were churning meats over the fire, or drinking ale from fresh kegs. All of them bowed as Catelyn trotted by them, she knew that they all respected Bran, as they did Robb, and by that they respected her, too.

It was another five minutes before they arrived at the lords tent in the middle of the camp. Catelyn swiftly got off her horse, handing over to a squire, and marched towards the tent. One of the two guards opened the flap and Catelyn walked through, her face filled with worry. All of the Northern lords were roaring and arguing when she walked in, about what, Catelyn did not know. All she cared about was this supposed battle that took place, she feared for her children.

Bran was sitting in front of the table, his composure was maintained yet Catelyn could tell he was stressed and worried. This made her feel all the more nervous. The Greatjon was arguing with Harrion Karstark, and all the other lords were grumbling amongst themselves. Catelyn stood in front of the big table that had a map of Westeros sitting on it, and it took Bran a second to notice her. The lords of the North grew silent when they noticed her.

"Mother," he called out with a waive of his hand. "Come take a seat over here, and let us continue."

Catelyn meekly smiled and slightly dipped her heads to the lords, trying to mask her nerves with composure. They all bowed back to her and she took her seat by her son; Catelyn wanted to know about the battle, but she knew that Bran would tell her in time.

"Let us continue," Bran motioned. "Lord Umber-"

"We must attack, now!" The Greatjon bellowed. "Let us take Tarly off guard and attack in the night, like in the Whispering wood with your brother. We cannot wait any longer."

"I agree," said Galbert Glover. "Lord Umber has the right of it. We must press now, and press fast. We must take the roses off guard. Their supplies are dwindling, and they cannot hold it that much longer."

"Yet, are supplies are dwindling as well," Karstark pointed out. "We have lost quite a few men since leaving Winterfell, and now what is the point? Aegon Targaryen did not take the Iron Throne."

Catelyn sighed deeply upon hearing those words. She sent a prayer to the Father in thanks for guarding her children and grand babies.

"We cannot leave the Tullys to their fates, my lords," said Bran. "They are my kin and our allies. We must relieve the seat."

"Do we even have the men to do so?" asked Karstark.

"One Northman is worth five southerners," The Greatjon said in his booming voice. "We can take Riverrun from them."

Half the lords grumbled, and the other half nodded in agreement. Catelyn saw Bran looking forward in the distance, his gaze upon the map. She wished to console him like when he was just a boy. But now Bran was a man and the Lord of Winterfell.

"Let Stannis take care of that!" Glover said. "It is his problem now!"

"Stannis won't take care of the Tyrells until he relieves Storm's End," Bran told Lord Glover. "And even then he might not have the men to relieve it. We must relieve it now, while we are here."

"The Tyrells are-were bannermen to Aegon Targaryen, and he has been defeated. Why do they persist on still laying siege?"

"They haven't heard the news," the Greatjon observed. "I don't see why Mace Tyrell would keep a siege if Aegon was defeated."

Bran grew impatient now. "We will relieve Riverrun, as my brother asked, and I'll hear no more of it."

All the lords nodded and this time Harrion Karstark spoke up again. "And if we are to take the castle, my lord, how will we do it and when?"

"Tomorrow," Bran wasted no time in saying. "We will attack in the morning when they are off guard. Lord Umber will lead the vanguard and lead the attack. Lord Karstark will take another force into the Whispering Wood and flank them. We will take the Tyrells off guard and end this war."

"And so we will," Karstark grumbled. "Is that all, my lord?"

Bran nodded. "Prepare your men, my lords. We will be rid of this once and for all. Even if this is Stannis's problem now."

Stannis? What are they talking about? Catelyn needed to know what was happening, or what exactly happened in King's Landing. Why were they speaking of Stannis as if he was king, and not James.

Lord Umber was about to reply when Catelyn blurted, "Stannis? Why would it be his problem?"

Everyone grumbled and now all eyes were on her. Bran gave her a solemn look and couldn't bear to look at her, now Catelyn knew something was wrong.

"I guess, my lady hasn't heard," grumbled the Greatjon.

"Heard what?" Catelyn questioned.

Now Bran spoke. "Mother," he said soothingly, she felt a hand on her forearm now. Catelyn looked down at Bran's arm and back at his face. "Stannis Baratheon has taken the Iron Throne."

Catelyn's breath hitched in her throat, her heart sank to her stomach, and goose pimples rose in her arms. She was at a loss for words and did not want to imagine what she must have looked like. "How?"

"He betrayed the king," said the Greatjon. "Aegon Targaryen attacked the capitol over a month ago, and was defeated when Stannis came into the rush. The two Stark men managed to escape once Stannis betrayed James and his men. Wildfire was set ablaze and it burned half the city."

Gods..."And the king?" Catelyn asked the men in the room. "What has happened to them?"

Catelyn looked around the tent and saw their gazes turn away, looking as solemn as can be. Catelyn's heart beated faster in her chest, her nerves made her want to vomit, and now she wanted answers. Bran removed his hand from her forearm and noticed her discomfort.

"Leave us," he ordered of his lords. "I will tell my mother in private. Just prepare the men for the battle tomorrow."

All the Northern lords grumbled and swiftly left the room soon after. Now it was just Bran and Catelyn within the tent, and she wanted nothing but answers.

"Bran," she began, "tell me what has happened."

Bran looked her in the eyes. "Lord Umber speaks true," he told her. "Stannis betrayed James and took the Iron Throne. The wildfire burned half the city and now many refugees are pouring into the Riverlands."

Seven save us. "And how do you know of this?"

"Two Stark men came from the capitol," said Bran. "They were part of the guard that accompanied James when he went down to King's Landing all those years ago."

"And what of our family?" Catelyn asked him, her arms crossed. "Bran, what of our family?"

He drew in a breath. "We don't know, mother. Nobody has seen or heard from them since the city fell."

Catelyn sank down on her chair, and felt her nerves turn to sadness, which in turn became rage. "I told you to make for King's Landing!" She screamed at her son. "I told you that James needed us-that they all needed us-but you wouldn't listen! Now they are missing, Bran, missing!"

She did not wait for his reply. "And my grandchildren, Bran!" Catelyn yelled once more. "The little grand babies that I haven't seen since your wedding are now missing, too! Rhaella, Ned, Lyanna, and Robert….missing! They are naught but three, except Robert! Too young to go through such things!"

Bran did not say a word, and just looked away from her. Catelyn could see guilt on his face, but also saw anger and sadness. He missed Myrcella, missed his family and his newborn babe. Catelyn realized her mistake.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you," she whispered to him. "You know how over protective I am as a mother."

"Family. Duty. Honor." Bran said under his breath. Catelyn didn't know if that was meant as a curse or was just said in spite.

She placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have done your best as lord, Bran. Their was nothing you could do."

He turned to her now. "I fear for them, mother. James could be with his family in the Riverlands right now, they could be dead in rubble in the capitol. If only I made our way to King's Landing with all haste."

"And you would have lost more men, Bran. No, their was nothing you could have done."

Bran grunted. "I just want us to be together again, mother. Too long have we been apart, and too long were we apart before James became king. I want to hold my child and kiss Cella again. I hate this…"

Catelyn took his hand in hers. "And we will see them again, Bran, I assure you. James and everyone is alright, and we will hear from them soon. I know they were smart enough to have some sort of plan in case the city fell."

"I hope you're right, mother. I hope you're right."

Catelyn thought about this, and realized she must talk to the two Stark men who came from the capitol. Perhaps they knew more about James's whereabouts then Bran thought. Yet, part of Catelyn wanted to know whether Bran meant to march upon the capitol.

"Will you march upon King's Landing?" Catelyn asked her son. "Will you take back the throne?"

He was taken aback. "First we must take Riverrun, mother. And even then I'm not sure if we have the numbers to lay siege to King's Landing."

"But we must take the city again, for James."

Bran laughed. "James never wanted to be king!" Now he grew silent. "He fell in love with Daenerys, and sometimes that makes us do things we normally wouldn't do. I don't blame him for that. I never thought myself capable of love until I met Cella, and I know James was the same. I'm glad he met Daenerys, despite all the troubles his reign has brought upon us."

"I'm glad as well," Cat told him. "I thought that you nor James would ever give me grandchildren. That only Arya, Rickon, and Sansa would, but I guess I was wrong. Now James has given me two beautiful grand babies, and you one more."

Bran nodded and drank his wine.

Catelyn took a sip. "So once we take Riverrun…"

"…We go home. We will hope that our family turns up and then we will go home. Stannis won't attack us if we swear fealty. I am tired of war, mother."

Catelyn nodded. "Alright, my son." She grew stern. "I want to speak with the two soldiers who came from the capitol. I want to know if they have any information regarding our families whereabouts."

Bran nodded again. "I have been meaning to speak with them, too."

Bran called over a guard and ordered that he bring in the two Stark soldiers that came from the capitol. Catelyn poured herself some wine and idly drank, as she waited for the soldiers. Bran and her did not say a word to each other, and spent the time in relative silence. All Catelyn could think about was her family and how they were now missing. She feared for her grandchildren most of all. They were too young to experience such things.

The two Stark men arrived about ten minutes later, and Bran asked them to take a seat. He handed them both a tankard of ale each, and the men idly drank. Catelyn just wanted more answers.

Catelyn spoke first. "How did you two manage to escape the capitol?"

"We fled when the wildfire burned half the city, my lady," the first one answered. "And figured we had to tell you of what happened."

"Where is the king?" Bran asked of them. "Did he have some sort of plan to get his family out were the city to be taken."

The second one nodded. "Yes, my lord. His Grace did have horses posted by the Old Gate to be ready to escort his family if the city fell."

"And were you supposed to be there?"

They grew silent. Catelyn figured out that they had abandoned their posts once the city fell, and now she was being filled with anger towards them. By the looks of it, Bran was too and he just hid his anger behind a stone face. He couldn't execute them, yet Catelyn wanted to.

"Yes," the first one whispered. "But the wildfire began to spread to the Old Gate, and the smallfolk were escaping in droves. It became too dangerous to stay in our posts. Stannis' men were also beginning to sack the city, raping and killing. The Gold Cloaks mutinied as well, and we had no choice. We waited as long as we could for His Grace, but we had to let you know about the city. We had to leave, My Lord."

Bran nodded vehemently and bid them to leave, to which the men left without hesitation. Catelyn felt a little flicker of hope swell in her chest, her family might still be alive and okay. She knew that Aegon Targaryen would have executed her son, if he had taken the Throne, but Stannis Baratheon would let them bend the knee. She was glad he was king at least over Aegon, although she preferred her son, who tried his best.

"I swear by the Seven, Bran," Catelyn began with her voice dripping in anger, "if anything happens to our family because those two men deserted their posts, I will take their heads myself."

Bran laughed. "I see their is still some Stark left in you yet, mother. Not to worry though, because they will be all right. Our family will be alright."

Catelyn nodded and took another drink from her chalice.

"Send a splinter force to the Riverlands," Catelyn advised her son. "Have them look far and wide for our family. If anything James and Jon would have led them here, they knew we planned on relieving Riverrun. They could be on the River Road as we speak."

"They could," Bran mused, "or they could be in Dorne, for all we know. I can't send men I need to fight tomorrow to go scurry the Riverlands as if I was looking for a horse. I'm sorry mother, but their is nothing I can do for our family. Jon and James will lead them here, I know it. I can feel it."

Catelyn sighed. "By the Seven I hope you are right, Bran. For the sake of not only your brothers and sisters, but your nieces and nephews, too."

"I can't believe it has been a year since I've seen them," Bran said in disbelief. His face dropping and a frown setting in. "I hardly know them, and I regret that. I should have demanded from James to let me get to know them as I do Lyanna and Robert."

"If James is no longer king, than we will have all the time to spend with his children."

"James will be the Lord of Winterfell now," said Bran. "He is the eldest and that is his right."

Cat laughed. "Do you not know your brother by now? James will never take that from you."

"Perhaps," Bran admitted. "Yet, first we have to find them. All of them, Arya and Gendry; Sansa and Jon."

"Sansa and Jon…" Cat said with wonder. "I don't know how I will feel if what you say is true."

"Just accept it," Bran told her. "Accept that they have fallen for each other, for their is nothing you can do about it. Sansa may be a romantic, but she is smart. She isn't the same eleven year old girl I used to call big sister."

Catelyn sighed. "Perhaps you are right, Bran. I may just have to get used to it."

"Jon is a good man. He will treat her right."

"I know, I know. I'd rather have her marry Jon than some Northern lord who doesn't deserve her. Sansa should marry for love and nothing more. It will be Rickon who will become your bannermen."

"Rickon," Bran muttered. "I wonder if the boy has changed since I last saw his face. I wonder if he is more like Robb and less like James."

"Only the Gods know," Catelyn admitted. "And we won't have all the answers today." Catelyn got out of her chair. "I would have my supper now, and then go to bed, if you don't mind."

"Of course," Bran replied. "I have to look over the provisions, walk around the camp, and make final preparations for the attack tomorrow."

Catelyn hugged her son once more, kissing his forehead and pushing his long hair to the side as if he was still a boy of only ten, and made her way to her tent. She stepped out into the cool spring evening, and got onto her horse, walking over to her tent. Once inside she sat down at her desk and read over the ravens she had kept from Rickon and James. It was the only sign of life she had from either of them. Catelyn could not help but feel bad for Rickon, the boy was so alone. She tried to push the stress of not knowing whether her family was alive out of her mind, but Catelyn Stark found it too much to bear. She would have wept right then and there, but the Gods did it for her and suddenly it began to rain outside. Catelyn sat in the tent and listened to the rain for a little while, listening as it hit the wool tarp.

Dinner was not an easy affair tonight, for Catelyn could hardly touch her food. The hunger had left her that night, she couldn't stop thinking about her children and grandchildren. The steward that night had brought her some honeyed chicken with leeks and vegetables and bread, but Catelyn could not eat. She felt she couldn't eat until she held her grandchildren in her arms and knew that her children were okay. Catelyn took a few bites of the chicken, drank some ale, ate another few bites of vegetables, but all in all it was left untouched. She ordered it be taken from her and given to whoever would like to eat it.

Now Catelyn was preparing for bed once again, as she had for the past months now. She dressed into her shift and combed her hair once more, again thinking about how her life would play out from now. Bran would remain as lord once this was all over; Rickon would marry some high born lady and become one of Bran's bannermen; Sansa and Jon would marry, and Cat would just have to accept it; James would stay in Winterfell with his children and Dany, giving Catelyn the opportunity to make up the lost time; Arya and Gendry would have to maybe go back to Storm's End, she figured. Once it was time for bed, Catelyn threw open the sheets on her tiny cot and nestled in. Thinking that in the morning their would be another battle, and only more death.

The air smelled of morning dew when it was time to awake. Catelyn Tully Stark rolled out of her bed and put on a woolen dress of deep blue with red, showing that she was still a Tully. She combed out her auburn hair and decided to break her fast. Catelyn ate a meal of boiled eggs with bacon and toast, while the sound of clanking armor and swords could be heard outside. The men were preparing for battle, some of them never coming back home again. When she finished her meal, Catelyn, stepped out of her chambers with two guards swiftly following at her side. She headed over to her sons tent now, knowing he was making the final preparations, and the grass was wet with a slight fog rolling down upon the camp.

When Catelyn arrived at the tent, the Northern lords were all walking out of it, clad in armor from head to toe. The Greatjon bowed to her and walked over to his Northern calvary, she realized, and the flap was opened for her as she walked in. Bran was at the head of the table again, he was also wearing armor of his own, even though he couldn't lead men into battle. Once or twice he admitted to her that he wished to just mount his horse and lead the calvary, but he knew it would be folly. If he were to be knocked down than he'd surely be killed. Catelyn was gracious that he saw reason behind it.

"Are the men ready?" Catelyn asked him.

He nodded, spreading his arms across the map. "Yes, we are ready. The scouts report that their is growing discontent among the Tyrell camp. That their supplies run low and most wish to go back to Highgarden."

"Well that is good news."

Bran snickered. "Scouts always report growing discontent in camps. On our side or theirs, it does not matter."

Catelyn nodded. "Will you watch the battle from the hill top?"

"Yes. I wish to see so I can be able to give direct orders." He smiled. "I'd like you by my side, mother."

"Of course."

"How will you signal the attack?" Cat asked.

"I will sound the war horn. Taking them off guard."

Another hour passed while Catelyn mounted her horse with her son at her side, and his own personal guard with them, too. Catelyn and Bran stood on their horses upon a hilltop, looking down at the Northern army and Riverrun before them. They were in formation upon the fields, ready to storm Riverrun and relieve Catelyn's girlhood home. Off in the Whispering wood she knew that the Greatjon was there with his calvary, and the thought made Catelyn rest easier. A slight fog now covered the castle and you could not see the Tyrell host from this distance. Next to her, Bran, was looking nervous while he dressed in chain mail over boiled leather, with a grey Stark tunic covering it.

Catelyn looked down at the Northern host now and saw a torch being swayed back and forth, signaling that the men were in position.

"Order the attack," Bran told his squire. A boy of only ten and four that belonged to House Frey. "Blow the horn."

The boy nodded and ran back away from them. It was about five minutes later before he came back with the big war horn in his hands, and he was struggling to take it to his lips. Catelyn closed her eyes and sent prayers to all the men down there, Tyrell and Stark. She prayed for the Father to judge them, and for the warrior to give them all courage. Catelyn prayed with her eyes closed, and listened for the Northern war horn, but it did not come.

"MY LORD!" She heard the squire scream. Startled, Catelyn opened her eyes and saw the squire pointing at the sky. His face was in shock and his eyes wide. Catelyn saw Bran talking to one of his guard before he also looked up at the sky.

"What is that?" Bran asked them. "Are those what I think they are…."

Catelyn Stark looked up at the sky and saw three large looming objects coming towards them, and she felt her heart beating faster. It can't be, it can't be….

"Yes," Catelyn answered her son. "Those are the dragons."

"Dragons!" A guard exclaimed. "What are they doing here?"

"I thought they were missing," said the squire.

"They're supposed to be," Bran told him, his gaze kept up at the dragons which were now looming closer. "But it seems my brother has found them."

Suddenly, a large roar ripped through the sky and all the Northmen began to cower in fear. Catelyn didn't know which dragon roared, but she figured it was Drogon, the black one. Now the dragons were getting closer to the ground and were heading towards Riverrun. The Tyrell host were now forming outside of the castle, noticing the Northern army that was preparing to attack.

"We should attack," Catelyn said. "They're too distracted by the dragons."

"Wait," Bran urged. "Let the dragons take care of them."

"We don't even know if they have riders."

"They do," Bran reassured. "I can feel it."

Ear piercing screams began to resonate through the air now, and Catelyn turned her attention back to the battle, if you could call it that. The Northern army was cheering and hollering at the scene before them. The three dragons were sending plumes of fire onto the Tyrell host, burning the roses alive in a field of fire. Catelyn could smell the smoke in the air, and the now putrid smell of burning flesh. The dragons were swooping down, sometimes taking whole horses and men in their mouths and grabbing them with their feet and dropping them down. Drogon was the biggest out of all them, and Catelyn imagined that is what Balerion the Black Dread must have looked like when Aegon the Conquerer unleashed all three of his dragons upon the field of fire.

"Press the attack," Catelyn urged. "The Tyrell host is about to break and we should send them off. Have the Greatjon go after them with his calvary."

"In a minute, mother," Bran replied. "I don't want my men to be accidentally cooked alive by dragons."

Catelyn nodded and looked back at the scene before her. Every dragon was omitting ear piercing roars with each diving attack, swooping down like a bird would when hunting trout, except birds usually didn't breath fire. Now the Tyrell host were in full retreat and the dragons took notice, breaking off their attack and flying into the sky.

"Tell the Greatjon to run them down," Bran ordered of his squire. "Blow the war horn once to signal his attack."

The squire nodded and took the horn to his mouth, he sealed his lips around the end of it and blew hard until his face turned red. AAAAHHHHOOOOOO! the horn sounded through the deep, sending chills down Catelyn's spine as it always did when she heard the Northern war horn. Now the trees of the Whispering Wood began to rustle, and that is when Catelyn saw the Northern calvary charge out of the woods, slamming into the retreating Tyrells. The Greatjon was at the head of the wedge, screaming and wielding his giant great sword on his destrier.

The Northern army continued to cheer and yell at the glorious sight of the Tyrell army in full retreat away from Riverrun. Now the castle was in full sight, gloriously abandoned of any Tyrells and all Catelyn could do was smile. Victory, she thought to herself, we have victory, the war is over…we can go home.

Another hour passed and the Greatjon had come back from making sure the Tyrells completely retreated back from the Riverlands. Some of them tried to escape through the Whispering Wood, but Bran sent out splinter forces to intercept them. A lot of them were taken prisoner, laying down their weapons the instant they were attacked, yet some soldiers from Horn Hill fought back and had to be put down. Now Catelyn was sitting in her son's tent, going over the losses with the army maester. The dragons had not been seen since than, and Catelyn did not know if they had riders. "Jon and Daenerys were controlling them," Bran told her. "I could sense it." Yet, neither of them were seen and Catelyn did not know what happened. At one point she could swear she saw riders on them, but she was too far away to have been seen.

Now the army maester was going over the dead and wounded with Bran. "We have at least twenty-three dead and fifteen wounded, Lord Stark," he said. "And we took at least over three hundred prisoner."

Bran nodded. "Send a raven to Highgarden so we can negotiate an exchange of prisoners. We cannot afford to keep these troops."

The army maester grunted. "I'm running low on supplies, my lord. Even though we had very little wounded today, I still have some wounded from the previous battle and from Moat Cailin."

"My brother Edmure will see to it," Catelyn told him. "He will provide you with whatever medical supplies you need, I promise."

The army maester swiftly nodded. "Thank you, my lady. Now if you'll excuse me I have wounded to attend."

"You are free to go."

The army maester left now and Catelyn remained in Bran's tent with him, her son was in a happy mood. He'd managed to save the majority of his men, with the help of dragons and Cat had never seen him this way, at least not since they took Moat Cailin.

"We got lucky today, mother," said Bran. "If it weren't for Jon and Daenerys than…I'm not sure what would have happened. It seemed that Tarly was privy to our plans."

"Indeed we did, my son," replied Catelyn. "Yet, how do you know it was Jon and Daenerys?"

He smiled. "Trust me, I know. The dragons didn't do that on their own, it was both of them. Who else can control the dragons?"

"Targaryens could, I guess. But where are they now?"

"They're close," Bran told her. "The dragons went to feed, but they'll be back."

"How do you know this?"

He smiled. "I can feel it, mother."

"And where is the rest of our family?"

"Not too far away," he said. "They cannot ride the dragons, unless Jon and Dany are riding them. Only Jon and Daenerys can control them, maybe even Rhaella and Ned."

"I suppose you are right."

And as if the gods were being coincidental, Bran's squire ran into the tent another ten minutes later, panting with a smile on his face. Bran smiled at Catelyn, full knowing that it was the news he had been awaiting.

"What is it?" He asked his squire.

"The dragons," he panted, "the dragons have landed outside of the camp, my lord. Their are two people with them…one of them being the Targaryen Queen and a man. They wish to speak with you and Lady Catelyn."

Daenerys and Jon. Catelyn's heart began to flutter in her chest with excitement at seeing them again, her nephew and daughter by law. She didn't know how she'd react to seeing them after so long. Catelyn hadn't seen Daenerys for a whole year, yet she had seen Jon when he came to Winterfell to take Sansa with them when James was almost killed.

Catelyn rose from her chair. "Take me to them."

Bran grabbed her wrist. "You're not going without me, mother. They're my family, too."

Catelyn looked down at him. "Of course, Bran. Let us get you into your chair."

Bran nodded and his squire rushed over to help him into his chair. Catelyn grasped one of his arms, and his squire the other. Even two guards came over and helped him. Catelyn knew that Bran hated this, he hated having to be helped into his chair like a newborn babe. When they finally had him in his chair, they went outside and Bran mounted his warhorse. Catelyn also mounted her horse with Bran's guards behind him, and they briskly trotted towards the dragons were.

With each passing second Catelyn's nerves grew with excitement. She couldn't wait to see both of them, and the thought was too much to bear. When the dragons finally came into view, Catelyn Stark forgot how to breath. The three large creatures were below at the field where the Northern army had been this morning, and they were a sight to behold. Drogon was in the middle, arching his head in the air to look at the sky, while Rhaegal and Viserion were beside him.

That was when Catelyn saw Jon and Daenerys, standing there by the dragons, petting their necks. Catelyn's breath hitched in her throat when she saw Dany's silver hair and Jon's long matted brown-black hair. She turned to Bran and gave him a grin that spread from ear to ear.

Finally, Catelyn kicked her horse in the sides and trotted down the hill towards Jon and Daenerys with Bran and his guard following. When they finally got closer, Jon and Daenerys looked to notice them, smiles so wide on their faces that it only made Catelyn smile even more. She stopped her horse to a walk and hoped off the saddle, only mere yards away from them now. Catelyn turned around to look at Bran once more, and he nodded with a smile, allowing her to go and say hello while he got into his chair.

Catelyn turned around now, smiling at her good daughter and nephew before she began to slowly walk to them as if she were being controlled by someone else. Daenerys and Jon smiled too, clad in dirty riding tunics and breeches, Catelyn could tell that had been through hell and back to get here. Both of them were walking toward Catelyn at an equally slow pace before Jon went into a full on sprint. Daenerys began to jog with him, but couldn't keep up.

Now Catelyn stood there and waited as her nephew ran towards her and into her embrace. Catelyn's heart was beating out of her chest right now, as Jon Snow was in her arms. She didn't think that she'd ever be happy to see Jon Snow…or Targaryen in her life, but right now she didn't seem to care. Jon pulled back from her embrace and she stared into his eyes, she saw he looked visibly tired and drained from all he'd gone through. Than Catelyn remembered in that moment that he supposedly loved her eldest daughter, she'd have to talk to them about it later.

"Lady Catelyn," he finally whispered. "It does me so good to finally see you. I've missed you."

To think Jon Snow would have missed me. "As it does me, Jon," she truthfully told him. Her voice wavered. "We've been apart for too long."

"For too long," he insisted. Jon smiled again and embraced her once more. "Do not worry, the rest of them are not too far away. You won't even recognize your grandchildren when you see them. All of them have been talking about seeing you again since we left King's Landing. Ned and Rhaella are especially excited. Lyanna, too. Lyanna most of all, probably."

Catelyn felt moisture in her eyes at what Jon had just said. "I cannot wait to see them, Jon."

"I look forward to seeing you reunited with them."

"How are they?" She asked desperately. "How much have they changed?"

He laughed. "Ned looks more like a Stark with each passing day, his hair is brown and his demeanor stoic like the North. Him and Sansa have grown extremely close, she considers him like a son. Rhaella has only grown more beautiful, as has Lyanna, both of them are like little ladies. Robert is taller now, if that was possible for a boy his age."

"Gods..." Catelyn muttered one last time and embraced Jon. "I've missed them."

Jon was about to reply when she saw his gaze lurk over her shoulder, a smile beginning to creep on his face. "If you'd excuse me," he began. "I'd like to go say hello to the Lord of Winterfell."

"Of course."

Jon gave her one more quick embrace and smiled before he ran past her and said hello to Bran after so long. Catelyn turned to see both brothers…or cousins, were shaking hands and laughing, both visibly happy to see one another. Catelyn's heart warmed at the sight, and she had completely forgot Daenerys was there.

Catelyn turned to see her daughter by law. Her silver hair was a mess, slumped in a giant braid that hung down her back with strands of hair matted against her forehead from sweat.

"Mama…" she muttered to Catelyn.

"Sweet child," Catelyn replied, opening her arms for her. Daenerys only smiled and walked over to her, taking her hand in hers before placing it on her belly. Catelyn's eyes grew wide when she felt the bump that was forming there. Daenerys was with child.

"Daenerys..." Catelyn's voice wavered. "You're with child?"

She nodded, her face was glowing despite her fatigue. "Yes, as is Arya."

"Arya?" Catelyn asked in shock, "When?"

"A while back. Her belly is growing bigger by the day now."

Catelyn grinned. "That is good news. Now I have two new grandchildren on the way."

Dany smiled and said, "James and I are happy to give you another grandchild, Ned and Rhaella are happy to have a new brother or sister on the way. They're happy to see their grandmother again. We've missed you, mama. I've missed you."

Catelyn hugged her daughter by law. "I've missed you child, and I'm glad to see you again. I love you all."

Dany must have seen the look on her face because she only laughed and wrapped her arms around Catelyn's neck, which could now feel the moisture of Dany's tears, and whispered, "We are home, mother. We are home…"

A/N: Gotcha! Tyrion Lives! Now you maybe asking how because James said he saw him fall, but they never saw his body or anything. So, I hope you like that revelation.