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Late night talking

Finally guests are leaving, one after another, so peace and blissful silence return to Winterfell.

One evening – Or is it night already? How late is it? –, Benjen comes to Catelyn. She offers him a cup of wine and they are sitting together by the solar's fireplace.

"I was glad that you asked me about the Watch," he says.

It is the voice of a petitioner, Catelyn knows it very well.

"We are supposed to guard the realms of men, but we became a dull sword, a weak shield by now. The Watch is dying."

"Is that so bad?" Catelyn asks. "What even is the Wall? A penal settlement for criminals of the Seven Kingdoms or a true border to be defended?"

Understanding what she means, he replies: "The wildlings are dangerous, Catelyn, especially with this new leader, Mance Rayder. The Wall is needed, so the Watch is too."

Of course, but the existence of the Watch has always relied on a realm that already forgot to care – and they were aware of it.

"Last time we met, Ned and I had a discussion about the abandoned castles alongside the Wall."

Out of nineteen castles, sixteen was abandoned. Arya has recently learnt to list them all, and repeated their names whole days long like a rhyme.

"Winterfell can support you in reopening a few castles, with gold and building material. But how will you fill those strongholds with men?"

Benjen smiles bitterly. "In the old days, we didn't have to beg to anyone or force them."

"Vows, full of resignations that tying them up for the rest of their lives can discourage people easily," Catelyn notes.

"We had a plan though… rather an idea: raising new lords to defend the Wall and tend to the fields."

"The Gifts belong to the Watch," she points out.

"Yes, and they would pay taxes to the black brothers."

It can work, Catelyn admits. And the Watch must reshape itself to endure.

Maybe, with time, they could repair Queenscrown to help the cooperation between the Wall and Winterfell, and oversee the inhabitants of the Gifts who would pay to the Watch, but would still remain subjects of the North.

One day, Queenscrown would be a good place for Bran. When he grows up, he will need a holdfast.

"Does Lord Commander Mormont know that we talk about this?"

"He would agree with me. He will."

Catelyn sighs heavily. She made the decision. "If we start this, we have to start now, before winter comes."

Benjen nods. "Let it be that way."

He should be content, still he seems more worried suddenly, more tense.

"Is there something else?"

"Well." Benjen clears his throat. "About Jon…"

Ah.

"Don't you think serving on the feast was an unfair punishment? While Robb just copied some dusty scrolls for the same act."

Catelyn shakes her head. "It was not an unfair punishment, but a cruel favor."

Benjen leans forward, frowning. "Explain it."

And Catelyn does.

"Was it worth it?" he asks then.

"Some of my assumptions were confirmed. Lord Cerwyn and Cregan Karstark are still cross with me because I refused their marriage proposal. Though Lord Cerwyn hopes for a betrothal between our children."

"But his daughter…"

"Is nearly my age," Catelyn affirms. "His son, however, is only a year older than Sansa. Lord Manderly talks a lot, but never says what is really on his mind. And Lord Bolton says nothing. But both of them were watching the others as carefully as Jon was."

This does not seem to surprise Benjen.

"Jon found Domeric Bolton kind enough but was wary of his father," Catelyn continues. "He told me that he felt uncomfortable around him. The Mormonts are ashamed of Ser Jorah's deeds and escape. Most of the lords say that they have a great debt for House Stark. The Mormonts themselves don't declare such things, of course, but they think and act that way… Lady Maege likes me. I know it from her not Jon, but she seems to be telling the truth. On the other hand, Barbrey Dustin holds her grudge against all the Starks, especially me who shouldn't be a Stark at all."

And the firstborn, who is half her and half Ned.

"Do any of them pose a threat?"

"Almost every one of them can be a threat. But not yet. They are waiting – and planning, no doubt."

"So do you," Benjen says.

"I do what I must to protect my family."

"Is Jon a part of your family?"

Catelyn stays silent for a while. She has not answered that question for herself yet and she will not for Benjen either.

"Ned trusted me with him."