ATP

Tywin doesn't trust Euron. I didn't write that part clearly, sorry. Euron has his own plans, but with those unwillingly and accidentally helps the Lannisters.


Stolen

Entering her chamber Catelyn finds Mance Ryder sitting of the side of her bed. He is not supposed be here – of course – but it would be useless to remind him of that.

He holds a lute in his hands and plays a familiar melody as his fingers are running through the strains, then, he starts singing in his heady voice.

I loved a maid as red as autumn
with sunset in her hair.

"I'm not a maid." Time seems to froze for a heartbeat when she starts speaking and breaks the song's charm.

"No, you're not." The man puts down his lute and steps to her.

Kissing him, allowing his fingers to loose the knots on her gown is misadvised from every aspect. But this very moment none of them is enough to stop her.


The sun, after many grim days, shows itself this morning. Its light is weak and pale, but it proves the rule of winter has not been complete yet.

Catelyn wishes the world stayed motionless just for a few moments.

"You know… According to my people traditions, you are my wife now." Mance notes.

She laughs softly.

"I believed you have to steal a woman from her home to become yours. But we are in Winterfell."

"And still, I have taken you."

He touches her cheek and Catelyn shuts her eyes. By opening them, she knows, it is time to return to reality.

"You're here because your men managed to capture a dead," she says.

Mance's face turns somber, though his gaze remains gentle. With his thumb, he slowly strokes her eyebrow, her temple…

"Yes. Your son has to come with me to the Wall."

Catelyn nods. So lastly, the war begins.