Thank you to everyone who has favourited or is following the story.
ATP
Yes, they are strong and do what they can to become much stronger and be ready when the time comes.
Author's note: There was a mention about Meera's pregnancy in Chapter 52.
Betrothed
Meera bore her son yesterday. The child, whom she is nursing in her arms, charms her and Catelyn entirely. So they do not pay real attention to Septa Mordane who is fussing around them, nattering without end about Sansa walking in the winter garden with Harrion Karstark.
"It's not proper for an unwed young lady to be alone with a man, not even if that man is her betrothed."
"I perfectly trust Sansa," Catelyn declares.
Septa Mordane lets out a heavy sigh.
"Sansa, of course, her behavior is always beyond reproach."
Catelyn must smile. It is such great luck that poor, old Septa Mordane did not see her daughter threatening Cregan Karstark.
"However, it is not our lady whom I am worried about but that Karstark boy."
The Karstark boy is nearly twenty-four, although, that fact would only give more reason for Septa Mordane to worry.
She sniffles with disdain.
"I have heard a few things about his uncle's leaving."
Catelyn shrugs. Up to now, Harrion has proved to be different. And if she is wrong about him, well…
"I perfectly trust Lady."
Uncharacteristically for her, Sansa does not know what to say. Harrion Karstark and her (and Lady) are walking slowly amongst the plants and flowers that are green and full of life despite the winter.
It reminds her of their last meeting, the last proper one. Then, she was afraid she seemed like an empty-headed little girl – though she considered herself neither little, nor empty-headed.
The first sight of Harrion Kartark frightens her. He is older by nine years, a big man with thick black beard. Being frightened, however, would be very unmeet for a Stark.
Anyway, Lady is perfectly calm what makes her calm too.
Sansa can be wrong but Lady would know if Harrion Karstark was not to be trusted, if he meant any treat to them.
"I've heard a lot about you," he starts speaking. Sansa remembers he is not good with words but he is trying. "And since (I saw you at) your brother's wedding I've known that all the words are true. A beauty like you cannot be found in the Seven Kingdoms, not even in the court."
Sansa smiles at him, raising her eyebrows.
"Have you ever been there?"
"No," he admits. Unbelievable, but he looks embarrassed as much as she feels herself. "But I cannot imagine there's a woman in King's Landing who would outshine you."
But he hardly would say – or think – such a thing again.
That conversation gave her hope regarding their future marriage. Since everything that happened with Lord Cregan, however, Sansa has not known what she can expect.
Suddenly, Lord Harrion stops and for a brief moment touches her arm gently.
"Can I speak honestly, Lady Sansa?"
Sansa faces him, takes a deep breath and nods. If Harrion Karstark does not want to marry her, well… she does not to marry him either.
"Since meeting you, I have thought you a sweet girl. What I told you last time… I may not be good with compliments… but I meant it and I felt lucky. And then…"
"And then I shouted at your uncle that I would feed him to my direwolf."
He laughs. Sansa's heart lightens.
"You did. And I believed you, both of us believed you." There is no disapproval in his voice. "And now I know you are much more than a decent and pretty, very pretty lady." His tone suddenly changes, becoming more serious. "It would be my honor to marry you."
