*So as for the previous chapter, Samsyn is pronounced as (Sam-sin)

**For the purposes of my story, I have decided to go more in-depth for House Royce in this story.

298 AC

Catelyn Stark

Her party had reached the Gates of the Moon very soon after they had crested the final hill. When they reached the gates, the Keeper of the Gates of the Moon, Lord Nestor Royce greeted her in the inner courtyard. Thought the man had been polite, he was blunt, and she got the impression that he did not want to speak to her much.

Ser Henric, before excusing himself to sleep in the barracks, had explained the reason. Apparently when Lord Arryn had been in the capital for so many years, he had appointed Lord Nestor as the High Steward of the Vale. It made sense to her then. Though he did not comment on it, it was obvious to her that his pride was hurt by not being chosen by Lord Arryn to serve as one of his co-regents.

She had dined with the man along with his daughter, Myranda Royce, for her evening meal, electing to complete the final journey on the 'morrow. From her understanding, his cousin, Lord Yohn Royce had reached the Gates the morning she had reached the Bloody Gates. As such, he only had one more day ahead of her to make the Eyrie his temporary home.

"If you could, who was among Lord Royce's party?" She had asked.

"My cousin brought his daughter, Ysilla along with her betrothed, Ser Mychel Redfort. In addition, he brought the customary household of his and a complement of twenty of his guardsmen. He also brought his master-at-arms as his close assistant.

"And what of his sons? I know that his youngest took The Black some time ago, but he had others. Surely he'd wish to bring them along?"

"His eldest, Ser Andar has remained behind to serve as the acting Lord of Runestone. Though my cousin's grandson, son of Ser Andar has joined him as well."

"I had no idea that Lord Royce had any grandchildren yet." From what she remembered, all four of his children had been unmarried as of yet.

"Oh yes my lady. Ser Andar had married Lady Mariah Moore, sister to Ser Mandon of the Kingsguard. They had three children. Two daughters that my cousin dotes over, and one son. Ser Andar is currently trying to find a new wife after Lady Mariah passed on the birthing bed."

"And what of his middle son? Romar? Roman?-"

"Robar my lady. Ser Robar. I am unaware of his current location as of now. I simply assumed that he had stayed at Runestone as well."

"I see. Many thanks. No doubt Lord Royce wishes that his grandson…what is his name?"

"Allard my lady."

"No doubt he wishes for his grandson Allard to grow up with his future liege lord." She put on a kind smile.

But Lord Nestor just slowly drank from his chalice while muttering. "Yes…to 'grow with his future liege lord.' No doubt."

She realized that Lord Nestor Royce was going to be a hindrance to any radical changes. He was already envious of his cousin and felt cheated. She'd have to think of ways of bringing him into the fold, or permanently shutting him out.

Just like the previous day at the Bloody Gate, she awoke to a simple meal. She was almost begging to have a bath drawn up for herself but decided against it. She just wished to finish her trip now. It had been a long road and it was so close to being done.

When she reached the courtyard, she watched as Ser Henric and his men were preparing to return to the Bloody Gate. He saw her as she left the keep.

"My Lady, I wish you all the best!" He shouted from atop his mount.

"Thank you very much for your work good Ser. I shall not soon forget it!"

He nodded without responding, offered a smile, and turned. His riders following him as they thundered back down the road which they had just taken.

It was oddly quiet in the courtyard without the neighing of horses and the shouting of men-at-arms. But just as it seemed like all the sound in the world was sucked from the air, soft noises once again returned. The greatest came from the winds, the mighty gales that swept through the mountains this high up.

She turned as Lord Nestor strode over to her. "My lady. Your party is prepared to leave at your word. This-" He turned to gesture to a man with mighty chops to his right. "-is my son, Albar. He shall serve as your chaperone until you reach the Eyrie."

Bowing, she thanked him with honeyed words before mounting herself. It was time to finally meet her nephew.

Eddard Stark

The time had come for him to leave Winterfell. He was very happy he had managed to make Robert agree to allowing him one more month to remain. Many happy occurrences took place is the past two fortnights. For one, he had met his first grandchild. A sweet boy that Robb named Samsyn. It was an unusual name, for sure. But it fits well. He had Luwin send a raven to the Eyrie to notify his wife. She hadn't gotten there yet but he was sure she was close.

In a moment of complete sanguine, Bran had awoken from his deepsleep…much to the enraged prospects. Robb and Edwyle had been sparring in the yard while he had been in his solar. A guard rushed in alerting him of a commotion occurring in his young son's chambers. Arya had been sitting in his chambers when an assassin entered wielding a knife.

The catspaw had slapped Arya across the face and had turned to Bran. Thankfully, both Blizzard and Nymeria had been in the room and had jumped on the assassin. Once Arya had arisen, she brandished her small dagger and stabbed the man in the leg. Though to her it was meant as a wounding strike, she must have nicked an artery 'fore the man had died within moments.

He had run out of the room with the direwolf mother who he had named Fury. Reaching the room, it seemed the only calm thing present was his son Bran, still asleep in his bed. Arya had actually recovered from being hit and was excited that she had protected her brother. Eddard was quite…irate after the incident. He had given both Ser Rodrik and Ser Jory a stern talking to about the security of his castle if assassins can enter at any time.

He had sat with bran alone, asking him if he had remembered anything from the day he fell. His son explained that his mind was still fuzzy.

"My mind is unclear father. Like a cloud. I am always so close to remembering before is escapes my grasp."

"Fear not Brandon. Allow your mind to heal…should you remember after I left, feel free to share it with Robb or maester Luwin. They will be able to make a call if they should inform me."

But regardless, Brandon had awoken. After consulting with maester Luwin, a tentative prognosis was made. One of Bran's legs would be permanently damaged, while the other one would heal in time. According to Luwin, the worse-off leg could be fitted for a brace, to help with walking. Perhaps he'd never be a knight like he wished, but he'd live, he would walk once more, and he'd be able to ride with a horse trained for him. It was far better than they all expected. Arya's face became bruised in the following days, but unlike other little ladies, true to her spirit, she bore it with pride. Bothering all the guards and the household with telling stories of her pride in defending her brother.

Both Robb and Edwyle had become down at the news. Since Bran's fall, at least one of them would be usually sitting with Bran. This time being only a handful of times where neither of them were. It took to personal word of Bran and Arya to settle their morose moods.

And finally, he had finalized the plans for Sansa's marriage. Willas Tyrell was the obvious choice; the heir to one of the most powerful kingdoms and a reportedly kind man at that. But according to Sansa, she wished for happiness, and so they agreed that Edric Dayne was a better match. And silently, he himself was happy at the prospect of not having to deal with the infamous Queen of Thorns. On the other hand. Edric was a man her age. He worshipped the Old Gods so his bannermen would be more open to it.

Further, Sansa had a chance to truly bloom in Dorne. Highgarden, and the Reach, were firmly in the hands of Willas Tyrell and his grandmother. On the other hand, Dorne was still open for influencing he hoped. He knew from his steward, Vayon Poole, who also served as his treasurer, that it was an economically poor choice to not pursue the Tyrells. But the North could always seek what they needed from the Riverlands, the Crownlands, and actually Dorne as well.

He had a feeling that the Tyrell's did not possess such a strong grip on the Reach as they would like others to believe. Call it a gut feeling or a Lord's intuition…he was just uncomfortable with that family.

But his choice, and Sansa's exuberant agreement also meant that he would not leave the North with only himself and a small army, but also his eldest daughter. Lord Edric was currently under the tutelage of Lord Beric of House Dundarrion. Last he heard from Robert, the Lightening Lord called the halls of the Red Keep his current home, if temporary. It would be a good place for his daughter to meet her betrothed and then he could send them on their way. Even with the absence of Lannister soldiers, in the pit of snakes that was King's Landing, no one was truly safe.

But enough of that. Time was at hand. Already, there was a force of four hundred guardsmen waiting for him, his daughter, and Ser Jory. Most of his escorts, roughly three hundred and fifty guards were of the Winter Guard, while the last of the men, about fifty, were the elite Hunters of the Guard. They were the smallest of the one thousand-man strong Winterfell Honor Guard force. Roughly a hundred were Hunters, another seven hundred served as heavy foot, though when traveling they could ride as well. And the last two hundred was a dedicated cavalry unit.

He left half of the Hunters, all the cavalry, and three hundred of the guardsmen with Robb with instructions to raise their replacements. Regardless, he hoped that their journey would be safe and unassuming. Their horses were not the only bestial companions either. Along the horses would run both Fury and Lady, their direwolves.

Sansa had agreed that she would only take a light portion of her belongings and dresses. The rest could be shipped at a later date to Starfall. As such, many of her not-as-personal belongings were shared in the knapsacks of his riders. Because of this, they required no wheelhouse and could make excellent time. Time to say my farewells.

His family arranged before him reminded him of when Robert first rode into the castle. This time however, it was Robb who stood strong at the far left. He started with him.

"Robb. You have my instructions, and my advice. But lean on Edwyle if you need to, he'll always be there for you."

Robb nodded in thanks, as he turned to Dacey who held Samsyn in her arms, Robb said his farewells to Sansa.

"My gooddaughter, I am so happy for you and Robb. I know you'll raise him right." They embraced in a hug before he spoke in her ear. "Be there for Robb. He puts on a good face, but I can see through it. Don't let him spiral."

Leaving the embrace, she responded with mirth in her eyes. "I think that I shall always be here for him, mi' lord."

He nodded in thanks before turning to his second son.

"Edwyle, be patient with Robb. I know you sometimes think that your ideas are the best ideas but remember that Robb is now the acting Lord of Winterfell. Impress on him all your advice and ideas, but recognize his word is final."

"Of course father, safe travels."

Then he came to the newest generation's Wild Wolf. "Arya, I am so proud of the woman you are growing up to be. Be there for your brothers."

She straightened up as if she were armoring for battle. "Nothing'll get 'em if I have any say in the matter!" She yelled fiercely. He drew her in for a tight embrace as well. "Arya, my dear one, I know how much you resent it, but with both your mother and Sansa gone for Winterfell, Lady Dacey will be taking the brunt of the responsibilities of the Lady of Winterfell. Be there for her. You may not like it, but it is just as important as defending your brothers."

She wore a minor frown but agreed. "Yes father."

"Good, I know that you shan't let me down."

He made his way down the line to Brandon. It pained him to see his young son sentenced to a wheeled-chair for the moment, but his mood always heightened when he was reminded that he shall walk once more. "Brandon, I cannot express how sorry I am to be leaving you now. I hope you will find it in you to forgive your father for this."

His son was struggling not to cry but still managed to croak out: "I could never hate you father, be safe!" Bran held his arms out in his wish to be embraced.

Finishing up with Bran, he finished with his youngest child, Rickon, holding hands with maester Luwin. "Rickon?" The boy drifted further behind Luwin's robes. "Rickon, come here, here now."

Slowly the boy walked forward. "Why you leave?"

"Your father has to help his king."

"Why?"

"You know how Robb is your brother?"

Nod.

"Well, the king is like that, for me."

"You and king bro'ders?"

"Not like you and Robb. But we are still very much alike."

"So why you go?"

He chuckled softly to himself. This could go on for hours. "Come here." He wrapped his arms around Rickon tightly, more so than any of his other children. "Papa will come back Rickon, I will come back."

Rising from his knee, he looked at Luwin.

"Fear not my lord, I shall watch over young Rickon."

"Thank you Luwin, you have always been a trusted advisor."

He turned to mount his horse as Sansa said her final farewells. She turned and mounted her horse as well. Looking at him, she was waiting for his word. He had never been the best at farewells, so he elected to do them quickly. Looking at his family once more, he nodded at each of them, then turned and galloped out of the inner courtyard, Sansa right behind him.

He didn't look back once.

Catelyn Stark

Ser Albar had led her and her escort along the treacherous path of the Giant's Lance. They had passed the waycastle of Sky and had arrived at the Eyrie proper. She heard some of the Arryn guards call for the gates to be opened to allow entry. Yipping her reins, she urged her mule forward until she had finally made it before the steps of the great hall. Outside stood more Arryn guards as well as a tall, broad man leading the welcoming party. He was bald but had greying sideburns and the hair on the back of his head was held together in a leather tie. His face was scarred, and he possessed a stern look in his eyes.

Dismounting from her mule, she soothed the creases in her robes before walking up to the awaiting party.

"My lady, I am Samwell Stone, the Master-at-Arms for Runestone. Lord Royce bid me welcome you to the Eyrie. If you'll follow me." Turning, Samwell Stone began to walk through the doors to the great hall, into the Crescent Chambers.

"My lady, if you'll excuse me, I shall be notifying Lord Royce of your arrival. Please, enjoy some refreshments and warm yourself from the journey." Once more, he left to carry out his duties.

She took off her overcloak and handed it to one of her Winterfell guards. She poured herself a chilled chalice of lemon water. She had never been in the Eyrie before, and it was truly glorious. The walls were of beautiful stone, unlike the harshness of Winterfell. She knew it was ill-mannered, but she decided to explore herself. She walked with her cup into what must have been the Great Hall.

At the end was a carved weirwood throne, not dissimilar to the one in the hall of Winterfell.

"A mighty thing, is it not?"

She jumped at the sudden voice. Turning around, she gazed upon an incredibly tall man. A broad forehead led to bushy eyebrows. He let his shoulder-length white hair hang loosely and kept his wide, white beard untied.

"Aye…it is." She said carefully, unsure of how to treat the unknown man. The man chuckled to himself in a deep, baritone, laugh.

"Apologies my lady. It was remiss of me not to introduce myself. I-" He bowed from the waist only slightly. "-am Yohn of the House Royce, Lord of Runestone…and I believe your co-regent."

"Oh, how silly of me!" She gave a kind smile in return. "Yes, apologies my lord. I had never been to the Eyrie and wished to explore it more. I am Catelyn of House Stark."

"How is your Lord husband, my lady? I remember young Ned when he fostered here with Lord Arryn."

"He is well, he will be happy to hear from you."

"Of course my lady." He looked back the way he had come, looked at her, then looked back again. He seemed unsure of something until he gestured with his arm. "My lady, do you wish to…meet your nephew? I started him on a training regimen with the master-at-arms and he started this morning."

"Yes, I would love to meet Lord Robin. Tell me, be honest, what is your opinion of my nephew? What do you think will be needed to work with."

"No offense meant my lady, but your nephew is a spoilt boy. When I arrived yesterday, he was screaming, running around the halls, demanding of things, and generally unruly. I am sorry to say that I had to…discipline him immediately."

"That is unfortunate."

"Aye my lady. I fear that after your Lady sister's many failed pregnancies, she held Lord Robin close. I do not blame her of course, but I believe that you and I must hammer that behavior out of him 'fore it is too late."

She was surprised at the bluntness of his words. She sensed they weren't meant to offend, but his honesty would be very helpful during their co-regency. The two of them had been escorted through the halls by a servant until they came to a small, open, tiltyard.

"Raise your sword boy!"

A young boy, Lord Robin she assumed, was being yelled out by a middle-aged man. Another knight also stood by watching the entire scene too. The knight turned when he saw them and bowed deeply at the waist.

"My Lord, my Lady. I am Ser Vardis Egen, Captain of the Arryn Guard."

She bowed from the neck in thanks to return her attention at her nephew. Lord Royce called out to him.

"Lord Robin! Come, come and meet your Lady aunt!"

Turning at the powerful voice, the boy looked miserable. He walked over with slumped shoulders and dragging feet. When he arrived, he looked up at her.

Putting on kindest smile, she greeted her nephew for the first time.

"Hello Robin. I'm your aunt, Catelyn."

"You're mother's sister?"

"Yes. It is very good to meet you."

"Mother didn't like you."

*I am aware that Robin Arryn is technically named Robert Arryn. I must be honest however and agree with the decisions of the GoT show writers in the option to change it to Robin Arryn. Tbh, it is just easier for me to remember as well.

**I know that the Eyrie is nigh on impregnable. According to ASOIAF, the Eyrie's entrance was either a ladder or some wicker baskets that were pulled up with pulleys and oxen (unless I read the ASOIAF Wiki incorrectly. I want to keep it as accurate as the novels, but I decided that there should at least be a small courtyard for mules and hardy horses.

***I am aware that recently, I have focused on the Stark parents and others, but I needed to do this to move the plot. Fear not, I shall go back to Robb and Edwyle's POV's soon.