Her sheets coiled around her like a snake as she birthed her fifth child. For a woman who had done this four times, it was natural for her to know what to expect. But without indication from the gods, Catelyn had no clue.
When the maester told her that another Stark was growing inside her belly, she thought long and hard about whom she might pray to. The smith came to her mind but he didn't answer her prayers when she asked him before.
She considered all of her options for so long until one night, as she lay next to her Ned, she decided that she would not ask any of the gods for their help. They would take care of him, her and Ned and all of his older brothers and sisters. You will never be alone. She promised her babe that.
Rickon was a fussy child, he liked to scream and yell in delight as he played with his brothers and Arya. He gave a toothy grin every time Sansa or Old Nan cooed over him and told him stories. She loved to watch the wonder on his face every time one of her children shared their wisdom with him.
And her heart swelled with pride when she saw him playing with his direwolf. His fur was as black as a moonless night and his eyes were green fires. But still, her Rickon was not afraid. She watched her brave boy with a smile on her lips.
Why? Why? Why would anyone do that to a little boy? His greatest sin was being her family and they killed him for it. His face haunted her every night as she clutched her pillows. Her babe died alone and afraid. Gods have mercy, oh please have mercy…
And now she looks down on him, holding her sweet Ned's warm hand. He is a feral one her son. Living in the mountains with savage Skaggs and a wildling. Tamed by no man and watched by no god. Still, she promised him and she will keep that promise. She will watch him, her and Ned and Robb. They will guide him to what's left of his family and they will help him bring his home back from desolation. And they will never abandon him. I promise you again! And I promise you a thousand times more!