A/N: We are nearing the final stretch. We have two chapters after this one.

Disclaimer: I don't own this universe. A man by the name of George R. R. Something, does.

Chapter 35 Gendry IV and Catelyn V

Gendry

Gendry Baratheon awoke to the sound of birds and his daughter shaking him awake.

"Daddy, wake up," whispered his daughter. "There is someone at the door for you."

Gendry strained his half-asleep eyes open and looked around the room. Lyanna was standing there in her nightclothes, chestnut-brown hair down past her shoulders and she was rubbing the sleep from her eyes. They had to share a room with Gendry and Arya to make space for the king and his family, whenever they were set to arrive.

The light in the room was coming in now, and Gendry could tell it was just dawn. He looked beside him to find Arya fast asleep facing the other way, and down the end of the room the hearth was smoldering. Two cots were beside each other where Lyanna and Robert slept, along with a crib for Edric, who had kept Arya and Gendry awake with his crying. Edric was very loud, at odds with his cousin Catelyn, who was very quiet.

Gendry strained open his eyes again and asked, "Lyanna, it is only dawn. Who could be at the door?"

She shrugged lightly and yawned. "Not sure, Daddy. But someone has been knocking. I think it is Uncle James and Uncle Jon."

Gendry threw open the covers now and another knock came to the door. He mussed his daughters hair as a voice came through and it sounded like Jon. "Gendry, we're terribly sorry to disturb you at this moment but Stannis is outside Winterfell. He bids Bran to come treat with him outside the castle walls and we are all going with him. Come, get dressed."

Gendry felt his eyes grow wide as he fully got out of bed, he gave his daughter a hug and kiss before walking past her. He walked over to the table and threw on a tunic and a pair of breeches. It was then he heard the coverlets rustling in the bed and saw Arya sit up. She also rubbed her eyes. "Gendry, why are you awake so early?"

Lyanna squirmed onto the bed and crawled into Arya's lap as Gendry answered, "Stannis has arrived in Winterfell." Arya's eyes grew wide but he continued, "He has bid Bran to come treat with him outside the castle walls, and I am going with him. I'm sure Stannis expects me there." Gendry fastened the tunic onto him.

"Be careful," Arya warned, stroking Lyanna's hair. "Stannis is nothing but a snake and a traitor. You saw what he did to my brother, stealing the crown. I should go with you for protection."

Gendry couldn't help but laugh. Sometimes Arya reminded him of that little girl posing as an orphan boy he met on the Kingsroad. Sometimes that little girl wouldn't die in her. "I don't think Stannis would like that," Gendry said. He sat down to slip on his boots. "I mean, King Stannis. I mustn't forget to call him Your Grace from now on. You know he will take it for a slight if I do not."

Arya scoffed. "Others take him." Gendry now saw worry in her eyes. "Gendry, be careful. Make sure-"

"-Bran will have archers along the outer walls and men inside Winterfell," he assured her. He finished tying the laces to his second boot. "And I'll try to negotiate nothing but peace with him, Arya. It is time for us to go home."

"But we are home," she whispered quietly. Gendry could see the pain and sadness flicker across her face at the same time. He and Arya often talked at lengths about whether or not he should retain his lordship, but Gendry knew he had no choice. He was a Baratheon, whether he liked it or not. He was the legitimized son of Robert Baratheon, the First of his Name, and could not turn down the new king. The Lord of Storm's End was one of the most powerful lords in the Seven Kingdoms and Gendry did not have a choice. He did not wish to leave the Starks, his family. He did not want to see the tears coming down his children's face as he would have to tear them from the only family they'd ever known. Gendry did not want that, but understood that it must be done. For the good of the realm, he assured himself.

Gendry sighed as he strode over and rested a hand on Arya's shoulder. She looked up at him with sad eyes. The same silver eyes she shared with her daughter and newborn son. He frowned and flattened her hair. Arya only scowled and slapped his hand away. "I know how much it pains you to think about it, Arya. And I'm thanking you for all of this. I'm sorry."

She shook her head. "I know, Gendry. You're just a stubborn bull is all."

He smiled. "And you're just a lady. The Lady of Storm's End."

"I don't want to be a lady," she said, rolling her eyes. Lyanna had fallen back asleep in her lap. "I'll be horrible at it, Gendry, you know I will."

Gendry kissed her on the forehead. "You'll do just fine, Arya." He heard another knock on the door. "Just a moment, Jon!" He shouted. Gendry then said to Arya, "I'll be back soon. I imagine Stannis will want us to return down south with him. Does your family know?"

She nodded in-reply.

"Good. I'll be back, Arya."

She nodded again as Gendry gave her a kiss. Arya laid back down on the bed, Lya in her arms with her and Gendry went to the door. He opened it to find James and Jon standing out there, both looking equally tired from the feast last night. James was in a black doublet with boiled leather, his breeches were of a grey. Jon was all in-black, his preferred color. Jon is a married man now. Gendry gave them both curt nods which they only returned in-kind.

He stepped out into the halls and the three of them began to walk down to Bran's solar near the other end of the Great Keep. James yawned loudly. "Gods, my head is pounding. I think I drank too much ale last night."

"I'm surprised Daenerys let you drink that much," Jon teased him. "We all know how she has you tamed like Drogon."

Gendry laughed loudly and Jon did with him. James was not amused. "You jest now, Jon, but wait a few months. Sansa will have you tamed like Rhaegal sooner then you know it. Trust me, Jon Targaryen."

Jon shrugged. "Mayhaps you are right. Regardless, what do you think Stannis will do?"

"Treat with us," Gendry told them. "He knows that we have the dragons, Tommen must have told him so. Stannis wants peace while keeping his crown. He just wants peace."

"As do I," said James, "but I also want assurances. No acts of revenge on his part."

"Stannis won't attempt anything as long as we have the dragons," Jon pointed out.

"Yes, but dragons do not live forever. How long do they live for?"

Gendry didn't know. "I'm not sure, perhaps Tyrion does."

"Is Tyrion coming with us?" asked Jon.

"No," said James. "When Bran's squire came to wake me this morning - the idiot woke Dany and the children, Rhaella couldn't go back to sleep - he told me that Bran wants the three of us out there with him. Rickon and Tyrion will watch from the battlements."

"Sounds like a solid plan," said Gendry. "Hopefully after all this is said and done, we can finally have peace."

Jon Targaryen smiled. "It is all I yearn for. To raise my children with Sansa in Winterfell."

As do Arya and I, thought Gendry, ruefully, but we aren't so blessed.

They found the Lord of Winterfell in his solar with his squire next to him. Bran was reading over scrolls and dressed in his finest lordlings clothing. After they broke their fast, the men were dressed up in light armor. Boiled leather over chain mail with breeches and boots. Gendry's hammer was strapped onto his back and the men buckle on their swords. Once that was over they made their way towards the stables.

It was a chilly day in Winterfell when the men stepped out to the crisp northern air. Gendry had come to love the North, love the cold. Even though spring had come it was still kind of cold and they got some snow. Arya had told him about the summer snows. The sun was breaking through the clouds and it light up the courtyard in a beautiful way.

"It'll snow today," said James as he pushed Bran in his chair. "I can feel it."

Jon laughed. "Okay, James. I'm pretty sure it will not snow today."

"Would you like to make a wager?"

"No, why would I? I have nothing to wager."

"Shut up, you two!" barked Bran. "We have to be serious about this."

This seems serious enough, Gendry thought as he saw the northern soldiers scrambling in the courtyard. They were running across in their boiled leather and chain mail, their silver shields strapped onto their backs. Some were running around with spears in their hands and some bows. Stewards and squires were running around with barrels and quivers of arrows to bring to the ramparts above the East Gate. Gendry looked up there as they made their way towards the stables. Already he could see lines of archers in position next to each other, looking perfect in a row.

"Are all those archers necessary?" asked Jon as Bran's squire helped him onto his destrier. James had already mounted his and Gendry as well, even Jon had too. They were just waiting for Bran. Poor lad, he deserves his legs back. Gendry thought the gods too cruel to allow a good man such as Bran to have lost the use of his legs, but there was nothing he could do. Bran had adapted to them and still ruled just as powerful with a man who could use two. All his men respected him and his lords even more so. None so much as the Greatjon Umber, who had now joined them.

The Greatjon, along with some guards had reared up their horses next to them as they lined up in-front of the East Gate. Bran turned around to them, auburn hair flowing and said, "Rickon and Tyrion are up on the East Gate. Will you call to them?"

Gendry nodded and shouted, "Rickon, Tyrion! What does it look like out there?"

A few moments passed before an auburn haired Rickon poked his head over the ramparts. Then a pair of mismatched eyes, a missing nose, and the thin blonde-white hair of Tyrion Lannister joined him. Tyrion was clad in Lannister crimson and black, still proud of the house he belonged to. That was something Gendry admired about Tyrion. Even though all of the North hated his house, he was not afraid to show where he came from, his heritage. And Tyrion did not care what they thought, what any of them thought.

Rickon looked down at Gendry. "Stannis has brought an army with him, Bran. It seems that he means to fight if this parley goes bad. I can see him out there waiting for us. He expects you to go meet with him."

Gendry saw Bran give him a curt nod. "Are the men ready in-case?"

This time Tyrion nodded. "All the archers and men are ready, Lord Stark. Although I fear Stannis will not try anything as long as we still have the dragons."

"But the beasts are nowhere near Winterfell," said Rickon. "Stannis will surely know that."

"Stannis knows nothing," Tyrion barked at him. "For all he knows they are soaring the skies. He knows that we still have control of them and that is all he needs to know."

Rickon nodded as Bran asked, "Who is out there with Stannis? Anyone of note?"

"Lord Davos, his personal guard, and my nephew Tommen," Tyrion told him. "The queen is nowhere to be seen. I'm guessing she is waiting."

Bran nodded again. "Okay, Tyrion." He snapped the reigns and looked back at them. "Do not say a word unless spoken to." He glared at James. "Put the transgressions and hatred you have for Stannis behind you, James. I do not want you saying something that would cause a slight. I know how hot-headed you can be when angry."

James scoffed. "I won't say anything stupid, my lord. Although I do not forget that he is a traitor and turncloak. He stole that crown from me."

"I don't care!" Bran nearly shouted. "Right now, I don't care. I want peace, don't you?"

James nodded.

"Then don't make any remarks. Just stay quiet and calm, James, I beg of you."

"Fine, Bran," James replied. "I won't say anyting, I swear."

Bran nodded and stirred his horse forward as the men followed. The gate was opened and they made their way down the underpass and over the moat, the green hills and Kingsroad came out to greet him. Gendry just stared at the back of James's head, his brown-black hair bouncing with each trot. He could remember when he first met James, all those years ago. He was clad in the black of the Night's Watch, standing next to his father, Ned Stark, as both came to visit Gendry when he was still Mott's apprentice. James looked so young then - he still looked youthful now but age and the stress of being king had begun to catch up - and Gendry remembered the youthful look in his eye. The way he seemed sad, in a way, as if he did not want to be there. It was then that his life changed forever with his father's death. James was never the same since that.

Now they arrived near the parley and Stannis was coming into view. The man looked the same. He was atop his hill with his fiery heart bolt cloths around him. To his right was Lord Davos Seaworth, the Hand of the King. His brown hair was still peppered with grey - more grey than brown, admittingly - and his face was hard like stone. Gendry spotted his luck charm, as he called it, tied around his neck. The Hand's pin was stuck onto his tunic. He must have stolen it right from Jon. I don't think he took it with him.

Behind Stannis was his newly formed Kingsguard, and the red woman wasn't with him. She hadn't been since they fought the Great Other, the Others across the Wall. Beside Stannis was the newly formed Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West. Tommen Lannister was beside him in golden armor with the crimson lion on the breast plate. His golden hair was down to his shoulders, barely touching the armor. Gendry saw he could not look at Bran nor any of the men. He knows he might see Myrcella. He doesn't want to offend her. He fears she hates him.

And there was Stannis himself.

The new King of Westeros was wearing his typical silver armor with the crowned stag encompassed by a fiery heart plan on the middle of his breastplate. The black hair on his head was still fringed, receding as if were the shadow of a crown. His thin lips were formed into a frown and a shortly kept cropped beard was around it. On top of his head was a crown of red gold with points fashioned in the shapes of flames. Stannis's face was still hard like stone as it always had been, and in his head Gendry Baratheon could still hear James compare it to old leather as he did when they both traveled to the Stormlands to recruit Stannis's fleet. Only for him to use that same fleet to betray them.

There was nothing said for a few moments. Nobody said a word. The air was thick with tension and anger, Gendry did not know what would happen. He saw Stannis glaring at Bran, who did not flinch or break his gaze. Jon was next to Gendry on his left, while James was between Bran and Gendry. He then saw Tommen grab the hilt of his sword, the pommel was shaped into the head of a lion. He sure loves showing that he is a Lannister.

Suddenly Bran inclined his head. "Your Grace," he said, his voice dripped with a cold curtesy. Gendry hadn't heard those two words spoken in many moons, not to mention James was on the receiving end of them.

"Lord Stark," he returned. Gendry saw his jaw clench as he moved his gaze to James. "James…"

Gendry turned to his good-brother. He saw James's ears were as red as the crimson lion on Tommen's armor, the wolfsblood was upon him. Yet even now Gendry knew he would not speak out against Stannis, he wouldn't cause a slight. He inclined his head. "King Stannis."

Stannis's eyes now moved to Gendry and caught his gaze. "Nephew," he said. "I'm glad we did not find you in the rubble of King's Landing. It is good to know the Lord of Storm's End still lives."

"That I do, Your Grace," Gendry replied.

Stannis nodded then looked to Jon. "Lord Targaryen."

"Your Grace." He dipped his head.

Stannis clenched his jaw once more and said, "I expect the hospitality of Winterfell."

"And so you shall have it," Bran replied. "But, first…we must speak on a few things."

"And what would you want to speak about?" Stannis spat.

"Peace," Bran answered. Gendry saw him crane his head to look over Stannis. "I see you have brought an army with you. Why bring so many men under a simple peace banner?"

"How dare you question, His Grace?!" Tommen yelled.

"Quiet, Tommen," Stannis snapped, "let him speak." He looked to Bran. "Continue, Lord Stark."

As Bran was about to continue, Gendry saw Davos shifting in his saddle, he was playing with the reigns. Usually Lord Davos was a calm man, but always gave good, prudent advice. Bran then said, "I want a guarantee that you will not exact revenge upon Winterfell. That I do not want you to come back against my family for the battle of King's Landing."

"Even though he stole it from me," James spat under his breath.

That made Stannis grimace in anger and Bran give James an angry look. "I'm sorry for my brother," Bran apologized to the king. "But as you can understand he is still bitter about what took place in the capitol. I hope you can look past that."

Stannis shifted in his saddle and clenched his jaw once more. "I can look past it. But I want no more comments made."

Bran nodded.

Then Stannis asked, "How do I know you will not take retribution upon me when I enter Winterfell? How do I know those dragons aren't waiting in the sky to swoop down and attack as they did the Tyrells at Riverrun?"

Bran motioned to their surroundings. "The dragons are nowhere to be found, Your Grace. Surely beasts as big as them can be heard or seen. Rest assured, Your Grace, Winterfell will not rise against you."

Davos finally spoke up. "We want nothing but peace. We wish to stay in Winterfell for a moons turn or two and see you bend the knee. We did not come here for battle, and neither did you. We are even prepared to give assurances."

"Assurances?" James questioned.

"Quiet!" Bran whispered hoarsely. He then asked, "Such as?"

"First, Lord Gendry will retain Storm's End," said Davos. Gendry felt relief then, relief but sadness at the same time. He knew Arya would not take it well. "He is still the son of the late King Robert and a legitimized Baratheon. Storm's End belongs in his hands."

Gendry nodded. "And so I shall keep it. I look forward to living there."

"Oh, I expect you shall," Stannis said. "You and your family will return with me when we go back down south in a moons turn."

"Surely, Your Grace."

Stannis then addressed James. "James Stark, I want to make amends with you. I know that you do not like me for how I took the city - not to mention a kingship that was rightfully mine since my brother died - and you view me as a traitor. Nevertheless I am the king and demand your fealty. I'm prepared to give you and Lord Gendry even more assurances."

"Such as?" James asked. Gendry wondered, too.

Stannis gripped his reigns. "I can agree to a fostering for your boy and Gendry's eldest as well. Your Eddard can become my personal ward and foster when he comes of age. He and Robert can study under my tutelage once my reign is more secure." He looked to Gendry. "I can also promise that your daughter may become a lady-in-waiting to my wife, the queen, when she is also of age. She can join her at the same time your nephew and son do."

James scoffed. "May I speak plainly, Your Grace?"

Stannis nodded. "You may."

"It seems that you are using my boy as more of a token than a student. It sounds a lot like he will be a hostage, Robert and Lyanna with him. My wife will never allow it."

Stannis ground his teeth. "You can tell your wife, Lady Daenerys, that he will be fostered under my eye and Lord Edmure's as well. His son, Hoster, is my ward now and is doing well in the capitol with his family. I would take your daughter as well, but I fear that she has enough ladies-in-waiting for awhile. Eddard can then become lord of a holdfast if you wish. The fostering will begin when he has counted twelve namedays and will end in four years time. You have my word."

Gendry liked this idea. He knew that Stannis would not harm his son, seeing as he was the Lord of Storm's End. It was a good proposition for Robert to learn how to rule, how to be a good leader. Gendry never learned and had to from experience, but Robert had the chance to be greater. If he was to rule Storm's End one day once Gendry was gone from this world, who better to learn from than the king? No matter what kind of man Stannis was, he was still a great general. There was much to learn from him politically. Gendry just knew that Arya would not like it. It was her he had to get through. Yet it was a good idea not only for Robert but Lya, too. Lyanna will love the Red Keep when she sees it again. I doubt she remembers what it looked like. She was only three when she last saw it, now she is four.

James grunted. "I will have to speak with my wife about it, but I will give you your answer before you leave Winterfell."

Stannis nodded. "Fine. What do you say, Lord Gendry?"

"I'll…also, have to speak with Arya about it."

"And in-return I want nothing but oaths of fealty."

Bran dipped his head once more. "The North is yours, Your Grace." He motioned back to Winterfell. "Winterfell is yours."

Stannis nodded and reared his men forward. It was a long while until the finally entered the castle walls. The men had to wait while Queen Selyse, the now princess Shireen, and her ladies and servants came forward. The queen brought a lot of baggage and items, she even rode in a small carriage house. Gendry thought she probably couldn't handle the cold of the north, not that he could blame her. Even now he was getting used to it. Too long had he lived under the southern sun.

Once the queen was ready they made their way into Winterfell. King Stannis, Lord Davos, and Bran lead the way inside while Gendry trotted behind James and Jon, both Northern guard and Kingsguard coming in behind them. White flags of the House Stark were flying about every tower and crenelation, blending in with the clouds overhead. The courtyard was now busy with servants and soldiers moving into position. The Stark family had been there to greet the king and the queen when they arrived.

Rickon, Tyrion, Lady Catelyn, the women and children were there with the nobles of Winterfell. Even Ser Edmund was there with his daughter, who was next to Ned. Everyone was on bended knee when they arrived. Gendry looked over to see Tommen stiffen when he saw Myrcella holding Jaime in-front of her for the first time, Jaime had just learned how to walk. Afterwards the men came forward and unpacked all of the royal belongings, bringing them over to the guest house in Winterfell.

While Gendry was ordering some men to bring one of the queen's trunks carefully to the Great Keep, he saw Tommen step forward towards Myrcella. Cella just stood there as her younger brother approached with Jaime in her arms. Tommen tried to reach out to his nephew, but Cella retracted him away and said nothing. Suddenly she slapped him across the face and Tommen just stood there, stunned. "I deserved that," he had said. "I'm sorry, Cella."

Myrcella had just stood there as defiant and composed as she always had been. She then said, "You betrayed my family, Tommen. The Starks are my family now and you endangered them by doing what you did. The way you treated Uncle Tyrion as well. I should never speak to you again."

Tommen then grabbed her hand. "Cella, I wanted to come to your wedding, I wanted to come see…my nephew." He bent down his head. "Stannis would not let me," he whispered. "Please believe that, sweet sister. I'm sorry."

Myrcella drew in a breath. "Fine, Tommen. I will forgive you. You are still my brother and the only Lannister family I have left besides our uncle. But I will not forget what you did."

Tommen then hugged her then, she hugged him briefly and introduced Jaime to his uncle. It was a joyous sight to see.

Now Gendry was in his chambers with Arya, he wanted to tell her about what Stannis promised. It was a good opportunity for their children, and he needed to convince her. But Arya was Arya and Gendry knew she would not like this. She would loathe the idea of sending their children into King's Landing under Stannis's promise. Arya would put up a fight but she'd relent. Gendry knew she would.

He paced back-and-forth while Arya sat on their bed, clad in a simple grey woolen dress. Her brown hair was down hers shoulders. It was a few moments before she said, "Will you stop pacing, Gendry, you're making me dizzy. Just tell me about what Stannis said."

Gendry stopped and stood. "Fine. He made some promises, Arya, ones I cannot seem to refuse."

"Such as?"

"He is letting me keep Storm's End." Gendry could see the pain on her face when he said that, but Arya knew it was coming. She knew that Stannis would not let anyone but a Baratheon hold it, and Gendry was the last true one. He then softened his voice. "Arya, you knew that was coming."

His wife kept her composure. "I know. I just was hoping, maybe hoping…"

Gendry shook his head. "I know, but it has happened. I cannot deny the lordship."

"I know. What else did he propose?"

Gendry went silent and sat down to take a seat next to her. He took her hands in his and looked down at them before looking back up at her. Arya could see it in his eyes. "He proposed something else," she said. "I can see it in your eyes, Gendry."

Gendry nodded. "He did. And it is a great opportunity, Arya. This…this is a great opportunity for our son and daughter."

She buried her brow in confusion and asked, "Our son? Our daughter? What are you talking about?"

Gendry Baratheon was scared in this moment, scared for how she would react to this. Robert was the first born, the one who made them parents. He would always be special to them. Arya, especially. Lyanna was Arya's only daughter and the two were close. Gendry was closer to Robert, seeing as he was his son-and-heir. "King Stannis has made an offer to foster Robert in court when he comes of age. He extended the same offer to James as well to foster Ned, as a token of good faith."

Gendry could see her eyes widening but he did not let her reply. "And, he offered to make Lyanna one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting when she also comes of age. It would not happen until they have counted twelve namedays and would last no more than four years. Arya, here me out before you say something. This, this opportunity does not come around everyday. Our son and daughter have a chance to do something great here. Robert will be personally fostered under Stannis and will have Ned by his side. Think about it, Arya. They are both closer than brothers, and Lyanna will learn well under the queen. Unfortunately Rhaella was not given the same opportunity because the queen has already too many, but our Lya was. Think about this, Arya. I beg of you."

It was then that Gendry saw the fire flicker in her silver eyes. Those eyes always gave away her mood and he did not see happiness there. It was then that she ripped free from his grasp and made her way to the table with the mirror. Arya gripped the chair firmly with her hand and said nothing.

"Arya? Arya, you have nothing to say?"

The wolfsblood was on her now. "Fostering?!" she shouted, turning to Gendry in a blaze of anger. Her face was hard and firm. "You mean they are to be hostages! Wards! They are nothing but tokens of good will on our part! How could you agree with this?"

"Arya," Gendry said cooly, "this opportunity is too great for us to ignore. No matter what Stannis is…he knows how to rule a kingdom, how to lead. Robert could learn much from him, and can be a way better lord than me. Think about this."

"It is not just about, Robert!" she snapped. "You mean to give Lyanna away, too, as if she is cattle! My little girl, our little girl, Gendry! Who will she have in court? She will be alone! At least Robert will have Eddard, if Daenerys were to agree to such a thing! I know she would not like the idea of her precious Ned doing this."

"James will make her see reason," Gendry assured. "I know he will. If Ned were going with him, would you consider it?"

Arya shook her head. "I do not like this, Gendry. I don't trust, Stannis! I never will trust him. I just can't after what he did to us. Forcing us to be like refugees on the Kingsroad, our children with us. Now you plan on sending two of our children into his hands as if it was nothing. I cannot even speak to you right now."

"Arya…" Gendry said, getting up to walk towards her. "I know that you love our children and don't want to see them ripped away from us, but it won't be for many years. Robert will be thirteen when he goes, Lyanna twelve along with Ned. And the fostering will only last four. By the time it is over they will be sixteen and close to adulthood. Robert will be betrothed by then, perhaps Lyanna as well."

Arya snickered at that, Gendry did not know why. He shook his head once more and said, "Listen, just give it some thought."

Arya shook her head and he saw some moisture in her eyes. "I won't," she hissed. "You mean to take my children away, and I cannot even think about it. This whole idea is stupid, Stannis is stupid, and you are stupid!"

And with that she moved past him in a fury of anger, slamming the door as she walked out of the chamber. Gendry sighed heavily to himself and leaned against the chair, thinking about all he had been through. He knew Arya would come around in time, but time was something they did not have. Gendry knew he had to leave Winterfell, tear his family away from the one they had come to love so much. He'd have to hear his children's tears and cries of anguish, and those of Rhaella and Ned as well.

He walked outside of his chambers and saw servants practically running up-and-down the halls. Trunks were being brought into the Great Keep by guards and everyone was busy.

Suddenly he saw James step out of his chambers and shake his head. He let out a heavy sigh. Gendry walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "I just told Arya, too. She…she did not take it well."

That made James laugh. "Daenerys did not take it well, either. She yelled at me and fumed with anger. She told Ned would be nothing but a-"

"-hostage," Gendry finished as he nodded. "Arya said the same. It is just the motherly instinct to protect their children. They will see reason."

"I sure hope so," said James. "This opportunity is too great for us to pass down."

"I know," said Gendry ruefully. "Let us go to the Great Hall and have a drink. I could use one."

"Let's," James agreed, "while we have the time."

Gendry braced his shoulder. "I fear time is something we do not have."

"I have all the time in the world," James replied.

Yet I do not, Gendry thought. None at all.

-x-

Catelyn

"Daenerys, please see reason!" Catelyn Tully Stark heard her son shout in his chambers. Catelyn had heard this argument before. They had it at least once a day since Stannis arrived in Winterfell, and that was almost two moons ago. The king had been here for that long now, and in only a couple of days he was going back, Arya and Gendry and their children with them. The thought made Catelyn sad. She knew she would cry when they would leave. She'd cry because she knew that her children were hurt, but also because her grandchildren would grieve even more. Robert, Lyanna, Ned, and Rhaella had been born under the same roof, had been together since they were babes, had shared the same midwives…they were as if siblings. Now they had to leave each other.

The children had been told, Catelyn knew. James had told her that he explained it - well at least tried to - to Rhaella and Ned at the same time. Daenerys and he had sat them both down gently and explained that Aunt Arya and Uncle Gendry had to leave, that Lyanna and Robert and Edric had to go with them. "I don't think they understood at first," James explained. "Rhaella thought I was jesting, Ned couldn't believe it. After a few moments it hit them, hit them hard." Catelyn could still hear the pain in her sons voice. The children had cried for a while, Daenerys had told her the next day. She said she let them sleep in their bed that night because of it. Catelyn knew that day would be difficult for everyone.

The Great Hall had seen restocked with provisions and outside the castle walls an army was already encamped. Catelyn knew that even more men would be brought with Stannis - although they could feed themselves - and so the Great Keep was swept and cleaned with new linen being put onto the beds. The glass garden's vegetables were picked, the fruit along with it, and many beasts were slaughtered for the feasts to come. Not to mention many kegs of ale and barrels of wine were brought from the cellars. Everything had to be in-order for the new king, the same king who took his crown by betraying her son. An act that Catelyn could not forgive nor forget. It was one thing to put her children in danger, but her grandchildren, her babies…she could never forgive that.

That had been almost two moons ago, but now it was a different story. Stannis had been nothing but peaceful since he arrived in Winterfell. He still did not laugh or smile, or invoke loyalty but he was a firm king. Bran and the men had taken him hunting - even though Catelyn knew the man probably abhorred it - and Stannis had gone along with Tommen and Lord Davos. The men came back with a boar that night and it was eaten during the feast. There had been a feast each day since Stannis arrived, even though he insisted on it otherwise. Queen Selyse did not allow her daughter Shireen to come to them although it was probably expected of a princess. Catelyn thought the girl to be sweet despite her grey scale and even her grandchildren had taken somewhat of a liking to her.

Now Catelyn stood outside her sons chambers while she listened to them argue. They were often loud and passionate when they argued, but Catelyn knew the love they had for each other was strong. She knew they were talking about whether or not Ned should foster under Stannis. Catelyn had known that Gendry already told Arya, who was equally set against it as Daenerys. Both mothers thought it unwise to send their eldest sons and Lyanna to Stannis. They both thought the children would be more hostages than wards, but Catelyn saw the political side of it. The boys and Lya had an opportunity to learn under the king himself, a high honor in Westeros if ever there was one. Arya was close to saying yes, all depended on Daenerys's agreement. For if Ned were to go, Arya would give Robert her blessing. She didn't want Robert to be alone. But Catelyn also knew the real reason why they were against it: they didn't want their children leaving them. It was a mothers grief and protectiveness; nothing more, nothing less.

Catelyn knew she shouldn't be listening, knew she should just walk away, but she couldn't. She knew that Daenerys needed to be convinced. Servants walked past her and dipped their heads whilst Catelyn listened to their arguing. Some of them wanted to listen, she could tell, so they could go and gossip about it later. Word traveled fast in Winterfell.

Catelyn stood outside the door and listened. "Daenerys, please, my love, just listen, I beg of you. Arya will say yes to Robert's fostering if Ned will go with them. Ned now has an opportunity to learn how to lead. He can be lord of a holdfast, can do something with his life. Isn't that what we wanted?"

"It is," Daenerys conceded, "but I don't want him being a hostage. That I cannot allow!"

"Edmure is on the council now!" James said. "He will be there watching over Ned when the time comes. Stannis wouldn't dare do anything to our child, please believe that."

"I can't!" she screamed. "I just can't let him be a hostage, James!"

"He won't be a hostage!" He yelled in frustration. Catelyn pressed her ear closer to the door. "Listen, Daenerys-"

"-Enough of you telling me to listen!" she yelled. "I will not allow this, James! I cannot let you take my baby from me! How you can stand there and not care..."

"Not care? Of course I care! But I also see the opportunity behind this. Ned can do something with his life besides stay in Winterfell forever."

"I just can't speak with you right now, James." Catelyn heard her voice waver. Daenerys always had a soft spot for her children, Eddard especially. He was her favorite child, even though she would never admit it. He was her favorite as Bran was Catelyn's.

"Dany!" James yelled. "Please, my sweet, listen to this reason. Open your eyes. If not for me, do it for Robert, do it for Ned. He can be something Daenerys, something more than just our son. He can have a family of his own. He and Casella can live in the holdfast, give us grandchildren, and be one of Jaime's bannermen. You must see that. Ned won't be four forever."

There was silence for a few moments before Daenerys replied, "Let me think on it. Let me think on giving up my child."

"Don't cry…" was the last thing James said before Catelyn heard feet shuffling on the other side. Suddenly she jerked back as the door opened and Daenerys came through, her face fresh with tears. Catelyn stood there as she saw James in the chamber, running a hand through his hair. He was tired, frustrated, and stressed. He just wished Daenerys would agree to it.

Dany did not meet her gaze. "Excuse me, Mama. I must…I must find my son and hope he is spending whatever little time he has left with Robert. And me."

She walked passed Catelyn, but before she could go even further Cat grabbed her wrist. Daenerys turned to meet her, her silver hair bouncing. "He won't be gone forever, Daenerys. And it will not be for many years. Just…think on it."

Daenerys meekly nodded. "I know, Mama. I just don't like the idea of my Ned leaving me."

Cat smiled. "I know the pain; trust me, I know. I have lost a child myself, Robb…" she shook her head. "Nonetheless, Daenerys, think on it."

"I will."

Daenerys Targaryen wiped her tears once more and walked off. Now James came out into the halls and shook his head vehemently. He was clad in Stark grey from head to toe. "What am I to do, Mother?"

Cat frowned. "There is nothing you can do, James. She will come around on her own time."

"But time is something I do not have. Stannis expects an answer at the final feast and Dany knows this. Why doesn't she see the opportunity behind this?"

"She does," Cat assured. "It is just that she does not want her baby leaving her. It is a motherly thing, James."

"I know it is. Ever since the twins were born, Daenerys has always held them close to her heart. Ned, especially. He has always been a mothers boy."

"As Bran was at his age."

"I remember," James said quietly. Suddenly images of James and Robb watching Bran as he'd climb. The thought made her smile. "Bran had always been your favorite, Robb as well. Rickon and I weren't so lucky."

Catelyn laughed. "You were my first born. You were always special to me."

"Until I took the black," he said. For some reason it pained Cat when he said that, but she paid it no mind. He shook his head. "No matter, Mother. Will you speak to Daenerys and Arya for me?"

Cat nodded. "I will on the morrow. Today I must prepare for the farewell feast in two nights."

"Fine, Mother. I will see you later."

Catelyn left him after that. She did not speak to Daenerys nor Arya that day or the day that followed. Catelyn Tully was too distracted by ladies duties to attend to her family. She was preparing the feast for the king, the last feast Winterfell was to hold for the royal family. Catelyn had gone to the butcher to make sure chickens, pigs, and cattle were slaughtered for meat. She had gone to the cooks to make sure fresh bread was to be baked and lemon cakes as well. Then she had Tyrion order kegs of ale and casks of wine brought from the cellars. Already the royal visit had cost them, but Winterfell was not short of coin. It had many in its vaults. Each day began like this, and each day Catelyn was tired.

The only thing that kept her going was her family. There was no feast that night or the following. Stannis did not want one, and so they obliged him. Instead he would sup with his wife and daughter, even some of his bannermen would join him. Bran and Myrcella would sup with him as well, but the rest of the Starks and Baratheons would sup after them. Dinner was a solemn affair as the day loomed closer. This was the second to last night they would be together as a family, and nobody said a word. Arya stirred her food, Jon ate while Sansa rested her head on his shoulder. Daenerys and James were clenching hands on the table while they ate. Rickon and Tyrion were trading stories in hushed whispers over tankards of ale, Gendry with them. Catelyn sat there and just listened as the children spoke amongst themselves.

Casella was resting her head on Ned's shoulder, while he sat next to Robert and both were talking about sparring. Cat smiled softly as Casella snuggled her head deeper into his arm and closed her eyes. She supped with the Starks each night, and Ser Edmund usually did as well. But tonight he decided to sup with his men, for he was stilt the Captain of the Guard.

Rhaella and Lyanna were sitting next to each other as well, but Lya was just interested in what Ned was talking about. Soon Rhaella joined in as well and the children were off into their own world. Cat would miss seeing them together as one. Arya and Gendry would only be able to visit every so often. Storm's End was so far from the North, farther than King's Landing. If it took a moons turn to travel from the capitol to Winterfell, than from Storm's End it would take even longer.

Suddenly Catelyn heard a chalice being banged as everyone was brought to attention. The children stopped their talking and all the hushed whispers as well. Everyones gazes were brought to Sansa, who standing up with Jon's hand clenched in hers. Catelyn's eldest daughter had always been beautiful, more beautiful than Catelyn herself. Now Sansa was glowing in her violet dress with her hair pinned up by a net.

Catelyn saw her look at Jon who gave her a reassuring nod. "We wanted to wait until the feast on the morrow, but with everything going on…we wanted to say something to liven everyones spirits." Sansa smiled and announced, "I'm with child."

Catelyn couldn't help but smile. Everyone smiled and congratulated them, as Sansa turned a wave of crimson. She took a seat as James shook Jon's hand, Gendry, Rickon and Tyrion as well. The women pressed a kiss to Sansa and Jon's cheek and the children began to ask questions.

"What happened?" asked Robert. The sudden jovial shouts brought Casella out of her bliss, Cat saw.

"Did something happen to Aunt Sansa?" asked Ned. He'd always care for Sansa like no other. So protective, he was.

"Is she sick?" Rhaella asked.

"She's not sick!" Robert corrected. He leaned forward to get a closer look. "She seems happy."

"She is happy, stupid," Lyanna chided. She crossed her arms. "She isn't sick."

Casella rubbed her eyes as she slipped her hand in Ned's. "Don't you guys listen?"

"Listen to what?" Ned asked.

"She's-"

"-with child," Catelyn finished for her. Causing all the children to look at her at once. "Aunt Sansa and Jon are to have a baby."

All the girls smiled and giggled at that. Such little ladies, they were. Catelyn knew that Rhaella would be excited about another Stark baby coming to Winterfell. Gods knew she was excited when her own mother was with Cat in her belly. Rhaella got her wish for another sister, it was what she had wanted. Eddard had wanted a boy, of course, but Catelyn had been there when he saw his new sister for the first time. She saw the spark in his eyes, the spark that was borne out of love. He was destined to be close with this one, protective as well. Catelyn Tully knew it in her bones.

Suddenly Daenerys asked, "How far along are you?"

"At least three moons," Sansa told her. This did not surprise Catelyn that her daughter was so soon with child. Not only had she prayed for another grandchild to hold in her arms, but the servants had been gossiping. In the halls she could hear the servants talking about how beautiful a child between Jon and Sansa would be, and how soon it would be until she was with one. "Won't be no more than three moons until the lady Sansa is with child," Catelyn heard one of them say. "Her and Lord Jon are in their beds most nights, and sometimes in the afternoon. They're besotted, those two. We'll get the announcement soon."

Looks as if she was right, Catelyn thought. She reached out and grabbed her daughters hand. "I am happy for you, Sansa." She looked to Jon. "And you too, Jon. I hope you have a strong child."

He smiled. "We will. I hope it is a boy."

"What will you name him or her?" asked James.

"If it is a boy, Robb," Sansa answered without hesitation. "We want to honor his memory. And if is a girl, I personally liked the name Jeyne."

The mentioning of that name made James's face flicker with sadness, Catelyn could see. She could still remember how he held the young Jeyne Poole close to his heart when he was a boy. Catelyn could remember the glances she'd give him, the smiles. It was such a long time ago. "Jeyne," he echoed. "Such a pretty name."

Sansa smiled. "I knew you'd like it."

Supper was happy after that. Catelyn Stark went to sleep that night happy for the first time since Stannis had arrived in Winterfell. Although she was happy to the king gone the day after the morrow, she could not help but feel sad that Arya would have to leave her, too. That nights sleep was as fitful as they came. For the thought of Arya leaving was too much to bear. That night she dreamt of Ned again, Ned and her kids. She dreamed of birthing James, Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. Catelyn could remember the screams, old maester Luwin telling her to push, and Ned standing by her side through all of it. The gods were too cruel to make her re-live this again in her dreams. Only for her to wake up to the realization that Ned was still gone and Robb with him. Along with Arya having to leave as well.

But there was still hope for Catelyn. Her remaining sons would stay with her in Winterfell, their wives and children with them. Catelyn oft liked to say that her grandchildren were the only thing she lived for anymore, and as each day passed she knew it was the truth. As she looked upon each of her grandchildren, the eldest ones especially, she could still remember holding each in her arms as a babe. Cat could recall holding Rhaella as a babe, wisps of silver hair and lilac eyes looking up at her while she sang her to sleep. The same could be said for Robert, Ned, Edric, and Cat. Lyanna had always been her favorite, that she could not deny. She loved them all the same, all eight of them, well soon to be nine with Sansa being pregnant. That gave Cat the vigor in life she thought she had lost when Ned and Robb died.

Finally the final day was upon them. It was a warm day in Winterfell, surprisingly. One did not need furs as you walked upon the courtyard, but it had snowed two days before. A fresh blanket was upon the castle roofs and the First Keep. The gargoyles having looked eery with the snow on their claws and fangs. The snow in the courtyard, however, had turned to a mushy slosh of mud and snow. It stained the hems of Catelyn's dress, although she did not mind. All she cared about right now was overseeing the final preparations to the feast.

Once that was taken care of, once Catelyn had spoken with Tyrion about the costs (which had mounted up, she had to admit) and had spoken with the servants about making sure that everything was in-order for tonight, Catelyn Tully made sure to find her daughter and good-daughter. She had made a promise to her soon and good-brother to speak with their wives over the fostering ordeal. Catelyn still saw the opportunity in their sons fostering, she just needed to speak with them on a motherly level. To reassure them that they had nothing to worry about. For, in truth, they truly had nothing to fear. If her brother Edmure and his wife Roslin could stay in the capitol with their son, then certainly Eddard and Robert could foster. And even little Lyanna, Cat's sweet Lya, could become a lady-in-waiting to the queen. One of the highest honors.

Catelyn found Arya in the practiceyard watching her son and Eddard spar each other. The boys were getting better with each passing day, and with Ser Edmund teaching them they were bound to be great. Even though Robert would have to continue to learn in Storm's End by whatever master-at-arms was there. Catelyn came up beside Arya and put a hand on the small of her back. Arya looked to her and gave a solemn smile. How much Arya had changed since she was a girl. Cat could remember how fiery and strong-willed she used to be. How she did not want to be a lady or was not interested in boys. Now she was a beautiful woman, a wild beauty as Gendry called it, and was different from the little girl. Gendry, marriage, and finally motherhood had changed her. She now had responsibilities and priorities in life. Yet Arya in the end was still Arya and did not like lady-things. She wore dresses, of course, but were usually simple and plain. Just like when she was a girl.

Cat looked forward and saw Ned moving back, wooden sword in hand, while Robert lunged forward. The boys were becoming more finessed, so to speak. Finally Catelyn broke words. "We need to talk, Arya."

Arya kept her gaze forward, while she wore her light blue cotton dress. She saw a streak of mud on the hems. "About what, Mother?"

"We need to speak with Daenerys, as well. It concerns something..."

"Concerns what?"she asked, turning to look at Cat. Her silver eyes pierced her.

"I'd rather speak of this in private. Please, Arya, just a word."

Arya nodded. "Fine. Afterwards I'm coming back to watch my son spar. Gods know he will miss this place once we leave on the morrow. My children love Winterfell too much, their cousins even more so." She sighed.

Cat placed a hand on her shoulder. She could see the little girl again. The one who'd open up to her about not wanting to be a lady, or the one who'd cry sometimes when Sansa called her Arya Horseface. Cat could still remember those days. "Where is Daenerys? And where is Edric?"

"Napping with Baby Cat," Arya answered. "And Dany, I believe, is in the Great Hall. She is personally in-charge of decorations for the feast tonight. The woman has been begging Cella for an opportunity to help." She shrugged. "Personally I'm content with watching my son play with swords."

Cat smiled. "You always were fond of swords, Arya."

Arya gave a chuckle and both made their way to the Great Hall. That was where they found Daenerys, barking orders like the dragon she was. The dragonsblood, James called it. Rhaella had some of it, Cat had seen it herself. As a babe she'd fuss over not feeding, and when she grew older she'd pull on Ned's hair or kick him in her sleep. She'd outgrown some of that but still the dragonsblood remains. So far Ned and Cat were untouched by it, although James claimed that Cat had the wolfsbood.

Dany stood in the middle of the Great Hall, looking beautiful in her dress of light violet. Her bodice and skirts had lace which were intricately sewed into flowers and it complimented the crown of blue flowers she oft liked to wear on her head. Dany did it for James, he liked the smell. Her silver hair was down passed her shoulders, looking like a waterfall of sunshine as Catelyn herself had combed it out this morning.

Dany turned her violet eyes to them and smiled after sternly ordering that the tapestries be raised higher. She strode over to them. "Mama." She dipped her head. "Arya. What brings you two here?"

Arya shrugged.

Cat then said, "I would have words with the two of you. Concerning a matter that involves you both."

Daenerys nodded and lead them over to a secluded table near the chair of Winterfell. She knew that the servants liked to gossip, and word would spread of the conversation they had here. A servant came over and placed tankards of hot cider in front of them. All the women took one an drank slowly. It was hot and sweet against Cat's lips, it made her whole body feel warm.

Dany took a sip and placed it daintily on the table. She wiped her mouth with a cloth. "You said you wanted to speak with us?"

Cat nodded. "I did."

"I already know what it is about," said Arya. "Gendry sent you, didn't he?"

Before Cat could reply, Daenerys said, "Is that what this is about? Did James send you to try and convince me?" She crossed her arms. "I'm going to kill him."

"No need to kill anyone, Daenerys," said Cat, cooly. "I come of my own accord, not because of either of your husbands."

Arya now crossed her arms. "I won't agree to it, Mother. I won't send Robert and Lyanna away to become hostages."

"Nor my Eddard," Dany agreed.

Cat sighed. "You two are as stubborn as an Aurochs. Nothing will happen to your children."

"Gendry wants to send them away to be wards!" Arya yelled. "Like Theon was to Father. And we all know how that turned out."

"Are you comparing your children to Theon Greyjoy?"

"No, Mother. I just don't want to put them in peril."

"They won't be in peril, Arya!" Cat yelled. "See the opportunity behind this. Stannis is extending out an opportunity for both of your children that would be an envy across the Seven Kingdoms." She looked to Dany. "Daenerys, Ned won't be a boy forever. As his grandfather used to say, he must face his fears and grow. Eddard used to be a prince, but now he holds no title or position. He is a Stark, which means something in the North. Nothing more, nothing less. He cannot inherit anything. Look at what fostering under Stannis will give him! He can learn how to rule, how to lead. He can rule a holdfast somewhere in the North and become one of Jaime's bannermen." Cat smiled. "Then he and Casella can get married and give you beautiful grandchildren. Isn't that what you want?"

Daenerys nodded. "Yes, that is what I want. I know those two were meant for each other, but I don't want to send my baby into harms way. I know what King's Landing is like, I know what it holds. It is nothing but a viper's nest."

"I agree with Daenerys," said Arya.

Cat shook her head. "It has changed, Daenerys, and will continue to. Edmure writes that Stannis has gotten rid of the vipers and spies that once existed. The court is now becoming less scheming. It was not like it once was. His son, Hoster, is doing well under Stannis. Give Ned the same chance."

She could see Daenerys thinking on it, but Arya then pointed out, "Robert will have Ned. That will make me sleep at night even better. Lyanna will have no one."

"Lyanna will be four-and-ten when the time comes," Cat told her. "She will be almost a lady and will know how to interact with others. And Ned will look after her, I know he will. He loves her dearly."

Arya rolled her eyes at that and conceded. "Fine. If...Ned were to go, then Robert can go. I want to make sure that Edmure gives me his word to look over him when the time comes. Lyanna, as well. If I hear the court is not better by the time Robert comes of age...I will annul it. I don't care if Stannis feels slighted, I'll kill him myself!"

"Arya!" Cat admonished, "Don't say such things! He is the king. You don't know who could be listening!" She sighed and looked to Dany. "Daenerys, see the reasoning behind this." Cat already knew that she had, she just didn't want to give up her precious Ned.

And so Cat reached over and took her hand in hers. She gave Dany's hand a firm clench as she looked up at Cat, violet eyes looking into blue ones. Cat frowned and said, "I know how you must be feeling. I know that as a mother the last thing you want to do is send your children away. Trust me, I know. When your husband took the black and went to the Wall with Benjen, I nearly cried for a fortnight. James does not know this, nor will I ever tell him." Cat smiled. "I know that you hold Ned close to your heart, that he is your favorite child, much like Bran is to me." Cat clenched her hand again. "But Ned won't be four forever, and he must learn somehow. He must do this, Dany, you know it in your bones that he must. You still have eight whole years to watch him grow before he leaves, and he will only be gone for four. Just say yes, Daenerys. Do this for him, he deserves it."

After a moment Daenerys nodded and Cat could see her fighting back tears. Try as she might, they began to fall freely down her face. The blood of the dragon does not weep, Daenerys always said, but when it came to her children...well no mother on this earth was immune. "Fine. Ned can go foster in-court with Robert when the time comes. But I want assurances like Arya. I want word from Edmure himself that the court is not what it once was. I will not send my baby away unless it is safe."

Cat nodded. "I understand. I will send a raven to him as soon as I can. Now, I will see you at the feast."

Catelyn left them then and prepared for the feast. She stood in James's chambers when she was done dressing, cradling her granddaughter in her arms. The same granddaughter which James and Daenerys named after Catelyn. Truly she never expected it, but they insisted. They wanted to remember her, remember the "mother to them all" as Daenerys had put it. Catelyn sat on the bed while she watched James dress Ned, combing his sons hair with a fine tooth comb. Ned's hair was now combed to the side.

James had just told her earlier that he had told Ned about the fostering, but of course he would not remember by tomorrow. Daenerys had come to him and told him she agreed to it, and then walked away with Rhaella and Casella towards the Great Hall. She was not in the best of moods with her husband, Catelyn could tell, but she wouldn't stay that way for long.

Cat looked into the mirrors reflection and watched as James fixed the silver direwolf brooch onto the collar of Ned's black doublet. On the doublet was the Targaryen dragon on one breast, but no direwolf. It is why James pinned the brooch on.

Baby Cat had fallen asleep awhile back, the babe was now a few moons old. Her brown hair was growing. Suddenly she blinked open her violet eyes and Catelyn couldn't help but laugh. Cat cooed at her and laughed. Catelyn cradled her closer and saw a tooth already emerging. It was her first. "This babe grows everyday."

James laughed and walked over to grab Ned's boots. Eddard was sitting down at the table. "Catelyn," he said, slipping on his son's first boot, "is growing too fast. She can already bear her weight on her legs if you hold her arms upward, and Dany claims she said mama the other day. Although, knowing her, I doubt it."

"Why do you doubt it?"

James laughed as he finished tying the laces. "Because...she had to say mama. She couldn't say papa or dada. It had to be mama. I think Cat likes me more than Dany, and Daenerys is jealous of that."

"You lie!" Catelyn jested. "She loves Ned most of all. I know it."

Ned nodded and smiled while James finished lacing his sons boots. "You may be right on that one, Mother. Cat does love being held by Ned."

"As does Casella," Catelyn teased her grandson. She could see Ned blush. He had told her the truth of how he felt for the daughter of Ser Edmund. Besotted, was the word he used.

"And Casella loves him back," said James. "Right, Ned?"

Ned nodded. "I'd be a fool to say no, Papa. Sella likes to call herself, 'my lady love.'"

Catelyn and James exchanged a glance before laughing together. "I was once called that by someone," James told him. He stood up and clenched Ned's hand. "But that is a story for when you are older. Come, let us go to the feast."

Ned hopped off the chair and Catelyn stood up with Baby Cat sitting up to play with her necklace.

The final feast was well underway when they arrived. James took a seat by his family, and Cat went to sit with them as well. Bran and Cella were sitting upon the dais with Stannis and Queen Selyse, both the royals were not dressed too intricately. Stannis did not drink nor enjoy this, Cat knew, but custom dictated that he must do it. His bannermen and lords did like feasts, as did the northern lords. Cat sat down and enjoyed a feast of salad, a pea soup, and finally doves pie with a sauce. They had lemon cakes for dessert, which Catelyn and Sansa enjoyed a lot. Sansa ate a lot of them, Cat saw. She knew that being with child had an affect on one's appetite. She could remember eating her fill when she was heavy with each of her children.

Finally during the feast they spoke of not only Sansa's pregnancy, and the childrens fostering, but Arya and Gendry leaving the next day. The men were having tankards of ale while they spoke. Catelyn saw the children listening on the conversation, how much they wanted to be like their parents. Ned was by Casella, holding hands; Lyanna was next to Rhaella, listening with her, and Robert was next to Ned on his left.

"Are you ready, Arya?" James asked.

"Of course I am not!" she chided. "I don't want to be a lady or run a castle. Especially one as big as Storm's End."

"You'll do fine, Arya," Jon assured her. "You'll learn. I'm sure they'll show you how to run it when you arrive."

"But I've never been there, Jon. I don't know what to do."

"Just be strong," Sansa said. "For your children, be strong."

"Is is them I worry about," Gendry told them, glancing at his children. "I don't think that Robert fully understands. He thinks we are leaving Winterfell for a little while and not permanently. Lyanna knows, I believe."

"It is the same with Rhaella," said Daenerys. "She thinks you guys are going on a vacation, but Ned understands fully. He cried because of it. I hate seeing them like this. They love each other too much."

"I know," Catelyn said to them. "Tomorrow will be difficult for us all."

"We can visit when we can," Gendry assured them. "I promise to do so."

Tyrion swirled his cup of wine. "Well, I'll surely miss the both of you."

Gendry laughed. "I'll miss you too, Tyrion. We don't want to leave."

"You don't have to," Rickon jested. He leaned forward and whispered, "Just tell Stannis to bugger off!"

Everyone laughed at that and when it subsided Gendry said, "I'd love to, but I'm needed down there. I'm still a Baratheon."

"We understand," said James. He lifted his tankard. "To Arya and Gendry! May you have a safe trip down there, and don't forget us!"

"TO ARYA AND GENDRY!" The rest took up the call.

After the tankards were clanged and the ale drank, Ned shouted over everyone, "I don't want Robert to leave!"

"Ned, calm down this instant," Daenerys admonished. "Do not yell."

"No!" he yelled in defiance. "I don't want him to leave, Lya too! I hate this! I hate this!"

"Ned, enough!" James yelled, his eyes stern. "I won't have this insolence."

"I don't care!" Ned yelled once more. He gave a pout and darted from his chair to run out of the Great Hall.

Casella rolled her eyes like the little girl she was. "Ned, come back!" she ran from her seat to go after him.

Ser Edmund got up from his chair but Cat only nodded at him, assuring that she'd take care of it. He nodded to her and sat back down with his men. Daenerys sat there stunned, Rhaella, Lya, Robert and everyone else with them. All the adults grew quiet. Catelyn had never seen Ned like that. Usually he was such a calm child.

"I've never heard him be so insolent," Daenerys said, astonished. "Truly, he is never like that. This must have been bothering him."

Arya shook her head. "I know it does. Ned and Robert are brothers."

James stood from his seat. "I must go get him. He cannot be alone like that, Casella neither."

Catelyn stood from her seat and said, "Sit, James. Enjoy the feast with them. I'll go get those two."

James nodded. "Thank you, Mother."

"It is what a good grandmother does, James."

She excused herself and moved past them. As she moved past the rest of her grandchildren she told them, "Thank you for not acting as he did."

Lyanna nodded. "Your welcome, Grandma. Although I don't like seeing Ned sad."

"Neither do I," said Robert. "I don't want to leave."

"I don't want you to leave either," said Rhaella. "But Mama told me you must and I'll be strong. I'm a dragon."

Cat laughed and pressed a kiss to her head. "You're my dragon, Rhaella. I'm glad you can be strong like your mother."

She nodded in reply as Cat made her way outside the doors to the courtyard. It was out there that she saw Ned sitting hunched over on the steps that lead into the courtyard. Casella was next to him, her head leaned against his shoulder as both silently stared up into the night sky. Cat smiled at this but was sad for her grandson. At least he will have her to keep him company. At least he will have his lady love.

"I don't want him to leave, Sella," Ned whispered. "I wish Robert would stay. I have no friends besides him."

"I know, Ned," she whispered softly. She rubbed his back. "I know."

Ned shook his head. "Maybe we can kidnap him?"

Sella laughed. "No, don't be silly, Ned. Robert has to go, Lya with him. They'll be back someday."

Ned smiled. "At least you're staying, Sella. I don't know what I'd do if you left, too."

Casella smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek before resting her head on his shoulder again. Catelyn now cleared her throat and both children looked back at him. "Hi, Grandma," Ned said ruefully. Casella only dipped her head.

"May I take a seat beside you, Ned?"

Ned nodded.

Casella gave Ned a hug and got up from the steps. She then said, "I'm going back to the feast, Ned. I know you'll be back."

He nodded again and she walked past Catelyn, going back into the feast. "Good job, child," Cat whispered to her. She only smiled.

Catelyn walked over and took a seat beside Ned on his right. She flattened the skirts of her dress. Up in the nights sky she saw the stars shining brightly as if they were beacons shining down upon them. Ned put his head on Catelyn's arm and sighed. Cat frowned and wrapped an arm around him. "My Ned," she whispered quietly. "Why did you act that way?"

"I don't want him to leave, Grandma."

Cat sighed. "Ned, you know he must. Acting as you did does not change them leaving on the morrow. It won't be the last you see of your cousins."

"But Robert is my best friend and Lya is nice. I like her a lot."

"I know you do, Ned. You just cannot act like that."

"Am I in trouble?"

Cat didn't know. "I'm not sure, my love. Your mother and father were not happy with how you acted. I'd apologize to them if I were you, and to your aunt Arya and uncle Gendry. You know you must."

Ned sighed. "I know, Grandma. Isn't there anyway they can stay? Please?"

Catelyn looked down at his pleading grey eyes and shook her head. "No, my sweet. They must leave." she cupped his cheek as memories of he and Rhaella as babes filled her head. How they'd grown on her. "This pains me too, Ned. They are my grandbabies, Arya is my daughter. I'll miss them just as much as you will. But in the end I must be strong. Not only for me, but for you and Rhaella and Cat and Edric and my children and all the rest. This pains me, Ned, it does, but I cannot let it consume me. Do you understand?"

He nodded. "I do."

Cat smiled. "Good. Now let us go back to the feast, Ned. You know you must."

"Okay." He then asked, "Can you hold me? Or am I too old for that?"

Catelyn smiled again. "Never. You will never be too old for that."

Catelyn Stark scooped her grandchild in her arms and held his head down on her shoulder as she re-entered the feast. James stood up as he saw her and she said, "Ned apologizes for his outburst. We talked it out and he understands that Robert must leave."

Catelyn sat down with Ned still in her arms. He had his arms wrapped around her own neck in a hug, his face buried into it, just as he had done since he was naught but two. Catelyn could feel his lulled breathing as Daenerys asked, "Is this true, Ned? Do you understand and apologize?"

Eddard looked up from her neck and nodded. "Yes, Mama. I'm sorry for what I said."

"That is good to hear, Ned," said James. "Now apologize to your aunt and uncle."

"I'm sorry, Aunt Arya and Uncle Gendry," he apologized. "I know you must leave."

Arya smiled. "We will be back soon, Ned. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Ser Ned," Gendry jested. "Don't grow too much on me."

"I won't," Ned assured. "I won't."

The feast was over by the end of the night, and Catelyn took her grandchildren to bed once they had fallen asleep at the table. She retreated to her chambers after they were put down and she let the sleep take her.

The next morning she awoke early and broke her fast with her family. Nobody said a word as they ate, for the moment was upon them. Suddenly James spoke up and began to remind everyone of memories of their childhood. He, Arya, Jon, Sansa, Rickon, and Bran all traded stories about growing up in Winterfell. It was the only thing that distracted them from the inevitable and what made them happy. The children listened as James told them a story of Arya putting chili's in Sansa's soup, or of when James and Robb tackled Jon into a puddle of mud. They laughed and giggled at each story, it was heart warming for everyone.

The courtyard was busy with horses neighing, men moving, and the shouts of men. Stannis and his procession had left early this morning and everyone bent the knee before he left. Bran came forward and swore his oath of fealty, Gendry with him, and finally he announced about Robert and Ned's fostering. Along with Lyanna becoming a lady-in-waiting. All were in-shock and the story quickly spread around Winterfell.

Once the fast was broken, everyone went outside. Gendry and the men prepared Arya and their childrens carriage, while servants and Baratheon men-at-arms loaded the trunks and food. Catelyn stood there with Edric in her arms, his silver eyes fixed on her auburn hair. Lyanna was hugging Ned fiercely, not wanting to let go. Ned only hugged her back as both began to cry. Soon Robert and Rhaella began crying as well, and the four cousins wails could be heard in across Winterfell. The adults stood there with stone faces, while Dany, Sansa, and Arya silently cried. Catelyn Tully would not, however, but knew she would once they were finally gone.

Once they were ready, Arya and Gendry made their good-byes. Each gave a last hug and kiss before breaking off. Arya hugged James with a smile and fresh tears, both having grown closer since he became the king. She hugged Sansa with the same smile and Dany as well. Tyrion called her Lady Baratheon before she hugged them, those two had become great friends. Myrcella had said good-bye earlier, she had business to attend to as did Bran. Bran was sad when he said good-bye to them both, but he would not cry. The Lord of Winterfell would not cry, he said. Rickon was stone faced and sad when they said good-bye, he hated those. When it was Catelyn's turn, she finally felt the tears but did not wail. Arya hugged her for what felt like a fortnight and took Edric in her arms. Catelyn then held both Robert and Lyanna ever so tight in her arms when last time. Both crying into her shoulder. When finally all was said and done, and the children said good-bye to each of their family members, Arya went into the carriage with her children. Robert and Lyanna were wailing and sniffling as they went inside with their mother. Gendry mounted his horse and gave a curt nod as he lead the way out of Winterfell, a sea of Baratheon men following him.

Catelyn Tully Stark stood there as her child left her, her husband and children with them. Be strong, Arya, be strong my daughter. I know you can be. I know you will be. Just don't forget us.

Rhaella tugged on the hems of her dress, tears coming down her face, and Cat picked her up. Daenerys had a crying Ned, James had Cat, so Rhaella came to her. "Don't cry, Rhaella," Cat whispered into her hair. "They'll be back soon, my love, you'll see. They won't be gone forever."

Rhaella only cried some more and Catelyn couldn't help but cry too. It was a sad day in Winterfell, for the Starks were not as one anymore, but still she thought herself blessed to have the rest with her. Her family, and Catelyn Stark could not wish for much more. Because in the end she was still a Stark, not a Tully anymore.