The Catspaw Succeeded – Family Matters and Goodbyes

updated 12/18

The Starks are back in Winterfell and say goodbye to their fallen family members. Edmure comes and stirs up a mess.

- Eddard -

Ned Stark and his party passed the castle gates into the courtyard of Winterfell. They were met with most of the castle staff and all the family members present. His other children and Benjen were in the front row. Ser Rodrik, Beth Cassel, and Maester Luwin were in the second row. The rest of the castle staff were behind him. Ned dismounted from his horse and immediately walked to his family. Robb was in the center. In front of Robb was Rickon, with Robb holding him in place by the shoulder. To Robb's right stood Jon – his left arm in a sling. Benjen was on his left. Ned stopped in front of Robb and Rickon. He picked up Rickon in one arm and grabbed Robb with the other and pulled him into a hug. Rickon buried his face into his Father's cloak and began to sob. Robb was stoic, doing his best to keep his emotions in check. After several moments, he let go of Robb but continued to let Rickon stay in his arms. He then grasped Jon by the shoulder and told him "I am glad you are here. Your family needs you." Jon's face was a mixture of relief and pleasure. He was afraid he would be sent straight back to the Wall. Ned next greeted Benjen.

Before Ned could say anything Benjen spoke. "I am glad to see you again, brother. I just wish it was not under these circumstances. I am so sorry about Cat and Bran. But you should be pleased to know Robb and Jon have been doing an admirable job handling all that has been placed upon them. They have some ideas for you that are going to help the North." Ned gave a nod to his brother. He looked over at his sons and said. "I expected nothing less". Even though the statement itself was not a warm one, the tone of his voice expressed his extreme pleasure at this news.

Ned proceeded to introduce Ser Brynden to everyone. Ser Brynden greeted Robb with a warm smile. He only acknowledged Jon with a curt nod. He then spoke to Benjen. Ned thought that went better than he had expected. During their travels, Arya had told Brynden many stories of her life at Winterfell. Brynden had noted to her that many of them included her half brother Jon. Arya refused to acknowledge him as anything other than 'my brother". In private Brynden had commented to Ned several times on their journey that the girl's relationship was not what he expected based on what Hoster had told him. Ned did not inquire but pondered this

Suddenly they heard squeals of happiness as Sansa and Arya ran past him and hugged their siblings. Sansa to Robb and Arya to Jon. Lady and Nymeria bounded past as well and was rolling around with Grey Wind, Ghost, Shaggydog, and Bran's unnamed wolf. Sansa gave Jon a quick nod and then walked up to her father and pulled Rickon into her arms. He latched onto her quickly. Arya had finished greeting Robb when Ned introduced Wyla Manderly and Ser Wylis. Lord Wyman had agreed that his younger granddaughter would stay with the Starks until at least the gathering of the Lords that Ned had planned.

The entire family proceeded into the castle. The Manderly escorts were provided lodging to rest for the day and would leave in the morning. Ned had ridden them as quickly as they could feasibly go and they had done an admirable job. It was past midday when they had arrived and they all spent some time spent cleaning up the dust of the road. Ned, Benjen, Ned's four elder children, and Ser Brynden met in Ned's solar. Wyla had adored Rickon from the start with no brothers to speak of and was entertaining him with Old Nan. Ned was pleased to see that even though his desk was covered in papers, scrolls for review, and other items it was still neat and orderly. Food was brought and they ate. Before conversation could really begin Ned asked the question he had meant to ask outside. "Where is Theon? This is a family only gathering but I noted he was not there to greet us"

Robb and Jon shared a dark look but it was Benjen who spoke up. "Theon has been confined to in his chambers."

Ned looked puzzled. "Why is he there? Has he taken ill?"

Jon spoke. "No. He is there nursing a broken nose. A broken nose that I gave him." Sansa looked shocked. Arya looked up and grinned at Jon. She had never liked Theon.

Ned pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment and sighed. He knew of Jon's nature and while he would verbally speak up in his defense to Theon's barbs, he did not respond physically. But he also knew of Theon's general behavior to Jon, despite Ned's best efforts to curb that tongue of his. "What did Theon do this time? And for you to actually snap and break his nose? I see your arm in that sling – does this have something to do with it."

It was Robb who spoke first. "I need to explain some things. He is my friend and we all know of his arrogance. But that arrogance has turned to outright scorn whenever any discussion occurs about the attack. Theon is the one who told Rickon about the death of Mother and Bran in a fit of anger. He has also been hostile to any suggestion Jon has provided. All I can think of is he is doing this out of jealousy. He has criticized me for naming Jon as Castellan of Winterfell." Ned raised an eyebrow at that. Robb remained resolute and continued "Only for the affairs of the Keep. Ser Rodrik is still in charge of defenses. I think he was upset that I have not relied on him. Theon may have been treated like a brother, but Jon is my brother. I have tried to include Theon, asking for his opinion and any ideas he may have, but its nothing but japes that I get. It's gotten progressively worse to the point he began to try and convince me that Jon was the one who arranged the attack"

Ned looked absolutely thunderous. Arya scoffed loudly. Brynden's attention was darting between Jon and Robb – assessing the dynamic between the two boys.

Robb continued "He began to accuse Jon during our training sessions a few days before the head butting incident but Jon did not entertained his remarks and ignored him. Usually after one or two losses he sulks away. But he continued challenging Jon on the day of the incident. By the end he was screaming at Jon that he was the one who did it. Ser Rodrik, Uncle Benjen, and I all demanded Theon stop and apologize."

Jon picked picked up the story. "Theon then said he wouldn't let me get away with it and took out a dirk he had on his belt and attacked me with it. I was able to dodge his first few slashes but his last one one got me on the arm, between my wrist and elbow. Before Ser Rodrik could intervene I disarmed him with my training blade. He grabbed me in a bear hug so I headbutted him. He fell to the dirt, out cold. Maester Luwin treated him and Ser Rodrik has kept a guard posted since."

Robb added though. "What Jon won't say was that cut on his arm was quite deep. Maester Luwin said he came close to a major artery. Any deeper and Jon could have bled out."

Ned stood up and walked to his window. He looked out at the snow covered landscape in the distance for a few minutes. Ned ignored the chatter behind him. After several minutes of contemplation he turned around and looked at the assembled room. "Theon was to be released from his wardship on his 20th nameday. It looks like he will be released sooner."

Robb looked shocked "You are going to send him home? This will be a reward to him!"

Ned shook his head and looked at his brother. "No. He is not going home. He will accompany Benjen when he leaves."

Benjen simply nodded his head. "He is a fine archer. He will be useful at the wall."

Jon stood up. "Lord Stark." Jon only used this phrase when he was trying to be state something important. Ned gave him a sharp look and Jon relented. "Father….are you sure this is wise? Theon is the heir to the Iron Islands. His father will be furious if last son is taken from him and sent to the Wall. And King Robert wants him here as a guard against the Iron Fleet."

Ned shook his head. "My own bannermen would be wroth if I did not send him to the Wall. Jon...I know you are not my trueborn son. But you are a Stark by blood. If he had succeeded in killing you I would have taken his head if Robb had not already done so. He will pay for this, he must. Honor demands it. And I do not care one whit what Balon Greyjoy thinks. He has not written to his son once in the years he has been here. A man who does not care for his child is no man at all. But I understand your concerns. When the Lords of the North gather after the funerals for Cat and Bran I will direct our western lords to shore up their defenses and patrols along the coast. I also plan on also having the Crannogmen begin repairs on Moat Cailin and have it manned along with men from White Harbor. As for Robert, he despises the Iron Born. He will not care be bothered by this"

Jon nodded his head and sat back down. He discreetly rubbed at his eyes.

Ned sat back down. "Sansa. Arya. I would like you two to get settled and rest as well. I have things I need to discuss with your Brothers and Uncles. Also, please have a guard send for Ser Rodrik and Maester Luwin"

Sansa stood and quickly left the room while Arya hugged her brothers and father before leaving. Jon suddenly noticed she had 'Needle' strapped to her side. He looked over at his Father.

"That was mighty fine gift you gave her" Ned said. "We'll discuss that later. Before the Maester and Ser Rodrik arrive – what news do we have from the ravens you sent?"

Robb began a summary. "We received word from Riverrun. Uncle Edmure is coming. We have received no word from Aunt Lysa. Almost all of the Lords of the North have replied and send their condolences. Many have inquired about when you will arrive and about attending the funerals."

Ned responded. "The funerals will be private. Family only. We will await Edmure's arrival. As for your Aunt….that was expected." He did not elaborate. "As I said earlier, we will have a gathering of the Lords after the funerals. Who did not get a response from? The Mountain Clans?"

Robb looked quite upset at this. "We heard from most of the Mountain Clans. Maester Luwin advised me that the Mountain Clans were hard to reach by raven at times. We have received no word from House Dustin"

Ned sighed. "Leave it to Lady Dustin to use a grudge against House Stark as an excuse to dishonor herself and her late husbands house."

Robb and Jon were unaware of the history and looked at their father. Benjen did and spoke up. "She was always upset she was not named named Lady of Winterfell after her tryst with Brandon. She should have known better. But I've told you Ned she has every right to be upset that the bones of her husband and others were left in Dorne yet Lyanna's were returned. You have not done anything to make amends to it"

Ned glared at his brother. "I intended to make amends with you, but you joined the Watch before I could".

Benjen shook his head. "You know as well as I she would have refused. And that I was too young"

The discussion ended when Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik entered. Once they were settled, Ned asked for a summary of their investigation.

Ser Rodrik spoke first. "At this point we have found no evidence that the man who did this worked with any help. There have been no more strangers found in a search of Winterfell as well as Wintertown. He hid in a corner of the stables – a stall used for a mount that was taken south with you. He had food stored away and a bag of 90 silver stags. There were a few minor things, a change of clothes and a small satchel to carry things in. Nothing to identify an allegiance to any house though the Maester here noted that of any location, he most resembles a Westerman by his hair, build, and skin tone."

Maester Luwin continued the discussion. "At your son's direction, we did not disclose that in any letter nor have we discussed it outside of this room. We have done the same with this." Luwin proceeded to pull the dagger and its sheath from a sleeve of his robe and set it on the desk. "This was the knife he used. I see no way it could have been owned by this man." Ned picked it and looked at the knife. He noted as well that no common man would have the means to own it. "You are correct, Maester Luwin. This blade is exquisite. Any house that had this would not part with it so quickly"

Benjen then spoke up. "Ned, I have seen that blade before. I remember that blade because I saw it when we went to the tourney at Harrenhal. It was in the pile of gifts presented to Rhaegar. Before you ask how I could remember such a thing, the knife was not sheathed all the way. It was the first Valyrian steel blade I ever saw other that Ice. Combined with that unique hilt, it's a one of a kind blade. We have discussed this and the strongest theory we have is that either someone stole it from the armory in Kings Landing during the sack, or it was taken from the armory sometime after Robert took the crown."

Ned looked troubled at the revelation of the dagger. The only conclusion could be whoever gave this knife away to kill his son thought nothing of losing a priceless weapon. In his mind, only someone stupid or desperate would do that. He looked at Brynden now. "Brynden. You said when we met that you would do anything to help us track down whomever did this." Brynden simply nodded. "After we say goodbye to Cat and Bran, I want you to go to Kings Landing with this blade. Do not show this to anyone but Robert, Stannis, and Ser Barristan Selmy. Robert told me he was surrounded by liars, flatterers, and fools. Stannis and Barristan are the only two advisors to Robert I trust. And Ser Barristan gave me his word he would help. I will write a letter with what has been discovered. Inquire with the those three to see if they know of this blades history." He then looked at the rest in the room, "Do not mention the dagger outside of this room or to anyone else without my leave. Is that understood. " They all nodded in agreement.

Ned turned to Maester Luwin. "Please send ravens to all the houses in the North. Thank them for their kind words – at least those that did respond. And inform them I am summoning a gathering at the end of the next moon. Also, in your letter to House Dustin, let Lady Dustin know that I will need to speak with her privately before that gathering. I want her to stew over that for a bit. Now, lets see what you two boys were able to accomplish while I was gone."

Edmure arrived two weeks after Ned and his party arrived home. During the time waiting for Edmure, Ser Brynden had joined in the training sessions. He was quite pleased with Robb's skills. His brother was just as good, if not better. Different styles that complimented their builds. Brynden stayed aloof with Jon. He did not speak much with him. But he had difficulty matching the boy in front of him with the descriptions of him he had been given by Hoster and Edmure whenever the boy had came up in his letters with them. The remainder of the Stark household that had ridden back North from the inn had arrived a few days before. Edmure was accompanied by a small group of Tully soldiers and a surprising number of household Knights.

Ned's children with Catelyn, Ser Brynden, and Benjen were in the front row. Jon was present, in the second row with Wyla Manderly, Jory Cassel, Ser Rodrick's daughter Beth Cassel, Ser Rodrik himself, Maester Luwin, Vayon Poole, and Jeyne Poole. Edmure dismounted and greeted the Starks and his Uncle. He gave a sad smile to Sansa, noting her similarities to his late sister. When he looked past Sansa he saw Jon and immediately scowled at him. After bread and salt were provided and consumed, Edmure and his Knights were given accommodations within the keep and the soldiers in the barracks.

Edmure was allowed to rest and clean up from the road. After that he met with Ned in his solar along with Ser Brynden. They started with idle chatter, Edmure complaining how Walder Frey delayed him half a day by once again trying to get him to marry one of he 'weak chinned spawn' as Edmure put it.

Ned began the serious part of their discussion asking about Edmure's father. "How is your Father? Cat was the one who wrote to him and I was only told things second hand". Edmure looked a little sad at that.

"I regret to say he is not doing as well as we would like. He is suffering from an ailment of the stomach. He has pains that come and go but lately they are more constant. He requires milk of the poppy by the end of the day to sleep in any comfort. The stubborn man refuses to take it before dinner is completed to keep a clear mind for business. But I fear the day will come when he cannot wait that long. Because of that I have been taking on more duties that are needed outside and away from Riverrun. While his body is troubling him, his mind is still as strong as ever. With that, he tasked me to represent House Tully here and to present you this." Edmure took out a scroll from his tunic and it to Ned. Ned broke the wax seal and began reading the letter. He paused reading it and looked up at Edmure for a moment but continued to read it. Edmure had a look on his face that made Ned want to reach over and punch him. When he had finished he threw the letter on the desk and looked at Edmure in fury.

"Are you aware of the contents?" Ned asked

Edmure nodded. "I was there when he dictated it to the maester."

"Then know this. I refuse every single one of these so called 'demands'!" Ned shouted.

"May I read this letter, Lord Stark?" interjected Ser Brynden. Ned nodded and handed it over.

Lord Stark,

I was saddened to hear of the cruel fate that came for my beloved Cat and my Grandson Bran. Given what has happened I have sent Edmure to represent House Tully and to see that our needs are met. Cat and Brandon are to have a proper funeral ceremony in the Light of The Seven in the Sept in Winterfell you built for Cat. Septon Chayle, whom she brought with her to Winterfell can preside over the ceremony. After that, Edmure and my men will bring Cat's bones back to Riverrun so she may receive the burial rights reserved for a Tully. This is what she would have wanted, I am sure of it. Brandon was born of the North and can rest with his kin. As for my granddaughters, I need assurances they will be properly looked after. Word has been sent to me that your bastard has returned from his exile to the Wall. I cannot accept you keeping that boy you dishonored my Cat with all these years around my grandchildren. With that being said, if that boy does not depart for the Wall before the funerals occur, Edmure is ordered to bring Sansa and Arya to Riverrun. I held my tongue about you keeping that boy around only because Cat was there to protect her children. With Cat gone there is no telling what that boy will do. I will do what is necessary for them. I will see to their education and arrange proper marriages the reflect their status as daughters to two great houses.

If you do not accept either demand, I will end every trade deal your Father and I agreed to when we arranged the betrothal of Cat and Brandon. All trade between the North and the Riverlands will be stopped. And don't think of using the Reach. I will order the Twins to stop all northbound travelers and have Lord Darry block the Kingsroad. Only when the boy is gone or the girls are in Riverrun will I resume any trade with the North.

Do not fight me on this Eddard.

Lord Hoster Tully, Lord of Riverrun, Lord Paramount of the Trident

Brynden looked at Ned in shock. He turned to Edmure and began to berate him. "So you are aware of what your Father wrote, eh? You were there when he dictated it?" Edmure just nodded again. "Seven Hells, Boy! Why in the world did you not tell him this was folly? He has absolutely no right to order anything of Eddard. And you think Robert will sit idly by why you try and starve the North of trade? I've not seen him in 9 years and I even know he still itches for an excuse to go to war!"

Before Brynden could say anymore Ned spoke in a cold tone. "Do not worry Brynden. Your brother has overreached. I had already planned on having a small ceremony for Cat in the Sept, in honor of her faith. But she died as Lady of Winterfell. She will be buried here, in the crypt, and given the same honors as all previous Lady Starks. And you can forget about taking my daughters with you. Your Father has no say in my household."

Edmure looked to his Uncle in anger. "How can you not support your family in this? This man dishonored my sister, your niece, for years by keeping his bastard here. Cat was the sure he would do something someday to usurp her children. You cannot trust him! I've already been told he was named Castellan! How Robb could be so naive to keep his bastard brother close after everything he has done I cannot comprehend. He's already weaseled his way into a role far too high for a bastard. Who knows what will happen next!"

Brynden shook his head in shame. "Your Father did you three a disservice when your mother died. He left you to be raised full time by that spiteful old Septa Ratched. I never liked her. A fanatical nutcase. Her and that Septon who liked to walk and preach in the villages barefoot. They filled your head with nonsense. Edmure, I have lived a long life. I have fought with Highborn and Lowborn. Trueborn and Bastards. Lords can be as wicked and deceitful as any so-called bastard. And bastards can be as honorable as any knight. I have watched Jon Snow since I arrived here. I don't see any of the traits that Hoster wrote to me of. His sister Arya adores him. And even Sansa, who reminds me of Cat so much, has nothing bad to say about him. Hoster has nothing to fear with him here. And his gambit to block trade with the North will fail."

Showing the stubbornness he shared with is sister, Edmure ignored his Uncle and turned back to Ned. "It does not matter what you or my Uncle think. This WILL happen. Either the boy goes to the Wall or the girls come with me. My men and I will see them to their new home"

Edmure heard a low growl come from Ned's direction. But it was not Ned. Looking on in shock he suddenly saw a pair of golden eyes appear in the shadows behind Ned Stark. Bran's direwolf had been despondent after his death. After Ned arrived the wolf began to spend time in his solar. By the time Edmure arrived, the wolf trailed after Ned like the other pups did the children. The grey direwolf snarled at Edmure and continued to stare at him with its yellow eyes. Edmure almost fell over. He had heard about these beasts from Cat before she died. Why his sister did not have these beasts put down he did not know. Edmure shot a venomous look at Ned. "You would break guest rights and set one of your beasts on me?"

Ned stood up himself – the wolfsblood he had not felt since the Pike during the Greyjoy rebellion was on him. "We honor guest rights in the North. It is you that is prepared to break them. Remember your words. You and your men would see my daughters taken from their home. I will allow you to stay for the funerals. But you will depart this castle the next day! And your father's threat is useless. My sons have not been idle while ruling in my absence. They received a request from the Free Cities looking for wood and furs. My forebears may have foolishly looked down on trade with Essos. But my sons had the wisdom to look at it with a honest eye. We will have more than enough to prepare us for winter. Both in food and coin. Now leave this room before I do something I regret"

Edmure gave one last look at Ned and stalked to the door. He swung it open and jumped in fear. Two more direwolves were sitting at the door staring at him. Ned smiled and called out. "Lady, Nymeria – stand down". They sat on their haunches. Edmure stomped away as fast as his pride would allow.

The next day the family said goodbye to Cat and Bran. The Septon held a short but poignant service in the Sept. Ned, Robb, Sansa, Arya, Ser Brynden, Edmure, and Wyla Manderly attended. Jon was watching Rickon. Arya had abhorred the teachings of the Seven but went in honor of her mother. Sansa thought she had shed all her tears on their journey home but the sight of the casket sent her back to the day she was told about her mother and brother's death. Arya sobbed quietly. Wyla Manderly was between the two of them. She placed a hand on top of Sansa's and wrapped her arm around Arya. Ned glanced over and nodded his thanks to the girl. As Ned's mind wandered during the Septon's long speech about the Mother, he recalled why Septa Mordane was not present.

After Edmure left Brynden sat in the chair Edmure knocked over. "I knew Hoster was an ambitious and controlling man. But this is beyond anything I could have thought of. I will still depart for King's Landing after the burials. But I will make sure I visit my brother and try to speak sense into him. I need to avoid my nephew for now to keep myself from throttling him.

Eddard thanked Ser Brynden and dismissed him to do some paperwork and to return in an hour. Ned then told the two direwolves at the door to return to the girls and protect them. He knew now these direwolves were a gift from the Gods. Somehow they knew – it must have been through Bran's wolf - that their mistresses needed protection. Ned looked at Bran's unnamed wolf. For a long time Ned stared at the wolf and it stared at him. Ned noted that other than Ghost, he was the quietest of the pack when moving around. His grey fur had some dark swirls in spots. Finally Ned said. I think "I shall call you 'Shadow Hunter'…..and just Shadow for short"

After Brynden returned he had Septa Mordane called to his Solar and spoke to her. He inquired about the girls and remarked that since his Lady wife was gone he wanted to be updated on their future lessons. The Septa looked quite irritated at this and remarked that she was quite a capable women, who knew her duties, and how to train the girls to be proper ladies.

Ned responded with that by asking "And do your duties include sending information about what goes on in my castle to another Lord?" The Septa face reddened in either embarrassment or anger, Ned could not tell. Brynden looked startled at this question but did not speak. Mordane denied that she sent ravens to anyone about the goings on here. But Ned was not convinced. "Someone told Lord Tully that Jon was coming back from the Wall. I checked with Luwin. No ravens were sent to Riverrun except for the single raven informing them of Cat and Bran. I want the truth from you! Was it Maidenpool or Gulltown you sent the raven from?" She blustered and continued to deny doing anything like that and demanded he apologize to her when the newly named Shadow once again appeared from behind Ned. A few moments in his presence changed her demeanor.

"Yes, I sent a raven to Lord Tully from Maidenpool." she admitted.

"Why?" Ned asked "Have you done this before?"

Once she had begun speaking she would not stop. "I told him so he could get that bastard removed from these halls! Your heir has not taken the lessons on bastards to heart like he should have. That abomination should have been shipped to the Wall years ago! If I had known Lord Mormont was going to sell those poachers I would have arranged for that boy to be sold too! Bastards deserve nothing and should be removed from our society. The way you Northern Barbarians condone the presence of your sinful get disgusts me!" Mordane was practically apoplectic now.

Ned and Brynden spent a long hour questioning her before Ned had her removed from the room and confined to her chambers. He could not believe what he had been told. She had been sending messages for years to Lord Tully. Most was information on the children and the state of affairs between himself and Cat. He was most disturbed by the revelation that Lord Tully had been pushing Mordane to subtly convince Cat that the Starks completely abandon the Old Gods and convert to the Seven. He thanked The Old Gods and The New that Cat had never once tried that. She was happy with her small Sept and wanted her children to have knowledge of the Seven, but had knew that the North would never accept a Lord Stark that did not follow the Old Gods. But what disturbed him most of all was how she had been informing. She had been using a man in Winter Town to send unsealed letters to Lord Tully. And the letters back were the same way. Ned was no spymaster. But even he knew those messages back and forth had most likely been seen by Vary's spies and who knows else. Plus there was no way to confirm what Lord Tully and that blasted Septa were writing or receiving was authentic once it arrived!

Brynden told Ned that he was now beginning to suspect that his brother was being led about by the nose in regards to what was happening in Winterfell. Ned acknowledged that was possible but they needed to know what was going on. Brynden was going to have more investigating to do. The Septa herself was escorted to Winter Town by Jory to identify the man she used for her letters. He was now in Winterfell's dungeon and Mordane was on her way to White Harbor to be shipped back south. To where he did not care.

After the ceremony in the Sept was done, Jon joined the group. Edmure departed Winterfell with his men immediately. Wyla was going to depart but Ned told her she could come as well if she wished. They went to the Godswood. Both coffins for Cat and Bran were present. In a much simpler ceremony, they gathered in front of the weirwood with its carved face. Ned asked that all present pray for Cat and Bran. To ask the Old Gods to welcome their kin and to beseech them to watch over the rest of the family until they met again. After several minutes of silent prayer broken by the sniffles from the girls, they all were asked to take a weirwood leaf from the tree. They next went to the Crypt. Cat and Bran were laid to rest in a tomb behind the spot Ned would eventually reside. This is how Lady Starks, unmarried daughters, and children who died too young to leave for the world were laid to rest. The coffins were laid side by side into the tomb. The top had a direwolf carved into it. On it were Cat and Bran's names, as well as dates of birth and death. There were spaces for any others if needed. Ned prayed to the Old Gods that no more of his family would rest here for many years. Each person was allowed to have a moment before letting the weirwood leaf they picked be placed in the tomb. Both Sansa and Arya were openly crying. Robb's eyes were wet with unshed tears. Jon was silent but had tear tracks on his face. Ned and Brynden were silent and stoic. Wyla stayed back, not quite sure of her place but did as the rest and placed her weirwood leaf in the tomb. Ned was last. He placed one leaf on each coffin. He then placed the brooch he gifted Cat when she had announced she was pregnant with Bran on her coffin. For Bran coffin he placed a wooden sword along with his bow on top of it. He asked his son who had dreamed of joining the Kingsguard to guard his mother for him until they were reunited.