Ned had seen Brandon to his own quarters where Nan awaited to clean and dress him for bed. Her husband walked tiredly with swollen eyes, but his head held high; the weight of his secret and all his pent-up feelings had washed away with his sobs.
They went to bed but Catelyn could not sleep. The conversation from the night before shook her. The Rebellion was built on a lie. A lie told by her sister. Jon's name was Jahaerys. His family slaughtered on both sides. Catelyn was so cruel to him. Only now did she think of her folly towards an innocent boy. The Gods would punish her. She prayed all night but Catelyn did not leave her husbands quarters.
Guilt and regret tore in her heart as she heard Jon on the other side of the door. It would be best for her to do this in the morning, but she would not rest if she did not make her first step to make things right.
Allow him to live and I will be a mother to him.
She told me to keep him safe. I would have done so regardless. He is my blood, A STARK.
The words danced around Catelyn's head as she raised her hand to knock on the door. She heard shuffling then his voice "Robb? Theon? I'll be down in a minute. I have to meet with Maester Luwin first."
"Robb? Theon?" She heard him call out.
Catelyn cleared her throat and prepared herself. "No Jon, it is I, Lady Catelyn" The woman you fear the most. "May I come in?" she asked softly.
She did not hear him for a moment. The boy probably thought he did something wrong. What sort of woman would spark this paranoia in a child? To only let go of her resentment when revealed that the child was her nephew and not her stepson.
After a long moment, she spoke. "Jon, you are not in any trouble. I wish to speak with you. May I come in?" There was another long pause. Finally, she heard him walking toward the door and it creaking open. Jon wore a stone mask, much like Ned when he was the Lord of Winterfell. He was preparing himself for verbal lashings. This was the sort of woman she was.
"Yes, Lady Stark?" said Jon. "Did something happen to my father?"
"No, Jon," Catelyn said glancing at the ground. "I wish to speak to you because... Well, I have not been kind to you. For reasons outside of your control. I wish to make it right. May I come in?" She asked for the third time. If she were a better woman, a better aunt, Jon would have opened the door readily, with a smile. Not this mask that protected himself from a monster such as Catelyn.
Jon assessed her warily, before stepping aside and allowing her entry. Catelyn walked in and looked the room over. It was much like Robbs's room. There was a bed and Stark decorations. There was a pillow with messy dire wolf embroidery, no doubt a gift from Sansa. By the window, there was a desk and a chair. Catelyn took a seat at the desk. Jon stood in the center of the room watching her as she watched him.
"Jon-I" Catelyn started. "I am sorry."
Jon gave a startled look. Another pang hit her heart. "I don't understand Lady Stark."
"Catelyn," She said "Please call me Catelyn. I am your stepmother. I have treated you most unfairly. If not for the Banesmen, you would be a shadow of yourself. You must understand, that in the South, Bastards are not raised beside their trueborn siblings. I have been raised to believe that children of your conception are evil and distrustful. Largely due to the Blackfyre Rebellions. When I married Ned, we did not know each other. And he brought you home and I believed that my position as the Lady of the North was fragile. That he would replace me. Robb looks so much like me. I feared that he would set us aside. My father would be furious with me."
Jon sat on his bed. He never thought he would have such a long conversation with his stepmother. Let alone such a heartfelt one. "Father would never do that. He is a man of honor," said Jon proudly.
Catelyn chuckled. Jon had no idea how honorable Eddard Stark was. "Yes, he is. I was a young girl with foolish thoughts. As you grew, you looked more like him and I was filled with jealousy. You are more levelheaded than Robb, you are so talented with a sword. I started to fear that you would take my children's place. That the Lords of the North would favor you over your brother. I knew that your father favored you. That you are his child not conceived out of duty or politics. The jealousy grew."
It was not true, Ned favored Jon because of Lyanna. His wild sister kept a smile on her face. That was natural with a sword and horseriding. Jon was truly his mother's child.
"My Lady, I would never. I do not want to be Lord of Winterfell. I want to travel and be a knight, and be with Trin-" Jon stopped himself blushing. Catelyn gave him a knowing smile but let him continue. "I can admit that I was jealous of Robb before. He always got all the attention, a mother, and a place in the world. But the Banesmen have shown me that it is freedom to be a bastard. I can travel and see my sisters when they are married. I can be by Robbs's side and advise him. I can choose a wife of my own desire."
Catelyn nodded. Jon would have a great life. He would always have a home at Winterfell. His children would be in service of the Starks and most likely inherit the Banesmen business. Jon's life as a bastard would be better than as a Stark or Targaryen.
"I know. I see how hard you work on your apprenticeship. How much you love your brothers and sisters. Your determination to set sail. I am a foolish monster. I should have been a mother to you."
"I had a mother," Jon said darkly. "She's dead now." He spat out.
Catelyn's eyes welled with tears. "Jon I am sorry. Please believe me. I could not risk Brandon or Arya falling il-"
"You did not do it because you were scared of an outbreak, you did it to punish me!" He growled. There it was-the wolf's blood. Much like Ned, Jon was not so quick to anger as Robb or Arya. Truthfully, he had better patience than even Sansa. But Katie Banesmen death had sparked a flame in his eyes. Fire and Blood.
"Not to punish you. I- I have even begun to fear the Banesmen's influence. Their bastard girl has such an influence over you and the Maester. I thought they could figure it out without us. I was wrong. I was truly wrong, and I am sorry Jon. The Banesmen have been so loyal to House Stark, and I have stomped all over it. I did not mean for Katie to perish, I swear it. I will make it right. I will go on the morrow and apologize. I will mend the fracture that I have caused."
Jon shook his head. "Betty says Southern women are foolish. That you see everything as a grasp of power and contempt. The North is not like that."
"No, it is not. I have been foolish. I have been the Lady of the North for twelve years. I have failed to assimilate. I have failed you. I have been failing my people." Catelyn sobbed. "I will make it all right. You need not worry of me pushing you away. This is your ancestor's home. You cannot be legitimized. Regardless of my change of heart, my father will take it as a slight. It can endanger you and the stability of the North."
Jon continued to eye her suspiciously. "Why have your feelings changed Lady Stark? I suspected you were excited about my leaving. This was not what I had been expecting. Are you hoping something terrible will happen while I am at sea?"
Catelyn's eyes widened in horror. She was spiteful to the boy but never cruel. Her eyes narrowed. "I was a terrible stepmother, but never abusive. I have never raised a hand to you. My pettiness has some bounds. I will never wish for you to perish at sea." She hissed. Though that was not entirely true, her jealousy of the boy's supposed mother made Catelyn pray horrid things. Terrible things that only she and the Gods would know.
"But the Gods have been speaking to me. Calling to my heart, I see how you love your father, and your siblings. I am a fool to think that you would be another Daemon Blackfyre. Those rebellions were created from unloved children and sibling rivalry. You Starks have none of that. You love each other fully. I can love you as well. You are not a hard child to love." said Catelyn.
Jon's face turned to a grimace. He had waited so long to hear those words from Lady Catelyn. When she played with Robb and cuddled close to him. When Jon would sit outside of the nursery and listen to her singing to her children, he would only be allowed to enter if his father was present and sat him on his lap. The scorching look she would give the pair would frighten him.
Jon's resolve broke. Lady Catelyn had scorned him worse when she refused to help Katey Banesmen. The woman who only smiled for him, Tammy and Trina. The stern woman wiped his tears when the Umbers came to visit, and Lady Catelyn yelled that she would not flaunt her husband's biggest mistake and embarrassment around the bannermen. Katey had cleaned his cuts when he sparred too rough or hurt himself while working. Katey Banesmen was the mother who told him that she loved him and was so proud of him.
"Lady Catelyn... Thank you for apologizing to me. And thank you for the offer." Jon said. He turned to her. "It is what I have always wanted. I accept your apology. Little Rog always says, better late than never. But I cannot accept your offer. Not now." He watched as she frowned with hopeful eyes.
"Do you want to know my first memory? The first thing I can remember, My Lady?" Catelyn nodded, leaning forward. "When Robb and I were three. We were playing in the halls causing a ruckus." She smiled at the memory. "You came and Robb happily ran to you. Called you mummy." Catelyn's smile froze, knowing what came next. "Thats what you were to Robb and though you never held me or even spoke to me. I thought you were my mummy too." Jon stood from the bed and walked to the door. "Do you remember what happened next?" he asked.
Catelyn let out a sob as she recalled the day. Jon had run to her with a red, happy face and clutched her skirts as Robb had. He had called her mummy. She was shocked to be sure, but the shock quickly turned to irrational anger. The lady screamed out that she was not the mother of a filthy bastard and pushed him off her skirts. The look of fear from both Jon and Robb tore her with guilt and horror. She could hear the servants whisper that she was a horrible woman for treating a babe like so; How their Lord marrying the southern Trout had been a mistake. Ned had not shared her bed for moons. The cold stare he gave her as carried his sons with him everywhere had only confirmed that Ned loved Jon's mother more than her. It was when she announced that she was pregnant with Sansa that her Lord Husband returned to her quarters.
"Jon please," She cried walking to him. "I have been a terrible person. A spoilt stupid girl who felt that you were slight to my life of tales and songs. A woman who took her jealousy out on you because I knew that your father married me out of Duty. That I was not the woman that he loved. I was jealous because I failed to give him dark-haired, grey-eyed Starks. You deserved none of it. I will be a mother to you."
Jon opened the door. "Good Day, Lady Stark." He said looking at the ground. If he looked at Catelyn's regret-filled face, he would break. He would not betray Katie so soon. As a means to replace her.
Catelyn watched as he struggled to hold in his tears, her own flowing down her face. "I understand Jon. I do." She kissed his head, making him look up in shock. She gave a tearful smile. "I cannot change the past. Our future as a family will be bright. I swear it. I will do my Duty. I will make up for my dishonor." She finished.
Giving one last look before composing herself and leaving.
Tysha woke earlier than usual. She had informed the kitchen staff that she would not be attending to her duties that day. It was time to tell her the little Lion the truth of her father. And she would not have the strength to be away from her family after. Tysha walked to the room that held her daughter and niece.
They were ten and ready to make their own way in the world. So different from when Tysha was ten and played in the Westerlands with other children of her village. Her girls had dreams bigger than getting married to some stone mason or farmer and popping out babes. Roger wished to grow the Banesmen business to a size that would seize hold of the North and keep their family close to the Starks for several generations.
She stood at the door and watched the little women sleep. Knock, knock, knock- Tysha tapped on the door, startling the cousins awake. "Get up, the pair of you. We are going to the Weirwood tree to pray this morning. And talk. Best to do it when no one is there to pray."
The girls grumpily stood and dressed. Tysha chuckled at the dark look Trina gave when she rose from the bed. The mother walked to the kitchen area and filled the sack with some pastries and a flagon of ale. Ten was too young but after her tale with the Lannisters, they would need a strong drink.
"Mother, this early? Could we not sleep in and talk as a family?" Trina grumbled tying her cloak. Tammy nodded her head in agreement with a yawn.
"This conversation will require the Gods," Tysha said leading them out of the cottage.
They walked silently to the clearing of the Weirwood. It was a stroll. The air was crisp and there was no wind. Just the dark of the woods. Citters rushed back and forth. A hint of the day's sun gave the clearing an otherwordly experience. The face on the Heart Tree seemed to glow with the leaves; making them look like Rubies.
Tysha knelt in front of the Gods with the girls and prayed. She knew both girls were praying for Tysha to allow Trina to go. That they would have a grand adventure with Jon and Roger. Tysha prayed for strength, that she would have her daughter's forgiveness for her lies. That Tammy would help Trina's heart soften for Tyrion. And if she did decide to go on the Merry Betty, they would keep her back home.
She lifted her head and sat against the tree and watched her girls. She did that a lot. They were both growing to be beautiful. A fact that made Tysha's heart clutch in fear. How soon would it be when men noticed what she did? When they would try to take her girls away from the Banesmen. If whatever man it was would try to use her bright little Trina for their own purposes. Or worse try and stiffle her shine. A shiver of fear went through her. Trina was the perfect combination of both her grandfathers. Anyone getting in the way of what she wanted would suffer. Neal Coller's grandaughter was a Lion. And Tysha was now her protector. They would have to pull Trina out of her cold dead hands to have her. Her little Lion would never go through the horrors she did.
The girls finished praying and looked at her questioningly. "Auntie, what's wrong?" Tammy said. Her Blue eyes shined with worry. Her chubby cheeks flushed in the cold. Trina sat next to her with worry but also irritation. She hated the dance around a conversation. Trina did not know if that was from being Northern or if she inherited from her grandfathers.
"There is a reason why I am so against Trina going South. I have something to tell you both. This conversation does not leave this clearing. No one- even Jon- can know this tale." Tysha looked at them with hard eyes and a quirk of her brow. The girls nodded. Tysha let out of sigh before continuing. "I was born in the Westerlands to Neal and Reba Coller. My father was a crofter. We had a simple happy life. Until one day when I was five and ten. Bandits came and killed my mother. They ran into our home and attacked my father. I was in the field tending to the animals when my father ran out and told me to run as he tried to fight them off. They cut him down and chased after me." She down at her hands as she prayed for strength to continue.
"The fuckers chased me through the woods and caught me. They beat me and ripped my clothes. The bandits were going to rape m-" Tysha was cut off by the sound of Tammy's gasp. She looked at the tears pooling in their eyes and the hardened look of her daughter. Eyes cold with a hard sneer, as if she would have committed the most horrid crimes to avenge her grandparents and mother.
Tysha continued "I was saved by Jaime and Tyrion Lannister. Ser Jaime cut them down and Tyrion took care of me. We got terribly drunk and fell in love." Tysha said. Trina's eyes got exceedingly wide.
"You fell in love with the Imp?" Trina gasped.
Tysha laughed "Yes I did. We found a drunk Septon and married. We were happy for a moon in a nearby cottage until the Septon told the Lord of Lannister... Tywin"
"He's the Lord that wiped out the Castameres. He drowned the entire Castle during a siege." Trina whispered. "You said that my father name was Trystan. Was that a lie?"
"Yes," Tysha said. "Tywin Lannister is an evil man. He hates Tyrion for being a dwarf and for killing his mother during childbirth. He is obsessed with his legacy and making the Lannisters the most powerful family in Westeros."
"My father is Tyrion Lannister..." Trina said. "Am I trueborn?"
"No, when Lord Tywin found out about the marriage, he had the septon annul it. Then he made Jaime tell a horrible lie. That I was a maiden whore that was paid to sleep with Tyrion for his first time." Tysha breathed shakily. "When they took us back to Casterly Rock-" Tysha broke as she relived the memories. She let out a sob and felt one of the girls, probably Tammy, move to hug her. Tysha opened her eyes and saw Trina's eyes filled with a cat-like rage. She looked so much like Tywin in that moment.
"He took me to the barracks and had me raped by every man there. Including Tyrion. Over twenty men raped me and for each man I was given a silver coin. And from Tyrion a gold dragon. I was helped by Sandor Clegane. He gave me the horse and more coin and sent me on my way."
Tammy shook with tears at her story, while Trina stared at her mother. Almost through her. Her eyes were so cold. Filled with an anger that promised revenge. "How do you know that I am the imp child?" She asked.
"I went to a Maester in Flint's Finger. I was too far along for it to be a result of the barracks." Tysha watched as tears flowed down her child's face. "You look like a Lannister. You have golden hair and your father's mismatched eyes. Though his are green and Black. You have the same cheekbones as Jaime." Tysha beckoned her daughter forward. Trina moved like a ghost to her mother and sat in front of her. The rising sun shined on her golden hair, as it shined in Tammy's blue eyes. They looked like angels of the old Gods.
"Trina you must understand why I lied. Tywin is an evil man. He is from the Seven Hells. If he were to know about you and your gifts. The Old Lion would take you and use you for his own purposes. He would kill our family and give you away in marriage to his most loyal bannermen. Or a Lannister cousin that he could use. He would not care." Tysha wrapped her arms around both girls. "I will not allow anyone to take you from me. You and Tammy are my entire world."
"You are afraid of someone recognizing me as a Lannister bastard?" Trina asked.
"I am petrified. I know Uncle Rog will take care of you. He took care of me when we came North. I am also not ready for my babe to leave me so soon. Little Rog is not ready either but he knows that he is being unreasonable. But now that you know the truth it is your choice."
Trina looked at her mother. "I am sorry all those terrible things happened to you, Mother. Are you angry that I'm here?" She asked in fear. Trina finally knew the feeling that Jon felt being a bastard. The fear that she was a child of shame and regret.
"Never my little Lioness. Never." Tysha stared hard into her eyes. "You were made out of true love. Your father was a fool for believing his brother. But we loved each other. So much. You are a reminder of that. You are all the good of Tyrion. Witty, funny, and quirky. You are the light of my life. You excel at everything you touch. Just like your father. He does not know about you. But he loves you. If he knew, then his father would already be dead."
Trina narrowed her eyes. "One day he will be. I swear it mother. He will pay."
"Trina!" Tammy gasped "That is kin slaying. You will be cursed."
Trina scoffed. "He started it. What sort of person does that? To a little girl?"
"No, you will not defy the Gods. You will not allow the Lannisters to have more power over your life. Do you understand?" Tysha scolded softly. "That is why your uncle Gerion and Aunt Genna of House Lannister have not told him the truth. They know that Tyrion will commit a great sin."
"I have an Aunt and Uncle that know about me?" asked Trina
"Nay, They know of our marriage and annulment. They know of the lie. Gerion visited me after and gifted me with Letters and Jewels. When we get back to the cottage, I will be giving them to you. I have never read your father's letter or Genna's. At the time, I was not very good with my letters, and as time went on... I wished to move on too. We can read them together when we get home." said Tysha with a sad smile.
"Jewels?" asked Tammy.
"Yes, and gold," said Tysha. "Two sets. I will be gifting them to you both. I have no need for them. Most of the gold is still there. I used some of it for the glass gardens. The rest will be your dowries to whatever lucky men you marry."
Tammy's face lightened at the news. She was always more excited at the thought of marriage and motherhood. So much like Tysha in that regard. Trina was more penseive. Marriage was something she was neither excited nor devastated about. It was just something that was supposed to happen in life.
"Then I will be going on the Merry Betty. I will travel with my true family and take control of my own life. I will not stay here in fear of the Western Lions. I am a Northern Lion and my claws are sharper!" Trina hissed. Tysha smirked through the tears. Trina was Neal Coller's granddaughter.
She let go of the girls and took the food and ale out of the satchel. Handing them each a pastry, Tysha took a large swig of the ale.
"Well, you will need to be careful. Do not engage with anyone when traveling the Westerlands. You stay close to Uncle Rog. The pair of you." Tysha said. "I am happy that Jon will be there to keep you both in line."
Trina grunted. "Jon's not in charge, Tammy is."
"Aye, but I hear Lannisport is so beautiful. I will want to roam." Tammy gushed.
"It is beautiful. My family used to go to the markets and festivals all the time when I was your age." Tysha smiled at the memory. Her heart ached at the memory. She wished Neal and Reba were still alive to see Trina grow. She hoped that the Old Gods allowed the Collers to watch through the eyes of the Heart Tree to see how happy their remaining family was.
"Can you tell me more about my father?" Trina asked with a sip of ale.
Catelyn walked to the Banesmen cottage with Old Nan and a small guard. She swore that she would make things right. Before going to returning to her quarters, Catelyn sought out Old Nan and asked for forgiveness. Nan accepted the apology and agreed to help her bridge the gap between the nobles and their most loyal subjects.
It was a slow walk. Nan's bones were old. The pace allowed Catelyn to ease her nerves and prepare for the talk. She had never had to apologize to anyone. The oldest of Hoster Tully's children and the Lady of her House, the moment her Lady Mother died in childbed. Catelyn was raised that nobles were always in the right and the smallfolk did as their betters told them.
But in Winterfell that was not the case. The smallfolk were put first. Ned had a seat for a member of the smallfolk at their table every evening. In the North, it was Noble's duty to Rule, not their right. Old Nan's family had served the Starks faithfully for generations. Each generation of both families had played as children together before leading their own paths as men and women grown. Now the Banesmen were solidifying that bond with trade and Catelyn's folly could cause a gap in a simple and deep bond. A bond that could strengthen her son's rule and her nephew's safety.
They arrived at the cottage and Catelyn was impressed. It was not a shack that sat behind the Keep, nor was it a grand home. But it was colorful and sturdy. It looked as if it could house ten people. Ned had said that Nan's husband was a great knight from the Riverlands who built this home for Nan and their children. Catelyn could tell that there were rooms built to accommodate the growing family. It was no wonder, Jon preferred the company of the family.
The door opened, revealing Roger Banesmen exiting with the rest of his family trailing behind him. They bowed respectfully with a questioning look on their faces.
Trina was the first to speak "Is there something the matter Lady Stark?" She asked wearily. "Is Jon okay?"
Catelyn smiled at the girl. Trina truly cared for her nephew. When she grew, Trina would be one of the most beautiful women in the Seven Kingdoms. She could see the girl rivaling herself or even the Queen after she bled.
"No little Trina, he is fine. Jon is spending time with his siblings and father today in the Godswood." Catelyn said. It took all her strength to not look away in shame at the startled expression on Trina's face when Catelyn called both her and Jon by their names. "I have come to extend a branch of honor and sincere apology. I have not treated you or your family kindly. You have been the Stark House's trusted friends since the time of my Lord husband's grandfather. You have given your sons away for our Wars and some of them did not return home. My southern judgment looking down on you and your family during your time of need was honorless and not befitting of a Lady's Duty to look after her subjects." She finished speaking and looked at the stunned faces of the family.
The matriarch, Betty, had a kind smile. The oldest son, who Catelyn could only assume was Little Rog, wore a stone mask and tightened his hold on Tammy. It would be best for Catelyn to direct the rest of her words to the pair.
"I am sorry for not allowing our Maester to see to your wife, Roger. I hear she was kind and stern. The perfect Northern wife. She was kind enough to take on Jon like her son when I could not." Catelyn said shakily. "I can admit that I was intimidated by your family's closeness with The Starks and any influence that you may have. It was not right. This is not the Riverlands. The North does not operate on ambition."
Roger nodded stepping forward. "It does not. Myself and Tysha are from the West. Tis' a sweet change of pace. You were right to be weary of my ambition. Smallfolk do not usually find stability in their homes. As I told Lord Stark, I know that our trade and farming business will be a benefit to Winterfell. I would like for my children, grandchildren, and their children to have a place somewhere. They will not have to move and wander as my sister and I did in our youth."
Catelyn contemplated his words. This man was openly admitting his ambitions to Lady Stark. Roger Banesmen was seeking to use his wife's relationship with the Starks to solidify his business and their prosperity. He was honest about it. That must be the reason why Ned had no suspicions of the family taking Jon in or expanding their business. Honorable but it was still something Catelyn would keep an eye on.
"Thank you for your apology, Lady Stark," said Tammy. "My mother would never want you to think badly of yourself for what happened. She was already sick. And the Gods do what they will to test us." Little Roger nodded in agreeance, moving his hand from her shoulder to pat her head in pride.
Catelyn smiled at the little girl. Another blossoming beauty with a kind soul. She watched the unimpressed quirk of Trina's brow and knew that the bastard girl did not share her cousin's sentiments. If Jon was going to find safety in this family then she would need the golden-haired girl on her side. "Trina I have not always been kind to you either. You are a dear friend to Jon and I will do what is right to make him feel more welcomed and at home. I cannot blame children for their sire's mistakes. I am sorry, little Trina."
Trina assessed her. Catelyn had overheard that Trina was not very good at human interaction or reading people. She would need to build the girl's trust through actions, not silky words. "Madam Betty, You are a skilled Seamstress and have made many dresses for myself and my daughters. My eldest girl, Sansa, has a natural skill at needlepoint. I would love for you to take her under your wing and show her the art of the skill. As Little Roger did with Jon."
Betty smiled, nodding her head. "I would love to, Lady Stark. We just need to go over a schedule. I make the product that my husband sells on his travels and I have Tammy learning to take over for me when it is time."
"Of course," Catelyn said. "We can go over it when the children leave. Give us plenty of time to prepare their return."
The family nodded. Roger beamed with pride that his wife would be overseeing another Stark. Catelyn had to admit the man's luck. When the Stark girls left to marry, the Banesmen business would grow. Catelyn did not doubt that in the next ten years, the family would be building another Glass garden to accommodate their trade. Yes, it would be best to watch the man. His wife was a friend but he was a Southerner just like Cat. Old habits were hard to break.
Catelyn left Old Nan with her family. Traveling to the Godswood where her own laid against the Heart Tree. If the Gods, New and Old were kind enough, she would make up for her dishonor and lack of duty. And the Stark family would grow as one.
The Banesmen watched as Lady Stark made her way back to the Keep. They stood in silence for some time. Only the sound of baby Alaric could be heard.
"I told you the Gods would speak to her," said Nan breaking the silence and walking slowly to the door. The rest of the family followed their Matriarch inside.
"It's strange Nan," said Trina chewing on her bottom lip, contemplative. "She's like a completely different person. That is not the same woman who I walked past when leaving the keep yesterday."
"Definitely isn't," said Tammy nodding her head, remembering the cold stare they received from Lady Stark. "Maybe Robb spoke to her? About what Jon asked? Maybe she felt guilty. With Jon going away and all."
"Let's not be hasty," said Roger. "Let's be happy that she is regretful and is beginning to trust us."
"Your old self is just happy I'll be teaching Lady Sansa tailoring," said Betty. "You and your ambition is gonna get us in trouble." she finished wringing her finger at him.
"This is for the good of this family," said Roger. "Nan, you said that Septa is as Southern and pious as one could be. It will be good for Lady Sansa to have a Northern woman to look up to. To learn from."
"Don't turn that slick tongue on me, Roger," said Nan. "But you're right. They tell the girl all about knights and fairy tales. None of whats important. They don't want her to be strong and capable. Like how Lyanna and Lyarra were."
"See, and Betty will be able to provide that. And since your father died Betty, the Pooles and the Cassles have gotten more recognition and place with the Starks than this family. Don't you want to keep your home?" Roger pressed.
"Ned would never push us out," said Little Rog. And the rest of the family nodded in agreeance.
"Aye but what of his Grandchildren or their children?" said Roger. "I know what it is to leave your home for work when your Lord have no need of you. Tammy, Trina, and Alaric will have children one day. And they need to have stable homes. A century ago, your family was in the Riverlands and my family was in Dorne. The North of all Seven Kingdoms has the least crime and the least political tension. The Pooles and Cassels are not competition but we need to keep our place. And we do that with trade." Roger finished.
Another moment of silence passed over the family. Nan spoke up. "I am getting close to my end. I would like for Betty to take over as governess one day."
"Don't say things like that Nan," said Betty. "That's years away."
"Hush child. I have delivered every person in this room save for Roger and Alaric." Nan grumbled. "I have buried my children and grandchildren. Death is not something I fear. I am stating the obvious."
"Well state it later," said Tysha shaking her head. "Let's focus on today. I've told Trina about her father."
The family turned to Trina. They knew today would be the day that Trina would learn the truth. But waited with bated breath to learn her reaction.
"We're all so sorry we lied dear," sighed Betty, with Roger and Little Rog nodding in agreeance. "It was the safest thing to do. And we did not wish for you to feel any shame on how you got here."
"I know," Trina said. "I forgive all of you. And thank you for keeping Mother and me safe. And Letting us live here."
"Bah," Roger shrugged "My sister and good brother would rise from the dead and drag me back with them if I left your mother in the West."
"Especially Uncle Neal" laughed Little Rog along with Tysha. Neal Coller was not someone to trifle with when angered.
"I am upset with my father. He is an idiot." Trina said angry with the tears pricking her eyes. Tammy took her hand and squeezed it in support.
"Aye, same thing I told Tysha," said Roger shaking his head. "I loved Reba to death but I could always tell when she was lying. They buried her bloody parents and the Dwarf just believed the Kingslayer."
"You all have to understand. Tyrion has been called an ugly little monster since the day he was born. He never thought anyone would truly love him." Tysha sighed.
"Now he'll never find love like that again," Tammy said sadly
"No, I don't think that's true." giggled Tysha. "It's not hard to love a man like Tyrion."
"You still love him, after ten years," laughed Little Rog. "You're a sod." The rest of the family laughed with him.
"Shut it." Tysha laughed. "Come with me girls, I've got some gifts for you." She said walking towards the stairs.
Tammy and Trina followed her. Both were excited to see the Jewels and inheritance. Trina felt her palms sweat at what her father and aunt said in the letters. Her father probably hated her mother and Genna pitied her.
The girls stood in the entryway of the room. "Help me push the bed to the side," said Tysha. They grabbed the posts and pushed it. Tammy and Trina glanced at each other with confusion. It was all stone. Seeing their expressions, Tysha chuckled.
"I had Little Roger make a little hiding place for these items. My father's mattress trick was common. Winterfell does not get many bandits but I am of the West and I do not trust as easy as the rest of our family." Tysha said crouching down to the center stone. She moved her nail across the side crevice and a leather lace lifted. She pulled the lace and the tile lifted revealing a hidden cubicle.
"Mother" Trina hissed. "This is-This"
"Do not get any ideas." Tammy said. "Its bad enough you want to do experiments while at sea."
Tysha laughed. She grabbed the satchel that she hadn't seen in two years. She sat on the floor and motioned the girls to sit with her. One on either side of her. Opening the satchel and pulling out all the pouches.
Trina grabbed the largest and gasped at the tiaras. "They are beautiful," she said. Placing one on her head and standing to look in the mirror.
"Aye," Tammy said opening another pouch. The green jewel set. "Ohh Aunt Tysha. I never knew jewels like this existed outside of songs"
"Me either." Tysha laughed "When Gerion gave it to me I had half a mind to chase him down and give it back." She opened the third pouch and pulled out the gold set. "I did not sleep a wink that night."
"I do not know if you wish to share or split the jewels. Both of you would look beautiful wearing either," she said
"You do not wish to have them?" asked Tammy. "I am fine with the gold inheritance."
"Oh no, dear. These jewels are tainted with pain and deceit." Tysha sniffled. "I would rather the two of you have them. Make beautiful memories with them. They stay here though until you are women grown."
"We'll share them," said Trina "We'll never be apart. We can swap them at any time." Tammy nodded in agreeance and stood beside Trina in the mirror wearing the second tiara.
Tysha watched them. Happy that the girls were pleased with her gifts. All Tysha felt was sorrow when she thought about the gifts. Tyrion should be here to see her girls fawn over family heirlooms. Katie should be here. Neal and Reba should be here. But they were not. The Gods were cruel like that, as was Tywin.
Tysha pulled out the fourth pouch and sighed. "These are the letters." Both girls stopped and the reality set in.
Tammy looked between the two. "I'll go downstairs and show Gran the tiara," she said
"No-" Trina and Tysha went to stop her.
"No, I want you two to have this time together. It is sensitive. And I don't think I can handle seeing you cry twice in one day Auntie." Tammy laughed "You never cry."
Tysha laughed and nodded. Tammy walked out of the room and they could hear her footsteps carrying down the stairs. Then they could hear the gasps from the rest of the family from seeing the tiara.
Tysha beckoned Trina to come sit back down. She handed the letter that said 'Genna'.
Trina's hands shook as she broke the seal and watched as her mother broke the seal that said 'Tyrion'.
'To Tysha,
I would like to first express my condolences on the death of your family. To be so young and suffer such loss. I commend you for your strength.
Unto the crime that has been committed to you by my brother and nephew, I am deeply sorry. I am not sure what my brother was thinking when you were dragged to Casterly Rock. To punish a young girl who already suffered so much is a demonic act. I know you did not have ill intentions when you married Tyrion. He told us you were both terribly drunk and when sober, he told you that he would never inherit the Rock. That is what his father always told him and he had no reason to not believe Tywin.
Tywin was not always like that. He was curt and smiled. He would jape. He loved his children and his duties. But serving the Mad King changed him. The madman was ungrateful and slighted his most loyal Lord out of jealousy. Tywin hated to be slighted, it made him feel weak like our father. And then when Johanna died birthing Tyrion. That was the last of him. The good of my brother died with her. But she lives on in Tyrion. My little nephew has the best of his mother and father.
I mourn for my brother's soul. I could accept what he did to Castamere. They were in open rebellion and we Lannisters had to show strength. Our father, Tytos, was a weak man. He sold me to a Frey just because the Lord offered. I was the daughter of a Lord Paramount, and I was married to a Second Son of a smaller house leagues below my station. My father loaned money and allowed our bannermen to slight him openly. Yes, Castamere was understood.
Then my brother had the Targaryan children and their mother, Princess Elia, slaughtered. It was unspeakable but I understood. They would grow to contest the throne. The Country would be in a civil war. I told him later, that the children could have been poisoned peacefully, Princess Elia could have been sent back home. But he argued that cruelty would be better. The act would keep my niece, Queen Cersei, safe. So I conceded.
But what he did to you child. He will burn in the Seven Hells for it. You were alone and Tyrion saved you. He loved you and you him. Taught him to be confident and independent. A whore would never do that. A whore would not laugh at his tumbling and teach him to farm and cook. A whore would seek lavishness and jewels. You wanted him.
A young girl who probably thought she was living in a song. A lord to whisk you off your feet and love you after losing your mother and father. Tyrion told me much of them in his drunkenness. You come from strong blood. And they would be proud of your strength. I hope you continue handling your life with grace. Do not think of what happened in Casterly Rock. It is a small blight in your life and I would hate for you to give Tywin the satisfaction of allowing this to shadow your life.
Go North to live to with your family and make your mother and father proud. Take pride in your truth. The truth that you are a good girl with a good heart. Thank you for the short joy that you brought to Tyrion.
Your Good Aunt,
Genna Lannister.
Tears rolled down her cheeks and she could hear her mother's sobs at her father's letter. Tammy was right. Seeing Tysha Coller cry twice in one day was a devastating site. It bordered on uncomfortable. Tysha was a Lioness all of the time. Nothing moved her. Nothing shocked her. She was all roar. Whether happy or vexed.
Trina was not good with emotion and wished that Tammy stayed to make this easier. Trina awkwardly patted her mother's shoulder and felt relief and confusion when Tysha laughed. "You are too much like my father. He did not know what to do when someone cried," said Tysha.
Trina laughed with her mother and peered at the letter. It was written sloppily and Trina could only catch words like 'our love' and 'sweet kisses' and 'laughter'. Tysha caught her and folded the letter. "You are not old enough to read the letter. Tyrion was drunk and the contents are too... grown for you." she put the letter back in its pouch and took Genna's letter. Trina sat patiently as Tysha read the letter. The sniffles returned.
She folded the letter but did not put it in the pouch. "She is a kind woman. I am glad that I followed her advice without knowing the contents of the letter. It was the Gods that I am here. I would not have whored myself regardless. I would have eaten cow shit before I gave Tywin the satisfaction." sneered Tysha.
"She called you good niece," said Trina. "I thought the marriage was annulled."
"It was, however, Genna and Gerion's wish that I had stayed with Tyrion. We were truly in love and they did not think he would ever have that," said Tysha. "Gerion called me Good niece before we parted ways. It is odd. I thought the entire family were cruel and cowards."
"They are." Trina cried "Why do they not stand up to him? He has done so many terrible things."
"They are not cowards. He is the leader of their family and has kept them safe. If they defied him, it would just show the House of Lannister is weak. And they can not afford that. Not after what their father allowed. Your great grandfather, Tytos."
Trina huffed. "Another coward. I come from fools."
"Aye, you do. That is why the Gods gifted you with a stern nature and a smallborn family. You would be as cruel as him if you were raised any different."
"Do not say that mother," Trina whined.
"It's true." Tysha laughed. "You snarl like him. Your brow quirks like him. You think like him. For the good of your family. But you are not spoiled. You were raised humble. You have a good sense of right and wrong."
Trina crossed her arms feeling slighted. "I do not wish to hear that I am like him."
Tysha chuckled and wrapped an arm around her daughter. "That is not a bad thing. You are not evil. Trina, you have his good qualities. You have his mind but you have a Coller's heart. And that is what matters." Tysha kissed her forehead and they sighed.
"Why does it mean so much that Father tumbled? Why is it so important?" Trina asked.
"Tyrion told me Gerion taught him. And it made everyone at Casterly Rock happy. Until Tywin came back from the capital. Tyrion walked on his hands down the great table and it made his father furious. Saying that he was a Lion and not a monkey. Tywin forbade him from acrobatics again."
"Lord Tywin sounds boring, he should of been proud of his skill. I would make my son the first dwarven warrior if I could." said Trina, her shoulders slumped at the reality of her situation, more tears running down her face. "I will never meet my Father will I?"
"Not until his father is dead," said Tysha. "I forbid it. We have worked too hard to keep you safe. Too hard to live a happy life to allow that... that demon to do anything horrible to you."
"Do you think Father would kill his father and brother?" asked Trina biting her lip.
"I do not know. That betrayal from Jaime would break him. I do not wish it to cause unrest in the West." mumbled Tysha. "I had childhood friends. When the Highborns struggle, so will their smallfolk. Best leave what happened to me a small sacrifice. I gained so much from it." she finished hugging Tysha tighter and kissing her head.
"I love you Mother." sniffled Trina
"I love you more, love." Tysha sighed back.
Catelyn sat with her family and Theon family awkwardly in the Godswood. She had never spent much time here. The Old Gods never seemed to welcome her, now she knew why. Lyanna was watching through the eyes of the Gods and hated her. That Catelyn knew.
The children spoke to their father animatedly. Arya chased Bran. Sansa sat prettily next to Catelyn. The boys spoke with Eddard about trivial things. And Jon's trip.
Jon took awkward glances at her. Remembering the conversation from the morning. Catelyn knew she left him conflicted. The boy always wanted her to accept him. But she had done it too late. Too soon after Katie's death. She knew what he was asking himself. If he allowed Catelyn to be a maternal figure... then what was Katie? Was their bond so easily replaced? No, it was not. Katie loved Jon for no reason. Catelyn loved him because he was not born from an affair.
"Mama, Jon going away!" Arya huffed "I go to!"
Catelyn chuckled. Arya loved Jon more than anyone. It irked her before last night but now it was precious. How could she change from finding out that he was Rhaegar's son and not Ned's? Because you love Ned and the thought of him loving another woman breaks you. A voice in her head whispered.
"You are too little sweetling. You need to be big first and then your brother will take you," said Catelyn smiling. She was too busy smiling at Arya to see Robb stare at her in disbelief. To hear Theon choke on air. Sansa was still too young to understand.
Jon looked between Eddard and his wife. Eddard gave a brief smile but did not look shocked. The conversation with Lady Catelyn was serious and genuine but he did not think to this point. It was a huge acknowledgment for Lady Catelyn to call Jon 'brother' and not the boy or half-brother. She did not deter Arya from wanting to be at sea. It was too genuine.
Ned cleared his throat bringing Cat back to attention. She saw the bewildered face of the boys and flushed as red as her hair, eyes full of melancholy. If she were a better woman, they would not be exchanging shocked expressions.
"Arya has Lyanna's ways. The need to explore and wander. Maybe we can wed her to a Manderly or Glover. Close to the seas." Ned jested.
Catelyn chuckled. "The Manderly's are too southern. Arya would burn White Harbor to the ground. It is too bad that Lady Maege did not birth a son. We would have no future worries."
"We will have no future worries. Arya will grow more beautiful than Lyanna. She looks just like her aunt at that age." Ned chuckled sadly glancing at Jon. His sweet sister. Curse Lysa.
"I wish to go next," said Robb. "Or foster somewhere like you did Father."
"When Jon gets back, we will speak of arrangements. I want Bran to grow more before you leave home. He needs to know your face." said Ned
"I won't be really leaving," said Robb, repeating Jon's words from the day before. "I can foster in the North. I do not know the bannermen that well. It can be a start. Maybe House Cerwin first. Or Deepwood Monte."
Ned nodded contemplatively. "We will speak. And Theon. I will speak to you as well. Fostering you with the Manderly's will be good. Or maybe Skagos. Skagosi are most like Ironborn."
Theon's mouth hung wide. "Fostering? I am not allowed to leave Winterfell."
"No, you are not allowed to leave the North. But I have given it some thought. The Ironborn will never take you back if you are not trained at sea. Trained to be tough. As long as you do not try to escape. You know what will come if you do. Do not make me. I see you as a son." Ned sighed.
Theon's shocked expression remained. The threat did not weigh on him as much as the endearment.
Catelyn's face was also one of shock. To allow their hostage to roam the North freely was dangerous but the look of affection on the boy's face allowed her to calm. She would speak to her Lord Husband in private.
"What are most excited about your trip, Jon?" asked Ned, steering the conversation from duty.
Jon brightened and spoke of Lannisport and Sunspear. They sat under the Weirwood for some time. Catelyn did not speak. She would not rush Jon. But be there when he needed her.
Thanks for Reading. And I love the positive responses. Tell me what you think. XoXo