Robb Stark

Winterfell, 300AC

Stress was nothing new to Robb as of late. But over the last few weeks it had gotten to a point it was ridiculous. It was already difficult enough having to run a Kingdom in his father's stead being only sixteen name-days. But now there was looking after both Bran and Rickon, alongside everything beginning to kick off. It had been approximately six weeks since his mother had left to go to Kings Landing and he'd heard nothing from her yet, and he probably wouldn't until she was back in Winterfell. At least that would be any day now as it only took a fortnight by ship to get to the capital plus the nine days it took to ride to and from White Harbour and here.

Did she knew what Lysa had done? A part of him hoped she had found out as it would be one less headache on him when she finally makes her way back here. When he had received the raven, he had been nothing short of horrified but he refused to show it as he was in a meeting with three others to begin preparations for the incoming winter. It had been years since the last one, Arya hadn't even been conceived yet when it ended, but he remembered it well. A cold so sharp that it physically burned the skin was not a pleasant thing to experience. And the North was a harsh place, it always had been. It was only the more southern parts that had any chance of growing things and even then they were limited. Aye, a lot of the keeps have glass gardens to keep their stocks up, but this was personal storage and not storage for the entire Kingdom.

Just shy of a million people live here, even with rations they would need ten times this amount in basic food supply such as grain and corn. From his last calculation, they had six million. A decent start, but not enough for the long run. The more they have, the better a chance he has at leading his people through the harshest season there was. No, it hadn't even been proclaimed autumn yet, but Maester Luwin had always said that a long summer equates to a long winter. And this had been the longest summer on record for hundreds of years, which in turn meant an equally brutal winter. By now, the letter he had sent to Starfall will have been received by Jon, having received communication from him before he left he was heading there to officially begin gaining allies.

No response had come from him regarding the news yet but knowing his brother he was now going into panic mode. This would only be amplified from what Ned had sent them, that he'd figured out that Jon Arryn had been killed because he discovered that Cersei had been cuckolding King Robert. When that had arrived, Stannis' actions finally made sense, clearly preparing to get allies under his belt as well. This ebbed deep inside of Robb. He'd heard numerous stories about the middle Baratheon brother, and he knew he was not a man to be trifled with. His father spoke kindly of him, but it was clear they never got along, and it was made abundantly clear that he hated his older brother.

Truthfully, a part of him did not blame him for that. Many people would take it as a massive slight if their older sibling granted the youngest sibling the Lordship of their ancestral seat. And Robert had done just that by granting Storm's End to Renly and Dragonstone to Stannis. It was a dumb political move to make, but it wasn't questioned as nothing had come from it yet, but that would be changing once the truth finally comes out regarding the Prince's and Princess, alongside Jon. Out of all participants, his brother has the best chance considering the sheer link his blood was. A Targaryen/Stark match was desirable, one that would've happened a long time ago and was rumoured to have happened between Cregan's bastard sister and Jacaerys during it all.

Principality.

It was strange to think of himself as a Prince, and realisation kicked in on why Jon had freaked out like he had when he was told. He'd been one his entire life much like the younger and had also been completely unaware of it until Luwin presented him the scroll written in High Valyrian. The weight from it all was beginning to crush him, and he knew he was beginning to crack. And crack was something he could not do as that would kick start everything. There's no denying it now, peace was coming to an end and soon it was going to be pandemonium. Nothing short of a blood bath. House against House, Kingdom against Kingdom, possibly family against family. Most Houses are related to one another in some roundabout way. Robb was going to need to do something, and the only thing he could think of was try and arrange a betrothal for oneself to get allies behind them for when the time comes. With Sansa still betrothed to Joffrey Baratheon- well, Joffrey Waters now- she was out of the picture. And there was no way Arya was going to settle for being tied down with someone, she'd never even look at him again if he even attempted with her. Jon wasn't out yet and even when he is he will need whoever is the most advantageous. A King marrying someone from a lesser House would not bode well at all. This left only the youngest two and himself.

It would be difficult to find someone for Bran considering he could no longer walk and had to be carried everywhere. But their name was wanted, a House that dated back to the Age of Heroes. Had held the North for thousands of years. Second sons typically are expected to wed a lesser House from another Kingdom, and third or fourth sons expected to wed someone of their own Kingdom. Rickon it would be relatively simple to find someone. With the thought in mind, he slid out a few sheets of parchment that Eddard had which detailed every birth there was to the Houses of the North, trying to find someone suitable for him. Just as he did so, a gentle knock on the door sounded, Luwin asking if it was okay for him to enter. Robb gave the elderly man permission and soon he was sat in the chair facing him, eyeing the paperwork he had on the desk.

"I'm trying to work out betrothals for myself and my brothers for when the time comes."

He simply nodded at the young man in front of him before sliding a letter over to him. He checked the seal and his heart leapt a little at the red three-headed dragon stamp, knowing it had come from Jon. The seal had already been broken meaning Luwin already knew the contents, but he opened it and began to read anyway. As he did, he realised with a start at just how adept the younger male had gotten at politics. Not as sharp as he would need to be, but the change was drastic. Confirming that there were a dozen people in on it at Starfall and that he had a Kingsguard member already. His mother had sent a raven to him just before she left Greywater Watch for White Harbour confirming this but he did not say who it was. Only that he'd had them for a while.

It caused his lip to curl in a little bit, angry that his cousin was not being wholly honest with him. Obviously, Robb knew it would be stupid for him to tell him everything but from a family standpoint it stung deeply. Clearly if his mother approved of whoever it was then they were business. The next paragraph detailed that the young Lord of Starfall knew about him who was going to be travelling to the Stormland's soon to be a squire to Lord Beric Dondarrion of Blackhaven in the Dornish Marches. A potential link to getting them and that he was going to try and get the Selmy's on his side. Barristan would be difficult considering he was sworn to Robert, but he remembered the look on the Knight's face when he spoke about Jon. It was common knowledge the man saw Rhaegar like a son, and if he found out Jon was Rhaegar's son, it may be the weapon needed to break free from the Lannister's and Baratheon's. It was his grandnephew Arstan that would be tricky. The current Lord of Harvest Hall wasn't known to have any heirs yet despite being near his fortieth name-day. If it collapsed under them, it would be another House gone and being nothing but whispers in the wind.

Shaking his head, Robb continued to the next portion, this filling him with hope and a wolfish grin to appear on his face. They'd fulfilled the Velaryon's side of the pact by having Aurane being their hostage and the man was currently in Greywater Watch. Apparently waiting for the opposite side to be fulfilled before travelling to Winterfell. And Jon had thought of that as he detailed who it should be and how it would be beneficial. As much as he wanted to deny it, the reasoning was sound, and it would put them in a semi decent light to Balon. He'd always been close with Theon despite him being five name-days older than the Lord of Winterfell, but Jon hated him. The eldest had always made it abundantly clear he saw him as lower than him and he always taunted him that he'd never go with them on their numerous visits to the Wintertown brothel.

Robb wasn't stupid, he knew people were aware he did so, but he hadn't paid any visit since his father had left. All his time went on keeping the North together whilst helping Jon plan a takeover. However, it was the last portion that caused him to choke a little on his ale. Eyes widening as he stared at Luwin in front of him.

"Sunspear?! He's seriously going to the Martell's?!"

Luwin sighed lightly at this before looking to his clasped hands, heavy chain sat atop the wooden desk so it would not harm his brittle bones.

"Clearly he's got a plan forming, although I know nought regarding the details, my Lord."

Surprise was still prevalent in the younger. He remembered speaking with Jon so many months ago and that he was going to try and get the Martell's, the exact same morning the damned eggs hatched to reveal Rhaegon and Lyrax. But he didn't expect him to go for it. He's walking a fine line, an extremely fine line. Yes, they knew that Lyanna and Rhaegar had been wed, but Elia had still been set aside. Granted, it was of her own accord and they'd set up a decree so Aegon would remain first in line, but it would be a sour taste to them no matter what. He rested his hand under his chin and pulled a little at the hairs that were beginning to grow there, an even deeper auburn than his hair was.

"So, he's asked us to send Theon to Monford as a disguised hostage without him knowing, we're to expect Aurane Waters to come to Winterfell after meeting Jon, and he's going to Sunspear to speak to Prince Doran."

"You can refuse, my Prince- "

Robb shot him a look at this. He knew it was an automatic saying and wasn't meant, but it did hurt to hear.

"I cannot, Maester. Even though it's not out yet, Jaeron is my King. I cannot refuse him. Hell, it's because of his parent's marriage that I'm a Prince, that's a big debt to be paid. I will be bending the knee to him when he officially makes the claim which will tie the Kingdom's together again somewhat as they will be ripped apart by everything."

Silence overcame them at this, letting everything sink in. After a few minutes, Robb stood up and made his way outside, turning towards the living quarters to speak to Theon. The man was currently nursing a hangover so he would be in bed, probably with the curtains closed to give him more room to recover. When he knocked on the door he got no response. Knocking harder had the older groaning aloud confirming he was inside. With that, he walked into the room and shut the door behind him. Jon had detailed exactly how to word this, but lying was never a strong suit of Robb's, especially to people he knew well. It was something he thought he shared with his father but just under a year ago that all changed as he realised his father could lie, and very well at that.

"Robb, it's not even dawn- "

"Aye it is, idiot. Midday meal has already been served. I want you in my solar in twenty minutes, we have to discuss something."

Theon promptly rolled over on his side and covered his eyes with his pillow, clearly trying to ward off the light streaming in, but the Prince wasn't allowing it. Robb strode over to the curtains and pulled them apart, glad that Theon's bed was in line with the window so the sun immediately landed on him and defeating his attempts.

"That wasn't a request Theon, that was an order."

He left the room at this, heading back into his solar and asking Luwin to make up a quick herbal mix to help Theon with his hangover. He knew from experience the man was stubborn and argumentative. It was common with people who came from the Iron Islands. His father had tried his best to have him feel at home here despite being a hostage, but Theon never acclimated to the North well. He poured some more ale for himself before throwing the parchment into the flames so no one could see what was on there. It had not been written in lemon water like most others were because Luwin knew, there was nothing to be hid there. The man was loyal to them and was sworn to help inhabitants of the castle. It appeared only seconds had passed before Theon walked inside, with a small glass filled with a pale orange liquid in his hand. The stuff had a horrific taste but he knew from experience just how much it helped.

"What pleasure do I owe you, my Lord?"

The sarcasm in his tone was obvious, but Robb knew it was joking sarcasm from spending so much time with him. He'd been in Winterfell longer than a decade now, and they had spent much of it joined at the hip.

"As you already know, Lord Reed has bartered a trade agreement with the Velaryon's of Driftmark with lizard lion skin. Men are expected to arrive here within a few days to run it all past me so I can authorise said deal. However, someone needs to go from Winterfell to oversee everything and ensure no one is exploiting nor using it to their own advantage. Normally, I would go to do so but I need to remain to keep Winterfell and the North running. My mother is not yet back from her visit to Kings Landing to try and find out more information to who that dagger belonged to, and for all I know Jon is dead. You're the only other person I trust to do this."

It went deathly quiet for a few moments before Theon's face contorted in anger.

"You're sending me away?! After all we've been through?"

"Only for a short time. You can return to Winterfell any time you wish."

Internally, he was biting the inside of his cheeks hard. To the point he could taste the metallic tang of fresh blood. It had been worded so that he would not be a hostage despite Robb knowing better, but it still didn't sit right with the heir of the Iron Islands. This was a lot harder than he thought, and he hoped sweat beads weren't going to run down his forehead at any point. The older knew when he was lying, and that only set him more on edge than he already was regarding these discussions.

"I need to send someone I trust, Theon. I've explained why I cannot go, and much of the household guard went with my father to Kings Landing. I considered sending Bran but Maester Luwin wants him to remain here. You're like a brother to me, and like it or not, you are a good negotiator. Someone who is good in these topics is going to be immensely beneficial for said talks. Plus, would it not make you feel at home being on a small island with a fleet that is feared?"

Despite trying his best to remain as close to the truth as he could, it still did not sit right with him. A bit like a stone stuck in a shoe that will not budge no matter how hard one tries to remove said object. Always there at the back of the mind and never disappearing. How did people do this so often? They probably get so caught up in their own lies and schemes and this is what causes them to eventually fall when the brick that started the tower is removed. In this case though, it's a castle. A huge castle. One that has stood for nearing three hundred years and has long been impregnable much like the Eyrie, Casterly Rock, and many others.

"When do you want me to leave, brother."

The last word was almost spat out of the heir of the Iron Islands lips, clearly taking massive insult to Robb's final statement. It wasn't a nice thing to do, rub it into his face that he is here on the orders of the King to keep Lord Balon at bay.

"Men are leaving for White Harbour soon; you will be leaving with them. I'd expect for them to move out within the next week."

He watched an emotion come onto his face he had never seen before. Or at least, not to his knowledge. His entire face contorting into one of absolute fury. A calm fury, like he was a storm ready to wreak havoc. Like a dam that had been held up for so long that it had finally reached breaking point and was going to burst through.

"Is it your sole purpose to get rid of everyone you call brother?"

Immediately, Robb felt his stomach drop. No words were spoken, but he knew just what Theon meant with that. Insinuating he had been the one to push Jon to leave to further secure his position. It was a common belief that bastards were evil and only wanted to overthrow their betters, even where Theon came from where it was common for one man to have numerous wives. They could only have one rock wife, but they could have however many salt wives as they pleased.

"Never speak about Jon that way in front of me. And if you dare bring up that I was the one to push him out again because I feared he would take my claim from under my feet, I will be handing you to the King myself."

Just not King Robert. A part of him wanted to send Theon to Jon and have it confirmed that way.

"He left of his own accord. I wanted him to remain, but he is stubborn. And as far as I am aware, he is dead. I'd think you of all people would understand that."

As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted it immediately. When he was brought here, his father had told him not to bring up his brother's deaths, and that he was to be made at home whilst he was here. A loud bang echoed in the room and a moment later, Robb watched the older leave in a fury he had never seen before on his face. He stood up and closed the door behind him before sighing loudly before whispering to himself.

"I hope you know what you're doing Jon."

Catelyn Tully Stark

On route from Kings Landing to the Eyrie, 300AC

It was a warm day in the Riverlands, much warmer than usual. To the point the usual muddy banks of the numerous rivers were dried up and the water was shallow. Numerous fields surrounding them, and two large towns already being ridden through. Catelyn had docked at Maidenpool the night prior and had immediately began riding along the coast where she would come to the Vale. Normally, whenever she made long journeys, she would stop for a night or two before travelling, but she did not have the luxury of that at this moment. She had to meet her father's men on their journey. There was no way they weren't riding hard for the Eyrie just as she was currently. Hoster may be old and frail and nearing the end of his life, but he wasn't stupid.

She'd spent many days in his solar as he was lecturing them all on how everything worked. Herself picking it up probably the best out of them all, and she knew her father despised being weak despite his age. And he loved them all dearly, he would fight tooth and nail to protect his children. There was a fair chance she would be meeting Edmure, and if he were there she would be willing to bet the little gold she had on her that Patrek Mallister would be with him. The pair had been joined at the hip since they were children, and it was something she had to take into consideration. A smaller House, but an influential one. Sitting directly on the western coastline at Seagard on Ironman's Bay, situated between Wendish Town and the Twins of the crossing.

The heat was beating down uncomfortably on her, but she had to keep going if she were to succeed. She either needs to get to the Eyrie before they do and try to talk sense into Lysa, or she intercepts them and they speak to her sister together. She doubted the younger would listen, she just wasn't like that. Catelyn had lost count when she was around ten name-days of the amount of times she had yelled at her sister and Lysa had made her feel guilty. But now, that wasn't happening. In a single moment of wanting revenge, she has just started a war. And with her father's men now leaving to head towards the castle high in the sky, it would mean the Riverlands would be easy to take. Tywin may take notice of that to teach them a lesson. Meaning she had to be quick about this.

Her horse was panting hard and she could see the sweat gleaming off its snow-white coat, the sunlight reflecting off it and creating a striking effect. It wasn't everyday a woman was seen galloping along the coast towards the River Road. She'd gotten more than a few funny stares as she carried on, but she paid them no mind. She reached the border come nightfall the following day, and her legs were stiff as were her arms, and she was sure she had numerous saddle sores in between her thighs that were ready to burst. It was once she was here that she decided she wasn't going to wait for the men to arrive, she was going straight to the Eyrie.

Lysa never did good in a confrontational setting, and if all of them were to confront her with what she had done, it would go nowhere. She was the closest to them if her calculations were correct. With the thought in mind, she pulled her scarf over her head, making sure her hair was tucked tightly into her clothing so it wouldn't fall out before turning east. Catelyn had visited the Eyrie a grand total of once in her life, she had only been a young girl at the time when her father agreed to betroth Lysa to the man after the betrothal with Jaime Lannister fell through. She remembered the look on her face when her father told her, and she sure as nothing else remembered the tantrum that followed.

And then she had begged her father to call it off and allow her to wed their ward from the Fingers. When Petyr had come to Riverrun, she couldn't remember with certainty, but the time she had spent there was joyous. Well, that was until the dreaded fight between him and Brandon. What was going through the man's mind at the time? Not only was he only fourteen and she nearly eighteen, but he wasn't from a large House. House Baelish was probably the weakest House there was in the Vale, the fact their seat was called Dreartower only amplified this. She'd trusted the man beforehand, but after that she trusted him only a little. And now that man had a seat on the small council and was apparently bragging of how he had taken her maidenhood when she was betrothed to Brandon.

From where he got the notion, she knew nought, but that wasn't up for discussion now. The only thing on her mind was getting to her sister and hopefully by some miracle from the seven above talk sense into her. If she were to release Tyrion, it would still be considered a slight, and there is a fair chance his father may retaliate. But a chance of retaliation over definitive retaliation was better than nothing. It took two more days before she entered the valley which led to the Bloody Gate, a warm feeling entering her. She had been fond of her uncle. He took her under his wing when her father could not and giving her some military knowledge. Knowledge she may be putting to use in the forthcoming storm that was brewing unknowingly.

At least she had managed to stall it for a time after speaking with Varys, and she couldn't hide the small smile from coming onto her face as she remembered the look he wore when she confirmed she knew what he was doing too. He would've pieced it together that with her knowing, Eddard certainly knew. Numerous guards were lined up outside and demanded to see who was coming upon the gates. She didn't recognise either of these men, but when she removed her scarf she saw understanding dawn on them as they let her through so she could enter the gate. From foot, the fortress was undoubtedly impregnable. Not only from the gates to get there, but with the treacherous terrain plus the fact it was built atop a mountain so high it disappeared into the clouds.

The men presented her with bread and salt as custom decreed, and she asked if her uncle was around. A few went quiet at this which caught her attention but eventually one stated he had gone up to the castle to speak to Lysa as well. This notion calmed her, knowing that she wouldn't be alone in these talks. It wouldn't surprise her if her father had sent his younger brother a raven so he could do so to prepare for the other men arriving. That sounded like something Hoster Tully would do. His body may be old, but his mind is still as sharp as a sword. As much as remaining for the night was tempting, she couldn't fall to temptation. After finishing a small meal of fresh salmon that had been caught in a nearby river this morning, she mounted her horse again and began down the long winding road to the mountain.

All around were plantation she had never seen, and others she had only seen a handful of times. To her right was a rock wall covered with daisies, dandelions, and orchids. To her left was a stream littered with lavender and snow drops on the banks. It had been a long time since she had saw flowers not situated in glass gardens or a Godswood, and it made her feel at home. The North was her home now, had been her home for seventeen years, but she would always be a Riverlander at heart. Part of the reason Ned had built a small Sept for her when she first rode through the gates of Winterfell. It felt like it was only days ago at times so much had happened.

A good hour had passed before she finally got to the bottom of the mountain where a large stable was outside with horses, donkeys, and mules alike. A young woman walked up and asked to take her mare, gratefully handing the reins over to her. She appeared to be the same height as Catelyn but she had a stronger build. But it was clear she did have a woman's body. With black hair falling to her jawline and cut in a way it was kept from her face. Pale skin which contrasted greatly and piercing blue eyes. She seemed familiar, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

"I will ready a mule for you, my Lady. I'm Mya Stone and I'll be guiding you up the mountain."

Her lips curled in a little at this but managed to hide it a moment later. She knew that name, Ned spoke about the girl Robert Baratheon had fathered when they were fostering under Jon Arryn. Now she knew, she could see their shared features. One of two bastards the King acknowledge behind Edric at Storm's End. Meaning to some extent she was a cousin to Jon considering they did share a great-grandparent. Or was it twice great-grandparent? It was difficult to keep up at times. She'd only been waiting for ten minutes before she came up with two mules in hand, both saddled up with supplies and a pouch of food as it would take a long time to get to the castle. She couldn't even see it, the clouds much lower than usual today, and some mist surrounding the greenery around her.

Not much was said on their journey, although she did let slip she had been sharing a bed with Mychel Redfort. This caused the older to cringe slightly as that would not look good for the young squire. Of how she wished to marry him but Catelyn knew that was wishful thinking at best. Perhaps if he were not of such a large House it may be accepted, but never a Redfort. They were one of the most influential Houses in the Vale, with only the Royce's, Corbray's and Arryn's being ahead of them. As they got higher, it was getting increasingly difficult to breathe, but she could see the looming shadow of the castle above now. It felt like hours had passed before they finally made it to the courtyard situated outside and Catelyn wasted no time in getting off the mule, the size of the animal made it uncomfortable to ride. But there was no way a horse would've gotten up those narrow pathways.

A few guards spotted her and one disappeared inside. There was no need for her to hide her hair anymore so she removed her scarf and pulled her auburn waves out from underneath her clothing so they were free to move in the wind. It was cold up here, much colder than she remembered. But she was used to the cold, despite Winterfell's walls being filled with pipes pumping steaming water from the hot springs below. She remembered not long after Robb was born where Ned had said his mother would bathe in them at times only for them all to jump on top of her when they were babes. It was rare they spoke of their upbringings to one another, but the few times they did always led to tears of laughter.

"This way, my Lady. Lady Arryn is holding court currently and has requested you to be placed in the guest quarters beside Ser Brynden."

She nodded at this and followed the man inside the castle. Inside she could see it was domed in shape and appeared to be nearing fifty feet in height. Going both inside the mountain and atop it. Being led down a spiral staircase made of white marble with navy walls with numerous paintings on them depicting the history of the castle. From the Andal invasion so long ago, to the battles between the First Men and them, and even the more recent event of a grey dragon in the courtyard with a young boy seated on its back with a woman behind him. Everyone knew of it, how Visenya had rode Vhagar right into the courtyard and offered the young King Ronnel Arryn a ride in exchange for bending the knee to her brother. And to think history may be repeating itself in the foreseeable future.

Robb had said it seemed to be within two years that dragons could be ridden, something Maester Aemon had seemingly confirmed when researching into it. But Rhaegon and Lyrax were growing at an alarmingly quick rate. It honestly wouldn't surprise her if her nephew mounted one of them within the next few months. And that would be a wondrously terrifying thing to witness. A Targaryen atop a dragon at the head of an army again. Yet there was an army already surrounding him alongside two feared fleets. The North commanded almost thirty thousand fighting men, and her home Kingdom commanded just shy of ten thousand. Plus, he has the Velaryon's and the Dayne's at his back which would easily add an extra few hundred to the already large number.

And he'll also have Stannis backed into a corner as he's using the other Valyrian family as spies on the middle Baratheon brother. It was a smart move to make, but a part of her thought it too bold a move being such a new player in the game. Which meant he was either getting cocky or he was building himself up so he would be the victor when everything kicks off. Her thoughts left her mind as she entered the room, noticing the navy and white décor of their House colours surrounding her completely. But she did spot some red as well which she knew were additions of her sister to remind her of Riverrun. Walking over to the window, she noticed they were low into the mountain, could see the thin path she had ridden up on a few metres below. The view was spectacular, could see as far as multiple miles away, and could see the sun nearing its setting and creating a striking pink and purple skyline.

"I thought they were kidding when they said you were here."

The voice immediately had her feeling warmth running through her as she turned towards her uncle. He was considerably older than she remembered, his hair grey and missing a few patches. But he still had those warm blue eyes she remembered.

"As soon as I heard what she done, I knew I had to come here. Try and talk some sense into her before father's men get here."

Brynden sighed deeply before shutting the door behind him.

"She isn't holding court; she's refusing to see you."

Deep down, a part of her knew that, but it still stung hearing it said aloud. They were close as young girls, but as soon as Catelyn reached womanhood they had drifted apart. When it came to both leaving their childhood home, they had barely been able to stay in the same room as one another.

"Did you get anywhere with her? And how long has she had the man imprisoned?"

It was only now she noticed he was carrying a flagon of wine alongside a glass which she took gratefully. The sweetness of the Arbor Gold lingering on her tongue as she awaited an answer.

"Nay, unfortunately. She's refusing to listen to reason. I was half-tempted to leave but we Tully's never betray our own. Family, duty, honour."

That didn't sit right with her. By duty she should be supporting her sister, but duty was compelling her to support her nephew too. And she knew Jon was not ready to let it out yet. It would be far too dangerous with Robert Baratheon still seated on the throne. Never mind the fact that Ned and her girls were in Kings Landing.

"Unfortunately, uncle, I have to remain neutral. Due to my husband being Hand to Robert and my daughter betrothed to the Crown Prince, we cannot support this as it will end in my family's deaths."

She watched as her words sunk into him, being glad he didn't seem disappointed in her. She took council in him often when she was younger, and she had been devastated when the fight broke out between him and her father which led to him denouncing himself of all titles to Riverrun so he couldn't be used to usurp Edmure. Yes, her father never said it aloud, but she knew he was doing it. Probably would've had her younger brother shadow their uncle as Lord Paramount before allowing him to step aside so he could take the position.

"Lysa won't see it that way, she'll see it as you abandoning our house."

"I'm aware, but I'm not sending my husband and daughters to that fate."

Quiet now loomed in the room now as she finished her glass before placing it down on the table.

"She's doomed us to war no matter what, uncle- "

"Nay, she's sped it up. I'm sure you've received the raven regarding the Prince's and Princess."

Confusion overcame her now at this as she looked to him curiously, wondering what he meant by that. He must've noticed the expression and understood she had no idea what he was talking about.

"Your husband found out why Jon Arryn was murdered and he sent a raven to your son Robb, who proceeded to send a raven to us alongside my brother. The royal children are not King Robert's, they are the Kingslayer's."

If she hadn't already finished her wine, she was sure she would've spat at that. This changed everything even more. It now making sense why Stannis was doing what he was, and it also explained Jon making brasher moves than she expected. If Robb had sent a raven to them, he sent one to Jon, meaning the Dayne's also know. And if the Dayne's know, this meant the Martell's were due to find out. Now, she was glad that her nephew was keeping tabs on the middle Baratheon as it meant he would know his movements. She'd never met Monford Velaryon, but she knew he was close to Rhaegar and was furious at the deaths of his eldest two children. He would've supported Stannis if it weren't for Jon as there is a weak kinship, but the last legitimate son of a friend bartered no argument. If she were in the man's position, she knew what she would be doing.

"The King does not know?"

Brynden simply shook his head in the negative at her question.

"If he did there's no way he would still be wed to Cersei. I wouldn't have put it past the man to kill her alongside her twin. I always thought they were closer than normal siblings, but I never would've pictured this."

They were both cut off from their talk as someone knocked on the door. Upon opening, Catelyn saw it was the same man who had escorted her to the room, and he simply stated Lysa was ready to speak with them. With the thought in mind, she gathered her skirts so she did not trip on the stairs and followed him up with her uncle close behind. The Lords quarters were in the highest portion of the castle and were decorated with plain white marble and numerous glass and gem inlays creating a striking seven-pointed-star in the colours of the rainbow. The Eyrie to a lot of people is seen as the centre for Andals as the Arryn's were direct descendent of the Andalosi and they were fiercely passionate about their faith.

When she stepped inside, it was difficult for her not to widen her eyes at what she was seeing. She'd heard from her few informants that her sister still fed her son at her breast but seeing it was something else. The boy was of an age with Bran, and he was having to bend at an awkward angle to get milk from her swollen teats. Lysa was sat down at the desk not looking up from her son, her intentions being clear. She was trying to rile them up by ignoring them. It was when the door was closed behind them that she finally looked up to them before shooing her son away. It was a pitiful sight, seeing such a young boy like this, but he wasn't just a young boy. This was the Lord Paramount of the Vale.

"I'm guessing you've come to support us, sister?"

Catelyn kept her face passive as she stared at her sister.

"No, I'm not. I won't support this. You are aware my husband is Hand to the King and my daughter is betrothed to the crowned Prince. By you taking Tyrion, you have just put them into a corner."

From beside her, she heard their uncle snort lightly, the youngest in the room probably not hearing it. But this was not amusing at all, he was obviously trying to diffuse the brewing tension in the room. She watched as the younger snapped her head to her and gave her a look confirming she was furious she wasn't getting support from her.

"First uncle and now you! What happened to our words, sister?! We support one another! That thing murdered my husband!"

"I thought you said it was Tywin who ordered your husbands death, that's what your letter said when you sent it to me."

From the corner of her eye, she caught the confused look on the other occupant's face. It was only there for perhaps a second, but she knew him well. This meant he was unaware of this which confused her too. Surely if she told her she would've told him too considering he was stationed so close to her? Lysa's face was turning an interesting shade of red now, contrasting strongly against her navy and silver dress she was wearing, not even bothering to tuck in her still leaking teat as she stood up in a fury she didn't think was possible on her.

"You honestly don't get it do you? I said I had informants who witnessed Tywin purchasing Tears of Lys but I never said it was him who did so. I sent more spies and they reported he instructed his grotesque of a son to do so to get rid of him!"

"What? And get rid of his heir? Aye it's true the old lion despises Tyrion as Joanna died birthing him, but whether he likes it or not, he is his heir. He won't throw their legacy away like that without getting his golden twin out of the white cloak."

Brynden all but snapped this at her, it becoming obvious they had been arguing about this for days.

"I am simply confirming what my informants- "

"Either your informants are lying, misheard, or were bought off. I agree with uncle, Lysa. And your words are not going to change my mind. Your single moment of wanting revenge without adequate proof other than word of mouth has now cornered my family. For someone who claims to be supportive of our words, I think you would know what side I would take."

It was rare she got angry. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time she was truly angry. But she was now. It wouldn't surprise her if her face were beginning to turn red like their hair. Before the younger could speak another word, she continued.

"My husband found out why Jon was killed, I'm sure you're aware of it. He was trying to figure out a way to tell the King so he could begin to remove the Lannister's. But with you doing this you've sped things up. You've doomed us to war, Lysa. And if it's a war you want, I will state I am not going to support it. My son is the acting Lord Paramount of the North and he is not going to put his father and sisters into such a position. This will then have father tied between us both which will sever the Riverlands. And in case you've forgotten, what Kingdom borders them to the West? The Westerlands do, and Tywin is their Paramount."

As she spoke, the younger was only getting redder, clearly not liking being talked to like this. She'd always been stubborn, but this was taking Tully stubbornness to a whole new level.

"Where is he?"

The silence that came at these words from the eldest could've pierced them. Now, the youngest looked down for a split second before mumbling the answer. Sky cells. The famous cells carved into the sides of the mountain hundreds of feet above with slanted floors.

"I won't support you in the war you're starting out of vengeance, but I'll give you advice. Keep him as a hostage, or better yet hold a trial for him. It won't tamper the old lion's pride, but it'll certainly look better. Doing so might pause everything by a few months."

She spotted her uncle nod her way, confirming he was proud of her. If she couldn't support her, she was going to at least give her advice.

"You want me to treat the man who killed my husband as a guest?!"

"You don't know he was the one who killed your husband, Lysa! We know it was the Lannister's but they have numerous House's under them. And in case you're forgetting, there is more than simply the main branch. Tywin does have siblings, and he has nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. It could've been either of them that done it."

She waited on a response, but it never came. Her sister looking at her with a look of pure hatred. Not liking being told the facts of what she had done. But it needed to be said. With that, Catelyn turned and left the room, with her uncle following close behind. Lysa didn't even wait until the door was closed before letting out a screech so loud it echoed throughout the entire corridor they were in. This was only amplified as they heard items being throw against walls.

"Do you think she'll listen?"

The older shook his head at his niece's words.

"Nay, she won't. Not to us at least. Let's hope father's men will be able to talk some sense into her."