Bringing the Dawn

LI.

Catelyn Tully Stark

The Northern Camp at Ashemark, 300AC

Ever since realising that she had been losing herself, life had seemed to test her more than ever. The harsh truth that she had not been sticking to the words her House held so dear to their hearts and tried to follow as best they could, only ever straying from them when they had little choice in the matter. Words she had worked to instil in her children. Yet now? It was being thrown directly in her face and she knew nought how to handle it all.

Not much was spoken on what had happened before Jaeron flew to Dragonstone. Hoping he would be successful as not only was it risky it was bordering on stupidity. Yet he was certain, and the timings did work out just in their favour if everything went as planned. If so, he would have a betrothal with none other than Margaery Tyrell. The only daughter of Alerie Hightower and Mace Tyrell, known as the golden rose of the Reach. And she most certainly was, remembering the striking beauty of the younger woman when she had met her after meeting with Renly.

With Dorne somewhat on their side again, the Reach, the North, the Riverland's, and with much of the Westerland's under their control they had a brilliant position. If Jaeron did succeed in taking Dragonstone they would have a foothold close to the capital leaving the throne ripe for the taking on all sides. Of course this was not going to stop the war. The war would not come to an end until the Lannister's were dead or at the very least weakened massively. No, even the latter was too risky for them. Lannister's had a way with their words and they were still the richest House in the realm. Gold talks well despite there never being a voice coming from the metal.

It had been tense in the camp for nigh on a fortnight, and it grated on her no one was saying a thing. How could she just sit back and try to aid when no one was telling her anything? Robb was furious over something, and it did not miss her observant gaze that Jaeron had not even so much as looked at Robb before leaving. Ever since they were boys they had been close. Something which had angered her massively before Ned pulled her aside the day before the boy was made aware to tell her a truth which shattered everything she had known. A truth so dangerous that if it came out at the wrong time would've seen not only House Stark decimated, but House Tully as well.

Family before duty, duty before honour.

The words spinning around in her head as she desperately tried to figure out where she had begun to stray from her values. Had it been when they had found out about Ned? Had it been earlier? Had she fully adapted to the North and had been in denial about it? So many questions, all of which she would not get an answer for. Angering her even more. There was a collective hush in the camp when her nephew had taken off with her uncle and Ser Arthur on Rhaegon. Smiling fondly as she had saw the look of complete and utter terror on Brynden's face for a split second before they were in the clouds heading far south. Knowing that was something she was going to use to annoy him in the future.

It was obvious both boys had a fight, and she had asked people if they knew what the fight was about. No one ever responding to her either because they were sworn to secrecy by one of them or they genuinely did not know. Right now, family meant everything. No matter what, family should always come first. Therefore once her nephew had left, she had went in search of her eldest son to finally get the truth of what had happened from his mouth. She found him speaking to Lord Rickard Karstark and Lord Roose Bolton, the latter staring at her with a look so cold she could've sworn she felt a gust of wind hit the back of her neck. Tensing her neck muscles slightly but otherwise keeping calm and playing it off simply as a chill considering it was a cool night. Compared to the North it was warm, much like the breeze when summer snows fell, but it wasn't normal for the Westerland's.

"Mother."

The word came out a little clipped, confirming he was either angry at her or was angry at something else. Nodding to the two Lord's who walked away not long after, signalling her towards his tent and seeing a map strewn out as usual. Robb was always looking at maps, searching for ways to help speed up the war and to bring an end to everything. Small talk being shared but it was clear both had a lot to speak on, but neither wanted to be the first to speak up. After what felt like an age, she broke.