"Be a substitute for my children."

"I would like you to be a substitute for my children," she requests.

You are confused. "I'm afraid I do not quite understand, my lady."

"I have birthed five children," Lady Catelyn tells you, "My two youngest sons were murdered last year. My younger daughter is missing, my elder daughter is a prisoner of the Lannisters, and my eldest son was butchered less than a week past. It would appear that all my children are lost to me now."

You are deeply saddened to hear that. "I cannot even imagine the type of agony you must be in right now, my lady."

"It is devastating," she claims, "It hurts far worse than the throat injury I received just after I saw my boy Robb die. I almost welcomed ****, as I felt I had nothing left to live for. However... upon meeting you, I have realized that I do."

"How so?" you ask.

"I can tell you are a good person," Catelyn Stark explains, "You risked your life to save me, and you have already offered yourself to me when I have lost everything. Furthermore, you seem to be about the same age as my Robb. So, I ask that you allow me to care for you as though you were one of my own children."

Most boys your age would probably refuse a request such as that one, or hesitate for a long while. You, on the other hand, are delighted. If you can help Lady Catelyn's pain and indulge your mother fantasies at the same time, the only logical solution is to accept.

"Very well, my lady," you declare, "If it truly helps you, I will play the part of your son."

Lady Catelyn is overjoyed. She leans forward, wraps her arms around you, and pulls you into a hug. You tenderly hug her back, being careful not to squeeze too tightly. She is still recovering from her injuries.

After pulling away, you tell her "We should probably seek some shelter, my lady."

She places a finger on your lips and tells you "Please, call me 'Mummy."

You chuckle, but nod along. "Very well, Mummy. Anyway, I am about to break camp. You can help if you'd like, but please do not strain yourself. Otherwise, your stitches may open up."

"I understand, darling," she tells you.

While you take down the tent and pack up it and the rest of your supplies, Lady Catelyn tends to Aerion. The horse seems to take a liking to her fairly quickly. That is good; if this relationship is going to work, you'll need them to get along.

Once you've gathered all your supplies, Lady Catelyn helps you load it onto Aerion. You then gesture to the saddle and say "You should ride him, my l- Mummy. You are in no condition to walk great distances just yet."

She cannot argue that, but she does say "There seems to be room enough to fit us both, sweetheart. I insist you sit in front of me."

The thought of that thrills you. You proceed to help Lady Catelyn onto Aerion, and then you mount him, as well. When you are in front of her, she wraps her arms securely yet gently around you, and she cuddles you close. The embrace makes you feel warm inside.

Despite this sudden unexpected development, you see no reason why you cannot continue heading north. Lady Catelyn does not seem to mind where you go, as long as you do not leave her. So, you resume heading north.