You knew it was a matter of time. You always knew. You just thought you'd be able to see them one more time.
Your family wasn't noble, but it was known for being Riverrun's best blacksmiths, and for making powerful swords. That was what made your father being in Lord Hoster's liking and let you being friends with Cat and Lysa.
As you grew up and watched them both getting married and leave Riverrun, you wished they'd be happy, they deserved it. But you visited Lysa a few years later and you couldn't recognise her. She was so broken, beyond any repair. You just prayed for Catelyn to be better than her sister. You always liked her more.
That's why you traveled to king Robb's camp and offered your services. It was a surprise to everyone and some men laughed at you, making you rolled your eyes; Catelyn did not laugh, tho. She cleared her throat and spoke for you, assuring her son that you'll be more helpful than many of the men, and given that they needed a blacksmith, Robb agreed to have you there.
It was hard to keep up with the work, there were so many soldiers, but you managed to give them all swords and weapons. And after the first week, you found Catelyn on your tent more and more often. Just like Lysa, Cat had changed a lot, but unlike her sister, you could still see the little girl you spent your days running with.
You heard all her fears and worries and tried to help as much as you could, trying to assure her that Sansa and Arya were fine, as well as Ned, even when you doubted it yourself.
Being on Robb's side of the war meant that your family was in danger, but they all knew how to protect themselves and told you they'd meet you on The Twins. But a few days later, a man came to Robb with news, saying the small village where your family was hidden had just being destroyed by Jaime Lannister and his men.
You could feel your blood draining and your legs didn't respond anymore. Cat looked at you and her arms were around your waist before you could fall. She let you hide your face on her neck when the tears rolled down your cheeks.
You didn't know how much you were like that or what was happening around you, and you really didn't care. You could just thought about your family, your older father, your sweet mother, you sick sister and your younger brother. All of them were gone.
Cat shushed you and ran her hand through your hair while you tried to calm yourself.
"We'll make them pay" she said and you nodded, still hugging her as if you life depended on it.
A few days later, the word of Ned's death came. And it was your turn to hold Catelyn while she cried on your shoulder. You told her the same words she said to you and as you watched her walk to her son Robb, you made a promise to avenge both of your families.