He shrugs his shoulders, trying to brush away the harshness of Lady Stark's tone or the look of pain in his younger self's eyes. It was small, but still there. He had never known his mother and Lady Stark was the only example of what a mother should be for him. Yet she had never offered that same love she had given her children. Though he understood why, it was still difficult for a child to bear.

"That was the last I saw her." It was sad to consider now, after all he heard had happened at the Red Wedding. If he had been there, would she have grown to admire him or care for him? Would his devotion for Robb have been enough to change her mind?

Age and wisdom said no, but it didn't alter that innocent hope in him that he might someday have her look at him as she did her own children. "She was a good woman who loved her children." The standard response he always gave about her, no matter what she said to him.

It was easier than anger.