Note: I am so sorry this has taken so long. So much is happening and I have so many stories I want to write. Not sure how this one will turn out though. Trying to update them all.

Catelyn remembered nothing of the ride to Riverrun, all she knew was her Ned was with her and in this moment that is all she cared about. She felt his heart beat and the warmth from him against her skin. The gates to the castle were opened for them on their sighting. Being the daughter of Hoster Tully had its perks she had to admit. There was silence in the yard when Ned steered the horse into the court yard. Many eyes were on them. Catelyn wasn't sure if it was from Ned's sudden reappearance or that she was being ridden into Riverrun. When Ned had dismounted she noticed him wince, but before she could ask him about it a commotion could be heard from the direction of the great hall when Ned helped her dismount.

As they got closer they both looked at each other as they realised the yelling was coming from Robb and the Blackfish, Brynden Tully. Catelyn walked ahead of her husband trying to make way through the crowd. "Make way." She said frustrated. Ned had grabbed her arm to slow her pace.
"Slow down, My Lady." He looked down and sighed, "It would be best not to go barging in with me trailing. This will be a shock to Robb. Look at the people around us." He whispered. She took note of everyone's stare; the bewildered looks and confusion. Remembering Robb's reaction of the news of his father's death, fraudulent death, she reminded herself, Ned is alive. Catelyn knew it would not be best to barge in on an argument with Ned following her.
She nodded to her husband. "Do you remember where the Godswood is, My Lord?"
"I do."
"Meet me there. I will get Robb alone if I can." Ned kissed her head and made to leave, "My Lord," Ned turned back, "I am unsure of where the other Lords are. Lord Umber is wondering around here, along with Lady Mormont."
"I will be careful, My Lady." He turned and continued to make his way to the Godswood. She took note of his limp and thought it would be a priority to speak with the Maester here.

When she reached the Great Hall she slipped through the door quietly to observe the situation from behind a pillar. She first sought out Robb, who was bent over the table; papers and candles scattered with plates of food. Catelyn noticed a piece of paper scrunched in his hand as he brought it to his face. Tears were coming down her son's face. Immediately, she wanted to run to him but she thought better of it. "There is nothing left to do but…" the Blackfish's smoky voice came from the windows that looked over the rivers. She saw him looking out of them, his head resting against the frame and arms crossed.
"Mother will be back… she must have needed space." Robb's voice was distant but as he looked up to his Great Uncle, his voice took volume, "Are you sure the Sept was checked?"
Catelyn's Uncle turned, "Are you deaf? I have told you the Sept has been looked over many of times. The solar, court yard, her chambers… even all her hiding spots from a child." Brynden turned back to the window, his voice barely audible. "I have not a clue where she has gone. The bones of your Lord Father should not have been brought to her when she had no other."

Knowing she should not have listened for as long as she had, Catelyn walked out swiftly after pulling herself up to her fall height. The click of her shoes made both turn. Robb's face lit up without hesitation while her Uncle studied her. "I did not go far, Uncle. An old acquaintance had need of my attention." A smile broke out on her face as she looked to Robb, "Come my son, we have much to talk about and it cannot wait." Her voice broke a little with excitement. She noted her Uncle's look of disapproval, "It will not take long Uncle." She hoped he would not catch on to anything. Unfortunately, she knew he read her like book, near as well as Ned could.
Robb looked sceptical of his mother's mood. He had not seen her like such in a long time. "Are you sure it cannot wait, mother? I promised Lord Umber I would do battle plans."
"No it cannot." Catelyn took more of her 'mother tone' Ned referred it too, with Robb. Much like she referred Ned's tone as his "Lord's Voice" when he became serious, Robb knew not to answer back. "We may run into him on the way, he will understand my need to speak with my son." Obeying his mother, Robb left his side of the desk and followed her at the room. Brynden Tully watched after his niece as she left with her son almost bouncing with each step.

~ Eddard ~

Ned had pulled his hood up after he became conscience of the eyes following him. Undoubtedly, the citizens of Riverrun were familiar with his identity after marrying the eldest daughter of Lord Hoster Tully. Unfortunately, with many people having already seen him, news would break out of his return to the living. He knew what had to be done and fast. First priority was assisting Robb in securing his alliances. They needed trust more than ever. Second was Catelyn's promise. He did not like the thought of walking into Kings Landing and promising allegiance. But, it came with his next priority; retrieving his daughters. Sansa was still in Kings Landing, that much he and Catelyn knew… but Arya, "Gods Arya, be safe." He thought to himself.

Walking the halls of Riverrun was peaceful… too peaceful. Ned's mind rang with his thoughts and worries, like a war rang with steel and cries. The stone walls almost took him back to Winterfell, if it was not for the sun streaming through and the warmth of the air. Even Catelyn's chamber, the warmest in Winterfell, could not compare to the warmth of walking these halls. He hoped the Godswood was a little cooler at least. The familiar path to the Godswood was like a glimpse into the past. Leaving the morning after his Wedding to Catelyn, for a war he was not sure he would return from. She had walked with him, tension streaming off her, not aware of why he asked to come for a walk with him. Following his memory, outside of the castle and into the garden, Ned slipped into the Godswood quickly. His memory left him as he looked up at the two people sitting around the missing Heart Tree, which had been burnt thousands of years ago. It saddened him that so many had converted to the Seven and the Old Gods forgotten. However, the two people before him, Lord Umber and Lady Mormont were still devoted to the Old Gods.

At first, Lord Stark was not sure if he should approach, but he knew now was a better time than any to approach the two. He took a few steps forward and pulled his hood down to reveal his face. "Why does this not surprise me?" he said with little jest in his voice.
Lady Mormont was the first to look up, her aged face revealing her fear and confusion; her mouth mimicking a fish. Lord Umber however, was not so quiet. His face displayed anger, "Are you such a fool to impersonate our King's deceased father?" Lord Umber's eyes blazed as he abruptly stood but Ned had not been surprised by Lord Umber's outburst.
"Not such a fool to be your King's Father Lord Umber. Tell me Lord Umber, would an impersonator risk being revealed to House Stark's greatest and longest supporter?" Ned looked into the man's eyes. One wrong word and Ned would have a situation he was not sure he could take.
Thankfully, Lady Mormont stood and walked forward, "Lord Stark… how can it be true? Your head was on a spike…" Ned could see her hope that he was in fact standing in front of her.
He took her hands into his own, "Aye, My Lady it is true that I, Eddard Stark, is standing before you. I have had help over this past year. Turns out, the Lannisters do not have the support they think." He kissed her knuckles and released her hands. He walked a few paces and turned back them both, "Lord Varys helped me escape my death. He said it was not my time, I still had a role to play. I admit, I did not intend to stay away so long. The whole time I wanted to return to my wife… my children… to search for Arya." He whispered the last part.
"Search for Arya, is she not with Lady Sansa in the Red Keep?" Lord Umber asked. Ned only shook his head.
"We will find her My Lord." Lady Mormont said, placing a hand on Ned's shoulder. "King Robb will not rest until he has every one of your children back. He misses all of his family and now he has you."
Ned gave looked into her eyes. She was so sure of what she said that he wanted to believe it but he knew what Catelyn had promised.

~ Catelyn ~

Catelyn linked arms with her son as they walked through the halls. He had attempted to ask a few questions but she dismissed them. She knew she was grinning like a mad woman, but she could not dismiss how she felt. She had her son and husband now, two left then we can return to Bran and Rickon. She stopped before nearing to close to the Godswood. "This is no trick Robb. I was sceptical but…" she looked into his eyes.
"But what Mother?" Robb asked, not comprehending just yet. She shook her hand and walked further, leaving Robb in her wake. Rushing forward Catelyn could only think of her husband. Being in his arms and having him close. Robb grabbed her hand roughly, "Mother, you are making me worry, tell me please." She looked back at him.
She smiled brightly, "Come Robb." He let go of her and followed her. The trees were thick but she could see three figures standing where most prayed to the Old Gods. She slowed when the clearing was closer and voice could be heard. Robb was close behind her. "Please, don't be rash." She told Robb, "Much has happened but I have no doubt that it is him." He gave no reply but the utter confusion on his face. Holding his hand, she gave it a squeeze and led him the rest of the way.

When the three came into view, Ned had his back turned discussing something with Lady Mormont. Catelyn felt Robb freeze and hold onto her hand tighter, much like he did as a child. Lady Mormont caught sight of her and Robb over Ned's shoulder and smiled. Bowing, she addressed them both, "My King, Lady Stark." Catelyn thought she will never get used to Robb's title now. She felt Ned should now have the title, but she knew him better. Ned turned, smiling at her and Robb. He couldn't remove his eyes from their son. Robb had changed so much, even she could see it. "Robb…" he chocked his son's name out. Looking at Robb now, Catelyn saw that he was trying to hold everything in.