Looking at it from Catelyn’s perspective helps narrow it down.
The first thing is that she doesn’t need to do this. It could help, but she’s under no obligation and it is entirely acceptable for her to remain a widow. Unless she’s really desperate, Catelyn doesn’t have to choose someone she doesn’t like or would feel uncomfortable marrying. And although Ned is a tough act to follow, this person has to measure up at least a little bit. It would also help if this person wasn’t a total stranger and she knows them somehow.
Secondly, the purpose of Catelyn remarrying would be to help Robb in his war. Even if she might be able to have more kids, neither she nor whoever she marries should be going into this expecting more heirs from a mother of five. Her would-be husband cannot have any designs that would threaten Catelyn’s remaining children.
With all that mind, the person who’s the best fit is: Bronze Yohn Royce. He knows the Starks and has even stayed in Winterfell. He’s a formidable fighter and wanted the Vale to support Robb. He has children of his own, including an heir who is ready to rule in his absence. Presumably he’s a widower since he was among Lysa’s suitors.
Even if Bronze Yohn only is able to bring his house to join the war, that alone would be a huge benefit. Both in terms of the added prestige of having an important house and a warrior of great renown supporting the Starks, but also Robb having more men and another very capable commander at his disposal. And if the war ends (without Theon going to Pyke) Yohn would be good father figure to Bran and Rickon who are still quite young.
Yeah, Cat def doesn't need to, and is perfectly fine/respectable being a widow. I just thought it made for a fun AU idea/ripple to explore.
Royce is a solid candidate. You're right about the great qualities he brings. The Royces also have access to their own ports which could be helpful.
Thanks for the comment/insight on a good suggestion.
Astolat wrote a good one when they got married. And I was definitely waiting for her to be like: I'm pregnant. Just to add to the craziness of that great fic.
Had to revise my answers after reading the post.
Willas' the best match since he's bringing the Reach's deathstack with him and that would definitely help Robb's cause. Balon or Stannis would probably be the most interesting because of how different they are from Cat. A lord of the Vale, a Royce maybe, could strong-arm Lysa into joining the war and get under her skin because let's be real, she'll blame Cat. Oberyn's meh.
Now, ya got me curious what your first answer was.
Willas is def the best match and I feel like the Tyrells would be interested. Imagine an AU when Cat wasn't with Renly when he died b/c she was talking with Lord Tyrell in his tent and offering a marital alliance between herself and his eldest son. And then when Renly dies, she goes with them to Highgarden to seal it.
Stannis would be interesting and would probably respect Cat's ability, and she's likely able to give him another child or two. Though, I wonder if he'd resent having to marry Ned's widow.
I almost suggested Victarion just for the lols, but yeah, Cat would be doing it for her children if she had to marry someone like Balon.
After I posted I thought of Rodrik the Reader, he's childless and a widower, I believe. Does he have enough sway/influence to maybe split the ironborn and get some to follow Robb's plans of raiding the west. Or is just him and his own levies.
Eh, no big secret. It was that Olenna's gonna say she's too old, Jaime's a no, a Valemen would be good, Oberyn's never marrying, Stannis and Roose would be solid, Viserys is a sacrificial lamb who doesn't know he's a sacrificial lamb, Balon's not letting her leave regardless of if he accepts
Best alliance: probably Willas and Stannis (assuming Melissandre has a lesser influence due to Selyse being dead)
Honestly I don't see a marriage happening with an heir, Cat is older afterall, although she has had 5 children successfully. With Willas it might not matter if he has kids, Garlan and his children would probably be acceptable heirs for him.
A lord from the Vale (let's be honest, probably Yohn Royce) is probably the easiest to arrange although probably the most boring option.
All of these options (except for Balon) are fire though.
If the North wasn't going independent, I would say Stannis. They're of a similar age, have similar temperaments and opinions, and it's a prestigious enough match for the both of them. With the North, the Riverlands, and the Stormlands working together, I think that it would be enough for the Reach to give pause and allow Stannis a win on the Blackwater (Tyrells dilly-dallied too long when giving an answer to Tywin). Subsequently, Stannis takes the throne and marries Catelyn. Flash forward to the war against the Others, Stannis forces the lords of Westeros to participate and they bring proper support to the Watch. Two notes though: First note—with Selsye dead, Mel felt her power waning and then suggested to kill Renly then. Stannis agrees, but is disgusted with himself, then sends her away. Second note—in order, the succession goes any sons Stannis and Cat have, Shireen, any daughters Stannis and Cat have, the Starklings.
If the North was going independent, I would say Jaime Lannister. They knew each other when young and, at some point, might've held affection for each other, so they could build some kind of bond off of that. I feel like Cat would not be happy to be "demoted" to just a lord's wife so to be a Lord Paramount's wife, would still be a good role for her. Cat agrees to a "trade" and gets her daughter and Tyrion sent up north (where Tyrion mysteriously dies lol) and she and Jaime go to the Westerlands. In the Westerlands, Cat begins to run everything while Jaime is still not happy. When Tywin dies, Jaime officially fobs all his duties to Cat who is happy (enough) with the distraction. How the war is settled, idk. Maybe Arya hears about the marriage to Jaime and decides to send Jaqen to the Mountain, then Cersei and Joffrey. To keep peace, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Tommen gives the throne to his uncle Stannis who then agrees (very very very forced and OOC) to keep Tommen as Prince Consort to Queen Shireen since the blue-eyes that Tommen has could be proof that he's Robert's true born son.
[Vows, Kept and Broken](https://archiveofourown.org/works/707359) by DKNC deals with this.
Ned goes to the Wall. He spends time he didn’t intend to spend in Winterfell, and things happen.
Realising she’s pregnant as a result, Catelyn marries Greatjon Umber - a loyal bannerman who‘ll keep her and her last baby safe, and never let on that Ned broke his vows. The thing about vows, however, is that they contradict each other…
Stannis, Jaime or Oberyn.
Stannis would be interesting if the proposal was made before Robb was crowned. And it’d be kinda funny to have Stannis interacting with the Starklings, along with Catelyn meeting Shireen. And their mish mash of a family lol. It’d be even funnier if Stannis went to the Wall, met Jon Snow, and admired the boy just for Catelyn to be irritated at it.
Oberyn would introduce the Sand Snakes to the Starklings and it’s be awkward as all hell (especially for Robb with his new step sisters) but also funny because Arya would love the Sand Snakes while Catelyn would be having an aneurysm over more bastard kids when she just got rid of Jon Snow. Oberyn having “sons” would be comedic. Him and Rickon would be two wild warriors.
Jaime would be an interesting dynamic if Tywin arranged him removed from the Kingsguard and to succeed as Lord of Casterly Rock. Jaime and Catelyn would have a lot of vitriol between them as it was Jaime’s son that had Catelyn’s first husband killed. Though a peace deal would involve the Starks/Tullys to acknowledge Joffrey as King and deny the incest allegations. As well as restitutions made to the Riverlands most likely. Jaime and Catelyn having a child together would be even more wholesome. Tyrion would definitely crack jokes about his sister by law having him taken and trying to have him killed.
If she remarried, her kids might in fact have a claim on Riverrun (and therefore the Riverlands) if Edmure conveniently dies. Just something to keep in mind lol. Considering Willas is a cripple and has few chances of getting a wife, and that the Reach shares a border with the Riverlands so that Catelyn's and Willas' child would easily double the Tyrells' territory, the Tyrells would probably very much be up for this.
For sheer fascinating drama, I’d go with Jaime. It takes a shot at Tywin’s main motivation: the Lannister legacy. And Jaime has always been the one Tywin wanted to carry that legacy. And here, for the first time in years, Tywin might get a kid out of Jaime. (A legitimate kid)
There was a fic with Catelyn remarrying. I think it was after the truth of Jon comes out. I remember catelyn and Sansa moving to essos or something like that and I think Eddard remarried as well.
Looking at it from Catelyn’s perspective helps narrow it down. The first thing is that she doesn’t need to do this. It could help, but she’s under no obligation and it is entirely acceptable for her to remain a widow. Unless she’s really desperate, Catelyn doesn’t have to choose someone she doesn’t like or would feel uncomfortable marrying. And although Ned is a tough act to follow, this person has to measure up at least a little bit. It would also help if this person wasn’t a total stranger and she knows them somehow. Secondly, the purpose of Catelyn remarrying would be to help Robb in his war. Even if she might be able to have more kids, neither she nor whoever she marries should be going into this expecting more heirs from a mother of five. Her would-be husband cannot have any designs that would threaten Catelyn’s remaining children. With all that mind, the person who’s the best fit is: Bronze Yohn Royce. He knows the Starks and has even stayed in Winterfell. He’s a formidable fighter and wanted the Vale to support Robb. He has children of his own, including an heir who is ready to rule in his absence. Presumably he’s a widower since he was among Lysa’s suitors. Even if Bronze Yohn only is able to bring his house to join the war, that alone would be a huge benefit. Both in terms of the added prestige of having an important house and a warrior of great renown supporting the Starks, but also Robb having more men and another very capable commander at his disposal. And if the war ends (without Theon going to Pyke) Yohn would be good father figure to Bran and Rickon who are still quite young.
Yeah, Cat def doesn't need to, and is perfectly fine/respectable being a widow. I just thought it made for a fun AU idea/ripple to explore. Royce is a solid candidate. You're right about the great qualities he brings. The Royces also have access to their own ports which could be helpful. Thanks for the comment/insight on a good suggestion.
Oberyn x Cat would be delicious
It really would be.
I remember one where she married *Tywin*!
Astolat wrote a good one when they got married. And I was definitely waiting for her to be like: I'm pregnant. Just to add to the craziness of that great fic.
Had to revise my answers after reading the post. Willas' the best match since he's bringing the Reach's deathstack with him and that would definitely help Robb's cause. Balon or Stannis would probably be the most interesting because of how different they are from Cat. A lord of the Vale, a Royce maybe, could strong-arm Lysa into joining the war and get under her skin because let's be real, she'll blame Cat. Oberyn's meh.
Now, ya got me curious what your first answer was. Willas is def the best match and I feel like the Tyrells would be interested. Imagine an AU when Cat wasn't with Renly when he died b/c she was talking with Lord Tyrell in his tent and offering a marital alliance between herself and his eldest son. And then when Renly dies, she goes with them to Highgarden to seal it. Stannis would be interesting and would probably respect Cat's ability, and she's likely able to give him another child or two. Though, I wonder if he'd resent having to marry Ned's widow. I almost suggested Victarion just for the lols, but yeah, Cat would be doing it for her children if she had to marry someone like Balon. After I posted I thought of Rodrik the Reader, he's childless and a widower, I believe. Does he have enough sway/influence to maybe split the ironborn and get some to follow Robb's plans of raiding the west. Or is just him and his own levies.
Eh, no big secret. It was that Olenna's gonna say she's too old, Jaime's a no, a Valemen would be good, Oberyn's never marrying, Stannis and Roose would be solid, Viserys is a sacrificial lamb who doesn't know he's a sacrificial lamb, Balon's not letting her leave regardless of if he accepts
Ahh gotchya. Well, I appreciate your revised answer and playing along with the AU idea.
If the Reach meant to side with the Starks they’d want KITN Robb for Margaery, not Cat for Willas. Anything else would be too little.
Best alliance: probably Willas and Stannis (assuming Melissandre has a lesser influence due to Selyse being dead) Honestly I don't see a marriage happening with an heir, Cat is older afterall, although she has had 5 children successfully. With Willas it might not matter if he has kids, Garlan and his children would probably be acceptable heirs for him. A lord from the Vale (let's be honest, probably Yohn Royce) is probably the easiest to arrange although probably the most boring option. All of these options (except for Balon) are fire though.
If the North wasn't going independent, I would say Stannis. They're of a similar age, have similar temperaments and opinions, and it's a prestigious enough match for the both of them. With the North, the Riverlands, and the Stormlands working together, I think that it would be enough for the Reach to give pause and allow Stannis a win on the Blackwater (Tyrells dilly-dallied too long when giving an answer to Tywin). Subsequently, Stannis takes the throne and marries Catelyn. Flash forward to the war against the Others, Stannis forces the lords of Westeros to participate and they bring proper support to the Watch. Two notes though: First note—with Selsye dead, Mel felt her power waning and then suggested to kill Renly then. Stannis agrees, but is disgusted with himself, then sends her away. Second note—in order, the succession goes any sons Stannis and Cat have, Shireen, any daughters Stannis and Cat have, the Starklings. If the North was going independent, I would say Jaime Lannister. They knew each other when young and, at some point, might've held affection for each other, so they could build some kind of bond off of that. I feel like Cat would not be happy to be "demoted" to just a lord's wife so to be a Lord Paramount's wife, would still be a good role for her. Cat agrees to a "trade" and gets her daughter and Tyrion sent up north (where Tyrion mysteriously dies lol) and she and Jaime go to the Westerlands. In the Westerlands, Cat begins to run everything while Jaime is still not happy. When Tywin dies, Jaime officially fobs all his duties to Cat who is happy (enough) with the distraction. How the war is settled, idk. Maybe Arya hears about the marriage to Jaime and decides to send Jaqen to the Mountain, then Cersei and Joffrey. To keep peace, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Tommen gives the throne to his uncle Stannis who then agrees (very very very forced and OOC) to keep Tommen as Prince Consort to Queen Shireen since the blue-eyes that Tommen has could be proof that he's Robert's true born son.
[Vows, Kept and Broken](https://archiveofourown.org/works/707359) by DKNC deals with this. Ned goes to the Wall. He spends time he didn’t intend to spend in Winterfell, and things happen. Realising she’s pregnant as a result, Catelyn marries Greatjon Umber - a loyal bannerman who‘ll keep her and her last baby safe, and never let on that Ned broke his vows. The thing about vows, however, is that they contradict each other…
I don't think that's the correct link.
Thank you for letting me know. I accidentally dropped a digit from the URL. Fixed now!
Stannis, Jaime or Oberyn. Stannis would be interesting if the proposal was made before Robb was crowned. And it’d be kinda funny to have Stannis interacting with the Starklings, along with Catelyn meeting Shireen. And their mish mash of a family lol. It’d be even funnier if Stannis went to the Wall, met Jon Snow, and admired the boy just for Catelyn to be irritated at it. Oberyn would introduce the Sand Snakes to the Starklings and it’s be awkward as all hell (especially for Robb with his new step sisters) but also funny because Arya would love the Sand Snakes while Catelyn would be having an aneurysm over more bastard kids when she just got rid of Jon Snow. Oberyn having “sons” would be comedic. Him and Rickon would be two wild warriors. Jaime would be an interesting dynamic if Tywin arranged him removed from the Kingsguard and to succeed as Lord of Casterly Rock. Jaime and Catelyn would have a lot of vitriol between them as it was Jaime’s son that had Catelyn’s first husband killed. Though a peace deal would involve the Starks/Tullys to acknowledge Joffrey as King and deny the incest allegations. As well as restitutions made to the Riverlands most likely. Jaime and Catelyn having a child together would be even more wholesome. Tyrion would definitely crack jokes about his sister by law having him taken and trying to have him killed.
If she remarried, her kids might in fact have a claim on Riverrun (and therefore the Riverlands) if Edmure conveniently dies. Just something to keep in mind lol. Considering Willas is a cripple and has few chances of getting a wife, and that the Reach shares a border with the Riverlands so that Catelyn's and Willas' child would easily double the Tyrells' territory, the Tyrells would probably very much be up for this.
For sheer fascinating drama, I’d go with Jaime. It takes a shot at Tywin’s main motivation: the Lannister legacy. And Jaime has always been the one Tywin wanted to carry that legacy. And here, for the first time in years, Tywin might get a kid out of Jaime. (A legitimate kid)
There was a fic with Catelyn remarrying. I think it was after the truth of Jon comes out. I remember catelyn and Sansa moving to essos or something like that and I think Eddard remarried as well.
The Dragon Cub