You weren't expecting any visitors, so when you got a knock on your door, you were uncertain as to who was wanting you without notice.

"Who is it?" You called through the door, at least if it was someone who was dangerous, you'd have a couple more seconds to escape with the door still closed.

"It's Sam," you heard the familiar voice respond.

Opening the door, a crack, you saw your close friend Samwell along with a young woman holding a baby. The woman and baby were unknown to you.

"What do I owe this pleasure?" You smiled, having not seen him a fair while.

"I need your help," he sighed.

Not wishing to continue the conversation on your doorstep, you ushered him and the woman into your home, closing the door behind them. In the current climate of Westeros, you could never be to careful, anyone could be dangerous and just leaving your door open could be asking for trouble.

"What can I do for you?" You asked, taking a seat by your lit fire, allowing the two of them to sit down opposite you.

"It's a lot to ask of you Y/N," Sam said softly. "I know I am asking you a lot in doing this, but I don't know who else I can turn to."

You cocked an eyebrow at him. Sam was a nice man and he never seemed to get into trouble so why he was so concerned now did baffle you.

"What'd you need Samwell?" You questioned. "I cannot help if you don't tell me what you need."

He let out a sigh. "I need a place for Gilly to stay."

"I'm guessing this is Gilly?" You said gesturing to the woman who certainly didn't seem to want to be there.

"Yes."

You looked her over for a second and it was obvious she wasn't from around here. She certainly wasn't from south of the wall.

"A wildling?"

He nodded his head. "She was one of Craster's... daughters... wives... I don't know how best to say, it isn't safe for her past the wall, and she cannot stay at Castle Black. They may be my brothers, but I wouldn't trust them to not hurt her."

"And the wee babe?" You asked. "He yours?"

Sam shook his head vehemently as Gilly held the baby close.

"Craster sacrifices his sons, I couldn't leave Gilly or her baby there to be handled by him. They deserve so much better," he said softly, smiling at the woman. "Please can they stay with you; they need somewhere safe."

You weren't about to turn a new mother and her infant son onto the streets, but it wasn't as simple as that.

"What can you offer, Gilly?" You questioned. "I do not have enough to support myself most of the time, so I cannot take you and your babe free of charge."

"I do not have any money," she whispered.

You gave her a gentle smile. "I know that. I do not expect money from you, but can you cook? Can you clean? I work on the market most days and I would be willing to take more hours, if you were able to care for the home. It would not be right to expect you to work with such a small child who depends on you."

She tried to give you a smile in return, knowing this was her best option. "I can cook, and I can clean. I will do anything I can to help."

Nodding your head, you turned back to Sam.

"I can take them but expect you to visit as often as you can," you said in a faux firm tone.

"Of course. Of course," he grinned. "Thank you so much Y/N, I don't know how to thank you."

"You'll figure out a way, but for now, help me make up my brothers' old room for your friend and help me find something that can work as a crib."

~*~

Written by Charlotte.