The sound of gleeful laughter momentarily distracted Lyanna from her task. She looked up from the wreath of blue and white roses and watched Jon chase Lynarra around the tall oak tree in the middle of the garden. A smile touched her lips at the cheery sight. "Slow down," she yelled after them nonetheless, fearing ripped hose and skinned knees.
A squeal of delight came from her daughter as both she and her brother ran from the bushes, the house dog chasing them. Shaking her head lightly Lyanna returned to her work. Her gaze found the blue roses first. It was somewhat silly, but the flower itself had sentimental value. Lyanna liked all flowers, of course, peonies, carnations, daffodils and so many others. But the blue rose was her flower in a way none of the others were.
One of those rare shadows of regret passed on her face. Half repressed memories probed at the weakened defences of her mind. Lyanna shut the lid on them. She set her chin stubbornly and shook away anything that might bring tears of lament to her eyes. She had a task before her and she would complete it.
"There," she said, twining the last of the thin branches and tying them together securely. She held up the little crown for inspection. It was pretty. Pleased with her work Lyanna stood up and looked after the children. "Lynarra, come see what I have for you. You too, Jon!"
Brother and sister emerged from their latest hiding spot and scampered down the hill, hand in hand, Lyanna's pet bounding happily after them. Their excited faces glowed in anticipation and Lyanna could not help the soft smile that spread on her lips. The twins stopped just short of crashing into her and glanced at the presents she spoke of.
"Ladies first," Jon said in a manner that suggested both politeness and eagerness. The faster his sister got her present, the faster he would get his. He gave his sister a half smile and sketched her a bow. Lynarra clapped her hands in agreement and nodded enthusiastically.
From behind her Lyanna held out a small bow. It was clearly made for a child. Gently curving and prettily decorated, it suggested more the taste of a girl with the flowers engraved on it. "Your uncle Ned sent it for you all the way from Essos," Lyanna told her daughter before depositing the present into her awaiting hands. The girl all but jumped up and down. "And this is from me," she continued, placing the fragrant crown of flowers on her daughter's head.
"Thank you, mama!" was the reply she got for her efforts, along with a tight hug. "I'll treasure them. I will. And we'll find someone to teach me how to shoot, won't we?"
"Of course," the mother agreed. "Now it's your brother's turn." She gently pried away Lynarra's arms from around her middle. She gave him a thin foil with an interestingly shaped pommel. It looked almost like the head of a wolf. "Your uncle tells me he has also arranged for a master of the art to come and teach you. Later you can go practice in town." She handed him the gift.
Jon took it from her hand reverently. He studied the details of the pommel with such attention that Lyanna could tell he was enchanted with his gift. She then gave him her own present. "You'll need this." The protective mask was soon in her son's grasp, as was Lyanna herself.
She laughed and bent down to better reach their faces. On one knee, she hugged her children close and kisses their rosy cheeks. "Happy nameday, my darlings. I cannot believe you are thirteen already."
"Is Aunt Cat going to come visit us this evening? With Robb and Sansa?" Lynarra questioned, curiosity shining in her eyes. They were very fond of their aunt and whenever she happened by their day was just a little brighter. Especially when she brought her children with her. "Sansa said she would show me how to do my stitches like hers. They were really pretty, weren't they, mama?"
"Very pretty," Lyanna agreed absently. "Your aunt is bringing Bran, Arya and Rickon too. So, I'm certain you kids will find something to do in order to keep busy."
"And Uncle Brandon, is he coming?" Jon followed with his own query.
"That I do not know," Lyanna answered honestly. Despite the fact that they had five children and more than a decade of marriage between them, her oldest brother and his wife were not particularly close. Nor did they try to bridge the gap between them. As far as Lyanna could tell, they were perfectly content to be strangers that shared a house. "Maybe he will. Why are you asking?"
Jon shrugged. "He promised to tell me about the war." Then her son smiled. "When I'm old enough, I'll enter the army and become a general. The greatest general that the Seven Kingdoms ever had."
Patting his wild curls gently, Lyanna laughed softly. "A general, is that so? And will you take me and your sister to those wonderful balls you'll be invited to?"
"Oh, but I'm dreadful at dancing!" Lynarra complained before her brother could answer. "I'll trip and embarrass myself. It will be dreadful!"
"That's a long time off," Jon attempted to calm her. "You'll learn how to dance until then. Mama will teach you. Won't you, mama?"
"With pleasure." Out of her two children, Jon showed more of her adeptness at dancing then his sister. Lynarra wasn't exactly a poor dancer, but she was nowhere near as graceful as herself and Jon. Still, what skill did not give her could be masked with practice. "All you need is a little confidence, my sweet princess. Here let me demonstrate."
Lyanna took her daughter's hands in her own and led her into a popular country dance. Jon, not pleased to be left out, joined them. They twirled around in circles, laughing. Somehow, they did manage to finish the dance, without Lynarra tripping or Jon stepping on anyone's feet.
They were interrupted however, when one of the maids came running down the stairs. "Someone is here looking to speak to you, Miss," she announced as Lyanna bade her children to return to their play.
