"I have come to a decision." Ned Stark said from the head of the table in his solar. Lyanna and Jaime had been invited to join he and Catelyn there because he wanted to speak with them privately. "The past fortnight since you have arrived has been...difficult." He began,
Lyanna steeled herself for what was to come. She knew that Ned disliked having Jaime Lannister at Winterfell. He was putting his own family at risk by harboring him. Rhaella still held a great deal of power and though Jaime was still the brother of the Queen Regent, the young king was a Targaryen and Rhaella would not soon allow the Lannisters to supersede her wishes. Ned was going to ask them to leave. She had known that this moment was coming all along. She was willing to go and yet it still hurt immensely now that the moment had arrived. Jaime silently took her hand.
Ned looked to Cat as if unsure how to continue. She spoke for him. "Family is important. I haven't seen my own father or my brother or sister in many years and though House Stark is my family now, I will never stop caring for my Tully family, which is why I understand why Ned must do as he is about to do."
"My father and mother are gone." Ned spoke again. "My brother has gone to the Wall. I can not send away my only sister or her children. I can not."
Lyanna gasped, not realizing until that moment that she had been holding her breath. "But Ned… what about Jaime? If Rhaella finds out…"
Ned nodded, his expression grim and pinched. "I am aware of the possibility, believe me. Which is why we are going to ask that you take certain precautions."
"Precautions?" Lyanna asked.
"Jaime will continue to go by the name Yoren. If he would be willing to dye his hair a darker shade that would certainly help. He will not join tournaments or do anything that might draw attention to his abilities with a sword. If we have guests who might recognize him he will need to stay out of sight." Ned told them. "I am sorry but I will make no exceptions on this."
Jaime nodded. "Sounds fair to me."
"Thank you Ned." Lyanna said, giving her brother a hug. "I can not thank you enough for this."
Ned nodded uncomfortably. "I could not send you back to a foreign land or see your children raised anywhere but Winterfell." He told her.
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting their hug. Lyanna pulled away. "Enter." Ned said.
Maester Lewin entered the room. "A bird has arrived." The Maester said a bit warily. "It is from Tyrion Lannister." He passed the parchment in his hand over to Ned.
"It has long been my ambition to visit all the great houses in the Seven Kingdoms." Ned read aloud. "I have seen the crownlands and the westerlands and dorne. I will be leaving for the Riverlands in a fortnight and am most anxious to visit the north after that. Would House Stark be willing to accommodate one Lannister for a visit in three months time?"
"He knows." Catelyn said, pale faced.
"He knows and yet his words are discreet." Jaime pointed out. "Tyrion knows how to keep a secret."
"Are you sure of that?" Ned asked him. "Your brother will tell no one of your presence here?"
"He will tell no one." Jaime said firmly.
"Even if that's true," Cat said, "If Tyrion arrives so soon after Lyanna, don't you think people will suspect the truth?"
"Perhaps…" Ned said, looking hesitant. "But if we refuse him a visit that will be suspicious as well."
"Then we should tell him to come, and invite Tywin as well." Cat said.
"Why would we do that?" Ned asked, slightly confused at her logic or lack of it.
"Because if Rhaella is going to figure out the truth, we'll need the Lannisters on our side. If we keep Jaime's return a secret from Tywin he may take insult at that." Cat said.
Ned nodded. Then looked to Master Lewin. "Tell Tyrion he is most welcome to visit and invite Lord Tywin to come with him."
"Yes my lord." Maester Lewin said as he ducked out of the room.
"Well then, I suppose we must begin making preparations for guests." Cat said, taking her leave as well. "Perhaps I could have your assistance?" She said to Lyanna.
Lyanna seemed surprised but she agreed and went with her good sister as bidden. She didn't ordinarily care for woman's work or for making feast preparations but in this case, making preparations to meet her good father and good brother, she felt more apprehensive than usual. What if the Lannisters didn't even like her?