Lyanna sat in her chambers with her sewing. She glanced up at a knock and assented to Catelyn standing in the doorway.
"My pardons."
"You need not apologise. Winterfell is yours, Lady Catelyn."
Catelyn took a seat when indicated.
"How is your sewing coming along?"
"I was never much for it - but there is little else to do."
"I hope - never mind."
"Please say what is on your mind. Excuse me for being blunt."
"I hope I have a daughter in time to teach sewing."
"I see you are coming along nicely. It can by the gods be a daughter."
"I do so hope. And your company makes it easier."
"I should think little of my own company."
Catelyn placed her hand over Lyanna's.
"It is a hard task you have been measured for. But if I can be of any help - "
"I would not intrude, Lady Catelyn, on the affairs of this castle which Ned gives to you. That is your domain. Know that in the absence of my opportunities, can I not expect you to raise me higher."
"This was - is - your home, Lyanna. I do not mean to deprive you by my being Ned's wife, and mother to his child - children."
"That is correct of you, Catelyn, for you clearly will birth with little pain. You can take my word for it - and I say it with little envy, if you will permit me that. But I am not a child. Winterfell is my home - but it is your and Ned's domain. Benjen has taken to the Wall - I must find my own occupations."
"What, pray, are those? I would join you in your sewing."
"It is kind - but I am beyond help with that. Let me show you the underside."
"Ah - well. You - and forgive me - but you should not stretch the thread over so many. It is wise to - but there I am."
"And there you are, Lady Catelyn. In your duty you fulfill admirably. Even to me can your advice not cause me shame. I must fit in somewhere - I am not just a mother who has lost a child - and only by being Ned's sister have I any rank. My life must eke out."
"You cannot think yourself unknown in a corner to us, least of all."
"That is how I must phrase it. I do not wish to be unknown, to be exiled, but by what has happened to me I must be. Resignation must be laid upon me. There can be little you can call me to that would not bring dishonor upon your name."
"You are not - not dishonored, Lyanna."
"It is the impression of the thing. Your sympathy need not stretch so far as to stain your image. For these lords and Houses you must keep going with the competence you clearly show. There I go again. You must expect it, Lady Catelyn, while I must refrain from apologising. You know it is in my nature to bite and not to apologise."
Lyanna set her sewing down.
"I fear it will be a long while before I can be rid of my grief. Know that my attitude to you is not malice against you, as yourself - but what you represent."
"I am hardly a fool, Lyanna. You forget, what is in your mind is not only in your mind alone. My sister - "
Lyanna coloured. "I forget myself. Of course."
"And I will say this, Lyanna. You are welcome. That you choose to refrain is your choice. The queen may balk at you even from so far in the south. But I do not."