Happy Halloween y'all

Btw, a big thanks to all the reviewer's and reader's. You guys will always be the best.

And also to the peeps celebrating the day of the dead, I pray to you and your loved ones from the other side.

Progress

Inside Tywin Lannister's solar, Tywin was having a heated discussion with Lann about the letter Lann received from Elia. The letter contained updates about Elia and Rhaenys' lives which Tywin did not care much of and about the relevant proceeding that were happening within Kings Landing, which were the cause of said discussion.

"Father, we need to make plans now! The mad king just burned another man! You need to think, do you want to continue being his hand or eventually be burnt due to his paranoia? You know how much he despises us Lannister's." Lann said in frustration.

"With all that's been happening, being hand of the King would be a great advantage if we use the position tactically. I feel that there's a war coming Lann, and I want us Lannister's to be the one to win. We must eradicate our competition as early as possible."

Lann shook his head. "That's the thing, father. Nobody wins in war, its either we lose as a troop or lose the people we love. It is not wise to make an enemy on possible allies."

Tywin looked into Lann's eyes, thinking, judging.

"We need to make moves. So let me." Lann confidently continued his statement.

After a moment Tywin nodded at his son. "I believe that it's you that would make lions rise above the flames of the dragons."

"First thing, we strengthen the bonds we have with other houses and we start by finding ways to uniting their houses with ours."

Elia's letter was filled with updates about King's Landing, of how the king was paranoid even with his own son. The king was becoming mad and Lann feels that there's a war amidst them and they needed to be ready. With how paranoid the king was, it won't be long before it happens and the Lannisters won't go down without a fight.

4 days in Casterly Rock and Lyanna was already introduced to Brightroar, House Lannister's greatsword. Lyanna always wanted to learn how to control the sword, would watch the Lannister soldiers spar in the training field, and hoped to finally have the chance to wield one in the south. She was surprised when she saw Lann in the middle of the field and everybody seemed to only have their eyes on him. Lyanna sat herself on a spot where she got the best view of Lann and his sparring partner who she now realized was Jaime. What Lyanna saw amazed her, she was mesmerized by Lann's fluid movement. On her first night in the Rock, she was already half in love with Lann. She thought, Lann could have her heart, just by watching him in battle.

Lann noticed her of course. He knew Lyanna would watch the men in the training field. At first he thought, she was there only to watch half naked men spar around her. But when Lann saw her himself, he looked pleased when he saw Lyanna's mouth drop in awe with all the excitement that the training field had to offer. So Lann thought he ought to give his lady a special treat, to train her in combat. But not before showing off his skills, he is a Lannister after all.

"I yield!" Lyanna heard from Jaime. She stood up, a big grin plastered on her face. Then she heared someone speak beside her.

"Lord Lann is a refined fighter, isn't he?" Lyanna turned her head and noticed soldiers, in a respectable distance, near her. But replied to the one who spoke to her. "He is. I hope he would teach me as well since he's kind enough to offer me to ride with him." She replied with admiration.

"He will, he taught both Lord Jaime and Lady Cersei. We are grateful for Lord Lann, for he was the one to make us understand that ladies had their own strength too." All the men nodded their head along.

Lyanna jumps a bit upon hearing Lann join the conversation. "Of course I'll teach you, you only need to ask Lyanna" Lann placed his hand upon the small of her back, smiling kindly at her.

The men respectfully left the couple in their privacy and flocked Jaime to compliment him on his improvements.

Lann's eyes crinkle upon noticing the bounce on Lyanna's feet. "Really?!" But then she deflated after a pause.

"What's the matter?" Lann questioned, concern written on his face.

"Will you really teach me? Father wouldn't like it if I didn't act all lady-like." She was now fidgeting.

"I promise you, I will and Lann Lannister always keeps his promises." He beamed at her. "And I will speak with Lord Rickard for you. You need to know how to protect yourself, I know you have the skill and the strength and I wouldn't dare to be the one to keep you away from it."

She pulled on his tunic to give him a big hug. "You're the best Lann! This is why you're my favorite Lannister."

He chuckles. "You better commit to that, because Tyrion won't be shy in asking you who your favorite Lannister would be." He rubbed her back in response to her hug. "And its not a big deal. I convinced father that Cersei needed to know how to protect herself and just like you, she's been wanting to learn how to fight. Cersei's my little girl, and once I promise her something, I do it no matter what." Lann scratched his nape a blush now sporting his face. "My siblings are my weakness."

Lyanna looked at him, her appreciation for him seeming to elevate the more she interacted with him. "My family is my weakness too." She kissed his cheek, she stepped away from him then she starts walking ahead "And you're adorable but we must make haste, you have a lot to teach me ser Lann. Come, your lady awaits." She turned back with a teasing smirk plastered on her face.

(2 moons since the Starks arrival)

Currently, Lann who is wearing his formal robes, stood near the gates awaiting the arrival of Oberyn Martell and his daughter Obara. Alongside him were Cersei and Lyanna. Lann turned to Cersei with a teasing grin, because he noticed how giddy she was standing beside him. Both ladies noticed the look, but Cersei only rolled her eyes at his antics and Lyanna hits Lann in Cersei's stead, to which Cersei smirked.

Both girls were as close as sister's could be and Lann was glad to have no complications to come between his betrothed and his siblings. Throughout Lyanna's stay, both girls discovered that they had a lot in common. The top of that list was getting into Lann's soft side. Cersei knew how to expose Lann's weaknesses and Cersei decided that she liked Lyanna enough to teach her the ropes. To Lann, it was annoying but very endearing. It was just another thing to like about Lyanna, her ability to adapt and care for the family Lann had to offer.

Lann who was now looking at his baby sister, he couldn't help the sour look from coming out of his face. 'His baby sister was growing up.' Lann remembered, a few years ago on Oberyn's first visit to Casterly Rock, Cersei didn't like Oberyn that much. Obviously Lann understood because as a young man, all Oberyn thought was just fucking and he didn't want any of that near his sister, even if said boy was his best friend. Oberyn then fathered a bastard, tainting him in both Cersei and Tywin Lannister's eyes.

But then Oberyn came around more often, spending his time around Lann but most of his time looking at Cersei. This time Oberyn confessed to Lann of liking his sister more than he liked any girl that he's been with and asking for Lann's permission to pursue her. Lann's response was that Oberyn needed to get himself together before ever thinking of touching his baby sister.

After that, Lann kept a strict eye on Oberyn and always on his guard with Cersei. Lann would always remember the first time Oberyn ever approached Cersei with a purpose of winning her affections. Cersei slaps Oberyn in the face and shouts at him to get himself together. Like brother, like sister. It would always get a laugh out of Lann.

Oberyn never gave up, he was always back. The next time he was there he had Obara with him. Obara was such an adorable child that all the Lannister siblings fell in love with her in an instant, Cersei most of all. Oberyn would always approach Cersei, he now started with polite questions, and small talks. Lann was always in the background, watching like a hawk that's ready to strike. But Cersei would never deny his company, until there came a time where she also spent her days with both Oberyn and Obara.

Lann decided, he needed to confront Oberyn regarding how serious he was about Cersei. Because Lann didn't want any emotional or physical harm to come in Cersei's way. Lann was shocked at Oberyn's response, "I'm serious about her Lann. I'm as serious as every promise you've made and kept. After having Obara and since I realized that I had genuine feelings for Cersei, I knew I had to be serious. I swear to our friendship and Elia that I've never once had a woman or man in my bed or been in their bed since I decided to commit myself to Cersei"

Words can be faked, but Oberyn's eyes showed what was real. It reminded Lann of Elia's, calming and kind, and it shines bright like the light when she was passionate about something.

Then Lann decided to ask Cersei what her opinion of Oberyn was, now that she's seen more of him. "He's kind. He's like you." Lann stares at her green eyes that mirrored his own, although unlike Lann's it was untainted. "Men like you, they love the fiercest. He cares for Obara, he loves her even... I know now that having a bastard does not immediately label you as unworthy or generally a bad person. People make mistakes and people like us takes all the time we need to grow up to our full potential. Thats where Oberyn and you differ, Oberyn took too long and I respect that. I admire that from him, he's done his best."

In that moment, Lann remembered their time as children when Cersei would sneak into Lann's chambers whenever she had a nightmare but would make a habit out of it to just sleep beside him whenever she wanted to. Those sleepovers were constant until Lann had to leave for Dorne. 'Where did his baby sister go?' Lann thought, looking at his sister. He kissed her forehead, then gently ruffled her hair. "I've taught you well my little one, and you're not even little anymore, you're a woman now. I'm proud of who you've become Cersei."

Cersei nuzzled her nose against Lann. "I love you Lann."

"I love you more than Oberyn ever will, remember that." Both Lann and Cersei snickered at his statement.

Lann heard a little girl shout for them which took him away from his thoughts to which he turned back to the gates upon hearing a little girl squeal and run towards them "Aunty Cersei! Uncle Lann! Uncle Jaime! Ty!" Cersei bends down to catch Obara, both of them hugged each other tight.

Lann only noticed now that Lyanna had her hand tightly clasped around his. He turned to her and smiled reassuringly as if telling her not to worry and that they will like her. Lyanna nodded and gave a smile in return. So Lann lead Lyanna towards Cersei, Obara and Oberyn who was now beside them.

"Uncle Lann!" The two-year-old, nearing three, reached for Lann, which he took into his arms but not releasing Lyanna's hand. "How's my little lady?" The babe babbled in excitement but asked for Cersei again, which thankfully she took from Lann's arms.

"Well, well, well." Oberyn had that infuriating grin while he stared at both Lann and Lyanna's hands that were clutched tight.

Lann punched Oberyn's chest, not enough to hurt but hard enough to sting. "Obi, stop." But Lann laughed along with him.

Lyanna, with a blush now on her face curtseyed to Oberyn. "Prince Oberyn"

Oberyn with his arms folded against his chest. "Lady Lyanna, just Oberyn."

Cersei piped in "Obara, see that lady beside Uncle Lann? Thats Lady Lyanna, she's to be my good sister." Cersei went near Lyanna.

Obara gives Lyanna a curious look. "A new aunty?" She tilts her head in a cute manner that only babies could pull off.

Oberyn nodded his head. "Yes Obara, a new aunty. Now how about you greet Aunty Lyanna and show her your dornish charm." He said with that grin still on his face.

Obara reached for Lyanna, silently asking Lyanna to carry her.

Lann lets go of Lyanna's hand, urging her to take Obara.

Without missing a beat, Lyanna immediately takes Obara into her arms and was now enamored with her. 'Lann was right, Obara was easy to love.'

Its been 3 moons since the Starks first arrived in Casterly Rock and everything seemed well. A lot has happened within those days and Lann was pleasantly surprised with Lyanna and Benjen, unknowingly filling him with happiness. Their father, Lord Rickard went back to Winterfell, a fortnight after his arrival in the Rock because he only came with his children to make sure that Lann really was worthy to be his daughter's husband and to have that needed conversation with Tywin concerning their plans for the future.

Each day with Lyanna and Benjen has been eventful, with three things highlighting those moments;

(One) the day Benjen got Lann to agree to let Benjen squire for him. Benjen and Tyrion stumbled upon Lann training Lyanna with the sword. With Benjen now viewing Lann as someone he admired. Benjen was glad that Lyanna finally had someone to train her but he could not help but be somewhat jealous of her.

With the help of his best friend Tyrion, they asked Lann if he could allow Benjen to squire for him because Benjen has been wanting to be trained by Lann.

Lann agreed instantly but suggested that if Benjen only wanted to be trained, he'll willingly train Benjen without the need to squire for him. But Benjen's dream was to be a knight, and a great way to achieve that goal was to squire for Lann Lannister himself and Benjen knew that if he wanted to be the best knight possible, he would be with the help of Lann.

Tyrion, not really invested on combat and knights would always tag along Benjen, just to show his support. And Benjen would always be grateful for his new best friend.

(Two) the day Lyanna and Benjen got to join Lann, Cersei, Jaime, and Tyrion in their cliff diving activity. Obviously Tyrion wasn't allowed because it would be dangerous for him to jump from such height, but Tyrion was already content by being a part of their activity and fortunately for him Benjen was also content with swimming around.

But Lyanna, like the she-wolf she was, loved the adventure. She loved the freedom that Lann had offered her and that just gets him closer to Lyanna's heart.

Lyanna may love the idea of cliff jumping but she wasn't used to jumping from such height so she hesitated but then she felt someone take her hand in theirs and she turned to said person.

"Don't worry, I got you." Lann held Lyanna's hand tighter and she's never felt strength this strong, from another individual. "I'm never letting you go alone." Lyanna now felt relaxed and ready and with Lann jumping with her, she had the extreme confidence boost.

Lann and Lyanna counted to three before jumping together. Both their hands were raised above their head with Lyanna screaming bloody murder. Around the couple, Jaime cackled at Lyanna's expression which earned him a punch from Cersei. Benjen and Tyrion was swimming near the shore when they heard Lyanna scream and like the kids they were, they found entertainment from the adults suffering.

With both Lyanna and Lann now in the water, Lyanna was clinging onto Lann "That was really scary." She buried her face against Lann's neck. "Now i feel embarrassed." She continues.

Lann who was used to floating in the water with someone clinging to him, leaned down so he could gently talk against Lyanna's ear. "You know, nobody would judge you if you're scared because it's okay to be scared. Our fears are always connected to our courage. Today, you handled yourself well, you did great. This was an unknown activity to you and I can't wait for the time we do this again. You might eventually be out jumping me in no time."

Lyanna finally let's go of Lann and floated beside him. Her heart skipping another beat. Lately the feelings that Lyanna had for Lann grew stronger each day. She felt that she might be in love with him, but Lyanna wasn't sure. For she hasn't been in love before.

"And we could have a diving competition and we should let Ben and Ty judge us. Obviously, Cersei would help train me so I'll surely win." Lyanna said in confidence.

"I will admit this early in our relationship. You win in everything." Lann playfully flicked her nose.

(Three) the first time they rode around the rock together. The instant Lyanna's bottom touched the saddle, she sped off, not wasting any time on waiting for Lann.

Lann grinned at her eagerness, urging his horse after hers. A few moments later he finally catches after her and was immediately distracted upon looking at Lyanna's direction. All Lann thought was how jaw-dropping she looked. Sunlight shining on her, the sweetest smile permanently on her face, her hair free flowing like the wind. Lann almost hit a tree if his horse wasn't as focused as its rider.

Lann's mind continuously ran thoughts of Lyanna, but now more attentive of his surroundings. 'She was an innocent girl, and he would give everything he had for her to keep that. She just wanted freedom, she wanted adventure, she didn't want to be chained. She was like the environment, there might be some parts that aren't the most fascinating or easing but it's beautiful. It's nature, it gives you life and brings you joy. She's that, and Lann feels like he would need her like she would need him.'

Currently, Lann found Lyanna standing in the gardens scanning all the flowers and carefully brushing her fingertips against it.

Lann quietly approached her, he wrapped his arm around her waist, then he lifted her up to spin her around. Lyanna squealed in surprise but then giggled upon realizing that it was Lann who's arm was around her.

He gently placed her down but kept his arm wrapped around her waist. He kissed her cheek then nudged his nose against it, before saying "I know you love blue winter roses, but what are you looking at those flower's for?"

"I was looking for flower's that Obara might like the most. She told me she had no favorites. I'm just looking around, hoping to find one that would fit her." She turned her head to face towards his direction. Lately Lann has been more affectionate with her, clearly showing the development of their budding relationship.

Lann softly rubbed her belly and Lyanna placed her hands above his. "I have to tell you something, Lya." He says

She nodded in reply, as she relaxed against Lann's warmth with eyes closed. "Yes." She simply said.

"I've told father that I want us to be married in Winterfell." He rested his chin on top of Lyanna's head. "Since you follow the faith of the Old Gods, I thought we could get married in the godswood. I think it would be better, your father always said that there needs to be a Stark in Winterfell and I wanted that on the day that we are to be wed for the pack to be there."

Lyanna took a sharp intake of breath. This was why she felt so much for Lann, this never failed to make her heart beat faster. She didn't like feeling vulnerable but she welcomed the feelings brought out by Lann. And she just realized that she loved him and was grateful to the gods above that they brought Lann into her life. She was not sure to what extent her love was for him, but she really needed to talk to someone with more experience just for clarification.

Lann continued, shaking Lyanna out of her quiet contemplation. "We'll even wait for Eddard to join us in our journey to the North, heck I'll even take his friend that Baratheon boy and his brothers with us."

She turned to face him, scanning his face then immediately taking it in between her hands. She squished Lann's cheeks together making him look like a fish. "Ugh, why do you still look handsome?"

With his face squished by Lyanna, he replied "Chanks?"

Her eyes locked on his lips and she decided, now, she wanted it now. Lyanna brushed her lips against his as if testing the waters. Then she released his cheek, her hands sliding onto his chest to clutch on his tunic. She stared at Lann's face before leaning forward to meet his lips.

When he finally kisses her mouth, everything oddly goes quiet, like the moments of silence between the thunder in the storm. Lann pulls apart to take her cheeks in his hands, tilting her head in the process. They kiss again. The next kiss is the kind that breaks open the earth to give new life. It shows Lyanna that every other kiss she would share with Lann was to die for. It knocks her breath out but gives it back.

She never dreamed of her first kiss to be like this, but she always fantisized of a kiss shared with Lann and it was nothing like this. She never wanted to fantisize a kiss like this again, she wanted it everyday and she knows she'll get it from him in every way she can.