Unearth

The wards of Lord Jon Arryn has left the Vale to be in Winterfell on time, for Lady Lyanna's nuptials. The party were lead by two young adults, a Baratheon and a Stark. The taller one looks to be more than six feet in height and a booming laugh that matched his size, he was handsome, clean-shaven, and seemed to be a 'maiden's fantasy'. The other one, average in height, but shorter when beside his friend looked older than a ripe age of seven and ten with the grim look on his face.

The Baratheon continued to laugh at his friend but playfully clapped him on the back. "Ned my friend! You won't need to worry about the Lannister because once Lyanna sees me, she'll forget she was betrothed in the first place."

"You don't understand Robert." The quiet wolf growled in frustration, which shocked Robert into silence. "Lyanna likes him. She genuinely likes him. I don't know what the Lannister's did to her, but Lyanna will never want to be a lady of such house."

Robert sighed, feeling bad for his friend but also glad to not have any little ladies as a sibling. "Ned, women could fall for anything if a man knew how to use their charm. Women are that simple, they love you when they think you value them. They will hate you if you put your cock into a different cunt. You would know that if you knew how to talk to women."

Ned groaned at Roberts one track mind. He always thought that Robert always thinks with his cock and inappropriate words like that seemed to cement Eddard's own thoughts of his friend. "I just hope Bran knocked those Lannister's a few steps back. Brandon has not replied to my last letter and it worries me that something— someone has harmed them."

"Bah! I would bet my gold that Brandon is entertained by that little finger boy who would challenge him for Catelyn's honor. As if the boy was any challenge, my hammer could hit his head clean and off his shoulders."

"You know, we should feel bad for the boy. He did try his best and got hurt for it." Now that matter got Ned's thoughts away from Lyanna.

"Oh Ned, you really do know nothing. The boy had no right, he is not even in Lord Tully's radar of ideal men to betroth his daughter's to. And if I was Brandon, I would have been genuinely entertained by the boy." Robert belted out a laugh.

Ned remained quiet, now uninterested by the subject Robert has initiated. They were to gather in Crossroads Inn but Ned has been contemplating if they should go ahead and head straight to Winterfell. He missed his home, but Lyanna wanted him to join them and he was not one to disappoint his favorite lady in Westeros.

"Robert, we should hurry. I am eager to see my siblings, and I want to spend time with my sister before she is married."

Robert just grinned at his friend's change of temperament. "We need to find you a woman Ned, to give color to your life."

The maiden's were posted just outside the tents to watch the boys gathered just a short distance from them.

Catelyn groaned at seeing her betrothed take off his top to challenge Lann once again.

"I obviously will not cast my vote for my brother. My vote is on Lann, for having the nicest body to look at." She keeps her eyes on Lann admiring his physique, enjoying the blessings given to her by the Old Gods in the form of Lann Lannister.

"I'm also voting for Lann." And Cersei noticed all the looks her newly acquired friends were giving her. "What? My loyalty is to my brother. If Brandon challenges Oberyn just as much, my vote would still go to Lann."

"Would you still be loyal to your brother if Lann was as annoying as Brandon?" All three girls paused at Lyanna's question before they laughed because it did make sense, brother's can be annoying.

And it was now time for the Tully's to cast their votes. "Lann." Lysa simply said.

This time, the girls gave her a look filled with curiosity. "I'm used to seeing Brandon so I'm not that amazed by him. But Lann, this would be the first time I'm seeing him without his top on so please, I would love to not be bothered with my continued appreciation of the Lannister beauty."

This time Cersei made a face while the other two nodded in agreement.

Catelyn was looking at Brandon fondly. "My vote will definitely go to Brandon. My loyalty and my love will forever be his."

Lyanna and Lysa kept their eyes on Catelyn, wanting to ask that certain question that had been stuck in their mind. While Cersei smiled at her, understanding her sentiment.

Each girl has been silently watching the boys before Lyanna broke the silence with a question, to no one in specific. "How do you know if you're in love... In love with someone?" She asked with a small voice and too shy to look at any of them.

All the girls watched Lann and Brandon carry their squires on their shoulders, while their squires battle each other with wooden swords. Lann exclaiming that he cares for Benjen more than any knight would care for a squire, for he treated Benjen like he would, a brother. Brandon laughs then barks out a reply that he cares for Edmure because he is the brother of his lady love and he is someone Edmure would look up to and the boy could possibly end up following Brandon's footsteps.

With a smile Catelyn answers, "Brandon is a wild wolf, he loves women. I know he appreciates them and I know he has those wandering eyes... I knew I loved him when I accepted that. Because even if he looked elsewhere, I trust that he will not touch another. We've been betrothed for a while now and we've built a strong bond together. I could confidently say that I'm the only woman he will love and care for the most." She sees her companion's smile at her and she gives them a bright smile. "I know, because it shows."

"Truly? I have not seen Brandon in a while and I really hope that his love is only for you." Lyanna took Catelyn's hand in hers, happy that her brother is betrothed to such a kind and loving woman.

"I feel it and I'm very firm on believing it. I know I may seem like a fool, but women always had that strong understanding of feelings. It is only up to us to process and understand everything the right way or we let it go and be blinded by what we feel for a boy." Catelyn squeezed Lyanna's hands. "And one boy is not worth buckets of tears. Only the boy worthy of holding my heart would deserve me and my tears."

Cersei and Lysa both nodded at Catelyn's statement while Lyanna quietly processed it, willing herself to remember that.

"How do you know if he's the one? The worthy one? If he is my endless love?" Lyanna followed up.

Both Cersei and Catelyn kept their eyes on Lyanna, "If you balance each other out and when you can handle each other's differences." stating it at the same time.

"If you accept his flaws and his faults." Lyanna now turned to look at Cersei who has just joined into the conversation.

Now Catelyn and Cersei are putting out their opinions, going back and forth.

"No matter how childish." Catelyn starts.

"No matter how whorish of a man he is." Cersei said bluntly, causing the girls to chuckle.

"When he's being a big oaf."

"Or when he's impulsive."

"Even when he's doing something humiliating."

The eldest Tully and Lannister looks at each other in understanding, and together they say. "But their good traits always overshadow the bad."

"He's a better man if he cares about his loved ones more than he cares about himself." Lyanna puts in.

The girls nodded along.

"He is not only great in combat and in politics, but also amazing at where it mattered most. He's great at giving his love, affection, and trust on those who deserve it." The Stark continued, her eyes now glued onto Lann.

All the other girls now turn their attention to the boys to see Lann teaching Benjen how to wield the sword Brightroar. Benjen was still in awe of the blade, held it tightly in his hands and raising it on top of his head with a roar. Both Brandon and Lann laughed at the youngest Stark. "Ben, remember you're a Stark not a Lannister!"

Lann takes Brandon in a playful headlock, to nudge Brandon's head with his fist. "Benjen could be a Stark and a Lannister. We are connected now, we're family." He winked at Benjen whose cheeks were now blushing, quite embarrassed by his action.

"And a Martell! Don't forget us I'm probably sheltered by the Lannister's now." Oberyn jumps on top of Brandon and Lann, riding both of their backs. Both men were not ready with the force of Oberyn's weight and the three of them now ended up on the ground.

Jaime and Edmure joined the group, jumping on top of the elder boys. Benjen and Tyrion followed after the sacking. The boys laughter filled the field, producing a smile on all the maiden's faces. Their contagious laugh giving a laugh to every passerby and guards around them.

Cersei broke their silence. Directing a question to Lyanna. "When did you know?"

Lyanna knew what her question meant, even without the specifics. "I've been falling. From the very beginning, hoping to the old gods that he would catch me... I knew, when I kissed him." Her cheeks now tinted with pink. "It struck me, as loud as thunder and as strong as the waves of the ocean, that I never wanted to know any other kiss nor tremble from another passionate touch. To bask in the fire born from our affection that is balanced by the ice of each savoured contact."

She looked at Cersei, really looking her in the eye. "I love his kindness, his strength, his poise, his heart. This is silly, but when my father told me that I was betrothed to Lann, I was so confident that I would never, in this life time, would I be attracted to him upon just meeting him and how wrong I was. He was every maiden's ideal prince but this was reality, nobody was perfect and I was wrong for a second time. He came in offering me everything I've ever wanted in my life, everything I thought I would not have if I was to be chained down to a prideful lord from the south. He wanted to keep who I am, he did not want to change me, and to me that is what love really is. It's taken me so long to admit it, to realize it, I love him, I do and I do not want to be wrong for the third time."

Cersei wrapped Lyanna into her arms, "Oh, Lyanna. You deserve him, I just know." Clutching her tight. "Please don't break his heart, because I'm confident that he will not break yours. Please."

The Tully sister's watched the scene in silence. Catelyn, as the eldest of the four; understanding their fears and wants for the future, the most.

After a beat, the future sister's by law eventually separated which gave Catelyn the chance to continue the conversation. "We are surrounded by the greatest men ever to exist."

"They're lucky they have us." Said Cersei.

"And lucky, we love them." Followed by Lyanna

Wanting to be part of it, Lysa says. "But with their body, and that face. I think we're bound to be the luckiest ladies in Westeros. I mean, imagine all the sour and wrinkly faces that is left unmarried." The others shivered at what they visualized but kept silent, so Lysa continued. "I also want to find someone to love."

"You could bag Jaime up, take him with you. I'm sure he will follow your red string of faith anywhere and I'm not jesting" Cersei said seriously.

"I like Jaime, he's charming." Replied Lysa.

"Be honest Lysa, you like all of those Lannister boys. We adore Tyrion, but immaculate was your first thought when your eyes laid upon Lann and Jaime." The eldest Tully revealed.

With Lysa's growing blush, Cersei shared. "Don't worry, women feel that way every time. Look at our Stark here, boyish wolf from the North to she-wolf who is in love with a lion." She pointed her thumb casually at Lyanna. "It's quite exhausting really, with Oberyn put into the mix."

The four maiden's of their great houses laughed and conversed till nightfall, from their experiences to their favourite gossips till it was time to retire for the night.

But as Lyanna was comfortably tucked in her bed, she could not help but ponder over that one question that kept pestering her thoughts. Then, she decided to visit Cersei's chambers, just for her peace of mind. Gently knocking on her door, hoping her good sister and best friend was still awake.

"Lyanna?" Cersei pulled her into her quarters, guiding the Stark to her bed. "I know something is troubling you. Go on then, spill."

She doesn't talk for a minute, trying to phrase her questions properly. "Does Lann even need me?"

"Well of course. Your worry is for nothing, this match could benefit both of our families and it has the potential to make both Lannister's and Stark's grow stronger."

Lyanna deflated at Cersei's explanation but the blonde wasn't finished. "But he needs you more than what your family could give ours. You give him what he needed the most, you make him happy. Don't get me wrong, Lann is the happy type. But we can always feel that there is that void within him and it used to worry me."

Cersei lied down with Lyanna following after her, they were now facing each other. "You are what he should want. Someone who deserves his love"

"Am I even what he wants?"

"Definitely. He definitely wants you."

"Do you think— will he ever love me?" Lyanna fiddled with her fingers, too shy to look Cersei in the eye.

Cersei held both of Lyanna's hands in hers. "It is bound to happen. You're my sister, and we love having you in the family. Lann adores you, we like you, and it is obvious that he will love you. You deserve each other."

"Thank you Cersei. But I have one last question, one that troubled me the most." With her eyes now finally looking into Cersei's, she finally asks. "Has Lann ever been in love?"

"Lyanna, I want to be frank with you. I trust you, and I trust that you won't push this forward, and I know that you care for Lann's feelings." Cersei wrapped her arm around her, pulling her to a hug. Taking in her comfort for the coming onslaught of emotions. "The thing Lann feared the most has already happened, and it was losing someone he loved. And his love was the kind that you fight for, that you always put first. That makes you want to do good and do better. We all saw and felt that from him."

"Did she... die?" Lyanna asked in a small voice.

"No, but I suppose, in the end; the whole of life is an act of letting go. But what hurts the most is not taking the moment to say goodbye. Lann always told me to fight, to never give up, even when it is all lost, just like he did. He was strong like that, but weak through it all. Even when mother died, he was strong for us, for Tyrion, and everyone in Casterly Rock respects him for that... she let him go and it broke my heart seeing my big brother look so defeated. He came back to us with his shoulders slumped, pride cracked, and heart gone in the sands."

With a sad smile, she said. "But Lann never hated her. He would always care for her."

"Yes." Cersei simply replied. "Because no matter where you are, or what you're doing, or who you're with. One will always, honestly, truly, and completely love you. No matter if it was the first, second, third, or any kind of love that was. If you care, you never forget."

"And that is the kind of person Lann Lannister is." She wiped a small tear on Cersei's cheek. "He loves everyone. Every ray of light. Every leaf. He forgives."

Cersei nodded at Lyanna but with a teary smile. Lyanna continued, "He deserves everything great in this world — I don't deserve him."

She snorts at the girl. "Both you and Lann are dumb. He said the same thing to me, just a few days ago. How he doesn't deserve you. How a free spirited, sweet girl that gave life and brightened his life deserved better than him, a simple lord who was taking her family to war, and all the dramatics." Rolling her eyes. "Please, just get on with it and fuck. Love and fuck, that is what both of you deserve."

The bright blush on Lyanna's face produced an un-lady like laugh from Cersei, which then sent Lyanna to a fit of laughter. Eventually, both girls calmed down which ended with a tight hug from each other.

Cersei continued quietly. "Don't let anyone, not even yourself, ever make you feel like you don't deserve what you want."

She said in a small voice. "The more I know about him, the more I love him. I admit that I hate feeling like this, doubting myself. And I hate that I feel so giddy and excited, like a girl with a crush. But I am a girl with a crush, a huge crush on your brother. It's quite exhilarating, feeling all of this for the first time."

"Then show how the women from the north make your man feel free with their love while cunningly tying them down to you."

"Thank you Cersei. I'm sorry for disturbing you tonight, and bothering you with all my woes."

"Oh, worry not. Us women have insecurities. That's why we have each other."

"I'm grateful to have you as a sister."

"I do too. Now sleep, we've had a lot of thinking done today. We deserve the rest." Cersei comfortably positioned herself on the bed. "Come on then, its a sleep over."

Lyanna followed after Cersei, lying down beside her. Not a moment later, both girls quickly drifted off to sleep.

Days have passed since Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon's arrival. Now they only have princess Elia Targaryen and her party to wait for. Eddard and Robert's arrival wasn't the worst experience in the whole journey, so far. Because they all thought that Lann and Brandon's first meeting was far worse than it seemed. It's not that the younger Stark and Baratheon's arrival was any better, it was still awful. Honestly, men from the North had trust issues. But they loved their sister so much that it felt purely heart warming.

Eddard looked at Lann with distrust, his face frowning upon seeing the Lannister's hands on his sister.

Meanwhile, Lann who was now more entertained by the quiet wolf, decided to tease the younger boy. His hand now touched the small of Lyanna's back, his head leaned down to plant a gentle kiss onto her temple.

The younger Starks face then dimmed seeing his sister responded naturally to Lann's kiss, giving her betrothed a small kiss on the lips.

Brandon on the other hand, knew what his new rival was doing and he was going to enjoy every bit of it. It still irked him, seeing his sister kiss Lann, but he had time getting accustomed to it, unlike his brother. Also it is quite a sight, seeing his dear brother Ned pop a vein.

Robert, also noticed his best friend give a dirty look towards Lann's direction, only laughed.

Both parties greeted each other warmly, glad to have more people of their age. Well, aside from Eddard Stark who seemed to have a permanent frown set upon his face which both Lann and Brandon enjoyed the most.

Fortunately, after a scolding from his small sister, Ned was finally a bit more respectful towards Lann. Lyanna was not clueless, she knew what Lann was doing and she would proudly admit how she loved teasing her brothers. But she wanted one meeting with her older brothers where they won't try to attack her betrothed nor try to show their dislike of him. Why can't they just try to get to know him and silently judge him. Brandon already had that odd bond with Lann, and it's only a matter of time before Ned sees the redeeming qualities of Lann.

Currently, all the men were gathered outside the tents enjoying the company of fellow fighters and knights around a small fire. Ale, mead, and wine in their hand, laughter followed every lad. They chatter from here and there, but none was as loud as Robert Baratheon's laugh.

The heirs of these major houses were gathered together, more so now in brotherly trust. Robert was now leading the conversation, whining about women. How easy they were to get into bed, but hard to gain their trust.

Ned, admittedly has not given his whole trust towards Lann was naturally the most silent amongst all of them. He took a big gulp of ale, now used to all of Roberts whining. He turned to Lann upon hearing him pacify Robert.

"Robert, you need to understand that trust is not easily given. Trust is formed by bonds and strengthened by emotions." Lann felt sympathy for the young Baratheon for even the most merry seeks of such approval. There had to be a reason for him to seek comfort from whores.

Robert found that he respected Lann just by their first interaction. Lann was a leader, he had everything he himself, wanted. Robert was envious, but what was the use of feeling envy when all of what he wanted would not come to him by just a snap of his finger. So he said; "You would not understand Lann. You have siblings that love you. People from other houses that respect you. You've even claimed Lady Lyanna. You have everything I ever wanted." He paused to take a long gulp from his mug, emptying it. "Ned was the only one whom I am confident, would stay by my side. The first time I laid eyes on Lyanna, I instantly thought that she would be my saving grace. If I was to wed her, I'd have the family that I've been yearning for... If I were you, I'd count myself lucky."

Both Stark's were silent amongst the exchange. Oberyn had his mouth open and ready to defend his best friend, was stopped by the hand on his shoulder.

Oberyn turned to Lann, only to see him shake his head. He conceded.

"The thing is; I agree with you, I do find myself quite lucky. But I have to say that I do understand. Losing your mother and father at a young age, while I only lost my mother. Not many knew this but I was also close to losing my father the father that I grew to love and follow, I could have lost that emotional connection. It was a dark time and one could easily lose themselves. But I had my priorities sorted out, I had my siblings to think about. I had Jamie, Cersei, and Tyrion. Poor Tyrion, he needed me the most." Lann kept his focus on Robert, his eyes staring through his soul. "You need to understand this and I know that you do not want others to learn of such weakness. Stop dreaming that you have everything you wanted. Once you're in that deep abyss, no matter how loud you scream, you will never ever get out of it. Get yourself out of that darkness. You have people that need you. It's not only Eddard, you get to have your siblings. They've been needing your love, your guidance. And if you were anything like me and you play your cards right, you'd get lucky and get that woman who you would gladly claim. They would give you their trust and love you unconditionally. Only you could change how you see yourself. You can have all the whores in this land or you can have the one who would love you all your life, its your choice."

Ned Stark, who was silent throughout the whole affair begun to speak. "He's right mate. You've a whole castle who trust you. You might have forgot them, but they're always there just waiting for you." Ned punched his friend on the shoulder, to stop his big mouth from interrupting his speech. "And do not dare give me an excuse that they're just servants. They trust you because you are their lord and they are proud to have you as their lord. I'm not the only brother in your life, Stannis and Renly all look up to you. You have their love."

And in a rare occurrence, Robert Baratheon was speechless. Not because he had nothing to say, but because he had everything to think about. From what he felt deep inside, to everything that Lann said was right. Ned, his brother from another mother, he always valued his insights.

Through the silence, Brandon was enjoying his nightly mead. Content with his life, because his life has never been this interesting since Lann came in such a horrifying manner. He still has hate for him, the bastard was to wed his sister, of course he's not over it. But he did bring entertainment. Then Brandon saw Robert's lips curl up to a genuine smile, which was rather contagious that it spread towards their group.

Oberyn broke the silence. "The count is now six members. Two young men added to our brotherhood. We were planning to have one from each house, but we'll take whatever we can get. I mean, we had no choice but to take Jaime. So welcome, fuckers!" The serpent expressed enthusiastically.

Both Brandon and Lann laughed, leaving the two younger boys clueless but laughed along with them. They ended the night with all five of them, drunk off their asses.

Lyanna with the skirt of her night gown bundled in her hands was strolling around the hallways of the inn, on her way to fetch Lann. Lann who wasn't in league with the infamous Baratheon and Starks when it came to drinking. She knew for a fact that he easily gets drunk and obviously always needed help whenever he is on that certain state. He had Oberyn with him, but she did not want one drunk man to help another drunkard, ending with two pissed off drunkards. She thought of leaving them to rot, but she cared about her boys too much to just leave them sleeping on the damp grass.

Her pacing halted when she saw the man she was looking for, stumbling around the corner. She hurried her steps to support him, giving enough force for him to balance himself. "I do recall of having told you to not accept any drinking challenge from Brandon, have I not?" She felt his hand easily glide towards her waist, then he pulled her close to him.

Lann took a deep breath to calm his inebriated mind but also taking in the divine fragrance of Lyanna. He buried his face against her hair, his nose easily nuzzled its way to her neck. "I love your sweet scent. Its alluring and it makes me sobre." He nibbled on her pulse point, then trailed his kisses down her neck.

"Flattery will not get you out of this." Although her smile said otherwise. "I know you can handle your ale and your mead, and I hope that you understand that Stark's and Baratheon's are the different kind of drunk. So do you?"

All signs from him was only a hum so she sighed. "Will you even remember this on the morrow?" She took a step, hoping that she would have no trouble dragging Lann to his quarters.

He pulled her to a stop then gently pushed her against the wall. His tender touch trailed from her waist, back up to her arm, ending with a caress to her jaw. "That is not true. Yes I'm drunk, and you're beautiful. But when I wake up to another glorified day with my thoughts filled by you, I know you'd still be beautiful."

She stared into the deepest green eyes she's ever seen, still feeling the effects of exhilarating bouts of thunder as if it was the first time she stared into his eyes. "I love you." Simple, yet so expressive. A sentiment filled with hope that he should remember such words from her.

He was just standing there, staring at her. Her face, her lips, her eyes. Not attempting to touch her nor kiss her. Just staring. Keeping the image of her beauty. He heard, he believed, and hoped that she'd stay beside him, even in the bad. "You've seen my scars, my flaws, my imperfections, and you've seen me do terrible things, and you still love me for who I am. I remember Ashara, Ashara Dayne, telling me that there will always be struggles and you just have to pick who you want to struggle with... It's you, I am picking you."

Stunned to silence, not expecting him to express himself in that moment. Her beating heart, erratic. She can read him easily now, and she knew that he had more to say. So she lets him.

"I will pick you everyday... but honestly, I used to fear this. Looking at you and feeling totally vulnerable. Knowing you, someone who could level my with their eyes. A blessing by the Old Gods of the forest, bestowed to me." He wanted to touch her. To feel her. But on this instance he kept his distance, he wanted it to be her choice. "Will you stay, while I fix myself?"

"As long as you're trying, I'm staying. I always feel alive — looking into your eyes... Breathing your air. Touching your skin... I don't want any goodbyes, I would choose you every single day of my life with you. Fighting for you, with the purpose of keeping you with me." She smiled at him, the sweetest smile he's seen from one so young, his cheeks in her hands. She mouths those three lovely words to him and it seemed like an incantation travelling towards his ears. She did not speak of it but he heard it. He felt it. And thats what got him, it was enough for him. She was enough.

"I'll love you with everything I have Lya. You have my heart."

Their lips meet, this time it was one that gets taken with no regrets. It causes shivers from the top of their head to the bottom of their feet. They held each other, comfortable in each others arms and they didn't want to end that.

Lurking in the shadows was Ned Stark, dumb founded by the scene he's stumbled upon.

After Lann left their group, Ned bid good night to his companions with the purpose of interrogating Lann. But he did not expect to stumble upon such a scene. He was not ready for this. Seeing his sister smile had him rush away from the area.

He's never seen his sister that way. Act, nor speak that way. He most definitely has not seen her smile like that, she's never had a smile like that before. Seeing that intimate moment halted all his plans of intimidating Lann. He felt like he's seen more of Lann and his sister in just one night, understanding a deeper meaning of their relationship.

He was shocked. Not by what he's seen, but by how serious they were with each other. They were committed to the relationship.

But most of all, he was glad. He now had someone he could trust his little Lya to. She'll be safe with those Lannisters.

'From now on, he has my support. He will have my help, for as long as he takes care of Lyanna.'

The whole party was gathered outside the inn, ready to continue their journey for the North. At dawn, they received a raven with a message informing them that the royal party were nearing their destination, which was why they were meeting them all outside.

Tywin and Hoster both positioned at the front and behind them were their children along with their friends. Brandon and Lann with their usual banter. This time, leaving their squires a part of their audience. The difference now was having Robert and Ned joining the audience with Robert cheering alongside Oberyn and Jaime, hoping for a brawl to break out. Lysa with her heart set on Jaime was smiling along with his contagious laugh and dashing smiles. Little Obara was in the arms of Cersei who was now suffering a headache due to all the idiots that surrounded her. Cersei was thinking that if she did not grow up to have Lann as a brother, she would have found a way to have them suffer or killed just because she was in the mood to do so. Catelyn and Lyanna, unlike their lovers, were treating each other like they have been friends since they were children.

Everyone was different, they all functioned in different ways. But all respected and treated each other the same. And all have the same amount of anticipation for the royal party.

Their attention were caught by the neigh of the riding horses and footsteps of the soldiers. From the distance, they saw the royal party marching towards their destination. Cersei placed Obara down, but still held her hand and Oberyn moved to stand beside his love. Lyanna placed herself in between Lann and her oldest brother while Catelyn stood beside her betrothed. Jaime stood along his brothers, with Tyrion in front of him, his hand fixing his hair. On each sides of Tyrion were Benjen and Edmure, all three of them with their chest puffed out, proud boys of their houses. On Jaime's other side stood Ned and Robert. Ned with his usual serious face and Roberts with the usual grin.

The carriage stopped just a fair distance from them and out stepped the fairest maiden of all of Westeros, Ashara Dayne, one of princess Elia's handmaiden. Then out stepped Princess Elia, her beautiful daughter in her arms and surprisingly, along with her was Viserys. Elia smiled at every individual to curtsey or kneel in her direction, but her eyes sparkled when her warm brown eyes landed on Lann. Elia put her daughter down, letting her have a good look around her surroundings. She combed her fingers through Viserys' hair, encouraging him to join Rhaenys.

"It is a pleasure, as always, to be in your presence princess Elia, and to the young prince Viserys as well." Tywin greeted them.

Lann perked up upon seeing the little princess toddle her way towards his direction. He shortens the distance to meet her; scooped her into his arms as she squealed his name, her small arms hugged him tightly. "I've missed you, my little princess."

Trailing Rhaenys was Ashara and Viserys. The Targaryen prince ran towards Lann, exclaiming his excitement of seeing a familiar face. "Lann!" The boy tilts his head up, a small smile plastered on his lips.

"It seems like I am in the presence of the mightiest Targaryen." He ruffled the boys hair. "Have you been keeping an eye on our Rhaenys here?"

Viserys nodded his head, his expression filled with much pride a small Targaryen could muster. "Of course I have."

"Very well, go on and introduce yourself. Remember, do not be shy. You are the mightiest Targaryen, and if they do not believe you then tell them Lann Lannister has declared it."

After Viserys left with a confident stride, Lann approached Ashara with a big grin on his face. "I know, you miss me so much. Come on then, Ash." He spread an arm while the other arm still held Rhaenys.

Ashara's melodic laughter spreads around the field, her arms embraced both Lann and Rhaenys.

A loud voice interrupted, "Lann, why don't you introduce us to our guests!" It was Robert, definitely enchanted by Ashara.

With a smile, Ashara drags Lann back to them. "Yes I missed you, but I've been wanting to meet your lovely betrothed." And once Ashara had a good look at Lyanna. "My, aren't you a gorgeous one." The older woman instantly wrapped Lyanna into a hug.

"Thank you, and it is so nice to meet you Lady Ashara." Lyanna's timid reply.

"Oh dear, just call me Ashara." She released the younger girl from the hug, but kept her hands on her arms. "I just know that you'd take care of our Lann." Ashara slid her arms down so she could take Lyanna's hands in hers.

Lann was smiling fondly at both of them when the moment was once again interrupted by a storming Robert Baratheon. "My Lady, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."

Robert was towering above Ashara who was only laughed at his actions. But before she could reply, a shorter man who seemed to be from the North, punched the shoulder of Robert Baratheon. "I apologize for his actions my lady. He..." Ned sighed. "He's really like this, I've already run out of excuses for him." He scratched his nape while he shyly evaded her eyes.

"Hey!" But Robert's protest was kept ignored.

"Not at all." She continued with a giggle. "If my guess is right, you must be Eddard Stark."

He finally looked into her beautiful dazzling eyes. "You may call me Ned, my lady."

Both Brandon and Lyanna turned to each other's direction, not sure if they just watched their brother flirt with Ashara Dayne.

Back with princess Elia, who was finally done with all the pleasantries with Tywin and Hoster, finally neared the group that was gathered around Ashara. She notices a group of boys gathered around Viserys, all excited to interact with him. She continued to quietly make her way towards them. Lann's back facing her, Rhaenys in his arms. She sees her daughter watching her so she signals her child to stay silent. The princess placed her hand against his back, she says in a small voice. "Lann."

Lann immediately turned around to the vision of Elia Martell, just as beautiful as the day he met her. "El," He pulled her into a tight embrace. "I've missed you both. You and Rhae here."

Elia embraced him as tight as she could, she smiled at the feeling of her daughter's arm wrapping around her neck as well. "We've obviously missed you too."

He kissed the top of her head, like he always did. "Come, you need to meet Lya. You'll love her." And with a small smile, Elia replied "I'm sure I will."

Upon watching the two individuals interaction, Lyanna turned towards Cersei's direction. Her face clearly filled with unanswered questions.

Cersei, who felt her friend's eyes on her, turned towards Lyanna's direction. Just by her look of curiosity, she immediately knew what the other girl was wondering about. Cersei held her stare, not confirming nor denying. Ending their silent interaction by turning back to another direction, she then decided to tell Lyanna about it on their journey.

At that moment, Lyanna Stark knew just who Elia Targaryen was to Lann Lannister.

Okay, so I'm ashamed. I've always disliked it when a story I'm following takes too long to update. That's why I'm ashamed, but in my defense, I'm an Architecture student. Almost killed us with all those project, and my math subject nearly drowned me. But I'm here, tho idk if I survived. I'll know once I've seen my grades. Also our finals were supposed to be happening next week, but due to the Coronavirus outbreak classes from all levels are suspended. Most of the cities in our country are also on lockdown, thats why I've got a lot of time right now.

Hope y'all are safe. If possible, just stay in your house and enjoy the unseen parts of your house.

Unseen parts you say? Well if I were you, I'd search for the Chamber of Secrets.

So what do you think? Hate it? Love it? Remember to leave a review!

Stay safe y'all,

MadVulcanus