294 AC – Winterfell – The Godswood
Lyonel stepped into the quiet shade of the godswood, he had barely taken three steps beneath the canopy when a small figure launched out from behind the weirwood tree and crashed into him.
"You're finally here! I was waiting for ages, I thought you weren't coming today!" Arya's voice was muffled against his chest.
He caught his balance, then chuckled, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her back. "Sorry, Arya. There were a few things I had to take care of first." He smiled, pinched her puffed cheek, and teased, "But I'm here now so shall we begin your training?"
Arya nodded, grinning wide. "Yees!"
They moved to a clear patch of ground beneath the heart tree.
Lyonel drew a practice blade and began demonstrating basic forms stance, grip, simple cuts all suitable for her. Arya watched with fierce concentration, trying to copy his every movement.
Later, when she struggled with the swing, Lyonel stepped behind her.
"Here let me show you."
He wrapped his arms around her from behind, gently adjusting her elbows and wrists, guiding the motion of the blade.
"Like this… feel the weight shift through your hips."
Arya's cheeks flushed a soft pink, but she didn't pull away. She followed his guidance, swinging again much smoother this time.
When the last rays of sun stained the sky purple, they sat together beneath the great weirwood tree. Arya nestled her head on Lyonel's shoulder, her hand resting lightly on his chest as they simply enjoyed each other presence and they talked about everything that came to their minds: knights, their families, dreams, the North and the South. The world faded; only their laughter and the rustle of ancient leaves remained.
Time passed far too quickly in the quiet dark.
When they finally returned to the keep, it was already full night.
Lyonel walked her back to her chambers.
At the door, Arya hugged him fiercely.
"Thank you for today, Lyonel."
He smiled, brushing a stray hair from her cheek.
"Anytime, m'lady."
He watched her slip inside and returned to his own chambers where a letter waited on his desk. Reading it, he smiled, murmuring, "Now all that's left is to wait for the raven to reach my father." With that, he slipped into bed. Sleep came easily that night.
Three Days Later – King's Landing – White Sword Tower
Ser Barristan Selmy entered his chambers in the White Sword Tower, removing his white cloak and armor and frowning when he noticed the window half open he was certain he had closed it. On his desk lay a letter he hadn't left the seal was plain, unmarked. Cautious, he He broke it and started reading.
When he finished, a small smirk formed on his face.
"I understand, my prince," he whispered.
Without delay, he made his way to Ser Jaime's chamber. He knew Jaime would still be there since they had just finished their duty together.
Ser Jaime, surprised to see the Lord Commander after their shared duty, opened the door.
"Lord Commander? What brings you here?"
Instead of answering, Barristan stepped inside.
Jaime closed the door, raising an eyebrow.
Barristan handed him the letter without a word and waited as Jaime read it.
As Jaime finished, a knowing smile crept across his lips.
"So it is finally time, huh?"
Barristan nodded.
"Yes. The time has finally come. We need to start preparing."
Two Days Later – King's Landing – The Red Keep
Maester Pycelle entered Robert's solar with the scroll from Winterfell.
Robert took it, broke the seal, and began reading.
He sighed heavily.
Cersei, who had been sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong, Robert?"
Robert looked up.
"It's from Lyonel. He says now that two years have passed, he feels staying in the North longer would be unproductive. Instead, he wishes to see more of the realm and its people before returning home."
Cersei's brows rose in surprise. "Will you really allow him to do that instead of coming home? I miss him, Robert. I know you do too. Wouldn't it be better if he returned first, and allow him to do that once he's older?"
Robert rubbed his eyebrows.
"You're half right… but you know as well as I do that if Lyonel sets his sights on doing something, he rarely gives up the idea."
Cersei sighed knowing her husband was right.
Robert continued.
"…Besides, I think he was planning this for quite a while."
Cersei looked puzzled.
Robert showed her the letter, pointing at the line where Lyonel requested that Ser Barristan and Ser Jaime accompany him.
Robert's eyes sparkled with both pride and resignation. "Looks like we've been played by our own son."
Cersei chuckled, and Robert's laughter soon joined hers.
Then Robert ordered for the Lord Commander Ser Barristan and Ser Jaime to be brought to him.
When they arrived, Robert gave the command:
"Ser Barristan, Ser Jaime you two will go North to accompany my son Lyonel wherever he might go. Understood?"
Both knights bowed.
"As you wish, Your Grace."
As they retreated, Jaime and Barristan shared an amused smirk between them.
They had a very good day after that.