A Lion's Heart [Game Of Thrones] [Robb Stark]

III - New Beginnings

Lyra and Robb walked side by side through the Godswood. Lyra had practically begged to see it, though she didn't have to. Robb would show her anything she liked.

He would show her all of Winterfell and the North if that was what she wished. He couldn't pinpoint the exact moment he realized he would do anything for her, but it was obvious.

The trees and the surroundings were gorgeous. Lyra was lost in their beauty, just as Robb was lost in hers.

The talked and talked, and Lyra told tall tales of myths and daydreams and stories she had written in her own head. Robb listened intently, thinking every story the greatest he had ever heard. She had such an imagination, and it fascinated him.

He thought he could never be as creative as her. She could spin a tale greater than his father's old war stories or stories of long winters.

She, in return, was grateful to have someone, other than Tyrion, who would truly listen. Not only did Robb hear what she said, he also asked questions. He prompted her to go on, to elaborate, and to tell another.

Finally Lyra was finished with stories for the time being. She would have more to tell later on, but for now she was ready for a change of pace. She wanted to run and frolic in the grass and plants.

"Faster, Robb!" She insisted, tugged him forward. He was completely undone by her enthusiastic giggles. Suddenly she released his arm and pointed to a tree a short ways ahead of them. "I'll beat you!"

Before Robb had time to react, she was gone, picking up her skirts and running as fast as her slim legs could muster. She cheered in victory as she touched the trunk first.

He hurried after her, arriving only a second after. She turned to gloat in her success, and he caught her in a quick kiss. At first, she was surprised, but she soon leaned into him as well. It was sweet and they held onto each other for longer than they should have.

As they parted, all she could think to say was, "I beat you."

Robb smiled down at her. "Yes, but I won the prize."

The two decided it was time they walked back, before anyone grew concerned about their absence. They did not speak of the kiss they shared, but the feelings it stirred lingered between them.

Lyra would tell Tyrion all about it later on. She had to tell someone, and she trusted him more than anyone. Though he would surely tease her to no end, her older brother would support her.

Tyrion decided when Lyra was born that he would always be there to protect her. Cersei already decided she held distaste for both of the younger children, hateful as she was. Jaime loved his siblings, but was so often caught up in Cersei's wants and wishes.

Tyrion needed a purpose in life, and being Lyra's protector gave him one. The girl needed someone to watch over her.

As they got older, Lyra returned the favor. It was often that Tyrion needed a protector, harsh as people were to him. His younger sister was not afraid to stand in front of anyone in Westeros and tell them the ways Tyrion was worthy of their respect.

She could not stand mistreatment of the person who had always supported her.

Tyrion would be able to see through her right away. The Lannister girl had fallen for the Stark boy, as well as the other way around. There was no getting around it.

Their infatuation could be felt from across the Narrow Sea, they were so obvious.

Lyra and Robb where nearly inside the walls again, still laughing, when  Lyra collapsed beside him. He was quick enough to catch her before she reached the ground, but he could not save her from what had taken her mind.

He swept the unconscious girl up into his arms and carried her toward the castle. Once within, he began to shout for help.

Tyrion was the first to come to his aid. No one else seemed to be available, which would have seemed odd to Robb if he wasn't so preoccupied.

"What happened?"

"I-I don't know. We were talking, and then she just fell," Robb's words flooded out. He was concerned for Lyra's wellbeing, and could think of nothing else.

"She's having an episode. She been known to have them, but not since we were children," Tyrion told him. He could not think of what could have caused his sister to be sick again, after all those years.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean she'll be fine, we just need to look after her for a while. Give her to me." Tyrion left his arms outstretched.

Robb did not want to trust Lyra with anyone else. He felt as if she left his sight, something may happen to her. Besides, surely Tyrion could not lift her.

"I can hold her. You are needed elsewhere," Tyrion stated. "Your brother Bran has had a great fall."

"What?" Bran was only a young child. Robb knew he loved to climb, but the boy was always careful. Surely, it couldn't be true.

Tyrion's eyes were pleading and also filled with pity. "He fell from the tower. They are with him now. Your family needs you, just as mine needs me. Give Lyra to me and I promise you, nothing will happen to her."

If there was one thing that could be said for the Imp, he had quite the way with words. He could persuade the sun to stop shining, if he wished.

Reluctantly, Robb handed the girl over. His family was of utmost importance to him, and he could always visit Lyra later. She was safe with Tyrion. He hurried off to find Bran.

Tyrion took his sister into his arms with little difficulty. Carrying Lyra was like carrying a feather. She was such a delicate thing.

"It's alright, Ly. I've got you," he whispered to her, bringing her inside. He knew it was likely she could not hear him, but it at least made himself feel better.

Lyra would get better because she had to. Tyrion did not know what he we do without the one person who truly cared about him.