The Lion and the Warrior

Laughing Matters

Although it was now daylight, the sun wasn't shining brightly over the Red Keep. It was a soggy, dull morning and the Lannisters felt much like the day looked. They were all exhausted from having their sleep broken so many times in the night, and they felt emotionally drained.

They met for breakfast on the balcony of Jamie and Brienne's room. Eliana was late arriving, stating that Lyza, her handmaiden was having great trouble getting the tangles out of her hair this morning. She was seven years old and every bit her mother. She had light blonde waves, stunning sapphire eyes and pale pink lips. She was a spunky seven year old, sometimes defiant, but overall sweet, who adored her big brother.

"James, aren't you hungry? Why are you just sitting there?" Eliana asked her brother. Without waiting for a response, she asked him, "Can you take me into the city today? I wanted to go to the market and look for a new doll."

"Well, I would love to take you, but I can't today." James said.

"How about tomorrow then?"

"Okay, we will see in the morning. I can't promise anything. If not tomorrow, I promise, I will take you soon. I will even buy you the doll myself. And maybe some chocolates."

"Really?" Her face lit up and she jumped from her chair, running to hug him, "Thank you!"

"You have to behave yourself though, no giving trouble at bath and bedtime." James said.

"I promise, I will be amazingly good."

Jaime and Brienne shared a smile. Jaime looked at everything on the table and felt sick. He felt hungover as though he had been drinking for days. "Are you alright, Jaime?" Brienne asked.

"Fine. Just...looking at all this is...I just...don't know what I want."

"Start with this warm bread and jam, it's your favorite," she said.

"Thanks," he took the bread and started putting some butter and jam on.

"Dad, you seem a bit worn out. I think maybe you and I could use some fresh air today, how about a ride?"

"Oh I want to go! Please?"

In unison, Jaime and James said, "No!"

Brienne quickly intervened, "Sweetheart, its a messy, nasty day. Let's leave this one to the boys and you and I can do something together, right?"

"Okay, like what?" Eliana was overly happy and excited when she suggested, "We can play with my dolls in my room and play dress up with the old dresses that Queen Dany and Princess Rhaella gave me!"

Jaime and James both looked at Brienne and tried their very hardest not to laugh. They knew that was one of her least favorite things on her "mommy/daughter play list."

"Yes, love. We can do anything you want today." She said in an upbeat tone with a smile plastered across her face. Jaime and James looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"I hope either of you don't choke over there." Brienne said without a smile. "As for you, young lion, I hope you have six little girls and all they want to do is tie your long hair in pink ribbons."

James's smile immediately fell, "Sorry mother."

Brienne burst into laughter.

"Daddy...since mom and I are having a day together today, and you and James are having a day together today, can you and I have a day together?"

"Of course. Plan something for us to do, and we will do it."

"Okay! We can play court!"

"Ummm, how do you play court, Eliana?" James asked.

"We put on pretty dresses and have tea and talk about everybody's lives." She took a sip of her milk.

Jaime nearly spit his juice everywhere, James had to bury his face in his hands, and Brienne just couldn't keep it together.

"That sounds like a wonderful play day with daddy!" Brienne proclaimed.

"Brienne, love..." Jaime started.

Still laughing hysterically, "I'm sorry. I am sorry, I swear." She continued to laugh and said, "No, I'm not. I'm really not sorry!"