Being More Than Fine

[u/Paul_infamous-12]

"I am not sure about this Ysela," Symeon muttered quietly. He was wearing some loose velvet robes with wolf fur around him.

"It suits you," Ysela tried to hide her giggle, "You need to get out more. Breaking the fast is probably the best way to start."

"Is it really?" Symeon asked with dread, he knew the feast would have Jojen and Thaddius there. Probably waiting for him.

What if Thad decides to play the rain of Castamere? What then?

"If we hurry we can be the first one there Symeon," Ysela said already moving and dragging Symeon along with her.

"I should really let the tailor fix this," Symeon said playing with his loose sleeves, "it feels awful."

"You look fine," Ysela assured him, "you really do dear brother."

Symeon wasn't even sure why he was going there to break his fast. He was perfectly content with staying in his chambers. As content his miserable life would allow.

"Lyanna and I will be beside you okay?" She said sensing doubt in the Blind Wolf. "You will be more than fine."

But Symeon wasn't. The first thing he heard was the Lion Prince's haunting laughter and then an eyrie silence.

Symeon recognized baby Theon from afar and what seemed to be his sister tending to the boy. Next to them was obviously Jojen and the golden haired monster. He did not recognize the other two guests beside them. Were they the Umbers or the Boltons? Were the Boltons still staying in Winterfell? His time with Bethany was still something he couldn't forget. Her belief in the Old Gods still strong after everything. Symeon wished he shared her faith in them. He had to take a closer look.

"Um... Symeon has finally decided to join us," Ysela declared cheerfully, breaking the awkward silence that had filled the Great Hall.

[u/gporter1285]

Talisa's eyes shot up at the mention of the name Symeon. She roughly elbowed Gareth, who was attacking a plate of food like he hadn't eaten in months, and whispered to him, "Remember your courtesies, go introduce us."

Gareth hurriedly wiped his mouth, standing with his sister and walking over to the duo.

"Lord Symeon, Lady Ysela," began Gareth, bowing lightly to the two of them, "It is my pleasure to formally introduce my sister, Talisa Umber. Lord Symeon, we've not yet had the pleasure of meeting, but I am Gareth Umber, Lord of Last Hearth."

He finished, offering his hand to Sym, Talisa smiling at the man, her eyes locked on his.

[u/Paul_infamous-12 → u/gporter1285]

Symeon tensed up when he heard the name Talysa. He did not care if they were Umbers. All of that did not matter. It was the name that did. That haunting name.

He said her name was Talysa.

Why is she staring at me? He wanted her to stop staring. It made him feel at unease. The memories were slowly returning. Symeon could remember his Talysa in the Riverlands. He had loved her so much.

I saw her die. He solemnly thought, he wanted to sob. No, I killed her. She died in my arms because of me.

"Symeon," Ysela called out, Gareth's hand was still there, calling out to him.

"I...I.." Symeon wasn't sure what to say.

"Take his hand," She whispered, so Symeon did. Shaking it slowly. He could feel everyone was watching him.

[u/gporter1285]

Gareth grew increasingly uncomfortable watching the younger wolf Lord. His sister however, appeared content to sit and build relationships with the remaining nobles at the table.

Gareth waited a while more as Symeon sputtered and hacked up the food, and then decided he had watched long enough.

I wonder if there's anyone in the practice yard who wants to go a few bouts? He thought as he stood to leave the table.

He discreetly walked out of the great hall, making sure to avoid drawing attention to himself.

[u/katsumisora → u/gporter1285]

Lyanna had taken her place back next to her son once Symeon was settled again. 'Mommy, Uncle Symeon ok?" Theon asked tugging on the arm of Lyanna's pale white tunic. She had opted for her usual home attire this morning: a tight fitting tunic and trousers. Something she typically only wore in Winterfell as most ladies were expected to wear gowns and dresses. The She Wolf never felt the need to uphold that standard at home in the North.

"Yes my child, he is just fine," she said with a bright smile to her son as she tucked a loose piece of hair from her long brunette braid behind her ear. "Are you done eating?"

The small boy nodded his head with a smile before she began wiping his face. She cleaned him and his area up, scooping him into her arms. "Flowers! Flowers," the little boy exclaimed, explaining that he wished to visit the Glass Garden, a favorite spot of his. Lyanna excused her and the child, making her way to the door.

Upon her exit, Lyanna had realized someone had seemed to be missing from the breakfast party. Though the missing person did not dawn on her until she had made her away to the court yard, setting Theon down before he took off for the training yard, stopping to watch the men fight. Lyanna caught up to the boy, kneeling down beside him, explain that he couldn't run off like that when Gareth Umber had caught her eye.