This is the preview of the first chapter of the next fic, following on from this one called "Return to the North" for those who want to follow it. (Now posted.) I know I said there'd be a longer gap, but I couldn't resist writing this!

Sansa

"Robb, stop fighting with your sister!" she called. The twins were four and a half and had the run of Casterly Rock. Blonde beauties who were identical. The only difference between them was that Maeri's hair had grown much longer than her brothers. Robb looked at his mother then let go of Maeri, who slapped her brother for good measure.

"Maeri, don't hit your brother!" Sansa shouted, grabbing her daughters hand to separate the two of them. They fought like cats and dogs, but if anyone came between the pair of them, they'd stick together like glue. Even at only four years old. Sansa was already dreading how wilful they could be as teenagers.

Sansa suddenly heard a cry, and she whipped around, recognising the sound of her youngest child in pain. Before she could even move, she saw Tyrion picking up Daeniel who seemed to have tripped over, falling on the ground. At three, Daeniel was really too cumbersome for Tyrion to carry, especially when the boy was wriggling like a fiend, and screaming loudly. Sansa quickly exchanged children, and comforted Daeniel until he was just whimpering.

"I fell mama…"

"I know sweetheart," she said gently. "Where's it hurt?"

"Hands," Daeniel snivelled, holding out his palms. They were a little grazed, but nothing too bad. Sansa kissed his palms gently.

"All better." Daeniel looked sceptical at that and she had to smile at her boy. Daeniel had a mass of dark black curls and dark brown eyes, almost black. He didn't really resemble either of his parents, so much as he looked like he could have been Robb Stark's son. Daeniel had the look of Sansa's brother very much.

"We have to leave," Tyrion said. "If we're to make any decent progress today."

"I know," she said. Sansa looked around, seeing the large train to make their progress northwards. Everyone was either bustling around with last minute packing, or sitting on their horses, looking bored at the interruption the children had given them to their departure.

"Daeniel, Tya will look after you," Sansa said firmly. Daeniel's bottom lip quivered as if he were about to cry. "You've got to go in the carriage. We're leaving," she added with a smile.

"'kay," Daeniel said with a sniff. Tya took Daeniel off, Robb and Maeri running to catch up. Sansa didn't envy Tya and her maids. Looking after three children under five on a long journey north was not for the faint hearted.

For more, read "Return to the North." Thank you.