[ That sigh gets Alayne to smile if only because she recognizes it as some conceit to her argument. She has no intentions of weening Bran from his bright willfulness, his stubborn boyishness, but it is a good feeling to be in agreement with one of her brothers. (The argument with Jon Snow continues to leave an ashen taste in her mouth. You were not a poor sister. You were no sister at all. Even now, the words sting.) ]

No. Never should we call them pets, for pets are not what they are and in calling them so, we do them a great disservice. Always do I point out the error. But it is important to understand where the habit comes from, if only to argue better against it.

Do you understand, Bran?