The gardens of the Red Keep had always been revered throughout Westeros for it's beauty. Today, that beauty was no less than it had ever been. Flowers bloomed from every patch of dirt they could, and trees hung over the walkways, dangling fruit in front of the faces of the passerby, teasing them. Two particular men in the garden had each picked a fruit from the trees, peaches, to be exact, and they were strolling through the maze of foliage.

"Well my friend, I can't say that I agree with the speed at which you want to enact our plans. The Wards will only be arriving today, maybe it would be best to wait, one man said, strolling nonchalantly next to a man, clad all in armor, a sword hanging from his hip. The armored man spoke up, his voice gruff. "What you agree with is of no importance to the Lord of the Moon. I've been put in charge of this stage of the plan and you will do as I command.

The armored man's companion raised his hand in mock surrender, chuckling. "Oh don't be mistaken. I have no intention of disobeying your commands. Just voicing an opinion. Give me the supplies and your plan will be set into motion, he said with a grin. The armored man nodded, but was interrupted as a group of handmaidens turned began walking on their path. He looked over at his subordinate and glared. "We will be in touch. With that, he was off, leaving the other man alone in the garden. "That man clearly does not know how many people have lost their lives to poor planning," he said to himself, before shuffling off towards the castle.

---

---

---

---

If Reed was being honest, the past two months had been hell. Reed did not like being on horses, yet the heir to the North and the Lordship of Winterfell was expected to ride on a fucking horse. Reed hadn't had much of a choice in this either. What was he going to say? "Please put me in the carriage because I can't balance on a horse I'm really quite terrible." So he had endured the past two months of endless traveling on a horse, holding on to the reins so tight that he thought his knuckles might burst through his hands.

As they neared their destination, Reed couldn't help but look back on how this had all began. The day his father had come to him in the godswood, and told him he would be sent to King's Landing. Reed hadn't been terribly happy about it. He knew his father was trying to get rid of him, but he didn't have much of a choice. He went, although he demanded that Manasa join him. He wasn't going to endure the next few years without his twin. The next few weeks had been spent preparing and the last day he'd spent with his brother and sister, Lyanna and Benjen. They didn't quite understand what was going on, but they sensed something big was happening. Reed had grown somber, thinking that the next time he saw them that they'd be much older.

Reed blinked himself out of his memories as King's Landing came into view. Winter was plodding along beside him, and he leaned down to scratch her head, mostly just to reassure himself. He realized that Winter would most likely have to be kept outside, in the kennels, which he'd come to terms with, although he doubted his sister had. She had always been much more attached to her pets.

The Stark procession rode through the gates, and Reed took in the city around him. He hadn't been to King's Landing since he was a child, and he was in awe of everything. The bustle of the market and the shouting. The Red Keep filled him with the most wonder, and he gazed at it, amazed by it's beauty. That's going to be home it seems.

Once the procession had made it to the Red Keep, Reed descended from his horse, nearly falling on the way, and moved to greet a young boy who seemed to be waiting just for them. He showed his seal, tapping his fingers against his leg nervously. "I am Reed Stark, here as uh, the uh, King's ward. He silently cursed himself for his awkwardness, but the servant seemed to accept his greeting because he led him into the castle. Winter was left outside, led to the kennels by two of his most trusted Stark guards. Manasa he figured would follow Reed into the castle soon, but he made no bid to wait for her. She was a free spirit, who knew what she could be doing as of now.

The servant led him to the west side of the Red Keep, and into a private wing of the castle. He took in the room, his new home. On either side were doors which he figured led to sleeping quarters. The center was dominated by a magnificent ironwood dining table, adorned with bowls of the finest fruits. Chairs with pillows of the finest cloth were scattered throughout the room arranged so that you could hold a conversation with a group. Reed took his seat next to the beautiful stone fireplace and waited for the others. He wished that Winter could be here with him, as he bit his lip nervously.

---

For Tiras, two months to get to a place is perfectly fine. Because bear riding is much better then horse riding any day. While he rode his bear, a cart being driven by a guard with some things and his large gypsy horse tethered to it was beside him. Along his other side his large blonde wolf dog Moon trotted beside him and his black falcon Atlas flew above him.

As the odd bunch neared the destination it was clear that Tiras is different. Clad in all black in garb that seems rather informal for his status with the only real show of his rank being a silver ring with two leaping fish facing toward a large black stone while riding Onyx, shows just how different. The only color standing out on the man is his cool grey eyes that seem to hold mysteries deeper then any ocean. While his excellent hearing could pick up all the whispers, all the rumors, everything...yet he does not seem affected by it as he rides past.

As he reaches the keep he slides off of Onyx and nods to the man there to greet him. This man...makes an almost fatal error of stepping forward to take the bear away. He is soon greeted by dual swords at the throat. "Back away from the bear" The man backs away with hands up and Tiras slides his swords back into their homes. "Where I go they go understood?" The man nods and goes to help the guard with the horse and his things. Tiras was lead by the man once he was finished with the cart and horse to the waiting place with his bear dog and bird. He nodded to the man as he left and locks eyes with Reed. His eyebrow raise, but he manages to speak. "Tiras Rivers" His head nods in a bit of a respectful acknowledgement. As he does so, Atlas flies to the back of a chair, Moon sits beside Tiras, and Onyx decides to go say hi. The large black bear lumbers forward and sniffs Reed. A collar with leaping fish embroidered on it is now visible around Onyx's neck. A matching collar is around Moon's.

---

---

The morn came too early for Leofric of Tarth this day. And what day it was, when the Red Keep was bound to become that much busier and his own day even more longer. An early morning more times than not meant a late evenfall for the Kingsguard and although you could expect unrest, the mood was relatively calm within the White Sword Tower as every Knight broke his fast on eggs, fried bread, clotted cream, and Dornish peppers just as spicy as Leofric himself liked them. The young Arton Velaryon, barely twenty but too quick with a blade, would crack a crusty joke about the 'Old Oak' Jorah Harlton, the most senior of the Order, that would soon be followed by booming laughter from the gigantic Crakehall Twins, Clayse and Corbus, before Lady-Commander Rhaenys cuts them off. They were preparing for this day for weeks, ever since the King announced his intention to bring and raise the Offspring of every Great Lord in the realm alongside his own children. Many would dismiss it as a calculated risk, I mean, what harm could a bunch of children do. But the she Dragon knew that much better and made sure that her White Shields were prepared from any challenge that would arise from the shadows...even if that was a young heir.

That was the goal of the Kingsguard since its conception 400 years ago. Protect the King on the Iron Throne from the dangers that his Dragons couldn't reach to burn.

After putting on their armors with assistance from the Pages, a few last orders were shared before the Lady Commander left the room with the Crakehall Twins on her tail. They would be protecting King Daerys, Queen Nymeria as well as Princess Shaena who was constantly by the skirts of her mother. Ser Jorah Harlton would be protecting the Prince of Dragonstone, Aenar Targaryen, while Ser Merlon 'Who Knows No Wounds' Coldwater would be looking after Prince Valerion.

"I still cannot believe that I have to follow Illysia the bastard..." the silver haired Arton complained as he clasped the white cloak upon his shoulders.

"Now I would watch my tongue when speaking about the Blackfyre within this room Velaryon...orders are orders, and if you don't like them, you better gut yourself before this discontent reaches the ears of the Lady Commander." Coldwater answered, not even bothering to wait for a reply as the young one just grasped his helmet and left for his assignment with a huff.

Leofric came up to his fellow White Brother with a friendly pat on the shoulder "Did you really have to be so harsh with the rookie?"

"He needs to built some character...else these Red walls will chew him and spit him out like he is nothing."

"But that's not our job Merlon. We are not supposed to play the Game..."
Leofric replied, only to receive a chuckle fro Coldwater as he wore his helmet. "Then I guess we will just swing our sticks until our hands just cannot move anymore right? Or when someone does that for us." and with that he was out of the room too.

Leofric the Loyal remained alone, skeptical of that Merlon Coldwater had said. With a quick peek at the Book of Brothers, the knight strapped the sheathed Oathkeeper on his waist and left to complete his task. It was a route he knew like the back of his hand by now, the route to Princess Myriah's Chambers. The King wanted his entire family with him when they welcomed the Wards and as his mailed fist knocked on the large wooden door, the Knight hoped that this would be one of the happier days for the Princess.

It was a decently long journey from Lannisport to King's Landing, but not so bad on the Gold Road. It was just over a fortnight all in all. They were given two months to arrive at King's Landing which was more then enough time for the young lion to make his journey. At last Willam Lannister and his caravan had arrived at the massive gates of the city. He'd been to King's Landing a few times before, for a few parties and various business occasions with his father. From his memory the city was a lot like Lannisport, big with all kinds of different people.

He had spent the whole journey on horseback, leading the column as was expected of him, with his personal guard and friend Talea Derlys, to his left. The trip itself was rather uneventful, Medea was having fun though performing maneuvers as they traveled. Willam was dressed in gold and crimson with a few decorative pieces of plate on his shoulders, shins, and forearms. Strapped to his waist was a rather thin sword with a basket hilt, called a a rapier. His crimson cloak was clasped by a gold brooch shaped in the sigil of the Lannisters. Similarly every man of the Lannister entourage was wearing a red cloak as well, like a sea of blood flushing through the streets. A grim thought but oddly appropriate given the Lannister's reputation, something Willam wanted to change.

He approached the Gates to the Red Keep, as expected there were quite a few guards. "Lord Willam Lannister, here in service to the King." He heard his herald announce beside him. Willam didn't particularly care for heralds, and the banners should be indicative of who he was, but still it was proper form. After his herald announced him, Willam and his men were led through the gates into the Keep proper. From there the young lord dismounted and turned towards his friend and trusted assistant, Tywin Kenning, son and heir of Kayce. The two met as boys and have been friends and brothers ever since.

"Tywin, see to our things, please. And ensure the men and horses are properly housed as well." His friend put his right fist over his heart in a salute before turning to start on his task. By then a servant from the castle had approached looking to lead him to his quarters. "Very well good man, lead the way."

He and Talea were led through the castle to the west side of the keep, to a private wing. It was a large common room with a very large table, a fireplace and doors to either side presumably leading to bedrooms. Upon entering Willam was shocked and then very much afraid as he stepped behind Talea. "By the Seven! What is a bear doing in here?"

---

Talea didn't mind travelling really. Sure, riding on horses got tiring, and her legs always ached after the day (and not in a good way). But it wasn't too bad. As long as she had good company to talk to or fight with, she was happy. She was satisfied with the first, quite content to talk to William or chat with the guards. The latter? Well, William had improved. But he was still inexperienced. As for the guards, the less said the better. By now, she was itching for a good fight, one to get her heart racing and her ears ringing from the sound of steel on steel. And she had arrived in the best city to do so. She grinned a little as she remembered some of the fights she had on previous visits. She still remembered the time with the four city guards. Those were good times.

Talea let out a sigh as the herald went through his job of announcing William, wishing it could be over and done with. She didn't understand why these people had to take so long to introduce themselves. Why did they have to employ someone to do that job anyway? Could they not do it themselves? She gladly got down of her horse, straightening her trousers. She was the only member of the party not wearing a blood red cloak, settling for her armour and a pair of maroon trousers instead. Red that bright just didn't suit her. River was by her side, one of her hands always grasping the hilt of the sword. Unlike William's sword, River did not have a full basket hilt, instead having an intricately designed guard, looking delicate yet surprisingly strong. She gave a quick nod to Tywin. She didn't know him that well, but he seemed nice, and William was good friends with them. She followed the servant inside, making sure to stand slightly back from William, ever vigilant.

She pulled her sword out as soon as she saw the bear, though relaxed quickly when she saw how docile it seemed. She let out a sigh as William stood behind her, stepping to the side and turning to him.
"What use is that going to do? Do you really think standing behind me will stop a bear from killing you?" She said, not angry or annoyed, just slightly bemused by the boys actions.

Lyanna Baratheon refused to enter the carriage. When someone made the notion for her to enter the bloody contraption, a glare from both she and Robyn closed that argument. Lyanna didn't do well in enclosed spaces, and if Brandon was on a horse, than she should be as well and therefore was riding with her knight, Robyn Greyjoy.
The journey to King's Landing from Storm's End would take about a week of brisk riding, even with a party as big as there's. Brandon Baratheon, a solitary figure at the head the column would be riding his favorite black mare, Argo. He was dressed in full platemail, his massive greathelm decorated with a stag's horns and his greatsword strapped to his saddle.
Lyanna urged her horse forward as they saw the silhouette of the Red Keep, so she was next to her brother.
"Are you ready for this? Our next great adventure." Lyanna asked him, not quite able to keep the unfiltered enthusiasm from seeping in her voice.
"As ready as I'll ever be I suppose." Came the muffled reply, his voice thick and grave under his helmet.
"Are you nervous?" Lyanna asked him. The last time Baratheons' had been in the Red Keep, they had been occupying the throne, and it hadn't gone well for them. Lyanna would rather not have a repeat of that particular turn of the Game.
"We aren't our ancestors. They're dead, we're here." His reply came a bit harsh, perhaps moreso then he intended, as it often did.
"No, I suppose not." Lyanna agreed goodnaturally. She had never lived without her brother, so she understood him, even if others did not.
Brandon let out a sigh. "I suppose what I'm most concerned of is war breaking out, or losing you to things I can't fight. Things I can't see. I can't shake this feeling that only one of us will leave that city alive." His sister couldn't see it under his helmet, but her brother was grimacing at the thought.
Lyanna looked sharply at her brother and his concerns, understanding his concern but wishing she could counter it.
"Maybe I get married to a knight and live in the Keep and refuse to go back to Storm's End for whatever reason." She teased her brother, but she worried her voice let the joke fall flat.
He snorted at that, his rational mind unable to even grasp such a prospect as anything less then humor. "Right, and maybe I'll slay Daerys Targaryan and claim the Iron Throne."
Lyanna laughed at that, "Well, brother, stranger things have happened." She informed him as Robyn rode up and joined them.
"My Lord and Lady, we'll be at the Red Keep within a few hours." Robyn said and Lyanna nodded.
"Excellent. Prepare the herald and ensure our might is on full display as we ride through the city."
Robyn nodded at Brandon before she slowed her horse for the rest of the party. Lyanna's stomach flipped again. She was nervous, more than she'd care to admit.
"Would you like me to fall back as well?" She asked her brother, her voice small.
"No, you're a Baratheon as much as I, you'll ride alongside me, my equal." Brandon's voice was pridefull, boastfull actually as he said that.
Lyanna didn't have words to that, but she was thrilled.

True to Robyn's word they were there within a few hours. It was more elegant than even Lyanna had imagined.
"Announcing Lord Brandon and Lady Lyanna of House Baratheon." Their herald announced them to the gate keeper. Their party rode through the city, knights clad in plate bearing the golden banners of house Baratheon. Finally they arrived at the gates of the Red Keep.
The twins and Robyn, who Lyanna insisted stay with her, were escorted to the tower that the Wards would be staying in. When they entered the common room of sorts, Lyanna stopped at the sight of the giant bear.
"How...how did you fit a bear in the door?" She asked, honestly curious.
Brandon, saw the bear then glanced at his sister. He put himself between them, drawing to his full height. Horned helmet and platemail readily apparent. "Stay back Lya, I'll handle this beast."
"Oh come off it Brandon, if no one else is attacking the bear maybe he's like Winter, a familiar." Lyanna was excited by the prospect as it reminded her also of the fact that Manasa and Reed would be joining them shortly, if they weren't already here.
"Or it's a magnificient beast I can wrestle with." By the sound of his muffled voice, Lyanna could quite obviously tell he was excited by the idea.
Lyanna rolled her eyes but she smiled at his excitement.
"We'll find something else for you to wrestle...in the meanwhile perhaps you could take the helmet off? You must be roasting in that thing." Lyanna asked him.
With that, Brandon reached up and removed the might greathelm, revealing his prominent brow and steel blue eyes. "Fine, but if it makes a wrong move I won't hesitate."
"Nor would I ask you too. You'll have Robyn's sword with you as well." Lyanna glanced back at the Dame, who was eyeing the bear just as suspiciously.

---

---

It was odd for a sigh of relief to ripple through the mass of strangers as their figures appeared plodding down Roseroad. Not odd because they were strangers, no, for they were certainly not unknown in this part of Westeros. They were the House known for their cunning, their untrustworthiness and their deceit; the name that, alongside Lannister, was shunned from mention: Tyrell. The congregation of travellers had been looking forward to this day for three weeks, which was hardly anything in comparison to some of the other journeys across the land, but it had still evidently brought pain and lowered morale considerably.

At the heart of the group was a picture of serenity. A girl, no older than her late teens, sat atop a horse with an expression that betrayed nothing but calmness- a sight puzzling to most. As it always did, the way Iris held her head and maintained her rigid posture despite the restlessness of the animal beneath her practically reeked of superiority. Many a passer-by would stop and stare, only to respectfully incline their heads if her crystalline gaze happened to land upon them. It almost made her smile - being away from her homeland made her so much more precious, so much more important.

She had made her reluctance towards this journey very clear from the beginning. Her father, having set up a meal of her favourite sweet treats, had guardedly mentioned his intent to have her shipped off to King's Landing to be married. Her outrage was not a secret, unlike most of her other emotions, and she had expressed it very thoroughly amongst a torrent of insults and swearing. Most unladylike. The solution to her problem? Sex. It didn't even matter who it was with, although it was most likely her fucked-up 'beloved', Elden. The thought brought a brief glimmer of a smile to her angelic features, as her eyes scanned the crowd surrounding her for her bodyguard. The amusement left her expression almost as soon as it appeared as the assemblage of Tyrells drew to a halt outside the infamous Red Keep.

Iris's features portrayed nothing but a mild annoyance at the sight of the architectural masterpiece, and she slid from her horse without help. Absent-mindedly reaching up a hand to stroke the stallion's mane, she let the boy seemingly waiting for her approach them, a polite smile playing at her rose-coloured lips. It was from this standing position that it was easy to see the Tyrell in her. From the way her lips turned up in a secretive manner, to the way she kept her hands loosely clasped in front of her, it was clear to see where she had come from. After a second of waiting for her to introduce herself, the boy shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat. "Iris Tyrell?"

"Iris Flowers." The maiden corrected with a gentle smile, making to follow the boy into the castle. She didn't stop to give orders, as each Tyrell knew their place and how to help, neither did she stop to wait for Elden, whom she knew -or hoped, secretly- that he would be nearby. The room she was led to managed to get only a quirk of the eyebrow out of the girl, but as her gaze landed on the beast in the room, her mouth formed a perfect 'o' of surprise. Her gaze swept over what seemed to be a bear, and her mind immediately went to Elden, whom she knew would be intrigued by the prospect of having a bear as a pet, what with his love for animals and all.

After a long moment of staring at the bear, which now working itself into a frenzy whilst embracing a girl with long black hair whom she assumed to be a Stark, Iris's gaze swept around the room, lingering on each one of the occupants. With a barely audible sigh escaping her lips she muttered, more to herself than anyone else, "This ought to be fun." And, without intending to introduce herself, she made her way to one of the luxurious seats slightly, yet not quite noticeably, apart from the others. It was her automatic place, a seat close enough to be considered part of the conversation, yet distanced enough to not make a contribution to the socialisation.

---

Tiras watches the others enter the room and react to Onyx. He is sued to being looked over. With a small eye roll he faces William and his guard. "The bear would be mine...and he goes where I go" He gives a bit more space for the entrance way and watches his bear. Onyx was friendly, but often would get into trouble without him. He looks down at Moon who lets his tongue loll out the side of his mouth and sighs. Tiras trains his eyes back on Onyx and making sure no one kill him.

The next to enter and react caused him to bristle. His arms cross. "My bear is not some trick animal to wrestle" Each syllable nearly dripped with venom. Every time he speaks its like a soft rumble from a storm. Being that he rarely talks, his voice is always one that is heard. He watches as Onyx lumbers about the room sniffing everything and relaxes his arms. Now is not the time to become angry.

The next to enter came with animals of her own. Then...she brushed his bears mind. HIS bear's mind its clear from the way Onyx acted that that is what happened. He strides forward his eyes changing to an amber color as he walks. "Enough" The bear makes an unhappy sound and quickly moves to Tiras and lies down on his stomach next to him. Tiras trains his eyes on the stark and helps her up. Once she is up he steps away from her. "Kindly refrain from entering my animal's minds." Knowing magic is not fully accepted he whispers that part. Normally, he'd be happy to see another like him. But he has been poked at too much already. Saying his piece he chooses a seat. As he sits Onyx crawls over next to Tiras looking rather pathetic..like a cub that got yelled at. Moon trots over and sits on the opposite side while Atlas flies over to the back of his chair and fluff out his feathers.

---

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---

---

Myriah had been awake since before dawn. She had woken from a nightmare, and after reassuring herself for over an hour that it was just a bad dream, she finally got out of bed. She was too scared to even try and go back to sleep. So she sat in her window wrapped in her blankets, as she watched the dark night sky slowly changed to lighter blues as the sun rose up. The morning light made the water in the bay sparkle. The only thing she could see from the window in her bedchamber was Blackwater Bay, and some rocky cliffs, but this was the view she woke up to her whole life. The chilly morning air, and salty mist from the waters outside were something that always calmed her panicked heart. She tried not to think about the nightmare, but the cawing sound of the seabirds outside her window reminded her of it.

Muted colors, and eerie fog had been what made up the most of her dream. The sounds of scavenger birds, and flashes of a decomposing falcon, under a haunting full moon made up the rest. The last thing she saw before she woke up was swarms of ants, fish with razor sharp teeth, and blood red rain drops.

It was early morning when her handmaidens, Roslin Hersy, and Freida Myatt came inside to wake Myriah, and help her dress. "Good morning your Highness." they said in unison as they curtsied, and then got to work. They placed out Myriah's dress and jewels for the day. The blue dress draped over the foot of the bed, and the assortment of jewelry laid next to it. Roslin had been her handmaiden for the last five years now, and Freida has been for the last two months. The red haired woman was someone Myriah considered a friend, but in the presence of others, they both stuck to formality. "Morning already..." She said looking over to the two woman, and gently smiling. She glanced at the dress and wrinkled her nose. Maybe she should just throw it out the window, and then she wouldn't have to wear it.

The princess's mother had picked out all of her children's clothing today. She had told Myriah that first impressions were extremely important, especially with the wards arriving today, and then the queen proceeded to choose the only dress in Myriah's entire wardrobe that she disliked. It was too low cut and reveling for Myriah's taste. Something she would never had bought for herself, it had been a gift for her 16th name day. She had not gained the confidence to wear it yet, but apparently that didn't matter. It suited her older sister Illysia much better. In terms of body proportions, Myriah was thin, bony, and hardly a B cup. Illysia on the other hand had a perfect body, and could pull off such slinky dresses as this.

Sighing she got up from the window seat, and walked over to the dress Roslin had laid out for her. The light blue silk had a pretty sheen to it, but that was really the only thing she could admire about it. Taking off her nightdress she stood naked as the ladies dressed her in the revealing gown. They wrapped and tied the blue silk around her waist, and She glanced at herself in the mirror across the room. Myriah frowned and quickly looked away. She had no issues with how her body looked, but this dress was not for her. Once the dress was on, she sat down at her vanity, and Freida proceeded to brush Myriah's messy black hair into less wild waves. She typically wore her hair naturally down, and let it be. But today it was braided into the a popular style among the noble ladies at court.

"You should wear dresses like this more often. This silk is beautiful. Your skin looks amazing with this color." Freida said looking enviously at the dress, as she pinned Myriah's hair into fashion. Roslin rolled her eyes, and proceeded to make the bed behind them. Most people knew Myriah's preference for long sleeves and necklines that didn't reveal any cleavage. She also liked to hand embroider all her gowns, and before her mother decided to dress the family how she pleased for today, Myriah had been working on a gown for today. She had ordered some pretty blue linen, and spent quite a bit of time stitching a delicate floral pattern up the front of the skirt, and down the sleeves. The dress was now unfinished, and folded up in the trunk at the end of her bed.

"Oh Freida dear, you've just reminded me. Have the gifts been laid out in each of the wards chambers?" She asked Roslin who had finished the bed and was picking out a tiara for Myriah. "Yes the silks you and your mother chose have been left on the beds in their rooms. They are tied with the ribbons you made too. I can't believe you spent so much time making those. They are most likely going to be tossed away." Roslin said to her. "Well you know how mach I like needlework. Besides I thought they might appreciate it. Ribbons embroidered with their house colors and symbols, seemed a bit more personal then fancy dornish silk."

Today was the day most of the new wards would be arriving. Messenger ravens had been sent ahead of the traveling parties to inform the king of there timely arrivals. Last night at dinner it was all her younger siblings could talk about. Prince Aenor was extremely happy that he was able to convince his father to allow the wards to bring their pets. Ever the animal lover, he was just excited to see direwolfs, bears, snake, and the like come to the castle. Little princess Shaena didn't care either way, she was much to focused on her new strand of pearls, and pretty doll her mother had bribed her with so she would behave, and her Beloved Toran had already arrived three days prior. Prince Valerion had heard the stories about some of the wards triumphs in fights and was excited to meet them, he hoped to spare with them.

Now that it was daylight and it had been hours since she woke from the bad dream, she was feeling much better, and rather excited to see the new wards. Tonight's welcome feast was also something to look forward to. She really hoped nothing would go wrong today, that she wouldn't do anything crazy. Lady Freida finished fastening the silver tiara to her hair. As Roslin opened the door for Ser Leofric. Myriah stood up from her vanity table, and slid on her ring. "Good Morning Ser Leofric. Have any of them arrived yet?" She asked brightly as she referred to the wards. She walked across the room to greet him. He had been her sworn sword for three years now, and saw him as a kind of uncle figure.

---

---

Animals were nothing new to Reed, especially ones that were meant to be dangerous. He walked around with a direwolf at his side for gods' sakes. It was this background that allowed him to keep his cool when Tiras entered with his bear, which proceeded to investigate his face. Chuckling nervously he introduced himself. "Reed Stark.

The two weren't alone for long though. Soon enough a boy with golden hair and green eyes strode in, followed by a brown haired woman. Both were carrying swords, unlike Reed who'd come to the castle unarmed. It wasn't like he could do a whole lot of damage with one anyways. He knew who the boy was. Golden hair and green eyes, were the markings of a Lannister. He didn't know what to make of this boy. He'd be a pariah, that much was certain, although Reed couldn't pretend to not know the feeling. He'd always felt like an outsider in Winterfell. His father had warned him about the Lannisters though, he'd told him not to trust them. He stood up as the Lannister jumped behind his guard and smirked. "Willam Lannister I presume. I'm Reed Stark." He almost bowed but decided against it. No matter how much he related to this boy, his father had always taught him, wolves do not bow for lions.

They were soon joined by two more Wards, the Baratheons to be specific. Reed's face broke out into a grin and he rushed them, hugging them both individually. "Lya! Brandon! I'd almost forgot you two would be here," he said to his old friends. The Baratheons had visited Winterfell sometime back and he and Manasa had made fast friends with the other pair of twins. He'd been excited to hear that they'd be joining him in King's Landing.

His reunion with the twin stags was cut short however, when his sister entered the room. The bear, attracted to her like most animals were, seemed to have frightened her and he moved to her quickly. He placed a hand on her shoulder and had to stop himself from doing any more. This was not a place to show weakness, he knew that much. Besides, his words were lost as another girl joined the group, her beauty giving her away as the Tyrell bastard, Iris Flowers.

Talea's reproach stung a bit but Willam always had an explanation. "Well, if I'm behind you and bear is out to kill me then it has to go through you meaning you'll kill it. Simple enough really. besides you know how much I hate bears, if it was a shadow cat, or a direwolf then I'd be perfectly happy to take it on myself. But it's a bear."

"Willam Lannister I presume. I'm Reed Stark."

Willam bowed to the boy. "A pleasure Reed Stark, I do hope we can become fast friends." After that two people who Reed identified as the Baratheon twins entered, as expected they immediately focused on the bear. The young lord Baratheon received Reed's hug as anyone who knew him expected him too, stoically and without much emotion. Still it was a nice gesture to watch. After that a dark haired girl entered the room and as expected also fell prey to the shock of the bear, poor girl.

---

Brandon wasted no time at all rushing to help Manasa stand, surprised her brother hadn't done it himself. "Are you all right Manasa?" His voice an uncharacteristically soft murmur. Afterwards he stalked to where the boy from the riverlands was sitting, ignoring the menagerie of animals and bearing down on the boy with his full height.

"Look here, boy. You can't expect to waltz in with a ferocious animal that any person wouldn't come near and act like it's normal then get upset when it isn't. You may come from a place where your pets are perfectly accepted, but we're not there. Now, you will apologize to Manasa, and everyone else here whom you've let be accosted by this beast."

Brandon's steel-blue eyes were cold and deadly, his words dripping with as much venom as the boy gave him moments ago. His fingers flexed in their steel gauntlets as he fingered the hilt of his sword, begging for the boy to try something stupid.

---

---

Being slightly more introverted than most other Martells, the young Gabriel had, for the most part, remained practically glued to his second cousin's side. This had probably caused some grief for poor Toran, though. Earlier that day, Gabriel took the liberty of sneaking off toward one of the Red Keep's many studies, choosing the main library this time for his book reading. He had hoped to both give his cousin a chance to relax as well as seek out some peace for himself. Of course... that whole plan could backfire if he were to give Toran a panic attack. Oh well...

The Martells had arrived in King's Landing three days prior by ship. The journey across the gulf from the shores of Dorne had been long and arduous, with a relentless sun on most days, followed by a whirling storm that seemed to last for the first half of an entire week. The constant rain had forced him to stay in the captain's cabin, where it was warm and dry, in order to keep himself from falling ill. Needless to say, Gabriel was glad to finally set foot on land again and breathe the dry air of a fair and mild climate. If this calling to be a ward of the king had taken them any further north, Gabriel's parents would have reconsidered the very idea; but King's Landing was in a gentle enough place to live, keeping in mind the boy's lungs.

When a murmured ruckus was heard beyond the threshold of the library's main doors, Gabriel peeked over the heavy leather tome in his hands and saw several servants rushing down the corridor in the same general direction. Curious, he set the book on the cushion of the sofa he had been reclining in and made his way over to the door.

"Excuse me," Gabriel said, catching the attention of the one of the servants, who stopped to turn and bow their head out of respect.

"My lor- er- prince?"

Ignoring the common misappropriation of titles, the young Martell asked, "What's all the commotion?"

"More of the wards have just arrived, sir. They're gathering in the common room."

Allowing the servant to be on his way, Gabriel paused and pondered whether or not he should wait before meeting the others and seek out Toran and Reina, or if it was safe to proceed with introductions... Eventually, too eager to stand by on ceremony and find his cousins, the boy took off with a brisk walk through the keep until he found his way to the wards' common area. He could hear the voices of several that had already arrived, but was still rounding a few corners before fully entering the main chamber. When he finally came about, he paused to hide nervously in the shadows and glance around the room from a distance. He didn't know any of them, but he could take some educated guesses based off of the obvious apparel and designs, or by the descriptions of their persons from stories.

Gabriel also noticed the animals, of which there were several. Odd, but also fascinat-

"Is that a bear?!" he exclaimed excitedly. A wide grin appeared on his face and the boy forgot all manners before darting into the room unannounced with a giddy step. Seeing where the bear had chosen to lie down, Gabriel stopped in his tracks and then turned to the man that appeared to hold dominion over the large beast; the one with coal-black hair, a thick shadow, and dark clothes. "Is he yours?" he asked, collecting his bearing. "May I pet him? I promise I'll be gentle."

Judging by the expressions of the others, he was probably the only one in the room that had not been remotely startled, but playfully excited, by the presence of the bear.

---

---

Leofrics entrance into the chambers was followed by a curt nod to Roslin, a young lady whom by this point he was quite familiar with. Being the Princess' handmaiden for five years, the Knight from Tarth knew her even before he was appointed as a Sworn-Shield, and he even helped the daughter of Lord Hersy from an awkward situation with a young(and quite drunk) noble during the nameday celebrations of Prince Aenar.

"I hope you had a restful night your Highness." Leofric said after a courteous bow, his hand resting upon the pommel of his sword while watching Lady Myatt putting the finishing touches upon Myriahs tiara. With only few months under the service of the royal family, Freida was still within the zone of suspicion for the Knight, who was watching carefully for any foolish attempt. After all, a poisonous needle could be most efficient and truly unexpected.

"You already know that your Martell cousins arrived in the Capital three days ago. As of the rest of the wards, the Goldcloaks reported of their arrival this morning and most of them are already waiting in the common room as we speak. The Greyjoys and the Arryns of the Vale are still nowhere to be seen..."

"But I have to compliment the Queens eye for fashion. You look astoundingly gorgeous your Highness." Leofric added. As a Whitecloak, the pinnacle of Chivalry, it would be unacceptable to keep a courtesy from a Fair Maiden, especially if she was a Princess of the blood.

Interacting: @Nightwing95 @Emma

A stifled yawn peeled from behind the pale hand of the Dornish mercenary. Aeryn Sand, the bastard Dog of Dorne, grumbled slightly as he pulled himself away from the warm embrace of his bed. Being a personal guard had some benefits he must admit; his lodging were more lavish in the past year of protecting the Targaryen princess Myriah than he had been used to in his short but bright life as a sellsword under the guidance of his father Talhor Clegane. Once again a yawn sounded out and Aeryn stretched his arms out.

“The majority of the wards will be here today” a voice called out.

The long haired Dorne whipped around to the door that had opened while he groaned and yawned. The nude man stared hard at the handmaiden that stood at the door “I thought you girls had some manners? Decorum? Understood the concept of knocking before entering?” Aeryn mumbled, still groggy from sleep.

“We do, but you are a sellsword” the handmaiden paused “despite your long lived fixture in this keep” she said with some venom.

Aeryn, who had been up to this point been slipping on his traditional leather armour, the metal disks sewn into the garment resembling the scales of snakes, and his customary garish robes of onyx and amber, looked at the women with a raised eyebrow. “Here I thought the Martell Snakes were all I had to look out for when it came to venomous words” he smiled “are you stymied by my apparent disinterest in sleeping with you?” the oh so commonly seen sly grin snaked its way across the pale Dornishman’s lips. The handmaiden huffed and stormed off. Aeryn simply had to laugh as he grabbed his spear and sword. Fastening Mongrel to his belt and using his spear as a kind of walking stick to amuse himself, The Dog began his morning routine of padding through the Keep towards Myriah’s chamber. It was rare the days now that she would leave without him, so the Sellsword took his time meandering through the opulent keep. It was not covered with finery as the Martell’s enjoyed keeping their domain, but still far and beyond his own imagination.

Unfortunately for Aeryn, the keep was busy with the new Wards coming in from all over the land. Standing at a window that overlooked the courtyard and entrance below, Aeryn smiled coyly at the grandiose entrance of the wards. In entered the wolves of the North, the Stark boy and wild twin. He grinned, Stark's were known for their skill and Aeryn was quite intrigued by those Direwolves. Then a man with a bearm. Interesting to say the least. Then the telltale procession of a Lannister came. A growl escaped The Dog's throat and he spat on the floor beside him. Call it an age old feud, call it personal. Aeryn had a flare of hatred in his heart borne from the stories of what had happened to a Clegane last time a Lannister got their claws in. He twirled away from the window and resumed his patrol. None were too concerned with the usual presence of the pale Dorne with his robes emblazoned in the colours of the house of Clegane, fluttering as his strode along, so he decided to beeline to his contracted ward.

Apparently he wasn't the first to check in on the Princess of the realm. Her handmaidens, Roslin and Freida, had already fussed Myriah into a presentable state for the wards gathering and stuffy old Leofric was standing by. Aeryn liked the older man, he wasn't sure if the feeling mutual. Such was the way of the White Swords. You never really knew if they were doing something out of duty or their personality. Aeryn smiled his usual half smile at Leofric before moving past him into Myriah’s room. His eyes immediately ran up and down Myriah and he frowned. This was a dress for Illysia, not Myriah. But his frown immediately glossed over as he placed a hand on Myriah’s shoulder, whispering “I preferred the other dress honestly” to only her, before resuming his usual position by her side.

He recalled Myri’s excitement about her other dress, the nights she had spent working on it while Aeryn stood watch and told her stories of Dorne and his other ‘adventures’ as Valerion had taken to calling The Dog’s stories of bravery and honor; the grim reality of war being omitted by Aeryn due to a withering glare from the Queen on his first time dining with the family. That was an almost horrifying experience. One that he hadn't expected during his whole contract let alone within the first month of it. He recalled the look on some of the children's face. Odd time for a guardian of their known crazy sibling to join a meal. Aeryn had almost declined the offer until his stomach had grumbled. But the reverie was for later.

Aeryn stood straight and smiled at the handmaidens then bowed deeply to Myriah “Good morning Myriah, Roslin, Frieda” he smiled, the grin soft on his face for the women before him. His eyes flicked up towards Leofric “I see the Wards are imminent Master Leofric? I have Lady Myriah under watch now” he bowed, a grandiose gesture to be sure but one purely born out of respect for the old Sworn Shield "you may return to your duties unless you had further business with the ladies"

---

"Your confidence in me is nice," Talea said, giving him a grin, "But I'm not that good."
She noticed that the other wards had started to arrive, making sure to sheath her sword as not to scare them, giving the pommel a small pat as if reassuring a pet or friend. She nodded her head a little when she saw William bow, approving of the message it sent. She knew some of the history between the two houses, one of the few pieces of knowledge she had picked up from her time here. She put a hand on William's shoulder.
"I won't keep anymore of your time. Go and talk to the others, little lord," She said, teasing William with her nickname for him, "Try not to make any enemies."
She made her way over to the side of the room, staying out of the way of the wards. Hers was not a job of politics or social niceties. She would leave that to William. For now, she would just watch and learn.

She was careful to not look like she was staring as the other wards started to arrive. Her hand gripped the hilt of her sword tightly when the bear jumped on the Stark girl, ready to leap in if things escalated between her and the Tully boy. She started to draw it as the Baratheon inflamed the situation. Her number one priority was to protect William, and her mind was already racing through several different ways to do this. Even through all of this, she noticed as two others walked in, a young lady and a larger man standing behind her.
Another guard, she thought, knowing one of her own kind by the way he was standing and how he was looking around. He looked like her would be a formidable opponent in combat, a thought that both worried and excited her. Just when she thought the situation couldn't get any worse, a young boy rushed in over to the bear, his mouth working at a million miles an hour as questions poured out, all referring to the bear.
Fucking bear. Why couldn't he keep it outside? She thought, her heart already pounding at the tension which was lying in the air, ready to explode at any moment.

---

Tiras feels the others tall presence before they even utter a word. Then they do. He feels his own anger building, but quenches it. Slowly, he stands cool grey eyes meeting blue steel. "I am no more a boy then you. As for the beast he is more then a pet. Same with the other two." He walks around the taller man and his canine to stand near to his bear as another runs to the bear.

Tiras' brow raises, but he nods. "Yes to both." Moon trots to his side and Atlas flies onto his shoulder as he speaks. He turns to the others. "It would seem I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Tiras Rivers" As that statement is spoken he does a head nod of respect. It is clear he will not apologize for his bear and that he will not fight the stag. Here was not a place to fight or become angry even.

He exhales and watches as his bear slowly crawls to a more open area where he is easier to be pet. Both ears twitch as the animal lifts its head to look at the new comer. "The bear will be better behaved from here on out" In no way is that an apology, more of a compromise then anything else.

"Raise the gates!" A great cry went up at the walls of King's Landing as the roads were cleared for the advancement of a large column of cavalry. Lances glittered in the southern sunlight, bouncing with each jaunter of the hulking destriers. The white falcon on a field of blue gave them away as the Knights of the Vale; about fifty plated riders moving in a tight three-man column. Behind the impressive column, a similarly ordered company of men-at-arms filed in and looked on suspiciously with too many weapons to count. It wouldn't take a maester to figure out who they were protecting.

Slowing to a canter, the column tightened even more as they passed under the gates of King's Landing and onto the cobbled streets. Without much prudence, the knights rode on, expecting the crowds that had gathered on the busy morning to make way for them. Faced with a plated knight atop an angry destrier, anyone in their right mind would move out of their way and so they continued up towards the Red Keep without any resistance. Whispers ran like wildfire amongst the crowds. The last Arryn that had ventured out of their nest in the Eyrie was Roland Arryn many years before-hand, back when he was young and strangely spritely. Most of the rumours circulating about the family detailed that his daughter was a weak, sickly thing and that he locked her away in the Eyrie to make sure none ever knew of the Vale's weakness. This, understandably, caused a large amount of confusion when the rare glimpses of the Knights' charge showed a young girl who looked neither weak nor sickly. In fact, her chin was raised in silent pride as her flowing sky-blue cloak did little to hide the sword at her side.

The column flowed up through the streets of King's Landing until reaching the gates of the Red Keep. At that point, each side careened off and the detachment was split wide open, revealing the cloaked rider atop her white mare. They stopped right there, lances piercing the sky as they faced down the gates of the Red Keep. The horses jittered nervously as the young Arryn heiress nudged her mare into a canter, leaving her guards behind her. A lone voice followed her into the silence, a one Ser Roy Hunter who had trained her as a child. "Good luck, my lady." She advanced forward and the gate creaked open, emitting a glimpse of the inside.

Pausing, she pulled her mount to a stop and turned slightly, casting her eyes back to the stoic line of knights that had gathered to see her off. In the back of her head, she wondered which of them would still be loyal by the time she returned to the Eyrie. And, for the briefest of moments, she wondered if she would even make it back to the Eyrie.

Reaching up, she dragged her hood down, exposing a flurry of chocolate curls. Taking in one last glimpse of the Knights of the Vale, she turned her mare and advanced into the belly of the beast.

"Lady Alyssa Arryn of the Vale!" A herald sung and Alyssa frowned naturally. She disliked heralds - it almost felt like they were trying to announce their own presence instead of the noble names they were calling out. A servant darted forward, a boy who didn't look much older than she did but as he extended a hand to help her down, she climbed of her own accord and landed deftly. "Look after her." He seemed stunned as if she had told him she would butcher him where he stood but after a second, he took the horse and led it away.

Another servant approached and offered to guide her to the common room where the other wards were gathered. His offer was somewhat void considering she didn't have a choice but she humoured him anyways as she escaped the harsh southern sun. It was much too warm down in King's Landing for her liking - she was used to living on top a mountain fortress so the sun was an unwelcome visitor. Too lost in thought, she realised that the servant had disappeared and she had arrived at the door of the common room. There was already conversation from inside. Alyssa sighed and gathered herself - she had spent an overly extensive amount of time learning about those present. She felt like that would never quite prepare her for the real thing - people don't seem quite so much like cunts when you read about them; it's only when you meet them that you get to see the real side of it. It occurred to her that everyone in the room were going off the same rumours as the common-folk down in the city. To them, she was a weak and sickly thing - she would have to do some work on her image.

Rounding the corner, she entered the room and sighed inwardly. People were cunts. Animals seemed to outnumber humans, the most notable being the bear, a dog and a falcon. All owned by the cunt of all cunts. Or the son of the cunt of all cunts. Cunts had a confusing lineage. "It would seem I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Tiras Rivers"

She tilted her head, setting her jaw just to feel that familiar crack that reminded her that this was reality. Hatred had become a second nature for Alyssa. It was easy to hate someone you never met and swear you would drive your sword into them if you ever happened across them but Tiras was different. Tiras flew much further than what her hatred expected through no particular fault of his own. He stood there, living, breathing, and instead of shadowy figures she never knew, he was very real. He was no longer a nasty nightmare, he was alive and he could die. Maybe that's why she was getting all the nightmares? Because fighting shadows is a tiresome business.

"Ah, of course you are. Just like daddy then? I'm sure Daerys won't mind at all - maybe threaten to pull your navy out and he'll bend over and kiss the bear himself. What was it; the bear and the maiden fair?" Reaching up, she unclipped her cloak and draped it over one arm as she stepped amongst the gathered crowd. Her eyes traced every one of them, cold and unrelenting. "Tullies, Tyrells, Starks, Baratheons and Lannisters. Forgive me, but for the life of me, I can't remember what happened the last time we all met." A coy smile graced her lips before she turned and found a nice wall. Yawning, she casually leaned her small stature against it, finding some comfort in her riding leathers. This would be fun.