[b][i]Past seventeen days...[/i][/b]

The voyage to Kings Landing was uneventful. Her traveling party was on the smaller side, plain and modest as her father instructed. Alianne was accompanied by a handful of knights, her handmaiden [url=http://i.imgur.com/3skQbIC.png]Catelyn[/url], her tutor [url=http://i.imgur.com/l83cJVG.png]Ryndel[/url], her uncles sellsword [url=http://i.imgur.com/8KKIwYc.jpg?1]Aeryn[/url], and her pet rabbit Romilly. Over the 17 day journey she had been sitting in the carriage contemplating her new situation. She was getting bored of embroidering patterns on cloth, taking naps, and re-reading the same four books over and over again. Traveling was not something she had done often, and the expectations she had had about her adventurous journey were crushed as each day was filled with bumpy roads, boredom, and no baths. Travel had never been more dull. Catelyn was good at keeping Alianne distracted from her thoughts, but there was only so much one could take of idle babble, card games, and stifling heat. By the fifth day she was already missing her family dearly, and spent the next three nights silently crying her self to sleep. She had never been much of a crier, but she wanted to get it all out of her system before arrival, and by the twelveth night on the road she had.

She had only been to Kings Landing once before, back when she was seven years old. Her father had been invited to the crown prince's 8th name day, and after much pleading Alianne was allowed to go to. It had been a magical time, and her innocent memories of the castle were full of playing in the gardens with the prince, and princesses. It was the place she saw fireworks, and dragons for the first time. A place of nostalgic memories, and ignorant bliss of childhood adventure. She would soon be fifteen, and in her eyes she was not a child anymore. She had breasts, she had bleed already, she was more reliable then her own parents, and maturity was something that came naturally to her. The fact was she would likely be married off in the next five years or so. And the fact that her uncle also considered Alianne to be as capable as himself just amplified her belief that she was no kid.   

Her thoughts drifted to the conversation she had with her Uncle Emerson. He had come to her home in Riverrun over three weeks ago to speak to her about her upcoming role as ward, and what was expected of her while she spent the next few years of her life living in the red keep of kings landing. It was a long conversation, and by the end of it Alianne's mind was reeling. She knew how to behave, and what her duty was as heir apparent of house Tully, but after the long conversation with her Uncle, she was now under the impression that her time in Kings Landing was not to be a simple one. She had re-read the letter her uncle had handed to her the morning she left, more then a dozen times. The letter was now creased, and some of the ink was smudged from a few of her tears that had landed on the paper, but the words were still reassuring as ever. 

[i][color=fff79a]Dear Alianne,

I trust that everything was prepared accordingly, you arrived safely, and are well in your new residence. As you are now a ward of the King, and joined under the same roof by the heirs of the great houses, I expect you to behave accordingly, and find those few allies, among the many enemies that haunt the red keep. I believe you will do our family proud, and bring honor to your house, as long as you remember our words, and that this new place is not your home. My good friend Grand Maester Cerwick, and Lord Mace Redwyne sit on the small council as I used to. They have both assured me that they will keep an eye on you. Mace is also your uncle as you know, and it would be best to trust him with your private letters from now on, as we discussed. 

You represent the Tully family, and I'm thankful that your father made sure to send you as the ward rather than one of your younger sisters. The memory of Serena's idea of a practical joke still haunts your Aunt Doline. Your cleverness and high tolerance will keep you safe while residing there. I believe you know your father and I's hopes for a royal marriage, one to join our house with our friends the Targaryens. A royal match was promised long ago, and whether it be you, or one of your sisters, a betrothal to the crown prince is underway. Though, your father would settle for a match between one of my sons and the young princess, but as you know he lacks a broader picture. 

Make nice with the other wards, and keep yourself in check. I know you have no problems with being sensible, but the red keep has a way of bringing out the best and worst in people. During my time a Master of Ship I've have gained many friends among the court, as you will now do. I have sent for a Septa as you asked, and once she arrives in Riverrun she will take over as governess to your sisters, so you need not worry about your mothers moods. I would advise you to write to your mother as much as you can, so to keep her cheerful. Lady Doline has sent you a gown, and a pearl snood as a gift, she hopes you would wear them on your upcoming name day. They should be in you chambers when you arrive. Remember your place, and what I have relayed to you. As the saying goes, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Keep in mind everything we spoke of before you left, and never forget  -Family, Duty, Honor-

Yours Truly,
Ser Emerson Tully, Your Uncle and Confidant.[/color] [/i]

[b][i]-present day- [/i][/b]

Dressed in a simple empire waist [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/42/63/57/426357b32f60f9958e068db95762d76f.jpg]gown[/url], she followed behind the castle servants as they guided her way to her new chambers, and the adjoining common room where the other wards were gathered. Catelyn was at her side, holding Alianne's rabbit, and looking in awe at the grand silk embroidered tapestries that lined the walls of the corridor they walked down. Apparently they were one of the last to arrive, as practically all the other wards were conversing in the common room, and they had brought bastards and beasts with them as one chatty maid explained.  

The dark blue velvet of Alianne's dress accentuated the blue of her eyes. Crystal clear and the color of periwinkle flowers, her father always said they reminded him of his late mothers eyes. Alianne's long hair was half up in a crown braid that framed her face, and the rest fell like a soft waterfall of amber waves down her back. Her hair was extremely long, reaching all the way past her hips, and smelled like flowers thanks to the lovely bath she had at the Inn last night. She wondered how the Stark ward had gotten permission from the king to bring his huge animals [i]inside[/i] the castle, as her uncle had to pull string just so she could bring her rabbit with her. 

[color=f49ac2]"Catelyn, please take Romilly to my room, and make sure my things have arrived, I know you'll see that everything is in its proper place."[/color] she said to her handmaiden. Catelyn looked relived to be on her way, as she nodded and left with a maid to find were Alianne's belongings were being taken to. Alianne turned to enter through to the common room, taking a deep breath she went inside. [color=7bcdc8]"Lady Alianne Tully."[/color] the servant man who seemed to be in charge of opening the door introduced her to the room of adolescent nobles. It was a grand room, and quite a sight to see all the wards gathered together. Two huge direwolfs, a monster size cat, and a boy with a venomous snake was not something you saw everyday. She raised her eyebrows slightly at the scene before her, but other then that she appeared completely at ease. [color=f49ac2]"Its a pleasure to meet you all."[/color] she said politely as she took her set next to a girl with brown hair. She wondered why the king had them gather here rather then the throne room, or something more open.