The Bastards of Winterfell

The Kingsroad

Sleep did not come easy for Alyanna, her mind was racing with thoughts of Jon leaving for the wall. Sandor had also crossed her mind.

The abnormally large not a knight, had left her wanting to spend more time with him. He was a quiet man, mysterious. Easy to anger, she noticed during their encounter.

She couldn't help but wonder how he got his scar that covered half of his face. Had it been during war? Possibly a punishment of some sorts from the king? She thought to herself. Alyanna was determined to learn more about him during his stay, other than his name and that he was not a Lord or a Ser.

Raising from her seat in front of her mirror, pleased with her appearance for the day. Alyanna left a sleeping Luna in her chambers. She made her way out into the training yard to try to find her twin brother.

She arrived to find not one of her brothers, even Theon was missing from their usual spot in the yard. Curious, she made her way towards the sables. There she found Robb saddling his horse.

"Good morning sister." He beamed at her. Smiling she moved forward to embrace her brother, feeling as if she hadn't spent much time with him as of late.
Pulling back she asked "Have you seen Jon this morn brother?".

"We are to leave soon on a hunting trip with father and the king. I assume he will be dressing for the day" He said turning back towards his horse. "Father told me he wishes to speak with you before we leave."

"I best go and find father then, stay safe on your trip dear brother." Alyanna sighed, moving to leave the stables.

-

Alyanna could not help but feel nervous making her way to her father. She worried word had gotten to him of her wandering in the cold at such a late hour, or much worse, that word had gotten to him of who she spent that time with.

As she approached Lord Starks solar, she paused. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she knocked to enter.

"Come in." She heard her father say. Opening the door she slowly entered the room before closing it behind her.

"Father. You wanted to see me." She smiled towards her father, receiving a warm smile back. "Yes take a seat Alyanna." He gestured towards the empty seat in front of his study.

"As you have most likely heard by now, King Robert has asked me to join him in kings landing as his hand." He said, voice suddenly more serious.

"I would like you to join me, along with your sisters." He paused looking towards her. Alyanna kept her face straight, showing no signs of weakness. Inside however, she was screaming.

There was nothing she could want less. To leave her home, the place she had grown up and her brothers behind was a thought she could not bare.

"Being hand of the King is a great honour, and will take a lot of my time. I would have peace of mind, knowing you are with me to watch over your sisters." He sighed taking his oldest daughters hands in his own.

Alyanna looked to their conjoined hands, releasing a sigh of her own. Maybe a change of scenery wouldn't be too bad. The capital is said to be beautiful, she could spend some time exploring with Arya. "If this is what you wish father, I will watch over the girls." She said sending a small smile his way.

Ned smiled back to her. "It is my child. I know this will not be easy for you, leaving Jon for such a long time. For the first time if I recall." He joked.

"From what I hear father, it is Jon who has been planning to leave me." She sighed once again. Worry taking over her features.

Ned stood to move towards his daughter, lifting her from her seat, holding her at arms length. "Don't worry about your brother sweet one, he can handle himself. He will find great honour manning the wall." He assured.