274 AC
Highgarden buzzed with activity as Alayna led her younger sister to the stables. House Tyrell was hosting a tourney in honor of Mace's impending nuptials to Alerie Hightower. Neither of his sisters were extremely keen to spend time with his betrothed so Alayna arranged for them to sneak away for the afternoon. Everyone had been so focused on Mace, the eldest Tyrell daughter doubted anyone would notice they had gone missing.
Moondancer and Janna's little chestnut mare, Holly, were saddled and ready by the time the pair had arrived at the barns. Allowing the girls to make a quick getaway just in case Septa Gianna happened upon them. The blasted woman had nothing better to do than to bother them and Alayna wouldn't allow the uppity woman to ruin their fun. Both girls needed this more than any time spent sewing or reading fairy tales.
Alayna hoisted her younger sister onto the saddle with ease before vaulting onto her young steed's back with the reins to Holly's bridle still in hand. Only one-and-ten, the littlest rose wasn't as confident on horseback as her sister and often allowed her mare to push her around. Alayna knew that with all the extra people in Highgarden for the tourney, she couldn't risk her sister getting involved in an accident. A mishap would only set them back and their parents wouldn't allow Alayna to take Janna riding alone again.
Urging her stallion out of the stables, Alayna led them towards the back gate knowing they could sneak out that way easily. Ordinarily, the eldest daughter of Luthor and Olenna cared not what most people thought of her, but with Janna involved, she wasn't going to take any risks on their outing. With all luck, they'd be back in time for tea in the gardens before the evening meal and no one would be the wiser.
"Layna, I can take the reins! Father said I was old enough to guide Holly myself." Janna complained as the girls rode side-by-side down the alley towards the gate.
Alayna tutted at the girl, shaking her head, "Father's an oaf, Jan. He means well, but he's oblivious."
"Don't call father such names!" Janna scolded her elder sister with a huff, "He's a wonderful man."
"I'm simply stating a fact." Alayna reminded Janna, "The point is, he may say 'you're ready.' But the truth of the matter is that, you aren't stern enough with Holly to take her out on your own yet."
Janna pouted, crossing her arms over her chest, "I can be stern."
Alayna chuckled, reaching over to pat the younger girl atop of her head, "You have much to learn."
The younger girl rolled her eyes at her sister, but didn't comment on the matter further. Instead focusing her eyes ahead, only to frown and moan. Alayna glanced down at her sister with a quirked eyebrow before a familiar voice cleared their throat before them. Alayna's gaze snapped towards the direction of the sound to find their lady mother standing in their path. Slowing Moondancer and Holly to a stop, Alayna bowed her head in defeat.
"Where do you two think you're off to?" Lady Olenna inquired, her hands on hips as her dark hazel eyes regarded her daughters.
Alayna spoke up, not wanting Janna to take any blame, "With all the excitement surrounding the tourney, I thought it would be nice to take Janna out for a ride. You know, to get away from all the commotion."
Olenna's head tilted to the side as she moved toward her girls, "Indeed. And you thought you'd be able to sneak out from under my nose?"
"Yes, mother." Alayna acknowledged, shamefully, preparing to turn Moondancer back towards the stables and resigning herself to an afternoon filled with unnecessary gossip.
Janna, however, wasn't going to have any of that. A fire kindled in her cyan eyes as she pleaded with their mother, "Please, mother. Please, mother, let us go. We just want to go for a ride. We'll be back before tea. We promise."
"Janna…" Alayna hissed, knowing full well that their mother thought it was beneath them to grovel.
When no reprimand came, the girls waited with baited breath for their mother's verdict. Olenna considered Janna's words, debating them internally for several, assiduously long moments. At times like these, Alayna wondered if her mother was drawing things out on purpose to make them sweat instead of actually thinking things over.
"Oh alright." Olenna decided, a slight smile pulling at her lips, "Off you go. But be back so you can wash up for the evening meal. Lord Leyton and his family will be joining us and I want you both to be presentable."
Alayna could've jumped off her horse to thank the woman, but she refrained. Nodding, instead, as she untied Holly's reins from her saddle and handed them to Janna, "Lead the way."
Janna didn't require any further encouragement, letting out a squeal of excitement as she snapped the leather rope to urge her mare into a trot. The young girl tore out of the gate without another glance backward. Chuckling, Alayna was about to follow her sister through the gate, although at a less urgent pace. But she stopped by her mother, "Thank you."
"Nonsense, child." Olenna waved her off before the older woman's face turned as serious as death, "Bring her back in one piece, Alayna."
281 AC
Several weeks had passed by in a flurry of activity since Rhaegar's Name Day celebration. Although the court was still fairly uneventful, Alayna got to take solace in the arrival of her sister. It had been nearly five years since she'd seen Janna and her younger sister was no longer the girl she remembered. Instead, the littlest rose wasn't so little anymore, having blossomed into a buxom young lady of eight-and-ten. It was refreshing to spend time getting to know the young woman Janna had become and introduce her to the life Alayna led in King's Landing.
Janna got along swimmingly with Elia and Ashara. The older women were excited to take the youngest Tyrell under their wings, including Janna in every activity they'd endeavored since she arrived. Not surprisingly, Alayna found her younger sister was better suited for court life than she was. Conversely, Alayna felt a pang of jealousy regarding her sister's transition to life in King's Landing, especially after how she'd struggled to find her place. Yet within a fortnight, the girl had even found her own circle of friends, she began spending time with.
Eventually, the girls had seen and explored just about everything there was in the Red Keep. Alayna had guided her younger sister through every garden and corridor they were allowed to venture into. Alayna was beginning to run out of ideas and things for them to do, and hoped her younger sister wouldn't become bored of her stay and leave.
Early one morning, Alayna decided she was going to take Janna out for a ride in the Kingswood. It had been one of her favorite escapes early on in her stay in the capital. She had always been quite taken with the wood and knew Janna would love the change of scenery just as much as she did. There was something alluring about the ancient oaks and ashes, if they could talk, she wondered what stories they'd tell. Janna agreed to her suggestion without hesitation and the pair quickly gathered their companions and guards so they could go.
The young ladies swiftly made their way towards the stables after dressing and snagging a quick bite to eat, leaving their attendants scrambling to catch up. They were absolutely giddy to escape the city walls and explore the lands beyond. Alayna and Janna were so distracted with their planning, they nearly bumped into Prince Rhaegar and Ser Arthur as they rounded a corner of one of the main halls.
"Good morning, your grace." She greeted the prince with a polite curtsy before straightening up and offering a small smile to the knight at his side, "And to you as well, Ser."
"My lady." Arthur greeted her with a bow. Her jade eyes met his, briefly before she turned her attention back to the prince.
"Good morning to you as well, Lady Alayna." Rhaegar returned her pleasantries as he observes the group, "Planning on going for a ride this morning?"
Alayna nodded and gestured to her riding clothes, "Yes, your grace. I, myself, have a case of cabin fever. The weather has been favorable these past few days. It would be a crime not to enjoy it while it lasts."
"Truly." Rhaegar agreed with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "Where might you be going on your ride?"
"The Kingswood." She informed him, "Thought we might explore the woods some."
A spark of panic flashed behind the prince's indigo eyes before he gave her a thinly veiled warning, "The Kingswood is beautiful this time of year. Just be on your guard. There is a band of outlaws lurking in the trees."
"So I've heard. Worry not, I'll have my guards, your grace." Alayna waved a hand at the small regiment of Tyrell guards her lady mother had sent to King's Landing.
Rhaegar spared the men a quick glance, "A wise choice. I won't take any more of your time. When you return from your adventure, I'm sure Princess Elia would enjoy your company at the evening meal."
"Indeed, your grace." She curtsied once more, "Tell her it would be my pleasure to attend."
The two companies parted ways, Alayna took the lead of hers and urged them to hurry to the stables as they are wasting daylight. The mood of the group lightened and relaxed despite the prince's tidings. The day was sure to be full of merrymaking and she wasn't going to let anyone sour it.
"Alayna." Her younger sister began as she latched onto her arm, "Who was the Kingsguard with Prince Rhaegar? Why was he staring at you?"
Alayna quirked an eyebrow at the young girl, "That was Ser Arthur Dayne-"
"The Sword of the Morning? Truly?" Janna was nearly breathless, "Goodness, Layna, I think Ser Arthur is fond of you."
Alayna blushed and shook her head, "I highly doubt that, Janna. Ser Arthur and I are friends. Nothing more. He's a member of the Kingsguard. He has no loyalty but to the King and his family."
"I know, I know." Janna giggled, "I was just teasing you, Layna. Lighten up. You've become far too serious since you've joined the King's Court."
Alayna rolled her eyes at her younger sister, "I'll show you serious."
The eldest Tyrell girl sprinted away from her host, leaving her sister and attendants hollering behind her. Janna was hot on her heels. Breathlessly, they laughed, not caring if they weren't acting like the ladies they were supposed to be. The pair dashed for the stables where they had sent a squire to have the stablehands ready their horses. Alayna beat her sister to their rides and leapt onto Moondancer's back without waiting for the stable boy to offer her a hand. Janna wasn't far behind, though, as the younger Tyrell girl jumped into Holly's saddle.
With a quick crack of the reins, the horses bolted out of the barn, barreling out of the gates of the Red Keep and down Aegon's hill. The girls guided their horses towards the River Gate as a fishy smell assaulted their noses when they passed through fishmonger's square. Various merchants sold their wares on either side of the streets. But the girls were traveling too quickly to stop for shiny trinkets. They had much bigger and better plans for their day.
Once they'd passed through the River Gate, the girls slowed their mounts and allowed the rest of their company to catch up to them. The River Road ran alongside Blackwater Rush, it was busy at this time of day as fisherman prepared to take their vessels out into the bay. Huts and taverns lined the either side of the rush until they were beyond the walls of the capital and the river narrowed, slightly towards the open pastures beyond.
Crossing the bridge over Blackwater Rush, the girls' horses followed the Kingsroad south. Leagues of farmland surrounded King's Landing as far as one could see. Despite winter, having strangled Westeros in its grasp for many years now, the land was beginning to green again. Crops belonging to the smallfolk in the countryside appeared to be in good shape. With luck, the realm would see a bountiful harvest this year when all signs pointed towards the coming of spring. If Westeros needed anything, it was a chance to bask in the warmth of a new season so new life could emerge from the change.
"Just think, Jan, if we continued on we could reach Highgarden in three days." Alayna pointed out as she and Janna road ahead of the rest of their group.
They traveled at a steady, yet quick pace as they rode on towards the Kingswood. They had been riding for a couple hours now and they could just barely make out the tops of trees on the horizon. The air was lighter and more breathable here than the foul muck they endured in the capital.
Janna shook her head at her sister, "Mother said you wouldn't be returning home without a husband."
"Mother says lots of things." Alayna scoffed, "Have you heard of my impending betrothal to Jaime Lannister?"
Janna's widened, briefly before her lips pulled into a frown, "No… I hadn't heard anything of the sort. But mother doesn't often share news much with me. You've always been her favorite. When did she send the raven?"
"That's just it. She didn't send a raven." Alayna sighed, brushing her fingers through Moondancer's salt and pepper mane.
Janna frowned even more, "What? That's unlike her. If she didn't tell you, then who did?"
"Prince Rhaegar shared the news with me at a dinner party." Alayna revealed, knowing her sister still got starry eyed whenever she encountered the prince. It seemed that there weren't very many people who were immune to his otherworldly charms.
"My ladies," Their cousin and guard, Victor interrupted as he rode up alongside, "I suspect you intend to spend the majority of the day out in the woods."
Alayna spared the lesser Tyrell a glance, "Yes, that was our intent. What of it?"
"Well, you gave your handmaids little time to prepare any food or drink to bring with us. I suspect we will need to stop to gather adequate supplies." He stated, glancing back at the rest of the company.
Alayna's hollow stomach answered him, causing her to blush, furiously. She hadn't taken the time to eat much of anything that morning and suspected she'd require nourishment sooner rather than later. Glancing up at the sun, she sighed and then agreed, "Alright, the next town we cross, we'll stop to gather supplies."
A village of smallfolk on the fringes of the Kingswood was their next stop. It was a small, quaint town like many scattered throughout the area. A single main road cuts the village in half and old buildings of stone and wood lined either side. Most nobles wouldn't have given the town a second thought as they passed through either coming to or going from King's Landing. Woodsman who called the Kingswood home were simple people who made their livings off the land. Alayna recalled passing through this very place on her way to King's Landing. Typically, the villagers were fairly hospitable towards travelers as they brought revenue into their small economy. But the people much less welcoming than she remembered. What had changed?
Shifty stares and whispered conversations erupted around them as they rode into town. Victor ordered the men to gather the necessary supplies for the rest of their outing. Alayna and Janna remained mounted on their horses. Both women felt safer on horseback where they could make a quick escape if need be.
Alayna's mind wandered back to Rhaegar's earlier warning. Had the outlaws been affecting the smallfolk? Were they somehow involved in this change of behavior? Usually the smallfolk weren't so hostile towards highborns traveling through the woods. But these people seemed to glower at them. Their stares lingering as they milled about the company. Such peculiar behavior made Alayna uneasy.
"Layna, why are these people staring at us like that?" Janna inquired, her voice low so the townsfolk nearby wouldn't be able to hear.
Alayna frowned as she glanced around and nodded, "I see it, too."
"My ladies," Victor began as he returned to them, "I believe it prudent we depart."
The knight had also picked up on the unwelcoming atmosphere.
"Yes," Alayna offered him a curt nod, "Tell the men to finish with haste. Whatever they have will suffice."
"Yes, my lady." Their cousin bowed before he went off to gather the rest of their company.
They didn't need to loiter here any longer. They had already wasted a decent amount of daylight just to get to this point. Alayna hadn't originally planned a timetable into their day, but Elia's invitation hung over her head. Alayna wasn't going to turn down the opportunity to spend time with her friends, especially when she didn't know how much more time she had left in King's Landing. She was aware they needn't linger here any longer, especially if they were unwelcome. The sooner they were in the woods the better Alayna knew she'd feel.
The Kingswood was cool and damp in the shade of the canopy overhead. Birds chirped and sang among the branches while woodland creatures frolicked through the undergrowth. Vegetation thickened the further they journeyed into the woods. The trail they rode on was a thin, barren dirt path hardly there as they maneuvered through the trees. A stream babbled off in the distance, it's noise soothing and soft. However, the foreboding atmosphere of the ancient forest had Alayna on edge. Her mind saw dangers in every shadow. Ordinarily, she wouldn't be so nervous. But Rhaegar's warning kept repeating through her thoughts, disrupting what was supposed to be an enjoyable experience.
"Layna!" Janna called out from ahead, "Listen to the birds! I've never heard anything like them in the Reach."
Shaking her head, Alayna engrossed herself in the activity. Listening carefully, her keen ears registered the beautiful melodies of several different kinds of songbirds. Their calls crisp, clean, and sweet to behold as they floated through the trees. Southern birds were always pleasant to observe with their bright, flashy colorations and lively nature. Those of the Crownlands seemed to be of another world than those elsewhere in the realm. They were such a contrast to their low lit environment and seemed to thrive where it was darkest. Such creatures were the truest of gems that should be cherished.
Alayna shared a bright smile with her sister, "Yes, Jan, they are quite lovely, aren't they?"
Her sister beamed back as Holly carried her ahead. Alayna shook her head at the eagerness of the younger woman before she encouraged Moondancer to follow after them. She wasn't about Janna get much farther away. Janna was still, in Alayna's mind, her baby sister and someone so young and naive needed protection. Protection from what? Her mind seemed to chide her. There was no impending threat. No dangers to be concerned with. Perhaps she should just let it go for today. Worry about warding off unruly lords at court who might have unsavory intentions towards such a ripe young woman like Janna.
Soon the Tyrells sisters happened across a small stream hidden away from the trail. Throwing caution to the wind, the girls veered off the trail not heeding the warnings of those behind them. But the tranquil brook was little threat. It's trickling water seemed to sparkle in the beams of sunlight breaking through the leaves. Alayna slid out of her saddle to investigate the water further.
Upon closer inspection, Alayna caught a glimmer on the muddy bank and crept closer. Shells. Her jade eyes glimmered in the reflection of the water as her hand plucked the rigid objects from their resting place and offered it to her sister.
"Shells?" Janna's lilted voice inquired as she examined the item closer. The shells were dull brown in color, nothing at all like the those swept to shore by the Sunset Sea. Yet it beheld a rustic beauty unlike any either woman had seen before. "What are we going to do with this?"
"Collect them." Alayna's smooth, honey-like voice informed her as she continued along with the bank, hunting for more treasures. This time a burgundy stone caught her attention. Tugging the scarf from her neck, she wrapped the stone inside.
Janna reminded uncertain of this activity until Alayna happened upon an opal stone and tossed in her younger sister's direction. Janna's cyan eyes sparkled as she picked up the stone, "Mother would love this."
Alayna nodded, "Let's find some more treasures. You can give them to her when you return to Highgarden."
Janna's head bobbed, enthusiastically at the idea. Her light brown hair dancing around her shoulders as it fell from her braid as Janna slipped down the bank to join her sister in their hunt to unearth more unique riches from the creek bed. They spent the next several hours foraging along the bank and overturning stones while the rest of their company watched on.
Alayna stood upon a stepping stone in the middle of the creek as she attempted to fish a brightly colored shell out of the water when Janna called out in alarm from behind her, "Alayna! Look!"
Whipping her head around in the direction, Alayna's jaw dropped at the sight of three armed men approaching them. They wore old, worn clothes and looked like they hadn't seen a proper washing ever in their lives. The metal of swords gleamed from the belts on their waists. Their faces were dark and their eyes were trained on them.
"Run." Alayna hissed under her breath, "Get Victor."
Janna made a move to run back to the rest of their people, yet it was too late as a fourth man rustled out of the brambles behind them. The younger woman shuddered in fear and backed away from the towering cutthroat so she was closer to her older sister.
"Well, well, look what we have here." The cockneyed voice of a long necked man sing songed as he appraised the women from the top of the bank. He looked back to his comrades, "Two little ladies far away from home."
"Who are you and what do you want." Alayna demanded, standing tall. She knew she had to be brave or neither of them would get out of this.
All of the men cackled and bellowed, before they drew their swords and the goosenecked man spoke once more, "Now, now, I don't believe you're in any position to be threatening anybody."
Before Alayna could respond, a strong voice interrupted them, "Belay that, ser or you'll have to deal with me."
Victor and the rest of their guards surrounded the band of cutthroats. Their gleaming armor a beacon as they, themselves, readied their weapons. Alayna breathed a sigh of relief at the sight, knowing that their cousin would take care of this nuisance.
"That can be arranged." The man snickered as if the knight was a joke, his stance told them he was not backing down.
Soon the two groups of men collided in a flurry of swords. Alayna dodged and dashed towards Janna, grasping the younger woman's arm to pull her out of the melee. "Go!" She demanded, pushing Janna towards the rest of the company and their horses. The sound of sword song clanging in their ears as they escaped the onslaught. Janna glanced back over her shoulder and let out a painful whine at the sight behind them. Alayna turned her sister's head back towards the direction they were headed and saw pools of tears welling up in girl's eyes, "Don't look back again. Don't think about it."
"B-but" Janna choked and tried to warn her sister, but Alayna silenced her with a firm shake of her head.
The pair continued along the brook until they reached their handmaids, who were already waiting for the young ladies to return. Alayna helped Janna onto Holly's back, the mare looked panicked as she danced around her tie. Alayna prayed to whatever gods were listening that they calm the nervous nelly so Janna could be safely delivered back to King's Landing. Not hesitating, Alayna turned to untie Moondancer and as she did so she studied the steed for a moment. Despite the chaos around him, his large dark eyes were calm and focused. Scratching his shoulder, briefly, Alayna hoisted herself onto his back and announced, "Hurry! We mustn't linger here!"
Shouts and the sounds of battle drew closer sending all of their attendants into a frenzy of panic. Alayna shook her head at the wailing women and spurred Moondancer to lead the way since everyone else was too petrified to move. Tearing down the hidden path they'd followed earlier, Moondancer flew across the forest floor. His stride lengthening as he sped towards the safety of the main road. Hooves pounded into the dirt behind them until a red and green blur rode up alongside Moondancer as Janna urged Holly to match Moondancer's swift pace. Janna's eyes were as wild as her mare's as her head whirled around, looking for danger, "What about Victor and the others?"
"He'd want us to leave, Janna. We'd only get hurt or worse." Alayna reasoned, not taking her focus away from the path ahead of them, "We have to get out of here and back to the-"
The sound of furious hooves could be heard hurtling behind them. Out of the corner of her eye, Alayna saw an archer notch an arrow and let it fly straight towards Janna. A silent scream bubbled inside her throat as she watched the shaft whiz by Holly's eyes, causing the mare to rear and dump Janna onto the forest path. In a chestnut burr, the horse took off into the depths of the woods away from the commotion leaving Janna in a heap unprotected from the outlaws that were closing in.
Whoaing Moondancer, Alayna jumped off her steed and crouched beside her sister, "Jan, are you alright?"
"I-I-I'm f-fine. Wh-what happ-ened?" Janna croaked, her eyes glistened as tears poured down her cheeks.
Alayna opened her mouth to answer her, but another arrow cut across the sky above their heads. Without a second thought, she scooped up her sister and deposited her in Moondancer's saddle. It took Janna a moment to register what Alayna was doing, but it was already too late.
Listening to the voices as they drew closer, Alayna recounted internally how long it would take Moondancer to reach the Kingsroad. She knew he wouldn't make it out of the woods if he had to carry both of them. So she had to make a choice and her decision was easily made.
"Layna, what are you doing?" The younger Tyrell inquired. Her frightened voice turned Alayna back to face the girl.
Alayna's hand caught Janna's as it reached out for her, "I need you to listen to me, Janna. Go back to the keep. Find Princess Elia. Tell her what's happened. She'll know what to do."
"What? No!" Janna shook her head, desperately as she realized what Alayna was about to do, "You're mad! Don't do this!"
Alayna offered her younger sister one last sad smile, "Go! You must hurry or they'll take you as well! Don't look back!"
Pulling her hand from her sister's grasp, Alayna moved away and swatted the stallion on his rump causing him to rear up and shoot off down the path. As she watched them ride away, tears welled up in Alayna's eyes because she knew this could be the last time she ever saw her sister. Wiping the hot, salty moisture away with the sleeve of her tunic, she focused on the fading sounds of Janna's retreat and the thundering footfalls of her captors. Mustering up all the courage Alayna had within her, she whirled around to face them only for a blow meet the back of her head and darkness overtake her.
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who had read, followed, favorited, and reviewed The Wildflower! You guys have continued to blow me away and I cannot explain how much I appreciate you!.
Replies:
angelicedg x2: Sorry I've missed your reviews and thank you so much! I'm glad you are enjoying Alayna's story. Alayna and Arthur are just too cute. Isn't it great how neither of them realize what they are feeling? Don't worry they'll get together eventually.
Calh: Thank you!
Up Next: Alayna comes face-to-face with the Smiling Knight.