Disclaimer: I don't own the A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Author's Note: As always, I'd like to thank everybody who is reading this story. I'd especially like to thank those of you who have followed and favourited this story. Also, Josh b, thank you for your review, I hope you enjoy what I'm going to do with this story. I hope that you all enjoy the chapter, and please feel free to review and tell me your thoughts on it. :)

Chapter Three: A Father's Pride

The day after they had arrived in the capitol, Artys was called to his father's office. He wasn't entirely surprised, in fact, he was pleased at the opportunity to spend time with his father.

When he arrived at his father's office, he knocked and then entered at his father's invitation. He smiled and closed the door, before turning to face the Hand of the King.

"You wanted to see me, father?"

"Yes, I did," His father nodded, a small smile on his face. "We haven't had a chance to speak properly since you arrived here. Come, take a seat."

Artys did so, and then waited patiently for his father to continue.

"I have read the reports of the happenings in the Vale while you were there," He noted. "You have done well, Artys."

Artys couldn't help the happiness he felt upon hearing those words. He had always looked up to his father, and to receive such praise from him was what Artys had always wanted.

"Thank you father, but truly all I did was my duty."

"You have worked to improve the safety of our smallfolk, Artys, not many lords consider their protection with any true care, and the fact that you have demonstrates what a capable lord you will be once I am gone."

"I did what I thought was best for the Vale, as you have taught me, father. The mountain clans were growing bold, and so ensuring that the defences around our most remote villages were strengthened was necessary. Those wildlings could not be allowed to slaughter innocent people unchecked"

"You are quite correct," His father said, nodding seriously. "And I am proud that you made that decision. Our people have been loyal to our house for many centuries, and it is up to us to ensure that that loyalty never wavers. Our job is to protect our people and to rule them honourably, never forget that, Artys."

Artys nodded in response to his father's words. "I won't forget, father. I'll do our house proud."

His father smiled at that, his pride showing clearly in his expression. "You already are doing our house proud, Artys,. I for one truly couldn't be prouder of you."

Artys swallowed at his father's words, a smile spreading across his face. "I...thank you, father. I am pleased to have made you proud."

"You have always made me proud, son. Now, I won't keep you, I believe you have a tourney to prepare for, do you not?"

"Yes, I do father," Artys nodded, and he began to rise to leave.

"One moment," His father said. "Before you leave, I have a request to make of you."

Artys paused, a little curious. He sat back down, and looked at his father questioningly.

"I wish for you to spend some time with your younger brother."

"What?" Artys asked before he could stop himself. He knew his father would see his dislike for this idea at once, but he could not hide it.

His father frowned, looking at him sternly. "Your brother needs someone to look up to, Artys, and who better than his own older brother?"

"But father, I-"

"Surely you see how this would benefit Robert, Artys. His mother is...very protective of him, and if he is to grow into a mature young man, he will need you to be there for him. He does look up to you already, you know."

Artys couldn't help the small disbelieving snort that came out of him at those words. "I cannot believe that, father." He said flatly.

"And why not? You saw how excited the boy was at dinner when he heard that you were jousting in the tourney. He admires you, after all young boys need a man to look up to. I am not asking a lot from you here, Artys. I wish only for my sons to get along as brothers should."

"I see," Artys knew that he sounded annoyed, but he couldn't help it. "I will see what I can do."

"Why don't you let him watch you practice," His father suggested. "I'm sure that he would like that."

"Yes father, as as wish." Artys muttered, and he rose, his earlier good mood gone completely. "I will leave you now, I know you must be busy."

His father sighed, and nodded and without another word, Artys left, and stormed away down the stairs.

He was fully aware that he was being childish. Robert had done nothing to him, but still, he did not want to spend time with the spoiled little brat. However, he had his father to consider. Now that he'd earned his father's pride, he wanted to keep it and so, he headed for his brother's chambers, trying not to scowl as he did.

Alyssa looked up from playing with her little brother when the knock sounded loudly at the door. Lysa wasn't there, she wasn't sure where the woman was but since she was gone, she'd been keeping her brother entertained.

"Come in," Alyssa called, rising from the rug where the toys were scattered. The door opened, and Alyssa stared in surprise as her twin entered the room.

"Artys?" She asked, not hiding the disbelief in her tone. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Robert, noticing his older brother, tossed away the toy dragon he'd been playing with and leaped up happily. "Artys! Have you come to play with us?"

Alyssa's heart hurt a little at her little brother's hopeful tone. He was only a child, and he had no idea that his older brother did not wish to be near him.

"Actually," Artys said, after a long heavy pause in which Alyssa hoped that he would at least try to be kind. "I wondered if you'd like to watch my jousting practice today."

Alyssa blinked at him. Never, not once in her wildest dreams, had she ever thought that Artys would willingly come here to seek out his brother.

"Really?" Robert asked, his little face lighting up. "You mean it? I can watch?"

"Yes," Artys said, trying his very best to smile. "You can. I...I'd like you to."

"Well, let's go!" Robert was excited now, and Alyssa couldn't help but smile. "Alyssa, are you coming?"

"Of course," Alyssa said, and she followed along behind her brothers to the training yard. For the first time in a long while, Alyssa truly thought that the relations between their family could be as positive as she'd always hoped for.

With her new positivity in mind, Alyssa walked to Lysa's chambers later that evening and knocked on the door. She waited, biting her lip, for her father's wife to answer.

"Come in," Lysa called and Alyssa did, giving her a smile and a small curtsey.

"Lady Lysa, I hope that this isn't a bad time." She said, looking across to meet the woman's blue gaze. Lysa looked a little surprised, which Alyssa didn't mind, after all it wasn't often that she paid the woman a visit like this.

"No, I suppose it isn't," Lysa said at last. "Why are you here, Alyssa?" Lysa did not offer her a seat, so Alyssa stayed where she was, trying not to be disheartened by this cool reception.

"Well," Alyssa hesitated, wondering if this was truly a good idea as she shifted her weight slightly from one foot to the other, doing her best not to look unsure. "I had an idea that I would like to discuss with you."

"I see," Lysa's blue eyes were cold, but there was a hint of curiosity in to er expression now. "What is this idea of yours?"

"Well, it is Robert's name day a few weeks after the tourney, is it not?"

"It is," Lysa responded, a frown crossing her face.

"Well, I wondered if I could be of assistance in helping prepare for the celebration. There will be one, won't there?"

Lysa's expression was tinged with suspicion now, and Alyssa couldn't help a slight frown.

"Of course there will be," She said. "But surely by then, you will return to the Eyrie, won't you?"

"Oh, no," Alyssa shook her head. "I would like to stay for my little brother's name day."

"Well, I suppose that Sweetrobin will like that at least," Lysa's tone was grudging, although she wore a thin, fake smile.

"I hope so," Alyssa responded, smiling as warmly as she could. "So, is there anything I could help with?"

"Well, yes I suppose there is," Lysa admitted after a long pause. "Although I must say, I am surprised that you wish to help."

"Well, Robert is my little brother," Alyssa said. "And our family has to be strong. We should help each other, shouldn't we?"

Lysa didn't say anything to that, she only looked at Alyssa coldly. "Well, if that is all you came for, Alyssa, I bid you a good evening. We can speak about this again tomorrow."

"Of course," Alyssa said, and she offered the woman another smile before she turned to leave.

"Wait," Lysa said, and Alyssa turned back, surprised.

"Yes, lady Lysa?" She asked, and the woman smiled at her. It was not a particularly kind smile, but it was the best that could be expected from the woman.

"You know, Alyssa, you speak such pretty words," Lysa said with false sweetness, a spark of malice burning in those Tully eyes. "I am sure, when your father gets around to sorting out your betrothal at last, you'll make someone a wonderful lady wife."

Alyssa did not know how to respond. Her father, and by extension Lysa, knew her reluctance regarding her inevitable marriage. She simply did not feel ready, and as yet her lord father had not pushed her about it. Now, to have Lysa bring it up almost cracked her composure. She shook her head slightly before controlling herself, and turning back to Lysa.

"You are too kind, lady Lysa," She said, her voice carefully pleasant. "I wish you a good night."

She left without another word and hurried to her chambers. Sometimes, she truly hated that woman as much as Artys did, the only difference was that she was better at putting her feelings aside and doing what was right for house Arryn.

As she hurried towards her chambers, she crashed into her brother who was just leaving his own chambers.

"Lys?" Artys asked, looking at her in concern. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Alyssa said, doing her best to smile.

"You looked upset," Artys insisted, catching her arm before she could move past him. "Lys, come on, talk to me."

"Is there a problem, here?" A new voice asked and the twins turned to see their father looking at them with a slightly concerned expression. "Artys? Alyssa? Has something happened?"

"That's what I was asking," Artys replied before Alyssa could speak. "I just ran into Alyssa, and she looked upset. I'm not sure why, that's what I was asking her."

"Nothing is wrong," Alyssa said, her voice firmer now. "Artys is just fussing father, I'm fine, really."

"Very well," Her father said after a moment, and he headed back to his own chambers.

"You aren't truly fine, are you?" Artys demanded, and Alyssa shrugged.

"I am, Artys, really. You have nothing to worry about."

Artys did not look at all convinced but finally, he nodded. "All right," He said. "Well...good night, Lys."

"Good night, Artys." She embraced her twin and then she went quickly to her chambers, closing the door behind her. As always, she'd kept the peace, she'd smiled and said that she was fine, even though she wasn't. Her job was to protect her family, after all, she had no business complaining over something that Lysa had said. And anyway, what good would it do? She shouldn't have taken Lysa's words so hard, but she had. Not that it mattered now, she thought, peace reigned, and Alyssa would make sure that nothing, especially not her, would ruin it.