A/N: I own nothing except my OCs. A Song of Ice and Fire is owned by George R.R Martin.
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Dipsyy: Haven`t decided on that yet, though I have a planned story with Ashara as the pairing.
-Heart`s Home, 274 AC-
The ride to Heart`s Home had been a long and bumpy one. Alyssa could rarely think of anything before the road`s obstacles brought her back to reality. Strangely enough, Jon did not seem bothered by it in the slightest. Alyssa envied her father in this instance. The seat of House Corbray was smaller than Alyssa had expected it to be. Outside the entrance she saw two male individuals. The servants helped Alyssa step out of the carriage.
"Lord Arryn" the elder man greeted Jon.
"Lord Corbray" Jon greeted back. The two men shook hands before turning to Alyssa.
"It is a pleasure to meet you my Lady" Lord Corbray bowed.
"My Lord" Alyssa curtsied.
"This is my son, Lyonel" Lord Corbray tapped his son`s shoulder.
"M-My Lady" he bowed while stuttering.
"My Lord" Alyssa curtsied with a smile.
"Now, let us head inside" Lord Corbray stated. They all nodded in agreement. A pair of soldiers opened the doors to Heart`s Home. The servants stepped aside, letting the four nobles enter the estate. It was no were near as pretty as the Eyrie had been. While hiding it, Alyssa did feel slight disappointment at this. Lord Corbray led Jon, presumably, towards a place where they could speak in private.
"M-My Lady" Lyonel spoke up, bringing Alyssa`s attention to him. "Would you like to see our garden?" he asked.
"Indeed, I would like that" Alyssa replied with a polite smile. Lyonel nodded and began walking, with Alyssa trailing behind. It did not take long for them to reach their destination. While small, the garden was neatly decorated. Pots with flowers and shrubbery were placed all around the garden. "It is quite small" Alyssa whispered under her breath. She walked over to a yellow flower.
"Let me show you your chambers" Lyonel said, walking off. Once again, Alyssa followed him. They stopped in front of a door with a single soldier guarding it. He stepped aside, letting Alyssa enter the chambers. They were smaller than her chambers in the Eyire, not that she minded. Servants had already moved her belongings there. She sat down on the bed, feeling the sheets. She was brought out of her thoughts by knocking.
"Enter" she called out. The door opened to reveal two girls around the same age as Alyssa. The leftmost one had short brown hair that reached below her ears, brown eyes and a heart shaped face. The other one had long black hair, blue eyes and a slim figure. She wore a yellow dress while her brown haired companion wore a lime green one.
"Good evening, milady" the black haired girl greeted with a courtesy. "I am Betha and this is Mira, we have been tasked by Lords Lyonel and Artys to serve you."
"My brother asked you?" Alyssa asked. Mira gave a court nod as a response. Alyssa smiled softly to herself, "To think he would care this much. Betha, could you brush my hair?"
"Of course milady" Betha nodded before walking over to the desk in the corner.
"Mira, would you please get me some tea?" Alyssa requested.
"Yes milady" Mira bowed before exiting the chambers. Alyssa sat down in her chair, holding a mirror Betha had given her. The handmaiden then proceeded to brush the young lady`s hair. Alyssa found that she was doing it well, though Betha was brushing very carefully. The handmaid hummed as she brushed Alyssa`s hair. "Is this good milady?" Betha asked.
"You are doing fine, no need to fret" Alyssa replied with a smile. Betha nodded silently and continued her work. After a few minutes had passed, Mira returned with a tray carrying a tea pot and a cup. Placing the tray on the desk, she poured the cup full with tea. Taking the mirror from the young lady`s hands, she handed her the cup.
"Thank you" Alyssa said before taking a sip.
"…Would you like some cake with that tea milady?" Mira asked.
"Not now" Alyssa shook her head in response.
"If you insist milady" Mira said.
"However, you can hand me the tray" Alyssa stated.
"Yes milady" Mira said with a stiff bow. She handed the tray over to Alyssa, who placed her teacup on it. Mira placed the tray on the desk, handing the mirror back to Alyssa.
The dinner had passed by quietly. Neither Lyonel, his brothers, Lyn and Lukas, or Lord Corbray had spoken as they ate. The servants cleared the table of food and drinks before cleaning it. Lukas, Lyn and their father walked off, leaving the betrothed pair alone.
"My Lord" Alyssa spoke.
"W-What is it?" Lyonel asked.
"Could you take me to the Sept?" Alyssa asked.
"Of course, my Lady" Lyonel replied. The pair left the dining hall, the heir of Heart`s Home leading the way. "Do you pray often, my Lady?" Lyonel asked.
"Not very" Alyssa replied. "I usually pray in the morning, after a meal and before I go to bed."
"I see" Lyonel noted.
"How about you my Lord?" Alyssa asked.
"Oh, I-I don`t really pray" Lyonel replied.
"Mh" Alyssa hummed in reply. As they continued walking, Alyssa hummed "Gentle Mother", a song her mother taught before she passed away. They soon reached their destination. The Sept was located next to a narrow bay where the Snakewood was northeast along it. As with the Sept at the Eyrie, statues of the Seven Gods of the Faith of the Seven where inside, encircling the seven pointed star on the floor.
"I will be by the entrance, c-call if you need anything" Lyonel stated.
"I will, thank you my Lord" Alyssa smiled. The young lady of House Arryn walked to the center of the Sept, knelt down and mentally prayed to the Mother for the safety of her family, the Crone to grant her brother wisdom and the Warrior to give her father strength.
A/N: Alyssa has now met her betrothed and his family. Fun fact, this chapter was originally going to follow both Artys and Alyssa`s POVs. I changed my mind however. Here`s a question for you readers, what is your favourite religion in the Seven Kingdoms? I`ll give my answer next chapter.
As always, thank you to everyone who has favorited, followed and reviewed. Have a fantastic evening, see you all next chapter.
