To the West

Subject: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 3:38 am

Lotta woke with a gasp, beads of sweat covered her body. She had just had a dream that her entire family had vanished on a trip to visit her in America. Their faced sad and hopeless as their plane crashed into the ocean. She would now be afraid of ever asking them to come and visit her.

The first thing Lotta noticed upon opening her eyes is that she was no longer in her own home. She was in a stone room, decorated much like a room straight out of BBC's Merlin or Game of Thrones. The clothes she wore were not her own. The nightgown, a beautiful lilac in color, was far from anything she had ever owned.

Where am I and how did I get here?

She noticed a gown, a beautiful shade of red with gold trim, was laying against a chest near to her dresser. Below it were a simple pair of flat black shoes. The gown, she could tell straight away, was another thing straight out of a medieval television show. Regardless, she donned it and brushed her hair before heading out of her bedroom door to see what was going on.

She could smell food from down a hallway, and began to walk in that particular direction, hoping that someone would be able to tell her what was going on. Through the door was a dining hall. There, sitting at the table, was none other than Tywin Lannister.

Have I lost my mind...? She knew were she was in that moment. She was in Lannisport, just outside of Casterly Rock, where the Lannisters lived. I must be dreaming...This has to be a dream...

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:09 am

Tywin was pushing the contents of the bowl before him around with his spoon. The mush he had just tried to consume was more than unworthy of the action. He surrendered the spoon distastefully and grabbed some of the grapes that were adorning the table with their grace. He plucked a handful from the vines and began to delicately place them in his mouth when none other than his youngest child walked through the dining hall doors.
"Ahh, Drueta, how wonderful to see you, my darling. I trust you slept well?"
He stood then, reaching his arms out to greet her.
She was his pride and joy. The only child of his who had not, in one terrible way or the other, disappointed him in the least. She was absolutely, perfectly divine.

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 3:03 pm

If Lotta hadn't been surprised before, she surely was now. Tywin Lannister, the mean father of the Lannister children, was talking to her as if she were an angel. As if he adored her above all else. Drueta he had called her. Knowing she couldn't just ignore him and the embrace he was trying to give her, she walked over and into the Lord's arms.

"It's wonderful to see you too, and yes I slept very well."

She assumed that she must be his youngest daughter, which to her was interesting. His wife had died giving birth to Tyrion. Did that mean he had a different wife who had given birth to her? Or did she die giving birth to her instead? No, that couldn't have been the case.

After she had hugged him for quite some time, she pulled away and looked down at the dining table. He had been eating grapes when she walked in and she couldn't help but notice how good they looked at that moment.

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:21 pm

Tywin grinned, pleased that she was doing well. He took his seat and continued to eat the grapes, then decided to eat his biscuit instead.
"Well, sit down, you don't want your breakfast to grow cold."
He sneered at the mush before him and beckoned for his servant to return it to the kitchen for him.
"You may have it, if you wish, but I do not care for it today."
He dismissed him then, turning back to his daughter and taking a drink from his chalice.
"Did you have any dreams of interest, my dear one?"
He popped another grape into his mouth, savoring the juices gushing out of the skin.

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:41 pm

Drueta, as she learned her name was to be, listened to her father and took her seat at the table. She eyed the mush that he had just sent away and dismissed it herself. It looked horrible. She began to pick at the grapes herself, glad to savor their taste in her mouth.

"I did dream, but the dream was of no importance, father." She picked up her own biscuit and began to eat it.

This is the weirdest thing I have ever thought to experience. Of all the families I could have been a party of if I did end up here. Why House Lannister?

"What are the plans for today, father?"

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:26 pm

Tywin dabbed at his mouth with the cloth sitting by his plate on the table and turned to Drueta.
"I'm surprised you've forgotten, my love."
He cleared his throat and took another drink.
"It's far too dangerous at the moment for you to continue your stay with me here. My enemies are becoming cruel. I actually received a message yesterday, which I did not tell you about, threatening your abduction. I've made arrangements to send you to your brothers and sister in King's Landing. It'll be a long journey, and I apologize for it," he stood then and came to stand directly behind her, "but I will not risk your safety here any longer. No one knows of this plan, not even your siblings. I thought it best that way. Today, as you were wondering about, is to be full of last minute preparations for your travel."

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 6:09 pm

Drueta could tell with every word that Tywin Lannister spoke that he truly cared about her. During the series he had never once seen him speak to any of his children this way. She knew that it wasn't because she was the youngest, no, but she couldn't figure out why he thought so highly of her. Why of all of his children he loved her and adored her. She looked up at him and smiled sweetly, as any daughter would do for a father she loved and adored.

"I must still be half asleep, father, I apologize." She let out a small sigh. "I'll miss you dearly, but I understand what you must do to keep me safe."

Honestly, she didn't like the idea of going to King's Landing one bit, but she didn't like the idea of being stuck here if the enemies were closing in either. She didn't feel like being killed when she had only just gotten here.

"Will I be leaving tomorrow, then, or this evening after dark?" She knew that people often slipped away at night to avoid suspicion.

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 6:48 pm

Tywin stood then, no longer able to refrain from being near her. There were moments she reminded him so much of her mother. It was both painful and magical all in the same breath. He approached her and took her hand in his, kneeling next to her, placed a kiss on her knuckles.
"You are so much like your mother, my dear. I do wish she could be here to see how much you have grown. And how beautiful of a woman you have become..."
He almost choked up then. Feeling the sob reach his throat, he quickly swallowed it down, not showing any hardship near his daughter. He stood.
"You shall leave after nightfall. We need to make sure no one sees that you leave."

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 7:27 pm

If Drueta hadn't been shocked by Tywin's behavior before, she surely was now. He did love her, very much. More than her own father ever had. Tears started to wet her eyes at his words and she could feel her heart aching for him. He missed his wife very much, and she was just a painful yet miraculous reminder of the woman who had stolen his heart.

"She would be proud of you too, father." She set her free hand on top of his own. "She'd be proud of the way you raised me, all on your own."

She leaned forward and pressed a small kiss to his forehead. She wanted him to feel cared about, which is something she guessed he often hadn't felt before her arrival in Westeros.

"I love you, father." She may not have loved him, but she knew she was supposed to, and had no problem saving it to get rid of some of the pain she saw in his eyes.

I'm a Lannister because I have a purpose here. I am his daughter because I am meant to be.

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 7:57 pm

Tywin couldn't stop the tears then. They slowly began to stain his cheeks, and he wanted to execute himself for it. He made his way back to his place at the table and grabbed a very large and red apple. He bit into it, the juices flying about, and sat down. His tears soaking into the age lines of his face.
"Thank you for your kind words, my daughter. You, of course, know that I love you as well. Now, finish your eating and get about."

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 8:37 pm

Drueta knew that her father was embarrassed by his tears, but she had accomplished what she had set out to do. She had made him feel loved and cared for, and for that she was proud. She quickly finished the food that was on her plate, making sure not to forget her manners in the mean time, and then excused herself to pack. She knew that she had a long day of it ahead of her.

When she had finished packing, making arrangements for the things she wasn't taking with her, and had everything in order she met her father down in the main hall of the castle. She knew he'd be waiting there for her. He was going to escort her to those that would be taking her to King's Landing. She didn't know why, but she was sad about saying goodbye to him. It wasn't very often you saw Tywin Lannister show any emotions. Hell, you never really did.

"Father..." She approached him slowly, not wanting to startle him.

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 9:04 pm

Tywin was standing in the hall, alone, waiting for his daughter to come so he could say his farewell. He hated to see her go. In all her years, he had never once sent her away for more than a few days. This was going to be a longer stay than he ever wanted to send her off to. He sighed, surrendering to the emotions that were threatening to surface. He was far too tired to keep them at bay tonight. All he could do was cry.
When Drueta had spoken, he was silently sobbing. To him, this felt like he were saying good-bye to both Drueta and her mother.
Beila...
He turned to face her, wiping his tears before doing so.
"Ah, there you are. How was the rest of your day?"

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 9:44 pm

When Drueta had laid eyes upon her father she knew he had been crying again. She never once saw him cry in the series, and she felt a pang of guilt through her chest. She knew it was because of her mother, and because of her, because she reminded him so much of her. She could only imagine how hard it was for him to send her away that night.

"It was fine, but I would have much rather of been spending it with you." Her words had started out strong, and broke into a whisper at the end. She felt so horribly for causing him this pain. Before arriving in Westeros she wouldn't have cared to see this man cry, but now she was attached.

She looked behind him at the guards who stood down the hall, quietly talking amongst themselves. She assumed they would be the ones taking her away from her home and off to her siblings.

"I wish I didn't have to go." She looked down at the floor and then back up at her father. "I will see you soon, right?"

She knew she wouldn't and he knew she wouldn't, but she knew he would lie to her for both of their sakes. She could feel it in her bones.

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 10:13 pm

A smile was forced to his lips then, knowing he needed to console her in anyway that he could. It would be months before they met again, and he couldn't bare the thought. But he had to do whatever he could to protect his youngest child. The only one he truly loved, without a question. She never did him wrong. Never crossed him. Never caused him intentional pain.
"Soon, little dove. Very soon."
He kissed her softly on the mouth, knowing this would be good-bye for some time, and walked to his chambers, unable to bare another moment of saying good-bye.

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 11:11 pm

Drueta watched her father walk away and tried with all her might not to call out to him. She felt so horrible. She felt emotions she knew were not hers and they must have been emotions from her past. She pulled her hand to her chest, the pain no longer emotional but physical as well.

"We should go, my lady." The guard, she could tell, didn't want to interrupt her but knew they must make haste so that they were not seen. She looked down the hall her father had disappeared through and sigh.

"Okay, I'm ready." She pulled her hood up over her head and followed the guards out, not sure when she would see the only family member she felt attached to again.

Subject: Re: To the West Fri Aug 17, 2012 11:31 pm

There were four guards escorting Lady Lannister to her brothers and sister in King's Landing: one manning the front, one taking up the rear, and two on either side of her, all on horses. The weather seemed promising enough. If it kept up this way, they wouldn't have to stay camped until a storm subsided.
Thero was among this group of guards. Growing up, he had been one of Jaime Lannister's closest and dearest friends, which was probably why Tywin had trusted him to gather this group of guards to take his precious gem so far. He was proud that he could be so trusted by him. His father would have been too.
"Forgive me, my lady, but I must ask you... Are you going to be alright in King's Landing? If need be, I can request that I stay with you to watch over you. I couldn't bare the thought of hearing you had been harmed..."
Thero had always loved Drueta. Since she was small girl he felt a sense of protection over her, a sense of needing to be around her. Now that she was grown and very much a woman, he would have done anything to have been the proper stature to wed and bed her.

Subject: Re: To the West Sat Aug 18, 2012 12:05 am

Drueta was off in her own head, thinking about what it would be like to arrive at King's Landing, when one of the guards addressed her. At first she couldn't process his words, but once she had, she responded the best she could.

"I'm sure I'll be alright, Ser, but if it would make you feel better knowing you can keep an eye on me than I will not protest." She assumed he had been chosen for this trip for good reasons, and if her father trusted him than so did she.

Jaime and Tyrion were not going to be too hard to deal with, but she in no way looked forward to seeing her sister. She had always wanted her character to just die already, which made her feel a bit guilty because of the blood they now shared, but if she could avoid her she would not have any complaints about it.

"How long is the ride from here to King's Landing?" She asked no one in particular and hoped the answer wouldn't be too far.

Subject: Re: To the West Sat Aug 18, 2012 12:49 am

Thero let out a small chortle at her question.
"Already weary of traveling, my Lady? Ha ha!"
He shook his head and continued riding forward.
"The way from here to King's Landing is quite long, I am afraid. We will probably arrive within a few weeks. Unless at some point, we pick up our speed."
He turned to Drueta, knowing that this would not please her. She never did enjoy traveling. She always found it a waste of time if you didn't stop and enjoy everything around you on the way from "A" to "B". He laughed to himself, remembering the last time they ridden together.

Subject: Re: To the West Sat Aug 18, 2012 1:17 am

Drueta didn't like the words that had reached her ears and scoffed her disapproval. She didn't want to be traveling for weeks. No, she wanted to get there and get settled in. If she was going to be forced to be at King's Landing, she at least wanted to be comfortable. Sleeping outside in tents and in Inns was the last thing she wanted to do. She sigh, knowing she had no choice in the matter.

"Where will we be staying tonight, then?"

I really wish I could just get back to my father... I know that it isn't safe for me, but at least there I was happy and comfortable.

Subject: Re: To the West Sat Aug 18, 2012 8:11 pm

Thero pointed forward then.
"There is a small family just southwest of here. I came down there to make the arrangements myself just a few nights ago. They have been paid well to ensure they do not speak to any of Lord Tywin's enemies."
He hoped this would appease her in the slightest, to make up for the long journey ahead of them. He had actually made sure that there were numerous places for them to stay along the way that did not involve sleeping outdoors.

Subject: Re: To the West Sat Aug 18, 2012 8:47 pm

Drueta sighed in relief. She was so glad she wasn't going to be stuck in a tent. She beamed at him, showing him she was very happy with all that he had done for her. Now, she only hoped the family didn't mind their intrusion too much. Being paid or not, it was hard to have people invade your personal space. At least it was for her, anyway.

"Thank you."

She began to take in the scenery around her as they rode along, nearing the house with every step their horses took. She could not believe how beautiful Westeros was in person. She began to pity the people who thought large skyscrapers and industrial things made the world a better place. With it they ruined the beauty of the land. It made her...sad.

You don't have to worry about it anymore, though. You live here now...

As the sun began to set that night they arrived at the house they would be staying in. She dismounted her horse and looked to the knights, waiting for them to escort her.

Subject: Re: To the West Tue Aug 21, 2012 2:32 am

Thero nodded his head at the rest of the guards to check the area and make sure it was safe before they went knocking on the farmer's door, himself wrapping his arms protectively around Drueta. He knew that, regardless of how secretive and careful he had been, Tywin's enemies had incredible spies. And for all he knew, this family could be one of them.
When the guards came back with the coast clear, Thero escorted Drueta to the door himself, but knocked on it with her behind him, the other guards surrounding her. The farmer's wife answered, looking a bit shaken and pale. She gestured for them to come in and to make themselves comfortable.
They brought their belongings inside for safe keeping and filed in quickly. Once inside, the sight before him stopped his heart.
There were men in black and red clothing, faces covered by some sort of mask, standing in the living area of this home, six of them. They all seemed to share the same smug expression beneath their masks as they tread forward towards Thero and the rest of the traveling party.
The next few minutes were filled of gore as the guards and the mysterious men slashed into each other and made the furniture and walk ways a painting of red in the home.
Thero's gut was stuck, throat sliced, but barely so. He looked up as he watched the men throw a black burlap sack over Drueta's face, and cried as he was forced to see her taken away.
Just moments later, he was dead.

Subject: Re: To the West Tue Aug 21, 2012 2:37 am

To say Drueta was frightened would be an understatement. As if being in Westeros wasn't scary enough. Now she had been kidnapped and knew deep down that she would probably never see her father again. This brought tears to her eyes that soaked into the sack that they had over her head. It was hard to breathe and she only wished that they would let her walk for herself. Demand her forward. She wouldn't have refused if it meant that she could keep her life. People who kidnapped people never thought that way, though.

She wanted to ask them where they were taking her. What were their intentions? Was she just going to be killed later? Would there be a ransom? Would her father ever know what had become of her.

I'm going to end up dead before this is all over with... I know it... I just got here...

Subject: Re: To the West Tue Aug 21, 2012 3:26 am

Gibbon Swaim was an assassin in the employment of Ucke Jonge, one of Tywin Lannister's worst enemies. He had been for three years now and had done every bit of the dirty work assigned to him. Capturing Drueta Lannister was an easy feat, but he wasn't prepared for her beauty.
He had heard much of it but never followed the words of others. This was something he hadn't expected in the least and he felt it were going to harden his job on him. He was the one instructed to carry her and make sure she didn't get away.
He wasn't sure what drove him to do it, but he spoke to her, hushed and quietly.
"My name is Gibbon. I will make sure you are not harmed, I swear it."
He looked around, made sure he wasn't heard by his fellow assassins on their horses.
"You may speak to me if you can and wish, I'll be able to hear you if you whisper."

Subject: Re: To the West Tue Aug 21, 2012 4:18 am

Drueta was shocked to hear the man speak to her. Not only that, but he had given her a first name. For all she knew it was a false one, but nonetheless she was surprised. Why did he care to talk to her? Could he really promise that she would come out of this alive? Obviously he was probably working for someone else. Maybe he meant until they got their hands on her. She tried to stop her tears so that her voice wouldn't break when she spoke. Then, she began to ask her questions.

"Are you sure you can keep me safe? Does the person you work for intend to kill me? Is there a way for me to get out of this?" The questions just kept rolling.

What I wouldn't give to be back at Lannisport. I may not have been safe there, but this is far worse.