Heart of a Bastard Fox
Chapter 2: A Young Fox 16 years later
Reynard woke up around four in the morning like always. Ever since he started training with Garlan 6 years ago he's always woken up this early to get a head start over everybody else. A bastard like him needs every advantage he can get. He quickly splashed water on his face to help wake himself up before grabbing his tunic and pants. Once he had everything on and secured young Reynard ran out of his room and straight to the training grounds.
Before he even got there our protagonist could hear the telltale noise of sword swings and grunts of exertion. He already had a pretty good idea on who was making those noises. Only one person ever showed up before him.
As Reynard guessed, Garlan was there hammering away at a training dummy. "I see you managed to beat me hear again Gar."
Stopping mid swing the second eldest Tryrell son turned and smiled at his friend, "What can I say, I couldn't sleep. Plus, I can never resist the temptation of beating you at something my competitive little squire."
Reynard was picking up a wooden practice sword but paused when he realized what his friend just said. "Did you just call me your squire…also I'm not little just compared to you everyone's little." He wasn't kidding Reynard was 6 feet tall, lean. Muscular, and still growing hopefully but Garlan was a different story all together, at 6'6 and built like a bull.
"Well not everyone, I heard the mountains over seven feet tall and his brother the hound is no slouch himself. Anyway, that's beside the point. You heard correctly little fox. I called you my squire because that is what you are."
Stunned silence followed the young knight. It lasted for a few seconds before Reynard finally manage to break out of his stupor. "Wait, your serious Mace actually agreed to it?"
"Well I made sure to ask for permission to take you on as my squire while my mother was sitting next to him." After a small chuckle escaped his lips he continued, "As we both now one look from mother and Mace couldn't help but say yes." The smaller of the two men shared a laugh with his mentor he thought more of as a brother than anything else. A little while later once the laughter started to subside. Garlan decided to end their mirth by throwing another practice sword at his newly appointed squire. "Well now that we got that out our systems lets have some real fun Rey!"
"Gar, why did you throw me another sword? I already picked one out." The redhead questioned.
"I just want to try something little fox. You are slowly becoming a very capable fighter key word slowly somethings holding you back. The style our master of arms teaches and including my own style just doesn't seem natural fit for you. So, I thought I'd experiment a little. If it doesn't work out, well I still get to kick your ass. Basically, a win win for me." A smile slowly filled itself out own house Tyrell's greatest knight.
Picking up both practice swords shaking his head before bracing himself in preparation for mentor's eventual attack. "You are pure evil Gar, I hope you know that. Don't worry though I'll make sure to wipe that smile off your face, especially for calling me little fox!" Though I pefer that nickname over bastard fox. Nobel's really are so clever.
Garlan has called Reynard little fox ever since his mom introduced baby Rey to him all those years prior. When little Garlan studied his future squire for the first time all he could think of was that orange/reddish hair of his was the same color of a fox that so commonly roamed the forest outside the reach. Since that day Rey has always been a little fox to Garlan. Said knight studied the much older Reynard now similar to how he did all those years ago. The titular reddish orang hair was still there but much longer now and held up in a ponytail. Hazel eyes complemented his handsome face with a small scar over his right eye. Seeing his friend's muscles tense and bunch preparing to launch an attack. Garlan decided to beat him to the punch!
Without warning Garlan sprung at our young protagonist with an overhead swing. Reynard was caught off guard, but his instincts reacted before his conscious thought caught up. Blocking the overhead swing with an X shaped pattern using both swords. Shocking both men by the speed in which Rey responded. "Not bad, but let's see if you can keep up little Fox?" Garlan slowly started to pick up the pace pushing Rey back.
Swing after swing Rey slowly started to pick out the rhythm. He didn't have time to realize it, but those two swords became an extension of his body. Slowly but surely, he stopped being pushed back, his speed began to match that of Garlans, and was starting to gain back some ground he had lost.
Garlan smirked seeing the change in his pupil. He was impressed but Rey still had a lot to learn. The knight baited the redhead with an false opening. Of course, the overeager squire excited with his success took the bait. He launched his own attack pushing both blades thinking he had won this spar. However as soon as he extended himself Garlan dodged around both practice swords spinning his body around, nailing Rey in the back of his head with his practice sword. A loud whack followed signaling the end of the fight and Reynards consciousness.
Reynard laid there for a few seconds before Garlan grabbed a bucket of water to throw on his head. As soon as the cool water hit his face he popped up gasping in surprise. He wasn't sure what exactly happened. Grogginess still had its hold on him until his large teacher came within sight and reached down to give his pupil a hand. "I thought I had you there for a second."
Once his squire was fully standing Garlan began to inspect the back of his head to make sure there wasn't any serious damage. "Okay, well you look to be fine, but you'll definitely have a headache for most of the day. Let that be a lesson to you. You thought you had me as you said and got over eager and fully extended yourself. Confidence is good but never let it blind you always keep fear in your heart."
"You want me to fear my enemy. I thought all the greatest warriors were fearless like Aemon the Dragonknight?" A confused Reynard questioned.
The knight of house tyrell just laughed and rubbed the top of his pupil's head, "No one is without fear little fox! Fear is a tool like anything it keeps us sharp and prepared for all possibilities. However, just like confidence if you let it rule your action you will die."
Reynard listened to all his teacher and friend had to say but wasn't sure how much he believed him. Before he could think about much more he heard a slow clapping coming from near the entrance of the training grounds before a voice he knew all to well followed. "Wonderful words big brother but your wasting them on a bastard like that. He's not worthy of your tutelage or time."
Loras the younger brother of Garlan and referred to as the knight of flowers by most of Westeros entered the yard with as much pomp and circumstance he could muster. White hot anger burned inside of Reynard. Loras always love to remind him even though the tryrell family raised him, he will never be one of them. His anger continued to grow as Loras continued to talk. "How about you spar with someone close to your skill brother. We might be near the same age but no where near the same class or skill. Come brother let the bastard run back to our sister we all know he rather be her pet than a warrior!"
Mentioning Margery was the last straw the redheaded squire could take no more. He began to take a threatening step towards the knight of flowers but was stopped by his brother's hand on his shoulder. "Loras you really know no equal do you….. in arrogance." If looks could kill the one on Loras's face would be as deadly as a faceless man. "As much as I would love to spar with you little brother I wouldn't want to ruin your image of a knight who only fights in tournaments."
The younger knight looked like his head was going to pop it was so red. Loras was able to compose himself relatively quickly despite his fury. "Very well, brother I can see you don't want me to prove who the best knight of house tyrell really is just yet. Don't worry though that day is coming quicker then you realize." The knight of flowers turned to leave but paused before exiting. "Bastard don't think I've forgotten about you either! You are a stain upon the pristine name of our house and my sister. She may be ignorant to what you really are, but I am not so easily fooled!"
Once Garlan was sure his brother was truly gone he turned to his squire. Immediately noticing the white of his knuckles from squeezing his fists so tight. "Don't mind him Rey, Loras has been a prat ever since he discovered his first mirror." Slowly Rey's hands unclenched and looked up at his teachers. Garlan smirked, "Good now I'm starving, so lets break are fast and get some food in our bellies. Will continue training after lunch." Seeing the wheels turn in his squires head he continued guess what was on his friend's mind. "That should give you plenty of time to eat, wash up, and see my sister before her studies."
Reynard looked up sheepishly, "Am I really that obvious Gar?"
Garlan bellowed out a good-natured laugh, "There are three constants when it comes to you little wolf. Your sword, your temper, and last but certainly not least is your affection for my sister Margery!"
"Hey, it's not like that and you know it Gar. She's my best friend besides yourself. I'm not the Bastard of Highgarden to her!" Reynard Defended.
"Yea, Yea I know but you can't blame me it's so much fun to see you flustered, now go get some food in you. I'll be right behind you and you can save whatever smart ass comment you have on the tip of your tongue directed at me for later." The second oldest tyrell sibling responded. Reynard cursed under his breath promising himself hell get his teacher back later before running off to breakfast.
A little while later Garlan was in his room getting ready to get washed up. As he was taking off his undershirt he grunted in pain. Once his shirt was off he went over to the closest mirror to inspect his wound. A large bruise was forming on his right ribs. Neither of us realized it but he got a pretty decent hit on me. The two swords was the right choice for him but I had no idea it would turn out like this. It was a natural fit this whole time his potential was being held back. I can't wait to see how far you'll go little fox.
A Few Hours later in the castle Gardens:
Reynard was still nursing a headache but was feeling much better after cleaning up and a hour of rest after his spar with Garlan. He was currently looking for Margery, so they could have lunch together. When she wasn't in her room or studying with her grandmother the queen of thorns he knew there was only one place she could be. As he traveled to where he thought the youngest tyrell might be he thought about Orlenna, Alerie Tyrell had taken him in because he was her brothers child and has shown him nothing but kindness since then. The old tyrell Matriarch was a different story but not in a bad way. She would yell and chastise him no doubt, but she did that to everyone. That's what made Reynard love her as much as Alerie, she treated him the same way she did everyone else probably even a little better then her own son Mace.
His thoughts were disturbed when he heard singing. It was the same song her mother always sang to them. "Gentle mother front of Mercy, save our sons from war," as he drew closer the singing grew louder. Soon he was able to finally see his best friend. She was sitting on a bench in front of a beautiful rose garden. Even knowing what he said to her brother Garlan he couldn't help but be a little taken with how beautiful Margery was.
He was a little surprised to find her by herself. Usually Margery surrounded herself with handmaidens, friends, bards, or family. Counting himself lucky to have him to himself even for just a little bit he made his presence known. "I see your singing keeps getting better and better for a second I thought it was your mother singing that song to me."
As soon as she got a good look at the person who disturbed her a heartwarming smile appeared on her face, "Oh Rey you nearly gave me a hard attack. I'm going to but bells on you if you keep sneaking up on me. I'm sure Garlan would love to see that."
"Please never say that in front of your brother if you give him any ideas I'm sure the next thing you would see would be just that." Margery laughed at the image of her friend like that before he continued. "I'm sorry I scared you but what are you doing out here all by yourself?"
A frown soon marked her pretty features, "Honestly I just needed some time to myself. My father just got word that the king is heading to Winterfell after the death of the hand lord Arryn"
"Lord Arryns dead I had no idea, and I'm sorry to say this but that doesn't seem like the reason you would be alone in the rose garden? A place you only go to when you have a lot on your mind m'lady, plus no one comes out here so it's free from any unfriendly ears or eyes" Her father's ward questioned.
"Your right of course though I don't know how I feel about how well you know me, I thought I hide my feeling very well from everyone!" Brown eyes met Hazel as she locked eyes with her oldest friend
"You do m'lady I'm just not as easily fooled when it comes to you." This earned him another one of those heartwarming smiles he would kill to protect. "Now please tell me what's bothering you?"
"The reason the kings going to Winterfell is too most likely ask his best friend Eddard Stark the warden of the north to be his hand. This also brings up the possibilities the king will arrange a marriage between Sansa Stark and the Kings son Joffery Baratheon." Taking a second to gather the rest of her thoughts. "You know my dream is to be the queen one day? If Sansa marries him my dream is dead."
The normally composed girl starts to cry showing for the first time how young she really is. Seeing his friend so distraught caused Reynards stomach to clench. So he ran to her and embraced her allowing her tears to soil his tunic. After a minute of letting her emotions get the best of her, Margery began to collect herself. "I can't believe I let myself cry like that I'm Margery Tyrell."
"That you are but you are also human but don't worry I won't let anyone in on our secret." Margery smacked him on the chest and allowed a small smile to break free. "Plus, I know you. Like you said you are Margery Tyrell if you want to do something there is nothing in this world that can stop you!"
His words seem to resonate with her. They sat on the bench in a comfortable silence before Margery spoke up again. "Your right and I have an idea how to do it. I'm going to speak to my grandmother at once."
Reynard was completely confused and had no idea what she was up to. "Okay, why do you need to talk to Orlena?"
A slightly conniving face took residents on one Margery Tyrell, " Because we're going to head North you red headed fool."
