It was a stifling hot day and Leyton was sweating inside his tunic, wiping the sweat on his forehead he turned back to his household trudging along the Kingsroad. He planned to reach King's Landing before the sun had set. And steadied his courser passing through the Kingswood.
After what seemed like an eternity he could start to see the woods clearing ahead of him leading to a hill, he urged his horse forward and he was bombarded with the foulest smelling odor ever in his life. It smelt like sweat, piss and nightsoil with a hint of rotten fish. Gagging at the smell he cursed "Shit, I've never smelled anything this horrible before" and grabbed the nearest guard and ordered him to bring him a cloth soaked in scented oils.
Arriving at the Mud Gate, he could see the reason why King's Landing smelled so terribly. In the scorching heat the bounty of Blackwater bay rotted and inside he could see people dumping their excrement out of their buildings. Compared to Oldtown, the capital didn't seem to have any sort of sewers.
He and his entourage entered through the gates and had one of the goldcloak sergeants leading them up towards the Red Keep, when Leyton asked the sergeant "How do you manage through this rank smell?"
Chuckling through his halfhelm the sergeant replied "You get used to it, my lord. After spending over 3 decades in this shithole you learn to live with it, begging your pardon ser".
I don't know if I could ever imagine myself getting used to this level of squalor and wrinkled his nose while leading his horse through the tightly packed streets. And passing through the Hook he could see the immense red walls of the castle and hoped that the height would bring breezes to sweep the smell away.
Thanking the sergeant with a silver stag, Leyton approached the portcullis into the Red Keep and waited for the black and red colored Targaryen soldiers to open the gate. Passing through he noticed a familiar large shaped man clothed in all white.
Dismounting from his horse he quickly embraced the man "Uncle Gerold its good to see you. You look like a true knight in your Kingsguard armor".
Smiling at his young nephew Gerold Hightower "Good to see in good health as well Leyton, you've shot up like a stalk since I've last seen you in Dorne. And I heard that you've been knighted congratulations, your parents would have been proud of you".
Seeing the brightness in his nephew's eyes dim Gerold quickly added "It was a terrible accident" and grabbed Leyton's shoulder. Shifting awkwardly as he didn't know what to say, Leyton acknowledged his uncle's condolences and told him "Uncle Gunthor always complains that he can't spar with the infamous White Bull anymore, but that doesn't stop him from bragging in the taverns that used to defeat you in the training yard as boys".
Laughing Gerold smiled at his nephew before telling him "We can catch up on family matters later Leyton, the king instructed me to escort you to your chambers in the Red Keep. You'll be staying in the Maidenvault and close to the other Reach lords".
"How many lords are in the Red Keep, uncle?"
Leaving his nephew's courser to a stable boy, Gerold led the both of them into the Red Keep and answering "Only the lords of the North have yet to arrive and we can expect them to arrive in a fortnight. Preparations for the coronation have progressed swiftly and we need only the Lord Stark present to start the celebrations".
Passing by many young ladies Gerold noticed his nephew's attention was elsewhere and cleared his throat "Leyton once the welcoming feast begins you'll have to opportunity to talk to with all the ladies of the realm. Until then you'll have to properly acquaint yourself with the castle and your fellow lords".
Blushing in embarrassment Leyton sheepishly replied "Yes, uncle" and quietly followed his uncle.
Arriving into the section of the Maidenvault assigned to the Reach lords Gerold turned to his nephew and said "I have duties to attend and expect me in your room tomorrow evening Leyton".
Saying goodbyes to the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Leyton entered his room and found it relatively comfortable. It was a bedroom with a connecting solar, and he immediately examined his bedroom. It contained a feather 4 poster bed, a closet, a newly spun rug on the floor and an open window high above the city. Satisfied at the good quality lodgings offered to him, he ordered his servants to draw a bath for him.
Looking into the mirror Leyton took pride in his outlet noticing the finery in his doublet, made of YiTish silk and golden buttons and dyed platinum, dark green stockings he ran his hand through his hair for the final before pulling on his doe skin lined leather boots and went to the Red Keep's Great Hall for the welcoming feast.
Passing by numerous nobles, he was led to the higher tables and he noticed his Lady Aunt sitting with her husband Mathis Rowan. His aunt seeing Leyton approaching waved him to sit next to them.
Approaching the bench Leyton bowed to his good uncle and aunt greeting them "Lord Mathis, Lady Melessa how good to see you both. I assume the two of you are enjoying your marriage".
Chuckling Lord Rowan replied "I can assure you good nephew that me and your aunt are enjoying ourselves. Before turning to his wife who was looking at him disapprovingly added "Keep your bawdy jokes inside the bedroom, dear husband".
Before looking at Leyton up and down his aunt doted "Leyton you look handsome in Hightower colors, the grey suits your blue eyes" That my mother had. "I was shocked to hear that your parents and my brother and good sister ended up in that horrible accident. Leyton if you need anything you just have to ask".
Leyton looked at the couple and muttered his thanks before Lord Rowan asked "Lord Hightower do you plan on marrying soon? If you don't hurry and choose a wife you'll soon attract Lord Frey's brood" and he looked over to the table entirely dominated by Walder Frey and his descendants.
Feeling a shudder of revulsion Leyton replied "I would sooner name Ser Gunthor as my heir and become a sellsword in the Disputed Lands if I ever had to have a Frey as my wife, good uncle. And I have indeed received many marriage proposals from the Reach lords. I have a mind to just pick one to stop Maester Vaegon nagging in my ear".
Amused Mathis with a twinkle in his eye said "Before you choose one Leyton I hope you look around. The fairest maidens in the Seven Kingdoms have gathered here and you could put your talents you learned in Dorne to good use here".
Before Leyton could respond his aunt smacked her husband's arm and with a cold aura whispered "Dear husband, you talk like you enjoyed the Dornish experience yourself. Do you have anything you want to share with me?"
Straightening himself Lord Rowan immediately responded "Nothing dear, I just told Leyton what I heard the bards sing about".
Seeing his aunt smiling sweetly Leyton was glad that he wasn't at the receiving end of her displeasure.
Before anyone of them could respond the great oak doors opened and King Jaehaerys II and his consort Queen Shaera Targaeryen entered. Everyone in the hall hushed as they saw the royal couple enter, they both had the otherworldly Valyrian looks. Dressed in their house colors of black and red they were a class above every other person.
Climbing up onto the Iron Throne, the king addressed the court "Welcome my lords to King's Landing, I hope that your stay in the capital is as pleasant as possible. You've all arrived to celebrate my coronation and as your host it is my duty to see that you are comfortable, thus let us begin the feast" with a clap every side door into the hall burst open as many dozens of servants brought every type of dish that was available west and east of the Narrow Sea.
Entire roast boars even aurochs were set on the floor on spits, plates full of venison steak, lamprey pies, honeyed chicken, jugs of every sort of wine was soon placed on each table. Eager to quell his grumbling stomach Leyton grabbed a slice of freshly baked beard and placed a piece of ripe cheese, onions and a bite of mutton in one hand and a cup of pale green wine he believed was from Essos. As he ate his meal he looked up towards the high table where the Lords Paramount and the royal couple were seated.
Leyton thought the Queen looked beautiful in her low cut dress and elegant jeweled braids in her silver-gold hair, but what he found most intriguing was her soft violet eyes. He quickly quelled any thoughts of attraction to her and observed the king. Though handsome he looked as if he was tired, he sank into his chair and saw that every once in a while he would cough into a handkerchief.
Is this man capable of rallying the lords of the realm behind the throne? The more martial lords would not willingly follow a sickly man no matter his title, especially in a war.
Looking at the other assembled Lord Paramounts Leyton hoped that despite his disposition, King Jaehaerys could earn the respect of the Hand of the King Ormund Baratheon. If he could get his support the king would have a more stable support base and could rally the more dissident lords.
After his 3rd or 4th cup of wine Leyton felt the familiar rush of warmth through his body. He sat on his bench sipping his next cup of wine before he saw an extremely beautiful maiden walk past his table, she was surrounded by several ladies and he asked a nearby lord and learned that she was Lady Larra Blackmont.
Looking around for his good uncle Leyton searched the room and saw him in a corner discussing with several lords. Quickly sending a servant to fetch his good uncle Leyton tapped his left foot while he waited.
His good uncle approached and asked "Leyton why did you call for me?"
"Because uncle I saw a beautiful girl and I wanted to ask you for advice".
The Lord of Hightower is pursuing his wife, eh?
"Can you show her to me?" and Leyton pointed to the Dornish section to a table where a young black haired woman sat conversing.
"Why don't you invite her for a dance? She's clearly bored sitting there. Go and see what happens" urged Lord Mathis practically shoving Leyton to his feet.
"Uncle I don't know if I can do this, I'll probably fail and make a fool out of myself" said Leyton quickly sitting back down.
Sighing Lord Mathis told his good nephew to stay put and wait for him. Leyton wondered where he was going until he saw him approach the ladies and started talking to them. Leyton quickly averted his gaze and quickly found that the fabric on his doublet surprisingly interesting and was broken out his thoughts when a feminine voice cleared her throat next to him. Looking up he noticed the long lashes upon her bright green eyes, the small smattering of freckles, and her luscious black locks.
With an amused smile on her face she spoke "Greetings, my lord I heard from an unknown knight that you wished to dance with me but you were worried at being rebuffed. Would you like to dance with me, my lord?"
Mathis Rowan you sly fox. Flustered at her direct approach Leyton found himself tongue tied before quickly untangling himself and responded "Certainly, my lady" and took her offered hand taking them towards the center of the hall.
As they started to dance Leyton introduced himself "I am Lord Leyton Hightower, my lady" and waited for her to introduce herself.
She introduced herself as "Lady Larra Blackmont, sister of Lord Quentyn Blackmont my lord"
"Some people refer to me as Leyton Hightower of Hightower who lives in Hightower which is a really tall tower, my lady" said Leyton with a smile. Hearing her laugh he continued "But you can call me Leyton, my lady".
Larra responded "If I can call you Leyton you can call me Larra, Leyton". Shifting through they dancefloor they continued talking about their childhood and their interests and had a wonderful time until Larra noticed her lord brother preparing to retire for the night and told Leyton "I had a wonderful time tonight Leyton, but we have to end it here tonight I'm afraid" and turned to go before she quickly tied her favor around Leyton's sleeves and left.
Leyton stood there for a few moments dumbstruck before he too left to retire for the night. Laying in bed he could feel that he was falling in love with the charming Larra Blackmont and turned in for the night for the coronation in the Great Sept of Baelor and the tourney held in honor of the king tomorrow.