A Moon's turn ago
It's still dark when the Knight in rainbow cloak crossed the junction of River road and Kingsroad. He reached the landmark as instructed by sunrise. Securing his horse to a nearby tree, he started walking in the direction of a small village. Approaching the clearing, he saw a woman leaning against the wall of an Inn waiting for someone. He thought her as the lady of that Inn called 'May the seven look after you' slightly inclining his head.
'My Lord is waiting for you Ser, follow me' the woman answered biting her lip seductively.
He cursed mentally for mistaking a whore and followed her. She led him along the small path behind the houses and into a brothel. He hesitated and stepped inside after looking around.
'Reached on time as always, Ser' greeted the short man with a pointy beard.
'Aye my lord, I am honored to serve his High holiness' the Knight replied sincerely.
'The realm needs honorable and faithful Knights like you, good Ser' the short man told leading him to another room.
Once inside he enquired 'is this your brothel my lord. I believe his holiness knows about this one'.
'The matters between his High holiness and I are not for your ears good Ser' the short man replied taking a seat and motioned another to him.
He took the offered seat and said 'My lord I merely asked to learn the places I can trust. Tell me what you need from us to give us what we require' looking at the man who sat smiling opposite to him.
'A small error, while acquiring what you require puts my head on a spike Ser' the man replied calmly with a smile intact.
'Are you backing down from our pact my lord? If you are, tell me now so that we can find another before it's too late' he asked, deciding not to prolong the conversation.
'No other man can help you in this Ser we both know that. I merely pointed the risk I am taking for his High holiness' the man replied calmly again, but the smile turned to a smirk.
He didn't like the Lord from the start, but the man is right. They need him to accomplish the task.
'Then tell me what you planned my Lord. I have a long travel ahead to reach the Gods eye' he asked the lord straight to his face.
The man smiled again and said 'I am leaving for Riverrun today. In a moon's turn, we will meet again in the village of Pennytree. As decided, my role is to lead your men inside the castle at the right time and give them the safest passage back. If you want my help in planning the remaining as well, I am happy to lend my help, good Ser. I ask you to consent his High holiness and tell me next time we meet'
'Aye my Lord I will report his High holiness on your behalf. Meet again in a moons turn' he bowed his head slightly getting up. The man also stood from his chair and mirrors his actions with a smile. He rushed out from the room only to find the whore waiting for him. He refused her and started his journey to Gods eye.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
Present Day
Robb is sitting at the small table in his tent along with Theon and Jon is showing him the list of the northerners who arrived and camped outside the Castle.
'So the Flints are expected today and the area for them is marked' Robb asked Jon.
'Aye, we have marked the area and flagged it, though it's not needed. Only we are camped north of Redfork. All the other houses camped south of the river as the area between two rivers is allotted for the tourney. I believe we don't have any problems.' Jon replied.
'I will speak with uncle Edmure for the rations to the Northerners. I don't believe what we bought will last a moon's turn' Robb told them folding the list.
'Mayhap it is best if Lady Stark accompanies you' Jon suggested and they are interrupted by the opening of the tent flap and a shout 'Did you find it, Robb'. They all turned to the entrance and saw the remaining Stark siblings coming inside.
'Good morning to you too, sister' Robb greeted Arya with a smile.
'I see the tent is finished. This one is big, brother. No doubt it took you one whole day' Sansa told them looking around.
'Good morning. Have you broken fast?' Lia asked the boys, coming inside.
'We did. Have you my ladies' Theon asked the girls.
'Lady Stark asked us to have it with her before she left to meet the dowager queen for the day' Lia told them.
'Then we can have our lunch together' Robb told the girls getting.
'Enough about food, have you found the place. Where are Bran and Rickon' Arya asked him loudly?
Jon laughed and said 'Bran and Rickon are waiting for you to take the pack out'
Arya looked between the three males and asked 'you really haven't found the place for us to train' looking disappointed.
'What do you think' Robb asked her not giving anything away.
'Come on Robb. They got the place, Arya. I saw him speaking with Prince Aegon before' Lia told her sister.
'Really' Arya asked Robb excitedly.
'Aye, little sister Ser Rodrik and Syrio are making preparations. You can start practicing from evening' Robb answered her with a smile standing up and Arya jumped at him. He caught her in a hug and after releasing him she did the same with Jon.
'Theon and I are invited to the training yard by the lords of the Vale. We shall meet again for lunch sisters' Robb told them going to another room. Dressed in training clothes he left the tent with Greyjoy heir.
'What shall we do now' Sansa asked her older sister after the three girls finished inspecting the tent. Jon offered 'you are welcome to join us in rounds'. Seeing as they don't have any other activity to do the two girls agreed and together the four walked to the stables.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
Tyrells and their cousins are assembled in the solar adjacent to their quarters heeding Lord Tyrell's call to join for breaking fast. Mace Tyrell sat at the head position of the table with his eldest son and only daughter near him. Ser Garlan sat beside Willas and Loras beside Margery. Three Redwynes sat beside Garlan and Tyrell cousins beside Loras.
'I called you all to discuss few important things' Mace Tyrell announced after they started eating.
'What is the most important thing father? We arrived late from the hunt and thought to have a lie in' Ser Garlan asked him, taking a sip from his goblet.
'I know you all arrived late, but this is necessary' Mace replied and said 'I believe princesses are meeting with the ladies of Reach today' turning towards Margery.
'Aye, father. I already asked all the ladies to be ready and welcome them in our tents. I am escorting the princesses there myself' she answered sweetly.
'That you will, my dear. Treat them courteously. You have the gifts we brought to them?' he asked her.
'I already sent them to the tent. We will present them at the end of our meeting' Margery replied.
Mace nodded and said looking at the men 'the next thing is about the tourney. Prince Aegon asked two lords from each kingdom and two from crown lands to act as judges of the competitions starting the day after morrow'.
'Ah... The children's games' Horas Redwyne scoffed, making the others chuckle and Mace Tyrell loudly said 'I believe what Cersei Lannister declared is true' gaining everyone's attention.
'What do you mean father' Willas asked seriously.
'It is known the Kingsguard knights are old. Ser Jamie indicated forming a garrison from the young, who perform exceedingly in the tourney as protectors of the Crown and Royal family. It also means they will pick the next seven' his father disclosed the details of his yesterday's meeting between the Lords of seven Kingdoms with Lord Edmure, Blackfish, and the Lannister.
'But the prince announced the dueling is for squires' Hobber Redwyne asked confused.
'He announced the dueling for young and would be knighted, not squires' Willas corrected him and asked his father 'why are you saying this now father'.
'All the lords were asked to encourage every young and able fighter to participate' Mace Tyrell answered his eldest but Willas is not convinced.
Looking at his youngest brother, his father said 'I want Loras to enter and win this. You both also should enter' Mace ordered his nephews.
When Garlan tried to speak Mace told him 'you should look into the Joust or Melee' seriously.
Garlan eyed him for a few moments and replied 'you know I am not interested in tourneys father'.
'You are a Knight and Knights join tourneys to prove their valor' Mace responded.
'Why are you so interested in this father' Willas asked him.
'We have a chance to state The Reach is not only for grain and food. It also has the best fighters of realm' Mace told his thoughts.
The cousins accepted and left the room. When only the four siblings remained and Margery asked 'do you believe we can win everything' looking at her brothers.
'Of course, we cannot Marge. There are good men in other kingdoms too' Willas answered her.
'Aye, there are but we are not bad, brother, Loras is the best I have seen anyone his age and our lords are more experienced than any other kingdom when it comes to tourneys' Garlan responded confidently. Loras smiled proudly at the praise and he also agreed about that.
'And if you prove your valor, certain dark-haired Targaryen is bound to accept the roses' Margery said with a smile on her face and her brothers smiled.
Willas looked between them and understood they planned something.
'I don't like the way this is going' Willas told seriously and his siblings stopped laughing looking at him.
'Father and I are discussing your betrothal with other houses brother. You publicly fawning over the princess won't help matters' he said, looking directly at Garlan.
'Why me Willas, what about you three' Garlan retorted angrily.
'Loras is nine and ten and our sister is a year younger. You are three and twenty Garlan and there are many Reach lords eager to join houses' he lifted a hand when Margery tried to interrupt and addressed the three 'we can't expect the faithful support of our Bannerman by bringing ladies from other kingdoms'.
'You are six and twenty. The heir of Highgarden. What about you?' Garlan questioned him. They all know Willas's interest in men, and he doubts Loras is following in his elder brothers' steps.
'Like it or not, all of us should be married or promised in a couple of years. That includes me' Willas told him avoiding his eyes with a sigh.
'You do know the deed for making babies involves man and wife, not men' Garlan asked after a few minutes.
'I know we should live like man and wife and I will. I am ready to do that to strengthen our family' Willas answered sincerely.
They all stayed calm for a few minutes and Margery said 'Good, the future hand of the King has decided his path' with a smile. She turned towards the other two and said 'Now it's your turn to win the prize. The princess and a white cloak'.
'And yours the silver-haired prince sister' Garlan replied with a smile. When Willas shook his head, looking at the three, Garlan and Loras got up saying they have work to do in training yard and left the room.
'You don't like Garlan with Rhaenys' Margery said, looking at Willas. It's more of a statement than a question.
He sighed and replied 'I will be happy if it happens, but I don't think it is possible'.
Margery doesn't like being criticized and snapped 'She is twenty brother, should have married and carried two babes by now'.
'Why do you think it didn't happen?' he asked in a similar tone.
'How should I know? She doesn't share anything. From what I believe she is trying for her brother and the King doesn't want to marry his children to each other' Margery told after a few moments.
It's clear to Willas that his sister is far from getting along with the princess. Margery doesn't like Rhaenys either, which is not what they need when Aegon chooses her.
'Listen carefully Sister, Rhaenys Targaryen is his father's daughter. She is not some gentle flower raised to entertain the lords and serve as a lady. The demure and ladylike appearance are a mask she wears to hide her true nature. I saw her closely from my time in the capital. She is powerful, she can rule and most important thing is, she is not lusting over Aegon or the throne. I believe she didn't find the suitors impressive' Willas told her seriously coming to the edge of his seat.
Margery is surprised by the praise came from her brother. They all say she inherited Lady Olenna's brains, but it is Willas who did. He may be injured and limp, but she will choose him over Garlan and Loras to succeed their father any day. He observes everything and reads men and women like open books.
Looking at her surprised face, he understood she had it all wrong about the royal family and he tried to correct her.
'It needs a powerful man to rule the realm Marge and King Rhegar stands among the best Targaryen rulers' with the same seriousness sitting back. She raised her eyebrows not accepting it readily.
He understood she didn't believe him and explained 'all of them thought the Targaryen rule ended after the rebellion and said Rheagar is not fit to rule. Yet our King united them and ruled for eighteen years peacefully. Not to forget he did that without tying any houses. The Greyjoys rebelled and they were crushed. Even the political masterminds of Tywin Lannister, Doran Martell, and our dear grandmother couldn't persuade him in joining the houses'.
'That's true' Margery thought. 'It's known fact that no Lord or Lady can influence the King. That doesn't mean he is ruling with an Iron fist like his father. King Rhegar listens to his counsel and the decisions are taken jointly by the council. They say he invites the Lords of all kingdoms to his court and addresses their issues personally. But the cleverest of minds also makes mistakes and he made one. It's not necessary to have enemies who are waiting for a chance when you don't have strong allies. One small mistake is all that is needed to bring you down'.
'He alienated the kingdoms by refusing the betrothals, brother. The regions don't support him when it truly matters' Margery replied the obvious with a triumphant smile and his brother only shook his head.
She doesn't like it one bit to be treated as a child. Her smile disappeared and she glared at him.
'Tell me, sweet sister, what do you think will happen for him to need the support of other regions?' he asked her.
Looking at her Willas again explained 'He is not foolish to give a chance for the next rebellion and unless it's that big, no kingdom will enter the fray. The outcome of the war is unpredictable and all of them know that'.
'Aye, but it is not the mad king who started the rebellion. Its Rheagar's abduction of that northern girl started it' she replied looking at him.
He eyed her carefully and answered 'is it? I doubt that sister. Unlike now, the realm was in chaos then. The idea of usurping the Mad King sprouted in the minds of many lords. Rheagar is not Aerys and Aegon is not Rheagar'.
'What do you mean he is not Rheagar' she blurted. 'They all say he is his father's son not only in appearance'.
'I am not undermining our crown prince Marge. Aegon is as much a son of Rhegar as of Elia' Willas told her trying to make her understand.
'And what does that mean' Margery asked suspiciously. Queen Elia has an unsavory reputation among ladies and many say she flaunts her titles and doesn't hesitate to crush those who try to oppose her.
'She is not some dumb and ignorant lady sister. A princess of Nymeros Martell's line. She survived the Mad King and the Lannisters tried on more than one occasion to remove her completely. Yet she is still there ruling beside her husband' Willas explained.
Margery heard many saying the siege of Kings landing by Tywin's men was to remove the Queen while capturing the Mad King. His assassination was unplanned.
'Leave everything sister' Willas called and said 'King Rhegar loves her. It's the truth and she learned many things ruling beside him'.
'It doesn't matter when Aegon chooses me. There was only the Lannister girl till now. That Martell princess announced yesterday she has her eyes on him and the Stark girl is not bad to look at either' Margery replied.
Willas is smiling at his sister now. Looking at his smile she added, 'If he is like his father, we cannot leave that'.
'Aye, I won't say you are the only attractive one here Marge, but do you have to fear them? They are girls and you are a lady' he told her smiling.
She shook her head and said 'we cannot underestimate the enemy brother.
He quickly corrected 'they are not our enemies, sister, not yet. If the prince chose any of them, we cannot treat them as such. It is treason going against the crown'.
'Oh... Not when they don't know and we can cover anything after he marries me' she replied with an evil smile.
'I know you are hell bent on becoming a queen...' Willas started but she cut him off by saying 'I want to be the queen'.
'Aye, but the chances of you becoming one that way is very less and we have an example at this very tourney' he finished.
She eyed him for a moment and blurted 'I am not Cersei Lannister'.
He scanned her and said 'aye, you are not. You are Margery Tyrell, the Rose of Highgarden. You have the qualities of a queen sister, but the moment you start conspiring against others to win the prince's hand and go behind his back you are not you'. As your elder brother, my advice is simple "be yourself"' seriously.
She stared at him and nodded when he got up.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
The Stark siblings are sitting with their half-brother and sister, and their father's ward in their elder brother's tent for lunch. Two maids started serving food and Robb asked 'how was your meeting with the princesses' looking at Sansa and Lia.
'Princess Rhaenys and Danerys called us to make acquaintance' Lia answered.
'Come on Lia. It's not the first time you met. She is your friend or was, from what you told me' Robb said taking a bite.
'They asked us to meet Lia and I separately and wanted to know what happened to us' Sansa told him feeling uncomfortable.
'Hmm' Robb nodded as if he knew it before and continued eating.
'How did your training go against the vale lords' Bran asked from beside Arya.
'It was good Bran. Knights and Lords of Vale are strong and dexterous. Tyrells joined us later' Robb told his brother.
'The training yard will be crowded from morrow, and they are making a new practice yard for the archers and others' Theon added looking excited.
'What about your meet with the small council' Sansa asked Robb.
Robb studied her for a couple of minutes and replied 'it was a formal meeting with the lords of seven kingdoms. Prince Aegon asked us to stand united and make acquaintance with all the others' looking at her.
When the others waited for him to continue, he said 'the prince asked us to encourage all the young and able to join the tourney and show their skills' looking at Jon.
Jon didn't seem interested and concentrated on his food. They have already discussed this at home. When Jon initially seemed interested in the events and asked if he can also join the tourney, Maester Luwin told him natural born are accepted only in Melee and Lady Stark warned him and Lia to behave at the tourney rather sternly.
Robb asked their father to write a letter about Jon but his mother threatened to leave Jon behind and his father saw it important to have Jon as an escort to his sisters than participate in the tourney.
'Then it's good we have our place to practice' Arya said smiling
'It's big enough for us, but we cannot invite the other northern houses here' Sansa said looking at Arya.
'Aye, that's why we planned to make the open place beside our camps into training yard for them' Robb told her.
They all concentrated on food and Robb sighed after few bites. 'Ser Jamie and great-uncle spoke with me alone after the meeting. They said prince Aegon wanted to convey a message and he asked us to stay together and remain calm with the others' Robb told them and it's clear he doesn't like it.
'Are you saying the crown prince asked you all to keep our mouth shut when the cowards and liars like the lord Oaf insult your house?' Theon asked looking incredulous.
Robb is not shocked to expect the reaction from him. He knew the Greyjoy is quick-tempered and lacks the patience to read the situations. What surprised him is his youngest sister who didn't respond or look furious. She looked doubtful and unsure.
He looked at the others and Jon doesn't like what he said but he remained silent as most of the times. The other two girls are looking at each other and the three eldest boys of the group.
Robb looked at Sansa questioningly and she slowly said 'princesses Rhaenys and Danerys warned us about few things'.
Robb raised his eyebrows and the others listened intently.
'They asked us to stick together and not trust anyone other than family and close friends. They also said not to get easily provoked and fall for few gibes'
'Aye and keep our mouth shut when everyone starts insulting us' Theon darkly remarked earning a glare from Sansa.
Lia then started explaining 'they said we are new in the south and there are many who can use us as a means to start something against the crown'.
'They were sincere and asked us to stay safe. Princesses also said they want us to be friends but they are busy and cannot meet us again this week' Sansa added supporting her sister.
'I invited them to join us in training and princess Daenerys is eager to meet Nymeria' Arya told them happily.
Robb and Jon caught the excitement in her voice and Jon said 'you didn't ask to meet their dragon in return' seriously.
Arya corrected 'No I did' looking at him and her siblings laughed. She huffed muttering 'stupid'.
Robb said 'they are correct though. We are in a new place and we stick together as a pack' seriously looking at everyone. They all nodded in acceptance and finished their lunch.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
The mother and daughter of house Lannister are having lunch in the west wing of the castle. Lady Joanna was invited by her cousin to join for lunch but her mother decided otherwise.
'How do you find Riverrun?' Cersei asked her daughter while a maid started serving them.
'The castle is big mother and different from others I saw' Joanna replied about her thoughts.
'I am not asking about the castle. How do you find them, who arrived before us and already started to charm the crown prince?' Cersei asked irritably.
Joanna looked at her mother and replied 'Lady Margery, she was polite and charming as usual'. Cersei is not satisfied with the answer and probed 'what about the Martells and the Starks'.
Joanna sighed and answered 'Princess Arianne flaunts her status. She openly declared she will try to win Prince Aegon. Lady Sansa was reserved and rude. She even doubted the crown prince's valor'. She saw her mother's face changed hearing Princess Arianne is trying for the prince.
'The Dornish are renowned for cajoling and luring their intended. Even Prince Rheagar and the honorable Eddard Stark were swayed by Dornish woman.' Cersei explained and hissed 'that promiscuous princess is a woman grown and elder than you by what... ten name days'.
Joanna only looked at her mother unable to answer that and Cersei warned 'you must be more cautious in your approach and try to make the prince chose you over the others'.
Vexed with her mother's constant pestering Joanna questioned 'you always said 'a beautiful lady should never approach a young and noble lord. She must know her beauty, be strong and act like a lady better than others then he will come to her' what changed your opinion mother?'
Cersei is surprised by her daughter's question. She eyed her daughter for a long minute and smiled proudly.
'I never thought you would remember my words and correct me on my decisions' she told her daughter truthfully squeezing her hand. Joanna looked at her and replied 'I will always listen to your words, mother. You are the most beautiful and strongest woman'.
Cersei's expression changed immediately and she replied 'I may be, but not powerful my dear'.
Looking at her daughter in the eye she said 'that is why you must succeed in winning the prince. You are beautiful and will grow even more. If you are a queen as well, the lords and the realm worship you'.
When Joanna tried to ask her something she cut her off saying 'No you cannot wait for him to come for you. The crown prince is like no other lord'.
'I don't see any difference, mother. From what I found he is young and like any other his age' Joanna replied not accepting her mother's words.
'Oh, he is no different from others just like his father. If Rhegar was clever, he would have chosen a wealthy beauty than that frail woman with flat chest' Cersei replied with a voice dripping of anger.
Joanna took a minute to process the words. She heard the story of mad king refusing Lord Tywin's proposal to marry their children many times. She replied 'Mayhap if that happened, you wouldn't have had me' in a slow and disappointed tone looking away.
Cersei is shocked by the words and immediately said 'Oh dear girl, I still had you and you would have looked even more beautiful' taking her daughter's hand in hers.
Joanna looked at her mother and found she indeed spoke truthfully to her relief. She couldn't bear to be a disappointment of her parents.
Cersei gently pressed Joanna's hands and said 'you are too young to see the cruelty and wickedness in others. I will always protect my children from dangers of the realm'.
Joanna is moved by her mother's words. She knew her mother is protective about them but hearing the words it was different. 'You are kind, beautiful and have all the qualities to be a queen all you have to do is win over the prince' Cersei finished looking into her daughter's eyes.
Joanna then decided she will do as her mother asked because she always wanted what is best for her and her brother. 'I will try my best mother' she replied sincerely and her mother smiled nodding her head.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
The Targaryen prince and princesses are dining in Prince Aegon's room. The decision to visit the camps of seven kingdoms outside the walls by the crown prince, Ser Bryden, and Ser Jamie proved useful.
The people coming to Riverrun for the tourney increased threefold over the past week and they designated three hundred more men from Riverrun and Crown's forces to maintain the order.
'How was your visit Aeg' Daenerys asked her nephew after dismissing the maids serving them.
'Eventful and tiring Danny' the crown prince replied digging into his plate.
'What did you find so important' Rhaenys asked her brother surprised by the answer.
'The area visible to naked eye south of Redfork is occupied by tents and camps. They are saying numbers are swelling each passing day. I don't know how we can arrange food for these many.' Aegon replied with a sigh.
'We can order from the nearby castles and buy from the local farmers Aeg. We can feed them for a fortnight even if it costs more coin' Rhaenys said encouragingly.
'Besides not many looks for food Aeg, we can satisfy the appetite of the half of them with ale' Danny told with a smile.
'More the numbers more the drunkards and they all come to us for justice each morning fighting the night before' Aegon told the real problem.
'Aye it is a known but this is not capital we are not lords here' Danny replied.
'And you want Lord Edmure to judge the drunken brawls. The will turn into house disputes Danny' Aegon reasoned with her.
'What are you planning then' Rhaenys asked him.
Aegon looked at both the princesses and said after a moment 'I don't know. We cannot sit and judge every small fight come morning, leaving our work. We aren't here for that' in an irritated voice.
Rhaenys stopped Danny from arguing with him and asked 'have you discussed this with others'
'Aye Lord Edmure turned purple at the mention of this saying the families may hold grudge against Tullys. Uncle Jamie clearly said this is his home and as lord of Riverrun it is his problem' Aegon replied.
'Why did we agree to hold the tourney here in first place? Even the oaf of High garden fares better than him' Danny commented.
'No Danny he won't. It's his mother and eldest son who runs the show there and many other houses won't even come' Rhaenys told her calmly.
Danny doesn't like the answer but she also knew that's the truth. Many Storm landers and even more northerners won't come to Highgarden.
'Lord Tyrion gave an idea which I found worthy' Aegon said gaining their attention.
Both the princesses turned waiting for him to continue. 'The brawls and fights will be reported to their respective Lords and the Lords will sit together to decide the punishments. If they cannot agree to a point they will come to small council or me or King' Aegon explained the plan.
'It's better Aeg. What will we do when a lord complains their men are targeted' Rhaenys asked and they understood which lords she is talking about.
'Lord Stannis won't come to us Rhae. He is a stickler for rules and few dare cross him. The northerners are camped north of the Redfork with few River landers. I won't see any problems there' Aegon answered with a relieving smile.
Rhaenys nodded hearing that and Danny suggested 'Make it an announcement Aeg. Let everyone know about this'.
The siblings found that agreeable and Aegon asked 'how was your day with Ladies of the Reach' smiling at them.
'Laugh when you can nephew, I gave permission for all to have a go at you' Danny replied with a sly grin making his smile disappear.
Rhaenys added 'Margery even said she will make sure you can't resist a proper lady' looking at Danny and the other girl nodded. When his face contorted from smiling to horror both the girls laughed.
'It's not funny you two' Aegon grumbled only for them to laugh harder. He sighed and said 'I don't have a problem conversing amicably or spending time with ladies. Most of them aren't satisfied with that. What annoys me are the lustful glances and they desire me to behave like lecherous teen'.
The two girls stopped laughing at his angry expression and he seriously told 'Do I look like who becomes randy at the sight of bust and bum. I hate those who think so low about me' leaving the knife in the plate and sitting back in his chair.
Rhaenys and Danny looked at each other and Danny said 'It's not their fault your form is enrapturing Aeg'. When he tried to protest she said 'believe it or not most ladies are allured by you and being the crown prince adds to that'.
Aegon didn't understand how to take it. Rhaenys said 'the fact you don't flaunt and greet them warmly charms them more'.
'You mean it's my fault to act politely and dress presentably' Aegon asked derisively.
'Oh stop acting like a mewling babe Aegon. You know, like it or not it is what we have to put up with' Danny reproached.
'What caused this brother? We thought you are used to ladies fawning' Rhaenys asked him.
'I am used to something doesn't mean I have to like it. If you give all the ladies permission I don't think I will act politely anymore' Aegon answered telling his thoughts.
'It is an insult to restrict the ladies Aeg. We cannot order only the heirs of the seven kingdoms to talk with the crown prince. You know we can't act like that' Rhaenys reasoned with him. He knew that yet he didn't like it.
'Don't worry Aeg. From what I saw today you won't have to deal with many' Danny told. When the siblings raised their eyebrows she said 'I don't believe the girls of regional capitals will give a chance to others from their regions' with a wink. Rhaenys smiled and he shook his head.
'There's nothing exciting with us. The usual greetings and exchanging pleasantries' Rhaenys told him and asked 'anything else, we are meeting storm landers on the morrow' finishing her meal.
'I got a request from uncle Oberyn and surprisingly Lord Willas as well' Aegon said intently.
Both girls looked interested and Danny asked 'what do they require'.
'They made the same request' he started looking at them and said 'they proposed to allow small folk and natural born to participate in the tourney'.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
To her displeasure, sleep eluded Rhaenys again and she woke from slumber way before sunrise. Deciding against staying in the bed with a big day ahead, she went to freshen and get ready for the day. Coming out of the bath she sat in front of the mirror allowing her maids to brush her hair and heard the familiar sound of metal on wood like the day before.
Her movements stilled and she rushed to the window leaving her activities. Her maids followed her and started styling her hair while she sat admiring the lone figure practice. She missed her maids completing their work and left to ready her dress.
Three guards suddenly appeared in the ground and they are moving towards the practicing man. Rhaenys thought some lord or lady is also watching him practice.
When the guards moved near, the man stopped and disappeared into the darkness of trees in a couple of moments. She is surprised by the turn of events and couldn't think of any reason for him to run away from the guards. Thinking back to the day before previous, she remembered the same thing. His disappearance when the guards arrived.
She wanted to discuss this with others and went back to getting ready and meeting Daenerys later for breaking fast together.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
The great hall of Riverrun is filled with eager and anxious occupants that evening to hear the announcements. With the noble houses occupying the semicircular tables before the high table, their vassals behind them and the maids serving them refreshments and drinks it looked like the feast has already begun.
Aegon made it clear to Lord Edmure that the ways and rules of the tourney must be announced by his Master at arms. They discussed with the veterans from all kingdoms who agreed as judges and finalized the rules that afternoon.
When Lord Edmure said the word of prince carries more weight among the masses, Aegon countered, with him entering the tourney, he doesn't want the masses to think rules are made to favor him.
Looking at the hall and making sure all the families arrived Lord Edmure looked at the Royal family sitting with him at the head table for permission. The prince and princesses agreed and he stood calling for the attention at the occupants.
'My lords, I believe the woods and hills of River lands offered great practice and the hunt was refreshing before the tourney' the lords and knights cheered and shouted their approvals.
Once the noises died he continued 'the rules and the days of events are finalized this afternoon by the judges. As host of this tourney, I request our master at arms, Ser Desmond Grell, to announce the terms for everyone'.
A well-built man of average height with large belly dressed in Tully colors climbed the platform and bowed to the royals and lords.
'Your graces, my Lords, Ladies and Paladins, I am here to announce the terms agreed by the doyens of all kingdoms for this tourney'.
Opening the scroll he looked around the hall and continued
'Racing, Archery, Spear, and Hammer throws are divided into two groups – first aged ten to six and ten, second aged above five and ten'.
'Solo Duelling for those between four and ten to one and twenty'
'Seven sided team Melee and All against All last man standing Melee for all above six and ten'.
'Lists for the lords and Knights'
Many lords voiced their approvals and the hall erupted with loud cheers and applause. Ser Desmond waited for them to calm down and continued
'With the large numbers arriving, and more expected to come for the tourney, the lists are single elimination tilting format. The Melee finals will have five teams competing and if there are more than five teams finalists are decided by elimination'
All the occupants are listening intently and many are yelling their thoughts and remarks during the announcement. Ser Desmond is reading the rules slowly allowing them the chance to vocalize their opinions and the others to follow the proceedings.
'Forty will fight in the open Melee and they will be decided by the fights beforehand based on numbers registered' he slowed a little looking around and continued 'seven arrows for the archery in groups of fifteen and top three will advance making way to finals. Spear and Hammer throws will look for the contestant's strength and eye'.
Between the cheers and yells of many, the aged master of Riverrun announced 'Racing for the young is an eighth of a mile and a quarter for the elders with the top three advancing to the finals' he finished rolling the scroll.
The occupants cheered loudly and the Master at arms looked at his Lord for the final announcement. Lord Edmure, in turn, looked at the crown prince who sat looking straight. He sighed and got up from his seat.
The hall quieted looking at their host and the Lord of Riverrun announced 'we have many among the Smallfolk, Free riders, and Sellswords from the seven kingdoms coming to the tourney in search of fame and fortune. They are part of the Realm and it is decided to allow these and the natural born to enter the competitions'.
As expected it has mixed opinions. Many Lords of Vale, River lands and surprisingly Crown lands protested while the Dornish cheered. Storm landers are not pleased and stayed quiet and the northerners are also the same. Stark children looked in agreement while their Lady mother and Other lords are not.
Lord Edmure tried to obtain order among the occupants and turned unsuccessful.
Aegon got up from his seat calling attention loudly 'My Lords and Ladies' the hall became silent in a minute and he spoke 'Three hundred years the Targaryen empire stood strong with the support of all seven kingdoms and their people. When the lords put forth a request to allow the natural born from their kingdoms, I discussed with the elders and we accepted on letting them and the others to participate if they are interested as the competitions are conducted fairly and those trying to fight or act unfairly will be dealt with. Joust is a different affair though' loudly reassuring the knights about the tourney.
Aegon looked around the hall and saw few attendees are still far from pleased but the majority of the lords and Knights are in acceptance after hearing their crown prince. He nodded to Lord Edmure sitting down and the Lord of Riverrun took over.
'The tourney starts on the morrow at midmorning. Grounds are prepared to the west of the castle in the area between Tumblestone and Redfork. A grand yard is constructed for the inaugural and the same will be used for the archery and Melee. The area for Lists is barred from entry and I request you all to remain patient until we finish the final arrangements and open it for viewers' Lord Edmure looked around and finished with 'Let this feast be the beginning of much more in the years to come'. Few yelled 'about time' and 'finally' while most voiced 'Ayes' with applause.
