Hugs to all :)
Sam
The second time he saw the odd man from the library was at Crowley's cabinet for important meetings. This time he appeared in much more expensive garment – lustrous emerald robes with finest golden embellishments. But not only the clothes were different – his features somehow altered too. Nothing comical was there anymore. He was the proud heir of Lannister name – Gabriel Lannister, the youngest prince. It was a strange feeling – one day the funny guy was happy to get the "Tall Tales" and the next day the same man discussed business with Crowley and demanded only the best halva there was. Also, Gabriel was very convincing in his complete ignorance in terms of High Valyrian. This Lannister was playing some game and Sam was quite sure it was not an ordinary one.
Gabriel was trying to buy ingredients for wildfire along with the only alchemist in the City that possessed the knowledge of how to make it. The Elders would've never sold something important for the City's defense, but Crowley held a different opinion in this case.
- My brother will be here soon, believe it or not, he hasn't given up. And he won't try to buy it, he'll try to take it or destroy it along with the City. – Gabriel told him. – It's better for you all if he doesn't have any interest here.
- And you want to get the wildfire to oppose your brother, I take it? Excuse me, my Lord, but what good will it do us, getting in the middle of war?
- First of all, no, I do not intent to oppose my brother. I'm not that stupid. I just try to prevent him from getting all the weapons . Second, the sooner you will satisfy my request, the sooner I'll be off, carrying the danger away from the City.
They went on and on negotiating prices and opportunities. Crowley was milking the rich Lannister remorselessly and Sam felt sorry for the guy. Lannister was good at chuffing; only Crowley was better.
The next day after everything was decided, Gabriel took Sam with him on a trip to the alchemy lab. Lannister preferred to supervise everything to make sure he'd taken every last jar of wildfire.
- Nobody can be trusted, especially slaves. – he told Sam on the way. – I really can't afford to be fooled this time. One of my brothers comes from the North with wolves and the other is flying on the back of the dragon from the South. I'm not looking forward to this reunion. Speaking of siblings. You are the brother of the Knight of Black and Silver, serving Castiel Tyrell, aren't you?
Sam was surprised that this topic was brought up. If Gabriel knew who he was, why didn't he say anything in the library? Why now, on the way to the labs?
- Yes, my Lord. Dean Tully is my elder brother. He escaped a couple days ago causing lots of disturbance.
- Fascinating. How did you two got yourself enslaved in the first place? Wait. I don't really care.
Sam grew irritated by the short man. Gabriel was visibly bored, asked him lots of random questions about Riverrun and Quarth and never seemed to listen, interrupted all the time. Finally some charming native maiden that was passing by with a basket full of mangos occupied Gabriel's attention.
Sam was disappointed. He'd expected the youngest Lannister to be much more interesting character. This peacocking careless boy didn't remind the man from the library in a slightest. Sam even started to doubt his memory.
Next day the caravan was departing laden with jars of wildfire.
- Many thanks for your hospitality, Kind Master, and let your house prosper and all deals be done in your favor. – Gabriel bid his farewell.
- It's always a pleasure to be in service for you, Lord Gabriel.
- Oh, speaking of which. I've never had better translator then one at my command here. I wonder if there's a price?...
That was unexpected.
Crowley looked at Sam, visibly contemplating.
- This particular man possesses some priceless knowledge; therefore I'd be reluctant to name the price. – Crowley stated. – But I'd give him to you as a present to seal our fruitful deal and to show my respect for House Lannister.
And Sam was free just like that.
Free, because apparently Gabriel lived by the laws of Westeros, so didn't have slaves. Yet, now Sam should've been bound to the youngest Lannister by gratitude. The etiquette stated that now Sam was to swear his sword to Gabriel. On one hand, he wasn't too eager to do so, on the other, Gabriel's intentions were a mystery to be solved. Why did he free Sam in the first place? Judging by their encounter in the library, he didn't need any translators, even though he pretended to be ignorant while discussing business with Crowley. Did he want to get to Dean through Sam? But Gabriel hasn't been to Seven Kingdoms in years!
- My Lord, you've given me back my freedom so now my life and my sword are yours eternally.
- What's the point getting your freedom back if you swear it to me the next minute? I don't need your sword, I've got many of my own. And I have no desire to have a Tully in my army. You can go back to your King, and participate in the worthless war you have going on. Only remember - if someday we meet on the battlefield…Ezekiel will kill you. – Gabriel turned away, letting him know that conversation is over.
Sam had never been thrown back like that. He couldn't understand what was happening and it unsettled him.
- Why did you free me then? – he blurted out.
- So you can go back to Westeros. – Lannister turned to him. – The war shouldn't be brought here, it's my piece of the world. Just go away.
That made sense. Disposing of wildfire so Lucifer had no interest here, freeing Sam so Tullies and Tyrells wouldn't come either. Maybe Gabriel was a coward, but not a stupid one for sure.
