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Tyrion II

Jousting had fascinated a young Tyrion. He remembered when he was six years old he had stood and watched in awe as his older brother Jamie had decimated the field in a small tournament at Casterly Rock in honour of his father's nameday. It was a Westerland's only event but still attracted a strong field that Jamie beat handily with a blend of finesse and brutal power. Jamie was only fourteen and not yet a knight but he beat men ten and twenty years older than him with ease.

Tyrion remembered how he ran to his brother after he crowned their sister the queen of love and beauty (as he always did) and begged him to show him how to do the things with a lance that he could. Jamie was kind and lifted Tyrion onto his horse and tried to show him some basic moves. Tyrion was having a great time until a furious Tywin emerged and instructed Jamie to "stop embarrassing yourself with the dwarf – he will never joust." Tyrion had never forgotten those words and he fell out of love with jousting there and then.

He only became interested in jousting again when he got older and had grown to love to gamble. Though he had no personal ability with a lance, he was able to spot a good bet when one presented itself. However he always bet on Jamie no matter who he fought – luckily for Tyrion he was a fantastic jouster so it was a winning wager in the majority of occasions.

Other nobles and knights wondered how Tyrion could seem to spot a good bet despite having no personal experience of jousting. Tyrion never told anyone his method but it was simple. He just looked for those who rode and handled a lance like Jamie. Tyrion's keen eye could spot someone who commanded his horse, held his shield or gripped his lance like his brother and it was these observations that gave him plenty of winnings over the years.

So far he had done very well gambling in the joust tournament for Joffrey's nameday. He made a healthy sum from Renly Baratheon backing an unknown young hedge knight against Ser Osmund Kettleblack in round two (the young knight's posture as he rode reminded Tyrion of his brother), won even more from Mace Tyrell betting against the Kingsguard Ser Blount in favour of Ser Balon Swann whom Tyrion viewed as far more proficient and a superior knight in general and not forgetting all his bets on Jamie that had each come in. The only bet he had lost recently was on Theon in the archery competition, though he did manage to come second behind Ser Balon so it was not a poor performance unlike his embarrassing efforts in the joust where Theon had made a fool of himself showing off. Theon had set sail for Pyke this morning and Tyrion was sorry to see him leave, not to mention he was worried that Theon did not take in his message that his homecoming would not be as glorious as he anticipates.

As Tyrion looked around the crowd from the royal box he could see there were bets being placed everywhere for this final day of the joust. In particular he noticed Janos Slynt furiously placing and taking bets with a variety of people. The rumour was that he had lost a huge amount to a young boy who had bet on the Wolf Knight, as Robb Stark was now known within Kings Landing, to win the melee so he was undoubtedly trying to recover his losses.

Whilst Tyrion would normally have loved to take advantage of Slynt's desperation to make more money and plunge the odious man into further debt, he had other priorities today. It was a masterstroke on his part to get Robb Stark knighted after his victory, something even his father acknowledged. Tyrion had assessed the boy and, whilst he was noble and honourable, he had a desire for success and recognition. His knighthood by the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard provides Robb Stark the glory he seeks and naturally creates ties and friendship between Winterfell and the Throne. In addition Knighthood was not highly valued in the North but by knighting their future liege Lord it would make this "Southern" custom more desirable and it would likely bring the whole kingdom closer to the rest of Westeros over the coming years.

Tyrion had ensured that Ser Robb and his mother Lady Catelyn were invited to sit in the royal box for the final day of the joust, alongside King Joffrey, Cersei, Lord Tywin and uncle Kevan. This would give opportunity to further get to know the boy and his mother and build the relationship between the houses, not to mention it sends a message to the rest of Westeros that the throne and the North are on good terms. Even his father was coming to sit and properly meet Robb Stark, which surprised Tyrion somewhat as he normally would not do anything so "social".

The only problem is all this was Joffrey. Tyrion turned and shook his head at his nephew who was sat in front of him in the box. He had petulantly refused to even try to get along with the "Northern Peasant" and in a move clearly to try aggravate Ser Robb, he had insisted on Margaery Tyrell joining him to watch the final day of the joust as his personal guest. Not only was this counterproductive and childish, it played into the Queen of Thorns hands who now doubt would be pushing Tywin and Cersei to announce an engagement in the coming days. Tyrion watched as Joffrey practically ignored Margaery and he knew that that would only change once Robb was nearby. Tyrion took a drink of wine and hoped Joffrey would not ruin his carefully laid plans.

Tyrion turned to his left to see his father and uncle emerge along with Myrcella. She was wearing a beautiful red dress and she looked like she was to be attending a ball, not a joust. Cersei soon followed with a face like thunder and Tyrion guessed what had gone on. Tywin sat down next to Tyrion. "Where is he?"

"He is due here any time now prior to the first joust. I see you have brought Myrcella to…..entice the Wolf Knight?!"

Tywin nodded. "He is not betrothed and they would make a good match."

Cersei quickly interjected "It is not happening! My only daughter is not going to live miles away in the freezing North."

Tyrion noted that Myrcella didn't look as against the idea as her mother was. Tywin glared at Cersei which was enough to stop any rant and she slunk back into her seat. Right on cue Ser Robb and Lady Catelyn emerged. Tyrion waved them over. He noted that whilst Robb looked happy, his mother had an extremely cautious face and was clearly apprehensive about this.

Tyrion stood "Ser Robb Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and Lady Catelyn Stark. Pleasure to see you. Can I introduce to you my Father Lord Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King, my uncle Ser Kevan Lannister, The Queen Regent Cersei Baratheon, my niece the beautiful Princess Myrcella Baratheon and myself Tyrion Lannister."

Ser Robb and Catelyn made all the pleasantries then made their way to the front of the box. Tyrion noted that all eyes in the crowd were on Ser Robb as he approached Joffrey. Ser Robb knelt and Lady Catelyn curtsied before the King, who wielded an malevolent smile. He grabbed the hand of Margaery and yanked her towards him.

"Your Grace."

"Rise Ser Robb. Do you know Lady Margaery?"

Robb smiled "We met briefly on the day of the melee."

"Is Joffrey to be married to Margaery?" Tyrion whispered to Tywin.

"Nothing is decided yet," Tywin responded, "We only have one chance at picking his queen so I will not be rushed into a decision by Olenna Redwyne or anyone."

Joffrey ran his hand softly yet menacingly along her cheek but did not take his eyes off Ser Robb "She is beautiful, a true rose of the Reach. I have the pleasure of her company today so leave us."

Robb quickly left the King and took his seat. In passing he smiled politely at Myrcella who blushed a colour similar to her dress. Catelyn sat down too and also smiled towards Cersei who did not reciprocate.

Tyrion shook his head in disappointment. "How can his sister and nephew be so foolish in affairs of state?!" he thought.


Tyrion was relieved. The day had gone well and Robb appeared to warm to Tyrion, Tywin and Kevan. Strangely Tywin also appeared to like Robb and he had spent much of the day in conversation with him going through a variety of subjects from battle tactics to affairs of state. Tyrion could not tell if his father was acting or if he did genuinely like the boy but either way relations between the two were better than Tyrion had ever had with Tywin.

As expected, Joffrey had not bothered speaking to Robb and had instead spent the time openly flirting with Margaery, clearly in an attempt to wind up the Northman. If Robb was getting annoyed he did not let it show, though Tyrion noted he did keep sneaking glances over towards where Margaery was sat. Both Tyrion and Tywin had tried guide Robb towards Myrcella but it was clear to both he only had eyes for the Tyrell girl, much to Cersei's obvious relief though her foul mood remained.

Whilst Robb was friendly and chatted freely, Lady Catelyn held her reserve throughout the day. She mainly spoke to Myrcella in a motherly and complimentary fashion and only spoke up to the men to aid and guide Robb when needed. "She is an intelligent woman, not to be underestimated." Tyrion had thought to himself.

The results of the jousting had helped Robb enjoy the day too. Although the Northern captain named Jory had lost a close decision after ten tilts to Ser Beric Dondarrion in the fourth round (a decision that Joffrey loved giving, Tyrion noted), the other participant Robb and Catelyn was supporting had fared much better. Ser Brynden Tully, the Blackfish, had beaten Ser Mandon Moore, Lord Yohn Royce and The Mountain Gregor Clegane to earn a place in the final where he would face his brother Jamie who had just beaten Ser Loras in his semi-final.

"So how do you fancy your uncle's chances against my brother Ser Jamie?" Tyrion had turned and asked Ser Robb.

Robb was noncommittal "It will be a great final. What do you think Lord Tywin?"

Tywin also gave a considered answer "Ser Brynden Tully is a great knight and has jousted excellently today. However I will always back a Lannister."

Robb smiled at this answer and Tyrion was sure he saw his father show the slightest of smiles in return, something as rare as a joke from Stannis Baratheon or an selfless act from Littlefinger. The thought of Petr Baelish made Tyrion realise that his absence from Kings Landing the past month had made the place that little less bit horrid. He was no doubt turning the atmosphere poisonous in the Vale in his time up there wooing Lysa Arryn. Tyrion was sure the raven would come any day now asking permission to marry Lysa. "Littlefinger is more predictable than he thinks he actually is." Tyrion smiled to himself.

Varys was more of a mystery. He had shown a surprising lack of interest in the Stark boy and his mother, in fact as far as Tyrion was aware he had not spoken a single word to them. According to Tywin the Spider's appearances at the small council meetings continued but he was much more introverted and he seemed to say nothing unless prompted, a far cry from his usual behaviour. Tyrion knew that if you started not to notice Varys then it meant he was able to use his abilities better, meaning he was a far more dangerous opponent. Some people's allegiance was clear, like Pycelle (House Lannister) and Littlefinger (himself), but as for Varys... Tyrion still had no idea who he was loyal to, if anyone. Tyrion thought it was strange an effeminate eunuch gave him more sleepless nights that any warrior or sellsword he had ever encountered.

Tyrion left his thoughts and turned to listen to his father speaking to Ser Robb. They were discussing titles.

"It is true Ser Robb that there are not many Lords who have been knighted as well, myself included." Tywin stated

"But should I go by the title of Lord or Ser?" Robb asked in earnest

Tywin gave his answer some thought "It is a matter of personal choice. But why not both? Ser Robb Stark, Lord of Winterfell sounds fitting to me."

Catelyn spoke up "You knighthood will not be as valued when we return North. Maybe you should just keep to Lord Robb Stark."

Tywin coldly looked at Catelyn before responding "Maybe, but never let your people forget you earned a knighthood at a young age through your own skill with a blade, just as your uncle Ser Brynden Tully did. Some will begrudge your Lordship as you were born into it but no-one can say anything of the sort about your knighthood."

Robb appeared to take this in. Tyrion smiled in respect of Lord Tywin. Lady Catelyn was a clever woman but his father was truly a master manipulator, knowing exactly what to say to get someone's attention. Tyrion's main concern was what would happen when Robb returned up North with his mother as the only influencing voice in his ear.

Tyrion spoke up "Ser Robb, it is Prince Tommen's nameday in three months time and there is likely to be another tournament to celebrate. I hope you are planning to attend as I am sure the people would love to see the Wolf Knight compete in another melee, not to mention the young prince himself who is a big fan of yours."

Robb ignored the audible scoff coming from Joffrey and responded "I would like that very much Tyrion."

Lady Catelyn quickly interjected "We will have to confirm nearer the time via raven. I'm hopeful Robb will be able to attend but it is entirely dependent on whether there are any urgent issues that demand his attention in the North."

Tyrion was ready to respond when everyone's attention was taken by the sound of the trumpets, announcing the start of the final of the joust. Tyrion turned to see his brother emerge on his horse, wearing his Kingsguard armour though wielding a shield depicting a golden lion of the Lannisters. He looked majestic on his horse, like a fabled knight from a young maid's tale, and the crowd went cheered loudly, led by Cersei who beamed at her twin. He was followed by the Blackfish, riding a tall dark stallion. His armour was solid but looked very worn and had only been lightly cleaned prior to this contest. His shield was dirty and had a massive dent in the middle, a reminder of his semi-final against The Mountain. Regardless he still looked an imposing sight and Robb and his mother clapped his arrival with fury.

When Robb sat down Tyrion turned to him "Are you a gambling man Ser Robb?"

"Not really I'm afraid, never had an interest in losing money."

Tyrion smiled "Then how about we wager something else Ser Robb?!"

He looked intrigued "Go on then Tyrion, you have my attention."

Tyrion continued "If Ser Jamie wins then you shall attend Prince Tommen's nameday tourney and can participate in as many or as few events as you wish. If your uncle Ser Brynden wins then I shall press you no further on this and I will personally attend your nameday feast in nine months at Winterfell, accompanied with a gift befitting a knight. Do we have a wager?"

Robb shook Tyrion's hand firmly before Lady Catelyn had chance to object. Tyrion caught his father's eye and received a small look that he interpreted as esteem for his actions. He settled back and watched the his brother and Ser Brynden charged at each other for the first tilt. There was an almighty clash of metal but both men remained on their horse and carried on. The second tilt yielded the same result and the crowd applauded both men and they readied themselves for a third tilt. Both men struck their horse and thundered towards their opponent, lances at the ready. As they met in the middle there was a much quieter noise. Tyrion watched as Jamie moved his lance to pass The Blackfish's shield and catch him square in the chest, resulting in him falling from his horse with a heavy crash in the mud. Tyrion smiled and found himself clapping and cheering Jamie – the winner of the joust for King Joffrey's nameday.

Jamie approached the grounded Blackfish, who had just sat himself up in the dirt. He removed his helmet, letting his blonde hair flow and spoke for all to hear "Ser Brynden, you fought excellently today. It has been an honour to ride against you, a true knight of the realm."

Ser Brynden pulled himself up to his feet "No Ser Jamie it is you who rode excellently today. I thank you for your kind words. Congratulations!" He shook Jamie's hand and the gesture received rapturous applause for those watching. Tyrion remembered that growing up his brother idolised knights like the Blackfish, Barristan Selmy and Arthur Dayne so his words were genuine.

As Jamie moved to the royal box and placed the crown of blue roses on Cersei, Robb turned to Tyrion "I guess I will be back to Kings Landing in three months."

Tyrion smiled in acknowledgement and thought of his brother, currently looking full of happiness as he received the roar of the crowd and displayed Cersei as his queen of love and beauty. "My brother Jamie," he thought to himself, "always a winning wager."