The Chained Wolf
Red Keep \ Renner's quarters
Renner Vaiself was sitting on her chair , writing a document regarding the trade deals between the Seven Kingdoms and the new Triarchy.
It's been a few days since she arrived in King's Landing , but she already managed to achieve the results she was looking for.
Just the day after her negotiation with Hand of the King , Lord Tywin Lannister , she was called back to his quarters in the tower of the Hand. Tywin informed her that the Iron Throne accepts her offer of friendship between the two nations , and that trade between the Triarchy and the Seven Kingdoms shall begin. He also asked for some privileges , like reducing the tolls imposed by the Triarchy on the trade ships of the Seven Kingdoms and banning the trade with the Kingdoms that were in rebellion against the Crown. But overall , her mission was a success.
The nature of the trade deals and the political relations between the two nations would be discussed in the future , but for now she was writing the truce regarding economical matters to be given to Tywin for signing.
Suddenly , just after she was finished writing the document , a pair of eyes appeared in her shadow.
The shadow demon lurking within slithered forth and placed it's dark mouth beside Renner's ear , and whispered something.
Ever since she came here , she was followed by a group of shadow demons. Their duty wasn't to guard her , as their information suggested there was no one strong enough to pose a threat to Renner's safety. Instead their duty was to gather information about whoever Renner wanted , and then delay that information to Renner.
Renner had assigned them to watch over certain people during her stay , and they would casually report their findings to her.
One such shadow demon had come to give his daily report to his master.
A smile came on Renner's face as she heard the shadow demon report , and she rose from her seat.
So , The seed is sown. All that is left for me to do is to let it grow strong , and reap it!
She left her room with a smile. Her destination was the room of a dear friend that she had made recently.
Sansa Stark sat on a chair in her room before the mirror.
She was attiring herself and combing her hair , with the help of her handmaiden Shae , of course. Shae would help her find a nice dress to wear as well.
She had changed six set of clothes already , but none of them could catch her eye.
Ever since she learned that she would marry the knight of the flowers , Ser Loras Tyrell , she took great care of her beauty to ensure Ser Loras would find her pleasing to the eye every time the two of them met.
It wouldn't be wrong to say that she had a strong affection for him.
" do you think he will like it?"
" I don't know my lady. If this brown color is to his taste , he may."
Sansa smiled at Shae response.
" Anyway , from what I can tell , the Dressmakers in Highgarden will be far superior to the ones in King's Landing. Have you seen the Tyrell's Outfits? They never wear something as dull as this."
Sansa dress was indeed simple , without the colorful bijouterie she often saw on Margaery dress.
" Loras likes green and gold brocade."
" I'm sure he does my lady."
The banner of house Tyrell was a golden rose on a green field , after all. Most members of the house would wear green outfits with golden lines on it.
" will they let me invite my family?"
Sansa asked with a low voice , leaving Shae uncertain on how to respond.
It was the wish of every daughter to have their family in their wedding , but the Starks were in open rebellion against the Crown. So it would be impossible for them to come to Sansa wedding with Loras.
Shae decided that it would best for her to be honest with Sansa , as she always was.
" They haven't asked for my opinion. But No , I don't think they will. Not unless your brother sues for peace."
" Hahh... " Sansa sighed heavily.
She knew that Robb wasn't someone who would surrender. Especially considering the fact that Joffrey beheaded their father Eddard.
Shae began to open the knots on her shirt. It was time for her to try a new one.
Just as Sansa removed her shirt , a maid entered the room.
" Lady Sansa , Princess Renner Vaiself is here to see you."
" Oh... well, why are you just standing there?! Guide her in!"
She hurriedly put her shirt on again. It was a little ungraceful for her to be in such attire , but what of it? What could be more important than welcoming a friend?
Soon , her friend was led into the room by her maid.
Sansa , with a face full of smiles , spread her arms in welcome and invited her friend in.
It was indeed the golden Princess Renner. A dear friend that she had made recently.
" Ohhh! Welcome! I am glad that you are here Renner!"
Sansa embraced Renner without any hesitation and wrapped her arms around her.
" Ah! Sansa! My dearest friend! I am deeply grateful for your welcome!"
Renner embraced Sansa as well. Given her kind and gentle behavior , It was obvious that she was doing it out of the affection she had for her dear friend.
They held each other for a while , and then they slowly broke apart.
" What are you saying? You are always welcome to come and go as you please."
Renner smiled softly at Sansa , and she returned it back.
Sansa was struck by how deeply she came to love Renner as her friend.
She had first met this dear friend in the gardens. At first she simply wondered who she was and what was she doing in the gardens.
But after that, they met again, and engaged each other in conversation to learn more about each other and then they clicked. After a few minutes together that could have been a month, a deep friendship was born.
This was why they no longer addressed each other with honorifics. That was because they were as close as sisters to each other. Such was the intimacy of their relationship.
" Thank you Sansa. Forgive me for interrupting you. It seems you were in the middle of something."
She snuck a glance at Shae.
" Oh , it's nothing. I was just trying a gown for the Wedding so , what do you think? Do you think people will like this?"
Renner looked at Sansa outfit and smiled.
" I doubt they would even notice it. After all , it's not your wedding."
" you are right. It's not. Nonetheless , I have to wear something nice. Otherwise "
" I know. This people love nothing more than a gossip. They don't care if it's false or true. All they care about is how juicy the gossip would be."
Sansa smiled indifferently. Renner paused for a moment before continuing.
" Anyway I came here to say goodbye."
" What do you mean? You have only been in the capital for a few days!"
Sansa eyes widened , and her voice became louder than usual. But after realizing her blunder , she immediately lowered it.
" I'm sorry. I was just shocked. Why are you leaving?"
" My work here is done. And I must return to Myr to resume my duties. I wish I could stay , or that you could come with me , but I'm afraid I can't."
" You know I love that more than anything. But I can't leave King's Landing now. At least not before King Joffrey's wedding."
Her sorrow was genuine. It caused Renner to put her hand on Sansa shoulder.
" I know. But don't worry my friend. It is very likely that My mother Malak will be invited to King's Landing for that wedding as well. In that time , we may see each other again."
" Well ,that is just great. I look forward to meet you again."
" Before I go , I wanted to give you this. Consider it a gift."
Renner reached into her pocket , and drew something out.
It was a silver necklace adorned with a medallion. On the said medallion was the picture of a beautiful goddess holding a sapphire on her hands.
It was masterfully crafted. To the point that Sansa felt that goddess would come to life at any moment.
Renner placed the Necklace around Sansa neck.
" Thank you. It is so beautiful."
" I'm glad you like it. This was something my mother gifted me. But I think It suit's you well enough."
Sansa mouth was opened in surprise when she heard that the necklace Renner gave to her was a gift from her mother. She hurriedly reached for her neck to remove it.
" I can't take it. It's very , very , kind of you. But I can't. This must be precious to you. I can't take it from you."
But Renner stopped her from taking it off.
" You are right. It means a lot to me. That's why I give it to you my friend. Because this is the only kind of gift that's worth giving."
Sansa wanted to refuse , but after seeing the sincere look on Renner's face , she realized that rejecting her gift would be very rude.
" I shall wear it with pride Renner. Thank you for this wonder full gift."
Renner smiled in satisfaction as Sansa lowered her head in gratitude.
" Mother once told me that the gods we worship can hear all of our prayers , and answer them. Of course, sometimes their answer is no , but sometimes they say yes as well. Whenever I go to the temple and pray to the gods , I would carry that necklace with me and hold it in my hand. You wouldn't believe me if I told you that whenever I held that necklace in my hands , I could hear the gods answer me whenever I pray to them."
" No , I wouldn't."
Hahaha the two of them laughed silently with each other.
" Anyway ,next time you went to the Godswood and wanted to ask the gods for something , you could try your luck as well. Who knows, the gods might surprise you."
The two of them stared at each other, smiling softly.
" Well then my friend. It is time for me to go. I hope to see you again soon."
Renner embraced Sansa , and she returned her embrace.
" You too , Renner. Have safe travels."
" Thank you , sister."
The Tower of the Hand
Tyrion was summoned to his father quarters at the Tower of the Hand.
He didn't know why his father summoned him , but he guessed that he wanted to know about his work. Namely , about how much money he managed to save for Joffrey and Margaery wedding.
He entered the chamber , only to see Cersei and Tywin sitting on their chairs waiting for him. He stopped at his tracks. No one told him Cersei would be there too.
Cersei was looking at Tyrion with amusement , a soft smile on her face. It made Tyrion fell uneasy.
" You are late." Tywin rebuked him , as he always did.
" what's she doing here?"
" Our Business concerns her , too. Sit."
Tyrion averted the gaze of her so called sister. He placed the book of finances on the table and took his seat. Then he began to report his latest activities as the master of coin.
" You'll be pleased to learn that after one conversation with Olenna Tyrell , I've saved the crown hundreds of thousands on this wedding. I also talked with Princess Renner Vaiself and managed to reduce the tolls that the Triarchy impose on our ships."
" Never mind that now. We have something important to discuss."
" I'm master of coin. Saving money is important."
Cersei didn't stop to look at Tyrion with her sharp gaze , her soft smile widening more every moment.
Finally , Tyrion had enough of this.
" Stop that. You're making me uncomfortable."
" Your sister has learned that your new friends the Tyrells are plotting to marry Sansa Stark to Ser Loras."
" Very well. She's a lovely girl. Missing some of Loras favorite bits , but I'm sure they'll make do."
" Your jokes are not appreciated."
" It wasn't my best , but... "
" I bring them into the royal fold and this is how they repay me, by trying to steal the key to the North out from under me."
" Sansa is the key to the North? I seem to remember she has an older brother."
" The Karstarks have marched home. The Young wolf has lost half of his army , his days are numbered. Theon Greyjoy murdered both his brothers. That makes Sansa Stark the heir to Winterfell. And I am not about to hand her over to the Tyrells."
" The Tyrells army is helping us win this war. Do you really think it's wise to refuse them?"
Indeed. House Tyrell had supported the crown with 12,000 infantry men. 1,800 mounted lances. 2000 in support. Plus the provision that King's landing might survive the winter.
" There is nothing to refuse , this is a plot. Plots are not public knowledge. And the Tyrells won't carry this one out until after Joffrey's wedding. We need to act first and kill this union in it's crib."
" and how do we do that?"
" Well , we find Sansa Stark a different Husband."
" Wonderfull."
" Yes , It is." Cersei said so. While looking at Tyrion with a happy , and mocking , smile.
Tyrion gaze was locked with that of Cersei , and then he looked at Tywin. As the understanding dawned on him , his reaction was understandable.
" You can't mean it."
" I can and I do."
" Joffrey , has made this poor girl's life miserable since the day he took he Father's Head! Now she is finally free of him and you give her to Me?! That's cruel. Even for You!"
" Do you intend on mistreating her? The girl's happiness is not my concern , nor should it be yours."
" She is a Child!"
" She's flowered. I assure you. She and I have discussed it at length." Cersei intervened.
" There , you see? You will wed her , bed her and put a child in her. Surely you are capable of that."
" And if I refuse?"
" You wanted to be rewarded for your Valor in battle. Sansa Stark is a finer reward that you could ever dare hope for. And it is past time you were wed."
" I was Wed!" Tyrion stated angrily. " Or don't you Remember?!"
Tyrion and Tywin locked their gaze. Tywin couldn't hide the anger in his voice. Even though he answered calmly.
" ...Only too Well."
When he was sixteen years old, Tyrion Lannister met a girl named Tysha on a lonely road near Lannisport, where she was being accosted by some men. Tyrion's brother, Jaime Lannister, drove off the men while Tyrion took care of her. She was a crofter's daughter, orphaned when her father died of an illness. Tyrion fell in love with her and they were married by a drunken septon with pigs as witnesses. Tyrion settled Tysha in a cottage near the Sunset Sea.
When Lord Tywin Lannister found out from the septon a fortnight later, he ordered Jaime to tell Tyrion that Tysha was a whore who had been paid to make Tyrion a man. Tywin then had her gang raped by his guards in their barracks; for each guard, he gave her a silver. To drive the lesson home, Tywin forced his son to be the last man, for whom Tysha was paid a gold coin, because Lannisters were worth more.
It was because of those events that Tyrion came to resent his father so deeply. It was also the reason he turned to whoring. Because after what happened with Tysha , Tyrion came to believe no one could ever love him for what he was , a dwarf. So he sought pleasure and comfort with whores. Which further stained the relationship between father and son.
Cersei : " You should be thanking the gods for this. This is more than you deserve." She said happily as she leaned back on her chair. Tyrion unhappiness always brought a smile to her face.
" Tyrion will do as he's bid... as will you."
This time , Tywin turned his attention to Cersei.
" What do you mean?"
" You will marry Ser Loras."
Cersei eyes widened , and her smile vanished like it was never there.
" I will not."
" The Boy is heir to Highgarden. Tyrion will secure the North , you will secure the Reach."
" No , I won't do it."
" Yes , you will. You are still fertile. You need to marry and breed."
Cersei snapped in rage. She could tolerate this humiliation anymore.
" I Am Queen Regent! Not some Broodmare!"
" You Are My Daughter!" Tywin wrath was even greater than Cersei , causing her to back away in fear.
" You will do as I command , and you will marry Loras Tyrell. And put an end to the disgusting rumors about you once and for all."
Cersei hardly stopped the tears from falling from her eyes. Her wrathful voice , that showed her pride as queen , was nowhere to be seen. Instead , it was replaced by the sobbing of a girl before her cruel father.
" Father , don't make me do it again , Please."
Tywin slammed the table at rage as he stood up , and turned his gaze toward his son and daughter.
" Not another word... My children! You've disgraced the Lannister name for far too long!" and so , he left the room in open displeasure.
Leaving an angry Tyrion and an upset Cersei together , so that they could Brood alone.
A few days later
Sansa had just returned from the gardens. She met with little finger , who told her everything was ready for him to smuggle her out of the King's Landing. But Sansa , believing this would cost her the chance to marry Loras Tyrell and becoming the lady of Highgarden , refused his offer on the ground of it been a dangerous act that could compromise both of their safety.
She was back in her room , trying a new gown for Joffrey wedding when suddenly
" Lady Sansa. Lord Tyrion to see you." A maid said so , poking her head inside the room.
" should I... "
Tyrion entered the room , as Sansa was putting on her robe.
" I beg your pardon my lady."
Shae dressed Sansa , and she turned around to welcome Tyrion.
" Good afternoon , Lord Tyrion. I was just trying on a gown for King Joffrey's wedding."
" Yes , It should be quite a wedding. I need to speak with you lady Sansa."
" Of course."
" Alone if I may."
Shae looked at Tyrion with suspicious.
" Why do you need to speak to her alone?"
" Shae!" Sansa looked worriedly at Shae because her behavior with Tyrion. Before turning her gaze toward her guest again.
" Please excuse her Lord Tyrion , she's not from here. But I trust her , even though she tells me not to."
Tyrion smiled softly at Shae. And then he paused , unsure of how to continue the conversation , he took a moment to think about what he was going to say.
" ...sometimes we think we want to hear something. And it's only afterwards when it's too late that we realized that we wished we'd heard it under entirely different circumstances."
" It's alright , really." Sansa said so to assure him. So that he may say his words at ease.
It didn't have much effect on Tyrion though.
" How to begin?" Tyrion said as he closed the door.
" It's... This... this... This is awkward."
Sansa felt confused.
But after she heard the news Tyrion had brought her , her face turned pale.
A few hours later
After Tyrion left her room , she returned to the Gardens , where there was a good view of the sea.
She looked at the ship that was sailing away. A ship that was sailing with the symbol of a mocking bird on it's sails. A ship that belonged to Littlefinger.
Her eyes were wet with tears. Her eyes underlines red and pink because of her constant crying. Her sob coughing at her throat. She was hardly keeping the voices of her anguish and sorrow from yelling at the bottom of her throat.
She watched with eyes full of pity as she saw little finger's ship , the ship that could have taken her away from this horrible place , was sailing away. She had no one to blame but herself and her own stupidity for refusing the chance to leave.
Even so , she hoped that he would turn around. That little finger would suddenly remember that he had some unfinished business in the capital and come back her way. So that she could tell him to take her away.
She stood by and watched until the ship vanished from her sight.
Even though she wanted to cry with all of her grief , she couldn't do so in a place surrounded with Lannisters.
" I am going to the Godswood."
Sansa said with a visible sorrow in her voice , and Shae nodded her head in understanding.
The Godswood was the only place where no one would come to talk to her. It was also the only place that was free of spies. Or so she was told by Renner.
Sansa was filled with more sorrow when she thought about Renner , her dear friend.
Renner had left King's Landing a few days ago. She still had that necklace that she gifted her before leaving. She said it was a gift from her mother , and that it would make her feel good to pray to the gods when she was wearing it.
Sansa , Being the daughter of a Stark and a Tully , kept faith with all the gods. The old and the new. While she would usually pray to the old gods in Godswood and the Seven Gods in a sept , sometime she would pray to the Seven before the Godswood as well.
They both left for the Godswood , but when Sansa wanted to pray , she ordered Shae to stay behind.
She didn't want anyone , even Shae , to be present. It made her feel more comfortable.
She sat before a large tree in the Godswood. Said tree was an oak , not a Wirewood. The wirewoods in the south were all cut down by the Andals when they invaded Westerso , only in a few places and Castles of the Great Houses one could still find a wirewood tree south of the Neck. Unfortunately , the Godswood in King's Landing had no Wirewood in it.
She sat before the tree , and started to pray to the new gods.
She prayed for Father to give his brother Robb the strength and the wisdom to defeat is enemies and get justice for their father's death. She prayed to the Warrior to give Robb strength and to guide and protect him in his battles.
And finally , she started praying for Mother , Whom was said to be a loving figure who cared for her children. Those who sought kindness and mercy , and protection for their loved ones would pray to her. She grabbed her necklace tightly , and started her prayers.
" Mother , hear me. Save me from the evil. Protect me from the darkness of this place. I beg of you , let me be reunited with my family. Let me see my loved ones again. Help me to get out of this city of liars and the corrupt , and I will praise you for your kindness from this day , and all the days to come."
Sansa prayed so with a sincere innocence in her heart. Her voice was so sad and pure that it would drive anyone to tears.
But as she expected , there was no response. As always.
She wasn't surprised. She expected this to happen. After all , the gods didn't talk with mortals.
She stood up , her face still stained from her tears. She had to wash it away before she returned to her quarters. Otherwise people would report this to Cersei and Joffrey , who would use it to humiliate and torment her even more.
But suddenly , just as she turned her back to the tree and was about to leave
" I hear you my child "
A soft and loving voice whispered in her mind.
She looked around in panic , looking for the source of the voice.
" Who's there?"
She said so with fear , thinking someone might be spying on her even here. But there was no one around , not even Shae.
But then , she heard that voice again.
" You prayed for salvation. You prayed to be released form this torment. To be able to leave this place and be reunited with your family. Do you wish to be free? You can answer me in your heart and I will hear you."
Sansa was still gripped with fear , but she calmed herself down. If this was truly the Mother who was talking to her , then she didn't need to raise her voice high. She could answer her in heart.
" Yes. I do."
" Then I shall grant you your wish. I will take you away to a safe place. Relax and accept the spell.[ Greater Teleportation!] "
Just before she could ask her about what she meant , she felt the scenery around her change as she heard some strange words in a broken version of the Common tongue.
Suddenly , Sansa found herself inside a different place. She was no longer in the GodsWood. Instead she found herself inside a private room. But it wasn't her room in the Red Keep.
Said room was quite large , at least twice the size of her quarters in Red Keep. It was filled by all the trapping and fancy stuffs that were meant for a lady. There was a large mirror with all manner of attiring stuff meant for a lady. There was a commode filled with different type of beautiful women's clothes. The bed was extremely beautiful. It gleamed with black radiance , like it was made of Onyx. In addition , there were pure white sheet upon it.
Sansa watched with awe , and terror , at her surrounding. And when she heard the sound of the door opening , she looked at the entrance with panic.
Someone entered the room , and greeted her with a face full of smile.
" Welcom to Myr , Sister!"
Sansa mouth was opened in awe , as she saw someone whose face she couldn't forget.
" ...Renner?"
Author note: Well , this chapter was meant to be a short one. The next chapter would be longer. However , from now on , the Story of GOT will begin to change. There will be hints about Renner Plans for Sansa and the reason she helped her escape , as well as the preparation for Ainz first interaction with GOT world and characters.
Next Chapter : The Red Wolf