Renly found his way easily to the part of the Tourney grounds where his own company were camped. It was easy enough to spot; the tents were all draped with black and gold banners and all around familiar faces were milling about. From the noise level, Renly suspected the majority of his household were in the large communal pavilion; indeed, peering inside, he could see Penrose being helped out of his armour by one of the younger squires.
"Penrose" Renly called cheerfully, laying a hand on his shoulder when he reached him and trying not to dwell on their conversation earlier that morning. "You rode wonderfully"
Penrose smiled. "Not too bad for an old man" he conceded. "But I think it's your squire that you want to be congratulating. He put a lot of the knights out there to shame"
"That he did Penrose." Renly grinned. "Is he pleased with how he did?" He laughed. "Knowing Loras, I wouldn't put it past him to be a little put out that he only reached the semi-finals!"
Penrose laughed. "True. But I dare say even Loras has enough sense to know that he did well today despite not being the victor. Or if he doesn't, then he's certainly been told so by enough people. I don't think I've ever seen anyone as proud as Mace Tyrell was when he saw him."
Renly smiled. "So he's seen his family?"
"Yes yes." Penrose nodded. "They seemed ever so pleased to see him. I dare say you'll be making a lot of people very happy when you send him back home."
Renly couldn't help but grimace slightly at those words.
Penrose perhaps realised then that he'd hit a rather sore spot for he patted Renly gently on the arm. "Why don't you go and congratulate him yourself?" He gestured over to the far side of the tent where Renly could see Loras surrounded by many of the young knights and squires of Storm's End, already out of his armour and listening intently as he was presumably told how wonderful he was.
Renly nodded and headed over.
"Loras" Renly called, patting him on the shoulder. "You did wonderfully!"
"I could have done better." He shrugged nonchalantly, though Renly thought he could see the beginnings of a grin.
Renly rolled his eyes. "Don't be like that. You did well and you know it."
"Well obviously I did well." Loras retorted. "My point was is that I could have done better. I could have won."
Renly sighed. "There's no pleasing some people is there!"
Loras laughed. "Next time." He said quietly, more to himself than to Renly.
"Next time what?"
"Next time I'm going to win." He grinned. "And preferably unhorse Jaime Lannister in the process." He dropped his voice to a whisper. "And perhaps you'll find him less comely when he's covered in dust."
Renly rolled his eyes and resisted the urge to shove him. He turned instead to address the whole group, smiling when he saw that they hushed instantly. "Right," He said. "Get yourselves out of your armour, as we have a feast to attend!"
There were much cheering and a loud clattering of steel as everyone hurried to obey his words. Renly merely grinned and grabbed Loras' arm, steering him out of the tent where they'd have more privacy. Leaning up against the side of the tent, he whispered under his breath to Loras;
"Accompany me back to the red keep ahead of the others?"
Loras raised an eyebrow, still smiling. "And may I ask for what purpose my lord?" his voice was low and warm against Renly's cheek.
"You know for what purpose." Renly whispered, risking leaning in and tilting Loras' head back so he could kiss his neck. He could feel Loras' pulse racing beneath his lips, whether from the excitement of the day or Renly's touch he couldn't tell.
Loras' breath hitched slightly as Renly continued kissing his neck, slow soft kisses that seemed to be making Loras melt underneath him.
Renly drew back and grinned "I'll take that as a yes then?"
The short ride back to the red keep was a tense one and both of them were rather worked up by the time they'd reached Renly's chambers. Collapsing onto Renly's bed in a tangle of limbs, Renly didn't think he'd ever seen Loras so heated; the excitement of the tourney had evidently riled him up. Loras had never been gentle so to speak, but today he was bordering on aggressive; grasping Renly by the arms he flipped him over, pushing Renly's face into the pillow and trailing rough kisses down his back. Renly didn't fight back. He was more than happy to let Loras do anything he liked.
"You want me like this?" Renly asked Loras, who didn't respond except to push his head back down onto the pillow, and kiss his neck so fiercely that Renly feared it would leave marks the way he was nipping at the soft skin.
"Oi" Renly hissed, pulling away from Loras' kisses. "If you're going to play rough, do it lower down. I can't be doing with explaining those sort of bruises."
Loras practically growled at him, but had conceded to move his kisses lower down, gripping Renly's shoulder with one hand as he covered Renly's back in not-so-gentle kisses.
He was mildly surprised but not complaining when Loras slipped a finger into him. Indeed, he found that he was beginning to understand why Loras found it so difficult to keep quiet and after a few moments he couldn't help but gasp involuntarily as Loras' fingers found a spot that sent shivers up his spine.
Renly was almost moaning into the pillow when Loras ceased his onslaught of kisses and moved his fingers up to Renly's hips. Feeling strangely empty all of a sudden, Renly was just about to beg him to resume when Loras eased into him, stretching him wide with his cock. This was only the second time they'd tried this this way round and Renly forced himself to relax, savouring the sensation as Loras rocked up into him time and time again.
As Renly had suspected though Loras didn't last particularly long, his almost feverish desire tipping him over the edge after a couple of minutes and leaving him collapsed against Renly panting heavily.
Renly pushed him off him and rolled over to face him.
"You don't usually want it that way round?"
Loras smirked. "I guess I was in a mood for it."
Renly grinned. "If this is what reaching the semi-finals does to you, I dread to think what you'll do to me if you win."
Loras frowned. "When I win." He corrected.
Renly laughed and pulled Loras to him, kissing his curls. "I'm sure you'll win many tourneys." He said, laughing. "But first I think we both need a bath." He looked Loras up and down, reaching over to push Loras' sticky curls out of his eyes. "I think we might cause a bit of a stir if we descended looking like this!"
Surprisingly, Loras offered to fetch water and it wasn't long before he returned with enough hot water to fill the silver tub in Renly's room. Renly sighed as he sunk down into it, stretching his aching limbs and enjoying the warmth of the water.
Loras hopped in not long after, sitting cross legged in the tub and leaning back against him. "Do you think you will enjoy the feast?" he asked, leaning his arms over the edge of the tub.
Renly laughed "Probably, though I doubt I'll remember much of it if my brother gets his way!"
"I've never really seen you properly drunk" Loras commented.
"That's because it takes a lot of liquor to get me to such a state" Renly paused. "Unlike someone I know" he added teasingly.
"I'll concede that" he laughed, lounging back against the Renly's chest lazily "Though as far as I'm aware you've ever seen me well and truly drunk twice."
"True, but I've seen you well and truly tipsy too many times to count!" Renly tugged on Loras' curls affectionately. "It seems it only takes you a few cups of wine to make you rather unsteady on your feet!"
Loras smiled, leaning further back against him so Renly could untangle his hair with his fingers, closing his eyes, obviously enjoying the way Renly was running his hands through his hair. Renly was reminded of a cat being stroked, and half expected Loras to purr as he worked out the knots.
It was more difficult than he anticipated and Renly found himself tugging at the strands impatiently, growing slightly frustrated when they refused to untangle. "Gods Loras, how do you deal with having hair like this? It's a nightmare."
Loras yawned. "Leave it then" He smiled "I'll do it later after I've washed it, I've had more practice." He began rubbing soap roughly into his hair.
Renly sighed. It looked like all the progress he had made with untangling his hair was being rapidly undone.
When they were both clean, they dried themselves and dressed hurriedly. There was very little time before the feast was to begin. Renly was rather irritated to see how quickly Loras managed to untangle his own hair with a brush, despite having re-tangled it all when he'd washed it.
Shortly though, they both descended to the hall where the feast was about to begin. Renly made his way over to the high table, leaving Loras to go off in search of his family. Jon Arryn and Robert were already seated and the hand of the king seemed pleased to see Renly, standing up and greeting him warmly. His wife Lysa was sat next to him, her long hair woven into a heavy plait that wound about her head. Evidently their young child had been put to bed.
"Lady Arryn" Renly said, kissing her hand. She looked even more ill at ease than the last time he had seen her and Renly quickly turned back to her husband who looked as if he was waiting to speak to him
"Lord Renly, if you could spare the time to come and see-"
"Later Jon" Robert growled, interrupting whatever Jon Arryn had been about to say and embracing him as if he hadn't just seen him at the Tourney. "Come sit down Renly, the feast is about to start, and I'm in need of a decent drinking partner." He gestured to Jon Arryn. "This one's past it, and Ned's buried himself up in that godforsaken of a place he calls Winterfell, so come keep a king company won't you? A king needs a bit of company when he's surrounded all the time by bloody Lannisters!"
Jon Arryn sighed, and took his seat next to his lady wife. Renly sat himself down beside him, and looked down the high table. There were a great many lords and ladies here he thought. Indeed he could see Edmure Tully making strained conversation with Tywin Lannister's brother, and further down the table he thought he could identify Loras' father and his lady wife. Glancing around though, he saw that Robert was right about being surrounded by Lannisters. It seemed to Renly that the whole brood must have vacated Casterly rock; there was a sea blonde hair and an abundance of brilliant green eyes.
He looked back over to where the Tyrells were sitting. He couldn't see Loras, but reckoned he would most likely be sitting on Mace Tyrell's far side.
He turned to Robert. "Pray excuse me for a moment." Renly vacated his seat and made his way down the table. Sure enough Loras was sat on his father's left-hand side, sandwiched in between him and his older brother Garlan.
Mace Tyrell got to his feet when he noticed Renly approaching. The rest followed suit.
"My lord, Such an amiable tourney." He bumbled, shaking Renly's hand "My family and I enjoyed it greatly"
Renly laughed. "I think you would do better to thank Lord Arryn, I suspect that he did most of the organising in my stead. I am honoured though that you found time to travel up for the celebrations." He paused, glancing down at Loras who was standing next to who Renly assumed was his mother, a still beautiful lady with long silver hair that fell almost to her waist. "You must be very proud of Loras, he rode ever so well today."
Mace agreed heartily, clapping Loras on the shoulder. "At this rate, he'll soon be as good as his brother Garlan!" He looked fondly over at the only one of the Tyrells Renly had met before.
"We'll see about that!" Garlan laughed, ruffling Loras' curls affectionately and making him scowl. "I should have participated it seems, if only to put my younger brother back in his place!"
Renly turned to the young man "It is nice to see you again" he said, smiling widely. "It was ever so pleased to see you at the last tourney I held at Storm's End."
Mace blustered then. "I've been very rude lord Renly, let me introduce you to my wife."
Renly smiled as Mace began making hasty introductions. Lady Alerie reminded him a great deal of Loras in the way she was softly spoken, yet seemingly very sure of herself. He seemed to get his looks however from his father and whilst Mace Tyrell was getting on a bit and was rather portly in stature, Renly could see that he had most definitely been very comely in his youth.
"It's been a pleasure having your son squire for me Lady Tyrell." He said before turning back to Mace. "But I believe I'll be handing him back to you within the next few days" Renly felt his throat tighten at the thought, but forced himself to keep smiling, registering that Mace had swelled with pride.
They discussed Loras' performance for a good long while before Garlan turned to address him. "Lord Renly." He started, smiling. "I hear from Loras you have agreed to brighten Highgarden with your presence. It would please me greatly if you were able to make it for mine and Leonette's wedding." He laughed. "It's to be in a moon."
Renly grinned. "Nothing would please me more."
Garlan returned the grin and Renly saw Loras smile triumphantly. A few more pleasantries concerning the upcoming wedding were exchanged before Renly felt reluctantly that he should probably return to his seat. He politely excused himself and walked back along the table, feeling rather inexplicably conflicted. Loras seemed so happy surrounded by his family and Renly couldn't help but fear he'd forget about him once he'd returned to Highgarden and once more had his siblings to entertain him. He knew it was irrational; Loras' drunken outburst had proved as much the other day; and yet still Renly was half convinced Loras would welcome returning home more than he claimed to.
Reaching his own siblings, for Stannis had arrived in his absence, Renly sat down opposite Robert, who was listening to Stannis and Jon Arryn drone on about some small council matter. It was obvious to everyone involved however that the king was paying little if any attention.
"Enough talk" he insisted when Renly sat down "Let's feast!" He motioned for the servants to begin bringing the first course in, and hurriedly what seemed like hundreds of dishes were brought in, along with countless flagons of wine.
Robert reached for one as soon as it was placed on the table, pouring drinks for everyone next to him and thrusting cups at them.
"Drink! Your king commands it!" he ordered, and Stannis dutifully sipped from his cup, seeming to take no pleasure in it.
Robert laughed "Come on Stannis! It's rare all three of us are together, why don't you let your hair down a bit!" He gestured to Stannis' bald head, and roared with laughter at his own joke. When Stannis continued to sip politely, he turned to Renly "Come on then Renly, let's see you try and outdrink your brother then."
Renly laughed. He was fond of wine and there seemed no point in arguing with him. One way or another Robert would get his way in the end and so lifting his cup to Robert, he got started on his wine. Perhaps it would even ease some of the awkwardness between himself and Stannis.
Several courses later Renly was well and truly drunk. The world was spinning around him and even Stannis' steely glares didn't faze him. He'd gone cup to cup with Robert so far, despite knowing that he'd regret it sorely in the morning. Renly had to admire his brother's stamina, he himself was flagging and yet his brother was still ploughing through the flagons of wine. He didn't even seem half as drunk as Renly was.
"Come on Renly!" He boomed "You can do better than that!" Renly could see two Jon Arryns shaking their heads in exasperation and knew he ought to call it a day. Renly was determined not to disappoint Robert though and somehow more wine even seemed like an appealing idea and he found himself accepting the cup Robert thrust at him.
By the end of the feast, Renly could barely sit straight. Stannis kept having to prop him up, sighing, teeth grinding. He could hear Jon Arryn despairing, telling someone Renly didn't recognise how the King had got his youngest brother horrendously drunk. He tried to stand up to protest at this, he wasn't drunk, just a little tipsy was all. Stannis caught him before he hit the floor and pushed him back into his seat, his tone harsh.
"Someone please help my brother upstairs, I think it's time he retired."
Renly thought he could hear Robert's booming laughter, and saw the Jon Arryns get to their feet, mentioning something about finding him his squire. What seemed like moments later, Jon Arryn had returned with Loras, who took one look at Renly and then disappeared again. It was rather a shame that he'd left Renly thought. He wanted to shout after him to stay, but proper words didn't come out.
Renly tried to stand up and order him to come back, but Stannis forced him back into his seat, muttering something Renly didn't really understand about not embarrassing himself. Sat down again, Renly gripped the edge of the table, wishing that the world would stop swaying, it was beginning to make him feel rather queasy.
Loras returned shortly with who Renly thought he recognised as Garlan. Loras pulled him to his feet, trying to help him keep his balance.
"Can you walk my lord" He asked, and Renly was about to ask him why the formality when he remembered vaguely that he was in public.
"Umm yes I think so" Renly managed to slur out and tried to take a step forward in order to prove his point. Loras caught him and tried to prop him up, rather unsuccessfully.. Renly heard laughter behind him and suddenly he was leaning against someone much sturdier and strong hands were holding him up.
Renly tried to swivel round and saw that it was Garlan Tyrell who was supporting him. Loras was standing next to him, helping Renly keep his balance. Renly had a sudden urge to kiss him, but Garlan's grip was firm and Renly found himself unable to lean in any direction. Instead he let himself be half guided, half dragged out of the hall by Garlan, Loras following at his heels.
Together they pulled him awkwardly up the stairs, Renly stumbling on every other step. When they were out of sight of the hall, they stopped and Renly could hear the two brothers muttering to each other, Renly couldn't quite make out their words though. After what seemed like much discussion, Renly felt himself lifted off the floor. Even in his drunken state, Renly knew he ought to feel slightly embarrassed at having to be carried up the stairs but it was a whole lot more comfortable than being dragged.
Renly was relieved when he was placed gently on what he hoped was his own bed. He groaned and gripped a pillow tightly, hoping that if he hugged the pillow tightly enough the room would stop tipping from side to side. Closing his eyes, he found that that helped slightly, and he felt rather more in control. He could hear the two brothers discussing him.
Garlan was speaking. "Do you think he'll be alright?"
Renly heard Loras sigh and felt him sit down beside him, a hand tangling in Renly's hair and pushing it out of his face "Yeah he'll be fine." He paused, "Thanks for helping me with him, I don't know how I'd have managed on my own."
Garlan laughed "He is heavy" he conceded and Renly wondered vaguely whether Garlan thought it odd that Loras was continuing to stroke his hair.
"I should probably stay with him for a while," Loras was saying "Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."
Garlan didn't reply straight away but Renly felt the bed dip where he'd obviously sat down next to Loras, and shortly afterwards Loras' hand left his hair.
"Alright Loras, you stay here, it's clear your lord needs you. You sure he'll cope without you when you come home?" He joked.
Loras was silent for a time. "You know Garlan" he said eventually, his voice quiet "I'm not sure that he will."
Renly felt the bed spring up again as Garlan evidently stood up, and heard him say something softly to Loras that Renly couldn't quite hear, before the door clicked shut and he heard Garlan descending the stairs.
Loras moved closer to him and resumed stroking his hair, his body warm against him. Renly pressed himself closer; he suddenly felt rather shivery.
He opened his eyes and looked up at Loras, his gaze unfocused "You know Loras" he managed to get out, his words still slurring terribly even to his own ears. "I think you might be right with what you said to your brother."
Loras laughed softly, pulling the covers up over Renly and tucking them around him. Renly closed his eyes and let his head fall back onto the pillow. Sleep was calling him and Loras, he knew, would not leave his side until morning.
