So I finally got the inspiration and the willpower to spit out one more! More of a filler though, but hey! As I said I am no writer so… forgive me.
As I warned before, abandon hope for a good read all ye who scroll down.
Seriously…
Anyways: I own nothing. If i did... Season 8 would not exist... Neither would season 7 come to think of it...
Prince Rhaegar's Wedding Tourney - 279 AC
MELEE IV: Interlude II
Brandon
"There, that should do it." The healer said as she finished with his bandages. "I shall fetch you some milk of the poppy for your pain, my Lord."
Milk of the poppy. Excellent. It would dull his brain. He needed that now. He didn't want to think at this moment.
For that was all he could do now. From the walk of shame from the ring to his tent all Brandon could think was how it had ended like this. He was supposed to win. He was supposed to humiliate the Lannister shit. Instead, he was defeated. How the fuck did the Lannister do it?
He cheated. Obviously. Brandon did not know how, but cheating was the only explanation. How else could a fucking green boy, a little more than a suckling babe, beat him. Him?! It was… inconceivable.
Brandon had seen the real Jaime Lannister. An arrogant, disrespectful, cheating bastard. The Lannister had shamed him. He had shamed his sister.
"Starks aren't known for beauty. Perhaps your sister is a good kisser at least."
Gods! Brandon wished he could kill that boy. He had tried. And failed. What kind of man failed to protect the honor of his sister?
Brandon was still waiting for the milk of the poppy when Ned and Lyanna came to see him. It was a welcome presence.
"Brandon! Are you alright?" Ned queried with obvious anxiety.
"Aside from the fact that I almost had my arm cut off, and I was shamed by a green boy before all of Westeros." Brandon rasped "I'm perfect!"
"Damn Lannister! He most likely cheated!" Ned exclaimed "And Father thinks him a good match for Lyanna. Outrageous!"
"Ned, can we speak of the Lannister?" Lyanna chided The Lannister? No Longer Jaime... that's good I suppose "Have you yet seen a healer?" Lyanna asked him.
"Aye, they bandaged me up. Now I'm waiting for some milk of the poppy, gods know I need it."
"Milk of the poppy? How badly are you hurt?" Ned demanded
Before Brandon could assure his brother, Catelyn burst into the tent.
"Brandon!" she rushed over to him. He did not wish for his future wife to see him in this state. To see him weak and defeated. Brandon could see there were tears in her eyes. Pity. Just what I don't need nor want… Damn you Lannister!
"Cat… what are you doing here?" Brandon asked hesitantly.
"You were hurt, I had to come see you." She sobbed
"You shouldn't have…"
"Yes I should! I am to be your wife, I should be taking care of you." With that she picked up the rag and basin of water left behind by the healer and began to clean his face.
From the corner of his eye Brandon could see Ned smirking while Lyanna rolled her eyes. They would never let this go.
"I think I shall go fetch you some ale, it will lighten your spirit."
"And I will go see about the milk of the poppy."
And then they were gone. And he was left alone with Catelyn. Perhaps not a bad situation… he could use this to his advantage. Nothing is better than a woman after a fight. Even a failed one.
Lyanna
The walk to see Brandon was short, but it felt like an eternity as she was forced to listen to Ned's complaining.
"…. Damn Lannisters! I swear I wish I could…"
Oh Gods!
Eventually they made it to Brandon's tent. He was alone sprawled over a bed. He didn't seem to be hurt that bad, thankfully. Bu, he was not well. That she could see. The fight had wounded more than his body. His pride was shattered, she could see. Us northerners are a proud lot…
Ned believed Jaime had cheated. Lyanna didn't know what to feel about that. Had Jaime cheated? Possibly. She did tell him to, after all. But she never wanted Brandon hurt. Maybe all of this was her fault.
To ease her guilt somewhat, she resolved to stay and attend Brandon. She didn't particularly like attending the wounding. Though she had experience, Benjen always seemed to be hurt one way or another.
Thus, the arrival of Catelyn was a blessing. Judging from the looks between her brother and his betrothed, neither she nor Ned were needed to remain, let alone wanted.
"I think I shall go fetch you some ale, it will lighten your spirit." Ned said as he left
That is the que.
"And I will go see about the milk of the poppy." Lyanna left as well.
I'll leave these lovebirds to their own devices.
Finding a healer was a hard task. There were too many injured people. Most were too busy to help her. And those that could assist had no milk of the poppy.
"Why not check with the Westermen? They brought their own healers; they might be able to help you."
Oh, the irony.
Lyanna wondered what she would say: "Your Lord's heir wounded my brother, so as recompense I need milk of the poppy for his injury."
"Why should you give me some? Because I also happen to be betrothed to your Lord's Heir. Is That a reason enough?"
And as luck would have it, she spotted some old friends. The so called knights, carl and ross. It seemed they were heavily engaged in conversation with someone. A golden haired someone.
Jaime Lannister.
"So, this Brandon stark got some stupid idea that I want his sister… as if! She's probably some ugly hag!" she overheard Jaime say. His audience laughed.
Ugly hag… UGLY HAG?!
"So I stared him down... and said 'Starks aren't known for beauty. Perhaps your sister is a good kisser at least.'" Jaime continued "And he went crazy! Attacked me like the savage barbarian those northmen are!"
Another round of laughs. Lyanna could feel her blood boil. How dare he?!
Gods everyone was right! He is an arrogant little shit! I can't believe I actually believed…
But she could not finish the thought. Her presence had been noted.
"Ah, my Lady! Come to ask for assistance again?" said, Carl or was it Ross? Lyanna couldn't really care.
Unfortunately, Jaime Lannister had noted her as well. Once he saw her, his already big smile got larger.
"Ah mystery girl! Come to congratulate me have you?" he stated as he walked over to her.
Here to kill you more like! It would be so easy, a dagger to his groin…
"Your advice was quaint, but in the end, unnecessary! Did you see me fight those four men?"
Lyanna didn't speak. Anger was choking her. She just kept her hands clenched. Her face blank, but there was murder in her eyes.
"Did you see me take out that Stark? I left him whimpering like a wounded dog!" Jaime went on, oblivious, "He calls himself a wolf, but a wolf is no match for a-"
Thwack!
Lyanna put all her energy into the slap. So much that her hand hurt. With that she turned and stormed off, leaving Jaime, Carl and ross dumbfounded.
Oh you fucked with the wrong wolf Lannister! I won't help you anymore! In fact, I'm going to end you myself!
Tywin
His son had won. He had defeated Brandon Stark. Doubtless, this would sour relations with the north, but not irrevocably. Perhaps Tywin would have to give Rickard those extra 3 years he wanted for the loan. Nevertheless, Jaime had won. Some good things had come from his son's foolishness: Prestige for house Lannister.
"Your son survived. Though against a savage, not a big accomplishment." Aerys had grumbled
Oh how this must pain you!
"As you say."
The next matches did not interest Tywin much. Ser Royce bested Ser Bryden. Prince Oberyn weaseled his way to a win. Even Clegane managed to make the final eight. Baratheon and Connington sorted out their issues, and the Baratheon fury prevailed.
All the kingsguard won. Not a surprise. Tywin wasn't sure how to feel about Ser Oswell winning. Although he had a deal with Prince Rhaegar, it seemed as though his loyal sword was not entirely in agreement. Even so, with the changes Aerys had made, there was no guarantee that the two would face each other.
However, the remaining contestants save for maybe prince Oberyn and Robert Baratheon, were smart enough to not severely injure his heir. So if Jaime were to lose his next match, he would do so with honor.
"THE GODS HAVE CHOSEN THE FINAL EIGHT COMPETITORS!"
"FROM THE KINGSGUARD: SER OSWELL, SER ARTHUR AND SER BARRISTAN!
"FROM THE VALE: SER ROYCE!
"FROM THE WESTERLANDS: GREGOR CLEGANE AND JAIME LANNISTER!
"FROM THE STORMLANDS: ROBERT BARATHEON!
"FROM DORNE: OBERYN MARTELL!"
How interesting. The only kingdom left with more than one competitor was his own. Tywin savored it. The melee seemed to be going much better than he had anticipated.
"Well now, let us see who will fight next." Aerys wondered aloud
"Father, If I could make a suggestion…" Rhaegar tried to input
"No you may not!"
Tywin wanted to laugh. The foolish prince believed his father a reasonable man who could be negotiated with.
"So Tywin, how do you think your boy would fare against a kingsguard?" Aerys asked sinisterly.
Tywin paused. He needed to be careful here.
"The kingsguard are the best swords in the realm, your Grace." Tywin answered calmly
"I know that! But how would your son fare against one of 'the best swords in the realm'?" Aerys pressed
"He will put up a fight, your grace."
"Ha! A short one no doubt!"
Who are you to say?! You can't swing a sword with those boney arms of yours!
Tywin chose not to respond.
"Father, I believe…"
"Shut your mouth, boy! I never asked you." Aerys snarled at his son, he then turned back to Tywin "So your boy would put up a fight, hmm? Then we shall see it! Lord Velaryon!"
The prince had gone deathly white. Ordinarily Tywin would be amused, but now…
"The next matches will be: Jaime Lannister against Ser Oswell." Aerys told Lord Velaryon
So that is your play, Aerys? You wish to see my son humiliated? Damn you.
Tywin wasn't sure if this was a curse of blessing. If Ser Oswell did not do as he was told… Tywin eyed Rhaegar, and he could see him slowly shrink away from his glare. If my son dies…
"Ser Arthur against Ser Royce…"
Tywin had stopped listening to the mad prat. All he could think was if everything would go according to plan. If not, then Ser Oswell would feel the Wrath of a Lannister.
So that's it. more of a setup for Jame vs Oswell. which should be... something...
now for reviews:
Guest: Thanks! sorry for the wait in updates! Got Busy. but hopefully i can churn out chapters more regularly
samanthapattz: Thank you! I love JaimexLyanna simply for the potential it brings too many ways to pull it off. I wrote this a mainly a comedy, but if it comes off as a rom-com then even better i suppose? though i cant write romance... just a warning
Guest (Again): thanks. I will hopefully update at least once a month now... though no promises.
Guest (And Again): Thanks. as for Jaime's swordsmanship, you are probably right, but he is going up against older skilled warriors. plus this is 2 years before harrenhall.
Nida926: this is just a taste. more to come... eventually
Mister LaGuardia: Your views on Ned are spot on in my opinion. As for Benjen... true. Brandon is a hothead, true, but that makes him so fun to work with!
dany: Yeah, sorry about the melee, but action writing is so freakin HARD! at least im not the only one who struggles, DnD proved that with season 8... :) A small Lyanna and Jaime interaction but more to come! Tywin is going to release his anger soon, i promise.
Force Smuggler: Ah Ned is ned. he hated jaime for killing aerys, yet he was marching to the throne room to do the same. and technically he did also break oaths to house targaryen regardless of the circumstances... and as Ned is honorable he expects it of all. as for Aerys, well he is one of my favorites... minus the rape and killing of course. and your right you cant wait him out. evil people tend to live forever...
Red: Thanks! sorry for the updates but with lockdown gone, less time to write. but i shall try to be more punctual.
Please Read and review! see a mistake, call me out!
Also does anyone know how to make paragraph breaks with this?! Still haven't figured that out... ;)