Ser Davos Seaworth

The Onion Knight gathered his youngest son Steffon and entered the Hall of Kings. Many times in his youth had Davos seen the Red Keep, he'd lived in the poorest district of Flea Bottom as a boy after all, and as such he'd seen the nobility ride in their carriages about the city,

But never had Davos imagined being hosted in the Red Keep.

People spoke about the Onion Knight as if he'd single handedly saved the Baratheon war effort during Robert's Rebellion, yet Davos had done nothing more than what should've been done anyway.

Davos had went hungry plenty of nights, even been so skinny he'd have like to died, and no one deserves that torment.

Regardless what side of the Law they were on.

Robert and his two brothers had been every bit the outlaws that Davos had been when he aided Stannis. If they'd got captured though they'd have suffered a worse fate.

Some of the more snotty nobles held Davos as up jumped, claimed that he'd fallen in good graces with the right people, that he knew exactly what he was doing.

Yet Davos had never asked for a reward, and been hesitant to except once given. I was happy as a smuggler,

As he looked around the room though, seeing five of his seven sons happy, fed, and well dressed, Davos knew that this life was what he'd always hoped for them.

The Onion Knight followed his King's youngest brother into the Hall, finding that it had been elaborately set for the dinner party.

Seven tables decorated the Great Hall, and Davos couldn't help but hear Renly's voice even though the youth did not speak.

"Seven Tables for Seven Gods! With Seven Chairs each to Honor them Doubly!"

Renly loves his symbolism.

Well if there is a table for each God then which belongs to whom?

Three tables lined the left and three lined the right side of this Golden Hall, but a seventh table lied straight ahead, all were set around the room in a star formation, and each table was circular.

Davos found the first table on the left hand side to be near full, Renly doesn't mean to sit me there.

Instead the King's brother made motion for Steffon to take the last available seat at such a table. Renly guided him over there, and even had the decency to push Davos' youngest son's chair up against the table. Steffon had been seated next to his elder brother Maric, and around them were four frog faced children, the eldest might've been Maric's age, but the youngest was a girl closer in age to Steffon.

Once his duty had been done Renly then walked back around, yet as he circled the table he acknowledge the largest person unto the room. She was the greatest woman Davos had ever beheld, taller than most men and a better sword as well.

Brienne of Tarth had not originally been a part of Davos' company, but upon receiving word from her father's isle that Renly might be in danger, she met their party only days from the Capital. She'd at first been refused by Ser Axell, whom had apparently told her to settle down and be the woman her father always desired. The result of that confrontation had left Ser Axell's foxy garments dirtied.

When she attempted for a second time to join their party she'd lucked into confronting Dale, whom had taken great joy in the sullying of Ser Axell, Davos' eldest son gave her housing for the night before reporting to Davos come morning. The Onion Knight knew that Renly was fond of this astonishing woman, and so allowed her to continue with them.

Now here she sat in the Great Hall, and as Renly spoke with her Davos saw a smile come to the maid's face for the first time since she'd joined them. Everyone might've deemed her ugly, but the Onion Knight could tell that on the inside she was beautiful. Davos had known many terrible people from his smuggling days, the kind that would cut a man into pieces then fling them overboard for failing to deliver a shipment, but he'd known some good in his time too. Salladhor became a friend.

Perhaps this Brienne would become a similar acquaintance. Yet for know she remained seated amongst children, though she was well into her majority, and she wore boiled leather and mail instead of a ladies gown.

Men looked her sideways for such a instance, but Davos did not judge, he'd known what it was like to be wearing something different. The first feast he'd ever attended Davos wore raggedy cloth with several holes set about it.

Almost everyone who'd been in that hall had laughed at the Onion Knight's outfit, the jester included.

Yet Stannis had not laughed.

Though that was not a strange occurrence, the emotion that Prince Stannis put into his condemnation of such behavior was indeed uncharacteristic. His defense of the Onion Knight had been that unlike the stuck up nobles Davos had made something of himself, came from nothing and was now a landed knight for his efforts.

They'd shut right up after that. Yet Davos didn't want people to be embarrassed, and he certainly didn't want any resentment to follow him or his children.

Perhaps that's why Renly sat Maric and Steffon so far from the head table, To keep the highborn nobles from scoffing at his children.

But that can't be right, where are Dale, Allard and Matthos? Devan he'd begun his squire duties by remaining at Stannis' side for this occasion, but Davos was sure the rest of his children were about the hall.

He glanced to the table at his right whilst Renly made his way from the Sapphire eyed Brienne.

At this table sat Three hooked nosed men, Was it hooked nose or crooked that Stannis spoke of? Could the Prince's assailants be in this very hall?

Davos didn't imagine such a possibility could be a reality,

I'm barely qualified to be in here, surely a would be assassin isn't noble enough to be feasted in the King's Hall.

These three seemed as much brothers as Dale, Allard and Matthos. All three were draped in golden coats, and must've been City Watchmen. They drank together now and looked warily at Davos, signifying that he'd stared for too long.

So it was that the Onion Knight moved his gaze along to another gold clad individual. This one was not nearly so comely as his comrades, indeed ugly might've been a more apt description, and as he observed the table as a whole Davos found a great divide to be among them.

For while four seats belonged to men Davos could not name, the last three had been received to faces he could place.

Renly's maester, Pylos, had been sat facing inwards where the others had their backs turned. Such a man could have only been twenty and five, yet from all indications he'd proved diligent and kind. He was comely enough for Renly, but with the Knight of Flowers about the room even a well shaped man might be out shined.

At his right hand were two men who had traveled with Davos. The first was a familiar sight in Ser Andrew Estermont. Such a man was he that when rose upon his feet he stood a head above the Onion Knight. A smile was upon his face now, and ale was about his long pointy beard. At his side was Lord Bryen Caron's bastard son Ser Rolland Storm.

Too what god does this table owe thanks? It was not a thought he'd given Brienne's table, but Davos found himself intrigued by this group. It might've been where I was supposed to sit.

He knew little enough about the Gold cloaks, but from Davos' own experience he knew that while captains and commanders might be highborn, their grunts were most often the cityfolk of King's Landing. People who work just for a meal, or too support their families.

Davos had himself once thought of joining their ranks, a dream that had lasted until someone found out he had a talent for smuggling.

So these men might've been born so poor as he'd been, or they might be hand picked cutthroats.

That was so often how men moved up in the world.

Yet Davos knew enough about the other three to have not jumped towards a conclusion. Indeed Maester Pylos was of common birth, but had achieved much for himself from his studies as a maester, and Ser Andrew despite having been born into Nobility, was the first born of a second son, not likely to ever inherit, as a result everything he received in life would be his to struggle for. Finally the Bastard of Nightsong, he'd won a reputation as a skilled rider, and was heralded as a great warrior with sword in hand.

All these men are self made. With this table Renly intends to honor the Smith.

Such a thought did make Davos wonder what his sons Maric and Steffon's tables were intended as.

With Brienne as it's head the table might've been meant for the Maiden, but regardless of its symbolism the truth was that their table had to be a safety shelter for if conflict erupted.

In that instance Davos would be grateful that Brienne of Tarth had joined them.

"Are you coming Ser Davos?"

Snapping out of his deep fixation the Onion Knight realized that it was Renly who was calling for him.

"Yes Prince Renly, my apologies I was admiring the tapestries."

A big smile erupted upon the Prince of Dragonstone's face, and he turned to Ser Loras ever so slightly.

"Finally, someone appreciates my interior decorating."

What ever that was about Davos could not, would not, speculate upon. Who was the Onion Knight, a flea bottom survivor, to judge?

Davos followed behind his Prince, and they strode past two more sets of tables in their doing.

The one to Davos left was filled with court miscreants, one among them was a red priest, another had the pigmentation of a Summer Islander. Another was olive skinned as if Dornish. He did recognize the ginger haired Redwyne Twins though, and their sight brought back memories of the fleet Davos had bypassed on his way to Storm's End.

With them sat a thin beardless man, pale colored his eyes, and he appeared almost half a ghost. He did not eat or drink whilst Davos watched, and only when they locked eyes did the Onion Knight turn away.

Such a man had the look of an Executioner.

All of the seated men where known to be fixtures of the Royal court, they might even prove friends to Renly given time and favor.

What can they do for Renly? All at once the Onion Knight realized that his Prince meant for them to be his eyes and ears around Robert's court.

He seeks wisdom and guidance, a lamp to light his way...

Renly meant for this table to be his dedication in honor of the Crone.

Davos looked to the table adjacent and found an even clearer analogy.

For at such a seating could be found Westeros greatest knights. Among them was the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy. At his left were the Bold Knight's sworn brothers Prince Lewyn Martell, Ser Arys Oakheart and Ser Mandon Moore.

Yet more interestingly sat alongside them were Ser Guyard Morrigen, whom had dressed himself in the green tunic he seemed to love so dear, Ser Balon Swann, Lord Gulian Swann second son, and the finest archer Davos had ever seen.

Both were renowned fighters in their own right, and so did not cause a glaring issue with Davos.

This table represents the Warrior.

But there was one strange inclusion that Prince Renly had made, for at Ser Barristan's right hand side sat Ser Axell Florent.

Lord Alester's younger brother was not worthy of such positioning, regardless of what his high birth entailed. He'd never proven himself able to best Davos, who himself hardly knew how to wield a sword, and had not gripped such a thing until coming of age. Neither of them could hope to best Dale, Allard or Matthos, So why was Ser Axell sat along with the Great Knights of Westeros?

Perhaps Renly had no where else to put him?

Nonsense, the Florents are an incredibly old an honorable house. If Renly meant to honor Ser Axell he could've put him closer to the head, so it must mean he intended to deprive him of placement, but in a way that seemed not so.

After thinking upon it for a moment longer Davos decided that his brain just didn't work the way that Prince Renly's did. It's hard enough to understand the logic of these Nobles, now I'm trying Royalty.

Davos still strode behind such a man, but as they neared the head table Davos was really looking for his seat. Yet as he gazed upon the last side tables he found that each had been filled.

To his right sat Davos' three eldest sons, whom all greeted their father warmly, and he might've sat with them had a chair been available. Instead, the four other chairs had been claimed and among them sat Ser Richard Horpe, and Ser Narbert Grandinson.

Along with them was Ser Alyn Estermont whom would one day be Lord of his namesake island. Davos hoped that his sons might leave a good impression upon such a man, for friendship with Estermont would be incredibly helpful for future trade between the Cape and Isle.

The final man sat around the table was Ser Cortnay Penrose. When Renly had mentioned finding new captains for the City Watch Davos had instinctively thought to this man. Lord Penrose's son was as good and courageous a man as could be hoped for, and had Davos not been named Castellan of Storm's End then Stannis might've honored such a man with that position.

Whom does this table honor? With the Maiden, Smith, Crone and Warrior already honored, and the Father doubtlessly being the head table, this must be either the Stranger or Mother.

Yet all these men were known to Renly, and each of them were born in good standing, even Davos' sons who might've been smugglers themselves had no war ever broke out.

This table means for the Mother. It has too, and Davos stuck to such a conclusion, even finding it reaffirmed once he gazed upon its opposite.

Sat at the sixth table were six gold cloak captains and their Commander. It had been so long since his smuggling days that Davos knew none of their names save one alone. For Ser Janos Slynt sat highest among them, and his frog face had not been forgotten. Those children seated with Maric and Steffon are his, he realized all at once.

Davos had minimal encounter with the Gold Cloaks Commander, but the Onion Knight had once memorized the daily patterns of each captain, even the one whose domain fell upon the Iron Gate. But never had they encountered one another.

Word had not escaped Davos though, this Janos was a cruel toad, and if Renly could be believed, had been bought by Littlefinger. Even to such a degree that he threatened Prince Stannis in open court.

Renly means this table for the Stranger.

It was the only possibility, he doesn't trust any of them, and means to find out which among them might be loyal to him.

And if Janos Slynt is lost then one among them might stand to benefit from loyalty to Renly.

The table housed six more men, and any of them might win the Prince's favor. The eldest among them seemed quite tall even while sat. His nose was hooked much like the youths Davos had passed at the entrance. Perhaps he is their father. He was of an age near Davos, and his sons with the Onion Knight's own brood, perhaps this man might prove loyal to Renly.

Yet Davos knew next to nothing about him, save what he could tell by the mans dress and physique. Upon his body he wore a personalized sigil, and it was crude much like the one Davos had made so many years ago. It was a black kettle set with a black orle on a red field, and from his huge knuckled hands and crooked teeth Davos could discern that this man had served many moons as an enforcer.

But to who does his loyalty lie?

At his side was another seemingly middle aged man, this one with nappy grey hair in place of white though. Strong and stocky was his build, and with a squashed nose and square jaw did he come. This man is a fighter, and one whose learned the hard way.

Yet he was not lowborn, for he too had a sigil at his breast. Davos knew not which house he represented but this plain faced man bore a brown bear paw set on a white field. Still though, this man did not sit at attention like might've been expected one of higher birth,

Perhaps he is a lesser son of the lords cousin?

Nobility was so strange in that way. It seemed after a few generations people only cared about the eldest branch, Davos hoped such would not be the case with his own house.

Hopefully Dale takes care of his brothers, and their sons after them.

Next was a man Davos did not recognize, but by the designation of his uniform this man was the Dragon Gates captain. Davos remembered some muttering about a Humfrey Waters, and perhaps that name matched this man.

Davos did know the next face though, for such a mug belonged to Lord Jon Arryn's old squire, the now Ser Hugh of the Vale. This formerly moon clad knight was wearing golden enamel now, but to Davos recollection such a position had only recently been granted.

Before joining the Gold Cloaks Ser Hugh had retained in Jon Arryn's personal guard. It could've only been since Lord Arryn's death that the youth joined the City Watch.

Perhaps he means to seek out the truth of Lord Arryn's demise, much like we look to oust Stannis' would be assassin. Such a goal would align with ours.

He might yet be an ally.

At his side was a Lannister. Such a look was plain for this boy, as he bore gold spun hair and emerald green eyes. Lions have overrun this City.

Davos remembered a time of Dragons, but it seemed the age of House Lannister had come.

This one was a cousin to the Queen, but not of Ser Kevan's brood. Instead it seemed the relation came from their mothers side of the family. Perhaps her half brother's son? Davos could not be sure.

It was difficult to discern who was whom when the family had grown so large that they intermarried one another. Davos had known many women, but none had been of a relation that he'd known, and his Beloved Marya was certainly not kin to Davos.

How hard could it be to find a significant other who isn't related to you?

Lastly at that table was a man with an iron right hand. Salt and pepper adorned his scalp, with close set eyes pairing and a prominent brow resting above them. This man was another fighter who'd been rewarded for his deeds, and so might be amiable to Renly's cause.

Finally though Davos came to a horrifying conclusion. There aren't any seats left for me...Where does Re...

"Ser Davos please come take your seat."

To the Onion Knight's horror his suspicion had been confirmed. I'll be sitting at the head table.

Such a position he most certainly felt unworthy of, yet he strode towards it regardless.

Indeed on this night Davos found himself dining with members of King Robert's Small Council.

Among them were old Grand Maester Pycelle, Foreign eunuch Varys, the High Septon, and Lord Petyr Baelish.

Loras Tyrell sat at Renly's right whilst Davos sat at the Prince's left.

Finally once all had been seated the dinning commenced. Davos had been fed great meals before, but never on such a scale nor in the King's court. So he found himself nearly overwhelmed by his situation, and for a while refused to indulge himself in the pleasures other men might've reveled in.

Yet Prince Renly finally moved his eyes from his Rose and gazed upon Davos.

By this point Pycelle had fallen asleep from a full stomach, and the High Septon had taken his leave as he'd downed to much wine. So all that remained to the table were Loras, Renly, Davos, Varys and Lord Petyr Baelish.

"Have you had your fill my Onion Knight?"

"No. I've...Um, well to be honest it's all a bit surreal my Prince." Yet it was not the Prince who spoke back to Davos.

"It is quite grand is it not? Overwhelming even, especially for a man whose origins begin in Flea Bottom. You must've grown up staring at Aegon's fort, watching noble after noble stride about the walls, and dining on food you could only imagine. I'm sure that you feel quite strange Ser Davos, but know that you are not alone, even at this table. I was born in Essos with similar lands and titles to my name as you, that is to say none, yet I've found myself in the Red Keep of King's Landing regardless."

"Well... thank you Lord Varys, I ...suppose that I'm not so much an outsider as I might expect."

Petyr Baelish chuckled at such a conclusion before himself speaking.

"Right you are. My own great grandfather was of no nobler birth than you Ser Davos. He was a sellsword from Braavos who came to these lands with little to his name other than the steel in his hands. He served many long years under Lord Corbray before finally being given a piece of land upon the smallest of Fingers. As I understand it you've similarly been given some land have you not?"

"Yes, Prince Stannis saw fit to reward me with a keep along the Cape."

"Ahh so you were similarly gifted with meager lands then. No offense Prince Renly, I've always found you to be the superior gift giver amongst your brothers."

Renly chuckled and supped on some wine, intent to let such a statement go, but Davos refuted him.

"Well it's not so bad. The Keep's nothing compered to Robert's but I've got little to complain of, there is a roof over my head and food on my children's plates. Not much more could I desire as a father."

Littlefinger smiled at such a notion.

"As a father perhaps, but every man must desire something for himself, and all he needs to do is find himself in bed with the right people. You most certainly made well with your selection Ser Davos. Tell me if you will, how you deduced whose side to fall upon during the Rebellion."

"I didn't fall upon any side Lord Baelish."

"Sure you did Ser Davos! There would've been little reason to risk your life at the Siege of Storm's End if not for a reward. And beside Mad King Aerys would've had more than just your finger tips if you'd been caught, as I heard King Robert was so pleased he dismissed any former wrong doing!"

"Ser Davos asked for nothing Lord Baelish, everything that he's received was given as recompense" replied Renly.

"Perhaps, though I must say for a smuggler then you've a heart made from gold about you Ser Davos."

"Just because you've never done anything for anyone else doesn't mean everyone is similarly cold hearted Lord Baelish" Renly responded.

"Tsk. You've misread me Prince Renly, I'm a selfless man if ever one did live. I want only two things from this life, and everyone else is welcome to what they will."

"Indeed, and I assume then that the first of these desires is the hand of a woman whom you cannot have."

"Perhaps, Lady Catelyn is a women the likes of which you've never beheld Prince Renly. I'd say for certain her like you shall never know, but I know her carnally for it was I whom took her virginity."

"And fought for her hand did you not? How did that end up for you Lord Baelish? And you are one to speak of gifted opportunities! If not for your father befriending Lord Hoster then you'd still reside on your little rock." Loras Tyrell was a bit red, whether from wine or anger Davos could not tell. Perhaps both as he stared at Littlefinger with murderous intent.

The master manipulator only upturned one corner of his mouth before bringing them back to center.

"Ser Loras I'm not sure how you can speak of my opportunities with privilege so prevalent upon your own tongue. The gods themselves made you beautiful, and chose you to be born unto House Tyrell with all the honor and prestige that implies. Any whim that you've ever had, every desire, all of it fulfilled at your leisure. Have you known struggle Ser Loras?"

"I've known hardship Lord Baelish."

Littlefinger abandoned words for laughter,

"Suppose that you do. How shortsighted of me, I see now though. You have, and shall forever be, denied that which you desire the most. Ser Loras you chase the sun but cannot hope to capture it. Love is a beautiful thing, but get too close and you'll burn. I know this to be true, dueling for Lady Catelyn's hand was the most gallant thing I've ever done, and I nearly paid the ultimate price for it."

Loras leaned forward onto the table,

"You were a fool to duel Brandon Stark. Were that he'd killed you the realm might be better off."

Have we abandoned subtlety at this dinner?

But Lord Baelish simply chuckled and then downed a sip of wine.

"Close enough he came. It was that day I learned I'm no fighter. I've never been fond of the feel of cold steel, suppose that I always favored the warm kisses of Lord Hoster's daughters. But I have a weapon all unto my own Ser Loras, one that no other may wield."

"And what is that?"

"My mind."

Loras Tyrell laughed unknowingly, but Davos eyed Renly and it seemed the youngest Baratheon was rightly concerned.

"No one's ever killed another with their mind Lord Baelish, if it were such then my Grandmother would reign as Queen and only House Tyrell would remain as her subjects."

"Your Queen of Thorns is witty as they come, but she's barely managed her own vassals, how could she hope to rule a realm?"

The Knight of Flowers seemed to freeze at such a question. Apparently Lord Baelish knows something he's not supposed too.

"And a great expert upon managing vassals are you then Lord Baelish? I forget, how many hold fealty to you?" said a sly spider.

"More than you Lord Varys. Though it's true enough that I'm undermanned, but eventually fortune may favor me same as its done my forefathers."

"So you'd assign good fortune as the reason you've land to call your own?"

"No, fortune is merely a byproduct of success, in this world you either climb to the level you desire to be on or you fall to your breaking."

"That's a very dark view of the world Lord Baelish."

"Perhaps for a Eunuch, you've no family to fight for and little ambition necessary to your happiness, but take our Onion Knight, had Ser Davos been contempt with his positioning as a common piss drinker and smuggler then never could he hope to dine with the Small Council. Yet he took a great risk in delivering food to Princes Renly and Stannis, now he has lands and titles to his name. Even his sons shall benefit from his actions, and their children after them."

Such a vile man Davos had never seen before in his life, but he had a point.

Life was a bit like climbing. There were ups and downs, people who rose and people who fell.

"Honestly you are quite right, it seems that men either make something of themselves and are rewarded for it, or they rest upon previous laurels."

"Finally! It only took me a decade to find another man who understands such a truth."

"A man is worth more than his birth."

Lord Baelish smiled, and raised his cup to such a notion.

"Well said Ser Davos. Let us drink to that kind of wisdom."

The Finger Lord toasted with no one in particular, for none at the table drank with him, but he gobbled down what was poured regardless.

"You've thrown a fine feast Prince Renly. Though I really must be returning to my doings now."

"Off to run amongst your whores Lord Baelish?" questioned Loras. Renly turned wide eyed to his Rose, but the words could not be returned to whence they'd came.

Petyr remained seated and smiled at the Knight of Flowers.

"I know more about whores than the entirety of House Tyrell, that much is true. Perhaps its a bit to dirty a business for Golden Roses, but we serve all kinds Ser Loras. Poor or Noble, and I cater to all desires, regardless of my personal opinion on them."

"We've no need for your whores Lord Baelish" Loras responded defiantly.

"Such a shame, many girls in my brothels desire only to stroke your ringlets, but I fear they shall live, grow old, and die before you'd visit their bedside."

The Knight of Flowers was now boiling, but Renly spoke in his friends defense.

"Loras is above the use of your girls Littlefinger, only the fairest of maidens could hope to have him."

Petyr Baelish let out a laugh louder than any he'd given before.

"Your brother named you Master of Laws Prince Renly, but I'd have you serve as Master of Irony."

Silence overcame the table, and eyes dotted from around the room. An all out fight in the King's Hall became a horrifyingly realistic possibility, and if Davos didn't do something soon then his sons might be right in the middle of it.

"Lord Baelish I've a question for you,"

For the first time this evening Littlefinger seemed confused. He was the one who asked the questions,

Yet he did not hesitate to give Davos approval for such a incursion. Baelish thinks he has all the answers.

"As an eligible bachelor yourself you've chosen to remain unwed. If I am to believe what I've heard you have eyes only for Lady Catelyn Stark, there is no gossip of you taking a lover, and word has reached my ear that you take none of your employees to bed, but as the Master of Coin you could set an appropriate marriage for yourself, so why haven't you?"

The implications made Baelish smile, almost if he'd conceived the notion as well played.

"I'm beginning to see why Prince Stannis has kept you by his side Ser Davos. Its true I lost my heart to Brandon Stark, and as you said I've lands that someone must inherit. It is also truth that I must acquire some sons for such a thing, but I've plenty time left unto me."

"Indeed Lord Baelish, you've time much like my dear brother Stannis. Thankfully the assailant was unsuccessful in their attempt upon his life, it's only a shame that my brother shall wake without such a hint towards the identity of his attacker. No sight of him have we managed, but there are few in this city who have knowledge of it's inter workings. Even fewer who know about this castle's secret passages."

Baelish gave a sly smile, He must know something. Yet Littlefinger refuted such knowledge with his words.

"There is little doubt that you blame me for what happened to Prince Stannis."

"So you deny any connections to Stannis' assault?"

"With every ounce of my being Prince Renly! If someone wanted your brother dead they'd desire someone to frame as well, and why not the master of coin who'd just been assaulted by Stannis?"

"You're the only one with a motive!" bellowed a definitively drunken Loras Tyrell. Men began to stir around the hall as if conflict truly was about to begin.

Yet somehow Lord Petyr Baelish stilled the room with only a gesture of his hand.

"Many about the Capital and Realm as a whole would claim benefit with Stannis' demise. Let it not be forgotten whom tempers Robert's gift giving, there are those who remember Stannis' abolishment of brothels in the Stormlands, and those who've lost loved ones from his unwavering judgments."

"And you'd name these things sufficient to see my brother's life at an end?" Renly asked with cool courtesy. Davos was very impressed with the Prince's temperament, he'd managed to stay cool and level headed where his brothers would've fallen short such an example.

"Not I Prince Renly, yet I'll acknowledge that men do wicked things when their coffers are in question. Look at what Stannis did to me once he learned of King Robert's spending."

The Vale Lord tugged at his neck collar as if to show some sign of bruising.

Yet all that could be seen were the ends of his battle wounds.

"You're enabling him!" Loras cried, but this time his words did not go unanswered.

"Ser Loras, manage your tongue better or see yourself from this hall. I'll not have you throw one more insult in Lord Petyr Baelish's face."

For a moment Prince Renly sounded like his brothers, and the stern look he cast gave every indication of a true Baratheon.

The Rose wilted just a bit in his pride, but sprung back in vengeance. He upturned his comely nose and rose from the round table before flapping his flowery coat and bidding them all farewell as he retired from them.

He stormed out of the Great Hall, and all the while Renly rolled his eyes in disbelief and annoyance.

"I should pray that no one attempts to enter his bed chamber on this night, I've heard the Knight of Flowers can be particularly prickly when in a drunken rage. There's even a juicy rumor from Highgarden that he once killed a man he found abed in his nightly residence."

Baelish was clever with his insults, Davos would give him that.

Still Renly remained poised though, and so did not allow his emotions to overtake him.

If Renly assaulted Baelish then this room might become a riot, and with Robert gone and Stannis laid up who controls the castle?

Davos had more men in the Red Keep, but Littlefinger held the greatest force in King's Landing.

"What talk of reconciliation can there be between you and Prince Stannis?" asked the Spider, whom was almost clearly trying to maintain order here and now.

"Reconciliation? My dear Varys you've read me all wrong! I hold no enmity for our Prince, he simply had a poor reaction to a rather inconsequential truth. It's his brother that should concern him, I'm but the Man our King sends to find gold after all."

"And so you wave your hand about his head, pull money from the Iron Bank, and then display it as Robert's wealth."

"Not entirely Prince Renly, should we limit spending for the remainder of this year then our debt should be manageable once more. The Iron Bank is flexible on it's terms for such an entity shall never know an end, so long as we continue payment they shall not fault us."

"You mean to say the Iron Bank is patient for what it's due?" Davos had never lended money, but he'd also never known a Braavosi who was gifted with great patience.

"Indeed Ser Davos, so long as the Throne continues to pay off what is owed they will happily collect interest."

Renly smiled and drew his hands together at such talk.

"Very good, Stannis may forgive you yet! Though I should think that if you'll bring him his assailant that he may even gift you a hug. A rarer thing I've yet too know."

Baelish chuckled, but a realization was behind his eyes.

"Indeed. I've little desire for further conflict with the Royal family, so to prove my devotion I shall double the City Watch's efforts in locating this assailant."

"Could it have been a faceless man from Braavos Lord Baelish? Perhaps only one of such skill might've been able to breach the Red Keep?"

Why was Lord Varys asking this question?

"I dare say it was not. If it had been then Prince Stannis would be dead, and I dare not even think of the price they'd have asked for. If it had been a man from the house of black and white we'd have no chance of capturing him, and might so well name the next man we find on the streets as the culprit, for that would be so close as we might come to the truth."

"Thank you for enlightening me Lord Baelish, I'm more antiquated with the southern free cities, and Braavos still seems a strange place to me."

"One more favor I should hold for you Lord Varys. Yet I think instead that I'll take my leave if the Prince shall permit it this time."

Renly supped on one final sip of wine, before smiling and bidding Lord Baelish a fair evening.

As the Master of Coin established his retreat from the Hall several other men began to do the same.

"Wh..Wha..What's going on?" Finally the Grand Maester had awoken from his slumber.

Yet none at the table paid him attention for in such a commotion Prince Renly turned towards Davos and began to speak smilingly.

"If Stannis' assailant remains in the Capital then we shall soon have him."

"But what of Lord Baelish? Won't the immediate capture of such a man prove that he knew whom it was whilst he sat here?"

"There is no chance that Littlefinger shall be around when this man is brought to justice, rather it shall be one of the City Watch captains who presents him. The better for us as Ser Janos Slynt gains no glory, and we might make an ally out of whom does present us the culprit. I'm now mostly certain that Petyr Baelish is at most only partially involved, or that he learned of such a plot after its occurrence."

"So this night was meant only to bring Littlefinger to our side."

"Were that every member of our guard had your critical mind Ser Davos, Lord Baelish is far to influential to be brought down right now. Only with Robert on his throne could we hope to have the legitimacy needed to sway the goldcloaks to our side. Until then Littlefinger is irreproachable."

"But I promise you this my Onion Knight, if Lord Petyr Baelish did have something to do with Stannis' assault then I'll see him hung for it."

He has his brother's strength.

The Prince of Dragonstone turned and faced the Eunuch,

"I'll see anyone involved hung for it."

Lord Varys hid a mortified look behind an unflinching face. Davos wouldn't have recognized such a look if he'd not spent so many years a smuggler.

Does Renly think Varys had a hand in this? The Onion Knight had not come to such a conclusion, but it was possible, and the Grand Maester might've been a part too. After all he'd been denied the right to treat Prince Stannis.

Perhaps the plot had been for Baelish to hire the assassin, Varys to smuggle him in, and Pycelle to make sure the Prince succumbed to his wounds.

Such a scheme made Davos rethink everything he'd held true about this evening, yet before he could fully wrap his head around such a thing the Prince of Dragonstone arose from his seat.

"If you'll excuse me gentlemen, there are matters I must attend too."

Renly bid his farewell and strode forth from the room whilst several eyes followed him.

Yet Davos was stuck in his seat, still contemplating all the things that had fallen before him.

"So are you to stay long in our midst Ser Davos?"

"At least till Prince Stannis is back upon his feet."

The Spider smiled politely on this occasion.

"Very good. Your presence has been a welcome relief, King's Landing has been made brighter by your presence. Are your sons to remain with you as well?"

Davos looked around nervously now, if only a few minutes ago such a conversation had taken place then Davos might've revealed Renly's plot to see Dale, Allard and Matthos placed in the Goldcloaks.

Yet with his suspicions against the Spider now prevalent upon his mind Davos made sure to keep a hold on his tongue.

"They'll be lodging in the Keep no doubt. But I pray they'll return home and see there mother soon enough. She grows to miss them more and more each day that they are away."

"Indeed. A mother's love is the most tender and sweet. Yet she does have reason to fear their loss."

The Spider rose from his seat with elegant ease, and for a moment he looked the image of a much greater man.

"As you and I know, King's Landing is a dangerous place. We shall have to be extra careful to ensure their safety."

With that said the Eunuch spun from his chair, and walked briskly away from the Onion Knight.

Was that a threat? So many possibilities came to Davos in this moment that he ignored whatever the ancient Grand Maester was muttering, eventually only one thought remained in his mind after winning out above all others.

"Keep our boys safe."

I will Marya.