FRIENDS

TYRION

A month passes before Tyrion is able to travel to Horn Hill. "If you are going try to see if you can learn the secret of Amorite or see if you can convince Lord Tarly to sell us those bolt casters or maybe you can figure out how they are made." His father says to Tyrion before he leaves.

Tyrion said yes, but was repulsed by the idea of being used as a spy. Tyrion travels by land to see the countryside. His horse is equiped with special saddle just for him, to make riding easy. Among his guards is a sell-sword named Bronn. Tyrion met Bronn a year after moving to the Lannister mansion in King's Landing.

The two men became good friends even though Tyrion pays Bronn to protect him. As they travel Bronn sings, the Dornishman's wife, the rains of castamere, the fair maid of the west and such. He is very good singer and compliments are often given by those who hear him. Bronn had not seen Sam while he was at Casterly Rock.

"When you see Lord Tarly, please be respctful. He is overweight."

Bronn gasps and places his hand on his heart, "You wound me sir. To think that I would make fun of someone because of their apperance. It's as of you don't know me at all."

Tyrion laughs, "I'm sorry...Yes I do know you. I just wanted to warn you about Sam, so that you don't make any rude faces or comments."

They travel the Ocean Road south towards the reach and after a month of travel they reach High Garden. Out of respect Tyrion stops to say hello. He spends the night and moves on after breaking his fast. Halfway to Horn Hill, Tyrion is met by Ser Evan with an escort of twenty men.

When Tyrion arrives Sam is standing in the courtyard with his family. "Welcome Lord Tyrion."

"Lord Samwell."

"This is my mother, Lady Melessa Tarly. My brother Lord Commander of Horn Hill Dickon Tarly. And you my sister the acting Lady of Horn Hill."

"A pleasure to meet you all. This is my sworn shield and one of my best friends Bronn."

"Any friend of Tyrion's is a friend of mine. Welcome and recieve the hospitality of Horn Hill." After Tyrion and Bronn are settled. Sam takes them on a tour, saving the library for last.

"Those tanks you use to send water throughout the castle. Can the same be done at Casterly Rock."

"Yes it can. I have even found a way to purify sea water. You can use it to feed water to Casterly Rock."

"So far everything I have seen is very impressive. I couldn't convince you to change your mind about selling bolt casters to the west?"

Sam smiles, "I'm afraid not my friend."

"I guess I have to send a man east to buy some on my behalf."

After the tour, Tyrion bathes, changes clothes, and returns to the library. Later they have evening meal. Bronn is allowed to dine with Tyrion and the Tarlys. "Lord Tyrion how are you enjoying your stay at Horn Hill?" Melessa asks.

"Immensely my lady. Earlier I was telling Sam, how impressed I am with Horn Hill's water system."

"It makes bathing a lot easier and the shower is like nothing I have ever experienced." Bronn says, "I may wind up staying here."

"Would you change your mind, if we built one at Casterly Rock?" Tyrion asks.

"Of course."

They eat, laugh, talk, make jokes and to Tyrion's suprise Sam had made the dessert. He called it a strawberry cheesecake. He never heard of such a thing, putting cheese in cake. But it is very sweet and delicious. "My Lord.."

"Sam, Tyrion we are friends."

"Yes we are. You draw, design, build, write poetry, and cook. Is there nothing you are not good at?"

"I haven't learned to fly yet."

His reponse draws laughs from everyone, including the servants. This was what a family was supposed to be like. Tyrion has the love of his brother Jaime, his uncle Gerion, and Aunt Jenna. But he still longed for approval from his father and love from his sister. His uncle Kevan as well. Later Tyrion is sitting with Sam, Bronn, and Evan in his solar.

"Even...Ser Evan."

"Call me Evan Bronn, it seems I am pickig up bad habits from the three of you."

"Evan here says that you remember the name of every servant and guard in Horn Hill and that you have given each one a present for their name day."

"I do and I have."

"How do you do it? You have it written down somewhere."

Sam smiles, "It's hard to explain. If I hear, see, or read something once, I remember it. Maester Atkyns says my mind is a like a journal and someone is writing everything down for me to read whenever I wish."

"This one is smart, clever and a reader. He is almost as smart as you." Bronn says pointing at Tyrion. The next day Sam and Tyrion tour the lands of House Tarly. The trip takes two days. As they are returning to Horn Hill, a shipment of gold is coming in from the east and a shipment of weapons is heading out.

Tyrion stays for a month and then says goodbye to his friend. "I enjoyed myself immensely."

"Please feel free to come and visit us anytime." Sam replies shaking his hand. "Oh before you go...This is for you."

Tyrion smiles taking the wrapped pan, "Is this what I think it is?"

"It sure is."

"Then may the father, mother, maiden, crone, warrior, and blacksmith bless you six times over. And may the stranger stay away from you and yours."