Hi everyone! Sorry its been so long, my children have stopped napping the selfish little darlings.
I think in the books Margaery does in fact bring her hunting birds to King's Landing, but as we didn't see this in the show, in my fic I'm saying she left them at Highgarden. I hope you all enjoy a fresh perspective on life in the capital : )
Once, as they had lain in the languor of an embrace, Loras had asked Renly when he had become aware of his desire for men. His lover had laughed and said he was unsure; there was no precise moment he could point to, it was more something he had gradually become aware of over time. The same was not true of Loras. Growing up at Highgarden, his best friend had been his older sister. The two did not spend all their time together; Margaery may have enjoyed horse riding and hunting with a falcon, but she had never expressed any desire for marital pursuits and Loras had adored his knightly training for as long as he could remember. Still the pair spent much of their spare time in each other's company and their relationship was deeply harmonious. Being the paramount house of the Reach, the Tyrells often hosted feasts and tourneys and one such event had taken place several weeks after Loras' twelfth name day. Lord Florent's squire had been a youth of four and ten, tall and strong with dark hair and eyes. Loras had felt deeply shy around the older boy and kept silent while Margaery laughed with him. The younger Tyrell had been surprised when the squire accepted his sister's suggestion to join them all in a game of hide and seek; it seemed rather childish. He remembered very clearly climbing an old oak tree and having clear sight of the boy finding Margaery in her rather poor hiding place amongst some bushes. Young Loras had felt his face flame and his heart pound as he saw the pair kiss and for several moments he had wished for nothing more than to be in his sibling's place.
He had been quiet for the rest of the day and, of course, Margaery had noticed and questioned him. Never able to keep anything from his sister for long he had confessed to her what he had seen and his terrible desire. Margery had simply beamed at him."Oh sweet brother it is nothing to be ashamed of. Some men like pretty girls and some pretty boys!" From the on his sibling had assisted him in matters of the heart as far as she was able to, and Loras was aware that this was part of the reason she had accepted her marriage to Renly Baratheon knowing that by doing so she was enabling her brother to stay close to the man he loved.
Today, Ser Loras Tyrell, the youngest member of King Tommen's Kingsguard, observed the two boys before him with a sigh. The boy the king was practicing his swordplay with was two years Tommen's junior but was still able to best him. Most noble sons began their martial training before the age of five but Loras could tell that even if Tommen had been training for years he would never attain the prowess of his father either his real one or Robert Baratheon. The boy lacked finesse or force, in time he could be competent but his attention was apt to wander. Loras thanked the gods that at least the young king was deeply eager to please and this made him stick at his training and listen to all the knight tried to teach him with keenness. He approached the pair.
"Very good, both of you. Now why don't we practice the methods of disarming I showed you yesterday, Your Grace?"
The young king nodded enthusiastically and managed a fair approximation of the first set of moves he had been shown the day before. Aware the boy needed to build his confidence, Loras' praise was effusive.
"Excellent, King Tommen! You remind me of a tourney I lost to your Uncle Jaime! I have no doubt he will be very impressed when he sees your skill."
Tommen's face became sullen and he looked down.
"I have not seen Uncle Jaime in over a year. Now that he has taken a wife, he cares for no one else. That is why I want to become a strong fighter. So I can protect my mother and sister, they have no one else to rely on."
Loras frowned at the small boy, unsure what to say. He was saved from having to respond by the appearance of Osney Kettleback, come to take the boy king to the school room. The Tyrell knight watched the pair depart, misliking the familiar way the brutish whitecloack placed his arm about Tommen's shoulder. Margaery had warned her brother that all the Kettlebacks were in Cersei Lannister's pocket and Loras wondered if the trip to Tommen's lessons would include an unauthorised visit to the Queen Mother on the way.
Having nothing better to occupy himself with for the present, Loras decided to remain at the training grounds and find himself an opponent to spar with. No sooner had the young Kingsgaurd determined this course of action than he noticed a good looking man approaching him with a hand held up in greeting.
"Ser Loras Tyrell? I saw you instructing our young king, I am Ser Harold Hardyng."
"Ser Hardyng, pleased to meet you."
The other man smiled, revealing even white teeth.
"Please, call me Harry, if you are not otherwise engaged, perhaps you would spar of me. Tales of your skill have made it as far as the Vale but I would like to see it first hand."
Loras could not help but feel pleased at the words. It had been some time since he had partaken in a tourney, he felt he had lost his taste for such displays in recent times, but he remained proud of his knightly skills and the reputation he had cultivated whilst still in his teens.
As he sparred with Harry, it became apparent that the knight of the Vale was not without skill himself, Loras had to work hard to best the other man and took a blow he had not seen coming on more than one occasion. The pair were of a similar height and build, with the Knight of Flowers perhaps a shade slighter than his opponent. When he finally vanquished Harry, Loras was out of breath and could feel sweat trickling down his back. The other man took the defeat graciously, bestowing another brilliant smile on his adversary.
"Extermely well fought, ser. I have not enjoyed such a vigorous bout all week."
The pair began to make there way from the field and Loras returned the other man's grin.
"Most knights have abandoned the court for the tourney at Casterly Rock. I am surprised you are not there yourself, Ser, I have no doubt there will be considerable prize money on offer at a Lannister tournament."
Hardyng made a face.
"I may only be cousin to the Lord of the Eerie but I have sufficient funds that I need not make myself the Lannisters' paid entertainment."
Loras frowned but spoke lightly.
"Ser, my own sister is a Lannister by marriage, you are fortunate she is not present for she does not suffer gladly anyone disparaging the name of her house."
"Forgive me, Ser Loras, I have spoken out of turn. Having had the great pleasure of meeting your sister it is not surprise to me that she is a dutiful and proper wife."
"Margaery is fierce when it comes to those she loves."
Loras had spoken fondly his mind once more recalling Margery's protection of him in their childhood. He did not observe the the curious and mildly concerned look which flitted across his companion's face. Harry was silent for a moment then eyed his companion interestedly.
"So their marriage is a happy one? I was under the impression that it had taken place very soon after the death of King Joffrey."
Loras startled inwardly and struggled for a response. It was one thing to assure Dickon Tarly that Tyrion and Margaery were happy, the Tarlys were Tyrell bannermen, their loyalty was not in question and Loras had known Dickon since boyhood. This knight of the Vale seemed pleasant enough but the Eerie and its dominions had played no role in the War of Five Kings and none could say where their allegiance lay. It was true that almost everyone seemed to have accepted the fact that Joffrey's death had been a tragic accident, but the Tyrell knight remembered only too well that he and Margaery had almost been sent to the black cells at Cersei's behest. He chose his words with care.
"King Joffrey's sudden death grieved my sister tremendously. However, she is a stoic and practical woman. She has found great comfort in her marriage and holds Lord Tyrion in high regard."
Hardyng nodded gravely.
"Lady Margaery is stoic indeed. I recall the night I encountered her and Lord Tyrion, returning from a dinner. Her husband had clearly enjoyed his evening very well and required her assistance to remain upright. I offered to help him rather than have him lean of his lady but he would hear none of it. I had been told your good brother could be outspoken but had not expected such… warm terms in front of a lady."
Loras frowned as he digested the tale. He was not particularly concerned about what Tyrion may have said, knowing all too well his sister was not some prim flower to blush at a curse. What concerned him more was the idea of his good brother so deep in his cups that he could not stand straight. When Loras had first been in King's Landing, with Renly, the youngest Lannister brother had been drunk more than he was sober and even in the permissive atmosphere of Robert Baratheon's court the little lord's escapades had bordered on scandalous. However as far as Loras had been aware such behaviour was in the past. The youngest Tyrell knew of a number of noble women whose lives had been blighted by their husband's fondness for wine and he could not help but feel worried for his sister, should her husband be returning to his old ways. He startled when Ser Harry touched his shoulder lightly.
"I am sorry if I have troubled you, ser. Perhaps I should not have recounted the tale."
"Not at all, Ser Harrold, think no more of it."
"Very well, and please call me Harry, I have enjoyed our afternoon together, Ser Loras, I hope to see you at the training ground soon."
They made their farewells and Loras sought his chambers to wash before making his way to the afternoon's meeting of the small council.
The Kingsguard was still lacking a Lord Commander. Loras knew that his grandmother was eager to see him appointed to the post and Margaery supported her in this, however he was the youngest Kingsgaurd as well as the newest so for now the position had not been offered to him, although neither was it bestowed on anyone else. The white cloaks were required to take turns attending the small council and this afternoon the duty had fallen to Loras. As he entered the room in which the meetings took place, he found his good brother already seated, making conversation with Paxter Redwyne. Tyrion greeted Loras warmly:
"Good afternoon, Loras. I trust you are still supping with us this evening, your sister is keen to see you."
"Indeed I am, Tyrion, if you are agreeable I shall accompany you directly there after the meeting."
The little Lannister grinned his acquiescence and turned back to Lord Redwyne. Other members of the council began to take their seats and Loras studied his good brother, Hardyng's words from earlier on his mind. Tyrion currently gave no indication of having imbibed and Loras could not remember seeing him partake to excess at any point when he had been in the little lord's company. Furthermore, as far as Loras had seen, the delight which had enveloped his sister from the moment her betrothal to Tyrion Lannister had been finalised was still very much in evidence. Knowing how shrewd a judge of character Marge was, this should have put his mind at rest. However Loras was also aware that his sister had fallen head over heels in love with her husband and he knew that love could often cloud one's judgement.
The young knight's thoughts were disrupted by the arrival of Tywin Lannister and the formal beginning of the meeting. The lord of Casterly Rock swept his eyes around the meeting table, fixing his steady stare on Prince Oberyn Martell.
"Have you any further news for the council, my prince?"
"'Further news', Lord Tywin? Perhaps I am mistaken but I thought I was Master of Laws not Whispers."
The Dornish prince spoke in a languidly mocking tone, his eyes bright with mischief. Tywin Lannister's countenance was stoney.
"I am referring to news from Dorne and your brother. My granddaughter has reached five and ten, she is more than old enough for her marriage to Trystane Martell to take place."
"That is a matter of opinion, my Lord. I myself have three daughters older than Myrcella and all unwed."
"We are not discussing your daughters, Prince Oberyn. Your nephew is your brother's heir, I would have thought he would be keen to see Prince Tyrstane wed."
"Perhaps you should visit him at Sunspear and discuss the matter further, my Lord. I love my brother but I am not his keeper so I could not speak to his inner thoughts. What have you decided regarding my proposal about my nephew and his bride taking up residence on Dragonstone?"
Tyrion leaned across the table.
"My prince, as I told you we do not have the gold to spare for such an expedition."
"Lord Tyrion! You disappoint me! Surely if all that fabled Lannister gold has somehow run out, you and your wife could provide the funds! Or are you loathe to help a Martell now you have been welcomed into the bosom of the Reach so tenderly? "
Loras glanced at Oberyn with narrowed eyes. He resented the aspersion against the Reach, and the implied jape at the expense of Margaery. Tyrion looked as if he was about to speak once more but Lord Varys cut in:
"My Lords, as we talk of the west I should let you know that there has been considerable activity around the Iron Islands, it would seem that one or more of the Greyjoys could be setting to sea, with a considerable fleet. I do not need to tell you what this is likely to mean."
There was consternation on the faces of many around the table at these words. Loras himself was troubled, remembering the last Iron born rebellion although he had been too young to fight in it. The most likely targets for iron born aggression were the coasts of the Reach and the Westerlands. Tywin nodded at the eunuch.
"We must monitor the situation. Word will be sent to Old Town and Lannsiport. Lord Redwyne, ensure your fleet at the Arbour is ready."
"What of the royal fleet, my lord hand?"
"The fleet at the Arbour should be sufficient."
Paxter Redwyne looked unhappy.
"If the Ironborn come in large numbers they could easily overpower us. I would like to have reinforcements if required."
"We must account for the defence of the capital."
"You have sufficient ships to do that and aid us, my Lord."
Tyrion spoke up:
"My lord father, Lord Redwyne is right, there is no danger of a sea attack from Stannis Baratheon. I would sooner see our ships in the Arbour should they be needed to protect the west coast from Iron Born aggression."
"I have no doubt you would, however this council serves the king not the Reach and its Lords. King Tommen's ships will stay where they are."
Tyrion said no more but the look on his face showed he was not pleased by his sire's words. Loras shared his good brother's sentiment, the Redwyne fleet was not insubstantial but the vessels were required to support trade and it seemed that they were expected to protect Lannisport as well as their own territories.
The meeting drew to a close and Loras noticed Tyrion try to catch his father's attention. However Tywin Lannister exited the room without a backward glance. As the other council members filed out, Tyrion stood still, frowning and started slightly when Loras touched his shoulder.
"Shall we depart for your chambers now, good brother?"
"We shall depart, but I wonder if I could persuade you elsewhere first."
Loras felt his heart sink, and spoke in a tone of dismay:
"You wish me to accompany you to a tavern?"
His good brother's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Gods, whatever gave you that idea? No I simply wish to discuss something out of Margery's earshot. It is a wonderful thing to have such a clever wife, but it does make surprising her rather difficult."
Loras sighed in relief and smiled. The pair exited the tower of the hand and made their way to an external corridor of the keep. Loras faced the older man.
"Would I be right in thinking this has something to do with my sister's name day?"
"Indeed you would. Tell me, Loras, why did Margaery not bring any of her hunting birds with her to the capital? I can tell from her stories of Highgarden that she is very fond of hawking."
"That she is, and very skilled at it too. She and grandmother felt that perhaps King Joffrey would think it an unsuitable sport for a lady to engage in."
Tyrion nodded and grim smirk twisting his lips. "King Joffrey would likely have found an excuse to kill the beast before too long"
-then in a lighter tone and with an eager expression on his face:
"So if I were to gift her a snowy white Gyrfalcon, she could make sport with it in the Kingswood?"
"Certainly. I think such a gift would see my sister even more in love with you, if that is possible."
Loras grinned at the look of abashed pleasure which found its way to his good brother's face at the words. He knew Margaery would adore such a bird and appreciated the expensive and thoughtful nature of the gift. Seeing the time and care which Tyrion was taking over planning the surprise made Loras reproach himself for doubting the care his sister's husband took of her.
Buoyed by this approval of his proposed gift to Margaery, Tyrion was in an ebullient mood as he and Loras made their way to his apartments. They entered and found that young lady awaiting them in the solar. She greeted them both warmly, embracing Loras and bestowing a brief but affectionate kiss on her husband's lips.
As the three sat to dine, there was lively conversation amongst them, although Loras often found himself more than content to observe the other two, feeling a joyous satisfaction in the love and happiness which seemed to brim from them. It reminded him of Renly, but in a way that more sweet than sorrowful. He thought of his lover's marriage to his sister and wondered how he would have felt in Margery's place. The young knight would like to think that he would have been as open hearted and generous as she had but he was not sure he would have. Thinking of her cheerful acceptance and seeing the love she now clearly revelled in, which would never have come from Renly, Loras could not help but think there was a sliver of solace in his grief and loss. Noticing his far off expression, Margaery touched her brother's hand.
"Will you be accompanying myself and the king to Flea Bottom tomorrow, Loras? I am sure Tyrion's mind will be eased by knowing you are there to protect me."
She threw her husband a teasing glance and he smiled and shook his head.
"You cannot fault me for being protective, my love. That being said, I am in complete admiration of your skills of persuasion. Managing to convince my father that Tommen should show himself to the small folk."
"Tywin can see that my reasoning is sound. There is plenty of bread in the capital now; Tommen is a sweet, handsome little boy and will charm the populace."
Tyrion grinned.
"It was delightful to see the expression on sweet Cersei's face last night when father agreed to it. I would go so far as to say it even made the meal bearable"
The three shared a laugh, Loras glanced at Tyrion.
"I shall indeed be there, as will a considerable escort. You do not plan to join us, Tyrion?"
"Indeed I do not. While there is no denying I am little, I think none save your sister here would describe me as handsome or sweet, I do not think my presence would aid in charming the populace."
"Oh I don't know, sweetling, I believe there has recently been a greater recollection of how you saved the city from Stannis."
Margaery spoke with her wine cup held close to her, a sly smirk on her lips. Tyrion threw her a quizzical glance.
"Bronn mentioned something to me about a tavern song. Is that what you refer to?"
"Perhaps, not that you would know anything about taverns these days, my lord husband."
"Indeed, such establishments are as distant past to me as the Targaryen conquest, my heart."
Loras shook his head at the pair smiling. Their banter in regards to drinking establishments had further banished his earlier worries. Margery's voice had been completely without edge and Loras knew there was enough of the Queen of Thorns in her granddaughter that had she cause to reprimand her husband, this was not have been the case. Surely Ser Harold had misinterpreted the situation. Loras thought about mentioning it to the couple, but decided against it, there was already too much rumour and gossip in the capital. The three passed several pleasant hours before the young knight took his leave and departed for his own chambers.
The next morning Loras escorted Tommen to the courtyard where they would meet Margaery for their visit to Flea Bottom. The boy king carried a glass bottle, about half the size of a karaffe of wine and looked excited. As Margaery made her way to the courtyard attended by her handmaiden he greeted her gleefully.
"Aunt Margaery, I have a gift for you, mother asked me to deliver it personally. It is a posset, she said it would keep you well."
Loras felt his stomach drop as he watched Margaery eyes glaze over momentarily. But his sister was an accomplished courtier and quickly dropped a low curtesy, taking the bottle with a dazzling smile.
"I thank her grace and you, my king, for delivering such a caring gift to me. I am sure I will find it valuable."
She handed the bottle to her maid, smiling once more at the grinning and oblivious Tommen. The naive boy king was clearly unaware that his mother had arranged for him to present his aunt with a fertility tonic in front of a considerable crowd. Whilst others were busy with the horses Loras took the opportunity to pull his sister to one side.
"Marge, I am sorry, that was ill done by Cersei."
His sister gave him a tight smile.
"She has done far worse, and she does have a point."
Loras looked at his sister in concern.
"But all is well with you and Tyrion is it not?"
"Aye, extremely well, which is all the more reason to wonder why I am not yet with child."
Loras was dismayed to see the visible upset on Margery's face, he placed a hand on her shoulder and mustered a light tone:
"I am no expert in these matters, but you are far from being one year wed, sister, you have more than enough time for a large family. In fact I will be sure to remind you of this conversation when you have a pride of little lions running you and Tyrion ragged."
She smiled at him warmly though her eyes remained grave. He gave her shoulder a final squeeze and they both mounted their horses.
Loras had accompanied his sister to the orphanages and poor houses of King's Landing before and was used to the shouts and cheers the party received. Tommen played his role well, his golden hair glinting in the son and his bright, ready smile provoking calls of: "Seven bless King Tommen, long may he reign." There were almost no shouts of "Queen Margaery" anymore which Loras was glad of. The young knight did hear frequent snatches of a familiar song. Unlike his good brother, Loras' experience of taverns was not in the past and recently one melody had caught his ear on more than one occasion.
"The lion's flames were green and gold, The lion's pride did roar."
Margaery beamed at him and raised a brow.
"It would seem 'The Ballad of Blackwater' is gaining popularity. My bard will be so pleased."
"You had this song written sister?"
"Of course."
Loras looked at her in amused admiration. The song told the story of the joint efforts by the Lannisters and Tyrells to save the city; with a significant part being devoted to Tyrion's role in the battle. It was clear that Margaery was not only concerned with increasing Tommen's popularity.
Grandmother would be proud.