The day had started calm, despite the huge number of people around them, as Jaime Lannister and Oberyn Martell sat in one of the tents of their small encampment. Scattered on the table before them were many maps and letters, reports of the coming and going at the city of tents, near the castle Highgarden. It had only been a day since they had arrived, but it was already clear that they should not underestimate their situation. Nearly a hundred knights would fight in the Tourney and with their servants there would be over a thousand people in the city of tents. The king alone would bring more than a hundred men, servants, members of the Kingsguard and whatnot.
"I still think that we should move the women to the castle. Gods know what might happen with so many people around. This will only invite trouble." Jaime said, as he looked at a roughly drawn map of the area.
He had seen some of the rather shady characters that now roamed the area and the thought that his wife, his daughter and Rhaenys would be anywhere near these men was not very calming. Worst of all was that he had a rather short run in with Ser Gregor Clegane, a meeting he had yet to tell Oberyn about. He knew that Oberyn would try to kill Clegane, that he would try to avenge his sister. He wouldn't stop him, but he wanted him to wait until they would meet during the Tourney. But being the hot-headed man he is, Oberyn would have run to Clegane, challenging him to a fight. And that would not end well for anyone.
"My girls will keep Rhaenys and Joanna safe, do not worry about that. Nothing bad will happen, at least not until the Tourney begins." Oberyn replied in a bored manner, as he played around with a dagger. "And they wouldn't dare to hurt your wife or daughter, they have no reason to. They fear our revenge to much." He picked up a goblet filled with finest dornish wine and emptied it in one go, before he continued, "And they may be butchers, but their hatred is only directed at Targaryens. But they won't get Rhaenys."
"You know as well as I do that most of those so called knights have no honor. They would do something simply because they can. Honor and dignity are as rare as dragons these days." Jaime said with distaste. He had learned the hard way, that the stories of the valiant knights he had been told as a boy were just that... stories for children. He had met only few true knights, most others were just men in fancy armor with as much honor as the man who paid them.
"Let them try. If they go anywhere near the women, we will kill them. The only thing they will gain is war. Not even that fat king is dumb enough to risk that, just to kill some innocent women who don't agree with him. And the Baratheon words are 'Ours is the fury', but they have not yet seen the fury of Dorne!" Oberyn looked out of the tent for a moment, as he heard some commotion outside. Moments later Arthur came in, looking excited.
"Father, Prince Oberyn, the king and his entourage have arrived."
"It was about time. I would have expected the fat man to be on time for his youngest brother's wedding at least." Oberyn said, as he stood up to leave the tent. "Are they still on the road?"
"No, they have already passed us and should be at their own encampment. Lord Stark was with them as well." Arthur said, excitement visible in his violet eyes. He was so easily excitable, almost bouncing with energy. He tended to be careless when he was like that, but Jaime still had hope that Oberyn would be able to break that habit, so his son would be a better fighter once he is knighted. Oberyn has always been a hot-head, but at least he knew when to focus on a fight... well most of the times at least.
"Calm yourself, son," Jaime said, as he placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "From now on you have to be twice as careful. Watch over your sisters, don't let anyone near them unless we know him or her not to be an enemy." He looked intently at his son, waiting for a response. He knew he was expecting much from a mere fourteen year old boy, but his son had been trained and prepared for such situations. He wasn't weak. He was a lion of Lannister and a Dayne of Starfall. In a few years he will be a knight of Dorne. He will prevail.
"Don't worry. I will protect Joanna and Rhaenys. I won't let anyone harm them." Arthur said confidently. He knew that both girls would be well protected. Arthur had been raised with the knightly ideals of his uncle, Ser Arthur Dayne, and just like Jaime he embraced the path of a true knight, though he was only at the beginning of a much longer path. But he loved all his siblings dearly, and would die to protect them. This was both the cause for great pride and great fear for his parents.
"Are the girls still outside?" Oberyn asked.
"Yes, near our main tent. Obara and Nymeria are with them at the moment. And mother is at the Sept in Highgarden with Tyene." Jaime didn't like that last part. His wife was at the castle, not knowing that their situation had just become much more dangerous.
"Good. Go back to the girls and watch over them. With that king here, there will be many people who might wish ill upon Rhaenys and all those close to her." Jaime ordered his son. Arthur looked at Oberyn, whom he still served as squire, before he left the tent again to return to his sister.
"So it begins." Oberyn said, before a fierce grin spread on his lips. "I think I'll go find myself some distraction." Jaime knew that in Oberyn's case distraction could only mean one of two things. Either the company of a woman or a fight. Somehow Jaime hoped it would be the former, but the chances were slim. These days Oberyn only had eyes for his paramour, Ellaria Sand, and she wasn't here, but in Dorne, watching over her daughters.
"Take care, Oberyn." Was all that Jaime said, before the dornishman left the tent as well, leaving him alone for the moment.
It was a welcome moment of peace and silence, one that he enjoyed. He knew that he would not have a chance to rest in the coming days. Not with so many hot-headed men in one place. He hoped that they would be reasonable enough to remain peaceful outside of the Tourney events, but he knew that it would be foolish to believe that everything would be alright. Even without any bad intentions there were too many men here who loved to fight for the sake of fighting. They wouldn't need a political reason, one drunk man could cause great trouble for the entire kingdom. They would have to be very careful.
No one wanted to see the past repeated. The last grand Tourney had planted the seed for great misery. And the last thing the Seven Kingdoms needed at the moment was a premature war. No side would have any valuable advantage and the war would end in a stalemate. All Seven Kingdoms would bleed if it came to that. They wanted a quick and decisive war, with little damage to the smallfolk. They had suffered too much in the last few wars and if they continued like this, there wouldn't be anyone left to govern once the wars are over.
But sitting around, doing nothing until the others would return, did not suit Jaime for long, so he decided to go for a walk. To see the commotion caused by the arrival of the king and his family. The family that also included his sister, Cersei. He really did not want to think about that inevitable meeting. On the one hand he was looking forward to seeing her again after such a long time, but on the other hand he had the bad feeling that she would not react all too well to meeting Allyria and his children. He saw the new banners, flying high above all others now. Baratheon, Stark and Lannister.
So his father had also arrived, at the same time as the king. A man like Tywin Lannister wouldn't waste time here, of course. He would stay as long as it suited his plans and would leave soon after. But what plans had this man exactly? Jaime knew that he would find out sooner or later. And as it seemed the gods had decided for sooner.
Jaime had not even left the dornish encampment, when he saw his father, followed by several Lannister guardsmen. A grim look could be seen on his face, as he approached his wayward son. Jaime recognized this look. Many had told him of about it, but he had not seen it himself. His father always had it, when he was about to start a grand plan or scheme. That expression of grim determination. The last time his father had supposedly looked like this, was on the day he had gathered his men to fight the Reynes of Castamere. And Jaime knew that this meeting would not end well, just by seeing his father's expression.
He could feel his father's commanding presence from far away, as Tywin gazed at him. He knew that flinching away would be seen as a sign of weakness by Tywin and Jaime wouldn't allow his father such a victory. Tywin Lannister would try to intimidate him
He noted with interest that his father had changed since he had last met him. Bald was his head now, where he once had the same golden hair that all his children had. But this was no sign of age and weakness. He looked still as imposing as ever, wearing his crimson armor, for reasons Jaime did not know. He did look frightening, to children and lesser men at least. And this group of lesser men included the majority of men in all of Westeros, noble and peasant alike.
"Father, what an... unexpected pleasure." Jaime said, inclining his head slightly. Despite everything he still respected his father, though that respect had suffered greatly during the sacking of King's Landing. That day he had seen that the father he admired was also a ruthless and treacherous man. And with that everything had changed.
"Not here. Find a place where we can talk. Without the sheep listening." Tywin said sternly, his green eyes never leaving his son's. Of course the man wouldn't ask, but he would order his son around. Only this once Jaime would follow his orders, but the next time...
In fact he wasn't even surprised by his father's words. Tywin was always cautious with what he would show to other lords and all those he sees as beneath him. It was a matter of pride and a family matter that did not concern anyone else. So Jaime nodded and led his father to the nearest tent, which was still empty at the moment. His father's men waited outside, as he and Tywin entered the tent to talk.
"Was it worth it?" Tywin finally asked his son. Outwardly he seemed calm, but Jaime could see the barely contained rage and deep disappointment.
"Was what worth it?" Jaime asked in return.
Tywin narrowed his eyes in anger, but he did not raise his voice. Instead his voice held a chill that made even Jaime feel uncomfortable. "You ran away with that Targaryen child, you spited your family and now you are actively working against your own sister. You have brought great shame upon our house. The only reason why you have not been branded as a traitor to the realm is Jon Arryn's insistence that this would needlessly escalate the conflict."
"I have made my decision and I stand by it." Jaime answered simply. He had come to terms with the consequences of his decisions long ago. He had lost much, but gained so much more. He did not even want to imagine what his life would have turned out to be, had he just waited in the throne room after he had killed Aerys.
"Why? Why did you do something so foolish? You are meant for greater things, to be a greater man than you are right now. But you wasted your life, first as a glorified guard of a madman and then as the guardian of the most dangerous child in the Seven Kingdoms. The damage your actions have done to the legacy of our family is immeasurable." Tywin scolded his son angrily, looking at Jaime admonishing.
"And murdering little children and having their mothers raped to death is not damaging the legacy of our family?" Jaime retorted just as angry as his father. "All I did was the honorable thing to do. I killed a man who would have burned an entire city. The city you've been in at that time! And I saved the life of a child that is truly meant for greatness. All you did was betraying everyone to gain power."
"Killing the princess and her son might have been a mistake, a miscalculation maybe, but in the long run it has helped us gain much more. Your sister is the queen, your nephew will be king one day. We have the chance to create a lineage that will last for a thousand years. But your actions can lead our family to its doom. Do you want us to end like the Targaryens? Broken, defeated, scattered remains of a once noble line."
"The Targaryens are not as defeated as you want them to be." Jaime said with a dark look directed at his father. He wasn't sure how much his father really knew, so he wouldn't talk about any Targaryen but Rhaenys. But knowing Tywin Lannister it was very likely that he was very well aware of the survival of Viserys and Daenerys.
"One little girl does not save an entire bloodline and the others that remain are a world away, assassins not far behind them. And your actions only bring shame to our family. Do you know what they call the girl in King's Landing and the North? They call her the Lion Tamer, because she has turned you into nothing more than a docile pet! That girl..."
"Careful now. You will not insult the princess I've sworn to protect. You are still my father, but I will not allow you to badmouth her or me."
"You are a lion of Casterly Rock, never forget that. You are a Lannister first and foremost. It is what you will be remembered for. One day, when all of us are dead, people will remember you because your family name still exists and commands respect."
"Unlike you, I prefer to live in the present, not in the future when my wife and children are dead." Jaime replied.
Something outside the tent suddenly caught his attention. Oberyn had returned and he had obviously seen Tywin. He would have charged right into the tent, had he not been held back by his daughter, Obara Sand, who had a hard time dragging him away and only succeeded with the help of her sister Nymeria and Arthur. Rhaenys was there as well, looking worriedly at the guest. But she decided to stay away, at least for now. A wise choice.
"Your family..." Tywin paused for a moment, obviously in deep thought, before he continued, "We will talk about this later as well. For now I have to leave. Your sister needs supervising, lest she will do something foolish again. But we will meet this evening. You and your family will take your meal with me in my own private tent. I will send a servant to get you." Tywin said finally. It was obvious that he was displeased and slightly frustrated with his sons stubbornness.
"No," Jaime said with finality. Tywin actually made a double take, obviously not expecting this kind of defiance.
"What was that?" Tywin asked with a low growl.
"I said no. I won't lead my family into your encampment to surrender them to your mercy. I am not a fool. I know that many people here are scheming against us. But I will not endanger my family, I will protect all of them." He stressed the word all, something that did not go unnoticed by Tywin, "You may come here, to dine with us. I give you my word that nothing shall happen to you as long as you do not pose a threat to any of us."
Tywin stared at his son, cold fury visible in his eyes once more. The Lord of Casterly Rock was not used to being denied. Many men would have looked away in defeat, had Tywin looked at them like this. His bannermen feared him, as did many other lords and ladies. But Jaime did not. He stared right back at his father. And Tywin's expression changed. From angry to calculating. It was obvious that he was considering his options. He could take offense and march off, but that would further alienate his son. Or he could accept Jaime's proposal and forget his pride for this one occasion, to meet the part of his family that has been kept out of his influence for so long... too long.
"Very well. But I expect your children to be present. It is time to meet the next generation of Lannisters." He said, before he turned around and left the tent quickly. Jaime couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom as his father's last words repeated in his mind. Whatever his father wanted, it would involve his children. And Jaime knew that he would never allow his children to become pawns in his father's game.
He watched as his father left. Most curiously was the moment he saw Rhaenys near the tent. He stopped for a moment, regarding the dragon princess, obviously evaluating the young woman, before he left the dornish encampment completely.
"Are you alright?" Rhaenys asked, after she had entered the tent. "We could hear you arguing with him from the other side of the encampment."
"I had no idea that we were this loud. I'm sorry if I've worried you, Rhaenys." Jaime said, as he allowed himself a small smile.
"Worried? Gods forbid, no. I trust that you can defeat an aging man in a one on one fight. But from all I've heard about your father I am worried about what he will do if he feels offended by your words and actions."
"I have already offended him years ago, when I defied him by saving your life." He saw the worry on her face and the sadness in her eyes. But it did not last long.
Though she had been merely a young child back then, she still remembered that day vividly. But it no longer frightened her, it did not weaken her anymore. It only made her more defiant and strengthened her resolve to bring her mother's and brother's murderers to justice. It was one of those things that made Jaime proud of his princess and something that justified his decision to save her that day, all those years ago, despite the consequences for his own life. She pursues justice, not vengeance.
"But this is your chance. Show him what a mistake it was to make an enemy out of you. Make your parents proud. Not by acting like a madwoman on a rampage, but by showing your cunning. Justice will be done, but not by heedless violence. There are better ways to punish a man than killing him." Jaime said. It sounded strange, even to him, to encourage the girl to act against his own father. But he was no fool. This was the game for the throne and when it comes down to it, he and his father would end up as enemies. But one way or another, the Lannisters will win.
"I will. I know this isn't easy for you, Jaime, but know that your loyalty means the world to me. I don't even want to imagine what I would do without you by my side." Rhaenys said softly, as she stepped forward and hugged her knight.
Ever since Jaime had saved her, he had become one of the most important persons in her life. Not just as her knight and protector, but also as a confidant and brother figure. Jaime remembered the years fondly, when he and his wife had helped to raise Rhaenys. Though they had never attempted to replace her parents, Rhaenys had become a part of their family. At first Jaime acted as her surrogate brother, then she became the big sister to his children.
"No one can predict the future. And no one can predict Tywin Lannister. Just be careful around him and try to stay at least two steps ahead of him in everything." Jaime said, as he looked at the princess. "But have you heard what he said? They call you Lion Tamer in the north. Tyrion never mentioned any of this." He smirked, more amused by this nickname than his father. Considering Rhaenys' love for feline pets, like her black menace Balerion, it was a rather fitting title.
"I think I like this title. But now I need a real lion to do my title justice." She smirked at Jaime, making clear what she actually alluded to. He remembered Rhaenys' tenth name day, when the girl had insisted that the only gift she wanted was a Shadowcat. Jaime and Allyria tried to dissuade her, while Doran was muttering curses under his breath. And Tyrion and Oberyn... the two had started arguing about the best way to capture a Shadowcat kitten... luckily Rhaenys had given up on her wish soon after, instead settling for normal gifts instead. But not one year had passed since then without her arguing about getting some big cat, one way or another.
"But what have you done to Oberyn? I would have expected him to be back by now." Jaime asked, one eyebrow raised in suspicion.
"Oh... uncle Oberyn is... indisposed for some time." She tried to look innocent, but that look had never really worked on those who saw her grow up. She could fool great lords and ladies, but never her family.
"Rhaenys..." Jaime said, as he gave his princess a scolding look.
Her smirk only widened. "Obara has stopped him from doing something foolish... and she has offered him some wine..."
"Just wine?"
"No... we used one of Tyene's newest creations... actually." She looked sheepishly for a moment.
Jaime sighed deeply, before he asked wearily, "Please tell me that you have not poisoned your own uncle."
"Not poisoned," Rhaenys said alarmed. She wouldn't be able to harm anyone she considered to be a family member. After all she had lost in the early years of her life she couldn't bear the thought of loosing any more family members. "But we did not want him to start causing trouble by attacking Lord Tywin in broad daylight. He will merely be sleeping for some hours, nothing bad. He was far too stressed anyway. I don't want him to die because of his obsession with my mother's murderers. I want justice, too, but not at the price of his own life."
"He won't die. Not even the gods want a hot-head like him to run around in any of the seven hells." Jaime joked lightly. Rhaenys smiled, but he could see that the smile did not really reach her eyes. The girl worried far too much about those close to her. It was one her most endearing traits, but also one of her greatest weaknesses.