[A/N] - Another chapter is a chance to get to know the latest character in the series. For those that wanted option 2, worry not because Visenya and Tywin will make cameos soon and then once again become the main people the story will revolve around.
Those few chapters are mostly to show the Lannisters with their latest sibling and give a better insight into their thoughts, now that their father has the perfect heir he always wanted. Plus, Trystan's presence in Winterfell and other places is important and soon you will find out why. (There were 2 main reasons why Visenya let him become a squire under Jaime. Can you guess them before the chapters show them?
P.S. I do not have a stable updating schedule. I do have chapters ready and try to write as many as I can, now that I am motivated and have some time. Therefore, a chapter might come every few days or maybe in less time. I do have the timeline set, all the way to the ending and just need the time to write it down and plan it properly for the flow of the story to be smooth and continuous.
The Stark Family had all worn their best and had formed a line outside, ready to welcome their guests. Standing in line by age, they stood out against one another based on which parent they had taken more from.
The eldest daughter, Sansa, for example; looked more like her mother in terms of colours and even genes. The rest of her siblings did share the auburn Tully hair and bright eyes but had taken little more from their father's features. Only the bastard, Jon and the youngest daughter, Arya; seemed to be clear representatives of Northern Blood.
When the Royal Family finally arrived, everyone's attention went to those, who entered first on horseback. The first was the famous Robert Baratheon, who had grown fat over the years and resembled nothing like the man from Ned's stories.
Then, the attention went to his firstborn; Joffrey. Sansa had heard stories of the beauty of the prince, having discussed it recently with the other girls she kept as company. Only a year younger, he did look very handsome with his golden hair and red long furs hanging by his shoulders; especially to Sana.
Right behind him was the terrifying and deformed Hound; Ser Sandor Clegane. He rode close to the prince, his helmet shaped like the head of a dog that made him stand out against the rest soldiers with the recognisable Lannister or Baratheon styles.
Everyone in the courtyard, from the Starks to the servants bent the once King Robert stopped his horse not so far away, the soldiers having moved in a half circle to be the protectors of both him and the rest of the family.
The oversized man climbed off his horse and marched towards the head of the Stark Family, before moving some of his leathered gloved fingers and motioning for him and everyone else to stand up.
Robert sized him up and down in silence for a moment. "You have got fat," he said eventually, earning a silent cough from Trystan; who fixed his grip on the horse reins to keep himself composed and lowered his head to hide his amused expression behind his Lannister Helmet.
Eventually, the two men laughed and hugged one another like long-forgotten friends. Then, Robert continued to informally greet every single Stark member, earning the most awkward of glances.
At least it is not the only father that suffers from it, Trystan thought, recalling how often Robert had friendly slapped Tywin on the back; earning a silent glare from the Old Lion.
As the scene continued, one of the Kingsguards removed his helmet, showing straight golden locks of hair and a charming older face with bright green eyes.
"That's Jaime Lannister, Queen Cersei's twin" the youngest daughter of the Starks, Arya, whispered to her sister, rather loudly.
Trystan heard and looked in their direction, green eyes glowing with amusement beneath his helm. "Looks like you got fans here as well, brother" he joked, earning a small quick elbow jab from Jaime.
"Oh yeah. Take off your helmet and let's see their reaction" he commented, a smirk on his lips.
The youngest Lannister rolled his eyes but removed his helmet nonetheless, passing a hand over his head to ensure they were not ruined.
"That must be the Half-Lion" Arya commented once again, earning a glare from her sister.
"Will you shut up?" Sansa hissed back and looked at the two Lannisters, clearly embarrassed.
Trystan turned to them and he gave a pearly white smile as the northern wind moved some of its sandy-golden hair, while his eyes seemed to glow a bright green. He did not look much like the Lannisters except for the colours but almost anyone knew who the boy was. For rumours were spreading of the youngest Lion or half-Lion as many called it. All the Lannister kids were pure Lion but the last one was half Dragon; the last of its kind.
Suddenly, the door of the wheelhouse opened and the two brothers exchanged a look.
"Will you go or shall I?" Trystan asked, already imagining the glare and sour expression of Cersei; who seemed as if Robert had forgotten her.
"It's your turn" Jaime reminded and earned an eye roll from his brother before he jumped off his horse.
He moved towards the carriage and offered his hand like a true gentleman. "Let me help you, your Grace," he said, hoping if he aimed for her ego it would be easier for him.
"One of the few competent men around me, as always" She commented and accepted his hand, climbing off the wooden steps before her feet touched the muddy ground.
Right behind her, Tommen and Myrcella followed suit but remained close to the carriage; looking around surprised at the change of settings. Their uncle smiled at them and then went to stand next to his brother; who posed all mighty on purpose with his hand on his sword.
Trystan barely fixed his red cape, feeling the weight of the animal furs around his shoulders as it was attached to his Lannister armour. "Show pony" he faked a cough as he stopped in front of him.
"You are just jealous that I am more handsome than you" Jaime commented, puffing his chest out like a prideful peacock.
"Are you two done with your stupid competition?" Joffrey asked as he climbed off his horse, clearly annoyed hearing them once again just joking and competing on simple and irrelevant things.
At the same time, everyone bowed or kissed Cersei's hand as she stopped in front of them but Robert barely spared her a glance.
"Take me to the crypts, to pay my respects" he ordered his old friend.
"We have been riding for a month, my love. Surely the dead can wait" she commented, clearly aware of who her husband wished to pay respects to.
Yet, Robert barely cared and instead called his friend's name one last time, forcing him to follow.
There was an awkward silence until the young Stark girl chose to speak again. "Where is the Imp?" she questioned, earning a look from the Queen.
Cersei, without saying a word; walked towards her brothers. "Where is our brother?" he asked since he was last seen riding with them around 2 hours away from Winterfell. The two men shrugged their shoulders, not helping with her temper. "I don't care which one of you, but go find that little monster" she hissed, giving a clear order.
As the eldest and with her status as Queen, she loved to order them around and most of the time; they let her. Jaime was often more open to her orders, not mind following them but Trystan felt his patience being tested.
Yet, having been taught and instructed well; he did not go against her. He remained quiet, trying not to worsen her temper and without him losing his power. He did not bow to her nor he acted like a servant, but he knew that those were not times he should stand up.
Always pick up the right fights, never all of them, he would repeat in his mind; something his father often told him when he was preparing him to spend days on end around his siblings in King's Landing.
The moment the sun set in the North, a huge feast was held in honour of the King's visit. Inside the crumbled but warm stone hall, bench after bench had been placed while huge amounts of food were served.
Everyone was laughing, dancing or singing while the wine kept being poured as if the jugs were endless.
Amongst the party, one was seen standing to one corner of it; not keen on festivities. Trystan had taken from his parents and never found joy in those chaotic events, finding them too troublesome and loud.
He remained as far away as he could from the crowd, drinking watered wine to ensure he remained focused and simply watched. He had his armour removed, staying with a dark leather jacket above his tunic; the Golden Lannister Lion reflecting the light of the torches as it was placed on his back.
He saw how Robert flirted with a maid, dancing with her in his semi-drunk state and then kissing her in front of the crowd. Everyone knew by now that the Baratheon ruler loved spending time with whores, as much as Tywin did but at least only one of them was not married.
Trystan glared silently at the fat man, who acted as if he was not married. Truth to be told, the Half-Lion never truly liked him; not even a bit. His past actions were always something Trystan remembered whenever he saw his face but after seeing how he treated his half-sister...
He had no words nor he could describe the things he wished to do to the King. However, as much as he could find a way to get his chance; he had strict orders not to. His mother had ensured that when the time was right, she would let him know and he did not dare to go against her plans.
Getting tired of seeing the embarrassing show, Trystan left the hall in need of some air to cool down his well-controlled but still short temper.
He roamed the outside wooden halls, following the perimeter inside the castle and mentally mapped every tower, every door, path and rock discolouration he could point with the dim light of the torches.
Guess what they say is true. Winterfell has different architecture because it was constantly renovated and expanded since Bran the Builder, he thought.
He noticed his half-brother Tyrion talking with the Stark Bastard, Jon but he did not bother to listen. He did not feel the need to get involved in their little conversation about bastards and being a mistake in the eyes of their fathers.
However, he did wish he could have been back in Casterly Rock where he could escape into the library to read or just grab his bow and practise without anyone interrupting.
The only good thing he could imagine at the moment, is Ned Stark saying yes in becoming Hand of the King and then being able to leave. At least in King's Landing, he had ways to keep himself busy and he did not have to be in the presence of Robert for the majority of the day.
His trail of thoughts was halted upon noticing someone coming from the opposite direction. Lady Sansa was furious, marching down the wooden hall with the stain of food on her left cheek and the collar of her dress.
The furs at the edge of it, eventually, got caught up in a pointy nail and prevented her from continuing. She cursed faintly, still angered as she tried to free her dress without ruining it but in her frustration; she could not concentrate.
Trystan was amused, seeing a different nature than the quiet little dove she was during the feast. He hid his smirk and slowly marched her way, hands behind his back as he did so.
"Do you require help, Lady Sansa?" he asked, offering a small charming smile while he made sure to talk before coming too close; in order not to startle her.
His plan was half-successful since she did get scared for a moment and quickly turned her head to face him, cheeks a faint hue of red. "Ser..Ser Trystan" she called him, trying hard not to stutter. "I...I can do this, Ser"
Trystan stopped in front of her, surpassing her by a few heads and that intimidated her for she quickly glanced her grey-blue eyes on the ground.
The Half-Lion took a step to the side and bent to one knee, reducing their height difference while he had a better look at what had taken place. "I am certain you do, My lady. However, allow me to help you in order not to ruin that pretty dress of yours" he continued and gently used both his hands to detangle the furs and the stitches, with surprising tenderness. "There you go, all set" he stood up and took a step back, not wishing to intimidate the teenager more.
"Tha-thank you," she said, her cheeks heating up at his kind action.
"Where do you head, if I may be bold enough to ask?" his hands went behind his back once again, his green eyes having this sudden gentleness that Sansa did not see in any of his siblings.
"To-to my chambers, Ser"
"Would you allow me to escort you then, my lady? In case, similar troubles arise or any trouble for that matter"
Sansa was silent, mostly speechless as she tried to keep looking at him but failed. Timidly, she played with her fingers as she thought of the offer. It was a kind, civiler offer and it would be rude to refuse; especially from someone connected to the Queen.
She did wish to keep good appearances, to be able to marry Joffrey. By turning down the offer of his uncle, it certainly was not a good start.
"It would be a great honour, Ser Trystan" she finally said, her voice low but audible in the silence existing outside.
The walk to her chambers was supposed to be small, quick even but with Trystan's presence; Sansa felt it took far longer. She was a little on edge around him, due to his height but also his reputation.
She did not wish to make a bad impression on him or any of the Lannisters, but she was not sure how she could prevent that in the first place. She had just met the Queen and while a true beauty, as many kept saying, she was rather cold and intimidating to a part.
She did not have the chance to interact with her brother, although there were lots of things talking about the famous Kingslayer of Westeros.
Trystan, on the other hand, seemed like a kind young man, who was not so older than her. He had yet to fully mature in body, but his voice did have a certain heaviness; for his age.
As they walked, Sansa took the chance to study him with glances.
She took notice of how confidently he walked, his steps in a stable rhythm with his hands behind his straight back. His head was held proudly and his eyes seemed to be more visible under the light of the passing wall torches.
He did not smile but he did not scowl either, he was just...blank. There was no way one to truly see through his head, or guess his thoughts but he did give the impression of thinking rather maturely.
One thing Sansa would not loudly admit, however, was the fact that he was handsome. Perhaps he did not have the beauty of Joffrey and maybe it was also the age difference but he was still eye-catching. With his exotic facial structure that did not match the usual Westerosi men, he did stand out from the crowd.
She had seen how many girls were looking in his direction, whispering to her ear about his mysteriousness and maturity that seemed to be so attractive to them.
Eventually, Sansa saw her door and she reminded herself to stop walking. "This is it...Thank you for escorting me, Ser Trystan" she said, lowering her head faintly.
"It was my pleasure, Lady Sansa. Always at your service" he said and to her surprise, took her smaller hand in his and placed a quick small kiss at the back of it. "I wish you a pleasant night" he continued, straightening his back and turning before walking in the same direction they had come in.
Sansa remained rooted to the ground, her cheeks a bright red and yet a small silly face was forming on her pink lips at the kind gesture.
[A/N] - A nice better introduction to Trystan and his relationship with his siblings.
What do you think of his chivalrous act to help Sansa? Do you think it was staged, is he a lady's charmer like Jaime or does he simply have a softer side for women? (If he does, someone should wonder from whom that came from XD)