Hello, readers.
I own nothing, but my characters and their arcs.
Dothraki will be bold.
Enjoy.
"I'm afraid I bring troubling news from the far East," Varys says to Jonathor as both are in the cargo hold of one of his ships for their secret meetings during the hour of the wolf, "Khal Drogo is dead."
"Dead," Jonathor's eyes wide with surprise, "How?"
"The details may be a bit scarcely credible, but there is no doubt that the great Horselord has passed on," Varys tells him.
Jonathor nods as Varys never let him stray before, "Well, that's good. Now it'll be easier going forward."
"Yes, however, there is a more curious tale," Varys begins to say, "My birds have said that… Areon Targaryen has hatched the dragon eggs given as gifts to his sister's wedding."
Jonathor's eyes furrow with confusion, "Hatched? You mean…"
"The eggs have hatched, baby dragons," Varys clarifies, causing Jonathor's eyes to widen with shock from what he just heard.
"Dragons," Jonathor breathes as Varys nods. "That's not possible. Dragons have been extinct for years."
"Extinct no longer, I'm afraid," Varys disagrees. "My birds never led me astray."
Jonathor turns from Varys, needing a minute to process what he just heard. Dragons. Dragons have returned. He would never believe it unless he saw one, but Varys's birds have been tailing the Targaryens for some time now, meaning they must have seen them. He wonders what to do now. How will their plans move forward?
After regaining himself, Jonathor turns back to Varys, saying, "Is this all?"
"I'm afraid not," Varys continues, "According to my birds, they have taken leave to the Red Waste. And they haven't been seen since."
"The Red Waste," Jonathor repeats, "The desert." Varys nods, "The desert isn't far from Qarth. Is it not?"
"Indeed, my lord," Varys nods, "I have already sent word of the predicament."
"Good," Jonathor said, "Hopefully, they'll send search parties to find them. And hopefully, there won't be any more derailments afterward. As for the dragons, no one must know. Not now, anyway."
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Cass was in the public solar room knitting with Myrcella, with Jarred there for protection, where court members come to enjoy their pass times. She hardly ever goes to this room but decides to spend time with her sister, Myrcella. However, it wasn't just for sister bonding, but to find out some things. She remembers what Jocelyn told her about Lord Stark having a book on Baratheon lineage and how he looks for King Robert's bastards to see how they look compared to his 'legitimate siblings.' So, she decides to see if she can get anything from Myrcella. She doesn't know what, but she hopes there could be something.
"So, I hear you are formally engaged to Trystane Martell," Cass tells her.
"Yes," Myrcella said, "It's all been decided."
"Are you scared," Cass asked, "You'll be shipped off to Dorne."
Myrcella gives her a look of fear, clearly not being ok with the arrangement.
Seeing her sister like this, Cass says, "I'm sure he's a kind man. You never know until you meet him."
"You think so," Myrcella asks her older sister.
"Yes," Cass tells her, "Tyrion would never make such a match unless he knew who you were marrying."
"Mother is not too happy with it," Myrcella said.
"I know," Cass said, remembering how her mother raged when finding out about the betrothal arrangement Tyrion made. "She always liked keeping you close."
"Will she be like that when you marry," Myrcella asked.
Cass shakes her head while giggling, "I don't know. She told me she would never let that happen, but…. things change." Seeing her sister getting scared again, Cass grabs her hand gently, "And sometimes for the better. Besides, you're just engaged. Not a real marriage yet. And Trystane has a sister, Princess Arianne. She could be your new friend."
Myrcella gives a slight nod before going back to her knitting. Cass then stares intently at her sister's looks. She has their mother's green eyes and golden hair, while Cass has their father's black hair and blue eyes. She knows Myrcella being Jaime's child is still a stretch, but something said it wasn't.
"Myrcella," Cass begins to say, "Were you sad that your father died?"
Myrcella thought for a moment, "Not really. He was never around me."
"Neither was I," Cass admits, "But there were times when we were all together in tourneys and feasts. Did you ever feel like…he wasn't your father?"
"Sometimes," Myrcella confessed, "He never really acted like a father."
"No, he didn't," Cass said while eyeing Jarred, who eyed back to her, "What about Uncle Jaime? Was he ever around you?"
"No," Myrcella said in a confused tone, "He was never around."
"Really," Cass said with a slight sense of relief. If he were Myrcella's father, Jaime would've been around her all her life. "So you never see him?"
"No," Myrcella answers, "Unless the mother is around. They speak with each other a lot."
"W-what do you mean," Cass stutters after hearing that, "What about?"
Before Myrcella could answer, the doors opened with Ema barging in, panting as if she came running, "Cass, Jarred. It's Joffrey and Sansa."
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Ema quickly takes Cass and Jarred to one of the side doors leading to the throne room's gallery, meeting Ceryse and Jocelyn waiting in the hallway to the throne room.
"Is Sansa okay?" Jarred asked urgently.
"We've been waiting for you," Ceryse said.
Cass notices someone is not with them, "Where's Lenora?"
"We don't know," Jocelyn said as they went through one of the side doors that led to the throne room gallery, where they saw Sansa before the Iron Throne, with her clothes torn, leaving her almost naked, weeping for help, but all members of the court did nothing, but watch it happen.
"If you want Robb Stark to hear us, we're going to have to speak louder," Joffrey, on his throne, demands as Ser Meryn of the Kingsguard raises his sword to strike Sansa, who weeps for help.
Out of impulse, Jarred quickly runs out of the gallery and reaches in front of Ser Meryn, blocking his blade with his own before pushing him away.
Enraged by this, Joffrey yells, "What do you think you are doing, Ser Jarred?"
"You were prepared to strike a helpless girl," Jarred said as Cass and the girls went straight to Sansa's aid.
"A traitor to the throne," Joffrey seethes at him.
"She's your betrothed," Jarred challenges.
"If you still intend to wear the White Cloak, Ser Jarred, it is best to remember to obey the king," Ser Meryn sneers at him.
"If you intend to strike Lady Sansa, go on," Jarred challenges, raising his sword at him. Ser Meryn raises his word as well.
As the two knights seemed to start a duel, a voice rang through the room, "What is the meaning of this?"
Everyone stops what they are doing as they see Lord Tyrion, Bronn, and Lenora rushing in to see what is happening.
"What kind of knight beats a helpless girl," Tyrion angrily asks.
"The kind who serves his king, Imp," Meryn sneers at him.
"Careful, now," Bronn warns, "We don't want to get blood all over your pretty white cloak."
"Sansa, are you alright," Lenora asks, going to her before saying, "Get her something to cover herself."
The Hound, Joffrey's sworn shield, approached them, ripping his cloak off to wrap it around the girl while Cass and Ema ensured the cloak covered her completely while Lenora rubbed her back to keep her calm.
"We didn't know you were coming," Cass tells Lenora.
Lenora looked at her friend and said, "I went to get Tyrion as soon as I heard."
Meanwhile, Tyrion reprimands Joffrey while walking up to the throne, clearly not afraid of his nephew, "She is to be your queen. Have you no regard for her honor?"
"I'm punishing her," Joffrey stated.
"For what crimes? She did not fight her brother's battle, you half-wit," Tyrion criticizes.
"You can't talk to me like that," Joffrey wines, "The king can do as he likes!"
"The Mad King did as he liked," Tyrion reminds him, "Has your Uncle Jaime ever told you what happened to him?"
"No one threatens His Grace in the presence of the Kingsguard," Meryn threatens while wielding his blade.
Tyrion rolls his eyes, "I'm not threatening the king, ser. I am educating my nephew. Bronn, the next time Ser Meryn speaks, kill him. That was a threat. See the difference?"
Meryn glares daggers at Tyrion, who gently goes up to Sansa as Cass and her friends help her up, "Take her to her room and make sure she's alright."
"Thank you, uncle," Cass said as she glared at Joffrey, who stayed where he was with a glare of his own, but then had a smirk when an idea formed in his mind.
As Cass and her friends gently bring Sansa away, Tyrion tells her, "I apologize for my nephew's behavior. Tell me the truth. Do you want an end to this engagement?"
Sansa proclaims as best she could, "I am loyal to King Joffrey, my one true love."
"Come on, Sansa," Lenora said, "Let's get you to your room."
With that, the girls take Sansa away, and Tyrion watches her leave with sympathy for the poor girl.
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The girls take Sansa to her room, where they try their best to calm her, although she tries to appear unfazed.
"Why was Joffrey doing this," Cass asked.
"He wanted to punish her for what Robb is doing," said Ceryse, "There'd been many rumors going on about how the fighting is going."
"But Sansa has nothing to do with it," Cass urges.
"Robb is a traitor," Sansa said in a monotonous tone.
Looking right through it, Lenora sits beside Sansa, rubbing her arm gently, "Sansa, we're alone here. You don't need to hide anymore."
Sansa looked at Lenora for a moment, about to say something, but seeing her expression and being tired of the façade, Sansa's eyes welled up with tears as she broke down. Lenora gently pulled her close as Sansa continued to cry while the other girls couldn't do anything but sit close to her.
Before anyone could do anything else, Shae enters the room, saw Sansa crying, "Is she ok?"
"She just needs some time. But I think she could use some water to drink if you mind going to the kitchen and another set of clothes," Lenora gestures to Sansa's ripped clothing, causing Shae's eyes to widen a bit before leaving the room to carry out her duties.
"Who was that," Jocelyn asked.
"That was Shae," Lenora tells them, "I got her as a personal handmaiden for Sansa."
Still in tears, Sansa looks to the Lannister girl, "You did?"
Lenora gives a sympathetic smile, "I thought you would like a friend with you for all hours of the day."
Sansa looks at her momentarily but then slowly rests her head on Lenora's shoulders as the Lannister girl warps her arms around the poor girl. She's a prisoner in the Red Keep. She is being punished by her family, who are fighting for their lives, which Sansa is doing now. She doesn't have a lot of people, but she was glad she had some friends here for her. Cass, Ceryse, Ema, and Jocelyn look at Sansa with sympathy, but grateful for Lenora who seems to be trying to make life more pleasant for her. She's always been the mother of the group, so it was no surprise that Lenora would do what she's doing now.
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Areon Targaryen was inside his tent, feeding all the baby dragons in a cage. They needed to drink milk when they were born, but he couldn't provide it himself. So, he collected milk from the horses for them to drink. After that, the dragons began asking for meat. At first, he gave it to them raw, but then he realized they wanted it cooked. So, he cooked the meat for them, and as soon as it was ready, the dragons ate it all. As Areon throws cooked meat to the dragons, they immediately devour it.
It's still a wonder how the dragons have reappeared in the world. How or why it happened has yet to be discovered. Last year, the dragons were just petrified eggs, but now they are alive. The impossible has become possible. Areon wonders what will happen once the world knows that dragons have returned. Will people flock to see them? He then wonders about Westeros and what's happening there right now. If Robert Baratheon finds out about the dragons, he will likely try to kill Areon and Dany like before.
Daenerys enters the tent, interrupting his thoughts. He asks, "Jhogo returned?"
"No," Dany shakes her head, "Not yet."
Daenerys sent Rakharo, Aggo, and Jhogo out of the city to see if there were any more civilizations out there, hopefully with life, to seek help and refuge. So far, Rakharo has returned first to report the wasteland stretches south to the ocean, and Aggo has returned next, having found only two deserted cities smaller than the one they are in right now. So, all hope is now on Jhogo.
"I hope he finds something," Areon said as he gazed back at his dragons, "But we should be glad that we found this place for refuge."
Dany nods in agreement, "I came up with a name for it. Vaes Tolorro."
"Vaes Tolorro," Areon repeated in question. "Dothraki for city of bones?"
"Considering there are dozens of bones buried the body here, I thought it would be fitting," Dany explains.
"It is," Areon thought for a moment as what she was saying is true.
Dany then looked at the dragons chirping away as they ate, "Did they burn the meat themselves yet?"
"No, still too young," Areon said, "But maybe soon."
Dany goes to pet one of the dragons, "Did you ever think it was possible? Dragons coming back?"
Areon thinks for a moment, "No. Not until my dreams started coming true."
"Good thing they did," Dany jokes while stroking Areon's bald head, "I just wait for the day your hair grows back."
Areon laughs as he instinctively touches his head, remembering that his hair had burned away during the burning pyre incident. He notices that some peach fuzz has begun to grow back. Then, he turns his gaze towards his dragons and can't believe that he has managed to bring them back to life. "I wonder how people will react to them," he ponders.
"They're still small," Dany said, "But then again, they've been extinct for years. Who knows? You might be able to take back our home and the Seven Kingdoms like Aegon the Conqueror did."
Areon stays quiet as he considers his thoughts. He is still unsure if he wants to take the Iron Throne or rule over the Seven Kingdoms. Being a king is a dream for many, but not for Areon. He doesn't see himself as a good king, or even a worthy one. He can barely help his sister bring her people to safety, so how can he lead an entire nation?
Instead of dwelling on it, Areon decides to change the subject, "I was thinking we should name the dragons. For when they're older."
"Alright," Dany smiles, liking the idea, seeing the baby dragons chirping, trying to fly, and failing, much to Areon and Dany's amusement. They are tiny little animals. Small as a cat, allowing the Targaryen siblings to pick them up with their hands.
Holding the big black one, Areon said, "I'll name this one…Drogon. After Drogo."
Dany freezes for a moment upon hearing the name. It has been some time since her husband's death, and she still mourns for him. So, naming a dragon after him is enough for her, and Areon nods in acceptance. She then looks at the other dragons. One is green and bronze but seems a bit temperamental as it mostly snaps at everyone, but Dany decides on a name.
"I think we should name this one Rhaegal after Rhaegar," she tells her brother.
Areon looks at her, "Why?"
"Remember the stories we heard about him," Dany explains, "of how Rhaegar died at the green banks of the Trident. The dragon's color reminds me of it."
Areon nods, knowing she is honoring their brother as he honors Drogo with Drogon.
"Do you remember him," Dany suddenly asks.
Areon thought hard on his memories, but they were still hazy, "Not really. My most recent memory is of us on Dragonstone with our mother. When you were born."
Dany gazes off as the mention of their mother comes up. Viserys always blames their mother for their death, but Areon never does. He takes her hand in a tight, comforting grip, reminding her of this fact, and she gives him an appreciated nod. Dany looks at the white-cream-colored dragon, which appears to be the most docile of the three, and an idea for a name comes to her. She isn't sure how Areon will react, but she decides to say, "I want to call this one Viserion... after Viserys."
Those words made Areon go completely still, looking at her with an empty expression. He stayed quiet for a few seconds before saying, "Why?"
"Viserys was weak and cruel," Dany admits, "But the dragon will do what he did not."
"Then I suppose he's your dragon," Areon mutters without looking at her.
Knowing this choice angered him, Dany takes his hand, although he still didn't look at her, saying, "He was still our brother."
Areon didn't say anything of that but stayed still. Then, suddenly, they heard some commotion outside the tent. Quickly, Areon gathers all the dragons, putting them in the safety of their cage, and leaves the tent with Dany following him.
When they were out of the tent, they saw that Jhogo had returned with three queerly garbed strangers. Jorah was with them, trying to figure out what was happening. When he sees these strange people, Areon quickly goes up to greet them, thrilled that they finally found help, but he stops suddenly when he sees one of the strangers.
The first two seemed like men, but the other appeared to be a woman, wearing a long-hooded robe and a red mask, revealing nothing but wet and shiny eyes, just like one of the beings in his dream not too long ago. Seeing this woman made Areon realize that another one of his dreams was coming true. Regaining his composure, Areon greets, "Hello, where are you all from?"
"They came from Qarth," Jhogo tells them.
"Qarth," Dany repeats.
"Yes, we have come three days from the east to find you," one of the three said.
"You were," Areon asked in surprise.
"Yes," said one of the men, who was dark-skinned and dressed in rich robes, "My name is Xaro Xhoan Daxos. My companions are Pyat Pree and Quaithe of the Shadow. We came from Qarth seeking the Father of Dragons."
Areon remained silent but looked at the group with wide eyes as they referred to him as the Father of Dragons. He directed his attention towards the woman with the red mask, who seemed to observe him closely. However, his main priority was to ensure the safety of himself, his sister, and their people. Qarth was their intended destination. Therefore, Areon, Dany, Jorah, and the rest of the Khalasar gathered their belongings to embark on the journey they hoped would lead them to safety.
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After a few days of riding, they finally arrived at the city. The city's walls were massive, standing at a height of at least 30 feet, and made of red stone carved with animal figures. Areon was amazed by the sight of the walls and couldn't help but stare at them in awe. He had only seen walls like these when he and his sister Dany had visited Volantis, with its high black walls, but they never got to see what was inside them. However, it seemed that Areon would get to see what was inside the city of Qarth. To his surprise, a large escort of camels was waiting for them, which Xaro Xhoan Daxos explained was provided as an honor guard for Areon and his sister. Areon accepted the offer graciously, but Jorah remained vigilant for anything suspicious.
As Areon and Dany ride into the great city on their horses, surrounded by the honor guard and followed by their people, they are surprised to see many more people lining the streets. People are leaning out their balconies, calling out and cheering as the escort passes them. The warm welcome is unexpected for Areon as they have never received such a reception. However, one of the dragons screeches from their cage at the cheer, reminding him that it is the dragons the people want to see.
Xaro Xhoan Daxos rides up on his camel to Areon, "Not the welcome you expect."
"I must be truthful," Areon admits, "We never had a welcome like this."
"This is a welcome in your honor, Your Grace," Xaro said, "For all wanted to see the Father of Dragons grace them with his presence."
Father of Dragons, Areon thought. He never saw himself as a father to the dragons, but he can see where people would get the idea since he brought them back. However, he wonders how people so easily believe that they've returned. Dragons had been extinct for several years, so the idea of them returning must have been seen as madness.
"Where are we going," Dany said, pulling Areon out of his thoughts.
"You will be escorted to my palace," Xaro said, "There you shall remain as my guests of honor. And if there is anything you or your sister desires, it shall be yours."
"Qarth itself is his," One of his companions, Pyat Pree, suddenly proclaims, riding beside them, "He does not need baubles."
Areon looks at the strange man with an unsettling appearance, for he wears elegant robes but is pale with blue lips. However, the one with Areon's attention is the woman with the red mask, Quaithe, who stays quiet the whole time, not saying a word but staring at him.
Remembering her from his dreams, wishing to know more about her, Areon gently grabs his horse's reins, causing it to go back to the strange woman, "Why do they call you Quaithe of the Shadow, my lady?"
The woman stayed quiet until her silk-smooth voice finally revealed, "I am no lady. I hail from the far lands of Asshai. The Land of the Shadows."
"She is a shadowbinder," Xaro comments, "Learned much of her craft in that city. You will find much and more in our great city of Qarth."
After being paraded through the city, they finally made it to Xaro Xhoan Daxos palace, which was as large as a market town. As they reached the courtyard, Areon got off his horse; while everyone else was doing the same, Quaithe, still on her horse, slowly rode up to him, looking down, "Beware of everyone, for they all lust for the power of your dragons. All but your ancestral kin."
And with that, she departs, leaving Areon dumbfounded by what she just said. Beware of everyone? Who? And Why? And who is this ancestral kin? He then thinks about his dream on how the woman was in it, but there was someone else there too. A person wearing all white with a silver mask. He hadn't seen anyone like that yet, but he believes that he will meet that person soon, since he already met Quaithe.
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Once inside the palace, Areon and his people were taken to their rooms. An entire wing was given to Areon, Daenerys, and their people for rest as Xaro walked Areon to show him his home.
"As I said before, if there is anything you require or need, it shall be yours," Xaro said as they walked into what shall be Areon's bedchamber. It was large and spacious, with a vast canopy bed made with luxurious silk covers and pillows and luxurious furniture with lavish rugs and tapestries on the floor and walls. It was much for Areon to process as he never had a bedroom like this. He then looks over to the balcony that gives him a clear view of the entire city, which seems to stretch as far as the eye can see.
"It's so beautiful," Areon said, dazed as he went to look out the balcony.
"Indeed," Xaro concurs, "A beautiful filled with cravens and warlocks."
Areon looks at him with confusion, "What do you mean?"
"You can never trust anyone in the city," Xaro explains, "One must always be wary of those who seek you out for their purposes."
"Such as you," Areon challenges, trying to appear brave while he feels a bit worried. He was glad to have found this city for himself, his sister, and their people, but now he was unsure if this was the safest place for him, "All I wish is a safe place. For me. For my sister."
"And here you are, safe as can be," Xaro promises with a bow, "My servants will cater to your whims. They will provide you baths and supper and for your sister."
Then, some servants brought in the cage of dragons, placing them by the balcony, "Be careful with them. They're still young."
"I assure you, they will be," Xaro promises, "There will be a feast tomorrow."
"A feast," Areon repeats, "Tomorrow."
"To celebrate your arrival," Xaro clarifies, "with delicacies and music. And the Thirteen will come to do your honor as well."
Not knowing what to say, feeling a bit overwhelmed, Areon blurts out, "I thank you."
After bidding farewell, Xaro leaves the room and is attended by his servants. They removed his Dothraki clothing and replaced it with a silk bathrobe. They then take him to a large marble pool chamber for bathing. Areon takes a moment to look around the room, taking in the grandeur of the marble floor and towering columns. He then notices the large pool, which is large enough to fit three horses inside.
In a grand palace, the luxurious bathroom was filled with steam as the servants started preparing a bath for Areon. The room was adorned with intricate mosaic tiles and gold-plated fixtures. Areon requested that the water be heated very hot as he enjoys hot water. After they heated the water to a simmer, Areon removed his robe and climbed into the pool. Although the water wasn't hot enough for him, he didn't mind as it was his first proper bath in a very long time.
Areon sat on a bench under the water as some maid servants joined him in the water. They filed and cleaned his fingernails and toenails while applying herbs, lotions, and ointments to his dry-skinned hands, feet, and bald head. The aroma of the fragrant oils filled the room, and the sound of the water splashing against the tiles was soothing to the ears. It was truly a luxurious experience for Areon like he never felt before.
After experiencing a luxurious bath that he had never had, Areon felt content. As a squire to Viserys, he was used to bathing himself. However, this time, he was assisted by handmaidens who helped dry him up and took him back to his bedroom, where he found colorful and luxurious robes waiting for him. After he got dressed, the servants left him alone in his room with his dinner. Looking out the window, he realized the sun was almost entirely set and night had fallen. Areon wished to see his sister and went to open the door but found four guards present, seeming to be alert and vigilant, watching his every move.
"Um," Areon stutters, not expecting the guards, "I wish to see my sister."
"We shall bring her to you, Your Grace," one of the guards said as he went to Daenerys.
Once she came, along with Ser Jorah, they closed the door to give them privacy.
"Did they treat you well," Areon asked her.
"Yes," Dany tells him, "Doreah and Irri as well."
"And what of you, Ser Jorah," Areon asked the older knight, who stayed quiet.
"I do not believe we are safe here," Jorah admits, "They may shower us with gifts, but they still have their agendas."
"I agree," Areon said, "Which is why I want everyone to be on guard for whatever may happen."
"Do you believe so," Dany asked him.
"I don't know. But I do not believe they would have allowed us in the city unless we have something they want," Areon said as he went to the cage to take out Drogon and pet him, giving Dany and Jorah indicating what he meant.
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It was a wet and cloudy journey as Lord Tywin Lannister and his son, Gerold, and the rest of the Lannister army rode through the muddy terrain of the Riverlands on their way to Harrenhal for their next move for the war. It was a long road, but they finally made it as they rode in on their white horses, dressed in Lannister armor and flanked by personal guards. When entering the gates, Tywin looks around angrily and is disappointed at the state of it all. It was all dirty and muddy; the guards and soldiers looked in disgrace while some common folk were caged at the stables.
Tywin and Gerold dismount while some soldiers take the reigns of their horses and walk forward, inspecting the prisoners and their condition.
"We weren't expecting you till tomorrow, Lord Tywin," said Gregor Clegane, The Mountain.
"Not," Tywin examined, "Why are these prisoners not in their cells?"
"Cells are overflowing, my lord," The Mountain said.
"Why are there prisoners? Most of them are children," Gerold asked, seeing most of the prisoners chained in the stables were children, which was unsettling for Gerold.
"This lot won't be here long," the soldier guarding the prisoners said, "Don't need no permanent place. After we interrogate them, we usually say,"
"Why are they all like this," Gerold cuts him off, seeing the prisoners all dirty, beaten, and scared.
"They're prisoners, my lord," the soldier said.
"For what crimes," Gerold asked.
"Who can say," the soldier said, "these are the ways of war."
"So, you just discard them as nothing by causalities," Gerold furrows his brow at the soldier, not understanding why this happened. He then turned to his father, "Perhaps they would be more useful with maintaining Harrenhal."
Tywin raises his brow and nods in agreement, gesturing to his son to see what skills these prisoners have.
Seeing what his father wants, Gerold looks at the prisoners, seeing they are dirty, some beaten, making him feel sympathy for them. Then he stopped at one young lad, a bit muscular with black hair and blue eyes, "What's your name?"
"Gendry, my lord," the young land said.
Gerold then asked, "Do you have a trade?"
"Smith, my lord," Gendry bows.
"He could work at the forge," Gerold suggested to his father before going to a plump, heavy-set boy, "What is your name?"
"H-Hot pie," the boy stutters, "m-my lord."
Gerold smiles, "Do you have a trade too?"
"I-I don't know," Hot Pie confesses, "My mother was a baker."
"Then you might know something about cooking," Gerold suggests, "Maybe you can work in the kitchens."
The soldier saw that another child was close to the young lad and plump boy, glaring at Gerold, not showing proper respect, "What are you looking at? Kneel! Kneel, or I'll carve your lungs out, boy."
"That's a girl," Gerold said after seeing the child, getting the soldier's attention, "Simply dressed as a boy. The question is, why?"
"Safer to travel, my lord," the girl meekly said.
Tywin, who was close by, stated, "Smart. More than I can say for this lot. Get these prisoners to work. Bring the girl. I need a new cupbearer. Gerold, I can assume you can see what other talents these lot may have for maintaining the holdfast."
"Yes, Father," Gerold bows his head as Tywin leaves to go inside the holdfast. Seeing the girl was scared, Gerold says, "Being a cupbearer is a good position. Keeps you safe from everyone else."
"I don't need protection," the girl said, trying to be brave.
Gerold smiles, deciding to go along with her, "Alright then. But you will be witnessing interesting conversations. What's your name?"
The girl stayed quiet for a moment before saying, "Arry."
"Pretty name," Gerold said, turning to his father and back to her, "Best you follow my father. He doesn't have much patience." He then turns to other soldiers, "Make sure this girl is fed and washed properly."
The soldiers nod as they go to the girl to take her. The girl looks back at her friends and then back to Gerold, who gives an assuring smile before she relents and goes with them. Seeing Arry walk away, Gerold returns to the other prisoners to determine if they can be put to work, which is better than being tortured and killed as prisoners.
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"So, is Sansa alright," Tyrion asked as he sat with Lenora in her private chambers.
"Yes, or as best she is due to the circumstances," Lenora said, "I just hope Shae will be of some help."
"She is, actually," Tyrion tells her, "They're getting close."
"Well, good," Lenora sighs, "The more allies she gains, the better."
"Yes, good for others, but not for some," Tyrion said as Lenora gave him a confused look. "It seems our dear sister has one in bed with her. Lancel."
Lenora's eyes widen, "Lancel! In bed with her?"
"For some time now," Tyrion said.
"How do you know this," Lenora asked.
"A little piece of information," Tyrion said, "From an enemy of Cersei."
"Varys," Lenora guessed.
"No," Tyrion said, "I can't say yet. Still wondering to have some trust in that enemy."
Lenora was still reeling from what she had just heard, "But Cersei having someone in bed with her."
"Oh, come now, sister," Tyrion said, "Robert had his affairs. Did you think she wouldn't have some of her own? With our brother, perhaps?"
Lenora sternly tells him, "Don't speak of things like that."
"We're alone here, Lenora. We can speak it however we like," Tyrion said, having enough of Lenora playing dumb on the rumors about their siblings, "You are a smart girl, and I know you know. Or at least suspect it."
Lenora stayed frozen. She knows all about the rumors about Cersei and Jaime but never entertained the notion of it. But she did wonder, as the twins were always close. But sometimes, they seemed too tight, especially when Cersei went to give birth. Jaime was always beside her, even though he wasn't supposed to be. She then whispers in a low voice, "So they are true?"
"I believe you are not as blind as our father," Tyrion looks sternly at her.
Giving out a deep sigh, Lenora buried her face as that was all she needed. Cersei and Jaime are lovers, and Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are their children. "Does Cass know?"
"I was going to ask the same thing," Tyrion said.
"She's been asking questions about it," Lenora confesses.
Tyrion said, "The less she knows, the safer she is. People will think she is born of incest, too."
"But she looks like Robert," Lenora reminds him.
"Nonetheless, you know how people can be," Tyrion shakes his head, "We need to keep the court in order."
Lenora nods in understanding the situation. "And to keep going with that is to go after Lancel."
"I was thinking you would do that," Tyrion said.
Lenora looks surprised, "Me?"
"You prove yourself knowledgeable on how people would act," Tyrion said, "You might know how to deal with our cousin. Besides, he was there when Joffrey tormented Sansa in the throne room. And he did nothing."
Lenora thought about it momentarily, "Well, maybe he can do something about it now."
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Lancel Lannister comes to Tyrion's door, expecting to see him and carry out Cersei's orders to free Maester Pycelle. As he knocks on the door, expecting Tyrion on the other side, he is surprised that Lenora greets him with a smile.
"Cousin," Lenora greets with a smile, "What brings you here?"
"Um, I'm here to see Tyrion," Lancel stammers before regaining his composure. "I have orders for him from the Queen."
"Oh," Lenora tilts, "Is it about Pycelle?"
"Her Grace, the Queen Regent, commands him to release Grand Maester Pycelle," Lancel stated while holding a scroll, "Here's the warrant."
"Warrant," Lenora repeats, holding her hand, wishing to see it. Lancel gives it to her, allowing her to unveil the scroll and read the contents of it. "So, I see. Unfortunately, Tyrion is out and won't be back until later. But I'll see if I can get it to him."
Lancel nods his head, "Thank you, cousin,"
"Although he might be back very soon," Lenora tells him, "You're more than welcome to stay here and wait."
"That's not necessary, my lady," Lancel politely declines.
"Nonsense," Lenora gestures to him to enter the room, "We haven't spoken to each other in a while. Especially since Robert's death. How've you been since then, by the way? I know you were his squire?"
"It was a loss," Lancel said, "But a predictable one."
"Yes, he was always reckless with his drinking," Lenora agrees while pouring a cup of wine for him. "You know, it is a bit odd that Cersei hasn't come to tell Tyrion her demands herself if she's so concerned about Pycelle. She was very willing to confront him about Myrcella's hand in marriage to the Martells."
Lancel takes the cup from Lenora, "I cannot speak for her, I'm afraid. She makes her demands, and I deliver."
"Ah, deliver," Lenora repeats while sipping her cup of wine, "And her demands, she tells you directly."
"Yes," Lancel answered, confused as to where she was going with this.
"How often does she do that," Lenora asked again.
Lancel furrows as he tries to answer, "Not so often."
"When does she ask for you," Lenora asked once more, "I'm just curious because Pycelle has been in the black cells for quite some time, and yet, Cersei chose now to give you a demand in her chambers during the hour of the wolf."
Lancel stayed quiet for a moment, which Lenora noticed. Then he regains himself, "The Queen Regent has many responsibilities. She often works from dusk till dawn."
Lenora then asked, "Is that why you're helping her? From dusk till dawn? It shows since you smell like lavender. I mean, that's her favorite scent, is it not?"
"I-I wouldn't know," Lancel begins to stutter.
"Are you sure?" Lenora challenged, sensing that she was getting to him. "Is there something else going on that people don't know?"
Lancel then begins to become nervous and fidgety, "I-I don't know, I-I-I,"
"Lancel," Lenora speaks firmly, "I know."
Seeing he was caught, Lancel covers his mouth, falling on a seat at the table before blurting out, "It's not my fault!"
"Then whose fault is it," Lenora asked, sitting at the chair before him.
"Your father, Lord Tywin, when I was named the King's squire, told me to obey her in everything," Lancel quickly explains.
"Obey her," Lenora repeats, "Including going to her bed?"
Lancel said in a desperate voice, "I only meant I did as I was bid."
"Oh, Lancel," Lenora moans while burying her head in her hand, then looks up at him, "Do you know what will happen if this gets out? What will Joffrey do? What will Tyrion do when he finds out?"
Lancel's eyes widen with fear, "You can't tell them. You can't tell anyone."
"I don't think it will matter," Lenora tells him honestly, "You know about Varys and Littlefinger and all the spies they have. Besides, Cersei is just using you; once she's done with you, she'll throw you away. And when word gets out, she will not protect you. More likely, she will send you to the black cells or cut your tongue out to prevent you from speaking. Or worse. Geld you. Or she'll do that anyway to get rid of you. You know I'm right."
Seeing that she was bringing fear to Lancel, Lenora knew she got him where she wanted him as he stuttered, "W-w-what am I going to do?"
"Don't worry," Lenora said, "I'll help you. Tyrion and I are trying to put the royal court in order. And to do that is to take away any influence Cersei has." Lancel was about to say something, but she cut him off, "You can't deny that she's not suited for governing the realm. She can't even control her son. If she did, we wouldn't be in the mess we're all in now."
"What do you want me to do," Lancel asked softly.
Lenora takes his hand comfortingly, "My father told you to obey my sister. So obey her and stay close to her. We need to know what Cersei is doing, what she plans to do, and stop her if necessary. I won't say anything to anyone. You have my word. Do I have yours?"
Seeing that she was serious, Lancel nodded eagerly, "Yes, I swear it."
"Good," Lenora smiles at him, trying to calm him down, "I'll convince Tyrion to let Pycelle go. And in the meantime, keep close to Cersei, and I'll let you know what we need."
As she was done, Lenora could see that Lancel was still shaking from the ordeal, making her feel guilty for what she put him through. But then she reminded herself that Lancel was there when Joffrey tormented Sansa and did nothing. So, to give the illusion that she cares, she leans in to provide a comforting hug to calm him down, "Everything is going to be ok. I promise."
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