Tournament at Harrenhal

by JF2

After Aerys II announces to Tywin that Jaime will be inducted into the Kingsguard, they let it coincide with the tournament at Harrenhal. Yet, the drama of such a tournament leaves unprecedented consequences for both families, both Targaryen and Lannister.

Thursday:

Aerys II:

"You can not be serious!", the lord's face grew redder and redder. "You can not be serious!" He stared at Aerys, his pale green eyes on fire. "You can not take away my only heir." "You still have Tyrion", the king said quietly. He knew it would be a hard pill to digest for his Hand, but you reap what you sow. "I will not have this." While Tywin was usually a quiet, calculating man, this would take him aback. "Of course I can. I decide who's part of my Kingsguard and people will always take it as an honour."

Tywin half laughed, and said: "It would be an honour, for me and my house, but you're taking my only heir!" Spit formed on the father's lips, the rage making him shiver and shake.

He sighed, left the room and threw the door closed. Heavy footsteps echoed through the Red Keep. The king sat himself back, and stared at the dark oaken table in front of him. The cupbearer, a young boy of twelve, was still standing there, almost afraid to move. "Give me some wine goddamn it." He nodded, and almost ran toward him. The stream of wine was unsteady, as the hands of the young boy were shaking. His blue eyes were fixed on the cup, his blond hair growing almost to his shoulders.

His point nose stuck out and Aerys was clearly able to see his teeth. Somebody is biting his own lip. The amount of stress the boy had would almost kill him. "Cut your hair, please. People will think you're a girl.", the King said firmly. "Yes, my lord.", he whispered almost inaudible. The man waved his hand, indicating he had enough wine.

It was a beautiful day, and the sun enlightened the room naturally. Aerys didn't like it, he loved the smell of burning wax, filling the air with some kind of eerie presence. As if this presence enforced rules on how the small flame should dance on its stock, showing many shades of orange, sweating to keep up the pace.

His intrusive thoughts were interrupted by a heavy knock on the door. "In.", he said, readying himself for who would enter the room. A tall, slender man stood on the porch, his broad shoulders lower than ever, and his age clearly showing. He was balding, yet Aerys knew he wouldn't acknowledge that. Too proud for that.

"Tywin." "My king." The room immediately grew dark and cold, even though the sun shone outside, and people couldn't stand the hot weather. "I beg your pardon, my king. I reacted irresponsible and foolish. I know the situation can't be changed. You got my pardon, something lord Roger Reyne begged for. So, why? Why do you ensure that the Rock goes to Tyrion?" Aerys wanted to smile, but knew it wouldn't be appropriate. "Your boy is an able-bodied man, and as such, he will be part of the Kingsguard from tomorrow on."

Cersei:

It was a warm day in June, and Cersei wore a beautiful, scarlet robe. Her blond hair fell on her shoulders, and she wiped away some of the sweat. From a wooden balcony, she saw Jaime sparring with some stable boy. The sword kissed each other, a loud, sharp noise following. The sun reflected on each, causing a spectacle to play out before her own eyes. Of course, when Jaime saw her, he hit the stable boy with the back of his hand, causing him to destabilize.

Then, he struck the poor boy with the wooden sword. As helpless as a prey on the hunt, he fell on the ground, kissing the only feminine object he ever would. She smiled and waved softly. Jaime winked and threw his helmet on the ground. He wore a few cushions, the sort of armour low training peasants could only dream of. He slowly climbed the wooden stairs. "My little sister is watching us fight. Never expected you would do that?"

"You've done a lot I didn't expect.", she said with a little smirk. The face of Jaime clearly betrayed his real intention, yet she knew how to play it. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?", a voice said in the background. Ugh. She turned around, and, yes, her little brother was looking at her with a very arrogant smile. "What are you doing here?" "Breathing, living, maybe even drinking with a hint of fucking. What are you doing here? Aside from staring of course."

The two different eyes of the midget, a word which described her brother the best, searched for something, his nose ready to sniff some kind of weakness. A weakness he would exploit, and use it for one of his japes or cruel jokes.

But Cersei wouldn't have it. "I'm speculating how long it will take before we need to dig a grave for that weak little peasant." Tyrion completely expected that answer, she was sure of it. "Oh, if he were so weak, if he were so little, if he were so 'peasant-ly', why don't you fight him? Why don't you pick up the sword and cleave him? Or are you standing here, searching comfort in Jaime's arms? You'll find mental, physical and a third and more mature kind", he winked at her, "of comfort there."

The fire of pure hatred was enlightened in her, yet she knew she couldn't do anything. An irrational response would wake up the little birds, flying about and searching for stories to repeat till the end of times. "If you were so 'peasant-ly', you would be dead." "And not a burden to you. But, alas, you got me." He smiled and checked Jaime out.

"Beware of your little sister, she might overpower you." He let out a little laugh, and knew his bigger brother wouldn't mind it. It hurt Cersei. Repeatetly, she searched for a reason he supported Tyrion, but it was impossible to even find one. He killed our mother, divided the family and is dead weight for Father.

"Anyway, Jaime, see you soon, Cersei, you know they've got a place in the brothel for people like you.", he smiled, "I'm going to go for a ride with Ben. Harrenhal is a beautiful place after all…" Cersei didn't understand the rest, and maybe didn't want to. Even though they were all a bit fond of the little stable boy, with his brown hair and a few freckles, Cersei kept a safe distance from him.

Don't want Jaime to be jealous. Somewhere deep inside, in one of the deep caverns and holes of her heart, she did take a liking for Ben. But she knew what would happen if Jaime knew that, for she would do the same if she discovered Jaime had something for a girl better than her.

"Jaime, can you come with me ?" He nodded. Tyrion almost had to laugh his brains out. "He'll surely come with you, don't worry about that." He turned around, jumped from one foot to the other, trying to irritate her father. Father didn't like midgets and dwarves, and hated it when Tyrion acted as if he were stolen from the circus. Ben and him shook hands and mounted their horses.

"One day, I'll break his neck.", Cersei said, her body as tense as it could be. "Don't worry about him. He won't be such a burden when you finally move out. He'll stay forever in Casterly Rock, with Ben, far removed from you." "And you.", she added. "Not me, for I don't really think he's that much of a burden. I quite like his witty sense of humour." I was talking about Ben. Cersei shrugged the comment off, but firmly took the wrist of Jaime. "Now, the dwarf has left us. Will you follow me, m'lord?" Jaime grinned, and let him be pushed around by his sister.

Cersei closed the door of her bedroom and saw the stable boy cleaning up the fight between him and Jaime. "It's the last time we can safely be on our own. Tomorrow, thousands of knights will be able to interrupt us. But for now,", she opened the knots of her robe, "we're on our own."

Her robe fell to the ground, revealing her body. Jaime smiled, and cupped her left breast whilst kissing her. "We have all the time in the world." His right hand travelled more and more south, he ticked it a little. Then, he pushed Cersei on the bed. He opened his shirt, revealing his muscled body.

Cersei's hand was circling between her legs, and Jaime unbuttoned his pants. Her brother standing there, naked and confident as ever, an almost perfect reflection of herself, she couldn't control herself. "Please, Jaime, get yourself over here." He nodded, but stood there for a few seconds, holding his manhood in his hand. Moving his hand up and down, he knelt on the bed, spreading the legs of Cersei with his free hand. He slowly moved upwards, putting his manhood to work and kissing her nipples. Softly, ever faster, they made love, Cersei moaning and Jaime grunting.

Aerys II:

The hallways were well lightened, but Aerys knew he had to be fast. Rhaegar didn't like to wait, even though he was waiting on the damn king. Left, right, left, right and now through the big gate. He didn't even greet Varys, for he was in such a hurry.

There his son was. He wore his usual silver armour, the helmet in the form of a dragon, it's mouth wide open as to show the face in it. His silver hair was clean-cut, in opposition to the longer haircut he usually wore. Yet, Aerys still found himself thinking how it was possible to create a man like that.

Such a beautiful person, such a good character (or so he wanted them to believe), the gods were almost too generous to allow this after years upon years of incest in the Targaryen family. He shrugged, for he didn't really care about the gods. Religion was something for the peasants. As long as they recognized the legitimacy of the King, they could do whatever the fuck they wanted.

Rhaegar dismounted his big, black steed. He opened the mouth of the dragon. "Father. You're finely here. I thought you were having second thoughts about this tournament." Aerys saw several servants, and thought it would be better to play tough. "Me? Second thoughts? How dare you suggest something like that?!", his tone was serious, and the volume only rose. Let them hear I have authority, instead of thinking I'm a weak person.

Rhaegar just smiled, not really caring about the way he said. "No matter how you act, the peasants won't respect you.", he whispered. "Misa, give me my sword please." "Yes, ser." A boy, probably two and ten, picked up a heavy long sword, almost as big as he was. "Thank you.", Rhaegar threw a Golden Dragon at him, "Get yourself something to drink and eat." "Now they'll start begging. They don't give a damn about you as a person. They care about the money."

His son sighed, as Aerys knew he couldn't take critique. But playing the role of "the beloved prince" came so fucking easy. A little further, Viserys was readying everything. Of course, a fifteen year old boy didn't accept any help. He prefers struggling to asking for help. When he saw his dad, he waved and came over. "Hello there, how're you?" "I'm fine, you?" "Mwa. I don't really want to go to Harrenhal.", the boy said, sighing in the middle of the sentence.

"Well", Aerys said, a little irritated by the fact he had to repeat himself twice an hour, "You're obliged as the Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. The people want to see you. You're either wanted the whole time, or six feet underground. That's the life of a prince." Viserys mounted his horse, and let it ride him to the gate in a slow pace.

Aerys saw the clouds gathering, and he almost wanted to pray for good weather. You shouldn't pray to the gods, you should pray to me. Sighing, he decided to leave, as the fate shouldn't be tempted too much. The gates were opened, and first, two Kingsguards rode out of it. Then, Viserys with Rhaella. At last, Rhaegar and Aerys set out to leave the castle. "How long is the ride?", Aerys asked curiously. "An hour at best."

They entered a rather peaceful landscape, hills forming hither and thither, with the wind blowing softly through his hair. The sun was hiding behind a thick pack of clouds, as rain was soon to be expected. Several birds flew their course, singing their usual anthem. Aerys thought they were announcing bad weather, but these anthems were always up to debate. Rhaegar was half asleep, with his eyes open as to not appear asleep. But I know better.

"Do you know who'll be there?", Aerys said. Rhaegar slowly turned his head, as to see who wanted to have a conversation. If Aerys were a peasant, he knew for sure that Rhaegar would've ignored. Ignoring by appearing to be asleep, an art we all have to learn at some point in our lives. "Of course, many a knight will be there." "Cersei Lannister will be there as well.", Aerys added, "Maybe you should check her out. See if you like her, for I'm looking for a suitable wife for you." Rhaegar suddenly stopped his horse, pulling it right in front of Aerys. "You don't get to decide who I marry. Yes, I'll ensure it will be a good alliance, but I decide, not you." "You're lucky no one's heard you, or your real character would've been known to the peasants. Never show them who you really are, for they'll condemn you either way. You're either too soft, or too cruel."

Rhaegar's face hardened, and he decided to continue in silence. Aerys sighed, for he wanted nothing more than his son to be a worthy prince. Worthy by act, cruel by thought. He quickened the pace, as to start a conversation with Viserys. "And, how do you like it?" Viserys looked at him, in a fashion only teenagers could. "It's a very, very, very enjoyable ride dad." The meaning of the sentence was literally drowned by the intention. "I know. That's why we're here. To have an enjoyable ride. Are you looking forward to the fights?" "Of course. The tournament will be one of a few that write the myths."

A loud sigh came out of his son. "I want to fight, father. I want to represent our house. I want to show them that I'm not chosen by heritage, but by strength." Aerys smiled, and put a hand on his shoulder. "One day, son. One day, you'll fight for us, and make me and your mother very proud of you." Oh, how lucky I am no one has seen that. His face grew pale. This thought, the thought of acting, let it be a mere thought and not a deed, for this would announce a new kind of king.

Cersei:

Peaceful. That's a good word to describe how they lay there. Cersei and Jaime next to each other, sleeping and resting. A loud noise of the gate opening was heard and Cersei removed the blanket, wanting to know what's going on. She set upright, and heard several horses enter the castle. She took her robe, put it on and went to the open window.

Eight horses entered the castle, with two white knights bearing the Targaryen flag. The red dragon on a black field waved proudly, and the Kingsguard turned around. They dismounted and said: "We announce the arrival of ser Aerys Targaryen, son of the late Jaehaerys, the Second of his Name, prince of Dragonstone, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. We are here to participate in the tournament."

A middle-aged, rather handsome man with purple eyes and silver hair shook hands with her father, and wore a crown, which clearly identified him as the King. Next to him, a rather younger fellow stood. She estimated him a year of five and ten, and she could read the uncomfortable appearance of him from all his gestures.

But then, she saw something that immediately caught her eye. She had to try her hardest to not stare, for this handsome man with a dragon helmet enlightened a certain flame in her, something she had never felt for anyone but Jaime. Even the mere thought of him, the mere smile he had when shaking the hands of Tywin, it all added up to this effect. Suddenly, two hands caught her hips. She almost jumped, but felt the head of Jaime resting on her shoulder. "Pretentious fucks.", he whispered in her ear.

She almost didn't hear it, but was suddenly pulled out of her lovely thoughts by a brute force. Jaime closed the window, still being naked. "Let's do it once more before the feast." He unknotted the robe, pushed Cersei on her hands and knees, and put it inside of her.

It was quick and harsh, but Cersei wasn't enjoying it as much as she used to. All she could think about was this man, with his dragon helmet, his shiny armour reflecting the sun and making it almost impossible to look at him. Even before the act had been finished, she stood up, took her robe, and left Jaime on the bed, naked and sitting on both of his knees, without saying a word.

Aerys II:

After they had arrived, Aerys immediately went to Kevan, the brother of Tywin. Even though Tywin was his hand, he always thought the presence of Kevan was more enjoyable. He was a tall man, with broad shoulders and a thick waist. The short blond hair, which was so typical for the House Lannister, was still there, yet some spots began to bald as well. Age is catching up with all of us one day.

He has a close-cropped, yellow beard that follows the line of his massive jaw. His friend, if he were allowed to say that already, had green eyes and a rather fair, white skin. All these details, he must remember the details of each and every guest. For if they want to kill me, I'll know it before the act. Another shudder went through his whole body. What are these thoughts? Since when am I so paranoid of my environment? Since when do I live by the sentence "Trust No One"?

Kevan wore a crimson wool cloak, with a golden lion's head brooch. He knew Kevan also had a quilted wool doublet the color of charcoal, but didn't care too much about that. All these details, he must remember the details of each and every guest. Suddenly, he remarked the sound of two men nearing them. He excused himself, and quickly walked in the other direction. He looked left and right, but didn't see any guards.

He opened the door, but left it ajar, as to see who would come. Two men passed by, and stopped right in front of him. "So, you'll carry out the job?", a heavy voice said. The voice, the presence, it can not be? Could that be Tywin? "A man always abides his contract." "Good.", the man said approvingly. He went through his bushy golden side-whiskers with the top of his fingers, looking nervously left and right.

Suddenly, his left hand reached out for the belt, and he showed the presumed assassin a purse. "You know what you have to do. Here's the money. Valar dohaeris." "Valar morghulis", the man answered. The company split, the presumed assassin going left, the other man, going right. He didn't have a final glance at the man he thought as Tywin, but he knew he had to take precautions. Better to be safe than sorry.

His head hurt, every sound made him jump, for if a mastermind as Tywin really wanted him dead, it would be over in less than a second. He seated himself next to Tywin, and saw Cersei arriving, quite hastened and staring in the direction of Rhaegar. At the very least, if I'm mistaken, that arrangement might happen.

Cersei:

She entered the tent that had been set up for them, for Harrenhal's black halls didn't accommodate for such a big event. Aerys sat at the head of the table, with Tywin next to him. It was a very large tent, as all the lords had been gathered for this event. The planners had seated her next to Rhaegar, yet she didn't know him by appearance. Suddenly, she remarked the knight she had seen in the yard. He's sitting on the spot of Rhaegar. Could it be?

Not even letting her finishing her thought, Tywin came to her and let her meet the King. She didn't hear what he had to say, for her mind and eyes were drawn to this presence. The presence of the presumed Rhaegar Targaryen. "And this", Tywin said, "is Rhaegar Targaryen." Rhaegar didn't even bother to turn around and say hello, as he was drinking his cup of wine. Cersei made a quick movement, and seated herself next to Rhaegar. It returned, that feeling of happiness, a sudden burst of adrenaline shooting itself up her veins. "So, you are Cersei.", Rhaegar said in a firm voice. He must be checking me out. He must be. She set the knot of her robe a little looser, for she hoped Rhaegar would look for it. "Yes, I am.", she said, "You must be the famous Rhaegar." "I prefer infamous." They both laughed a little, but Cersei really didn't know what to say.

The door opened heavily and Jaime came through it. He shook hands with Aerys, nodded to Rhaegar, but looked very angry at Cersei. He seated himself next to her, as a means not to break character, for the small folk loved stability. "What was that about?", he whispered in her ear. "I wanted to meet our guests, rather than stay with you."

Rhaegar was clearly following the conversation. "What were you two doing that he was so angry you left him?" "Oh,", Cersei shrugged and did as if she didn't care for her little brother, "We played a certain game and my little brother is rather competitive. As such, he didn't like that I took away the pleasure of seeing me lose."

Rhaegar laughed, and added: "You should loosen up a bit, Jaime. Games only take you so far, am I right, Cersei?" She grinned, and turned toward Rhaegar, as if to pretend Jaime wasn't there. After almost a minute of heavy silence, the door opened once again. Tyrion had arrived, and seated himself next to Jaime. "Oh, I like me some triangles.", he said in a mocking voice.

The feast went on for hours, but the situation didn't become any lighter. The mood darkened, for both Jaime and Rhaegar were fighting over her. Oh, I love seeing Jaime like that. He's fighting for me. Tyrion was making comments about "triangles", "the murder plots of long-gone historical lords" and "dancing with the dragons", yet nobody could really understand what he was hinting at.

µ

Friday:

Aerys II:

He seated himself in front of the training square, and looked down at the several knights, readying themselves to fight. The first fight of the day would be the one between Sandor Clegane and Barristan Selmy. A white knight against an outlaw, it looked very promising. Yet, even though the thought of a fight excited him, something was really off.

The birds were singing a darker theme than the day before, the wind blowing through the grass felt hostile, as if it was violently attacking it, making itself a path through the field; the cows in the field weren't the happy lot as usual, they were just standing there, hopelessly staring at the many passengers, even being wary of the many sharp sounds coming from the kissing of the iron swords; even the little ants, moving themselves forward in single file, even them felt off, they were packing everything up and decided to go elsewhere, as if they could read the tense and suspicious mood that hung at the tournament, for nobody trusted one another.

Even though this very hostile situation he was in, a dim light shone bright. During the morning, Aerys often saw Rhaegar and Cersei talking with each other, which at the very least meant that part had succeeded. In less than a minute worth of time, Viserys interrupted his line of thought. "Father, may I sit next to you?" "Why you ask?", he said suspiciously. Nobody is to be trusted. His initial thoughts almost shocked himself, as he knew that it couldn't have been Viserys. I'm growing paranoid. "Of course. Please be seated. You see the guy standing over there?" "No."

A man stood there, tall as a tree, his black hair sparsely falling on his shoulders. The left side of his face clearly burned in fire, he almost scared Viserys. "Don't be afraid." His son wanted to call him crazy, but had second thoughts when the man easily picked up a sword and swung it as if it were a doll. "He isn't kind, but he won't hurt you." "Okay." Viserys swung left right, impatiently waiting for the fights to begin.

Cersei:

It was a bright morning, and Rhaegar and Cersei were walking through the camps. Talking about everything and anything at the same time, nothing could be more enjoyable for Cersei at the time. "Did you know I'll have to fight your brother tomorrow?", Rhaegar asked. "Yes. I've heard you'll put him in his place." The prince laughed for a second, but seriously added: "Somebody will be put in his place either way. Why don't we go for a ride, just you and me?"

Cersei agreed and they both mounted their horses. This time, Rhaegar had chosen to leave his armour behind, and change it for a scarlet shirt and brown pants. They were riding at a slow pace, and enjoying the early morning sun. The mist still moved through the lower lands, the small clouds searching its way through the legs of the farm animals, and the farmers who used their hoes to plough the earth. Yet, the tension still existed between the two, for they both knew it wasn't common for a girl and a boy to be out alone. Surely not this early in the morning.

Jaime would be angry with me. She thought about. How angry he would be if he were here. His sword in his hand, he would slash his way into Rhaegar, trying to transfer his anger into deeds. They reached a small bridge, the river slowly flowing underneath it. "It's a beautiful place here, almost as beautiful as you are, if I may be so bold.", Rhaegar said to her, almost faking the classiness of a real lord.

"Why don't we take a rest yonder, under those three trees?", she responded in the old-fashioned way of speaking. They both grinned a little, and stopped at the treeline. Rhaegar dismounted, and unleashed his saddle. He picked it up, and put it on the nearest trunk. After that, he invited Cersei to lay down, her head resting on his saddle.

She silently obeyed, as she didn't want to resist what could or rather should go next. Rhaegar took her saddle, and put it the same way next to her. After that, he picked up several twitches and tried to make a fire. "It's not going to succeed." He violently rolled the wood, but it didn't light a bit.

Cersei leant forward, and firmly held the log, which would serve for the base of a fire. "Now try it." They were dangerously close to each other, their noses almost touching each other, while they each got lost in the other's eyes. Something was in the air, something that would culminate in a dangerous situation. "Rhaegar, I … I." "Shh. I know you're cold.", he almost whispered. The smoke slowly rose, and they both sat back.

"Even in the morning, when the sun is still starting to rise, it's very nice to have a fire, and just live in the moment." It almost sounded like he was reading a textbook, yet Cersei didn't oppose it. The morning dew was still there, the back of their clothes getting wet from the small water drips on the top of the grass.

Cersei slowly but surely closed in with Rhaegar, and he put an arm around her. She didn't resist, he didn't resist, as they laid there for the first few hours of a very promising day.

Aerys II:

After half an hour, the fight could actually start, and Sandor Clegane and Barristan Selmy kneeled before the king. Aerys stood up, and said to the many knights in attendance: "Welcome. Ser Clegane, Ser Selmy, are you prepared to fight?" "YES.", they both shouted in unison. "Even to the death if necessary?", a slight answering intonation fell on the last word, even though they knew the answer. "YES, SIRE." "Then let the games begin and may the odds be ever in your favour."

He clapped in his hands and the two swordsmen stood up. They both took their sword, swung it, and waited for the signal to begin. A large horn sound was heard, and Sandor immediately began his attack. A strong swing, targeted at the hip of Barristan, was defended easily. The sound of kissing steel was often heard, while Sandor and Barristan practiced their deadly dance.

The end almost came when Barristan kicked with his left leg, making Sandor fall in the ground and him raising the sword above his head, ready to announce the end of the fight. But Clegane wouldn't have it. He took a knife from the back of his leg, put it inside Barristan, making him fall on his knees, and he pushed him back. The sword exchanged hands, as Barristan's eyes were filled with pain. "My king, Aerys II, shalt thou decide what will happen with my honourable opponent?"

Aerys II rose from his seat and exclaimed: "Barristan Selmy, thou hast fought bravely and surely. Hast thou decided to accept ser Clegane's mercy?" Selmy turned his face slightly, paying attention to the edge of the sword. "Yes, I have.", he said slowly. Sandor lifted his weapon, Barristan fell to the ground.

With this conclusion the first fight ended. Yet, something was off. Jaime was looking left and right, as if he was searching for his sister. Where in god's name would Rhaegar be? Not in 'a' god, for I am 'The' God.

Cersei:

She felt two wet lips on her arm, licking her off. Jaime. She didn't resist it, but the tongue felt way too rude and too violent to be him. Rhaegar. It must surely be Rhaegar. How the idea came in her, she didn't know. But the thought did please her, as if she secretly desired nothing less from him. The tongue continued, and Cersei slowly opened her eyes.

A big beast, with black and white spots, was stand next to her. Before she could say anything, she stood up, and looked at it. "What the f-?" "You're awake.", a seemingly amused Rhaegar said. "What's happened?", she said, trying to seem angry but really understanding that this was a joke. "I saw a herd of cows coming, and I reckoned, maybe Cersei wants to be awoken by them rather than me." She grinned, and ultimately laughed. "The day you awake me, that day…" She stopped saying anything, for she remembered what time it was.

She hastily made her way to the horses. "The fights will have started." Rhaegar took her arm, put it around his neck and said: "I don't care for the fights." He kissed her, a feeling of happiness combined with shock filled her, yet pleasure was the first thought of her. She refused to stay, and mounted her horse, without saddle, and galloped in the distance.

The prince was clearly sighing, yet Cersei didn't know what to do. Give in to the feelings and lose Jaime, a taboo love which she'll never be able to show in public, or don't and keep a part of herself close enough. It was choosing between a real love, or a self-love. The distinction, the real distinction, she couldn't yet make.

Jaime:

In full armour, that was what the law said. In full armour he would be indicted in the Kingsguard. He sighed while putting on his kneecap. Cersei and Rhaegar, it almost seemed like that wouldn't be possible, yet it was happening. The two were clutching together more and more, as if Rhaegar was a spider with Cersei in his web.

He put on his shoes, and opened the heavy door of his room. Suddenly, he saw Rhaegar coming from the other side. "Oh, Jaime. How're you?", he said in a voice full of spite and pity. "I'm fine. You?" "Oh, I'm fine as well. How's your little sister, for I much desire to speak with her?" The formal tone almost hit harder than the intention.

He was toying with him, he was sure of that. The scarlet shirt, the grey pants, simplistic, yet he knew Cersei would love it. "Look, I'm going to be blunt and bold here.", Jaime said in a quiet, calm voice. "You stay away from my sister, or I'm going to break every fucking bone in your body." Rhaegar grinned and almost laughed at him. "If you set such a tone to me once more, I'll decorate the walls of King's Landing with your head. Understood?"

Jaime didn't answer, for he knew it was true. To the king you must be respectful, to the prince you could do what you want. Rhaegar looked left and right, then said: "Believe me when I say, I like you. There's a certain aura about you and Cersei, something that smells of real love. Not love as in "brother and sister", but love as in "husband and wife"." His voice became more stern and his shadow seemed to grow, they were both aware no peasant was around.

Now the real character came up in both of them. "You're not a Targaryen. I am. If I but only smell the sense of incest, I'll tell everyone of the pity fucking lords. And remember, they think I'm an honest, good prince, so whose word will they believe? Who the fuck do you think?" He simply laughed at him, and continued his usual self, saying hello to every peasant he saw, and being the lovely, good guy. I fucking hate him.

He left his room, going left and searching for Kevan. He would lead him to the king, and start the ceremony which will make him part of the Kingsguard. The man was eating his last slice of bread when Jaime saw him. He wore his usual scarlet, wool cloak, even though it was almost June. "Kevan, you're ready to do it?"

Kevan nodded, and put the piece of bread in his mouth. He stood up, and took Jaime by the arm. "Tell me when my grip is too firm. I'll lead you to the King, where you'll kneel down, accept the oath and become part of the kingsguard." Jaime nodded, and followed him.

They arrived in a bigger tent, with benches placed left and right. People were staring at him, yet Jaime couldn't find Cersei. Where would she be? King Aerys was sitting there, right in front of him, ready with a sword of Valyrian steel. Next to Aerys, Tywin was seated, then Tyrion and all the other direct uncles and grandparents of him. At the other side, the 5 other people of the kingsguard sat there, watching them with a wary eye. But where is Rhaegar? Viserys was sitting first row, next to Rhaella and some other high lords, yet Rhaegar, the crown prince, the prince he will have to protect one day as the King was nowhere to be found.

His thoughts were disrupted by the King coming over. He knelt in front of him, and Aerys said in a firm voice: "Do you swear to protect the King from harm or threat?" "I do." "Do you swear to provide the same protection to royals, lovers, mistresses and bastards, only if your King commands you to?" Jaime nodded, and stared the Targaryen right in his purple eyes. "Do you swear to follow orders from the king, the other members of the royal family, the Hand and the Small Council?" "I do." "Do you swear to serve under the pleasure of the King and keep his secrets, while also protecting the king's name and honour, even if it goes against your own?" A moment of hesitation followed, for giving up your own honour in favor the king's isn't an easy thing to do.

For the honourable will always value their honour above the other one's. In the end, nobody gives a shit about honour. "Do you swear to maintain a life of chastity, and therefore stay unmarried and without children for the rest of your life?" This one would be broken, if only Cersei could get her things back together. Yet, of that part he still wasn't sure. He looked around, searching for the proud stare of his sister, who would await him in his bedroom with multiple kisses and more.

All he saw, to his disappointment, where old lords, ugly maids, and married beauties staring at him, wishing their fate had been different. Typical for those low peasants. He sighed, and answered: "I do, for I swear to protect the King and his family with my life for my life. May you accept me within the order of the Kingsguard. With this acceptance, everything that's mine will be yours, and what's yours will be mine." Aerys nodded, and put the sword on his left shoulder. "And now," he laid the sword on his right shoulder and let out an inaudible but visible breath, "you'll be part of a brotherhood, which will protect me and my offspring till the end of times."

Ser Barristan Selmy stood up, and gave the white cloak to the king. He put the cloak on Jaime, making the choice for chastity and protection official. "What's yours, will be mine, and what's mine, will be yours."

Cersei:

When she arrived at the gate, she was expected by Jaime. He was standing there, in a mixture of happiness and sadness, for he wanted to truly know where she had been. She dismounted and just looked at him. "Where have you been?", he asked in a stern voice. "I thought you would be there for me. You would be there for my big moment as I became part of the kingsguard. Please tell me, you at the very least considered going." "I didn't", Cersei sighed and just wanted to tell the truth, "I forgot that your ceremony was now." "Where were you?" "Nowhere.", she said.

She took his hand, and mounted the stairs. They entered his room, and Cersei closed the door. "Now, we can talk. In private.", she said, but talking was not what she wanted to do. She kissed Jaime, feeling her way down to his precious… Thoughts were interrupted, when Jaime suddenly pushed her away.

"No, Cersei.", his voice was serious, and his mind was clearly set. She undressed, standing there naked, and hoping to turn on Jaime. She came closer, and once again kissed him. Now, he took her wrist firmly, and hit her with his backhand. She fell on the bed, tears forming in her eyelids.

"I'm not a FUCKING toy", he shouted, "First, you don't want me to finish, then, you run away and miss my ceremony, and worst of all, you come back thinking everything's okay." His anger and hatred was real, and he opened the door. On second thought, he closed it once more. "Look, am I right thinking you were with Rhaegar?" "uh" "YES OR NO!" "Yes, and I'm sorry." He sighed. "Next time, just fucking tell me where you go." He threw her robe at her. "And get fucking dressed, you nasty whore."

He opened the door, and said: "I love you, Cersei, and nothing will ever change that." He closed the door, leaving Cersei there, naked and crying on his bed. What got into him? Why does he deny me the right to touch myself? She put on her robe, dried her tears with the blanket, and made herself ready to go out.

Aerys II:

"Viserys, what are you doing?", he said. The fifteen year old boy was holding up a stick, trying to swing it as if it were a sword. "I'm pretending to be a knight, Father. I'm fighting against the petty lords for the conquest of the Seven Kingdoms. Take that!" He turned around, and pierced the stick through the air. Aerys had to hold in a smile. "Aren't you too old to play with sticks?", he said in a firm voice.

He called one of the kingsguards to come closer. "Give me your sword.", he said to the man. The big man abided, and gave him proudly is sword. "Here son.", he said. Viserys took the sword, and almost fell to the ground. Someone can use some power training. Yet his thoughts were interrupted by a sense of unsafety, for he felt the shadows move, the moles under him dig their many corridors, with the holes increasing with the minute, and many of them devouring the very earth under his feet. The wind blew through his hair, attacking him with the fine daggers of cold, instead of reassuring him in his safety.

He stepped back, almost falling over, his head to the sky, feeling a sense of urgency to move on, and close himself up in the bedroom. A firm hand fell on his shoulder, ser Barristan tried to comfort him. "Don't worry, you're in Harrenhal, your grace." He shook the hand of his shoulder, and continued his slow pace. Nothing can attack me now. The lie must become the truth, for the naked truth would've shocked him. He whispered: "Viserys, at the feast, tonight, you'll be seated at the left side of me, while Rhealla sits at the right side." Viserys nodded, even though nobody knew what the consequences of this decision.

Cersei:

The tears had long since vanished, yet the feeling of loneliness still preceded. She had lost Jaime, all she had left was this man, for which she had fallen just a couple of days ago. Jaime was out of his mind. The Jaime I knew, or rather know, wouldn't have hit me. The hit, in and of itself, wasn't the worst part of the fight. The fact that he left her there, naked and afraid, in his cold bedroom. What human would do that?

You.

"I did exactly that.", she murmured. She knocked on the heavy door, and a man opened the door. He had silver hair and purple eyes. She couldn't look Jaime in the eyes, for she made her choice. "Rhaegar, I want to talk with you. Can you accompany me on a walk?"

He slowly stepped over the porch, closing the door softly. "I'm sorry I left you there." Rhaegar looked at the ground, not even able to say something. "It's nothing, for my boldness clouded my common sense. I shouldn't have done what I did, and I'm sincerely sorry." She sighed, and said to him: "I want to talk with you in private, about Jaime, about us, about everything." Cersei opened the door to her bedroom, and Rhaegar entered.

It was all quite messy, for many books laid spread over the table, the blanket laid on the ground, and the many cushions thrown hither and thither. "Let us all sit on the bed", she said slowly, but surely and trying to sound confident in her voice. Rhaegar sat himself on right in front of her, looking intensely at her. "You wanted to talk?"

She sighed, and stared at the blanket that laid on the ground. "When I returned from our little trip through Riverrun, I was expected by Jaime. He was very angry, for he knew not where I had been." Her voice almost broke, yet she tried to stay strong. "We went to his bedroom, and we got into a fight." Rhaegar shoved himself closer, and put an arm around her.

"What was it about?", he asked, trying to show empathy. "It was about the fact I was out with you, he doesn't like you." Rhaegar's face grew pale. "How's that possible? I've been kind with him, and I hoped to be befriended." A tear formed in her eyelids, and Cersei almost wanted to cry. She wiped it with the palm of her hand, and continued the story. "He's suspicious of you, for he think you might abuse me." "But that isn't true. I would never do such a thing.", Rhaegar answered in a soft voice. "He ripped my robe apart, and struck me. He left me naked and afraid in his bedroom."

The prince was clearly shocked by this, yet he carefully forged his answer. "Some men are born to be evil. He fears abuse of me, yet he performs the malicious act himself.", he sighed, and hugged Cersei, "Some men are sanctimonious. I'm here for you, Cersei, and I love you; I'm not ashamed to say so."

Cersei's heart wanted to jump out of her chest, her head was full of adrenaline, this was the moment, and they both knew it. Her lips came closer, and they finally kissed each other. Rhaegar put Cersei's hand in his pants. He began to moan, while he removed his own shirt. With the other hand, her robe was opened, revealing her breasts.

"You're beautiful, Cersei." He cautiously kissed the left nipple, then the right nipple. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." Her left hand was still busy, while they were making out. Rhaegar stood up, and undid his pants. It fell to the ground, and Cersei threw away her robe. Both naked, Cersei kissed Rhaegar, and let him fall on the bed. She was on top, she was where she belonged, she was the boss. She put it inside of her, and sat upright. I'm the boss, this is how it should be. She let Rhaegar touch her breasts, but not for long. She put his hands down, and they kissed. "I truly love you, Rhaegar, never forget that."

Saturday:

Aerys II:

The feast had finally arrived, with Viserys and Rhaella sitting next to him. Safer, I will never be. The room was dimly lit, for the hour was already late. Rhaegar wasn't here, neither was Jaime nor was Cersei. It began to feel as an empty, darker feast than the before.

Only the light of the candles were keeping the darkness at bay. Tywin was calmly talking to Rhaella, yet, his piercing eyes, somehow always found a way to him. Something was up, but Aerys couldn't exactly put his finger on it.

The wood was full of ripples, the beer was cold, the candles gave too much heat, the bread was too hard, the sound of laughter too quiet, the sound of speech too loud. It was a living contradiction, but the moles kept digging, they kept digging until no earth was left. He put his hand in the air, and a small boy came to him. "Give me some wine." He held the cup before the little boy, and the stream of wine… Blood, wine, red, wine, blood … his face grew pale, his grip almost loosened but Viserys stopped it from falling. "Don't worry father, I got this.", he said while holding the cup. "Thank you. Viserys, you've proven yourself worthy of a cup of wine.", he exclaimed in a proud and low voice.

The young boy thanked his father, and took the cup of wine with both his hands. In one gulp, he released all the wine in his throat. He wiped his face with the back of his hand. "Some fine wine." "Ah, I've seen you've grown a taste for it. But do be cautious, for too much wine will drown your mind." Viserys nodded, and went from left to right, almost losing his balance.

Aerys held him steady, as to prevent him from falling backwards. Viserys's face grew paler and paler, as white as a corpse even. "Viserys!" Vomit came forward, releasing itself on the food. He stood up, but out of his nostrils came blood. It should be red! Green blood streamed into the young boy's mouth, while he fell on his back. The boy began to make sickening noises, the blood sticking in his throat.

Aerys turned him around, as to release the blood. "KINGSGUARD!", he shouted, "GET THE MAESTERS!" Viserys's eyelids were growing redder than ever prior, and his irises were turning green. "Come on boy, don't leave me." A tear was forming on Aerys's face, the boy was still struggling for his life. Shaking violently, he tried to crawl on the ground. "Calm, stay here!" The maester ran forward, yet they just pulled them apart. NO! He tried to calm himself, while a crowd was formed around his son. "NOO!", he yelled, and fell back, for his strength was failing. His eyes closed, a darkness engulfed him, a cold, sick smell penetrated him. Nononoo! Sentences became words, words became thoughts, thoughts went into inexistence.

Jaime:

It was just after midnight, and Jaime was walking through the dark hallways. He held a candle in his hand, trying to find his way to the bedroom of Cersei. I'm sorry, Cersei, I'm oh so sorry. He couldn't even stand on his two feet, losing his balance ever so often. Almost a minute later, he wanted to knock on the door, but presumed it would be better to just enter. The surprise must be there.

He opens the door, and lighted the way toward the bed. Somebody is with her. The blankets formed a shape that was impossible for a single woman to form. He slowly removed the blankets. Oh shit.

Rhaegar and Cersei, both naked, were sleeping peacefully. Rhaegar's hand was on her breasts, while his left leg laid upon her left cheek. "This can't be.", he murmured. He pulled Rhaegar out of the bed. Rhaegar woke up, confused, and didn't know what happened. "YOU CAN'T SLEEP WITH MY SISTER!", he exclaimed in a loud voice.

Rhaegar shocked, searched for his sword, but Jaime was faster. Even as drunk as he was, he unsheathed his sword and chopped of Rhaegar's hand. The prince yelled in a very high voice, sounding as a killed pig for the slaughter. He turned around, while Jaime found a piece of rope. "This should do the trick.", he exclaimed. He knotted himself two nooses, one for Cersei, and one for Rhaegar. Cersei sat up, covering herself with a blanket. "Keep yourself quiet, you whore! I've had enough, I've had fucking enough of you two!" She screamed, in the hopes someone would hear her. "Everyone's drunk from the feast.", he smiled, and tested the nooses with his hands.

She stood up, realizing covering up herself is useless. She came closer to her and tried to pull him away. Jaime hit her harder than he ever had done before. NOBODY RESPECTS ME TWICE! He smiled. He put a sword through Rhaegar's heart. "Don't scream like a little bitch!" He threw his sword on the ground, and came closer to Cersei. "What will we do with you?", he untied his pants, and let it drop to the floor. "No! Don't you dare!", she said. He just smiled, picked her up and turned her around. "I can do whatever the fuck I want!" He hit her. She screamed and cried, but nobody was there to stop him.

Tywin:

This can't be happening. This just can't be happening. Thoughts were racing through his mind, as Viserys and Aerys were laying there, one out in shock, one kissed by death. He searched an exit, but saw Tyrion first: "Get this envelope to Rhaella, tell her: 'A Lannister always pays his debts'. Do this, and the Rock will be yours." He said, while running away. He left the tent, and went to the castle. It was night, and several owls howled in the distance, but Tywin didn't care that much. If only it's not too late.

He knocked on Jaime's room, yet no one answered. "Open, Jaime, or I'll use force!", he said in a firm voice. Still not even a soul answered. He sighed and opened the door, simple, without any force. Not even the usage of a key, what a moron. "Hello? Jaime?" Where would he be?

He closed the door, and quickened the pace. Maybe he'll be with his sister. Cersei's room was just a corridor left from here. He arrived at the room, and knocked on the door. "yeah?", a tender voice said. "Jaime? Let me in." A key was clearly turning, and the door opened.

For the first time in his life, he was genuinely shocked. What he found in this room, he never hoped to find again. His son was sitting there, leaning against the wall, with the sword next to him, almost crying. That would be shocking enough, if it weren't for the other corpses. Cersei laid there, naked and mutilated beyond recognition, with scratches over her whole body. She was searching for air, and stared in the void. "It's me, Cersei. We got to go, the King will frame me for the murder of Viserys…" His eyes were drawn to the bloodied bed, where upon the crown prince was laying, with what looked an impalement wound.

Almost an instinct, Tywin took the noose, put it around the neck of Rhaegar, knotted one end to the bed, and threw the body out. A sickening noise was heard, he picked up the sword, and laid it in the dead hand of Cersei. "Come on, Jaime. We're leaving now.", he said. The stench of wine was clearly on his breath, while he could see the vomit on his shirt. "I should leave you here, but I won't." Jaime looked at him, almost crying, but he did lend a hand to Tywin. "We're going to Pentos. A friend of mine will let us hide there until we can move to Slaver's bay with the money we gained from the Rock. All the money has been transported to the Iron Bank of Braavos, and we can use it to buy us a new start. But for now, find the strength to continue!"

Tyrion:

There was a lot of chaos. The King's strength had just failed, and he was laying unconsciously on the ground, next to his dead son. It was almost beautiful, the peace that they were both in. If it were not for the crowd forming around the bodies, it would feel like a good way to go. Together with your friends, family, the higher lords, but the "how" kills all the peaceful.

He had been given an envelope by Tywin, and he was determined to give it to Rhaella, even if he didn't know the contents. Rhaella was standing there, in shock, not finding any words. "Here.", Tyrion said, giving the letter to her. "Tywin has asked to give this to you, as a way to clarify all what happened." She opened the envelope and read the letter in it.

Why has she read the letter? If I were her, I wouldn't even be able to read it?

Her face changed immediately, and she read aloud: "I, Tyrion of House Lannister, son of Tywin, declare that I will take the iron Throne and will claim what is mine by right. The King is dead due to a show of strength by me, and as such I expect the throne to go to me, as is stated by ancient law. The throne is mine by right, not one of birth, but one of battle, drenched in blood and guts."

Rhaella shivered, and almost didn't find the words: "You midget! How dare you claim the throne as yours after your failed assassination attempt! Arrest this man, and execute him NOW!" Tyrion didn't understand. He felt two firm hands grabbing him, and pushing him forward, and on his knees. Three chairs were put forward, on which Tyrion was laid. A knee was holding him down, ensuring he couldn't get away. Barristan Selmy unsheathed his sword, and laid it upon the neck of Tyrion.

"Any last words?", he said. Barristan's voice almost broke, for he didn't want to kill one of his closer friends. He was abided by oath, they both knew it. "Last words? Every word I ever spoke shall be my last word, but wait, for I'll think of them." He sighed, closing his eyes, and searching for appropriate last words. "I loved you, Tysha." Barristan swung his sword high above his head, and everyone held their breath for one second.

Aftermath: Lannisters:

Jaime:

Cersei, Cersei. Someone shook his arm, yet he didn't want to know who. Cersei, it must be Cersei. He slowly opened his eyes, to only view his father staring at him. The lord of Casterly Rock was sitting on a barrel, and the smell of the sea almost penetrated his nostrils. Many seagulls were screaming, screaming louder than Cersei. Cersei, where's Cersei?

Tywin put a hand on his shoulder, and looked concerned. Concerned, since when was that the emotion he knew? A sudden headache came up, piercing through his thoughts, the pain almost unbearable. Vomit was building up in his throat, and he tried to swallow, but it was too late. Yellow substance came out of his mouth, ruining his sleeping gown. Why am I wearing this? Where am I?

A dark realization followed. He had raped and strangled Cersei, he had murdered Rhaegar. A burning pain built up in his chest. And I tried to put a sword in my heart. But he couldn't, he just couldn't. He knew that if his father would see it… His father. When did his father enter his room? He softly touched his forehead, as if this would clear everything up.

Tywin was watching him in silence, waiting for the inevitable question. "Where… Where are we?", he whispered softly. "We're on our way to the Eyrie, Jaime." He sighed, and looked around. The endless waves of the sea, the clutching of it against the hull, it almost had a relaxing effect on him. He slowly closed his eyes, as to get a little rest. "You can't sleep, Jaime, not now. I want answers."

His headache had only gotten worse, and.. Cersei, I need Cersei. A tear found its way on his cheek, for he knew Cersei would never return. The honest, real tale would upset his father, would upset himself for the crimes he committed were far worse than every shenanigan he ever had done. And most of those were with her. He pushed himself up, and tried to look his father right in the eye.

"What do you want to know?" "Don't try to play the fool with me, Jaime. Tell me what happened last night." Jaime turned around, but knew the story would inevitably told, one way or the other. "Cersei was sitting in her room, when Rhaegar came in. They started talking, but Rhaegar wanted more.", his voice broke, for the obvious lies smelled as strong as the stench of vomit and alcohol on his body.

"Rhaegar forced himself on her, that's what happened. I tried to save her, and put a sword through his chest, effectively killing him." Tywin nodded, but was probably suspicious. Nobody would tell the full story at once. "Is that all?" He confirmed, nothing else should happen. His father sighed, and put his hands on his belt. Sweat was clearly present on his face, but he wiped it off with a towel.

"What…", he tried to hold in the vomit, "Where are we going to?" Tywin decided to show his hand, for all the lies were useless now. "We're going to the Eyrie. I've sent a raven to lord Jon Arryn, for the seeds of rebellion have been planted all through the realm. As such, we'll go there, and try to create an alliance." Fuck. Father has to think of politics. He almost wanted to cry, but knew this wouldn't have any effect on him. Rationality, that's what he needed right now. "An alliance between?", he answered softly, the louder the noise, the worse his head ache. Will I survive this?

"An alliance between the Starks, Baratheons, Arryns and the Lannisters. They'll push Robert Baratheon to be the new king. When the heir rapes the daughter of one of the prominent houses, consequences follow. I heard Jon has sent Brandon Stark to solve it." "Solve what?" Resurrect Cersei? "Demand the pardon of me and you, for he suspects we wanted to kill him." Jaime closed his eyes, and laid his head back on the cushions. Even though he laid outside on the deck of the ship, it felt good to see the blue air, the clouds, the sun touching his skin softly, the seagulls screaming, the waves clutching against the hull. Cersei would've enjoyed this. Cersei. He covered his face with his blanket, hiding the tears from his father.

His eyes slowly opened. A feeling of joy filled his heart, for in front of him stood a girl he recognized from afar. A beautiful, thin girl, blond hair falling on her shoulders. Everything he had touched, kissed, for everything that was hers was his, and everything that was his was hers. She stood there naked, and Jaime called for her. "Cersei!", he shouted at the top of his voice, "Cersei!" The girl slowly turned around, showing her mutilated body. "Cersei?", he asked, his voice broke, for the grieve was still too fresh. "Jaimmmeee", she almost sang the name.

She came closer, Jaime wanted to embrace her, but his hands were tied. "Cersei! Free me!" A small grin formed on her face, and she travelled up and up, her face now centimetres away from him. "I loved you…", she sat upright, her legs spread over his hip. She moved slowly up and down, as if they were making love once more. "I still love you, Cersei.", he whispered, his tears rolling down his cheek. "Still, after everything that happened, I…"

Cersei put a finger on his lips. She put her hands on his throat, her fingers all over his neck. "What…. What are you…" Air didn't escape his throat, for the fingers of Cersei held it captive in his lungs. He coughed, he twisted, he tried pushing her away with all his might. Nothing helped, a vile smile was enjoying this. "Oo", he screamed, but words didn't come out. He closed his eyes, and stopped resisting. He felt the life squeezed out of him, the pressure rising in his lungs, only rising until his lungs would explode.

He sat upright, sweat rolling down his body, his headache there once more, his hands touching his throat softly. "A dream, a nightmare." How will I survive this? My eyes are closed, and Cersei appears, in a vile and gruesome manner, yet when my eyes are wide awake, Cersei reappears, now with the sweetness and joy I once knew her for. He slowly fell back, his head falling on the many cushions.

The stars were dim and distant, the full moon covered by many clouds. The wind was screaming at him. Muuurrrdddeerrrr. The violent clashes of the waves against the hull ensured splashes of water reaching him. Sleep does never come easy for him, but the fear, the deadly fear of dying once more and the fear of meeting his conscience, it all added up to a deadly cocktail of sleep deprivation.

Trying to focus on the many lines in the oaken deck of the ship, he hoped that his mind would drift away. The lines were curved, the lines had impossible angles, almost so drawn to form the outlines of a body. A body accentuated by the many blond spots of the wood, the greenish rotting clothing her. Cersei. He suddenly realized that everything, from the wind, to the clouds, the moon, the waves, everything reminded him of her.

The days seemed to weave together, nothing changed, the grieve for Cersei only getting worse and the headache, reminding him of his excessive usage of alcohol, disappearing at last. After 7 days of just laying down, he opened his eyes and saw Gulltown. They passed a rocky island in the busy harbour, which was known as the Motherhouse of Maris. A home for orphaned girls. Maybe, just maybe,… No, he thought to himself. Stop thinking of her. Don't raise a single ounce of hope, for it would be crushed by the vile rocks of Reality.

It was a cloudy day, but the wind didn't even blow. The seagulls were resting on the many docks of the harbour, when the captain of their ship threw a rope at one of the servants. A boy, of around thirteen years old, black hair and ever darker eyes, picked it up and tied it around one of the wooden poles. The ship was pulled closer to one of the piers, and they could safely leave the ship. Step by step, he tried to exit the ship. The smell of fish seemingly intertwined with the salty reek of the sea. He was cautious, for a slip could be easily done. Now, it's not a time to fall. Two horses were made ready for them to ride.

Tywin let him choose which horse to ride. Ultimately, Jaime had chose for a black horse, with white hooves. At a hasty pace, they decided to continue their journey. "We should reach the Gates of the Moon by nightfall.", their guide said. The Vale was a beautiful country, the many hills being used by farmers, the steeper ones used for cattle, goats and sheep. In the distance, Jaime could already see the many mountains, with their tops painted white by the many layers of snow. Cersei w… Stop it.

He almost wanted to hit himself. The grieve was still there, an empty void inside of him, which, even though they were in the beautiful Vale, didn't get healed by time. Tywin looked at him and said: "Don't think of her." Since when did Tywin care so much about him? Jaime almost didn't want to suggest it, but he thought to see, in the corner of Tywin's eye, a tear forming. He wiped his off with the back of his hand. "The sun is shining a little too bright for me."

The sun only shone sparsely through the clouds, so his reasoning was absolutely bullshit. Jaime sighed, for if even Tywin was touched, the grieve was real. Even though it hadn't rained for a long time, the paths, even though they were hardly real paths, were muddied. The path became thinner and thinner, they even had to ride single file to pass through. We're in farmer's land.

It carried a certain beauty with it. The beauty of the farmer's life, a picturesque, often romanticized life that they had. Many people dream of the quiet, the calm life of farming. But, when they realize how it really is, they who long for it are the first to run away. It's a hard life, living at the whims and wishes of Mother Nature. At the very least, they were lucky enough to have decent weather.

The guide was a woman of around thirty years, and rode a black steed. She had brown hair, a long face and grey eyes. Her frame was slime, and she behaved as a wild and boyish young thing. She wore a brown shirt, with grey pants, and a thin sword at her left side. "Tell me, ser Lannister.", she said in a playful tone. He saw her mouth moving, yet didn't answer any of her questions. He kicked his horse in faster pace, and continued his trip through the many hills of the Vale.

When the sun almost finished her daily routine, they entered a thick forest. Many large oaken trees were place one after the other, with the height difference ensuring they sometimes had to bow their heads. The female guide was now talking to Tywin, and he rode up to Jaime. "Alyssa says we'll have to stop in a mile or two for the night. We're travelling slower than expected."

Suddenly, Tywin looked around, and saw that Alyssa was behind far enough. "I like her, Jaime. Maybe you can talk to her a little more. It will help with the thing about Cersei." Jaime sighed, he knew what his father meant, but didn't want to progress that fast.

I raped Cersei, I forced myself on the woman I last loved. My sister, my lover, the centre of the universe. But… His eyes almost widened. She would've done the same. These five words changed everything. No, he still committed a crime, yes, it still hurt, but Cersei wouldn't have done one bit different. She was a fucking monster, cheating on me with Rhaegar, she wasn't an angel, nor was any of us for that matter. We're all monsters, only real, raw emotions let them be released.

After an hour, the sun was replaced by a shy moon. The stars were getting brighter, and brighter, as if someone released them from the darkness, as if hope had returned. It was faint hope, but hope was hope. They had almost reached the Eyrie, which meant that they could usurp the throne. The Targaryens are the reason for all our hurt. If it weren't for Rhaegar forcing himself on my sister, this wouldn't have happened. None of this, and she would still be alive.

They were all sitting at the campfire, just talking about cows and calves. Nothing too special, yet Tywin was acting weird. What has gotten into him? Usually, he's cold, distant and hates the fact of "love", and now he suggested I get on with Alyssa. "I'm just going to water the horses", Alyssa said softly. She turned around and took the sack with her. Tywin looked at him, and winked. "What's gotten into you, Father?", Jaime asked abruptly, "It's as if you've changed?"

The lord sighed, and searched for a stick to poke the fire a little. "Yes, I've changed, Jaime. In the past, I presented myself as cold and distant, but look where it got us.", he saw that Alyssa wasn't able to hear them, so he continued on a whispering tone. "I know you raped Cersei. I know you killed Rhaegar."

Jaime was shocked, and almost needed to puke. How in the blue hell did he know that? "I know you did that and you lied to me. But, I think the mental torture of those acts gives you enough material to think about. As such, I won't tell anyone. I'm… I want to play open cart with you, Jaime. I think you're old enough to keep a secret. Or rather: I'll keep yours if you keep mine." Jaime nodded, hoping Alyssa was still out of hearing range. "I've tried to kill the King, for I see the seeds of madness in him. It's getting worse with the day, and I tried to prevent it. So, for the sake of the kingdom, I paid a faceless man to do it."

He couldn't believe what he heard. Tywin was admitting to plotting against the person he took an oath to protect. "But this was plan B, Jaime. I wanted to do it myself, but the cup of wine was given to poor Viserys. The poor guy was killed, and I had to flee. Which was why I went to your room. Now, seeing the seeds of madness isn't a good reason to usurp, and as such I tried to believe your story. I am a father, a father that seeks avengement for the wrong-doings of the heir to the Iron Throne."

"We both made mistakes, Jaime. We both did. You acted irrational and so did I. If I had been more patient, none of this would've happened. But now, with the faceless man hired, Aerys's days are counted. Before you know, the King shall be dead without any heirs thanks to you and your little sister." Tywin stood up, and wiped off his pants with his hands. "By the way. Tyrion has delivered a message in which he says that he's responsible for everything that has happened. As such, he'll be on trial. This will be direct invocation of war."

He saw Alyssa returning to the fireplace. "And take Alyssa as a way to forget about everything. Don't dwell in the past, for it will swallow you whole."

Alyssa sat herself next to Jaime, pointing her hands at the fire. "So, I never fucked a high born boy, did you know?" He jumped almost out of his clothes, so direct, so direct he had never known anybody to be. Except for Cersei. Except for her, your only lover. "Oh, I didn't know that." Alyssa laughed a bit, but began to stare intensively at him. "I want to make you, number one."

She came closer and actually kissed him. Don't resist, Cersei would've done the same. He picked her up, and entered his tent. When he laid on top of her, oh, that feeling reminded him of her. He left barely any room between them, just enough for her to remove her pants. He smiled, and travelled south. Kissing it, licking it, it made her moan loudly. You never did this with Cersei.

When he looked up, the beautiful face of Alyssa changed more and more into Cersei. "No.", he whispered. "What no?", Alyssa said, "Am I not pleasing you?" "No, no, it's fine." He took off his shirt and his pants. "Show me more.", he said in a firm voice. She obeyed, and showed her breasts. "Yes.", he said softly, and he kissed her. You did this with Cersei.

He couldn't bear it, everything, from kissing her nipples to thrusting it in her, it reminded him of Cersei. He turned her around, letting her lay on her belly. "Oh, we fucking like the dogs?", she said playfully. It's the only way not to remember her. She pushed her butt up, ready for him to put it in. "Yes, just like the dogs." Like the dogs, like the fucking monsters we are.

The next day soon arrived. Jaime woke first, and woke her. The sun was already shining, it must be later than he thought. Alyssa turned around, looking at him. "I loved it.", she said softly. We were dogs, fucking monsters that went on till we finished. At least she's better than Cersei. This time, he didn't care for the reminder. He stopped caring all together. He must move on, for dwelling the in past will devour him.

"Let's put on some clothes, Alyssa." She smiled suspiciously, as if she didn't want to dress yet. "Let's do it once more, Jaime." She took his manhood in her hand, trying to turn him on. He just sat up, took his pant and went outside. He closed the flap of the tent, as to not show anything to Tywin. Tywin was just staring at the woods, taking in the smell of the forest. "How you've changed, Father, how you've changed."

"We must carry on.", he said in a firm voice. Jaime agreed, the faster they were at the Eyrie, the better. Alyssa came out of her tent and mounted the horse. He did the same and they decided to ride together. "Tell me, Alyssa, why were you so quick yestereve?" She laughed a little, as if to indicate the foolishness of the sentence. "Life's predetermined by the quick, Jaime." C… Let my thoughts dwell into yestereve, for everything prior is history.

"Didn't you just want to check off all sorts of men from your list?" "No. I just love you, Jaime. I'm quick in that, but I know it will last for-ev-er." Forever doesn't exist, it's now or never. "I wonder what you will say when we get to the Eyrie, and I have to leave you forever." She just smiled and said: "I'll say I had a great fuck, ser Jaime. My belly will quicken and you'll have a bastard on your name." "Well, that will be something to remember me by."

It was a cruel joke, but they both laughed. A bastard, who had thought this moment would come. If only I would've stayed with… No. Don't think, just do. The grieve was slowly disappearing, yet the guilt still was present.

After an hour of riding, they took a break. Tywin just laid himself on one of the trunks, and looked at the sky, just staring without noticing anything around him. "Let's go to the woods.", Alyssa said softly. "Oh, you want a repeat of what happened last night?" "At best", she smiled. She slowly pulled down her pants, just to show her behind to Jaime, while she paid attention to Tywin. "Oh, so fucking mature of you.", he smiled, for a feeling grew in him.

The feeling of just liking her, maybe even more than Cersei. He just wanted to kiss her, wanted to be with her, wanted to fuck her. Oh no. He had to hold himself in, for he knew what this was. Alyssa was still shaking with her butt, as if she were a four year old pranking her parents. "Come with me.", Jaime said softly. Alyssa pulled up her pants, and followed him quietly into the forest.

When Jaime didn't see his father, he pulled Alyssa a little closer. "You want a repetition from yesterday?", he asked softly. C… No, don't think about her. "Yes.", she said playfully. She turned around and bowed forward, looking through the bushes if she saw anyone. "I need a little help.", she said, while she supported herself with her hands on her knees. Jaime laughed a bit, and pulled down her pants.

The evening almost arrived, and Alyssa, Jaime and Tywin were standing before the great gates of the Gates of the Moon. It didn't really feel like a castle, it felt more close to a wall, splitting the valley in two. At both side of them, there stood big walls, made of stone, sometimes, if you looked close enough, a rock coming down. The gates automatically opened, for the guards had seen them coming. Alyssa turned her before Jaime, and said: "It was a GREAT journey, but now, I have to say goodbye." She laughed a bit, but Jaime could only feel a sudden sadness. He didn't want her to go, for he was fond of her. To say even more, he thought the degree of liking was rising with the day. "Thanks for everything, Alyssa." He drove his horse a little closer, and whispered in her ear: "If your belly quickens, you're always welcome in Casterly Rock."

He shushed her with his finger, and kissed her first on the cheeks, then finally on the lips. "I'll remember that, Jaime. But for now, it will be a goodbye." She just waved to Tywin, but he didn't even react. There, my father is back to normal. Before they entered the gates, Tywin wanted to speak with him. "The man you've known on this journey, it won't be the man that will continue it. In public, I have to be cold and distant. In the past, I drew the line a little too far, I realize now, but please, Jaime, don't try to break my public image of the Lord of Casterly Rock, the Lord who shat cold every time he visits the toilet."

Jaime nodded, and knew that he would precede as the heir, and not the man Alyssa had known. "We both were different, Father, and we'll both return to our old selves. Just remember what we did, for we can repeat it when we're alone."

The next morning, they travelled further. The woods were getting thicker with the minute, their roots intertwining as a unsolvable labyrinth. To his relieve, the thought of Cersei had been relinquished, but to his spite, it had been replaced with the thought of Alyssa. The way she talked, the way she smelled, the way she did everything, it just fascinated him.

She respected him, and he respected her. They had a connection which he hadn't known before, something real, something that was based upon true love, and not on dominance. What a pity I had to let her go. But in the end, she was a peasant, and I'm a lord. Oh, I wish the time will come when the two are able to mix, without society mocking them, and downgrading them both. But that day, Jaime was sure of it, would never come.

They reached Stone by nightfall. It was a beautiful castle, standing amidst many trees. It had a massive, ironbound gate and the grey, cold stone walls were crowned with iron spikes and its two fat round towers rose above the keep. They stopped by the stables, as to switch the mules they had used during the day. The hills would get steeper, so steep a horse can't climb it without breaking its legs. After tonight, it's a two day walk to Snow, then a day walk to Sky, and then we're finally at the Eyrie. Maybe, just maybe, after business was done in the Eyrie, he could revisit her. But that, he knew for sure, was just a fantasy, made up by his foolish and naïve mind.

In Stone, there was a small bar, where they both got ale. It was a rather dark room, for the lights had been dimmed, and the sun had almost gone under. Tywin lighted a candle, and put in the middle of the table. "Tell me, Father. If you're going to join the rebellion, who's going to be the next king?" He laughed a bit, but they both knew it was an issue. They were with four families: the Starks, the Lannisters, the Baratheons and the Arryns. "Well, it will probably be Robert Baratheon. He's got the right bloodline, and he's well-loved by both the Starks and the Arryns. I haven't met him yet, but he looks like a fine lad."

Again, Tywin was falling out of his role as the "big bad boss", but Jaime quite liked it. It was better than when Tywin was purely the boss, and now he was allowed some down time. A quiet, inaudible sign found its way out of Jaime's mouth. Every time, he either thought of Cersei or Alyssa. "I liked her, Tywin. I really did." "Well", Tywin smiled a little, "I've got a surprise for you. Just look behind you." Jaime turned his head, and saw Alyssa standing there. He shoved his chair away and hugged her. "Look, Jaime. I know you had a hard time, with me being an incompetent dad, and with Cersei, but I really hope I can make up for the time we lost." Smiling was unusual for him, but him admitting his mistakes? What happened? But the question soon vanished in his head, and he kissed his Alyssa.

"I got even better news for you." Jaime looked at him, as if it wasn't possible. He had just seen Alyssa once more, and now, what news could be any better? "I know you won't believe me, but Alyssa wasn't chosen by any luck. You ever asked her what her family name is?" He was nailed to the ground. They had been together for almost 4 days, which felt as an eternity, and not even once had he asked what her name was. "My real name was Lyanna. Lyanna Stark."

The clues came together. My father still doesn't like a whore, but has no problem with setting me up with a daughter of one of the great houses. "I don't care if you're called Lyanna or Alyssa, I just love you." She smiled a little, a smile which, for the first time since the Tournament, didn't remind him of Cersei. "Could you please get us another pint, Lyanna?"

"How did you do this, Father?", Jaime asked. He sighed, and answered as faithfully as possible. "Our voyage, from Harrenhal to the Eyrie, has lasted for about a month. I have been plotting ever since. It was one of my plans to marry you to Lyanna, and as such, I thought: 'Now, we're in the Vale, why don't we combine the two?' Lord Rickard agreed, Lyanna came down and played 'Alyssa', just so we could discover if you had a click." He smiled once more, but his face became more stern with every passing word.

"You've done the work for us. All you need to do is ask her to marry you. After this pint, you'll excuse yourselves, and go upstairs to your room. There, I want you to propose her. Ask her to marry you. If she says yes,", Tywin bowed forward and whispered for he saw Lyanna approaching, "we might be able to let history be as dead as a doornail."

He tricked me. His rationality came up, yet his emotions stopped it. When Lyanna was around, there was no place for rationality. The fact that he felt as if he was on fire, the fact that every time Lyanna was around, it felt as if he had relived a thousand joys, all these facts stacked upon one another made it worth it. He wanted to hug his father, if he hadn't known it was a trick. Let him play it out, for you'll win by it.

Lyanna came back with the pints, and seated herself next to Jaime. They kissed once and drank their pints almost immediately to the bottom. "Now,", Jaime almost got lost in her beautiful eyes, oh, how he had dreamt of this moment, ", if you'll excuse us. We got business to talk about." She nodded and they climbed the stairs.

Jaime opened the door and let her through. Before Lyanna could kiss him, he fell on his knee. He held the hand of his lover firm. "Dear Alyssa, my dear Lyanna Stark, may I, Jaime Lannister, ask you to marry me?" She smiled, for she wasn't used to such formalities. "Yes, Jaime, you do." Jaime stood up, and kissed her.

Neither Lyanna nor Jaime could wait. They undressed quickly, kissed each other, and laid on the bed. Lyanna put one leg around Jaime's butt, the other on top of her left leg. He softly thrusted, and kissed her once more. "I love you, Lyanna."

The next morning, they made everything ready in preparation for the departure to Snow. It would be a two-day hike, for the hills were too steep to be climbed with mules. Or so Tywin said. I think it might be because he wants to give me and Lyanna sometime. The hike was less pleasant than the day prior, for the forest was replaced by a bare, open field of rocks. Even though the castle they were heading to was named "snow", they didn't actually find any. Several streams they had to cross, in which Jaime had to carry Lyanna, for she, self-allegedly, couldn't do it herself. She wanted me to hold her.

When the sun was at her highest, they took a small break. Jaime put several rocks on top of each other, as to pretend it was a small bench. Lyanna sat next to him, while Tywin was just sitting on the ground. "Tell me, Lyanna, you're still our guide, or have you forsaken that role?" "I've forsaken that and changed it for a new one. Yet, I still know how to get to the Eyrie." She smiled, her lips forming the most beautiful thing Jaime had ever seen. "By the way, I have to tell you something that might interest you both. When we arrive at Snow, Robert will join us."

Now, Tywin was visibly interested. "You're saying Robert Baratheon will join us?" She nodded, and put an arm around Jaime. "He'll join us because he wants to show you and Jaime that he can be a worthy King. So expect a lot of theatre." They laughed, but Tywin quickly wanted to ask a question. "Please do tell me, if you say "a lot of theatre", how is he without that? Is he a worthy King?" Lyanna took a rock, and threw it a few feet away from her, the sound echoing through the valley.

"Yes. I would say he is. He is a kind man, strong but kind. He has a knack for justice, and the word "lazy" isn't in his dictionary. However, he is and stays a man. So, don't expect him to be a divine person, for you might be mistaken and disappointed." Tywin stood up, and said, while looking in the distance: "I don't expect anyone to be of divine origins, yet I do expect them to have common sense. I prefer a king with common sense over one who thinks he's a divinity. Now let's continue our journey, before the day leaves us and replaces it with a dark, black night."

The second part of the first day was rather unsettling. Everywhere, there were rocks, many laying loose and many almost causing an avalanche. Places covered in snow became more and more common, the rarity of grass always increasing. The many mountain that had looked once so high, had almost shrank to high hills. Where they first discovered many streams, now they were discovering sources, with water just pouring out of the ground.

It all felt so lonely, for all three of them. The stones, the mountains, it felt as if they had entered a vacuum void, a place where only the three of them truly existed. Walking became climbing, and many times, when Jaime bowed forward, he could nearly touch the ground. The steepness of the trail truly was magnificent, and he knew that Tyrion would be amazed by this. Oh, Tyrion, his little brother that was kept in captivity. " Tell me, Father, have there been ravens carrying news of Tyrion?"

Tywin stopped suddenly, and looked behind him. "Tyrion doesn't matter for now. He's in safe hands with Aerys II, for he won't hurt him as long as we are not captured. If he does kill him, he knows rebellion will break out. You just can't kill the son of a lord without any consequences, I hope you know that." This comes from the man who hanged the heir to the Iron Throne. What a sanctimonious dick.

For one moment, Jaime almost doubted himself. How could he think that of a father that had supported him like Tywin had done the last few days? But those few days don't make up for the last twenty years. Only Lyanna would understand this. If twenty years are all you've lived, the power of a few days will not be great enough to fix such wounds. Time heals a lot of wounds, but not all of them. Night was already falling, and they decided to build a campfire. Luckily for them, they had taken a few wooden sticks with them. Jaime put them on top of each other and Lyanna enlightened it. They had brought with them two blankets, one for Lyanna and Jaime, another one for Tywin.

The fire burned bright, and the sky kept getting darker. Many stars could be seen, dwindling somewhere in the distance. "Tell me, Lyanna, do you know this star?", he pointed at the pole star. "No.", she partially lied. "It's the pole star. It says where North is. If we follow that star, we'll end up in White Harbor. Do you know what these stars are combined?" He pointed at a group of stars, in the shape of a trapezium with a broken line. "It's the Great Bear. It's one of the star formations that the Maesters use to determine what day and year it is."

"Oh, I didn't know that." "Well, now you do.", he said with a small wink. She teasingly pushed him, and laid her head on his shoulder. "Well,", she said while laying her left hand on his belly, ", now I do want to sleep." She kissed him once and closed her eyes. "Well,", he answered in a soft voice, ", now I will let you sleep."

The next morning arrived, and they were awaken by the sound of rocks falling. Jaime looked around, but saw nothing. He lifted the blanket, and let Lyanna sleep a little longer. "I think,", he whispered to Tywin, "We should go now, for the mountain clans have noticed our presence."

He woke Lyanna. She slowly opened her eyes, adjusting to the new-found light. "We have to get moving. Quicker than yesterday, for I think our presence hasn't gone unnoticed." She nodded, she folded the blanket and gave it to Tywin. "Let's go." They quickened their pace to a march, hearing the falling rocks here and there. "We aren't going fast enough!" If these clans get us, they'll know they've won the golden ticket. They were almost running, but after almost two hours, Tywin needed to take a break.

"I'm sorry. But when you're my age, you'll see it doesn't come that easy anymore." They stopped for a good ten minutes. "I'm going to get some water." He took the bag for water, and began searching for a source. "Lyanna, you take care of Tywin while I'm gone." She nodded.

Running around the field with loose rocks, he often lost his grip. "Goddammit!" He didn't want to make a lot of sound, for he knew that could mean their death. Somewhere in the distance, he heard men singing and having a merry time. What could that be? He approached the festivity, slowly but carefully, for if they were foes, he didn't have anything to protect them with.

When he saw the first man, he began to crawl, and hid behind a pile of rocks. The man he had seen was a large, coarse man. He was drinking beer from a horn, and looked at everyone at the campfire. "Have ye heard the news? The prince, Rhaegar, has died. Was hung up, naked and dry, 'em said." They all laughed, but one added: "Me heard he was screamin' as a pig for the slaughter." How funny you are, laughing at someone with fear of death.

He felt the pommel of his sword, and counted the men. Six of them. If I'm not careful, they'll trace me back and we have a big problem. He crawled back to where Tywin and Lyanna were.

Lyanna came up to him, and Jaime immediately began to speak. "You're good with a sword?" She wanted to call him crazy, but knew that falling rocks meant mountain clans. "Yes?" "Okay. Take the sword of Tywin. We have six men, without any armour, and one half has axes, the other has swords. We've got to go back and kill them, otherwise they'll get us when we're asleep." She immediately understood the situation and she and Tywin followed Jaime back to where they were.

Shushing her with his finger, they crawled without any sound toward the men. "Look, if we can create a divergence, an event with which we can split the group up. We're only with three, this would mean we each take on two." "You can take out two by surprise, which leaves four men. This mean that we can make it.", Tywin suddenly added. They all agreed on the battleplan, and moved forward.

Tywin and Jaime would take out the first two, while Lyanna created a distraction. She walked around the camp, and stood in plain sight: "Hello, boys. How're you doing?" Six men were staring at her, but not an ounce of fear was found in her. "Oh, what a pretty girl ye're. Why don't ye come a little closer?", he did a sign with his finger, as if he meant to surround her.

But Jaime was faster. The first man he saw, he pierced through the chest with his sword. He kicked the man off his sword, as stain of blood remaining as a reminder of the kill. Tywin came in as well. He chopped a hand clean off, and then, when the man bowed his head a little lower to look at his hand, the decision was made. Tywin swung his sword, and decapitated him. The look of astonishment was nailed to his face, his eyes going backwards, and his head rolling off, leaving the body with a little blood spurting out of it.

The corpse dropped, and the four men remaining picked up their axes. Lyanna immediately unsheathed her sword, opened the back of a man who was running toward Jaime and cleaved his head clean off. Three dead, three to go. Jaime swung his sword over his head and hacked off the wooden handle of the battle axe. "What the f-?" Before the man could even finish his sentence, Lyanna had already put a sword in his throat. "Fuck?", she said.

Tywin took the last one. They were in a fierce combat, but Tywin could still move swift and fast for his age. He dug underneath the axe and put the sword in the chest, impaling the man. But that wasn't enough. The man fell to his knees and Tywin took the axe. "A Lannister always pays his debts."

He swung the axe, cleaving into the face of the man. "Six gone. Not a very fighting lot, for a mountain clan.", Jaime said. "Oh, don't worry about them. They'll cut off the part Lyanna likes and feed it to the goats." He smiled a little, even though he knew it was inappropriate to say something like that as a father.

Jaime was searching the corpses, searching for clues of who they were and what they were doing. "Look here.", he shouted. One of the men had a purse bound to his belt. He opened the purse. Several coins, assumingly Golden Dragons, fell out of it. After the Golden Dragons, a small letter fell out. "And now, we'll know what this is.", Jaime smiled and read it. Find ser Jaime Lannister and ser Tywin Lannister. Dead or alive. "They want us dead, Father. As dead as a doornail."

They both knew what that meant. The stones now looked even more hostile, them taking forms as to hide the foes, instead of hiding the friends. "We've got to travel on.", they all agreed and went on, faster than prior, for they believed the Mountain Clans to be right behind them.

They ran, faster than Jaime had ever run before. After an hour of running, or rather sprinting, they saw Snow appearing. It was nestled into the Giant's Lance, with two giant walls of pure stone appearing next to the castle. "We're finally there!", Tywin said, sighing and taking a break for a second.

The heavy gates opened the timber keep, with a single fortified tower looming over it. There also was a stable, placed behind a low wall of several rocks, that wasn't mortared. A man was standing there, awaiting their arrival. He was a very tall, handsome man. He was clean-shaven, and had rough and hard hands. His hair was black, and he had bright blue eyes. His shirt opened a little too low, for Jaime, for he could see the heavy black hair on his chest.

"Robert!", Lyanna said, and she ran to him. She shook his hand, but Robert turned it into a hug. "Hello there.", he said to Tywin and Jaime. He walked toward them, his arms open as if to hug them. "You must be lord Tywin.", he said to the older looking man, and he quickly added, "You must be Jaime." "That's right." "You may call me Robert for now.", he said with a wry smile. His breath smelled of wine, his rough and hard hands indicated practice with swords.

Lyanna sighed, for she wanted to tell something that would come hard for Robert. She had mentioned that Robert was fond of her, maybe even too fond. "Robert.", she said softly, "Jaime and me, we're engaged." Jaime thought he saw a certain sadness butcher the kindness of Robert, but it quickly turned once more to the kindness he wanted them to think he had. Double-edged sword. Double fucking edged sword.

He laughed awkwardly, and said to Jaime: "You've shot the golden bird I see." His voice broke mid-sentence, but reinstated itself at the end. "Yeah, that's what I think as well." A silence fell heavy on the company. Robert didn't intend to let it last long. "Anyhow. How about a pint of ale?" They followed him toward the hall, and searched a table close to the window. "Well, at Stone we still had a bar, now we're in the Hall.", Jaime whispered to Lyanna. "You'll have to get used to it.", she answered, "By the way, just so you know, the hike lasts one day. So, by tomorrow night, we should be in Sky."

Robert returned with four pints of ale, and probably heard the conversation, for he added: "But beware, the mountain clans are out there." Tywin nodded. "We've had a fight with six of them today. They were spying on us, for I think they were waiting for us to fall asleep." "To kill you in your sleep?" Robert took a sip of his pint, and couldn't keep a smile from his face. "Didn't know they were that smart." Tywin excused himself and went to his bedroom. Early night, eh? Or do you want me to befriend the future king?

"How's Ned?", Lyanna asked. "The same as always. Way too stern for his age, way too honourable to be alive." She grinned, for her brother could be summarized with those two words. "Stern and honourable, it means he's alright. But I still love him more than every man alive." Jaime looked up, as if to say she should add something. " Aside from Jaime."

She shielded her mouth at the side of Jaime and whispered to Robert: "If I don't say that I don't get fucked." Robert laughed. "That's what you get from being in a relationship, Lyanna." She softly put her hand on his knee, as if to say it was meant as a jape. "Why have you gone down from the Eyrie, Robert?"

"Well, they have better whores here for one, and I wanted to meet the fabled Lannisters." The atmosphere grew a little darker, as you shouldn't talk about politics when drinking with friends. It was a rather small hall they were in. There were only four rows of tables, placed next to each other and, at one end, there were doors, at the other, there was the table used for when the higher Lords come visit the waycastle. If they were expected.

It wasn't really busy, but Jaime didn't want to stay there for long. "Lyanna, shall we excuse ourselves?" His lover agreed to leave, and they shook hands with Robert. "Till tomorrow?" "If you still live", Robert added jokingly. Why is he so direct?

They shoved their chairs back, and they closed the doors of the hall, leaving Robert there. "Tell me truly, do you like him?", Lyanna asked. "Well, he's very direct, but aside from that, I quite like him." She laughed a little, but then added: "Yeah, he can be a dumb boar, but you'll get used to him." They turned right, and Jaime opened the door of their bedroom. He softly closed the door, and Lyanna undressed herself. She was beautiful when naked, her brown hair, her smaller breasts, but most importantly, her eyes. Her magnificent grey eyes, that just pierce his soul. She removed the blanket, and laid herself on the bed.

Jaime undressed himself as well, and laid himself next to her. Lyanna turned herself, so that she faces him, and put a blanket over the two of them. "I love you, Jaime. I'll remind you every night, for I see how you look at Robert." If only Cer-… Stop it, now it's not a time to think of her. "I'm not jealous, Lyanna." She laughed a little, and kissed him. Her laugh reminded him of all the beauty he had ever experienced in his life.

The warm spring wind that blows through your hair, while you smell the various flowers, from lilac to the various dandelions to the many blossoms from the trees. Oh, how he could dwell in her eyes and just relive all the good moments in his life. Her red lips didn't hide any truths, the deep red almost similar to the scarlet paint which indicates the house of Lannister, his family name. Even her hair, her dark brown hair, reminded of the lovely leaves that are blown away by the autumn wind, and fall on the ground to cover it in a picture, which is inherently chaotic yet has a calming effect on him. Her mere presence enlightened the room, her mere laugh devoured all his worries, and replaced it by a single thought. The thought of gratitude. Gratitude for meeting her, gratitude for having a redemption, even if the crime he committed wasn't truly forgotten.

Maybe I was wrong after all…. That innocence in her, the beauty of her, it shows that not all of us are monsters. But I am. And so is Cersei. For if she wasn't a monster, she hadn't taken advantage of me, projecting me as a male version of her. My crimes shall be covered by a layer of autumn leaves, ready for a soft, cold wind of desperation to blow it away. But until then, it shall be forgotten, but not forgiven, for something like that will never be forgivable. He's going to burn for eternity, his damnation a certainty. But that, the thought of eternal pain, can wait for now. For now, he's got Lyanna, his first, true love.

But somewhere, somewhere deep in the caverns of his heart, there was rising worry. His brother Tyrion, was still in captivity, and the only thing that could save him was getting to the Eyrie as fast as possible. Aerys played a dangerous game, for he tried to trick them into obedience. He would build up the "if's", until they couldn't do anything but be obedient and submissive.

Aftermath: Targaryens:

Aerys II:

"Your grace?" "Your grace!" His eyes slowly opened, only to see an older man standing over him. He had pale, blue eyes, which had a sad look in them. He had a hint of greying hair, but he shook him awake. "Ser Barristan?", he softly mumbled. "Yes, your grace." "Where… where am I?" "Harrenhal, your grace." Suddenly, realization hit. He sat up, and looked next to him.

A corpse was staring at the ceiling. The features that had been so remarkable for his son, were vanishing with the second. The silver hair, became greyer and greyer, while his purple, friendly eyes were turning into a chaotic mess, as if his body fought back against the cold, distant death. "Viserys…", he said, tears suddenly finding his way down his cheek. "VISERYS!" He bowed over him. "No…. No… This can't be true!" He didn't think about what other would say, for he let out a scream, a scream coming out of the deepest trenches of his heart.

Fathers shouldn't bury their sons. He fell back, his back against the wall. His hands found their way through his hair. He closed his eyes, as if it was all a twisted nightmare. But reality didn't care, for it twist and bend multiple times in one's life. Ser Arthur came to him, and whispered in his ear: "I think you should this." He didn't want to come outside, for he wanted to stay with his son. "I want to stay with him, my son." Tears once more formed, but he wiped them away with his handkerchief. He pushed himself on his knees, and put one feet at a time. From where did I deserve this?

He felt strength leaving him, but he was firmly supported by ser Barristan and ser Arthur. A corpse was laying on one of the chairs, its head laying their on the floor, in what seemed like a sea of blood. "What?" Barristan didn't answer. "What has happened?" Still no answer. "I demand to know what happened, ser Barristan." Barristan searched his words, selecting them carefully and one at a time.

"Tyrion brought a letter to your wife. In this letter, he writes that he's responsible for the killing of the prince. Her grace, then, decided to execute him on the spot." He heard the voice of Barristan breaking, for he was quite fond of this dwarfish son of Tywin. "Pull the body away, and burn it. Tywin can not know this happened, for a rebellion will start if it did."

Rationality was clearing up his mind, for he wanted to minimize the consequences. He deserved it. The fucking dwarf deserved it. Let him burn, yesss, let him feel how grieve truly feels. His eyes were on fire, full of rage, hatred and avengement. "What do you want to show me?" A crowd was gathering at the courtyard. They stood there, using torches to view what truly happened. "Let us through!", Barristan shouted.

He pushed some peasants, and searched a way through the scene. When they were finally there, Aerys truly lost it. He fell on his knees, his hands in the mud. He cried, he just cried. His son was hanging there, naked and bloodied by a wound in chest. His neck was broken, for a noose was tied around it. He came closer, and held his feet against his face.

"RHAEGAR!", he didn't believe it. In one night, he had lost both sons. Both sons in one night. Both sons. One night. "TYWIN!", he shouted, but it wasn't all. For the worst still had to come. Oswell Whent was carrying a corpse with him. A corpse, so mutilated that it almost was beyond recognition, but for the golden, blond hair. "Cersei, your grace." How was this possible? He didn't cry, for now his heart was filled with determination.

"Get me us some wood, ser Whent." He nodded, and took several wooden logs which were supplied for the beautiful fire they would've enlightened at the end of the tournament. They brought forth the four corpses. First, Viserys came. A tear formed in his eye, and he kissed him. He pulled the white coat of Barristan over him. "May your rest in peace, my dear son." He carried him on the pile of wood. They deserve heaven and beyond, for their heart was one of the purest I have ever seen.

Then, Rhaegar was carried toward the pit. Rhaella kissed him first, then Aerys did as well. Rhaella was just standing there, in silence and in shock. We can speak of luck she hasn't seen how he hung there. The picture still was too fresh in his memory to talk about. The way he hung there, his head falling to the side, his chest bloodied, and his lungs clearly visible.

Naked, as was Cersei. What had happened in that room, Aerys didn't want to imagine. Yet, the intrusive thoughts did find their way in his mind. The thought of rape and murder, rape and suicide. Would Rhaegar ever rape a woman? It was a question that was burning itself through him, for he knew that Rhaegar presented himself as the "prince that was promised", but would he commit a crime so vile?

But there was something that bothered him even more. Aside from the grieve, the anger, the hatred, a question arose in him. Where's Tywin? He hadn't seen Tywin since the death of Viserys, but he still couldn't find him.

Then, Cersei came forth. They hadn't bothered to put a blanket on her, for she was mutilated beyond recognition. She just laid there, naked and full of scars. "What monster could've done something like that?", Barristan whispered. She was laid between Viserys and Rhaegar. They gave a torch to Aerys.

At last, Tyrion was carried toward the pyre. "No.", Aerys said. "You keep his head in a sack, and sent it to King's Landing. It will be impaled on a spear."

He sighed, seeing the torch burning. It was eating the wood, dancing careful but deadly on the stick. Slowly but surely, he stepped toward the wooden structure. He turned around and said: "I loved them. Viserys and Rhaegar, they were special. They were part of me, of you, of us all. We loved them, then, we love them now, and we'll love them forever. Yet, I have to make one thing very clear. If any of you here present, dare to think of usurping my throne, you'll face the same fate as Tyrion. Your head shall be mine, your lands shall be mine, your soul shall burn for eternity. BURN!", he threw the torch in the wooden structure, and it enlightened easily.

The flames searched their way, ever higher, the cracking of the branches getting louder and louder. Aerys fell on his knees, and cried a little. I should show strength. I am the king. They shall obey AND I will be their God. They need to fear me. The more afraid, the less rebellious they get. He stepped up, leaving the pyre, and deciding to avenge the death of Viserys and Rhaegar. Rhaella was still staring at the fire, motionless and wordless. "Come with me.", he gently held her wrist and they went back inside.

Ser Barristan and ser Whent followed them into their bedroom. Aerys enlightened a candle, the soft flame destroying the wax, the smell ever so pleasing. He placed his finger above the flame, letting it kiss and dance around it. Viserys, Rhaegar, I shall avenge you. A paper was brought before him, and he ordered Grandmaester Pycelle to come in his room.

"Exactly write down what I said.", Aerys said. "I, Aerys the second, declare hereby that ser Jaime Lannister, son of Tywin Lannister, and ser Tywin Lannister, son of Tytos Lannister are outlawed." He sighed, he just outlawed his own Hand. How events sometimes are up to change. Yet, a lurking sense of insecurity still fell on his shoulders. It increased with the day, the sun shone brighter than prior, the wind blew harsher, the piercing sound of the doors opening getting higher, irritating him beyond limits, the mere touch of Rhaella once in a week even got worse, for it felt as if an earthquake hit his precious, thin skin. His head hurt, his world turning left and right, sometimes even on its head.

He held his head before him, as if to indicate Barristan should shut his mouth. He should shut his fucking mouth. Strongly and firmly, he held the oaken side of the table. He softly touched his forehead, for it helped against the sudden but strong headaches. He fell almost backward, his grip on the table stopping him from touching the ground. All the colours that show the beauty in everything, were sucked out by some supernatural force, resulting in only black and white vision. What is happening? Am I going crazy?

Suddenly, Barristan and Rhaella vanished. He sat on his bed, in his nightgown, and was looking at the scarlet tent. "Hello?", he whispered. A sleepy Rhaella touched his shoulder. He jumped, falling out of his bed. His wife immediately got out of her bed, and knelt before him. "Everything all right?", she asked in her sweet voice, "No… I." Again, the scenery switched, he was sitting alone, on the toilet. He tried to stand up, but his strength failed him.

He fell harsh against the door, when ser Barristan opened the door. There, he lay. A once proud king, laying on the floor with his pants to his ankles, staring at the leader of the Kingsguard. "Where am I, Barristan?", he asked, searching with his hands a way to stand. "Wait, wait." His guard helped him stand, placing his hands underneath his shoulders. Ser Barristan helped to put on his pants, and supported him. "Where, where am I?" "You're at King's Landing, your grace." Shock almost shot in his eyes. But, but I was in Harrenhal? Or wasn't I? "Come on, your grace, you need to return to the Iron Throne. Brandon Stark requests an audience with you." "Who?" "Brandon Stark, asking about Tyrion Lann-…"

Where, where am I? He was riding through the woods, with Viserys at his side. "Viserys!", he said, almost wanting to jump off his horse to hug him. "How're you?" His son looked at him, puzzled and trying to find the reason he asked it. "I'm fine? We were talking about the Tournament, remember? About the fight of Barristan and Sandor?" No, no, let's not go there. He turned his horse, and shouted: "We're going back! No fucking tournament for us."

Viserys followed him, until he fell. Falling, not usual falling onto something, but falling into. He, to be more specific, fell through his horse. The cold almost got to him, but the adrenaline was running through his veins. He felt the hard ground against his face, and he tried to stand up once more. Strength failed him, but a firm hand held him upright. Was I standing, or was I laying?

He was walking toward a very familiar, large door, which led to the Iron Throne. "Is this the audience for Brandon?" "You've asked this several times before,", Barristan answered, ", you're sure you're all right?" It was your job to protect me, not to be my nurse! "Yeah, yeah. Open the bloody door now."

The knight obeyed, and opened the door in front of him. He put one foot, very careful, over the porch. But something was off, his bare feet were touching grass, the room was an open field with several trees standing there. At the right side of him, a younger Rhaella stood. What? How's that possible? "I… I" His wife grinned, and whispered: "I know. Me too."

She softly kissed him, and they continued to walk, with people sitting on several benches, which were set in two rows. One left of the couple, on right. The bells were sounding, and, when he turned around, he saw a squat man, who was ponderously fat with grey hair, standing behind them. The fat one… The High Septon. When they reached the end of the aisle, the two heavy gates were opened, to show a large crowd split in two groups. One left, one right. They were cheering for the newly-wed couple, and threw flowers at them.

The flowers, such beautiful flowers, he caught one with his right hand, but saw a deep cut forming. Blood slowly dripped from the wound, and he held his finger on it. He sat there, on his Iron Throne, while Brandon Stark was kneeling before it. The Stark stood up, and declared in a loud voice: "We demand the release of Tyrion Lanni-"

There, his father was sitting at the head of the table. They were watching how the pig was being roasted at the fire. "Have I ever told you the story of Aegon the Conqueror, and the Field of Fire?" "No, you haven't." He knew this was a lie, for his father had told it many times, but he loved the story way too much.

"It all began with the resistance that the king of the Reach, Mern Gardener, and the king of Casterly Rock, Loren Lannister, presented. Aegon wouldn't have it, and they faced off on a field somewhere in the North of the Reach. There, the Lannisters and the Gardeners had gathered a force of almost 60.000 men, while the Targaryens only had one of 10.000 men. But you know what their only advantage was?" "They had dragons?", Aerys asked, but he knew the answer already. Of course they had, they had three in fact: Balerion, the big black dread, Meraxes and, of course, Vhagar.

"Yeah, even one of my grandfathers had one. But their size decreased while our power increased. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, so they were facing off, just think of it, sixty thousand men standing in rows of five hundred, and you have to fight it with a force six times smaller. And you know what Aegon said to the lords?" Aerys nodded, for he exactly knew what he had said: "I deny all your demands, for you killed my two sons, Viserys and Rhaegar." "Exactly, now, they had three dragons, and as such, Aegon knew he had an advantage. He said-"

He knew this part best, for this was the part he found personally interesting. This phrase would mean the difference between victory and defeat, between death and life. "Burn them all. Burn them at the stake." "Good boy, Aerys. You're such a good boy."

THE END