-High Garden-

-3 Months since the start of Journey-

-Kerith's Pov-

The sun was high in the sky as our group gathered in the open field, surrounded by eager spectators.

" Alright people, it is time for a spectacle, a showcase of our specialties for a very special place."

I stood at the center, surrounded by my companions and our warg animals, each one ready to impress the crowd with their feats. Simba, the majestic liger, paced beside me, keeping control of the beats in line just with his presence.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Travelling Travellers' Circus!" I announced, my voice ringing out across the field. "Today, we have a special treat for you all, as our talented animals will demonstrate their remarkable abilities! Let me tell you, people this is a never before seen show."

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as I gestured for the first act to begin. Garmond stepped forward with his warg partner, Red Hawk, a magnificent bird of prey with keen eyesight and remarkable agility.

"Watch closely as Red Hawk takes flight!" I exclaimed, my excitement evident in my voice. With a sharp whistle from Garmond, Red Hawk spread its wings and launched into the sky, a magnificent display of power and grace.

The Hawk caught every fruit thrown at into the sky by Kong, Walder's Gorilla, who perhaps is the only non Warg animal of the group.

As the crowd watched in awe, Garmond swiftly notched an arrow onto his bow, his eyes locked on Red Hawk as it soared higher and higher.

Within a split second a series of events happened, the 3 Metered bird in a swirling movement released all the fruits it held.

With practiced precision, Garmond aimed for the ripe fruits suspended in the air.

With a steady hand and unwavering focus, Garmond released the arrow, sending it sailing through the air with incredible speed. The crowd held their breath as the arrow flew true, striking the fruits with pinpoint accuracy.

As the fruits burst apart, Red Hawk executed a series of rapid maneuvers, diving and twisting through the air with unmatched agility.

With lightning-fast reflexes, the bird caught the pieces of fruit as they fell, snatching them from the air with precision. Showing just how different the animals of Westeros are compared to the Earth.

In a seamless display of teamwork, Red Hawk delivered the pieces of fruit to various members of the crowd, each one receiving a delicious reward for their patronage.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, at display of skill. A skill that me jealous of the rapid skill gain for Garmond. Luckily, he was always fit enough under my commands and when he bonded with Hawk he soared in combat rather easily.

Next, it was the Blein's turn to showcase his Warg partner, Shadow, a sleek panther with stealth and agility unmatched by any other.

"Behold the agility of Shadow!" I called out.

Shadow leaped and bounded across the field, effortlessly navigating amidst the audience.

-Castle HighGarden-

I walked forward, flanked by Walder and Smallfoot, with Simba at my side, into the most magnificent castle I had ever laid eyes on. Marbled floors stretched out before us, intricately carved with designs that seemed to flow seamlessly from one room to the next. Even the smallest details, like the candle holders and door knobs, boasted exquisite craftsmanship. I couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding me, knowing that even the furniture here likely surpassed all the wealth I had accumulated.

As we made our way through the castle, we were announced into the court, a routine that had become increasingly frequent as the reputation of our group grew.

Stepping into the lavish surroundings of the Court of the Roses, I cast my gaze upon Lord Martyn Tyrell, the former Master of Coin. He sat upon his throne; his body is marked by the weariness of age.

Kneeling before him, I offered my greetings. "My Lord Tyrell, it is an honor to be in your presence."

Lord Tyrell regarded me with a curious gaze, his tired eyes showing a hint of interest. "Ah, young Kerith," he said, his voice carrying a sharp edge. "The youngest Ser in Westeros. You must have been the talk of every court across Westeros by now."

I politely chuckled and replied, "It has been due to hard work, opportunity, and a bit of luck, Lord Tyrell."

With a voice that, while old, still retained its sharp edge reverbated in the court cutting of it's Lord.

I can use my brain to know that this was the true brains of Highgarden- Lady Florence.

A women acknowledged to be the true Master of coin for King Jaehaerys and also the one who made his Kingsroad become a reality. In this misogynist society having that kind of reputation is nothing short of amazing

"Some might say, such remark about luck to be a mummer's humility. Your retainer's identity says a lot of things regarding you. You see, Ser, your retainers seem to be composed with all kinds of men, from performers to even poor victims of violence, and not to forget the flesh-eating creatures."

She gave a pointed look at Simba, emphasizing her point -"Such peculiar choices, some even believe you want to chase the old Warg stories."

I laughed at said, "It might seem fierce but my friend is a friendly guy. A liger, the peculiar peace carnivore. This was certified by the centuries study of Sealord's Menagerie. Interacting with him, led me to a thought of training other animals, just like the Wolfhounds and Horses."

Lady florence nodded at that," Yes, perhaps. But it seems to show that you consider yourself a entertainer and gold hungry Merchant."

I expected this. My actions like a travelling hedge knight despite their being no need for it, could be seen as me disregarding the traditions and norms of the nobility.

"Yes, my Lady. I agree with that," I replied. "I try to encompass not just the mind of a Maester, the might of a knight, but also the life of the world in its wholeness. Even the animals are included in that. Perhaps for that reason, my retainers are so varied. "

As murmurs grew at that since I have not really given an answer to her question. One thing I realized about such questions is answering them is a trap. Answering no means, I am lying to her. Answering yes, means I will be seen as nothing more than a money seeking upstart.

So, I used a core skill of any leader/Politician, total deflection in the form of answer that is acceptable.

I gave a smile and showed her my ridiculously long Maester chain, which, if fully unfolded, could reach her.

"I guess I am a greedy man, wanting everything this world has to offer.", with my head held high, I continued, "Let me show it to you with an example. Of course, if you find it in yourself to give me some time."

With just a nod from her, the court became silent, eager to observe what I had to show them.

I smiled and with a clink of my fingers, Walder and Smallfoot set up a 10-meter canvas. I took the supplies handed to me and got started. I started to draw with the assistance of the AI

. Simba, to his irritation, became my self-adjusting foot stand.

[Blend the colors with more blue and oil seamlessly to depict the transition from the vibrant hues of Oldtown to the rugged terrain of the Red Mountains]

The AI suggested, guiding my hand as I painted the landscape.

"My life started within Oldtown, with all its hallmarks," I explained, sketching out the familiar landmarks with precision-Orphanage, Citadel, Seven Sept, High Tower, The tourney melee.

Then the map of the rest of my journey - the beautiful flow of Honeywine rivers, the majestic Red Mountains, the various towns and villages I visited.

As I continued to work, the AI offered suggestions for commanding the movements of my hand, ensuring each stroke captured the essence of the places I had traveled.

[Use more broad, sweeping strokes to depict the vastness of the landscapes, and intricate details to highlight the landmarks and landmarks]

"Hey!, Isn't this the young man there?"

"Yes, it is though it is drawn too small compared to the overall image."

I drew each member of my group, adding in the their figures at significant points along the journey.

"I meet Smallfoot in the orphanage in Oldtown, Walder at the Citadel and this art signifies me finding them in my life. My earliest memories which are the most precious to me, now."

I could hear some whispers from the crowd recognizing the lifelike drawing of them. I smiled at the recognition my companions received.

I took the trouble of using special dotted lines to show the Titan of Braavos and shown Simba and his pride. More pointed fingers came to my partner at that point.

With each stroke of the brush, the canvas came to life, capturing the essence of my journey and the companions who had shared it with me -Captain Breken, Sailor Geric etc.

[Emphasize the contrast between the bustling city life and the tranquil beauty of nature]

Soon it ended with Highgarden, adding the final touches to the scene.

With the current scene depicting Lady Florence questioning about my choices, reflecting my past to the present.

Lady Florence seeing the drawing just lifted a eyebrow and answered, "I commend you that the painting looks good, even better than most painters but my court painters could draw even better."

"Yes, they may, my lady," I replied, "but they will never progress beyond that."

With a subtle gesture, I caught the edge of the tall canvas, and Simba leaped to the left. The canvas flipped itself, revealing another painting on the back, eliciting gasps from everyone present.

This new painting depicted two couples side by side against a backdrop of roses, representing the present Lord and Lady. Each figure was accompanied by a caption:

Lord Martyn Tyrell - "An ideal leader who knows how to employ the right person for the right task, a task that has proven impossible for most men in history, including High Septons and Kings, due to their misplaced pride."

Lady Florence - "A role model for all women, balancing both her role as a woman and her duties as Lady of the Reach, with her talent and wit."

The court fell silent as they took in the profound message conveyed by the painting, acknowledging the wisdom and insight captured within its strokes.

I then addressed the shocked couple, "Perhaps I may be unorthodox in seeking things beyond my scope. But, my lady, such is the nature of mankind - always wanting more. Which smallfolk doesn't desire wealth? Which man, no matter his position, doesn't yearn for the might of knighthood? Which person doesn't aspire to the wisdom of a Maester or the voice of a Bard? I am a greedy man, wanting them all.

But, to my fortune, I was blessed with talents that can make them true. Yes, I am peculiar. In fact, I am an arrogant man who aims to achieve the impossible, to learn and acquire every skill this world has to offer. Then surpass it with innovation, just like this. I may not be as skilled as your court painter, but I am sure he could never achieve this without my journey, experiences, and the heart to strive for it."

I waited in silence, wondering if I had gone too far with my words. To my surprise, the lady and lord rose to their feet and started clapping, leading to a thunderous applause from the entire court. Hopefully, this incident would soothe the stepped-on toes of the nobility.

The issue had shifted from me stepping on traditions, to me being viewed as an arrogant, greedy man but talented too - an acceptable trait among the nobility.
-

Author's note : I Hope, no art student is offended from this. This is more of an attempt from me, trying to depict Kerith's explanation to the wide nobility.

Listen my dear readers, I literally type 2000 words over a day and then correct the numerous grammer mistakes with chatgpt. There are grammer mistakes since english is not my native language. So, I am sorry if you suddenly expect me to increase my writing level overnight and not use chatgpt for correcting grammer.