Kings Landing: 284 AC: 3 Moons Later:
Jamie sat alone in the White Sword Tower, reading the pages of the White Book. Ever since Robert named him as Lord Commander, he had spent most of his time in the tower. He couldn't stand to be in Roberts presence ever since he had took his sister as his wife, and he equally hated every time he was made to stand guard outside his chambers every time he 'claimed his rights' as a husband. At the start of their marriage, Cersei was infatuated with Robert, like all the girls of her age were. Of course, he understood why. The man looked as if the Warrior had come again with his huge, muscular build and heavy black beard. Still, the man was a cunt in Jamie's eyes.
As he read through the pages, he looked at all the great names that had come before him and all their great deeds that had now been resigned to legend. Aemon the Dragonknight, Ser Ryam Redwyne, Barristan the Bold and Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. He felt himself unworthy to be in the same position that all these great men were. Obviously, he knew he was a good swordsman but aside from that, he wondered if he truly lived up to what being a Kingsguard meant. Not that it meant much anymore, as the Kingsguard had been stacked with lesser men who were unworthy of the White Cloak. Meryn Trant, Boros Blount, Preston Greenfield. These were just some of the men who had filled the waning ranks of Kingsguard. Cersei had just much say as anyone when it came to choosing the knights, and Jamie often felt that she chose them because they were loyal to her, rather than for their skill as a warrior.
He knew that the men who he used to serve with are still alive, and Jamie often fantasized about leaving this gods forsaken city and looking for them. After spending time, listening to Roberts drunken ramblings about Arthur and how he killed Ned Stark, he picked up on the fact that Robert often spoke about Rapespawn and Dragonspawn. He knew Rhaegar would never rape Lyanna as that was not who he was, and the more he thought about it the less likely it seemed that was the case. When thinking of Rhaegar, his thoughts turned to what he last said to him before he left for the Trident, when Jamie begged him to take him with him, and not leave him in Kings Landing with the Mad King.
"I know your upset, Jamie, but when I return, things here will change for the better, but I need you here to do your duty to my family. I need you here to protect Elia and our children, you're the only one I trust with this. Protect them from the madness of my father, please Jamie."
The words cut deep into Jamie. He had failed Rhaegar, and his family. When his father presented the bodies of the children to Robert, he could hardly stand to look at them. How he wished he could kill both The Mountain and Amory Lorch, and if he could not defend Aegon and Rhaenys, he could at least avenge them. He wondered what Arthur and Barristan would think of him then, if he could kill them and tell his exiles brothers that he avenged Aegon and Rhaenys. If he did, he thought they may forgive him for killing Aerys, though he himself had no issues with what he did, as he knew the truth of it. The name 'Kingslayer' would be a difficult stain to wash out, though, and he wondered if Robert had named him so to shame him. He would happily become a Kingslayer again if Robert continued to push his luck.
As he sat reading the book, a knock at the door was heard, and entered his beautiful sister, Cersei. "I wondered where you might be, brother." She smiled, sitting across from him.
"Where else would I be, Cersei." Jamie bluntly replied, closing the White Book and rubbing his eyes. Over the last moons, he felt himself becoming more and more distant to Cersei, as they have not felt each others touch for the longest of times. Jamie was beginning to wonder if he truly missed it or not, and he was beginning to have doubts about their difficult relationship.
"You seem very pent up, Jamie, what is the matter?" She questioned, standing up and placing her arms around his shoulders.
Jamie shook her hands from him. "Nothing. I was simply lost in thought."
Cersei's eyes narrowed at her brothers rebuke of her advances. "Lost in thought? Thinking about Arthur and rolling around in the Essosi dust with him? Or were you thinking about Robert and how he beds me?"
Jamie forgot that he has had this conversation before with his malevolent sister, and there was nothing that she did not know about him. "Enough, Cersei. What do you want?" Jamie gritted, his green eyes watching Cersei's every move.
"I just wanted to see you, my love, is that a crime?" She grinned, lifting her skirt and sitting in Jamie's lap.
Jamie pushed her away from him and stood up. "We cannot do this anymore, Cersei. You're married and should Robert find-"
"Fuck Robert. I care not what he thinks, and neither should you." She interrupted, the disgust clear on her face at her brothers words.
"Its not just that. Its wrong, Cersei."
"Wrong? The Targaryens wed brother and sister for centuries, what we do-"
Thoughts of Rhaegar returned to Jamie at the hearing of his sisters words. "We're not Targaryens, Cersei!" He shouted. "I cannot continue like this."
Tears began to well in Cersei's eyes. "What are you saying? That you don't love me?"
"I do, just not like that, not anymore." Jamie sighed, his hands pressed against the table.
"Why?" Cersei asked, the tears flowing freely.
At that moment, Jamie had made his mind up. "Because, there is something I must do. An oath I must uphold."
"An oath? You fool, Jamie. You think you can just run off and find Arthur? You think that if you find him, you'll be living a Knights dream of hunting and riding and fighting?" She spat.
"No." He replied, as he began to fasten his sword around his waist.
"And what of father? What do you think he will do when he finds out his golden boy has ran off?" Cersei blustered, her eyes red with tears.
"I care not what father thinks, ever since that day..." He trailed off, before shaking his head. "I am decided, Cersei. Tell father whatever you want, tell Robert whatever you want, I care not."
"I cannot believe you'd throw all of this away, all we had." She screamed, sitting down and throwing her head in her hands.
Jamie stiffened at his sisters hysteria. "We had nothing, Cersei." He replied, before walking out of the room.
"Jamie! Jamie!" She screamed at him, as he walked down the White Sword Towers stairs.
As he walked, he knew that his words had hurt his sister and he did not truly mean them, but he felt that was the only way for her to let him go, to feel as though that he never loved her as she loved him. A tear fell from his eye before he steeled himself for what he must now do. His father would send men after him, as would Robert, and he wondered who would get to him first, seeing as his sister would be unlikely to keep her mouth shut. Although he did not tell her exactly where he was going, it was painfully obvious that she knew.
Arriving at his chambers, he began to remove his polished Kingsguard armor and white cloak. He felt unworthy of it anyway and so had no issues in doing so, and he folded the cloak neatly and lay it upon his bed. He changed into some dark leathers and threw over his shoulders, a fine dark cloak. He grabbed a coinpurse from his dresser and tied his sword back around his waist. Leaving his chambers, Jamie walked through the Red Keep, past Baratheon and Lannister guards who all eyed him curiously. Of course, they all recognized who he was, and not wearing the Kingsguard armour did nothing to hide it. He did not care.
Arriving at the stables after some time, he mounted his white steed and made his way for Kings Landing docks. He hoped to find any vessel that would be sailing for Essos, but as it rode it occurred to him that he had no idea where in Essos, Arthur was. He could be anywhere, from Braavos to Lys, Jamie thought. Though, they must be somewhere on the coast, as it would serve them no good to be further inland unless they have gone into deeper hiding. He found his way to the docks, and dismounted his horse. He walked from ship to ship asking anyone if they knew of anyone who may be sailing to Essos.
Happily, he found a merchant who would be sailing to Myr, and will take extra passengers for the right amount, but before he could board the ship, he was approached by a pair of Gold Cloaks.
"Ser Jamie!" One of the watchmen yelled, jogging to him.
Jamie silently cursed under his breath, before turning to the insignificant guards. "Ah, the mighty City Watch. What can I do for you?"
"We have orders from the King, to bring you back."
Jamie scoffed in disbelief. How his sister had betrayed him and told Robert that quickly, was beyond him. Even more beyond him was how the City Watch had managed to find him so quickly. "Is that so? Jamie chuckled, his thoughts turning to having to kill these two men in front of him.
"It is, Ser. I beseech you to come with us, in peace."
"In peace." Jamie thought. "I think not." Suddenly, Jamie drew his sword, as everyone around the stood still, their eyes drawn on the three men who now stood across from each other.
"Please, Ser Jamie, we want no trouble." One of the gold cloaks pleaded, as they both unsheathed their own swords slowly.
"Then I suggest you let me get on my way, and pretend you never saw me."
"Robert will have our heads if we let-"
"Either I will kill you or Robert will so make you choice." Jamie spat.
"For fuck sake. Fine. Go on your way. We never saw you." The watchman sighed, sheathing his sword and turning away. "Come, Ardrian." He mumbled to the other Gold Cloak who followed him.
Watching them walk away, Jamie sheathed his sword and walked on the ship. He tossed ten gold dragons to the merchant who looked at him disbelief. "Get this ship moving now." Ordered Jamie as he sat on a box on the deck. The merchant happily complied, and soon enough they were under way. Jamie sat back, and watched the docks become further and further away. He was unsure if what he had done was truly the right thing, but there was no going back now. However, whether this was the right choice or not, it was a way to at least gain his honor back. Something he had been missing for the longest of times.
Dorne: 284 AC: 2 Days Later:
Doran and his brother, Oberyn, sat together rereading the letter that had been sent to them. Presumably, the same letter that had been sent to every house of the Realm. Jamie Lannister was now an outlaw and had been stripped of all ranks and titles by Robert. The letter never outlined clearly why this was, the only reason given was that he supported 'foreign powers'. Doran and Oberyn went back and forth with guesses as to what these foreign powers might be, but it was painfully obvious to anyone with a brain that it was the remining Targaryens. Oberyn often jested, that the Stag King was already losing support for his rule, seeing as now the greatest knights of the Realm now rallied around what was left of the Targaryens.
"You think he's to support Viserys?" Oberyn asked, sipping his wine.
"Who else? The Realm would not accept Rhaella, and I do not think we are ready for a Queen just yet." Doran surmised.
A small silence drew between the brothers before Oberyn huffed in amusement. "I wonder if Viserys would even accept Jamie Lannister into his service, the man killed his father after all."
"He did, but it is not Viserys we must wonder about. It is Arthur Dayne and Barristan Selmy. Would they so easily take in their fallen brother? I wager not, Oberyn."
"Even so, brother, this presents us with an opportunity. An opportunity for vengeance and justice."
"I have been planning for that ever since Elia was murdered by that fucking monster, Clegane and his master Tywin Lannister." Doran spat. "We need time, Oberyn, but I feel as though I know where to start."
"Where?"
"We must go to Essos and find Viserys, his mother, and all those famed knights. We can strike some kind of deal with them...perhaps a marriage."
"You wish to wed Arianne to Viserys?"
"I do."
Oberyn mused on what his brother had suggested before suggesting. "I can go to Essos, Doran. I know that place better than anyone, and I can find the young dragon for you."
"Very well, Oberyn. Let me write something a moment."
Oberyn watched his brother write almost excitedly, and after a while he handed the letter to Oberyn who read it with earnest.
Prince Viserys Targaryen,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirts. I have sent my brother to find you and your mother, to come to offer a deal and broker an arrangement between our two great houses. I understand that you are the rightful King after your Rhaegar's death on the Trident and I come to offer you my support.
My support comes in way of a marriage proposal. I offer you my daughters hand in marriage, and should you accept, I offer you my armies to support your cause and return you to your rightful place upon the Iron Throne.
Regards, Prince Doran Martell.
Oberyn finished reading and handed the letter back to his brother with a smirk on his face. "Good enough, brother. I will leave on the morrow and set sail for Essos."
Doran nodded and began to seal the letter with the sun and spear of his house, before looking up towards Oberyn. "We will have to be smart about this, Oberyn, much smarter than we were when Robert rebelled." The pain of the memory was still fresh in Doran's mind. Although, he was disgusted with the way Rhaegar had treated Elia by spiriting away with some Northern whore, he let his anger get in the way of his judgement. Had he known what was to become of Elia and her children, he would have sent all of Dorne to war and not just ten thousand spearmen.
"I agree, and we cannot be the only ones to support Viserys. We alone cannot stand against the rest of the Realm."
"I understand. I will do my best to find out who we can call on for support, perhaps I can arrange for Quentyn to be wed to sow support from another house."
"I understand that the fat flower, Mace Tyrell, has just been granted a daughter. Margaery, I believe her name was." Oberyn wondered, as he sat back in his chair and put his feet upon the table. He held no love for the Tyrells, but considering their past allegiances with the Targaryens, he felt that they would be the most likely to support them.
"Maybe...I will need time to think on it, but you go to Essos in the mean while. See what this young dragon has to say, and we shall act when you return, Oberyn."
Oberyn nodded at his brother, before they both stood up and hugged each other. "We will see her avenged, brother. I mean it." Doran whispered in Oberyn's ear, as his he hugged Doran tighter in response.
That night, Oberyn had a private dinner with three of his four daughters and his lover, Ellaria Sand Oberyn had his youngest daughter, Sarella, put to bed early, as he felt she was too young to understand what he planned to talk to them about. Oberyn planned to tell them of his leaving for Essos during the dinner, but Ellaria knew he had some news to share just by the way he looked at her. Oberyn had been eyeing his lover more and more often. Of course, his eyes were always drawn to her beauty and long dark hair, but now they were drawn to her enlarged belly which bore his child. As they sat across from each other, Ellaria looked at Oberyn with concern before leaning towards him and whispering. "What is the matter, my love?"
Oberyn sighed, as he took Ellaria's hand in his own. "Children! I have some news I wish to share with you all." He announced, standing up.
All three of his children stopped with their idle chatter and turned their full attention to their father, who now stood before them. "What is it, farther?" The eldest of them, Obara asked.
"I will be leaving you all tomorrow, to travel to Essos for a task your Uncle has given me."
Ellaria shifted uncomfortably at his words, as she knew what his was meaning to do and who he was meaning to seek out. Although she held no love for Robert or his rule, and she detested the deplorable actions of Tywin Lannister and his dogs, she hated that Oberyn's lust for revenge often put him in harms way. "Where in Essos?" She inquired, her dark eyes looking Oberyn up and down.
"I have a ship ready to set sail for Pentos on the morrow. From their I will set out to search for an old friend." Oberyn spoke, deciding it was best for his family not to know the whole truth, though Ellaria could see he was not being wholly truthful with them.
A look of sadness appeared on the faces of his children, who were ever fond of their father, before Obara spoke up for them all. "How long will you be gone for?"
"I do not know, my sweet child, but I should not be gone for long. Perhaps a moon or two at most."
"Who is this 'old friend', Oberyn?" Ellaria interjected.
"It is not your concern yet, my love." Oberyn sighed. He hated having to lie to his family, but he wanted to ensure their safety should anything go wrong, as what they did not know could not hurt them.
"I see." She relented.
Oberyn nodded and sat back down. As the dinner progressed, he refused to comment anymore on his travels, to the annoyance of his children. Finishing their dinner, Oberyn had his children sent to their beds, as he and Ellaria made their own way to their chambers together. That night, their love making was not as vigorous as it could have been due to Oberyn's caution around Ellaria's pregnancy. Still, they made it as passionate as they could, as if they were not going to see each other for the next year.
The next morning, Oberyn made his way to the Sunspear docks with Ellaria, finding his four children already their waiting for him with his brother, Doran. Obara held the young girl, Sarella, in her arms. Beside them stood her younger sisters, Nymeria and Tyene, the latter's bright blonde hair standing out amongst them all. Beside her, stood Princess Arianne, the jewel in Doran's crown. Although only she was only eight name-days old, she was fast becoming just as cunning as her father was and picked up many of his tricks. Oberyn was surprised to see them all standing there waiting for him, and speculated Ellaria must have planned for it without his knowing.
Oberyn approached them all with a somber smile across his face, as the sun gleamed off of his light copper armor and struck his lustrous black hair. "Arianne! I had not expected to see you here." He gleamed, as he knelt down and hugged his young cousin.
"My father sent for me from the water gardens last night, Uncle. I did not want you to go without me seeing you first." Arianne sniffed, suppressing the tears that dwelled below.
"I am happy you came, don't be upset that I am leaving too, Arianne. I shall not be gone too long." Oberyn smiled, wiping the single tear that fell from her eye. He turned to Obara and Tyene, hugging them both with earnest, before he placed a kiss on Sarella's cheek. Finally, he faced Ellaria and kissed her as deeply as he could without disregarding propriety. All the while, his hand rested gently on her belly, and he hoped that he would be back in Dorne for the day of his child's birth. Pulling away from Ellaria, he stood in front of his elder brother, who held a small smirk on his face. Before words, they embraced each other as only brothers could.
"I will see you when you return, Oberyn. Bring home good news, yes?" Doran whispered in his brothers ear.
"I will brother, I will bring you what your heart desires. Fire and Blood." Oberyn whispered back.
Doran smiled and released Oberyn from his embrace and watched as he boarded his ship. The deep orange sails were quickly untied and let down as soon as Oberyn was on board, and Doran comforted his brothers children as they watched the ship slowly sail away. In the back of his mind though, Doran was already beginning to hatch his plans, but it all hinged on Oberyn's success with Viserys. However, should he not be successful, he would come up with contingences, as he always did. For nothing will stop him from avenging the death of Elia and her children, and he would see the Old Lion's head on spike by the end of it all.
Pentos: 284 AC: 1 Day Later:
"Again, Viserys." Arthur barked, as the sword fell from Viserys young hands. The past moon, Arthur had begun to teach Viserys the ways of the sword. How to hold one, how to parry and where to kill a man. Rhaella initially protested, until all the knights in her servicer convinced her otherwise, and that it would do well to help him grow as a man. Now, she watched her sons training sessions with earnest, her violet eyes never leaving her son as he trained. Around them, Targaryen guards watched on, as did Illyrio from the balcony above.
"Perhaps, it would be better if-" Barristan spoke.
"No. Carry on, Barristan." Arthur interrupted, his frustration beginning to appear, as they have spent hours in the gardens attempting to teach Viserys.
A disappointed look dawned across Barristan's face as he turned towards the weary Viserys, whose face beaded with sweat and exhaustion. "Pick up your sword, lad." Barristan encouraged, as Viserys slowly picked up his sword and held it out towards Barristan.
"Now, Viserys. You must stand firm and hold your sword firmly with both of your hands. You must remember, that the people you will fight will mean to kill you, Viserys. Look I'll show you, again." Arthur instructed, as he stood beside Viserys and had him copy his movements. "Good, Viserys. Now, Barristan, if you would begin."
Arthur moved to stand beside the sitting Rhaella, who had the now one name-day old Aemon, sitting in her lap. "Do you not think you're being a bit harsh on him, Arthur?" She mumbled, as she watched Viserys and Barristan clash their swords.
"He must learn, Rhaella. Better to drill it into him now, than when he is older." Arthur replied. "Our enemies are many, and he must be ready to defend himself and his family should we not be able to."
Rhaella shifted uncomfortably at his words. She hated to think what would happen to them should Arthur and her knights not be here to protect them. She turned her attention back towards her son and Barristan, who were parrying each others attacks with their training swords. She knew Barristan was not trying his hardest, but the point wasn't to beat Viserys, but rather to teach him the essential movements.
"Good, Viserys, you're doing well. Keep your feet steady, do not lose your balance." Arthur advised, his arms folded across his black cloth garment.
The swords clashed again, as Viserys followed his teachers advice and with a few movements more, he disarmed Barristan and held his sword to his neck. Barristan stood back with his arms held out to his sides. A small smile appeared on his face, as the same happened with Viserys. "Well done, Viserys." Barristan smirked, lowering his arms.
"Look Aemon, look at what your brother has done." Rhaella smiled, as Aemon giggled lightly.
"Very good, Viserys. Go refresh yourself, we will continue this on the morrow." Arthur sighed, running his hand through his hair. "Barristan, come to me." He grinned, as Viserys wandered off to find water to wash his face with.
Barristan made his way over to Arthur and stood in front of him, a satisfied look appearing on the old knights face. "Yes, Arthur?" He asked.
"Did you let him win?"
"Perhaps...Look, he needs the confidence, Arthur. If you have me beat him all the time, he will lose hope and will start believing he won't get any better."
Arthur drew a deep breath in and out, struggling to find fault in Barristan's assessment. "Fine...fine...Perhaps we need to find him someone with less skill than yourself. Maybe we can have Willem or Richard spar with him tomorrow, to see if he has learned anything this past moon."
"I think he has improved, Sers. He is much better than he was a month ago, and you must remember he is only nine name-days old." Rhaella clarified.
Arthur grunted in amusement. "Do you remember how good you were at nine name-days old, Barristan?"
"I was better than you, Arthur." Barristan chuckled.
"You're not better than me now, old man." Arthur jested, rubbing the back of his head.
"How about a contest, Sers? Barristan the Bold against Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. I am sure many have wondered how such a bout would turn out." Rhaella suggested, as she played with Aemon's short black hair.
"How about it, Barristan? You think you can beat me?" Arthur smirked.
"I think I can give it a go. You will be using Dawn?" Barristan asked, nodding at the greatsword on Arthurs back.
"I don't want to make it too easy on you."
"Very well, lets get to it." Barristan sighed, walking to the middle of the training space, and drawing his sword.
Arthur followed him, and stood opposite him. They hadn't noticed, but Viserys had returned, and stood at the back of the gardens where they were training. He watched in amazement as Arthur unsheathed Dawn from his back, the blade catching the suns light as it always did. Illyrio sat above them all, and watched on with eager eyes. He imagined that people would pay vast amounts of money to see these two knights fight one another, and he chuckled at the fact he was getting to see it for free. Almost for free.
"Look, Aemon. Who do you think will win?" Rhaella whispered in the ears of the child in her lap, who giggled in reply. Rhaella smiled, and looked up to the two knights before her, who stood waiting for her leave to begin. "Only to a yield, Sers. I don't want either of you to hurt one another, if you can help it. Now please, begin."
Both men nodded at each other at Rhaella's command, before they began to slowly circle one another. Barristan was the first to launch a stab at Arthurs belly, but he easily parried it away and attempted a downward strike aimed at Barristan's neck. Barristan quickly moved to one side and Dawn crashed against the stone beneath them. The old knight then tried another stab towards Arthurs neck but he caught his blade with Dawn, and used his strength to lift it out of Barristan's iron grip, before finally pointing Dawn at his neck. Viserys stood with his mouth agape and his eyes wide. He knew Arthur was good, but he had no idea of how good he truly was, and yet he had beaten one of the most famed knights to exist in under a minute. Even Illyrio watched on with surprise painted over his face.
"Yield, Ser?" Arthur asked, slightly breathless.
"Very well done, Arthur." Barristan smiled, as he drew Arthur into a hug, and patted him on the back.
"That was very quick, Arthur." Rhaella gasped, her violet eyes showing her shock.
"What can I say, I am very good at what I do." Arthur chuckled, as he sheathed Dawn on his back and sat down next to Rhaella. Before he could say anymore, an ecstatic Viserys came running over to him.
"Ser Arthur! How did you do that? Can you teach me to do what you just did?" Viserys asked, excitedly.
Arthur smiled, and ran his hands over his face. "Of course, Viserys, but it comes with time. You can only become as good as I am with practice, but yes. I can teach you that."
Arthur smirked, as Viserys made an excited squeal. He quickly ran to grab his training sword, and attempted emulate what Arthur had just done. Arthur watched on with quiet amusement. He wondered if this is what becoming a father felt like, watching your son attempt to do everything you did with varying degrees of success. As he watched on, he quietly vowed to himself, to be the father that Viserys never had, the father that Aerys never was. He would do the same to Aemon, Gods willing that he lived that long, and he would see them both become better than he ever was.
A/N: Thanks for reading. Did not think I'd have over 60 people interested in what I am writing, as I only set out to do this for fun and for something to pass the time at work and such. Apologies that it took me so long to finish this chapter, as I've been very busy with friends weddings and all that. I'll aim to get like 2 chapters out a week, so stay tuned for all of that. Again, many thanks for reading, means the world. Any questions or suggestions, please feel free to ask.