A Song of Fire, Ice and Hearts

by Jebest4781

Venturing outside of the Heart of his Somebody, a Nobody enters a World where it's at the brink of self destruction. Will he be able to handle and survive the Game of Thrones. Rated M for language, violence, etc. Pairings hidden at current time. KHXGoT/ASoIaF CoWritten by free man writer. Cover Image by Carlos M. Please leave reviews.

28. Categorically Complicated

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Disney, Square-Enix, Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire or anything else. They rightfully belong to their respective owners.

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

Writing/Singing

"Foreign Language/Flashback"

-Scene Shift-

Chapter 28: Categorically Complicated

As the pair sat in the gardens, a number of servants came by to deliver the food and drink for the luncheon.

A male servant began pouring wine into Tywin's cup as he began to speak. "Have you been enjoying the capital so far?"

"For the most part." Responded Roxas as he silently told the servant to not pour so much into his cup. "There are some rather pleasant places here and there. It just takes some time to find the right spots."

"I can relate."

It was slightly quiet between the two as the last of the servants deposited the last of the present meal onto the table before vacating the small area.

"Yes?"

"Hmmm?"

"You keep staring at me." Roxas said.

"Apologies." Tywin said, seeming to mean it as he set his cup down. "It's still taking me some time to get used to your appearance."

"Yes, I know." Roxas said flatly. "I've heard it more times than I can count by this point. I look like this Ventus guy who came here before."

"Your father did a lot for Westeros in a short amount of time."

"I don't even know if I can call him that." Roxas rebuked. "I never knew him. I never knew my mother nor my father. All I know is the life that I had."

"And what is your life, Roxas?" Tywin asked in an analytical manner.

No. XIII of the old Organization took a moment to contemplate on that matter.

"Complicated."

The response that he got out of Tywin was an exceedingly rare one had he known more about the Lannister Lion more personally.

The old Lion let out a small snort of amusement, shaking his head as he took a sip of his wine once more.

"I had only spoken to your father several times in the past." Tywin revealed. "He too said something in a similar tone. Only he said his life was more stranger if anything."

"I think complicated works better in my instance." Roxas said, taking a bite of some of the ham that he had on his plate.

A silence befell the two momentarily, Tywin taking a moment to eat his own food.

"Nothing is ever simple."

On that much, Roxas could agree with him.

"I was told you have been teaching a number of men how to combat against these… Heartless." The Lannister Patriarch brought up.

"I only provided direction, they did the rest." Roxas said in his own honest opinion.

"Which is rather good, as long as they have the actual discipline to listen and follow." Tywin said.

"The Stark guards and Northmen seem to take it seriously. Same with those from the Martell guards and Dornishmen." Roxas said offhandedly. "Some of the other knights down here… needed a wake up call on that."

"Pardon?"

Roxas rolled his eyes slightly. "Er… a dose of reality. They fought some Heartless and learned the hard way what it means not to take my lessons seriously."

A small smirk found its way onto Tywin's lips. "A similar instance occurred like that at Harrenhal during the great tourney. I had heard rumors of Ventus's actions there, on how he instructed a few individuals on combating those ghastly Unversed but so few listened until they suffered the consequences."

"Unfortunately, that seems to be the only real way most of these knights appear to learn." Roxas deadpanned.

"Unfortunately so. One can only find good help these days."

"I hear that."

Tywin opted not to respond to this strange saying. In the brief conversations he had with Ventus those many decades ago, the young lad had many similar phrases and quotes that many didn't quite understand.

It had to take some getting used to, more so now with his future good-grandson.

"If you would Roxas." Tywin said, setting down his utensils. "I had heard a litany of rumors swelling around the capitol prior to my arrival here."

"Which ones do you want to start with?" Roxas asked in a dry voice, all to aware of the maddening gossip that flies around this rank city.

"I've even heard the Starks have a pair of direwolves here at the capital."

Roxas blinked at that. "Um… yeah, they do. Lady and Nymeria. Arya and Sansa do their best in training them. Even Cloud and I contribute as well."

Tywin had the small pleasure in meeting this Cloud briefly spoken of. Him being there in greeting the others of the Lannister retinue arriving from the Westerlands.

And he used "pleasure" in a loose term so to speak. The man was… cordial enough. But it was clear for anyone to see that the large sword wielder cared very little about status and rank.

Yet he can clearly see the stance and form of a veterene of many battles. A soldier who has been trained and disciplined. At least that earned a few merits thus far.

"Yet a wolf is still a wolf is it not?" Tywin questioned. "And a direwolf will ever be even more wild."

"Only if provoked will their docile habits be tossed aside." Roxas retorted firmly. "Like your grandson Joffrey did when he threatened to gut Arya right in front of Sansa."

"Truly?"

"I take it you haven't heard the number of rumors floating around of your eldest grandson."

"I might have."

"Then you know he's a bit of a spoiled rotten ass." Roxas said bluntly, earning a sharp gaze from the old Lion.

The two entered into a brief staring contest, with neither of them backing down.

"I'd mind my words if I were you."

"Even if it's the truth?"

Tywin didn't have a retort to that. This boy wasn't someone he could threaten easily.

Not at all truthfully.

And the individuals that he has surrounded himself with aren't people to be trifled with oh so easily.

The boy has made friends in high places with the Starks, Baratheon, Martells and quite recently the Tyrells. Save for Joffrey, even Myrcella and Tommen appear to hold him in high regard.

He hadn't even heard any snide comments from Jaimie and Cersei for that matter.

Still… just because he seemed invincible… doesn't mean he was.

Anyone can be taken down with just the right angle.

Look no further then the fallen Targaryens.

Tywin's green eyes hardened ever so slightly for a more calculating gaze. "You have been going to great lengths in helping those within the capital. From this Heartless threat I've heard about, which is understandable..."

"But you're more focused on the other things like easily handing out coins for the small folk, I take it."

"Correct."

"You wanna know why I do it?"

"In a manner of speaking."

Roxas only shrugged. "I find nothing wrong in helping the less fortunate. Some people could see that as a fault of mine and I don't blame them, it's just something that I can accept as I'm not doing it in seeking fame or glory, I'm just doing the right thing."

"I can probably think of a good number of people who can attest to that in being weak." Tywin remarked.

"And I can think that those people are probably greedy scoundrels who take joy in keeping their riches for themselves." Roxas shot back.

"You'd perhaps be right for some. But still, your actions can still be seen as such."

"Don't mistake my kindness for weakness, Lord Tywin. I don't see being kind to everyone as a fault of mine. If someone is unkind to me, having a weakness isn't what they're going to remember about me." Roxas said with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Noted."

"You still disapprove, don't you?" Roxas stated, knowing this to be true from the manner in which Tywin said that last comment.

The old Lannister regarded Roxas momentarily before speaking his mind on his "kind" actions.

"A number of individuals think that showering people with love would fix everything, but it's just neglecting." Lectured the Old Lion. "One needs to put more work into honestly putting in the effort of helping the realm. Most think that as long as people were happy on the outside, their problems would fix themselves but it's actually rather selfish and naive."

Roxas's eyes narrowed at the old lion's comments.

"You're creating a foolish story around yourself. A story of a hero that can do and save just about everyone and everything. Hero to the people and the land."

Tywin could already think back to another few individuals who were seen as a hero and beloved by the people and yet they had their many faults behind the scenes.

Prince Rhaegar was one such person which quickly came to mind. Another was Prince Daemon, the "Prince of the City" and dubbed "Lord Fleebottom" by the commoners themselves some years prior to King Viserys' passing which soon lead to the Dance of Dragons.

"Is that such a bad thing?"

"Ventus was considered a hero by many." Tywin said. "Even my daughter at one point made her affections for him bare. But Ventus failed on a day where many would consider where it mattered most."

Once again, he felt a change in his vision.

However it was so brief, he didn't even see whatever it was that momentarily changed his perspective.

What did happen was what Roxas felt.

A sudden surge of burning rage, anger, fury and above all else, remorse and anguish.

He felt his right eye twitch and his teeth clench while his fist underneath the table tightened considerably.

"If you're talking about Elia Martell…" Roxas said through gritted teeth and a heated gaze. "I'd suggest you drop it."

Tywin arched a brow before his eyes briefly widened as a thin aura of light began to surround and seep off of the boy.

"I was merely stating a reality of what had happened." Tywin said smoothly. "A dose of reality as you have said. Ventus was made famous when he saved Elia Martell and her daughter on the first few days of the Tourney at Harrenhal. Many sang songs about that day and what happened afterwards. And on the fall of the Targaryens… he wasn't there for her."

Roxas's aura flared for another second until it slowly subsided.

Closing his eyes, he took some deep breaths in order to calm himself down. Yet he was truly getting tested right now.

Even if he had no part of what happened nearly twenty years ago, something was welling within him in feeling like he did.

"Tell me, Lord Tywin. Did you order the Mountain to kill them?" Roxas said, not of his own words but of some other being. As if someone else was speaking through him.

The Great Lion bore into the Keybearer's eyes and could see a number of things in there. For one some questionable animosity, which is quite understandable on a number of fronts.

"Truthfully, I hadn't. In reality, I wanted them as hostages for even the briefest of times. Having Elia Martell abdicate her children from the line of succession from the Throne would've been the most prefered option. From there, they could've lived their lives back in Dorne with no other threat to them. If not then the boy would have been sent to the Wall, living a life there and not leaving once he gave his vows to the Watch. The girl could have been placed in a Motherhouse, becoming a septa, a silent sister or perhaps even becoming a member of the Most Devout in time."

"And why so easily tell me this instead of running around the bush or at least lying?" Roxas questioned. "He follows your orders and a whole number of people blame you for that."

From what Roxas heard of the infamous Great Lion, he could do such a thing in most conversations up till getting to the heart of the matter.

"Because I see no point. I could deny categorically, but given the relations you have with the Martells and to Ned Stark, I might as well sate their curiosity through you."

"Then you don't deny it."

"Here I am, unguarded and unarmed. You could force me to answer with whatever power you have in your arsenal. I could rightfully be concerned with that." Tywin said plainly.

"You're unarmed and unguarded because you probably know my nature prior to this meeting of ours. If not, then I could cast a spell to strike you down with Thunder or roast you with Fire or drown you with Water."

"And yet you don't."

"I don't cause you to hold quite a lot of power." Roxas said. "If you're removed, an unfortunately large void would be left behind which many people could in fact fail to properly fill. A lot of people would die in the ensuing chaos for all that power grab."

Tywin couldn't help but nod approvingly. "Smart."

"And even if I do run away, which I can quite easily do where no one could ever track me down, the people I care for will be harmed and I don't want to know that happening at all."

"Some believe so. Some don't."

"And I've heard that people here believe we live in the eye of a blue-eyed giant."

"You think so?"

Roxas didn't answer that rather plainly, but with something else. "I've seen a lot of things that most would consider crazy in retrospect. Many people can only believe what they can understand. Not really comprehending the countless things around them, even from the beyond, due to what varying levels of education they have."

"Even the maesters?"

Roxas scoffed at that.

"Even they don't understand everything. Given what I've learned, some are fine with accepting new bits of information, others are rather… stubborn in not wanting to progress and break out of their comfort zone. What they might shove out could be in fact something beneficial to the world at whole. Not having the opportunity of pushing the boundaries in doing what needs to be done." Roxas said.

Tywin nodded as he was chewing on a piece of fruit before washing it down with his drink. "Then you believe men need fantasies to make life bearable."

"No. People need fantasy to be people. To be a place where the higher beings -the gods for example- meet the lesser ones like with the Heartless to possibly the Others. Even if I haven't believed in the latter upon first learning of them, I had to at least be accepting of the idea in their existence." Said the greater Nobody. "One needs to start out simple by learning to believe the little lies in order to soon believe the big ones. Which said lies could actually be truths."

"And which ones are those that come to mind?"

"Justice, duty, mercy, those sorts of things that I think are worth fighting for."

Tywin rose a brow upon hearing this. "Those aren't exactly the same at all."

"You think so? Then take everything you can ever comprehend of this World and beyond it and grind all it down to the finest powder and sieve it through the finest sieve and show me one tiny speck of justice, one grain of mercy and yet you try to act as if there some ideal order in the world as if there is some... some true rightness out there by which it may be judged."

"Then what would be the point of that?"

"People need to believe in things that aren't true, how else can they become..."

Tywin was silent as he slowly drank his wine.

"Alright then." The old Lannister said, gently setting his goblet down. "Let's test this belief of yours."

"Huh?"

The Keybearer was thrown off on this slight change of topic.

The Lannister ignored the surprised state the Nobody bore and began speaking once he finished chewing on a piece of grape.

"Many people in the Kingsguard throughout the realm since it's creation still hold onto their beliefs, others have not, others apparently questioned and worked on them." Tywin started out. "It is hard to hold to one's oaths and promises in a city as vile and corrupt as this one."

"Weren't you the Hand here at one point?" Roxas retorted.

"Yes." Tywin nodded. "And in that time, I had attempted to do many of the plans Aerys and I had drawn up together."

Roxas blinked in surprise for a moment.

Tywin suddenly had a faraway look to his eyes.

"There… there was a time where I still considered that madman a close friend." Tywin admitted. "A time where he and I found comradery in each other with that oaf king's father Steffon."

"Yet he started losing his faith and trust in you."

"He lost his faith in me because I was a better ruler than he could ever hope to be. A man too ambitious who never followed up with his intended goals when he was freshly crowned." Tywin rebuked with a heated gaze in his eyes that quickly simmered down. "Then the insanity began to rear its head as it did on many Targaryens before. After Duskendale, his fall into madness was cemented."

The scowl that appeared on Twyin's face would have made many turn and walk away from the state the man was in right now.

Save for individuals such as Roxas who remained where he sat as he observed him.

"He might've had his council, but I figure he never considered to truly wise up and actually listen to them." Said the Nobody.

"And the fools of the Kingsguard "valiantly" protected that madman." Tywin siad, returning the conversation to where he started it initially. "They stood by and watched as people were burned, women were raped, the King beating his own wife-"

"They were honorbound in not acting what they felt should be rightfully done. And from what I've heard from Barristan, Lewyn and your son, they actually regretted not doing anything in stopping Aerys."

"Would you have stood by on such matters?" Tywin asked rhetorically.

Roxas opened his mouth to answer but closed it, shaking his head. "No… no I would not."

"Then tell me, what stopped them?" Tywin inquired. "What stopped them from just killing Aerys and placing Rhaegar on the throne as it had originally been intended? Many would not only have not complained, they would have celebrated such a crowning moment. If you were unaware, Rhaegar was quite popular and many were hoping for him to become King sooner than later."

"They believed that it would have broken their sacred vow of the Kingsguard. Even if most of it, in some cases-"

"Forget those blasted vows." Tywin cut him off. "Tell me, do you truly believe in such vows if such atrocities were being committed on the daily?"

Roxas was silent when he was thinking of giving a proper answer.

Given what he knew from word of mouth, Tywin once held the Kingsguard with high regard. Even as years passed, the regard was quite good when he was thinking more rationally.

Yet when Aerys robbed him of Jamie and placed him in his Kingsguard, any true respect the Old Lion had for the old order started to crumble.

But then… he remembered who he was talking to.

"You speak of atrocities," Roxas said darkly. "Aren't you the same man that caused the sack of the capital? The same man that led your forces into the killing and raping that occurred here nearly twenty years ago? Don't lecture me about atrocities."

Roxas' white aura flared once more, slightly jolting Tywin yet the man managed to stay firm in the eyes of the greater Nobody.

Surprisingly, an approving smirk appeared on the Lannisters face.

"What're you smiling about?" Roxas asked, glaring at the old Lion.

"You aren't as foolish as I had thought you'd be." Tywin admitted. "Your father was an idealist and far too innocent for his own good. When he had seen what had become of Elia and her children, the devastation was clear as day for all to see on his face. That, coupled with the brazen punch he delivered on Robert's face the day of his brief coronation before storming out, never to be seen again…"

Roxas' narrowed his eyes once more.

"Let's just say a group of people taught me to be more perceptive than most."

"And where can I find this group of people?"

"They're all gone." Roxas said. "Destroyed a long time ago."

"Destroyed?"

"My kind of people aren't natural." Roxas said truthfully. "Let's just say that if you knew more about us… killing us would be considered by some as a mercy to an existence based on nothingness."

That… wasn't ominous or confusing at all.

Tywin did, however, drum his fingers a little on the armrests of his chair as he thought of what to speak of next.

Yet his future good grandson beat him to it.

"'I've heard the Crown owes you quite a large amount of coin to you, correct?"

Aged, green eyes narrowed slightly in a calculated confusion. Making the owners wonder what the purpose of this was.

"Indeed." Tywin said slowly.

"Gotta say, Ned and I had been rather disappointed with how Robert spent the majority of it all with his tourneys, his drinking and… *ahem* whoring." Roxas was clearly uncomfortable in talking about such matters. "Such things have been wasted as the money could've been used for something better. Improving the city, for instance, on a number of aspects."

"Yes… reckless spending for a reckless King." Tywin said. "And if all that money was indeed used into better use, what would you think could've been done?"

"Living conditions for starters. It's horrendous over in Flee Bottom and around the city walls. From there, try to see if any proper education can be given to those willing to take it. Help better improve the workforce while I'm at it."

"Quite the radical set of ideas you have." Tywin pointed out, leaning back into his seat. "And tell me, where are you to possibly acquire such funds if the Crown is in such debt."

"We start by paying for yours."

Tywin believed he would have heard many things right about now.

But this certainly wasn't one of them.

"...I beg your pardon?"

Roxas soon let out a chuckle as his smile threatened to break his face in half.

"Between you and me, I had actually paid off one large debt and in the works on the other."

Tywin clenched his jaw momentarily. "Meaning… what exactly?"

"The Crown no longer owes a thing to the Titans of Braavos. And quite recently, I'm in the works on settling the one towards you in particular."

"...Excuse me?"

The smile on Roxas' face lessened a little as he eyed the Lannister before him.

"Let's just say that it wasn't easy." Roxas said. "I had to fight a lot more Heartless and those weird Unversed things then I'm used to."

Tywin's eyes widened at what Roxas was implying.

"And would there be any proof of the debt towards me being resolved?"

"I infact do. In my chambers is a copy of documents and a key which I got from the bank manager here in King's Landing. I opened up an account, all in order to pay off the Crown's debt to you specifically. By the recent deposit I did the other day, the total is roughly three million gold dragons."

Tywin narrowed his eyes slightly, trying to see if what is being spoken was a mere jest just to throw him off. A means of paying back on unsettling the young Keybearer from their conversation so far. And yet there was no hint of farce at all.

"I was waiting to get the full amount that's owed ready -both the rough estimate we were told plus interest- before delivering the documents and key to you so you may fully take possession of it. But seeing as you're here now in the capital, I can give you both by the end of today and you can see for yourself."

Tywin hummed a little. "Say if this is indeed true, why resolve this debt towards me all so soon; even with the Iron Bank themselves?"

"The realm should've recovered from the two rebellions in these past twenty years. Rebuilding the forces with each of the kingdoms and getting ready for the coming winter. And yet the crown's accounts are in the red instead of in the green, or at the very least in the black. With that occurring, all sorts of problems arise because of it. And all I want is for things to be given a proper reset to prepare for what's to come."

The Lion of the Rock was unsure as to how to respond at the moment to this.

If everything that he said were to be true, then Tywin would be hard pressed in denying the level of influence the Lannister name would have over the Crown. Granted, they still held a great amount simply due to Cersei's marriage to Robert.

But an outsider like Roxas, regardless of his parentage, to just swoop in and solve this debt would greatly shift the scales.

And yet, present circumstances would benefit from this resolve.

For now, however…

"I'll take your word for it. But if you are leading me on…"

"I won't, Lord Tywin."

The Great Lion of Casterly Rock gave a firm nod as he and the future husband of Myrcella continued their luncheon. Conversing on a number of topics which had several more purposes than originally intended.

And not once did the look of ambition fade from the aged green eyes.

All he can say and admit now was that he can honestly be glad of the decision his daughter and her husband made in betrothing his granddaughter with the Keybearer.

Hopefully by this decision will his legacy truly grow than he could ever imagine.

Tywin could hardly hold the laugh building within his chest.

At long last.

A worthy candidate that can be added in the line of succession for the Lannisters.

Tywin can ignore the heroic title Roxas bears now through his actions as he's growing quite the influential reputation now ever since he stepped onto the board.

Roxas was a wildcard in the eyes of Tywin.

Should Roxas decide to assert a greater deal of influence, the board would shift dramatically in an instant and it would be scarily easy for him to do.

Four of the Great Houses support him and many within these Houses view Roxas as a friend.

Not to mention neither he or his father actually had a family name to begin with.

Through the coming marriage, Roxas would take on the Baratheon name. Perhaps Lannister and letting him become a potential heir to Casterly Rock if Jamie would become too stubborn to finally accept his birthright in the coming years.

Then again, that would be a task to say the least if Roxas were to take the Lannister name. Though he hides it, it was obvious for Tywin to see that Roxas is very much against this marriage.

Ironic.

The boy doesn't wish for this union but this is one of the few actions of Robert Baratheon that Tywin had actually approved of.

The only way of stopping this now was someone doing something absolutely stupid in ruining this bethrothal.

And he would be damned if that were to happen.

-Later, Streets of King's Landing-

"It's so crowded here." Sansa Stark couldn't help but state aloud as she and a large entourage of ladies walked through the Capital city of Westeros.

The eldest Stark daughter was a bit overwhelmed really now that she was traversing through the streets of King's Landing since coming here.

Back home in the North, the most crowded places that she could think of was Wintertown and of course, Winterfell.

But even then, both locations were sparsely populated in a manner of speaking.

This place was packed to the brim with booths, trading posts and above all else; people.

It was just so crowded.

And from some of the more unidentifiable… muck that was seen here and there, Sansa was certainly grateful for the charm Roxas had given her to block the stench.

That was certainly the one thing about this place that the Stark lady absolutely abhorred about King's Landing since coming here.

The smell. Thank the Old Gods and the New for Roxas.

Beside her, on foot, was her trusty and dependable direwolf Lady. Despite the brisk pace of the walk, the direwolf was occasionally looking back and forth as she wanted to protect her human companion from any possible harm; despite her non-fighting nature.

Naturally there were the other guards that had accompanied the entourage, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone foolish enough in attacking Sansa Stark.

A number of people found the sight of the growing Direwolf a shocking and frightening sight.

But a good number of citizens actually appeared unbothered for the most part.

When one thinks about it, for the past few weeks, the capital has been subjected to the sight of astonishing and frightening monsters of all shapes and sizes.

A giant Direwolf, while intimidating no doubt, isn't as frightening as a sight as most would see it as.

Lest you give Lady a reason to be frightening.

Sansa was truly appreciative of her Direwolf being by her side. Though, Lady wasn't the only one with her.

"It's your first time wandering these streets. It's only natural for you having such a reaction."

Sansa turned to her crush as he spoke those words to her.

"It most certainly is, Roxas."

The Keybearer merely nodded as ChoCho trotted beside his legs as the growing feathery fluff that was the chocobo was seeing the streets in a new point of view after its recent growth spurt.

Not wanting to have his "child" be cooped up in his room all day, he decided to take him out for a long awaited walk as per Cloud's instructions.

Through any other perspective, one would think it's quite odd to see an unusual "chicken" walking alongside the others in the traveling party. But with those in the know beforehand, it would be something they'll be getting used to soon to come.

Then again, many people were already getting used to the direwolves and even the monsters lurking within the capital. What damage would some chocobos add more to that?

"What do you make of it, Roxas?" Sansa found herself asking. She hadn't really had the time to ask the boy of her affections on what he thought of King's Landing.

"Honestly it's crappy, crowded and corrupt from top to bottom." Roxas bluntly deadpanned.

Well that was one way of putting it.

Sounds like something Arya would say.

"Is it truly as bad as you say it is?" Sansa inquired.

Since meeting Roxas and experiencing everything she had seen up to this point, Sansa had found herself rather disillusioned with the stories and glamour of the Capital.

Chivalry was far and few between and deceit appeared to be the language of the city.

"At least it's on the road of getting better, I can tell you that much. I hope." Roxas remarked, looking over to a booth where some traders and merchants were comparing goods to one another.

Sansa was well aware of Roxas endeavors in trying to improve the living conditions of this city and found it to be a noble and wonderful cause.

All the more of a reason that Sansa fell more and more in love with the Keybearer.

A creaking of wood made the two look over to see the carriage containing the Princess being by their side now.

Surrounding the entourage were a number of guards from each of the high born's respective Houses, along with a few of the Kingsguard.

Asides from Ser Jamie, who was walking near the lifted carriage containing Prince Joffrey, there was Ser Arys Oakheart as he was walking alongside the one containing Princess Myrcella, Princess Arianne and Lady Margaery.

And whatever handmaidens there were traveling with them today were walking in front of the lifted carriages as they were protected by the House guards.

Now one might be wondering why they were traversing the streets of Kings Landing.

Asides from some simple musings of seeing the sights by a few of the high born ladies, they were making their visit to the Sept of Baelor.

Usually they would hope of reaching the great sept before the place is overcrowded by the city's populace. More so with the coming tourney wishing to partake from possible blessings by the septons, septas and the gods.

Yet word was sent out beforehand to the High Septon to reserve a time slot for the coming party to have a tour of the grand structure. And not wanting to be rude to those gracious enough to close their doors for just them, the assembled party would want to reach their destination when possible.

From within the second lifted carriage, a small conversation took place between the three highborn ladies.

There would've been four as Sansa could've joined with, but she didn't want to part ways with her direwolf Lady. Not to mention the added weight of both her and her canine companion would've been too much for the guardsmen to handle.

The occupants of the carriage understood and didn't fault Sansa at this time as they would no doubt converse more together within the coming few days.

During most of the ride from the Red Keep to the Sept of Baelor, Arianne and Margaery were having a polite conversation on a number of topics. Some along the lines of their humanitarian works in helping their respective homelands. From there it went onto their respective hobbies and mild tribulations they go through each day.

Yet throughout this trip, the Baratheon princess hardly spoke a word. Only saying a few things here and there in order to take part of the conversations.

She would've contributed more, but her thoughts were preoccupied with the Keybearer, Roxas.

Myrcella had been learning a lot about her betrothed, wanting to know him and vice versa whenever possible. She had heard from a few others that he's rather dense on a few things, one of which are some degrees of affection. He appears to be aware of more direct approaches, given his constant rejections of the many whores of King's Landing during his patrols but it's the more subtle gestures that he appears to lack the knowledge in discerning.

She wants to have him know she does care for him, despite already being betrothed, and does want him to give her the chance to open up more somehow.

Of course, she needed help. So she turned to her new friends from Dorne and the Reach in learning a number of things from them. And yet she desires to know more, especially now.

"How… How do you attract a man?"

Whatever conversation there was between Arianne and Margaery swiftly halted as they delivered a look towards the Baratheon princess.

Hearing no immediate response, Myrcella explained a little more on her question. "What I mean is… suppose you set your heart on somebody and… wanting them to know… What would you do to attract him?"

Unfortunately the question seemed to have been answered in an entirely different fashion as to what Myrcella was expecting as one Arianne Martell held back a coy-like grin.

"Grab him… and take him." Arianne said with a sensual smile.

"...Grab him and… and take him?" The Baratheon Princess said in confusion.

"Yes… take him." The Dornish woman reached out a hand and snatched something invisible before bringing it back in an instant. "Like that."

This ended up having some questioning thoughts linger in not only Myrcella's mind but a few others.

"Like… this?" Myrcella made the gesture, eliciting a laugh out of the Dornish princess.

"Well, not exactly like that." Arianne stated. "There's more to it than just a grand sweeping gesture. As a lady, one must employ all the tools she has at her disposal to their fullest capacity."

"What exactly?" Myrcella asked, leaning forward with interest.

Arianne's smile grew more coy and sensual as she rested her arms to her side and got into a posture that was sure to accentuate her curve and… assets.

"Her tools." Arianne emphasized, eyes directing down to her body with Myrcella at last getting the message via her burning red face.

The Martell princess laughed aloud at her new friend's reaction, greatly enjoying the expression she was displaying.

Arianne wasn't the only one enjoying seeing Myrcella like this but she swept in for a playful defense.

"I mean no offense, but you Dornish most certainly know the bluntal means of taking someone." Margaery Tyrell said aloud with an amused smile.

Arianne merely shrugged. "Most have their own leveling degrees of doing so."

"And does it work?"

A coy grin graced the Dornish princess' face as she eyed the form of Ser Arys outside of the lifted carriage.

"It has."

In an instant, Arys Oakheart let loose a shudder as he kept on walking.

When Arianne let loose a silent giggle, Myrcella spoke to the coming Lady of the Reach.

"And what of you Margaery, what are your thoughts?"

The Rose of Highgarden hummed aloud in thought, resting her chin on the palm of her hand.

"I am unsure and inexperienced in the ways of love, your grace."

"Please Margaery, just Myrcella to you." The crown Princess said kindly.

"Alright… Myrcella. In my opinion, there could be a few ways. One of which involves getting to know your intended target."

"I get that, but…"

"But there's more to just outright asking them directly. Another approach is learning about them from others and working from there before the initial approach. It makes things much easier in the long run."

Myrcella sighed, expecting this apparently. "Once again, I've been asking others-"

"About Roxas? Whatever for? You two are betrothed. You two have all the time in the world to know each other once you both are wed." Arianne pointed out.

"It's not just that, but… I want to at least know him more and…"

"Well, why not spend some time together then?" Margaery suggested. "Have you not had time for the two of you to be in a more private setting?"

Myrcella exhaled a frustrated sigh. "I've been trying, but his duties towards the capital and helping train the guards fight against the Heartless has been taking much of his time. Whatever time we've had is sadly little. I do what I can to savor it all, even on what meals we have together. I ask him about his day, his duties, all of the little things on top of the big ones."

"Have you not asked for time alone?"

"I'd feel selfish in doing so." Myrcella admitted to them. "He is a hero to the people across Westeros by now. What kind of lady would I be to deprive them of their hero?"

"You're betrothed." Arianne brought up again. "By status, you have every right to do such a thing."

"Yes but… Roxas isn't a prince."

"Is he not to be-"

"He doesn't want the title." Myrcella said straight away. "I didn't see it at first but… Roxas never wanted to be prince of anything."

Margaery gained a genuine look of surprise. "Really? Never would've thought. Anyone would most certainly go after the chance, let alone possibly becoming a knight for instance."

"That's not outside the realm of possibility, Lady Tyrell." Arianne stated with a knowing look. "My Uncles and Father spoke of Roxas's father being one of pure hearted intentions with none of the ambition. No wants of kingdoms or lordships. Just to do what they want and believe they need to do. It appears Roxas inherited this trait from his father as he refused to take on the title of becoming a legitimate knight."

"Did he now?" Margaery had heard much about the man known as Ventus -Ven for short- since coming to the Capital but there was still much she had to learn. "A humble man then?"

"A humble man with extraordinary powers." Arianne pointed out. "A truly rare combination."

Lady Tyrell proceeded to let out a dramatic sigh, leaning her head back with the back of her hand resting atop her forehead.

"Oh, a humble man. How I wish for the God's to grace me with such an individual as my future beloved." Margaery said with false distraught emotions. "But alas, I blame your father for snatching him away from anyone else."

Myrcella and Arianne giggled at this.

"I do have to confess that I hadn't intended in coming to the capital for the Hand's Tourney."

Hearing the admittance from Margaery sparked some curiosity from the Baratheon.

"Then why'd you come?"

"She most likely came like the reason for my family's arrival, seeing the son of Ventus ourselves." The Martell Princess said, waving her hand somewhat dismissively.

"Right on the target, Arianne." Margaery's smile growed a bit more. "Word had traveled rather quickly and reached Highgarden. I wanted to meet the man who started sweeping up a storm with his valiant actions and thus far I have not once been disappointed."

Myrcella remained silent for a few moments upon hearing this.

"I always knew how much Ventus meant to my father." the crown Princess said after a few moments. "My father always spoke of the war and the battles he fought with Ned Stark and Ventus by his side. But I never realized how much his name carries weight amongst the Great Houses of Westeros."

"Ours is a bit of an oddity, if you could call it that." Margaery admitted. "The Tyrells had not interacted with Ventus as much as the Starks, Martells, Baratheons or the Lannisters. We were more or less curious if we were being truthful with you."

"If I were to guess, the fault lies with your father."

"...You're not wrong on that, Arianne." A sigh was released from the Rose of Highgarden. "My grandmother told me that my father could've had a number of opportunities to interact with him back at the Tourney of Harrenhal. And yet his… nature made him think Ventus wasn't worth his time."

"He probably regrets that now." the Martell Princess said with a snort.

"He may or may not, given his stubborn… aloof attitude. But I've heard that after the grand attack at Harrenhal, Ventus' time was eaten up by the aforementioned Houses with no one else being able to squeeze in."

"So it's our fault, if I am to understand it." Arianne said in a false accusatory manner.

"Yes." Margaery said, playing along with the Dornish Princess, matching her false anger. Even going so far as pointing an "accusing" finger towards the pair. "You and your Houses are directly responsible for this transgression."

The trio of ladies broke into a fitful giggle between each other.

"Now… onto other things…"

"Being what?"

A grin stretched and threatened to break Arianne's face in half. "I've heard the most interesting tale from my beloved cousin, Tyene, yesterday."

"About what?"

"About her and Roxas attending a particular parlor."

"A particular parlor?" Myrcella repeated, face growing red. "You don't mean-

"A massage parlor." Arianne cut her off. "Nothing of that sort, my Princess, I assure you."

"...For a moment I thought you were talking about a brothel." Myrcella said in relief.

"What few times they did visit a brothel was not taking part of their services." Arianne huffed out. "I found that rather boring when hearing that from both Tyene and uncle Oberyn."

"What's this about a massage parlor?" Margaery requested, wanting to know the root of this recent topic.

"Well now, this was quite the interesting story when Tyene came back that time…" Arianne began her tale with a mischievous grin, beginning to recount the story of visiting the establishment being runned by Madam M.

As this went on, neither high born lady knew they were being listened in by their handmaidens just outside of the lifted carriage. Even Sansa was able to get an earful of details of the conversation.

Suffice to say a new light had been shown onto the resident Keybearer… who suddenly felt a chill run down his spine a number of times, dropping the cracker he had for Chocho out of his hand.

His little chocobo glanced up at him curiously, tilting his head at the sight of his owner/father's face turning pale.

"I feel… a disturbance."

"Pwii?" was Chocho's response.

Roxas merely shook his head, trying to focus back on his walk and surrounding.

What he didn't know was that the girls who took part of the conversation, and who listened in, would no doubt want to visit Madam M's parlor in the coming days.

-Sept of Baelor-

When strolling past the blackened, gloomy building where the Alchemist's Guild resides and operates, one would reach the way towards one of the largest structures the capital has ever known. A place where men worshiped on Visenya's Hill thousands of years prior to the Targaryens conquering six of the seven kingdoms and Baelor raised the sanctum which bore his name.

Sitting on top of said hill lies the seat of the High Septon and local point of the Faith of the Seven on the eastern side of the continent. It was the brainchild of the ninth Targaryen King, whose statue stands proudly outside of the sept gazing serenely out over the marble plaza and gardens.

Said statue presently greeted Roxas and the many visitors this day along the steps leading into the building.

When gazing at the stone replica of the pious Targaryen king, No. XIII thought back on what he read about the man. The one many common folk and nobles revered as "The Blessed" or "The Beloved", the least mad Targaryen ruler there ever was.

To begin with, Baelor was made to wed his sister, Daena, but they never lived as man and wife as he refused to consummate the marriage. From there, he put her aside as soon as he was crowned.

To steward his monument of vanity, Baelor summoned the High Septon of the Faith from the ancient seat in Oldtown and gifted him with ornate robes, a crown of crystal and some amount of gold in hopes it would appease the Andal faith. In the end, it would make the High Septon a fool to most people as he wore the accepted gifts and "danced" at his Lord's table. And with each passing year since then, from what Roxas had researched, the High Septons fell ever lower.

There was one stonemason Baelor anointed as High Septon, due to his belief that he thought the man was the mortal incarnation of the Smith himself. When that man died, the Targaryen king also named an eight-year-old boy High Septon because he thought he could work miracles after seeing him talk to doves.

There were other stories about "The Blessed" from having a High Lord washing the feet of the small folk to help repent on some sins. After which, he tried to replace all of the carrier ravens in Westeros with doves, which turned out to be a colossal failure. And "The Beloved" Targaryen was favored by the smallfolk, due to him occasionally withdrawing vast amounts of coin from the crown's treasury and giving it out to the city's populace.

When his cousin, Aemon the Dragonknight was captured in Dorne, he traversed the Boneway entirely on barefoot in order to free him. And it just so happened Aemon was being kept in a cage which was suspended above a literal snake pit. Baelor believed he was so pure spirited that he would not be harmed when he entered to free his cousin, but he was bitten dozens of times and was bedridden for months as a result.

Sometime during his recovery period, he annulled his marriage with his sister Daena, as he believed himself to be a septon-king and septons can't be married and have children. From there, he placed all three of his sisters into what people called the Maidenvault as Baelor wanted to preserve their innocence from the evils of the world. Of course others believed it was so that he wouldn't be tempted by their beauty.

But there were a few crazy bits about him that seemed too much.

One of them was performing tax exemptions on a number of lords when ensuring their daughters keep their virtues until marriage by having them wear chastity belts. And then came the book burning towards anything that went against the Andal faith.

Soon enough he then fasted himself to death after 41 straight days on two fronts. The first was him eventually believing he should no longer partake of food and water as they came from the physical world, which was corrupted and sinful and thought the faith would sate whatever appetites he bore. And the second was when his sister, Daena the Defiant, fell pregnant with Daemon Waters, who would later be called Daemon Blackfyre.

Roxas couldn't help but frown a little on the religious notions the ninth Targaryen king bore. If he didn't have a large excessive trait, then Baelor could've been a great king and admired more by all.

Yet all he could think of was how excessive piety could ruin a nation, a country, a world.

The greater Nobody thought back to what occurred during the Andal Invasion with how those of the Old Gods Faith was forcefully pushed back towards the Neck with how violent things got. He then recalled the dream world of France for Sora's Mastery Exam as the gypsies were persecuted because Judge Frolo thought they were unnatural and thieves. And Wallachia had a whole slew of issues wrought upon the land due to lies and overzealousness.

This was even a passing topic Roxas and Tywin discussed during their luncheon earlier that day when asked what was considered a good quality of a king. When stating the facts that over-excessive piety had throughout Baelor's life was a horrible trait for a ruler, the Head of House Lannister fully agreed on the facts when presented.

There must be a balance between the many fields a ruler must have and if one trait were to heavily outweigh the others, let alone lacking, then there will most certainly be problems.

Breaking both his thoughts and gaze away from Baelor's statue, due to some people calling out to him, Roxas soon focused his attention towards the Great Sept itself.

Ever since coming to the capital, he never once entered the premises as he didn't exactly have time with his patrols and other errands he would run each day. So today was going to be a first for him and several others in the present retinue.

Now this wasn't the first Sept to be built on Visenya's Hill as the previous one was ordered to be built by the High Septon of Oldtown when he knew the recently and officially crowned king Aegon the Conqueror was having King's Landing as the new capital of the continent. But of course that sept was burnt down by Maegor the Cruel during his war with the Faith Militant.

Of course, whatever sept there once was no doubt pales in comparison to the Great Sept there is today. And it was built to impress upon a man how much greater the gods are than him, a noble goal and with that it succeeds.

The root of the Baelor's brainchild was conceived when the king apparently received a vision from the gods, one of which made him see the Great Sept on Visenya's Hill, making him want to have it immediately built to the gods' specifications.

The sept itself is an imposing edifice, a massive marble domed building surrounded by seven crystal towers which blink and shimmer in the summer sunlight could be seen from nearly anywhere in the city, but oddly enough not from the vast countryside. Each tower has a bell, when one is rung it is a summoning, bringing the small folk running up Visenya's Hill to hear an important announcement. But when all bells are rung, it means something more terrible has come to pass like the death of a king.

As this occurs, the sound of all seven bells ringing could actually be heard across the city lasting a day or more and even heard as far as Dragonstone.

The public entrance into the sept itself is through one of several large doors and you should make sure you go through the right one. The Septons go through the Father's doorway, the Septas through the Mother's and so on.

Although, perhaps ironically or symbolically they all lead exactly the same place, the Hall of Lamps.

This is a well named hall, for one should look up when entering to marvel at the globes of coloured leaded glass that send intricate colorful patterns of light dancing across the walls. But even greater delights lay beyond as one enters the main sept where there are seven marble laden aisles and seven transepts crossing them with seven altars, one for each of the seven aspects of the Seven-Who-Are-One god of the Andal Faith.

The huge windows within the main chamber are made of stained glass and the immense dome overhead gleams with gold glass and crystal light abounds in this immense space. Said space greatly illuminates the seven aspects of the one god of the Andal religion which towers over the mortals, more so on certain parts of the day.

For weddings, the main sanctum can be filled to accommodate seven hundred people as they gaze upon the bride and groom who stand in between statues of the Father and the Mother as they recite the signature vows. Anyone else who tries to be in attendance has to look on from afar and wonder how significant the attendees are who were able to personally witness the event. And for funerals, the space is quickly reserved to present the lifeless body to friends, family and companions of the deceased.

All of this represents the public face of the Andal Faith, but of course there are some things that even the established religion of the land needs privacy for; such as the vaults beneath the Sept.

In here you will find cells for penitence to consider their sins, private chambers for the royal family to bury their dead and other individuals of great importance. And in said rooms can be filled with the wealth of their religion; not in cold currency but ornaments, vestments and jewelry accumulated over the centuries. These treasures rarely, if ever, see the light of day.

Knowing about all of this beforehand on his research, Roxas knew that descriptions heard by ear and read on a page could often do no justice in seeing it first hand.

When the others who were with him stepped inside of the Great Sept for the first time, they didn't truly focus on the gold, the crystal or ambitions of a humble member of a powerful dynasty. No, they would see the statues of their worshiped gods and feel in awe of their divine majesty with their insignificance boring down upon them.

And yet to Roxas, he felt hardly anything at all.

Yes he did think the work done on the place was quite spectacular, but nothing beyond that. He never has and most definitely will never be an actual member of the Andal Faith, even when he goes through the marriage ceremony with Myrcella here.

Roxas has traversed across the stars, visiting Worlds with all manner of beliefs and such. Joining the Faith of the Seven, and one that had too many rules to count, certainly wasn't on Roxas's list of priorities.

Outside of the smallfolk of King's Landing, pilgrims across the continent were the most common visitors as they lit candles here at the feet of their represented gods. People seeking wisdom seek the Crone, sailors wishing for a safe journey on the seas seek the Smith, and anyone that's combat worthy would seek out the Warrior to bless them in times of war and in tourneys.

Presently, there could arguably be a massive bonfire at that particular statue at this very moment.

Hopefully someone will have a bucket of water nearby to snuff out the flames if they suddenly go out of control.

Walking along the seven pointed star tiled floor beneath him, Roxas soon heard a conversation taking place between Sansa and Jeyne Poole with Margaery and her two handmaidens, Sara and Mira.

"-You've seen the Starry Sept, correct?"

"We have." Came the Forrester's answer. "For me, it was one of the first things I saw when I came to the Reach when the ship I traveled on docked at Oldtown before traversing towards Highgarden."

"I had seen it a couple of times." Sera Durell added in. "First time was the earliest memory I have with my mother before I came into Margaery's service."

Nods were made as Sansa spoke another question. "What are your thoughts about it in comparison to this one?"

Margaery was silent as she pictured the Starry Sept in her mind. After some moments, she gave her answer.

"It looks more taller and more imposing, due to the blackened marble which makes up it's structure. It even has more arched windows." Spoke the Tyrell. "The only other structure which can rival both of the septs is the castle Sept located over at Highgarden."

Overhearing the conversation, Roxas soon thought about it and figured the Starry Sept was a more gothic style building.

"What's the worship of the Old Gods like, if you don't mind us asking Lady Stark?" Margaery said, turning to the red headed Stark daughter who hummed aloud. "I've already heard my fair share from Mira, but would like to hear of your opinion."

The Stark girl nodded as she soon gave her response. "Since coming to the capital… I find myself longing for the silence of the Weirwood grove we have back in Winterfell." Sansa stated. "It's far less complicated than the Faith of the Seven."

"How so?"

Sansa shrugged. "There aren't as many steps or requirements needed to fulfill a prayer. You simply stand or kneel before a Heart tree and pray for whatever it is that you had come to pray for."

"I see, anything else?"

"The Godswood here at the Red Keep does suffice, but it lacks the Heart trees back in the North. It's the only other place I could find some solace in reverence if I don't visit the small sept at the keep." Sansa said with a small frown.

Eventually Roxas was brought out from listening into the conversation when he felt an arm loop around one of his own. Craning his head over, he saw Myrcella smiling at him.

"What do you think of the place so far, Roxas?"

He hummed a little and gave his thoughts.

"It's… nice I guess." Roxas said with a shrug. "It's well built."

Myrcella found herself giggling. "I would assume that there have been many answers to the question I had just asked but none like yours."

Roxas's shoulder moved up and down again. "I don't follow the Faith."

"I don't fault you for that. You must've followed something prior to your arrival in the North."

"You could say that. Something you wouldn't really know of." Roxas said enigmatically.

It was more like nothing at all really when he thought about it. He just… lived his life and knew what he did.

There were times he wondered what the reaction of Westeros would be should they ever discover the World's that exist outside this one.

Soon enough, Myrcella trudged her betrothed along as she gave him a tour on what could be seen so far.

From the spot where they now stood, she pointed towards some of the awkwardly placed burial sights of the Targaryens.

"This right here is Rhaenyra Targaryen." Myrcella presented. "Aegon II had his dragon Sunfyre burn her alive… and had it eat what it could on her remains. What's left is buried down there."

"Uh… why?" Roxas asked with a disturbed look. He had been reading up on the history of Westeros but he sure as hell didn't know that little tidbit.

"A means of respect, I suppose." Myrcella said evenly. "I do find how she died rather dreadful. But I do admire her as one of the great queens Westeros ever had alongside Visenya and Rhaenys. She may have not reigned for long nor properly ascended as her father had wanted but I admire her."

"Right." Roxas said, eyeing the tomb warily.

Walking away from the awkward burial placement… the pair came onto another.

"And this right here are the ashes of Aerion Targaryen, also called Aerion Brightflame." She said as she pointed towards an urn.

"I read about him. Thought he could've become a dragon if he drank wildfyre, but died as a result."

"It was a rather idiotic way to go, if I were to confess."

"Glad to see we are on the right page."

Myrcella smiled upon hearing this as she let out a little giggle.

"Is there perhaps a place here you would like to visit next?" She asked.

"Would Elia Martell and her children be buried here?" Roxas asked abruptly.

The question halted the blonde princess as she let loose a sorrowed sigh. She had heard from her new Dornish friends of the fate that befell their beloved Elia on the day that her father claimed the Throne.

And since getting to know the ruling family of Dorne, she had learned of how close Elia had been to Roxas's father.

"As much as I would love to show you, they are not here."

"Then where are they?" Roxas's tone was grim.

"Back in Dorne, Sunspear to be exact."

"How come? They were a part of the royal family. If not being buried at Dragonstone, then they'd be in the crypts below us even after what happened to them."

"They would have, but circumstances were… not great." Seeing the bit of confusion on his face, she explained. "After the horrific tragedy that befell upon them, a new rebellion would have arisen from those within Dorne. To help settle the matter, Jon Arryn personally sailed to Dorne with Lewyn Martell with the bones of Elia and her children while negotiating peace."

When Myrcella heard the tale the first time, she was utterly frightened and couldn't sleep a wink. Now that she was older, she couldn't imagine what it would be like to have her eventual children violently murdered and then raped and murdered herself.

For now, she had given her apologies to the Martells on their late Household members and even prior to their arrival the princess had given her prayers for their souls to be at peace.

She was honestly amazed how they had brushed the apology off, telling her that she did not carry such sins upon her shoulders.

Processing what was spoken to him, Roxas pointed something out.

"Bones? Don't you mean what's left of their bodies after what happened?"

"Their flesh was stripped off from their bones, courtesy of the silent sisters as to what I was told."

Roxas shuddered at the thought of having his skin and muscles being stripped from his bones.

He would've questioned why this was done, but didn't want to fully pry into such religious practices. But he did think on how it was done and desecrated their remains quite enough.

"If I were to visit Dorne one day, visiting Elia and her children would be one of the first stops I would have planned."

"Took the words right out of my mouth." Roxas stated.

Continuing on with their walk, they were soon approached by the High Septon, a man with thinning grey hair and wearing ornate robes.

When seeing the man, Roxas saw the smile the man wore. But of course it seemed a tad strained when the Septon gazed onto him.

Seemed he was one of those people who believed Roxas was unnatural by having a power that wasn't his by right.

Of course he had to act cordially towards the hero of the people, especially since he is betrothed to the princess of the Baratheon Dynasty.

"Hope your visit to the Sept has been enjoyable, my princess."

"It most certainly has, High Septon." Myrcella said with a smile.

"And it is an honor to at last meet with your betrothed, my Princess." The Septon said with a bow in the direction of Roxas. "It's a pleasure, Prince Roxas. I have heard nothing but grandiose tales of your exploits across the Kingdoms."

Roxas merely gave the man a firm nod.

"And I've heard you stopped at an orphanage on your way here, my prince." Spoke the High Septon.

Roxas held on a strained smile when he heard the words "my prince" spoken to him. A small twitch could be seen at his lips.

"It was only on the insistence of the other did they want to attend. But it didn't hurt with how well I am with relations with a number of the orphanages this city holds. After all, the lowest can not exactly be different from the highest as long as one has an open heart."

It was slowly becoming common knowledge that Roxas was starting to become an influential patron to the establishments. If he wasn't helping fund them, alongside Ned Stark, Roxas would try to spend time with a number of orphans each day before heading off to visit another orphanage to repeat the cycle over and over again while out on his patrols.

"You are indeed kind, my Prince. The Seven blessings upon you with your deeds towards the less fortunate."

"Right… can… can you not call me Prince?"

"Pardon?"

Roxas rubbed his neck, feeling rather tired of saying this over and over again. "I'm not a prince yet as I have not… wed Myrcella just yet."

Said princess, who was standing beside her betrothed, merely nodded as she giggled into her hand. "Roxas does speak the truth. But the High Septon is merely doing it out of courtesy after the many deeds you've done for Westeros thus far."

"And yet I haven't heard anyone call Sansa a princess, as far as I know."

Myrcella tilted her head ever so slightly.

"You… are correct in that regard." the Baratheon princess said with a frown. "Being betrothed to my brother does make her a princess in name for the time being."

"See?" Roxas said, subtly pleading. "No need for the whole Prince title just yet."

"If you so desire it my pri- Ser Roxas."

"I'm not a knight either. Just Roxas."

These unnecessary titles thrusted upon him were giving him a migraine.

Everyone started to become a bit more serious about it.

He would rather deal with the joking nature Trevor had given him back in Wallachia.

Soon enough, the betrothed blondes moved on as Myrcella was giving Roxas a bit more of the tour of the large sept. And trailing behind the pair were Sansa, Tyene, Arianne and a few other handmaidens; few of whom wished to be in Myrcella's position at this time.

As all this was going on…

Off in the distance, though not far enough was a young boy around Roxas's age with golden blond hair and green eyes.

Joffrey watched on from afar, seething with nothing but pure unadulterated hatred and rage.

All of which was being directed towards the unknowing boy who had changed so much since his arrival to the capital and Westeros overall.

How dare this filthy commoner, this filthy peasant nobody, get all the glory reserved only for the King of Westeros alone.

Many even had the gall of calling him "prince" and he hasn't even wed his sister just yet!

He watched as people all throughout the sept regaled him with adoration and praise with the bastard pretending to act as a humble fool.

Yes, Joffrey was well aware of the boy's facade, playing the modest hero whilst planning his downfall. This was that brat's plan from the very beginning.

Get in the good graces of the King and Queen using a face they were apparently familiar with.

Show off his extraordinary power.

Become betrothed to his now soon to be whore of a sister.

Usurp him and become the new King of Westeros.

That was, without question, what Joffrey knew Roxas was planning.

The crown prince would not be surprised if the Keybearer was in fact a Faceless Assassin, using a guise to fool everyone and take the throne which is rightfully his.

Either way, this is no doubt treason!

And traitors would always get their just deserts eventually.

It was why Joffrey secretly adored and admired the way in which the previous King of Westeros went about eliminating traitors.

Oh he was well aware of his father undying hatred for the dragonspawn and the war that Robert had gone through to win the Iron Throne.

But that didn't mean Joffrey was prevented from "admiring" what had come before them.

One may even take inspiration in one way shape or form.

Joffrey was ripped out of his thoughts when he felt someone touching his arm.

The crown prince was ready to snap at this person when he was soon met with a warm pair of green eyes with a faint beautiful smile to match.

"Is something bothering you, my prince? You seem troubled."

Joffrey swallowed a lump that had appeared in his throat. "Hardly at all, Lady Margaery."

The Rose of the Reach gave him an enigmatic smile. "Is it too much to ask for you to accompany me for a walk? Perhaps where the Targaryens are buried down below?"

Clearing his throat, Joffrey offered his arm. "None at all."

"Good. Because I would like to feel I'm walking through history at this moment."

Indeed for many of the deceased of the royal Targaryens are buried right underneath their very feet. Even a large countless number of important individuals who helped shape the seven kingdoms in some form or fashion. Kingsguard, council members, high septons and septas, etc. etc.

Wanting to think of something to speak about, one quickly flowed out of his mouth.

"I've… heard rumors of your charitable work over at the Reach."

"Yes. I help oversee a number of projects to be sure the people are living well." Margaery said with a proud smile. "Just recently we've gone through a marvelous harvest so a good portion is given back to our people. We've even brought a fair share to the capital for the Hand's Tourney starting tomorrow."

"And is there perhaps a reason behind this?"

There is usually an ulterior motive with such things. One can never do such good deeds without earning something in return.

"If you give them even a fraction of your love, those who follow you would return it tenfold. I've done it ever since I took action and my people love me dearly."

"I see…"

"Have you seen the work Roxas has done?" Margaery asked with a praising tone. "I have heard that he has been doing much for the many peasants of King's Landing."

From the mention of hearing this, Joffrey suppressed the urge to hastily frown at his sister's betrothed. All he could really do was smile.

Yet that didn't mean the eye Margaery wasn't seeing was twitching up a storm.

Why?

Why did she have to bring up that vicious bastard?

"Yes." Joffrey said through gritted teeth. "He has done much for King's Landing."

Margaery was not a fool in this instance.

She could tell the jealousy and anger that Joffrey held against Roxas. It practically rolled off in waves.

Yet instead of openly reacting to it like any lesser poised person would do, she worked with it.

"I must admit, I feel slightly jealous of him."

Genuine curiosity soon came to the forefront of Joffrey's mind and acted accordingly. "Oh? How so?" He asked.

"Let's see." She hummed aloud, tapping her chin in thought. "I've worked hard for years to earn the love and respect of most of the Reach. And yet in a matter of months, Roxas had earned so much more through his actions. In a way, I can't help but argue with myself if I should admire him or keep following through my comparisons in seeing what I can do to outmatch him."

"May I have a suggestion, My Lady?"

"But of course, My Prince. I've always been open to suggestions."

A slightly sinister smile, being able to slightly mask it by false pleasantries appeared on his face.

"Roxas is someone who cannot be bested, My Lady." Joffrey said. "The only way to beat him is to surpass him."

"Surpass him, my Prince? In what way?" She asked in confusion.

"You are a lady." Joffrey stated. "A lady of the Reach with power and influence far greater than any peasant boy such as Roxas."

"Oh tut tut, my Prince." Margaery said good naturedly. "I may be a lady but Roxas is a man of the people. A greater degree of personal investment over myself."

"That is where you may be wrong, My Lady Tyrell."

This is what should be done; telling intelligent women what to do and see to it they do so accordingly.

Let them not see the leash, at first and while they least expect it. If they don't follow, remind them.

Sure, Joffrey is betrothed to Sansa in order to unify the North and South. It was made so because it was because they were told to through his father's command.

Within a handful of years, he will become king as his father's vices will soon get the better of him one way or another. Once he's crowned, he doesn't need to be told anything as he will be the one telling others his commands.

"And what is right, my Prince?"

She could see the sense of excitement coming off the rather delusional Prince.

Oh yes, keep playing along. But see who will be the one to actually take the bait.

Before Joffrey could give the Rose of Highgarden his answer, he was interrupted.

It wasn't from a person suddenly approaching them or anything of the sort.

In fact, the source was in fact a sound being heard from outside of the Great Sept. It appeared to be an outcry of the smallfolk.

A number of individuals within the mighty sept were hesitant to see what the commotion was about.

Roxas, who was one of the braver ones, decided to be the first to actually investigate.

With Myrcella walking beside him with a few others tailing behind them, they soon opened the enlarged doorway as the outcry was greatly heard. And soon enough, Roxas became a little fidgety when he soon heard his name in the air.

In all honesty, he never got such attention placed on him before in his non-existence.

Standing beside him, Myrcella saw his hesitation and saw it as an opportunity to make him trust her a bit more.

"We should go see them, Roxas."

"But why?"

"You've done so much for them and they want to voice their affection towards you in return." Said the Baratheon princess. "It would at least be a courtesy in greeting them rather than ignoring them."

Myrcella's words were hitting him as they had the intended effect on him. After some moments, he considered her point and saw the truth in it before making his decision.

"Alright. We'll go see them."

Myrcella beamed before taking Roxas' hand in hers and took the lead.

Stepping outside, the betrothed pair came onto a vastly large crowd of cheering smallfolk, applauding Roxas along with his intended bride to be Myrcella.

When this latter bit was acted, the blonde princess had actually started to blush out of embarrassment. All that she could do was wave at them with a bright smile.

Seeing Myrcella doing the act, he mirrored it by waving as well.

The cheering grew louder and more rabid now, making Roxas recoil slightly at the noise.

"Gods bless you!"

"Prince Roxas!"

"Princess Myrcella!"

"Hero of Westeros!"

"Monster slayer!"

"I'm not gonna get used to this." Roxas blankly admitted.

"If it's in any consideration, this is actually a first for me." Myrcella said sweetly.

"I know it's not gonna be the last." Roxas said, ears ringing now with the shouts and cheers.

Seeing so many people cheering and calling for their happiness in marriage, Myrcella's expression grew red as she felt a swelling in her chest.

Remembering the words told to her back on the streets, Myrcella decided to do something rather bold.

Turning slightly towards her betrothed, she reached out her hand and grasped onto part of his clothes.

This got Roxas' attention, making him turn towards the princess.

"Myrcella, wha-"

Right then and there, he was pulled forward as his lips were captured by hers.

*Chu*

The entire crowd now went into a frenzy, many exclaiming blessings on the young couple.

Roxas stood stock still with his eyes widening to the size of saucer pans.

Myrcella was ardently messaging her lips against his, unintentionally lightly probing his entrance with her tongue which ended up slipping out. The act would have progressed further, but she didn't know if she could try to proceed.

Breaking away, Myrcella bore a deep blush on her cheeks.

Roxas however merely voiced his reaction.

"BWAH!" he exclaimed aloud, face beat red.

Myrcella giggled a little as she brought the tips of her fingers to her lips as she could still feel the kiss.

From a great distance behind them, a number of handmaidens couldn't help but coo and gush at the display.

With Arianne, she couldn't help but laugh on the display the Baratheon princess recently acted upon.

Turning towards her cousin, Tyene, she spoke up a little. "Seems you'll need to step up your game, cousin. A few simple kisses on the cheek won't suffice."

The Sand Snake merely pouted a little as she playfully glared at her cousin.

"Hmph, I hope she realizes what she's done." Tyene proclaimed.

Not far away from the two Dornish girls, Sansa felt heartbroken at what she had just seen and felt utter envy as she wished to be in Myrcella's place right now.

But as this went on, she recollected what she heard earlier on the group's way towards this very Sept. Soon enough, thoughts were being formed.

As for Margaery couldn't help but smile in more ways than one.

She had spoken a few times on their way to the Sept rather loudly so the smallfolk could hear where the great Keybearer was heading off to this day. Even speaking with a good chunk personally in wanting to see their perspective of him.

Naturally, this crowd would form.

But she would never have expected Princess Myrcella to act in such an upfront manner.

It certainly was entertaining.

Taking a glance towards the prince beside her, she quickly hid her emotions and acted a little differently in order to keep leading Joffrey along.

Yet whatever she spoke of next fell on deaths ears as the crown prince was ignoring her.

Joffrey saw the whole thing and was furious, glaring a hole into the head of the peasant nobody who was trying and possibly succeeding in stealing his fame and glory.

'That bastard!' was Joffrey's internal thought process. 'He will suffer agony and torment long before he dies. This I swear!'

-Evening, The Red Keep-

"Urgh." Roxas was back in his room at last and the first thing he did was flop face first down onto his bed with his face being planted firmly into the bed sheets.

"Pwii."

"Yeah Chocho, I know." Roxas's voice was muffled from his sheets. "It's been a long day."

"Pwii Pwii." Chocho nodded rapidly, nudging his fathers head with his own.

Roxas chuckled a little, making him reach around and ruffle/pet the avian's head.

"Thanks for the support."

The little Chocobo puffed his chest out in pride.

Rolling onto his back, he looked towards the ceiling as he thought back to earlier events.

Today… was strange really.

There wasn't any Heartless or Unversed, none of that really.

It was just talking and walking and more specifically, dealing with a lot more people than usual.

First it was Tywin and that was just… a bit stressful really.

But after that, it was nothing but the ladies of the Great Houses and Red keep.

Just them.

Without Cloud who had opted to take a nap for a majority of the day.

Thus leaving him to the company of the ladies and well…

It sure as hell ended on a highlight for his time spent here in Westeros.

When thinking more on the kiss, he was thinking back to the few he received from Tyene. Granted they were on the cheek and not on the lips, but he felt an odd sensation from those.

Bashful, embarrassment, surprise, confusion and oddly enough happiness seemed to come to mind.

When comparing that to the one he received from Myrcella, it seemed to be revolving around all of that and possibly more given what occurred.

Then again, he did remember when he kissed Cersei on the cheek back in Winterfell.

Was the expression she wore back then the exact same he wore at those times?

If he was honest with himself, these kisses were something he would want to look into and explore to get a better understanding of.

But as bashful as he was with the kiss, it was more along the lines of it being his first kiss compared to who it was that gave it to him.

Strange really.

In his fake life back in the data Twilight Town, Roxas was well aware about romance and such yet he had never actually experienced it.

Right now he needed something to distract him from these thoughts. Something else to focus on.

Perhaps him going over what he needed to do with the Hand's tourney starting tomorrow.

If not that, but what-

*KNOCK KNOCK*

Well now, talk about timing.

Jumping off from his bed, he went over to the door to his room and opened it to reveal…

"Roxas~" Whined a familiar voice. "What have you been doing all day? I haven't seen you at all."

Roxas couldn't help but smile down at Arya Stark who was gazing at him with crossed arms and an annoyed pout.

"Sorry, Arya. But I had to entertain a number of people and couldn't find time with you."

Arya huffed. "Why do you even bother with them? They're so annoying."

"On that, the two of us could agree." Roxas said with a nod. "But still, had to for this instance. Too many people wanted it."

The young She-wolf nodded before quickly voicing a question roaming her mind.

"Aren't you excited for tomorrow, Roxas?"

"For the tourney? Not really."

Arya gaped. "But why not? Just about everyone is gonna be there."

"Arya, did you forget what I do for a living now?" Roxas said flatly. "Seeing two guys charge at each other on horseback looks like child's play to me."

Arya was about to refute his statement until it fell apart before she could even think of any words to counter Roxas'.

He was right.

What does the excitement of a tourney compare to when destroying monsters that were literally taller than castles sometimes.

"B-But still, it's the first one either of us will see!" Arya stuttered out.

Roxas shrugged uncaringly. "Everyone has their own interests in these events. I'm not all for it."

Puffing her cheeks out again, Arya crossed her arms and turned away from him dramatically."

"But you're participating in the melee, right?"

"Uh… Maybe." Roxas admitted. "I dunno really, I don't think it would be fair. Unless Cloud participates."

"Well then at least it'll be fun to watch it." Arya stated.

Roxas chuckled, shaking his head at the She-Wolf.

"Is there any other reason why you're here, Arya?"

"Since you asked…"

"What's going on?"

"Since you have not attended me all day, I demand we spend the night together training."

"No." Roxas immediately answered.

"Urgh." Arya deflated.

"How about we just hang out for a bit?"

"Hang out?" Arya muttered, momentarily confused until she remembered what that meant. "Oh, ok. Sure. Can we get Gendry as well?"

"Gendry?" Roxas said in surprise. "Why him?"

"Well I haven't seen him in a while."

"It's only been two days."

"Yeah, that's a long time for a girl my age."

"Arya, you're twelve."

"Exactly." Arya said, turning away from him. "Come on, let's go get our blacksmith."

He wanted to say something against it but then again, when he thought about it, he did spend every day with his best friends Axel and Xion back in the Organization days.

So really, after the hassle that was today, simply hanging out with friends that he wanted to be with genuinely would be a nice change of pace.

Moving along the corridors, the pair turned a corner and nearly ran into someone.

"Sorry about- Oh, hey Sansa."

"R-Roxas." She squeaked.

The eldest Stark daughter found herself blushing up a storm at being at such close proximity to Roxas.

"Hey Sansa."

The red head blinked, turning to see Arya next to her.

"Arya?" Sansa said in confusion. "Where have you been all day? Were you not supposed to accompany myself and the Ladies with the Princess today?"

Arya gave her older sister a flat look. "Do I look like I would ever want to be a part of that?" She asked rhetorically. "Besides, I've been training with Syrio for most of it."

"But it is the duty of a-"

"Sansa, you should already know my answer to that."

She wanted to argue with her a bit more but clamped her mouth shut and let out a sigh of resignation.

'By the Old Gods and New, I can't believe we don't argue like we used to anymore.' Sansa couldn't help but think to herself.

Normally, this would be the start to a very long winded argument between the two that would normally end with their Father having to come and break it up.

But astonishingly, she can't recall the last time it had happened in these last few months.

"-about to go out."

Sansa blinked when she barely heard the words.

"I'm sorry, but what did you say?"

"He said we're about to go out and asked if you wanted to come with us." Arya said, gesturing to herself and Roxas.

"...Pardon?"

"It's fine if you don't wanna tag along, Sansa." Roxas said.

"Tag alo- Ah." Sansa shook her head. "I don't mean to intrude."

"Come on, it'll be fun just to hangout." Roxas said. "Better than today's nonsense, that's for sure."

"I-If you insist."

His smile widened a bit more on her answer.

"Great." Roxas offered his arm up and Sansa froze.

Shaking her head a second later, she hesitantly took his arm with her own as heat rose to her cheeks and her heart started hammering into her chest.

"Finally." Arya groaned out. "Let's go."

"Where are we off to now?"

"Now we need to make a quick stop to the Street of Steel." Roxas said.

"The Street of Steel? Whatever for?"

"Getting a friend of ours." Arya answered, slightly rushing a head before turning around with a mischievous grin. "But we're going our way."

Sansa honestly wouldn't believe they ended up sneaking out of the Red Keep just to retrieve a blacksmith friend of theirs.

Of course she couldn't really complain when she found out just how they were going to sneak out.

Instead of sneaking out in a "normal" way, Roxas had Arya wrap her arms around his neck and hang off his back while he bridal-carried Sansa.

The young lady of Winterfell wondered how really strong her crush was as he effortlessly carried them with utter ease with no problems whatsoever. More so when he was quickly running and leaping off rooftops and ledges.

Sansa did let out a number of surprised shrieks while Arya kept laughing in joy during the majority of the leaps and bounds. It did make the older sister end up clinging onto him ever more tighter and digging closer into his frame. His rock solid and well toned frame which only made steam start wafting off of Sansa.

Roxas himself found her moments of fright entertaining, making her face burn in embarrassment. It didn't help that Arya had teased her a few times whilst she was completely unaffected.

After what felt like forever, the crazy ride the Stark sisters went through came to an end.

"Alright, we're here."

When setting Sansa down, Roxas made Arya let go of his neck. Once done, he knocked on the door to Toboh Mott's shop.

It didn't take long for someone to answer and sure enough, it was the young man they were seeking this evening.

"Roxas? Arya? What are you two doing here?" Asked Gendry. He then focused on the other person with them. "And who's this?"

"This is my sister, Sansa." Arya stated.

"Sist- a Lady?!" Gendry said in shock.

"Yup. A proper one this time." Arya said.

"My-"

"Don't bow to her." Arya rolled her eyes. "She's my sister, not your Lord."

"But she's still a Lady." Gendry argued.

"And you're a friend." Arya countered happily. "That means you're exempt. And she's around our age, so who cares?"

"But-"

"Gendry, come on. You know you always lose when you argue with her." Roxas cut him off with a laugh.

Slumping slightly in defeat, Gendry turned to regard the elder Stark daughter sheepishly.

"Apologies My la- I mean… Sansa." The Blacksmith said respectfully and nervously.

For a brief moment, Sansa felt a strange familiarity to the blacksmith.

The moment she saw her eyes, she squinted at them as she felt as though she had seen a similar set of blue eyes like the ones Gendry had before.

Not only that but his face just looked like… where had she seen it before.

"Um… Sansa?"

Blinking, she had realized that everyone had noticed her silence and the way she was looking at Gendry.

"Apologizes, I didn't mean to-" Sansa stammered.

"It's… alright. You just didn't seem all there like you were thinking of something." Gendry said kindly.

"N-No, it's just…" Sansa chewed the inside of her cheek. "You just… look like someone I know. I just can't place my finger on it."

"Have you seen Gendry before?" Arya inquired with her sister shaking her head.

"No, it's… something else." Sansa said. "Sorry, Gendry."

"It's alright, my lady." The blacksmith said instinctively, earning an elbow from Arya to his side. "Is there a reason why you're here?"

"We just want to hang out." Roxas said.

"Hang out?... What for?"

"Just because." Came Arya's response.

"Uh…"

"What? What's wrong with that?" Arya asked, suddenly defensive.

"Nothing, nothing." Gendry said, looking away from them momentarily. "It's just…"

"What is it?" Arya said impatiently.

"Don't you sometimes come here and spend time with me in the workshop?" Gendry said in a distracted tone. "Let alone when the sun is shining?"

"That's when you're usually working." Arya said. "It's fun to spend time with friends outside of it."

He didn't respond at first until a small tint of red appeared on his cheeks with a bashful smile following after.

"Heh, never actually did something like that before." Gendry said with a more chipper tone. "Sounds like fun." He then turned to the only other young man in the present group. "So Roxas, any ideas where you want to… er… hang out? That's how you say it right?"

Roxas nodded in confirmation. "I've got an idea, a place where we won't get interrupted."

"Right… so let me just get cleaned up and we can go to whatever place you have in mind."

Roxas nodded as Gendry went back inside.

By the time the young blacksmith exited the shop, all freshened up so he may be a bit more presentable in front of another high born lady, he expected to see the trio all waiting for him.

All he got was just the Keybearer.

"Roxas… where are they?"

"Oh, I just dropped them off."

"How… and what for?"

The smile Roxas soon wore didn't settle his nerves.

In a number of minutes later, Gendry collapsed onto the ground and found himself wanting to savor the rocky surface so dearly.

"W-Why'd you… have to… do that?" Gendry gasped aloud.

"It was the quickest way in getting here."

"And where is… here…?"

Despite the moon and stars lighting the darkened sky, the current placement was still darkened by the decrepit structure surrounding them.

It didn't take much work for him to realize where they were at.

Instead of him voicing his thoughts, it was spoken by the younger Stark girl who was running around the vicinity.

"The Dragon Pit?!" Arya exclaimed in excitement and awe. "We're actually in the Dragon Pit!"

"Seven Hells!" Gendry gaped. "That's on the other side of King's Landing. I thought I was strong but…"

Roxas effortlessly carried three people whilst jumping across the rooftops of King's Landing, getting here in a matter of minutes.

"Wow Roxas, you're amazing!" Arya said aloud.

Before Roxas could respond, his head snapped into a direction away from the group towards a particularly darkened and shadowed area of the Pit with his eyes becoming sharp.

Gendry was the first to notice Roxas's change in demeanor with Arya and Sansa following suit.

"Roxas?" Arya said warily.

She had seen this many times before.

Whenever Roxas got like this, it meant that an enemy was nearby.

She tensed up, standing by her mentor/friend and faced the darkened area with Gendry doing the same whilst Sansa stood behind Roxas nervously.

A moment later, the four of them heard a padding noise on the ground and out from the shadows walked.

"Oh it's-"

"Nymeria?" Arya said with a surprised smile, instantly running to her Direwolf and pouncing on her into an affectionate hug. "What are you doing here?"

"Is this where you and Nymeria go outside of the Godswood in the Keep, Lady?" Sansa asked, nuzzling her large Direwolf.

Roxas' tense posture dropped with a small smile appearing as he approached Lady.

Gendry had gone over to Arya who was rolling on the ground with Nymeria now.

"Hey Nym, good to see you again." Gendry said with a smile, reaching out to pet the direwolf.

He didn't get far as Nymeria managed to duck beneath his hand and she jumped on top of him and proceeded to slobber his face.

"ACK, NYMERIA!" Gendry wailed dramatically. "NOT AGAIN!"

Arya laughed aloud, jumping atop the two herself with her scratching her companion all over who continued to affectionately lick the taller boy.

Sansa couldn't help but laugh at the scene which turned into a gasp upon Lady doing the same.

"Lady!" Sansa cried out only to get another face lick for good measure.

Roxas chuckled aloud with Sansa sending him a joking stink eye with Lady making the glare ineffective with another lick.

"Ah~ Lady." Sansa fretted slightly. "Not the hair."

The Direwolf was undeterred by her companions' cries, slobbering her once again.

Roxas shook his head in amusement, going over to the two and scratching the back of Lady's ear.

"Maybe she thinks you're due for a new hair style." Roxas commented.

"Or maybe her sister has been giving her appalling ideas." Sansa said, somewhat giving up as Lady was now nuzzling her again.

"So why choose this place, Roxas?" Arya asked, resting atop her large Direwolf who in turn was atop a struggling Gendry.

"Outside of the Red Keep and perhaps the Sept of Baelor, this is basically the only good place to see the city from a high vantage point." Roxas pointed out. "This way, I know the best spot."

The group followed Roxas as they walked up several crumbling staircases and ramps until reaching the top most area of the Dragon pit that had the best vantage point of the entire city.

"Whoa!" Arya said, throwing out her arms. "This is amazing. You can see the whole city here!"

Gazing from the very curved, ruined rooftop of the Dragonpit, the group could essentially be surrounded by a sea of stars above and a sea of flames, given the many lights seen throughout the city down below.

With the true clarity of the cloudless sky, it was quite the marvelous spectacle to witness firsthand.

Roxas walked right over to the edge and sat down.

"Are you sure that's safe?" Sansa asked nervously, though it appeared that only she had such reservations as Gendry and Arya already seated themselves on the edge as well.

Nymeria was resting between them both with Arya having leaned down upon her with a content sigh. Gendry simply had his hand atop the Direwolf's head, gently massaging it.

Sansa felt Lady's snout nudging her from behind and a few seconds later, she carefully seated herself next to Roxas.

The eldest Stark daughter squirmed slightly as she looked over the edge and subconsciously scooted closer to Roxas.

Seeing this, Roxas smiled and placed a hand upon her shoulder. "Hey it's alright. Just look at the city. Don't mind the height. I'm here if anything happens."

Hearing this, Sansa's reservations faded with a warm feeling welling up as she calmed down and looked ahead towards the city.

Lady had laid down next to her and a lull of silence befell the group.

It remained that way until...

"Would've expected you to bring Chocho here while you were at it." Gendry commented.

"What?"

The blacksmith tilted his head down at Nymeria.

"Nothing, just came to mind honestly." He stated, rubbing the Direwolf's head.

"Didn't really think of it at the time." Slipping his hand into his shirt, he then pulled out a summoning tag. "But now that you mention it."

Channeling magic into the specific charm in his hand, a orb of light with runes and glyphs encircling it appeared above his head. Moments later, Chocho the Chocobo appeared as he rapidly flapped his wings to keep him aloft into the air.

"PWII!"

No longer flapping his wings, he fell and was swiftly caught into his "father's" embrace.

"Whoa!" Gendry and Arya exclaimed in unison.

"Since when could you do that?!"

"Remember that charm Moo made for Cloud and I, Gendry? It was basically for this." Roxas said, rubbing Chocho's head.

"That's amazing!" Arya said with a starry eyed gaze. "Can you teach me to do that?"

Nymeria tilted her head back and butted her snout against Arya's forehead.

"Aw come on, Nym." Arya said playfully. "That'd be so useful. No matter where you were, in an instant you'd be by my side like that *snap*."

Sansa hummed aloud. "I do admit, that ability would be quite appealing."

Lady's only response was a twitch of her ears and moving her head to settle into Sansa's lap.

"See Nymeria, even Lady agrees." Arya complained, digging her face into her Direwolf's furry neck.

Nymeria only huffed but didn't complain any further, settling her head down on the ground again.

The calming silence returned, the group simply enjoying the sight before them without needing to say or do anything.

Taking a moment to look between the group that he currently sat with, Roxas had a weird stray thought that went through his mind that actually made him pout.

'I've been hanging around too many girls lately.' Roxas internally remarked.

Not that he minded.

Not at all really.

It's just…

Well these past few days, being inundated with so much estrogen around him with a good number of them undressing him with his eyes was… a bit overwhelming.

Coupled with what happened with Madame M and earlier today with Myrcella.

'I gotta hit something soon.' Roxas said to himself in his mind. 'Maybe Gendry wouldn't mind me helping him out when I'm not taking out Heartless.'

As they continued to sit here and watch the city with the moon far off on the horizon, the Greater Nobody blinked to himself.

He realized that they were missing something here.

Something that he always had for these sorts of moments.

"Oh, can't forget about this."

The three humans in the group looked over and saw Roxas miraculously pull out several sea salt ice creams from seemingly nowhere.

"What the-? Where were you even keeping those?" Gendry asked in utter bewilderment.

"What even are they?" Arya asked, taking the one Roxas had held out for her.

"Sea-Salt Ice Cream." Roxas said. "A frozen treat. My favorite actually."

"A frozen treat?" Gendry muttered, taking the one offered to him.

"Ice Cream." Roxas clarified, holding the fourth one out for Sansa who daintily took it.

"Ice Cream." Sansa said in a low voice.

The three humans looked to Roxas for a second, watching how he ate his own ice cream bar before they did the same.

Their reactions varied.

"Blegh." Arya stuck her tongue out. "It's salty… but…"

"Sweet." Gendry said in surprise.

"It's… really good." Sansa declared with a beaming smile.

"Glad you guys liked it." Roxas said cheerfully.

"Wonder if it's better than lemon cakes." Sansa muttered.

"Let's not go that far, Sansa." Arya said knowingly, eliciting a laugh from her older sister before they quieted down once more for a few moments.

-Insert Berserk: Gattsu-

"This is quite the view, ain't it?" Roxas remarked.

"It sure is." Sansa said quietly, viewing the picturesque scene before them.

The others were silent as they kept nibbling onto their frozen treat, until...

"You know, I talked to a number of people and got to know a number of things." Roxas began. "Did you know Jory had been seeking out some nice woman recently to marry one day?"

This quickly earned a surprised look from the Stark sisters.

"Jory? As in father's captain of the guards?" Arya inquired.

"Same one. Apparently she caught his eye since arriving at the capital and had been trying hard to earn her affection. He's not even trying to woo her with his present title at all, but with his natural character." Roxas said, taking another bite of his ice cream. "His words, not mine."

"I… I didn't know that." Arya said with an owlish look to her. She had known the captain of the Stark guard since she was born basically.

The young She-wolf didn't know he had this side to him. And given by the look of her older sibling, neither did she."

"Jory has been a rather quiet person, not wanting his personal life to interfere with his duties towards your father." Roxas stated.

"And here you would know a person." Sansa muttered out loud.

Roxas nodded as he continued.

"There were even a couple of the older residents of the orphanages across this city who wished to join the city guards in order to make a proper living before purchasing their own plot of land to raise a family one day." Roxas continued to inform them. "I even learned a few of them wish to go to the Citadel over at Oldtown as it's the only other place where they could get a better education, given the lack of such a place here in the capital. Not exactly becoming maesters for some, but for them to know enough to start a business or something later in their lives."

"For some time now, I want to open up my own shop with what skills I've learned and acquired from Master Mott." Gendry admitted. "Not exactly in this city, but somewhere out there that suits quite perfectly for a bastard like me who can accept me."

"Perhaps at a holdfast in one of the kingdoms." Arya suggested.

The inspired blacksmith merely shrugged. "Who knows for sure." Gendry looked onwards and voiced a passing thought. "With this being talked about now, I can't help but when I'm looking at them all from here, I almost think I see each and every one of their dreams."

"Like.. a bonfire… of dreams." Arya spoke aloud.

"Sounds quite poetic right there." Roxas chuckled out. "But I probably get what you mean. Each light flickering in the city below adds onto the others somehow, someway. And to ensure those weaker flames don't get snuffed out, they toss their own into the greater pyre and gamble it all in hopes of having a brighter future."

The others had processed the recently spoken words. Soon after, Arya asked a question.

"What of your flame, your light, Roxas?"

"Mine? Well…" Roxas frowned in thought. "I don't exactly know for sure. Not anymore at least."

"How come?" Gendry asked.

The Nobody looked down at his half eaten ice cream bar with a contemplative look. He briefly thought over his life, brief as it may be.

"There was a time where I thought I had a place where I could belong." Roxas said. "A place to call home but… these past few years has made me realize that I might not find such a thing in a long time."

He held up his free hand and gazed upon it intently.

"I didn't want to at first, but I couldn't deny it even if I tried. I just know I want to help keep them lit through these troubling times. And with the words of House Stark, Winter is Coming. The darkness is ever present and there needs to be a light for those who need it."

In a flash, Oathkeeper appeared in his hand as he aimed it towards the very sky; more specifically towards the moon hanging above them.

"So long as I have my Keyblades and a drive, a purpose to fight for, then I won't be beaten down that easily. Time and time again, I've proven that to be true."

Roxas can easily recollect quite the number of moments throughout his existence, ever since he first joined the Organization to rejoining Sora. Through time and tribulation, both he and his Somebody survived, even through a losing battle.

In truth, Roxas had always been fighting for someone else's purpose. For Xemnas, for DiZ, but not for himself.

But with his new lease of existence, he has a choice for who he would fight for; despite the few hiccups along the way.

With that, he does not want to fade away into nothingness as he has so much to live for. For that reason it's why he keeps fighting. There is nothing else for him to save himself for and give himself to.

The greater Nobody sadly fights because he knows nothing else.

He once was committed to such a thing, yet he now wishes to know more than what he initially has.

Recalling his Keyblade, Roxas soon realized the others were staring wide eyed at him.

Becoming a bit flustered, the teen rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry on getting carried away right there, guys."

"No!" Sansa said quickly before composing herself. "You were just voicing your own opinions. You had every right to express them."

Roxas snorted. "I seem to be one of the few here who can and possibly get away with it."

"What's that mean?" Gendry asked.

"It's… complicated." Roxas answered.

Silence soon fell onto them all as the group kept gazing at the scenery before them. Even from their respective places, the present animal companions were slowly nodding off given how comfortable they've gotten as time slowly passed.

Arya was close to dozing off herself which Gendry took note of.

"Think it's time we head off to bed." Gendry stated.

"Huh?" Was Arya's drowsy response.

"Come on, we should head back." Gendry said, slightly shaking Nymeria and Arya at the same time. "Nym, think you can get Arya back to her room?"

"I don't need help?" Arya said groggily, rubbing her eyes.

"Of course you don't."

If the direwolf was ever smaller, Nymeria would've had difficulty in carrying her human companion. And yet with her present size, there would be hardly any issue as long as Arya didn't cause much of a fuss.

Which she didn't cause she was a second away from falling asleep.

"You're right. There's the tourney tomorrow and we're expected to be in attendance." Sansa stated.

Roxas nodded as he retrieved the popsicle sticks from the others.

"Alright, time to head out."

It took some careful footwork to head back down to the ground level of the Dragonpit. From there, they needed to traverse through the ruins before making their way out and down Rhaenys' Hill.

Gendry opted to accompany Arya as much as he could to the Red Keep until he could go no further inside whilst Sansa, Lady and Roxas took their own path.

Once saying their goodbyes to the young blacksmith, the group was able to sneak their way back, given the posted guards were quickly being changed for the next shift of the guards.

The slim timeframe had let them get in without being noticed.

Eventually making their way to the Tower of the Hand, Sansa and Roxas brought Arya to her room and tuck her in. Not long after, Nymeria quickly hopped onto the bed and curled at the foot of the bed before eventually drifting into slumber.

Exiting Arya's room, Roxas escorted the elder Stark girl to her room with Chocho and Lady trotting beside them.

"Tonight was lovely, Roxas." Sansa said softly.

"Glad to hear it." Roxas said with a bright smile, making Sansa tilt her head down to hide her red cheeks.

"I… if you don't mind… I would like if we do this again someday." Sansa said quietly.

"No problem." Roxas said casually. "I used to do this all the time. I miss it honestly."

Sansa gave a nod of understanding, knowing of two of his old friends who are no longer alive.

Gazing upon him once more, Sansa's heart began to beat faster as her mind flashed back to earlier in the day.

Seeing Myrcella kiss him in front of all those people.

Much as she hated that ugly feeling, jealousy and envy had been on her mind since that moment.

"Grab him… and take him…"

Sansa jolted slightly upon hearing the advice Arianne Martell had given to the crown princess that she had overheard earlier in the day.

Roxas saw this motion and reached forward slightly.

"Sansa? Are you alright?"

The Hand's daughter gazed upon him and shook her head.

"Y-yes, I'm… I'm fine…" Sansa said unconvincingly. "I'm just more… tired then I realized."

Thinking she wished to go to sleep, Roxas nodded and was about to leave her be.

Yet, before he could have a chance to walk away, he felt her hand cupping his cheek. Bits of confusion was soon present before she brought her face up to his and pressed their lips together.

Blue eyes slowly widened as a response as Roxas was once again kissed.

He stumbled back and unintentionally brought Sansa with him as he crashed his back against the nearest wall. Almost thinking they might end up falling over, he ended up wrapping an arm around her as the Stark girl's body was drawn closer.

Undeterred by all this, Sansa pressed herself ever further against him for a few more seconds until pulling away with a face as crimson as her hair.

Rather than feeling shame or embarrassment, Sansa held a satisfied smile to her face as she looked upon Roxas' blue eyes with her own.

"S-Sansa?"

She only gave him a wide dreamy smile, leaning forward to kiss him on the cheek this time.

"Goodnight, Roxas." She said with a voice as soft as her touch was as her fingers trailed along his cheek.

Moving away from him, she unintentionally swayed her hips as he eyed her form.

When she opened her door, she soon entered with Lady quickly following in before it was closed shut.

With part of his enhanced hearing, Roxas could hear a brief cheer-like squeal from within her room.

His eyes were still locked onto where Sansa disappeared to as he brought his hand towards his cheek before tracing his fingers at his lips. The tingling sensation was still lingering on as heat grew around his face.

A ringing set of questions in his head just kept on repeating itself over and over again.

Where did that come from and what had he gotten himself into?

From beside him, Chocho chirped a few times before pecking at his father's leg to get his attention.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he soon apologized to the growing chocobo chick as they made their way back to their room to get a proper rest for tomorrow.

And yet thoughts of the kisses he received from three young and beautiful women would be plaguing his thoughts.

Entering his room, Roxas flopped onto his bed, Chocho resting atop his belly.

"Urgh." Roxas moaned aloud. "I wish Axel were here. He'd know what to do." Turning over to where the Carpathian mirror is kept, his eyes quickly narrowed. "Trevor or Alucard… yeah don't know what their opinions would be like." Flipping over again with Chocho squawking as he fell beak first on the bed, another person crossed his mind. "Cloud… nah."

His mind went through a litany of individuals.

From Robert, whom he quickly discarded, to Ned as he seemed to have the best relationship with his wife.

Maybe he would know what to do about all this.

Yet there was this odd feeling if he told Ned of this recent event, he might try to skewer him with Ice.

…..

In all honesty, having a Heart right now would fix all these problems right about now…

If only…

Eventually drifting into slumber, he could only imagine what might entail in the coming days.

…..

…..

…..

Sitting on a ledge outside of Roxas' room within the Red Keep, a dark cloaked individual couldn't help but chuckle at the young Nobody's predicament.

"He's an interesting one. Being quite the unintentional ladies man." the cloaked man said known as M aloud chipperly.

Gazing at the moon shining above the land, a pair of cobalt blue eyes glowed to reveal the amusement present within them.

"No matter whatever world there is, humans live with their eyes set on the sky. Even as naught but a replica of a human, you, young Roxas, have unknowingly reached ever so closer to that dream of yours."

-End Chapter-

AN:

First chapter of the new year. Hopefully things will go well given what happened to the trash fire that was 2020.

FMW: Indeed but honestly… well, you know what, fuck it every year has its shit show. We just gotta endure it. Feels good to be back on this one after another month and all.

Jeb: Indeed, my friend. It was just within living memory a whole lot of us dealt with too much within such a small time frame.

Anywho… we are pretty much hitting the Hand's Tourney next chapter and we are not even halfway through on the first season of GoT. But hopefully that'll be rectified rather soon as these past few chapters had a lot of content to cover to make things rather interesting for you all to read.

FMW: So things are gonna start picking up and with us nearing some of the greater story beats in the coming chapters, hope you guys are ready for some of the crazier moments to come. Also, Kingdom Hearts stories means World hopping as all KH stories should have that don't take place in modern AU's. Just getting that out there.

Jeb: Exactly. World hopping/traveling is a staple in the game series. It's like a knife is a staple in any military out there in the real world and in video games; even in the Resident Evil franchise.

Anyways, be sure to review this story guys! Would like the criticisms. Please and thank you!

R&R