An: And we are back! I'm trying to get a roll on updating all these stories, so let's save the usual AN info for the end!
LANCEL
GREAT SEPT OF BAELOR
Lancel lit the candle at the foot of the Stranger.
"Guide your most humble but faithful bird into the highest of the Seven Heavens." Lancel whispered under his breath. Not even trusting the Septons and Septas moving around him. How could he, when all the ones who could be called true had been ripped away by those corrupt Gold Cloaks?
'If those who remain here were true believers, they would have joined his holiness on his crusade to the north.' Lancel thought to himself.
Not that he could claim to have done so himself. Was he just putting his own guilt at their feet?
He moved away from the Stranger itself and went to take a knee at the Warrior. So many candles were lit, due in large part to the Tournament for the Twins. A prize that had many aspiring lords and knights drooling over. Lancel found one unlit candle and claimed it for his own.
'The Twins were the last place His Holiness successfully purified of sin.' Lancel thought. 'I will not let it fall back into being a den of depravity.'
He closed his eyes and relived the memories that made him accept his destiny.
Lancel was ashamed to say that his own revelations to the majesty of the Seven was far too recent. The Seven had sent the Cards when Lancel was on the verge of committing a grave sin, and the surprise of the miracle was enough to save his soul.
Lancel had been sent to serve as a squire to the king when he was thirteen. Tyrek had been sent with him to be a page to first Cersei and then to be Lancel's fellow squire to the king.
When they had departed from the Rock, their uncle, Lord Tywin, had taken them both into his Solar for the first time in their lives. There, Tywin had explained to them that they were to obey Cersei in all things. At first, Lancel had been confused by the very need to be told this. Cersei was the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Of all of Westeros. Of course they would serve and obey her words.
He had seen Cersei on several occasions when she had returned to Casterly Rock for one reason or another, but the last such trip had been when Lancel was eight. Upon seeing her in King's Landing at thirteen, Lancel had felt himself blush at the sight of his cousin's beauty. One look at her and it was obvious she deserves the title of Queen. Lancel had made a vow right then that the first tournament he won, he would name her the Queen of Love and Beauty.
At first, his admiration of her had been completely in his head. Of that he was sure. He imagined himself as Aemon the Dragon Knight, who admired queen Nerys but remained dutiful in his vows. Just as a true knight should.
He had also come to greatly admire his cousin Jaime, who served in the capitol. Jaime was so strong and handsome. The kind of man one thought a knight should be. Even when others snickered behind his back and called him Kingslayer, Jaime just let the insults go by him. Such words did not even deserve to be acknowledged. No doubt that once Ser Barristan died of old age, Ser Jaime would take his place as Lord Commander.
And so Lancel had spent his time in King's Landing. Admiring his cousins who had risen to some of the highest positions possible.
Yet… He had started to notice some changes. Changes that, looking back now, were signs of the corruption of spirit the realm had suffered from.
It had started about a year into his life in the Capitol. When he had fallen slightly ill the day before King Robert's hunt. Tyrek had volunteered to serve Robert by himself, and Lancel was left in the castle. After laying in his bed all day, and a quick inspection from Grand Maester Pycelle, he was back to perfect health, but without the king to serve. Even Ser Jaime had accompanied the royal hunting party, as befit a Kingsguard. Lancel spent some time in the training yards before returning to his rooms.
It was then he had found Queen Cersei herself awaiting him. Completely alone.
Lancel, still taken in by her beauty, had been at a loss for words at the thought of them being alone. But Cersei had smiled, and invited him to have tea with her. She had explained that they were both Lions. It was important that the Pride looked out for each other.
Since then, he had seen her more often. And even in public, she had shown him a smile he had never seen her give anyone else, not even the king.
She had put in a good word for him with the seamstresses to give him clothing that would best represent their house.
She had given him private lessons in dance for when feasts and balls were to be hosted in the Red Keep.
And then, just the day before the Cards first appeared… She had kissed him.
It was not a chaste kiss, as one might expect a lady to give a knight in her service. It was a kiss filled with passion. Of want.
Lancel had gone to sleep happy with how his life was going. Sure, King Robert was a drunken idiot who had taken too much pleasure in humiliating Lancel, but Lancel had the love of the Queen, so he could not really complain. It seemed to even it out in his mind.
But that was a mistake.
When he had awoken with a Duel Disk on his arm, and a deck of cards, he knew something was amiss. No one in the Red Keep had any answers. No, for answers, one had to go to the Sept of Baelor. For what besides the gods themselves could be responsible for such a miracle?
From that day forward, he had started going to the Sept nearly daily. And by doing so, he had seen that what he had viewed as rewards, was merely the sweet taste of sin corrupting his immortal soul.
He had nearly tempted the Queen into adultery. Into breaking the vows she had made on her wedding day, the most special day of her life. Part of his mind whispered that it was not his fault, that she had tempted him, but he pushed that to the side. No knight should ever blame a noble lady for their own failings. Any sin on the part of Cersei was a result of living in such an unclean and sinful place as King's Landing. Once the city had been cleaned up, virtue and goodness would return and the Seven Above would bless them by filling the skies with rainbows.
Septon Torbert had been the one he spoke to in those early days, and he had told him about the movement gaining a name for itself as the Sparrows. They had realized that by giving those marked by sin Dark attribute monsters, it made them unable to hide among the virtuous people anymore. Then they could finally be dealt with and sent off to the Father for judgement.
It had sounded so wonderful, and Lancel had come to the realization that once the Sparrows had united all of Westeros under the Seven at last, that even the gluttonous King Robert would be saved. Even early on, the mere existence of the Cards had seemed to suck some of Robert's vices right out of his heart. Lancel may not be able to be with Cersei himself, but he could save her husband from Sin, so they may continue their love in the Heavens after death.
The news of the Sparrow's defeat had shattered his heart. How could the Seven allow evil and sin to strike down a cause so good and pure?
But that was not the only betrayal Lancel had gone through.
Septon Torbert had been sent to the Black Cells, where he was very vocal about knowing who supported the Sparrows from among both the Most Devout and the city folk who came to the Great Sept for their spiritual needs. A week later he was said to have starved himself to death in atonement, but not before giving up the names of all those loyal to the High Sparrow.
Robert had the Gold Cloaks round up so many good people, for what was being called treason against the Crown.
Lancel regretted to say he had stood by while his brothers and sisters were marched to their fate. He spent everyday waiting for either the Gold Cloaks or even the Kingsguard themselves to come and drag him down into the darkness the Sparrows had tried to eliminate. Yet they never came for him. It made no sense. Torbert had given the names of others who were of similar standing to Lancel. Why was he alone being spared? Were the gods hiding him from the eyes of the corrupt so he may take over this holy mission?
It was not until his uncle, Lord Tywin, returned to the city for the Twin's Tournament that he had been given a reason why.
Lancel had learned that the royal confessors and gaolers who had questioned Septon Torbert were in truth loyal to Tywin. Septon Torbert had in fact given his name, but the men he gave it to knew better than to let the king know before Tywin. They poisoned Torbert so none else could hear Lancel's name from his lips, and then sent a message straight to Casterly Rock.
His uncle's warning continued to ring in his ears.
"The only reason you still draw breath is because of your father's leal service." Tywin had said once it was made clear he had known what Lancel had prayed for. "If you were the welp of Gerrion or Tygett, this second chance would not be available. Once Robert finally knights you, you will return to Casterly Rock. We shall find you a suitable match for your birth, and you will devote the rest of your years to your family."
Cowed by the sheer intensity of Lord Tywin's presence, Lancel could only nod meekly, like Martyn had when he confessed to breaking a vase their mother had just bought.
Once out of Tywin's line of sight though, Lancel thought of all those suffering the fate he had been spared. For many, it was too late to save their mortal lives, but their mission was still just.
The only way to escape Tywin's control was to win this tournament. If he did so, Tywin would likely see it as him doing his duty to his family. But in truth, it would allow Lancel to gather those veterans of the first crusade in order to organize a second one.
Lancel opened his eyes and headed out of the Sept. His gaze was full of determination to follow this righteous path.
Today was the first day he could participate in the tourney, as doing his duties for the King was still important and took up most of his time. But today Robert had told him he was free to duel. His Gold Dragons were both of the light attribute, a sign of the righteousness of his path.
Lancel had a specific target in mind for who to challenge. The one who had ended the previous crusade.
Jon Snow. For Lancel refused to accept that he was legitimized as a reward for his crimes.
Only by defeating him would others see Lancel as a champion of the Faith. And with his current deck, losing was simply not possible.
It had taken a lot of time and gold, but Lancel had managed to recreate His Holiness' deck. For the most part at least. He may be missing a few cards, but nothing too powerful.
Once the Bastard of Winterfell saw the monsters that should have ended him last time, he would cower and beg for forgiveness before Lancel sent him to the deepest hells.
Lancel opened the gates to exit the Sept, when he was greeted by a strange figure clad in full plate.
"Lancel Lannister." The voice boomed, echoing from inside his helmet. "I challenge you to a duel."
Lancel looked at this mysterious knight and noticed he held a shield. Seeing the sigil on it did nothing but further confuse Lancel.
'A Stag like the Baratheons.' Lancel thought. 'But the Stag itself is white on a greyfield. And the eyes..'
One eye of the Stag was the familiar gold of the Lannister Lion, while the other was the crimson red the Lion trotted on.
Lancel did not know who this knight could be. His shield suggested loyalty to the Royal Family, but the coloring was the inverse of House Stark.
Could this be Jon Snow? Had his target come to present himself for judgement?
No. As if such a man could ever wear the armor of a knight without being punished by the Seven as unworthy.
Regardless, if he was to keep the true values of the Faith alive, his current opponent's identity mattered little.
"Very well stranger." Lancel declared, puffing his chest out, still trying to emulate Jaime in how to show courage. "I shall accept your challenge."
Lancel walked down the steps of the Sept, not wanting to bother the true believers who may be inside.
Lancel turned to face the Mystery Knight. Both men held out their Duel Disks, and prepared themselves for battle.
L:4000 K:4000
"I shall have the first turn." Lancel declared as he drew his hand. He looked at the cards he had available to him and smiled.
His strongest card, Judgement Dragon, was right there in his hand.
This duel would not be a long one at least.
Lancel grabbed the card to the right of Judgement Dragon.
"I summon Garoth, Lightsworn Warrior!" He declared.
From the heavens descended a man with blue hair wearing white armor and wielding a poleaxe. Lancel did wonder why his armor did not cover his abs or under his arms. But who was he to question the Seven?
"Next, I play a face down, and my turn will end." Lancel placed his Glorious Illusion trap on the field.
"And now that my turn is over, Garoth's effect activates. Allowing me to discard the top two cards from my deck." Lancel explained as he drew them and looked at them.
Lancel frowned. He had hoped to discard Lightsworn monsters, but they were a trap and a spell.
He sent Graceful Tear and Charge of the Light Brigade to the graveyard.
'No matter.' Lancel reassured himself. 'Once I have four Lightsworn monsters in my grave, I can win this. He will likely try to destroy Garoth if able, and if not, Garoth and my other Lightsworn in my hand will thin out my deck enough to send four Lightsworn monsters in no time.'
"My move." The Knight's voice boomed. It sounded somewhat familiar to Lancel, but he could not place it.
"First, since I control no monsters on the field, I can special summon Kaiser Vorse Raider!"
On the mystery knight's side of the field, a blue skinned monster materialized. His fangs were too large for him to close his mouth fully, the top of his head was hidden by a helm. What little clothing he wore was largely bright purple, and covered in spikes throughout. But the thing that drew Lancel's attention was the giant serrated axe in his hand.
Lancel prepared himself for the knight's attack. 'This monster has 1900 attack points. Only 50 more than Garoth. This attack will not harm me too much.'
"Next, I can sacrifice Kaiser Vorse Raider, in order to summon Heroic Challenger - War Hammer!"
"What?" Lancel said in confusion as he watched Kaiser Vorse Raider fade from the field as fast as he appeared.
In its place came a warrior decked in full blue armor. Horns jutted out of his helm, and the serrated axe was replaced by an even larger war hammer.
"My next move is to use Mystical Space Typhoon, to destroy your face down card!" The knight declared.
A turbulent wind manifested on the field, forcing Glorious Illusion face up only to shatter when struck by a bolt of lightning emanating from the Typhoon.
Lancel gasped in shock as his trap was destroyed.
"Now my War Hammer will crush your Garoth!"
The blue warrior raised his massive Warhammer and flattened Garoth like the Lightsworn monster was a nail.
L:3750 K: 4000
Lancel was saddened by the demise of his monster, but at least it put him a step closer to victory. Which is why he was surprised when Garoth's body did not fade away, but rather merged with his killer's Warhammer.
"When War Hammer destroys a monster, it can equip it to himself to gain its attack points." The knight explained.
The blue armored monster's attack then rose to 3950.
"I play one card face down and end my turn." The Knight declared. A large face down card joined War Hammer on the field.
"I draw." Lancel said as he looked at the new addition to his hand.
'Garoth didn't go to the graveyard, so I still am no closer to summoning my Judgment Dragon.' He bemoaned in his own mind. But he would not be deterred. He had the Seven themselves on his side. This was merely the first obstacle to test his faith.
He looked at the card he just drew. Already his faith was rewarded.
Honest.
'Was there ever a monster with such a pure name?' Lancel thought as he looked in his hand for the strongest summonable monster.
"I summon Lyla, Lightsworn Sorceress!" Lancel declared.
A woman in a white and gold dress emerged from the sky to Lancel's side of the field. Her black hair flowed down her cape, and in her hand was a golden scepter.
"I end my turn, and due to her effect, I must discard the top three cards from my deck." Lancel explained as he drew them to look at what he discarded.
Finally, he smirked.
'Gragonith and Jain. Two Lightsworn monsters.' Lancel thought. "When his War Hammer is destroyed, Garroth will return to my graveyard. And then I need only get one more for Judgement to be rendered.
He discarded the two Lightsworn monsters, as well as the Shine Palace that was between them.
"My turn." The knight said as he drew.
"I summon Axe Raider!"
On the field a man materialized in gold and red armor covering his upper body.
"Now, Axe Raider will attack Lyla!" The knight commanded. Axe Raider immediately charged towards the lone woman.
Lancel gasped at that declaration. 'If Lyla gets destroyed in this mutual blow, I will be wide open for War Hammer!'
"I activate the effect of the Honest in my hand!" Lancel declared. "By discarding it, I can increase the attack of Lyla by Axe Raider's for the rest of the turn!"
The moment Honest was sent to the graveyard, he appeared on the field. He clasped his hands together in prayer and a white light enveloped Lyla. With her attack raised, she blocked Axe Raider with her scepter. The Axe was ripped from its handle and embedded itself into Axe Raider's exposed stomach.
Lancel grinned, looking at the mystery knight for any reaction, only to then see the facedown he had placed the turn before was now revealed.
Spirit Barrier.
Lancel looked at their duel disks.
L: 3750 K: 4000
Lancel wanted to groan. As long as War Hammer was on the field, that attack did nothing to his foe's life points.
The knight did not speak, instead he simply pointed at Lyla, and War Hammer immediately charged forward, crushing the holy lady's body with his hammer, still stained with the blood of Garoth.
L: 3200 K: 4000
This time though, Lyla did end up going to the Graveyard. Leaving Lancel just one Lightsworn short before he could win.
As the knight made no move to set a new card, Lancel took his inaction as the start of the End Hhase and placed his hand on his deck.
"My turn." Lancel said as he drew.
'I may only be down by 800 life points, but the fact remains that as long as he has at least one monster, I can not deal battle damage. And there is nothing in my deck capable of taking out War Hammer by itself.'
He looked at the card he had just drawn.
Jenis, Lightsworn Mender.
'This could work.' Lancel thought to himself. Jenis had 2100 defense points. His opponent would be unlikely to summon anything capable of killing her, which would mean he would have to use War Hammer to do so. That would give him the fourth Lightsworn in his graveyard, as well as save him from losing.
"I set one monster in defense position. And I end my turn." Lancel declared.
"My move." The knight drew a new card.
"This duel is now over. I summon Bull Blader!"
As the metallic warrior emerged on the field, Lancel tried to hide his grin.
'Only 1600 attack points. That means I can survive! Judgement is finally at hand!'
But something was tickling the back of Lancel's head.
Bull Blader… That monster seemed familiar.
"Now Bull Blader, attack his face down!" The knight commanded.
As the orange clad monster rushed forward, Jenis materialized in order to block the strike.
But then something strange occurred.
Jenis successfully blocked the sword swing that aimed to cut her in two. But as Bull Blader retreated backwards, suddenly, the horns on its head shot out and impaled her chest.
"WHAT?" Lancel exclaimed in confusion.
"Bull Blader has a special ability. I can negate any battle damage done in a battle involving him, and in exchange, his attack target is automatically destroyed." The Knight explained.
With nothing left on his field, Lancel's gaze moved to the remaining monster on the field.
Heroic Challenger War Hammer stood in front of him, towering over Lancel.
"War Hammer, finish this duel!" The Knight commanded in a booming voice.
The monster raised his War Hammer up high, and brought it down right on Lancel's head.
L: DEFEAT K: VICTORY
Lancel collapsed in defeat as he felt himself moments away from death. Had that been a real War Hammer, he most certainly would have died. He tried to wrap his mind around what had just happened.
Part of him wanted to hold onto his Golden Dragons, to refuse to give them to this heretic. But no sooner did he think such thoughts than the Gold Dragons flew right out of his pocket and into the mysterious knight's hands.
The knight examined them for only the briefest moment, before turning his back to Lancel and the Sept.
"You dueled well." The knight said, though his words only felt like a fresh wound to Lancel's pride. "You will make a fine knight in the future."
Lancel stood up. "Who are you?" He screamed. "I should at least have the right to know who I lost to!"
The knight stopped. He did not turn back to face Lancel, but he did seem to ponder on what to say.
"I am the… White Hart. Yes. that is who I am."
With that declaration, the White Hart left Lancel.
Overcome with despair, Lancel collapsed back onto the ground. He looked up at the Sept of Baelor.
'...I failed.' Lancel came to the realisation. 'Gods forgive me…But I failed you.'
JON
RED KEEP- SUNSET
After a long day of exploring the city- or just wandering about, as it felt like to him- Jon returned to the Red Keep right as the sun was setting. With Dueling forbidden inside the castle, he planned on heading back to the rooms provided to him and the rest of House Stark. He wondered if any of them had had a more successful day than him.
After he had faced Lord Beric yesterday, he had spent more time exploring the city for future reference than searching for another duelist. He had put that knowledge to use today, searching the city for opponents. But even when he found people to challenge, the moment they had learned who he was, they refused.
'I only used Slifer the one time, but it seems that was enough to strike fear into everyone's hearts.' Jon thought as the guards let him in.
It was after the third refusal to duel him that he had finally asked why. The hedge knight, a Ser Illifer, had shot him a dark look, and said that he would not duel a monster.
Jon had heard rumors about himself since entering the city. That he had killed the High Sparrow with a demon and eaten his holy heart. That he had not dueled the man, but instead actually managed to slaughter the Sparrows with dark magic of the Old Gods. That he had summoned an army of wolves to maul the remaining Sparrows after he had defeated their leader.
Admittedly, Jon did find that last one somewhat amusing.
But these rumours had made him appear too terrifying of an opponent for most in the tournament to attempt to challenge. If he was to advance, he may have to stop giving his own name.
But he was finally a Stark. His dream had been achieved. To not call himself by it went against every desire he had.
"Lord Jon." A voice called out, causing Jon to stop walking as he turned to acknowledge the call.
The speaker was an older man, wearing a golden doublet as he looked Jon right in the eye.
"Yes, I see the resemblance. You are definitely the son of Lord Eddard." the older man spoke after a moment.
"That I am." Jon agreed. "But I am afraid I do not know who you are, my lord."
"Of course. I am Ser Kevan Lannister." The man introduced himself simply.
That caused Jon's eyes to widen. What would a knight of House Lannister want with him?
Robb had told him some of what King Robert had mentioned to him before the tournament. They were supposed to try to hinder those from the Westerlands as much as possible to keep the Twins out of their hands. Jon had not liked the idea of targeting one group so unfairly, but he and Robb decided they would not say no to any Lannister wishing to challenge them, even if they did not go out of their way to find them.
"News of your duel has spread across the Seven Kingdoms, as you are no doubt aware." Kevan began. "You did a great service not just to the North, but to each kingdom. In order to acknowledge that, I have been asked to escort you to my brother's quarters."
That statement made Jon's heart stop.
Tywin Lannister wanted to see him.
The man who father warned was never to be trusted. Who had murdered the royal children. Who had sacked this very city while pledging to defend it. The father of the Kingslayer.
'What would father do in this situation?' Jon thought.
The answer was obvious. Eddard Stark would refuse to be at Tywin's beck and call. He would either say for Tywin to come to him, or to agree on a more neutral meeting.
But did Jon have that right? Father and Tywin were both Wardens and heads of great houses. Jon was a freshly legitimized bastard who had not even taken his seat properly.
To anger a lion with no plan was a dangerous game.
Jon looked at Ser Kevan. The older man's face did not betray a hint of emotion. Was Jon taking too long to respond?
'If… If I can find some information about Tywin, perhaps it will help King Robert and his plans.' Jon thought.
"...Very well." Jon said after taking a breath. "I suppose I should not keep Lord Tywin waiting."
Kevan smiled and nodded at Jon, before turning. "This way, my lord."
Jon was led to the Lannister's chambers. Which he could not help but notice were in the opposite direction of the Stark's. Each step he took he felt like he was walking closer and closer into a trap.
Ser Kevan brought him to a door with the Lannister sigil draped on either side.
"My lord, I have brought the Hero of the North, just as you asked." Ser Kevan said as he opened the door. Jon would have expected him to knock, but one look inside showed that this was not an interruption.
Lord Tywin Lannister sat not behind a large desk covered in papers, but in a simple chair more suited for breaking one's fast. The accompanying table was clear of any food though, instead a chest was placed in the center of the table, and a second chair was pulled out, so a guest may just sit there without needing to pull it out.
Ser Kevan beckoned Jon into the room, and with only a slight hesitation, Jon stepped past the door.
"So, you are who we have to thank for fixing our little Sparrow problem." Tywin said as he examined Jon.
Jon resisted the urge to gulp. Just being in Tywin's presence was enough to make him cautious. But he knew better than to show that so openly.
"I was just defending my home." Jon said simply, trying to downplay his accomplishment.
Tywin motioned to the other chair. One look at Kevan, and Jon knew he was expected to sit there. To join Tywin at the table.
Jon sat down, and the moment he did, Tywin reached behind the chest on the table and revealed a bag. He placed it in front of Jon.
Hearing the sounds it made when moved, Jon knew what was in there without even opening it.
Gold.
"I did not have a chance to send ravens out." Tywin explained. "But I had decided to put a bounty on the High Sparrow's head, as well as his followers. One Gold Dragon per Sparrow, and a thousand for the man himself. I believed such an offer would be enough to cause at least one of his supporters to question their devotion. But just as I was ordering the Ravens to be sent out, we received word of his death at your hands. A Lannister always pays his debts, as I am sure you have heard. I was willing to offer this gold to whoever kills him, so here it is. Of course this gold is only a fraction of what you earned. I will arrange for the rest to be sent with you when you leave the city. But this bag at least shows my intention to reward you.
Jon looked at the bag. Then he looked at Tywin.
"I would thank you, but I require no reward. As I said, I was just trying to protect The North. I did not do it for any reward.
"And yet rewarded you are." Tywin said. "Legitimacy, a castle of your own, a lordship before your brother even. You earned so much from that one duel. Is this gold really so different?"
Jon wanted to say it was. He had not enjoyed dueling the Sparrows. Seeing Slifer kill them all, he still sometimes remembered the looks on their faces. It felt like if he accepted the gold, it would be tainting that memory even more.
Before Jon could respond, Ser Kevan spoke up.
"Winter is coming, as I am sure you are aware." He pointed out. "With Moat Cailing abandoned for so long, I am sure your father is trying to decide new borders for the North to give you smallfolk to rule over. It will take time to fill a keep's coffers under such circumstances. You can use this gold to prepare for the first winter as a lord. I am sure you do not want to take such preparations as trivial."
Jon could find no fault in what Kevan said. Looking again at the bag, he dragged it closer to him, claiming ownership. For now at least.
It was then Tywin spoke up.
"Now that our debt has been paid, we can move on to a more even transaction. Lord Jon, I would like to trade with you. Word of this card, Slifer, has spread even farther than the fact that you appear to own the only known copy of it."
Jon had been half expecting such a request. He knew going into the room that he would have to refuse any such attempt. Slifer was simply too dangerous for him to entrust to anyone.
Tywin stood up and moved his arms out to the chest, before opening it. Inside of it, Jon had assumed for a moment that it would just be more gold. But when the Old Lion pulled the lid open, Jon found himself staring down at many cards. Some were familiar to him. Others were ones he had never even seen.
"What you see here is a copy of every single card on display at Lannisport's largest card shop." Tywin explained. "As well as several other rare cards found in smaller shops. All of these can be yours for the one card. Surely their combined worth can equal just one card."
Jon peered down at the cards, looking at as many as he could.
Rabidragon. Time Wizard. Jar of Avarice. Ancient Gear Statue. Magical Mallet. Pot of Greed. Jinzo. Insect Queen. Dark Necrofear. Spellbinding Circle.
All were rare cards that Jon was sure could be the centerpieces to different strategies. Of course, this chest was filled with far more cards than would fit in a single deck. Jon could probably make an entirely new deck with all of these.
But he had no desire to do so. He had no doubt he could look through the chest and find a few cards that would improve his deck, but he trusted the deck he had built himself more than these rare and valuable cards being offered to him.
Besides, with the power of Slifer at stake, Jon would not give that up for anything. Even if the perfect deck could be built out of this chest, Tywin Lannister was the last person Jon would want to have Slifer to command.
Before Jon could say no to the offer, Tywin summoned his duel disk, removed the deck, and placed it on the table.
"T-Tywin!" Kevan said in a voice of genuine surprise.
"In addition to all the cards in the chest," Tywin explained. "You may look through my deck, and pick any five cards in it for yourself. Go ahead, feel free to look before making your choice."
AN: And scene!
It is good to be back to a more active schedule. Hopefully I can keep it up.
The Lancel part was the biggest, and also the most difficult to write. I tried to capture the thought process of someone who is being groomed. Lancel was four when Joffrey was born. He and Cersei might be cousins, but the age gap should make her more of an aunt figure. Even though he was manipulated into it by her, Lancel views it as his sins that lead Cersei astray. If not for him, Cersei would be the ideal queen. So he takes all the blame onto himself.
In addition, I wanted to also try to portray how Lancel was radicalized in this story, as opposed to how it occurred in canon. In this case, it was all about the timing of his sins coinciding with the cards. So now here he stood, the last true believer in the holy crusade.
As for who defeated him, I feel it's obvious.
And then Jon. He's been having a hard time finding opponents. People either don't want to deal with him because they think he's too good, or because they think he is a monster. And then another monster asks to meet with him.
And here we see that his fame is starting to draw attention from the experienced players of the Game of Thrones. I feel like most of us could have guessed that Tywin would attempt this. Of course, what Slifer is capable of is more rumor than anything concrete when word reached the south, but still when he heard how powerful Slifer was, Tywin would be curious to see it for himself. He would not want anyone besides himself to possess such power.
And with that done, this story has finally been updated. And in the time it took me to finish this, I completed another chapter of a story, so I will upload that shortly. Just need to make sure it is edited well enough to post. Hopefully these long breaks will be a thing of the past, but I can not guarantee it just yet.
I hope you all stay safe. I wish you all luck in all your endeavors.
Jaehaerys . Joestar