Finally, Torrhen though, after more than a month of travel. The party of the king, reached their destination. Torrhen had to admit from the outside, Kings Landing was beautiful, but once you got close to the city, the smell hit you across the face. It was a smell like no other, Torrhen would describe it as a mix between booze, sex, and filth. Like if a person went several years with out bathing but spent all day in the mud, but for some reason, he felt like he was suppose to be here. He quickly got rid of those thoughts as he looked at his sisters. They both were wide eyed, taking in the place like it was the last thing they would do. Once they made their way to the castle, Ned told Torrhen, for him to take his sisters to their chambers and settle them in.
Not long after Torrhen settled his sisters in, he took to exploring the castle. It by no means was the North but he so far, liked it. Right now, he was walking through the gardens, just walking without a purpose until he heard a voice from behind him. To his surprise, it was the queen, the last person he would expect to see here.
Cersei: How are you liking it so far?
Torrhen: It's a beautiful city, even if it isn't the North.
Cersei: I am glad for that
Torrhen: Not a fan of the North, my queen?
Cersei: The cold was worse than I thought
Torrhen: Yes, most people from the south say that but that was only during summer, imagine the winter
Cersei: How much worse does it get?
Torrhen: Hmm, it snows more, the storms are harsher, but once you are use to it, it's actually fine
Cersei: I'll take your word for it
Torrhen: Of course but if you excuse me, I have been gone longer than I hope for, I must return to my chambers
Cersei: Of course, but I would like to talk to you some more once you have settled
Torrhen: As you wish, my Queen
He started to leave but the Queen called out to him
Cersei: Torrhen, I do apologize for that incident involving your sisters pet wolf.
Torrhen: All is forgive, you were just a mother looking out for children
Cersei: Yes but still, it is like you said, we couldn't kill your house sigil
Torrhen: It's fine my queen, nothing like seeing a mother lion looking after her cubs. 'He winks at her as he turns and walks away'
After their talk, Torrhen decided he wanted to walk around Kings Landing, he couldn't believe the state certain parts of this place, how could majority of Kings Landing look like this if the country was suppose to be thriving? Obviously those in charge did not care for the people, that is something Torrhen wouldn't do if he was in charge, when he is in charge of Winterfell, he will make sure his people will thrive. Besides the way certain people lived, Torrhen did admit that it was a beautiful place with a lot of people, too many people Torrhen thought, they probably should expand the city. Torrhem stopped his thoughts, wiped his eyes and did a double take when it looked like he saw Ned and Catelyn walk out of a brothel. He must be dreaming he thought, Catelyn quickly hugged and kissed her husband then she was off, Ned started walking away when Torrhen started after him.
Torrhen: I don't even wanna know why you were in there
Ned: Torrhen? What are you doing near here?
Torrhen: I should be asking you that but I was just exploring the city
Ned: 'Sighs' We were just having a talk about something that couldn't be said over raven
Torrhen: Is everything alright? Can I help?
Ned: 'Smiles' No Torrhen, everything is fine, no need to worry
Ned patted Torrhen's shoulder then headed towards the Hand's chambers. Of course Torrhen didn't believe him, Ned was an honest man, which meant he was a terrible liar, but he wouldn't push it for now. Torrhen arrived at the table to see his sisters and Septa Mordane already eating. Arya was doing something with her knife but Torrhen couldn't tell so he just joined them at the table.
Septa Mordane: Enough of that young lady, eat your food.
Arya: I'm practicing
Torrhen: For what?
Arya: The prince
Septa Mordane: Arya, Stop!
Arya: He's a liar and if you told the truth Mycah would be alive
Torrhen: Enough 'Ned finally comes walking into the room'
Ned: What's going on here?
Septa Mordane: Arya would rather act like a beast than a lady.
Ned: Go to your room. We'll speak later 'Arya stands up and stomps away'
Torrhen: 'To the septa' Call her a beast one more time and you won't have a tongue. I'm not very hungry
Torrhen leaves the table to head towards Arya's room. Once these he knocks then waits a few seconds, no answer. So, he knocks again, waits, still no answer, so he knocks a third time.
Arya: Go away
Torrhen: I thought you loved me?
Arya: 'Opens the door' Sorry I thought you were dad
Torrhen: I forgive you, but only if you forgive and be nice to Sansa
Arya: 'Groans' Torr, you don't understand, I hate her
Torrhen: Arya 'he speaks softly' as the oldest it is my job to make sure we all get along
Arya: She lied! She got my friend killed!
Torrhen: The Hound killed your friend, look, what is our words?
Arya: Winter is coming
Torrhen: Yes, Sansa was put in a hard spot, the queen wanted her to lie but she didn't want you hurt or to betray you, her family. But, she is to marry Joffrey, so he will be her family, she has to take his side
Arya: But-
Torrhen: No buts little wolf, this place is not safe for us Starks, we can't fight ourselves, we have to look out for one another and Sansa is your sister
Arya: 'Quietly' I don't hate her . . .
Torrhen: I know, just try to be nice for me? She will have to live here forever, we get to go home
Arya: Fine, I will be nice for you
Torrhen: Thank you, that's all I ask.
Torrhen kissed her forehead then with his two fingers tapped her forehead and left. He sighed then went towards his other sister's room. He knew this one would be a lot harder. Sansa was stubborn especially when it came to how she acted towards Arya. The two are very much night and day different. He finally reached her door, he then took a long pause and a dee- breath and knocked on the door. After a few seconds, she allowed him to come in
Sansa: What do you want, Torrhen?
Torrhen: Is that how you speak to your favorite brother?
Sansa: Robb is in Winterfell
Torrhen: Ha Ha, very funny
Sansa: What is it?
Torrhen: You and Arya have got to be nice to each other
Sansa: 'Rolls her eyes' Brother you know she bothers me on purpose
Torrhen: Yes I do but I will talk to her as well but you are the oldest, listen, she is probably just a little jealous of you
Sansa: Why would she be jealous?
Torrhen: Because very few people compliment her or show her love like people show you, really only me and Jon show her that, why do you think we are here favorites? It bothers her but she is too prideful to show it, just please be nice to her for me?
Sansa: I-I don't know
Torrhen: Please Sansa? We can't be fighting among ourselves, I just have a bad feeling that something is going to happen, the pack has to stay together
Sansa: Fine . . . I will think about it only if you talk with her
Torrhen: Don't worry my little blue eye wolf, I will
Sansa: Torr! I told you to stop calling me that! 'She blushes' I am not 8 anymore
Torrhen: But as the oldest, I have to protect my precious baby wolf sister
Sansa: Get out!
Torrhen laughed then kissed her forehead, he knew she truly didn't mind it, it was more of a show, the image she would portray. He just liked teasing her. Torrhen looked out one of the windows and saw there was still plenty of light, so he decided he should go train some, but first he would change, it was too hot with what he was wearing. He decided for an all grey wardrobe on the vest he was wearing had the Stark Direwolf on the back while the front had a shooting star with a sword at the end of it.
Once Torrhen arrived at the training yard, he found the training equipment and found two nice looking wooden swords, he did not like using his swords to hit a training dummy. He spent the next thirty minutes practicing until he stopped when he heard some footsteps from behind him.
Selmy: Need a sparing partner?
Torrhen: I don't know if I could keep up
Selmy: I think that is a lie
Torrhen: We shall see, won't we?
The two stared each other down a few seconds before the Stark made his move, Torrhen went for a quick jab but the older knight easily parried the attack, Torrhen recovered then went for the head but Ser Barristan ducked then sent an elbow into Torrhen's stomach. Torrhen stumbled back a few steps but he had to quickly bring the wooden practice sword up to block a head strike followed by a jab to his stomach. Torrhen spun around, quickly bringing his "sword" at the knight's head, then followed with an attack towards his ribs. Ser Barristan was able to block the first but only was able to push the sword from his ribs to his hip. The action made him stumble a bit which the younger knight took advantage of, Torrhen feint a head swipe but sent the practice sword into the left side of Barristan's ribcage followed by an elbow to the stomach, Torrhen spun quickly, catching the knight still stumbling a lit then tripped him, making the old knight hit the dirt.
Selmy: It seems you won the first round
Torrhen: Only because you went easy on me
Selmy: And you want me to believe you went all out?
Torrhen: You noticed?
Selmy: Of course, your fighting, everything about it reminds me of someone I use to know
Torrhen: Really? Who?
Selmy: 'Sad smile' A story for a different time, let's go one more round
Unbeknownst to them, there was a spider hiding in the shadows, watching and listening in on the conversation. He also was fascinated by the Heir of Winterfell, there was something about him, the master of whispers thought, he would have to do some digging on the Stark Heir. Not long later, Torrhen finished up his training session, he needed a nice steamy bath, he felt his arm and leg was forming a bruise, where Ser Barristan hit him. He smiled though, thinking about facing the older knight, he had not felt that feeling since he went south.
The next few days nothing really happened, Torrhen would break his fast with his family then explore Kings Landing then he would train, he had spent the last few days training with Ser Barrister, the old knight really enjoyed sparing with the Stark. Torrhen was one of the few in Westeros who could even hold his own against the seasoned knight, let alone actually win some of their spars. Torrhen was walking the halls closest to the throne room, feeling at ease here near the throne. He stopped his thoughts when he heard Sansa's voice.
Sansa: My grandfather and uncle were murdered here, weren't they?
Septa Mordane: They were killed on the orders of King Aerys, yes.
Sansa: The Mad King.
Septa Mordane: Commonly known as the Mad King.
Sansa: Why were they killed?
Septa Mordane: You should speak to your father about these matters.
Sansa: I don't want to speak to my father.Ever.
Torrhen: Sansa did you not listen to me, I thought we had already addressed this
When Torrhen spoke from the shadows, it scared both Sansa and the Septa
Septa Mordane: You scared us, my Lord
Torrhen: My apologies, that wasn't my intent
Septa Mordane: Sansa, youwillfind it in your heart to forgive your father.
Sansa: 'In a bitter tone' No, I won't
Torrhen: Sansa, please? You know how he is, he too is struggling being here, don't hold on to this, if something were to happen him, you could never forgive yourself
Sansa: Torr
Torrhen: I'm serious Sansa, don't let this turn into something big or something you will regret
Sansa: Okay . . . why are you always right?
Torrhen: I was born awesome
Sansa: Shut up
Later that night, Torrhen was sleeping peacefully when he started to have a dream, it was of the same girl, she was wearing a white dress and her silver-blonde hair was to the middle of her back. In the dream, Torrhen sees her standing by a towering dragon, her hair flowing in the wind, looking both fierce and serene. She is surrounded by a golden light. As he approaches, the dragon notices him and lets out a low, rumbling growl, almost as if recognizing him as a kindred spirit. Then the girl turns and speaks to him.
Dream girl: You are never alone, the flame will guide you to me, my beloved
The scene shifts, to a volcanic looking island. The island rises dramatically from the sea, dominated by dark, jagged cliffs and craggy outcroppings that create a formidable silhouette against the centerpiece of the island is a castle itself, a fortress built from dark grey stone that seems to merge with the rocky landscape. Its towers are tall and slender, reaching towards the sky like the spires of a cathedral. Torrhen is then right outside the castle doors, he walks inside to see the walls halls adorned with Targaryen motifs, including dragon carvings and banners displaying the sigil of the three-headed dragon. Standing there waiting for him is that same woman from earlier, she turns to see Torrhen and she smiles at him, her eyes full of nothing but love.
Girl: Where have you been? I missed you, I know it was only a few hours but I didn't know where you were
Again, the scene changes for Torrhen. Suddenly, the landscape darkens as shadows loom, representing the chaos and conflict in Westeros. She is surrounded by hundred of people that have the look like they want to kill her, Torrhen feels an intense urgency to protect her. Just as he is about to reach her, a powerful wave of heat emanates from the dragon, and he wakes up, heart racing, with a sense of determination and a newfound purpose to find her.
Torrhen: What the hell was that? Was that my future? I need to find her, I am guessing that she is that Targaryen that the king was talking about
Torrhen decided to go for a walk to clear his head. His thoughts going to his dreams, why was he dreaming of this girl, is he going to marry her? How is he suppose to meet her? These were just some of the questions that was going through his head. For the first time, Torrhen wished his brothers were here with him, him, Robb, and Jon could talk about anything. Torrhen also valued their counsel, even though the did not show it a lot but those two gave good advise, they would always think a problem through before they would speak then the three boys would bounce ideas off of each other. Torrhen sighed, this seemed like a problem for future Torrhen, not the now Torrhen. He was interrupted from his thoughts when he saw a young women around his age approaching him.
Young Lady: Excuse me, Lord Torrhen, the queen would like to see you
Torrhen: For what?
Young Lady: She did not say
Torrhen: I'm guessing you are one of her hand maidens? What is your name?
Lady: Yes, my name is Elira
Torrhen: Please to meet you, Elira, lead the way
The walk to where the queen wanted to meet with Torrhen was not a far walk but the closer they got to their destination, the more nervous he got. Not because he was meeting with the queen but where the meeting was taken place if he was correct. Finally, they made it to the end of a hallway. There stood a door, the hand maiden knocked then when she waited for a response, Elira stepped inside, said something then stepped out.
Elira: The queen will see you now
Torrhen slowly walked in, hoping it wasn't a trap or something else
Torrhen: You wanted to see me, my queen
Cersei: Yes, I was wondering how the last few days have been for you
Torrhen: I am delighted that you would want to know, but they have been good, I am getting use to this weather though so that's good
Cersei: I am glad, a handsome young man like yourself doesn't need to hide away in the North
Torrhen: You are just stroking my ego, my queen
Cersei: 'Laughs' Like your ego needs anymore stroking
Torrhen: Of course not, but it is always good when a woman does stroke my ego
Cersei: You will do well here, I hope you know that, Torrhen, but if you need any help, just let me know
Torrhen: Of course my lady but I doubt that's why you called me here
Cersei: Yes, you are correct, my you are indeed quite smart
Torrhen: Thank you for the compliment
Cersei: I have an offer for you that I think you might want to take
Torrhen: And why is that?
Cersei: Because you Starks don't do well in the South
Torrhen: Your point?
Cersei: I am a powerful person as you know, I would make a wonderful ally, wouldn't I?
Torrhen: Just spill it already, please
Cersei: Fine, I shall protect you Starks while you all are down here, from Ned, to Arya, and even Sansa
Torrhen: What about if someone tries to hurt Sansa, you would protect her?
Cersei: Yes ? 'She was confused, she did not know where this was going'
Torrhen: Even from Joffrey?
Cersei: 'She stared Torrhen down a long minute' . . . Yes
Torrhen: Then what would you like in return
Cersei: It's simple really, just _
AN:
Whatcha guys think?
-Let me know if I made errors, it was a quick proofread-
How do you like the story so far?
How do you like how Torrhen's relationship with others?
Favorite moment from the chapter?
What are you looking forward to next?
Until next time!
Peace!
:D