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The Ariadelle Vice Captain
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 Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 11:30 pm
The Red KeepThe Red Keep is the seat of the King on the Iron Throne, located in King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. It dominates the skyline of the capital, and serves as the city's primary fortress and redoubt. It is currently the home of King Joffrey Baratheon, following Robert Baratheon's demise. the Red Keep is a major castle complex located at the south-eastern corner of the city of King's Landing, directly overlooking the Blackwater Rush and Blackwater Bay. It is built atop Aegon's High Hill, the tallest hill of the city, and affords a panoramic view of the rest of the city. It consists of a number of interconnected buildings, such as the main keep, a secondary castle called Maegor's Holdfast and the Tower of the Hand, the seat of the Hand of the King. White Sword Tower is the base of operations for the Kingsguard. The Red Keep is so-named due to the redstone bricks used to build it. The Red Keep was built approximately three centuries prior to the events of the series and replaced an earlier wooden fort, built by King Aegon I Targaryen where he first set foot on the continent and used as his base of operations in his conquest of Westeros. The construction of the Keep was an immense undertaking, spanning the reign of the first few Targaryen kings, although modifications and additions to the castle have been made ever since. The Great HallThe Great Hall is the massive throne room of the Red Keep, containing the Iron Throne. The Tower of the HandThe Tower of the Hand is the location of the quarters and offices of the Hand of the King. Maegor's HoldfastMaegor's Holdfast is a stout tower in the center of the Red Keep. It was built by King Maegor Targaryen. It serves as a redoubt when the city is attacked. 
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Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 12:34 am
♦•◆•♦ x Queen Regent Cersei Lannister x ♦•◆•♦
"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground."   Cersei strolled through the grand hallways of the Red Keep, her crimson and gold dress swishing around her feet. She had called for a meeting of the Small Council to deal with matters of state and she was already running late. Her lateness did not concern her though, since forcing them to wait for her only showed her power over them. It was best to constantly remind them of who was really in charge. Joffrey may have been King, but Cersei was Queen Regent. As long as he was underage, she was technically in charge. Unfortunately, others liked to remind her that she was merely a woman and could never truly rule. One day, she would show those naysayers what a woman could do.
As Cersei approached the door to the Great Hall, two servants standing near it pushed the large wooden door open. It swung out of her way as she stepped into the hall. She stopped in her tracks as she noticed the empty table in the middle of the hall. Where were the other council members? Surely they could not have been as late as she was. Doubt clouded her mind as she slowly took her seat at the head of the table.
A few minutes passed, which she spent resting her head in her hand and staring up at the vaulted ceiling, before she heard footsteps. She straightened her posture and awaited the arriving council member. She would make sure that he heard a mouthful about making her wait this time. As she watched the doorway, Maester Pycelle limped into the room. "Why have you kept me waiting so long?" asked Cersei bitterly. She was not one for subtlety.
The old maester coughed into his sleeve and moved a bit closer to the table. "I've come to inform you that the meeting has been called off."
Cersei maintained a calm composure, but fire burned in her eyes. "Why was I not informed of this earlier?"
Maester Pycelle bowed apologetically, his aged bones creaking with his every move. "I'm afraid that I do not know." He struggled to swallow the spit that formed in his mouth. "I merely know that your father, the Hand of the King, was too busy to attend."
Cersei rose from her seat and slammed her hands down on the table. She did not like being the last to know anything. She also did not like people going against her orders, even something as simple as arranging a meeting of the Small Council. "Last time I checked, I was Queen Regent," said Cersei. "The Hand of the King is not required at these meetings as long as I am here."
Maester Pycelle shook nervously as Cersei stepped away from the table and approached him. She bent close so that she could whisper in his ear. "I would appreciate being informed earlier next time." With that, Cersei stormed out of the Great Hall. "I should wear the armour, and you the gown."
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The Ariadelle Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 1:28 am
⋅⊰⊱≶•≷ ⊰⊱⋅ Tyrion of House Lannister ⋅⊰⊱≶•≷⊰ ⊱⋅   "I've offended you. Forgive me. It's been a rough morning."It'd been quite awhile it seemed since Tyrion had first woken up in that cramped room after Blackwater. A swift shiver chased up his spine as he instinctively paused to let his mind clear of that night before continuing down the corridor. All of it still left a foul taste in his mouth worse than cheap wine and cheaper whores. Though as with all dark things, they must end, and end it did, with him in his stony cell until he recovered to the mostly in tact state he was in. As it would all go, a warrior's scar was well worth his life. The sudden urge to breathe suddenly caught his attention, as he realized he must have stopped that too in his moment of remembrance. Where were all the guards around here anyways he wondered. Is there some Tourny going on for our wonderful victory?
Listening to the soft beat of his own step, he became aware that he was finally nearing his destination, and still without encountering so much as a lone squire in his passing. Though it was a tad bit late for an early morning meal, he did not receive the best of meals from his cramped room. Perhaps at this bizarre hour he could talk some serving girl into providing some warm food to a charming dwarf. At the very least some coin would get her interested. The abrupt howling from a nearby corridor stopped his quest once again and Tyrion ducked into a doorway, making sure to avoid any hurrying guardsmen. For what seemed to be minutes, though with no way to tell time from the dark doorway who's to say how relevant any moment could be as far as time goes, and with no guards passing, he felt safe enough to continue on his quest for brunch.
As he drew closer to the hopefully unguarded great hall it became aware that the cacophony was unfortunately coming from his destination. Taking a moment he weighed his options. Turn around and try and make a safe return with an empty belly or to risk his already uncomfortable situation with a potentially worse one. As he began to mull them over the shrieks became louder and he finally recognized the source. Instinctively his thin lips up-turned into a smirk and he knew he would have to stay and hear what she was so hung up about. So yet again he slowly began to close the distance between them, all the while cocking his ear from his least marred side in an attempt to get as much as he could before he was inevitably caught. Though now knowing it was his dear sister Cersei and not Joffrey eased his mind a small bit. He could persuade some other punishment from her, one that would not kill him at least.
As he hung just around the corridor from the Great Hall, he finally picked up Maestor Pycelle's voice, as well as the gist of their conversation. The Hand had failed to show, how like his father to find some other rally to keep his attention than the droll sit in. Peaking around he noticed that their backs happened to be turned from him, though it would only take a short pivet for Cersei to see him if he moved into the hall. It sounded as though they were nearing an end of their talk. Looking around again proved that indeed the maester was on the move, and he almost could have sworn that his dear sister's eyes followed his retreat back around the corner. Looking around for a room to hide in, if she had indeed caught a glimpse of him, proved fruitful. Scampering in and silently shutting it behind him and bracing it with both his hands. A quick look around the dark room proved that is was a nearby storage room, likely spices or other cooking ingredients, given how close they were to the kitchen and great hall. Tyrion knew he was breathing heavier than he should be, but he couldn't help himself. He needed to act fast before his cover was blown.
"The king is a lost cause. It's the rest of us that I'm worried now."    
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Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 2:23 am
♦•◆•♦ x Queen Regent Cersei Lannister x ♦•◆•♦
"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." Cersei slowed her steps as she left the Great Hall, Maester Pycelle following behind her. She could have sworn that she had seen movement out of the corner of her eye, as though someone had been watching from the edge of the doorway before scampering away. The only detail she had caught was the small stature of the spy. That would make him either a servant boy or a meddlesome little brother who should still be in bed.
When Cersei stepped out of the hall, there was no-one in sight. Perhaps she had imagined it; either that or the spy had snuck off into a side room. If it had been Tyrion, she had better find him. The last thing she needed was him up and about. He had caused enough chaos before the siege of King's Landing. His time spent in bed had allowed for her to regain the power and control he had siphoned away over the months; she would not allow him to take that all away.
Cersei turned to Maester Pycelle, who hobbled up beside her. She'd make sure that if Tyrion was indeed out of bed, he'd be caught. "Maester, would you be so kind as to check on my little brother." Her words sounded sweet, but her face was stern.
Maester Pycelle nodded his head and hobbled off down the corridor. If her brother was indeed out of bed, hopefully Pycelle would find an empty bed. She could only imagine the trouble he'd get into for that, not only from her but from their Lord Father as well. Judging by Pycelle's slow gait, however, she wasn't sure if he was much faster than Tyrion with his tiny steps. There was the chance Tyrion could make it back before Pycelle.
Once Maester Pycelle was out of sight, Cersei wandered down the hallway in the direction she believed the spy had gone. She carefully eyed each door that she passed. None of them were open, but as she passed one she heard a strange sound, almost like breathing. She silently stepped closer and pressed an ear to the door. It was definitely breathing that she heard.
Cersei cleared her throat, to give warning to whoever was on the other side of the door. With a smirk on her face, she knocked on it and then said, "You wouldn't happened to have seen a wild Imp on the loose?" "I should wear the armour, and you the gown."
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The Ariadelle Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 2:06 pm
⋅⊰⊱≶•≷ ⊰⊱⋅ Tyrion of House Lannister ⋅⊰⊱≶•≷⊰ ⊱⋅"I've offended you. Forgive me. It's been a rough morning."Pressing his misshapen head against wooden door between them, his mind began pondering all the possibilities. There was no other exit, which meant that he and his sister would have to talk this all over. As for Pycelle, hopefully he'd run into Shae and she could direct him to another destination. Maybe even one that would make him forget his task at hand. Though he knew it really all came down to luck in this matter.
With the clearing of her throat, he pressed himself off of it enough to stand tall when she came through. "No Imps here, my lady, just men," he said, taking the initiative and grabbing the door knob to close the distance between them. A quick tug revealed his lovely sister staring in the general direction of his height. "You know, I've even heard a few people call me a Giant in my time. I see you've found me, how brilliant of you." Raising an eyebrow at her smirk he followed suit, upturning his own grin. "Might I inquire why you still send meals to my room, when you remember, and will not allow your own brother the sit with his fellow men amongst your tables? Surely Lannister hospitality can extend to that, can it not?" His eyes scanned the hall a bit beyond her, revealing that indeed there were no guards. How Strange.
"As I was going to say, as your servants must have forgotten to feet your littlest of brothers, I thought I'd head to the great hall and see if one of your kitchen staff could provide me something more nourishing." Pausing for a moment, a thought popped into his head. "You know, why don't you join me? I have hardly seen my own family in weeks and I'm sure there have been many alterations in court following our father's arrival. Surely we can be courteous long enough to share a drink, and that such courtesy would be noted as it was, a Queen dining with her fool of a brother. How kind, they would say. Not to mention you could keep an eye on me and see that I am in full, minding my own ways, and not trying to flee like some beaten cat." His eyes rose to meet her gaze, hoping she would see the honesty he meant. It would not be his favorite trade off, though conversing with her would outwardly be less painful than the beating he could get, it did typically leave him in rougher conditions than he was prior. Not to mention that fact that he did want to know what had become of the realm over the past few days. Varys had only passed in once, and Shae couldn't tell him the goings on as Cersei could. She would know it all. Though he could only possibly gain this knowledge if she would took his bait and shared a plate.
"The king is a lost cause. It's the rest of us that I'm worried now." 
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Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 5:47 pm
♦•◆•♦ x Queen Regent Cersei Lannister x ♦•◆•♦
"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." Cersei's face remained passive as Tyrion stepped out into the hallway. It seemed that she had indeed been correct about his whereabouts. Their Lord Father would love to hear that her little brother was out of bed. Then again, she wasn't exactly pleased with her father at the moment and did not feel like sharing the enjoyment of punishing Tyrion.
Cersei said not a word as she listened to Tyrion speak. Perhaps he had some amusing excuse for wandering about the castle. Knowing him, he was probably looking for company for his bed. Too bad for him that whores did not walk the castle halls.
When Tyrion had finished, Cersei eyed him over carefully. She cared little if his pride was bruised by not being allowed to eat with the other men. It would serve her purpose better if he just stayed in his tiny little room and had his meals spoon-fed to him. Still, he had a point about courtesy. If she turned him down and had him sent back to his room, he'd probably make a huge fuss about it and alert half the castle that she was basically imprisoning him. At least for now it merely looked like she was having her ailing brother cared for. Appearance was everything in the Red Keep, especially for the Queen Regent.
Cersei turned away from Tyrion so that her back was to him. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let you have one meal outside of your bedchambers." She turned back around and held back a sneer as she glimpsed Tyrion's disfigured face. "Just please try not to scare off the servants. You're even more frightening than usual." "I should wear the armour, and you the gown."
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The Ariadelle Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 2:04 pm
⋅⊰⊱≶•≷ ⊰⊱⋅ Tyrion of House Lannister ⋅⊰⊱≶•≷⊰ ⊱⋅"I've offended you. Forgive me. It's been a rough morning." Eyeing his sister cautiously, Tyrion felt, that at least for the time being, he had dodged his punishment. Thank the gods ever so greatly for courtly graces, he inwardly laughed. Turning his marred face to his sister he laughed, "I'm sure I can think of something to protect your honor from your hideous imp of a brother. I know, perhaps I'll wear a helm like your dog. You'd probably get a kick out of a little metal headed lion strolling through you halls. I guarantee it would amuse your guests." He chuckled lightly at his statement, knowing he would be alone in his laughter he decided to reel it in before she truly became annoyed. Such a task would not be so easy through a meal. "After you," he waved towards the great hall, opting to stand behind her majesty, queen regent as well as still have a small option to duck out and try and run back to Pycelle if he needed to. Though that plan did have many draw backs.
As he walked towards the hall with Cersei Tyrion's mind began to finally question his rash actions. Why had he called out and shown himself? Surely he could have come up with some other way to hide until he knew no one was outside the door, though he would have almost no way of telling. Also, once he had revealed himself, why in the all of Westeros would he offer to share a meal as a diversion, though not even a diversion, but what he intended, yet with her company. It all seemed like a mess. Though as far as messes could have gone for his 'outing' this was probably better than he could have gotten. Now if he could only refrain from belittling her for a single meal and try with all of his might not to pop that pompous glaring head of hers from her shoulder, then he would be alright.
"The king is a lost cause. It's the rest of us that I'm worried now."
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Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 9:05 pm
♦•◆•♦ x Queen Regent Cersei Lannister x ♦•◆•♦
"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." At the mention of the Hound, Cersei glowered down at Tyrion. Sandor Clegane had disappeared during the Battle of Blackwater and no-one had seen him since. Many suspected that he had fled. What a cowardly dog to have run away with his tail between his legs. Truthfully, she tried not to care about what had happened to the Hound. He was Joffrey’s man, not hers. If Joffrey’s chosen champion was a coward, then it was his concern, not hers.
Without a word, Cersei spun around and started off down the hall. Tyrion was sure to follow with his stunted steps. He was trapped and he knew it. She would make sure that he remembered that.
The halls were eerily silent as they made their way to the dining hall. The occasional servant scurried past and she saw a few guards, but definitely not as many as there should be. Where was everyone? She could have broken the silence and spoke to Tyrion, but she knew that the silence would be more upsetting for him. She could revel in the silence if she must, but he’d surely have to crack some sort of joke. Better not to speak to him at all unless need be.
When they arrived at the dining hall, the room was nearly empty. A group of half a dozen men sat at one table chatting loudly, while a quieter pair sat across the hall and were talking more quietly. When they strolled in, all the men went silent and raised their heads to stare at them. Almost immediately they rose from their tables, leaving their food, and scurried out of the hall. Cersei raised an eyebrow as she watched the men hurry past her, each one offering her a small bow before disappearing down the corridor. Something was going on that she didn’t know about. That kind of thing always worried her; she liked to know everything.
Trying her best not to act confused or surprised at the men’s departure, Cersei walked across the dining hall to the table at the far end. It was raised up above the others and was covered with a crimson tablecloth. She did not hesitate to take the head seat, seeing as she was Queen Regent. Once seated on the velvet-cushioned chair, Cersei motioned for Tyrion to sit across from her and said, “Sit. It would seem that you won’t be able to enjoy the company of your men, but surely my presence will make up for those halfwits.”
"I should wear the armour, and you the gown."
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The Ariadelle Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 10:57 pm
⋅⊰⊱≶•≷ ⊰⊱⋅ Tyrion of House Lannister ⋅⊰⊱≶•≷⊰ ⊱⋅"I've offended you. Forgive me. It's been a rough morning." Following in the silence for what felt to be much further than the dining hall should have been, Tyrion continued to feel on edge about his current predicament. Sure, she wasn't arguing with him, threatening him, or trying to outright murder him, though he still wondered what she was up to. Or rather, if she knew what he was up to. As he walked slowly in the all too quiet hall, he was finally amazed to see other faces. None were familiar though. No Bronn of Blackwater, no Podrick Payne, no one.
Turning slowing behind his sister into the dining hall he felt an overwhelming wave of tension hit him. Surely her men did not lust for her in that amount, or perhaps had some other intent. As he began to analyze the odd air about the room however, they all rose, and courteously left the room. Naturally an eyebrow of his perked upward. How curious. As each man passed in their procession of bows, none met his eyes until the last man. It was almost as if he wished to tell him something with that stare, though as Tyrion had been no part of whatever they were in store of, he very easily gave them a silent and apologetically sad smile and continued to follow Cersei to the main table.
Stepping up to the table and rounding it to sit beside his sister, he took a moment to take in the whole room. "What luxuries you forget when you are recovering," he sighed earnestly, finally breaking the noise barrier they had both been holding. He did not expect an answer to his obvious statement nor would it surprise him if she provided one. Eyeing a moving blur from this side, he shifted to see a Serving girl coming in from the kitchen. Those girls have ears that could hear all. Looking back to Cersei, Tyrion tried to get an assertion from her current state as to if he could order his own meal like a grown man, or if she intended a special course for the black sheep. She did not seemed to pitch any signal to the girl, at least none that he could pick up, so he turned back to the now closer girl and waved lightly to her. "Good day my dear." Remembering how his sister felt of his scar, he lifted a short arm in an attempt to cover his grotesque features. "I do apologize for my hideous looks, please do not let me frighten you. I only wish for something to 'sup on. Perhaps some sausages and Ale to wash it down with?"
"The king is a lost cause. It's the rest of us that I'm worried now."
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Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 11:38 pm
♦•◆•♦ x Queen Regent Cersei Lannister x ♦•◆•♦
"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." Cersei hid a smirk as she watched Tyrion attempt to cover up his scar. It seemed that her earlier comment had hit home, even if he didn’t realize it. He was a difficult man to insult, seeing as he turned every insult into a joke, but that didn’t stop her from trying.
Cersei straightened up in her seat as the serving girl finished attending to Tyrion. She did not mind that Tyrion chose his own meal. It was better to let him feel like he had some power before she took it all away from him. Cersei opened her mouth to relay her desired meal to the servant, when she realized that the serving girl had already turned away and was heading back to the kitchen. What madness was this? Not only did the wench attend her dwarf brother first, but now she was ignoring the Queen Regent. Cersei tried to hide the anger from her face, although it did redden a bit. She then picked up a wine glass and loudly cleared her throat. The serving girl stopped moving and turned to face Cersei. Cersei, her voice laced with venom, then said “I would like some wine… now.”
The serving girl bowed roughly and sped off into the kitchen. Within mere seconds, she was scurrying back out with a wine pitcher in her hand. She smiled at Cersei as she poured her a glass. Cersei sneered back and shooed the girl away. Before the girl left the room, Cersei said, “And bring me some venison, wench.”
Cersei swallowed half her glass of wine in one go and placed it back down on the table a bit too aggressively. The wine sloshed around in the glass, a few droplets spilling over the rim. She sat still as the alcohol took effect, clouding her mind and eating away at her senses. She did not use to drink very often, but now she found herself consuming more and more alcohol lately. Her late husband would be so proud.
As Cersei lifted her head up, she noticed Tyrion sitting nearby. She had nearly forgotten that he was even here. That serving girl had made her a bit more distraught than she would have liked. She had better make conversation, since she had a duty to at least be civil with him. She could hang him by his thumbs later, after the meal.
"So, little brother, what has caused you to leave your bed, other than a good meal?" Cersei reclined back in her seat, trying her best to relax. It was no good, since she always felt tense in Tyrion’s presence. He had that effect on her. She faked a smirk and said, "Couldn’t find any whores that make house calls to sick cripples?" "I should wear the armour, and you the gown."
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The Ariadelle Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 12:43 am
⋅⊰⊱≶•≷ ⊰⊱⋅ Tyrion of House Lannister ⋅⊰⊱≶•≷⊰ ⊱⋅"I've offended you. Forgive me. It's been a rough morning."Beneath his covering hand, he did see the smile on the poor girl who had to attend to them. Tyrion himself smiled a bit as she poured his goblet full of wine and set the plate before him. Wordless he mouthed a thank you just before she turned to go. Hearing an intake of air, something easily heard if it is ever performed by those who's head's are too large and are less full of hot-air, he knew that the girl had erred in an attempted retreat. Tyrion lowered his hand from his brow to hide the smirk he now wore. He knew he must be shaking lightly with repressed laughter, though it seemed his sister was caught up in the actions of her staff. There was definitely something going on in the Red Keep that his dear sister Cersei had no clue about. Now his day took a shift to the better. Not only would he receive a well prepared meal, but also some entertainment from the fools.
Waiting for the serving girl to top off the seething lion and drop the dangling meat before it, she glanced lightly to the queen, then to Tyrion, then headed for the door without a word. His eyes switched over to his sister, too caught up in finding an end to the flowing wine. He did not want to interject until he knew she had gently let go of her grasp on the rage before he finally spoke, giving him all the more time to enjoy his own wine. Luckily, she turned and looked at him. As always, the angry ones always lash out with claws, baiting their opponent, the supposed prey, as an introduction to their fight. This were no different than the majority of tiffs they'd had.
Easing in with a short laugh at her statement of his bed company, he set down his goblet and spoke evenly. "Ha, no I get all the pleasure I desire in my room, no house calls needed actually, they come crawling to my door." He took another light sip. "Now, as for why I'm out, I will tell you again. I was hungry, I grew dull of the few books you happened to leave with me, and above all else, I needed air. Can't I walk these halls and catch a breath of air, especially now that I am recovered and there is no need for me to really stay in that room. Don't think I haven't thought of that. Sheltered, healer's imprisonment, a very clever way to hide those you are not fond of. I applaud you for that. Though, if I may ask, the better question at this time, is what are they up to?" His eyes first drifted to the doors across from them, where the 8 guards exited, though also they shifted towards the kitchen. "I may have been away for sometime, but I can tell when something is different. Is there a new game your staff is playing? Does the one who sees you the least win a gold each week?" A short laugh burst from him at that, though to his luck, he had no food in his mouth. He waited for the rumbling waves of his jest subside within him before he continued. "Though in all seriousness Cersei, I know you have no clue what is going on, the way you looked at those guards as they passed you, however honorable and noble they were in their retreat, that you are as confused as I am, and you haven't had the excuse to say you've been trapped in a room for weeks. Surely your eyes would have informed you of some coup by now, if there were one. That is, unless you locked them away too." Tyrion looked her in the eye lightly. "No, I think you would have kept them. Not to mention that Pycelle isn't much use for you if he isn't in court."
Taking a longer sip from his glass and finishing off the last of tiny pork treats, he turned back to his sister. "A thought just occurred to me. Why not let your Imp roam your Keep as any other man, and perhaps he can find out what game they are all playing. Perhaps even relay it back to his beloved sister?" Unlikely. "Not to mention how it would show my recovery under your's and Maester Pycelle's care. Not that kindness ever was your way to guide others. Did I say guide, you prefer control, don't you? Ah well, if you wouldn't like someone who's fought beside them to find out what has gotten them all so tied up, it's understandable. You can always go back to waiting in the dark to find out if it's an assassination attempt or a surprise nameday party." With that he knew the seed of thought would be planted. Now to see if she was too proud to let go of some power, to find out a tidbit of information, or if she was too stubborn to maybe even save her or her children's lives. Ah, the wonders of being a magnificently strategy-minded individual.
"The king is a lost cause. It's the rest of us that I'm worried now."
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Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:48 am
♦•◆•♦ x Queen Regent Cersei Lannister x ♦•◆•♦
"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." Cersei kept her mouth shut with each comment Tyrion made. With every word he spoke, she realized that she could no longer keep him locked up. The charade was over. If she tried to send him back now, he'd just make her life more of a living hell than it already was. Plus some people, the rare few who cared for Tyrion in the slightest, might start asking questions if he stayed hidden. She had no choice but to let him go, although she'd let him sweat a little before telling him that.
When Tyrion brought up the strange behaviour of the guards and the serving girl, Cersei snatched up her wine glass and gulped down the rest of the wine. The sweet elixir coated her throat, filling her with temporary relief. As her brother started rambling on about how she had no idea what was going on, she felt the burning desire for more wine. It only bothered her because he was right, at least partially. People had been doing things similar to her all week, both nobles and servants. Each time she was just as equally confused, not because she didn't know why they were doing it but because they kept doing it. She tried to ignore the reason, but each time someone snubbed her, it just forced it back in her face.
As Cersei's eyes wandered the hall, she spotted the wine pitcher, which the servant had probably left behind to ensure that she did not need to return. Cersei snatched it up, poured some wine into her glass, and drank it all up. She was beginning to feel a little light-headed, but it helped.
Cersei was practically ignoring Tyrion now. He was always going on about something or other, most likely a scheme of his to steal her precious power. She caught something about him seeking information for her, but the rest went right over her head. Soon his mouth stopped moving and she was grateful for that. She was starting to get a bit too drunk.
After Cersei had poured herself yet another glass of wine, which she immediately gobbled down, she slammed the glass down on the table. The force behind it snapped the glass in half. The cup rolled across the table and she tossed the stem aside. With rage burning in her eyes, Cersei rose from her seat, towering over her little brother across the table. "I am no fool, little brother," said Cersei. "I know exactly why everyone scorns me so." She knocked her seat aside and strode over to Tyrion. She placed her hand beneath his chin and lifted his face up so that he looked her straight in the eye. Tears were forced from her eyes, and for once they weren't because of Tyrion's hideous face. Her voice coming out as a venomous hiss, Cersei said, "They spread rumours of Joffrey's true parentage and treat me like some incestuous creature of hell." She roughly released Tyrion and stepped back a few paces. She couldn't help but let out a strangled laugh at the situation. "And to think that usually you are the Lannister considered a monster." "I should wear the armour, and you the gown."
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The Ariadelle Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 4:06 pm
⋅⊰⊱≶•≷ ⊰⊱⋅ Tyrion of House Lannister ⋅⊰⊱≶•≷⊰ ⊱⋅"I've offended you. Forgive me. It's been a rough morning." Brushing himself off, never breaking eye contact from Cersei, Tyrion found himself truly unsure what to make of her for the moment. How wounded this lion now was. How scorned and unsure. Though she still had her powerful claws, and did not hesitate to show them still, she was not the sister he could say he knew a year ago. His sister did not used to out drink him, and by his counting she had just downed 4 or 5 glasses to his 1. All of this put him in a rather strange mood and place. He did not wish her to have the power she wielded, though he knew Jaime would berate him for letting his sister become the woman she was before him.
Hesitant to act, he continued to stare for a moment before slowly speaking, slow tones would be easier to pick up if she were half as drunk as she probably was, afterall. "Joffrey's parentage is what it is. You can call it what you will, but you cannot change that now." His tone became softer, " If you keep trying to act as though you did not lie with our brother, it will do no good. You might as well embrace it. The Targaryens used to lie together, it is known to keep lines pure. Besides, now that father is here, at least somewhere in King's Landing," he laughed, "we can defend this city, your home as well as mine for the time being, from any army." He sighed heavily. The weight of this conversation was not what he had expected to become of him for his excursion. If it wasn't for the fact that he had recently defended this city, for all the reasons he knew he must, family including, he wouldn't be sitting here reminding his battered sister to keep her head up.
With a slight smile, he reflected on her comment from earlier. "Also, I believe I may have you beat as far as monstrosities go." He traced his newly healed scar down it's full length. "It's true, this low may have out done Tyrion the imp, but we have yet to see how awful your maimed dwarf of a brother holds up with the people now." His smile lessened, as it looked as though she was no longer listening again. What would become of the kingdom if it were to be ruled by a violent coward of a king and his strong tempered, proud, and wounded mother? He passed her his own goblet, still half full. "Here," he offered her in a sobering manner. "I won't make you drink if you are done, but if you need to wash your rage down, take my glass."
Turning away from his sister, Tyrion placed a hand on his brow and the other to brace him off of the table. What a mess this all was becoming. Also, with so many ties severed in his seclusion, he had lost many allies in the restoration of the realm. Not to mention the fact that he was actually unsure of his feelings towards his sister. His sister who had probably sent men to kill him on the battlefield, who had castigated him time and time again. She loathed him, just as his father did. There was nothing to gain by anything he offered her, and he knew that. Though he couldn't stomach her mania presently anymore than he could when she was not a month before. It felt ridiculous to be falling prey to her vulnerability yet again, though he was not entirely sure she was acting or in control of her downward spiral. Would he risk his neck to try and repair her? Or risk that of Shae's? The turmoil made him uneasy and he returned to his seat, still unable to face her.
Somewhere within that she-beast, she had to contain some sort of love. She could not have given it all away to Myrcella and Tommen, surely. With a gentler sigh, Tyrion slowly spoke. "Cersei...I am not one to change your imagine in the light you would see fit and you know that. Perhaps it'd be best if changed your image. There is still plenty of strength to be had from showing a heart once in awhile. This may be a time to do so." He rubbed his temples. This was all becoming more of a mess than he had bargained and he wasn't even the Hand any longer, meaning he had considerably less pull in almost any area than he had hoped for. How could he ease this madness?
"The king is a lost cause. It's the rest of us that I'm worried now."
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Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 9:31 pm
♦•◆•♦ x Queen Regent Cersei Lannister x ♦•◆•♦
"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." Cersei took in Tyrion's ever word, listening in silence. It seemed as though her last outburst had drained her rage away. She was just so tired of everything. All the duties of being Queen Regent were wearing her down. She just wished she could get away from it, if only for a moment.
When Tyrion offered Cersei his goblet of wine, she snatched it up. She watched the red liquid as it swirled around in the cup. It was best if she didn't have anymore. If she got even more drunk, she'd end up making a scene. The last thing she wanted was something else people could mock her about. With a sigh, she placed the glass back on the table.
After Tyrion finished speaking, Cersei let out a light laugh. How could she be expected to act kindly to those who despised her. With a flourish of her dress, Cersei strode over to a nearby window. The city lay sprawled out before the Red Keep, and beyond that a forest of red and yellow. Autumn was upon them and soon winter would come.
After she had taken in the scenery and let the silence linger for long enough, Cersei said, "Do you know why I dislike people gossiping about Joffrey's parentage?" She spun around to face Tyrion, her face void of emotion. "It is not because I am ashamed of who his father is. The whole kingdom should be thanking me for giving them a King who is the son of a fine warrior instead of some fat drunken cow." She took a few steps closer until she stood behind her seat, running her hands along the top of the chair. "It is not because Joffrey is the product of incest. As you yourself have said, the Targaryens practiced it themselves." She let her gaze wander until she was wistfully looking up at the ceiling. "Jaime and I told each other the same thing time and time again to reassure ourselves." Images of her beloved brother floated through her mind, but she dismissed them. This was not the time to fantasize about him. She took in one deep breath before she resumed. "I hate these rumours because it shows an utter disregard for the King."
Cersei spun on her heels and paced back towards the window. The lovely scenery cooled her temper, which was starting to rise yet again. Once she felt in control of her emotions, she looked back at Tyrion and said, "The people must respect their king, or else they will choose another. You would make me shower them with kindness, but that is only a sign of weakness. Try to buy them off with niceties and they will tear out your throat. Only fear will keep the people under control." Cersei paced back to the table, this time to Tyrion's end. "In some regard, they do fear the King. That is why they treat me poorly, since they know that if they tried that with Joffrey, he would have their head."
Cersei looked down at her brother, a pathetic sight with his small body and disfigured face. Still, she must have his loyalty, or what little loyalty she could get. In these dark times, when pretenders made false claims to the Iron Throne, loyalty was everything. She tried to muster a smile, but it came out more a cruel grin. "If you wish to help, then here is your chance. Win the people over to me; I don't care how, just do it. You can even shower them with your beloved kindness, for all I care. I just want them loyal to their rightful King, my son Joffrey." Cersei leaned over close to Tyrion, until their faces were mere inches away. "I know you hold no love for me, but remember this: you are a Lannister. If we cannot even look out for each other, then we will fall." "I should wear the armour, and you the gown."
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The Ariadelle Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 8:39 pm
⋅⊰⊱≶•≷ ⊰⊱⋅ Tyrion of House Lannister ⋅⊰⊱≶•≷⊰ ⊱⋅"I've offended you. Forgive me. It's been a rough morning." He listened for the sound of the glass lifting off the table, as he continued to talk on from his blind state. It rose, as he guessed it would, though the following soft noise of wine tumbling within her never came. The tiny vibration of the glass returning to the table felt as though someone had slammed a large leg of lamb upon it, despite the glass being fairly light. With his improved hearing, the sudden rush of turning silk stirred him to look at his sister. Had she decided to just walk off? he hoped. Though the golden haired woman simply stood looking out the window.
Her voice came off as distant, though calmer than when they had begun. Wherever her mind was lingering had some form of ease for his wild and bold sister, and frankly he would not disturb her moment. It would be all too soon that she let it go for her usual state and he knew that. Tyrion took in the image of her calm while she spoke until she mentioned their King. With the mention of Joffrey his senses heightened. The boy brought her to such a different place, and knowing this made him keep a more vigilant eye on Cersei. Trying not to look so visibly uncomfortable, he tried to hide his distaste in what she spoke of. Respect for him was no easy matter, possibly would never be a matter. The people did not just disrespect him, they hated him, and as long as he was a pompous, spoiled, intolerant piece of s**t, they would continue to feel that way.
Watching her turn back the window and continue about the fear the people held for the boy king who fled the wall, he tried not to comment. His lesser people would not fear a boy and his warriors now surely knew he deserted them in their time of need, disregarding them. It was the boy's follies that needed to be altered! Though he kept that all to himself. Buying their Loyalty would be nearly impossible, though not outright, especially not for him. Now, as she put him on the spot, he quickly thought over his options. He could run, like a coward, alone and without Shae. Maybe he'd get out the city, though it was unlikely. He could refuse her offer and suffer from her wrath, which could prove to be colder than ice and crueler than any winter seen yet. Or he could simply bite his tongue and accept this outrageous task, try and gain favor with her to right his realm as he was doing in the first place. He'd have to bargain a title to his placement, one respectable among her court, so he may have any attempt to curry favor. Realizing he'd been quiet for some time, he finally responded.
"First of all, you hurt me with your words, my sister. Saying I hold no love is a finite statement, I prefer saying that I hold minimal love...perhaps even less than for Tywin, though there is an inkling of it's existence. Secondly, I'll accept your offer to work on Joffrey's image among men, though I ask you allow me back in court. Let me play this game again for the rightful King, and do so as an equal to the others at the table." He paused to allow her to take in what he asked. "If you allow me the honor and respect I had, perhaps even a small court title of your choosing, I will do everything I can to restore my family's honor and respect in return, yourself, Jaime, and Joffrey included." The words stung his throat as they left, though it was the best he could bargain to regain his own honor. He would not allow them all to think the Lannisters to be anything less than their best, and if that meant spending his time at restoring their name, then so be it."The king is a lost cause. It's the rest of us that I'm worried now."
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