After the dornish had left Davos went to explore the area and what it had to offer. Ros was accompanying him, still not being able to relax in their presence.
The rest of them donned normal casual clothing and went to explore a bit more too. Normal clothing being simple dresses for the women in various colours. Black, violet and silver for the sisters Black and Marcella. Blue, silver and gold for Fleur and Gabrielle. Melisandre and Kinvara left their Phoenix-feather dresses on. Harry wondered when they washed them, but that thought didn't remain for long in his mind. He himself wore his Basilisk armour and belt. Over it a was only a green velvet coat with a golden Phoenix embroidery on it.
Due to them now having no pockets or belts Harry had to carry their pouches on his own. There weren't many interesting things to see or buy, but it was better to have the gold on hand than not.
Not that his wives seemed to need money. The merchants probably would throw their stuff at them if they would show any interest in it. Harry found it amusing to be honest. Not really believing that nearly all men here were controlled by their cocks to such a degree, but having the evidence right before his eyes.
'Maybe it is a blessing in disguise that so many men at home were eunuchs. Not that any stayed like that as we had the necessary ingredients to grow it back.' Harry mused as he walked along the stands , inspecting the wares here or there. It certainly seemed like it from the looks of things. Harry shuddered as he thought about what would've happened if they had settled in Westeros.
'Probably many broken bones and wounded egos' he thought with an amused grin. 'Not to mention the faith that condemns people who practise polygamy and magic. Both things I do and like very much.'
His thoughts only got confirmed as Bella was approached by a lord from the looks of it.
The man was bigger than Harry by two inches with black hair and blue eyes. He had big, bulky muscles, made for strength. The man probably thought he had an easy time with Bella judging from his smile, that looked somewhat stupid in Harry's eyes, suspecting that the man really had not much in the thinking department. The guy was probably thinking she was a slave from the choker she wore and decided to play the shining knight in white and rescue her and of course bang her afterwards.
Mentally Harry snorted at that, Bellatrix and white knights did not get along.
Bella had a glint in her eyes that told Harry clearly if that man took an action she didn't like he would experience pain and a good amount of it. Harry decided to intervene, before it escalated and the idiot tried to pull some lordly rights bullshit. The first interaction with a Lord being the one with Ros in the back of his mind.
Saying quite loudly Harry stepped closer to Bella and away from the stand he was at. "There you are." smiling at the eldest Black, which caused her to beam back at him and practically run into his arm.
The last Potter held her head in his right hand, stroking her cheek with his thumb, whispering. "We can't have you make an incident now can we?" and kissing her full on the lips. She returned it in full and swinging her arms around his neck to pull him closer into her embrace.
Bellatrix sighed in content as he broke the kiss. She herself could go on like this for days. The reason for Harry stopping the kiss was a loud thumping sound and a groan coming from nearby. It was answered shortly after when he and Bella heard the voice of Andromeda.
"How dare you?!" the middle-eldest Black hissed at the now on his front lying man with his face in the mud, fixing him with an angry glare. She had his right hand twisted behind his back and put pressure on it, causing the brute to yelp. "Do never again presume to touch me!" it was accompanied with a subtle stunner that knocked the man out. She left him lying there, but so that he wouldn't choke on the mud.
Without even sparing the idiot a second glance the group was on its way again and split up. Harry, Bellatrix, Andromeda, Fleur and Melisandre went further away from the hustle and bustle of the mob and with that the castle and is ghostly inhabitants. The others stayed, hoping for something of interest to fall into their laps.
"I can't believe the nerve of that idiot. Trying to literally drag me away from you." Andromeda huffed angrily. Heck, he didn't even give a reason to or asked her. Nope, just straight up walking towards her, grabbed her and right there she had enough.
Harry chuckled at Andromeda, who was steaming at the audacity of the man. He too found him idiotic, but everywhere were such people. "At least you can find solace in having beaten him." Harry said, causing Andy's lips to twitch upwards as she nodded.
"I still think we should've dealt that idiot a more... permanent punishment." Melisandre demurred with her lip curled in distaste at the memory of the pigs eyes on her. She had been able to see it in his eyes that were literally undressing her and her sister-wives. A curse that would make the oaf feel pain in his groin every time he lay with a woman would be appropriate. Bellatrix was nodding along together with Fleur, who too hated such men that thought they could simply take what they wanted.
Harry just sighed at that. "I agree, but from the clothes of him and his arrogance he was most certainly a lord, who could've made things difficult." sure, they could've erased the memory, but Harry wanted to avoid such a thing if possible. The Head of House Black didn't know why the memory charm did not fall under the unforgivable category. To take ones memories, his life practically, and even twist it to your whims was more disgusting than an instant killing curse in Harry's eyes.
His reply only had Bella huffing and crossing her arms, while glaring in the direction of the downed man. Before some of them could form counterarguments they heard a man cry out in pain together with three other voices yelling. Harry's years of experience told him instantly what the sounds were. Three or possibly more people kicking a downed and helpless other.
The group now was a few hundred metres away from the castle, but still people were walking around. It did not surprise Harry that no one helped. No one did it for him either, when he was young. It was a miracle he didn't turn into a muggle hating psycho like Voldemort. The last war didn't help matters in the least in that regard.
Turning around a corner the group saw what was happening. A man of small stature was lying on the ground and was kicked by three boys who could be no older than fifteen, but were much bigger than the victim. One of the three had two towers on his jerkin, the other a pitchfork and the last a porcupine.
Having no patience for bullies Harry walked briskly towards them his wives following closely behind, knowing exactly what he thought of such people. "Do we have a problem here?" he asked in a low and dangerous voice, augmented unconsciously by his magic and fury at the scene before him.
The one with the twin towers stitched on his clothing squeaked and jumped away, already half way pulling his sword out. The rest following shortly after his example, but not drawing swords yet. The last two looked more indecisive than the one with the towers, who had a cocky smile on his lips that all normal teenage boys had.
"This doesn't concern you." obviously thinking Harry no threat, seeing him unarmed. That the women could be a threat never entered his and his fellows minds "Simply leave and we forget you were here at all."
Harry just sighed as he read their surface thoughts. All three were cowards. Not that these fact wasn't obvious from one look at these three, but Harry decided to be cautious regardless. Saying loudly, Harry addressed Narcissa. "Cissy be a dear and make my displeasure known." he could take these three out easily himself, but a beating delivered by a woman would serve to trample their egos more.
Narcissa sported a grin, not dissimilar to Bellatrix' own. The eldest Black just pouted at having been denied her fun, again. The rest only wore grins, while Fleur licked her lips in anticipation of the beat down to come.
Just because Narcissa was a healer didn't mean she was harmless without her bow. Far from it. Healers were often times the most dangerous, because they knew how much pain the body could take before collapsing, where the best points for attacks were and other little nifty tricks.
Narcissa sashayed to the three dirty squires with an inhuman grace, displaying beauty and danger in such a simple motion as walking. Every step a seduction with her full lips in a smile that to the untrained eye looked inviting. Her hips swaying hypnotically and her unique eyes sparkling in the sun. She took the sword-hand of tower-boy in the middle, drawing circles on the palm as the metal clanked to the floor.
Her smile turned bloodthirsty in an instant as her hands wandered up to the elbow. With her experience Narcissa immediately found the vulnerable crevice and squeezed her thump and and index-finger into the tendons. Not even a second later the scum cried out and fell to his knees as the youngest Black sister mercilessly put pressure on the vulnerable point.
The cry alarmed the rest and the one to her left threw a clumsy punch. She caught the wrist with her own left hand put her right arm around his back as if to embrace the idiot, using the momentum from him and herself she threw him against the other, still standing one. Both landing in a heap on the ground a few meters away, due to her strength. A swift punch to the still kneeling man's temple made him unconscious. It was over in a few seconds, in which Narcissa incapacitated all three of the useless idiots.
"Good job." Harry complimented with a smile and turned to the downed man. It seemed he had no serious injury, so Harry went to assist the still groaning man. He was clad in leathers with a green cloak and an alligator clasp to hold it together. "Everything alright?" the last Potter inquired gently as he helped the man right himself up.
Now standing upright Howland Reed dusted himself off and took in the appearance of his saviours. They certainly were... odd, but he wasn't one to judge people by weird physical characteristics. After all the Crannogmen were judged themselves for their short stature, which was proven only moments before.
Clearing his throat, the Lord of Greywater Watch answered. "Yes, thank you for your help." his voice clear as water, but also higher than other men's, though not feminine.
Harry waved him off. "No problem, I am just glad you're unharmed." inspecting the mostly green clad man with a trident as his weapon of choice. Harry saw no injury, even after Cissy checked him he came back clean. With a small smile he just said. "Take care." clapping the man on his back and going on his way again.
Assuming the man was some form of peasant in Westeros and here for the spectacle. That three lowly squires were capable of ambushing someone looking more experienced and hardened than them only meant in Harry's mind that they had better connections to the nobles and therefore more protection. Something which the man wouldn't want to deal with understandably.
They left the man, the three bullies and a woman with a long face, grey eyes, dark long hair with a dulled blade in her hand behind.
The woman had seemed intent to attack the squires now lying in the dust. Narcissa's interference threw a wrench in those plans apparently and now she stood there, watching dumbly. Only when the six figures with the unique features were gone did she go to the Bannerman of her father and aided him.
Fleur walked beside the rest back to their tent. No form of distraction presented itself in any form. Well, expect the many men who ogled Fleur and her sister-wives so hard that they ran into things.
The Veela was now very thankful for having her Allure perfectly under control. Otherwise she probably would've to fight her way out of the mass of people. That she was now bonded to Harry helped, the Allure after all was only a way to attract a mate. Now that she and her sister had their perfect mate it had toned down a good bit. They could still use it to put men under their thrall, but the passive Allure was all but gone.
Disappointed, the group went back to their tent. The opening feast would be in five hours, shortly after the beginning of the evening.
Sadly they wouldn't be able to enter without a Lord or similar letting them in. Well, they could get in with the liberal use of Confundus charms, but that would mean they had to charm everyone. After all no one knew them or could recognize them in the gaggle of lords and people would become suspicious.
Arriving back at their tent the group saw a comical sight. Oberyn Martell lying on the ground with a bright red handprint on his right cheek. A huffing Gabrielle standing over him with a glare directed at his form. Ellaria had a hand over her mouth, trying to hide a smile and failing. Two average sized bags were on the side.
Harry's lips twitched upwards. He should probably be angry at Oberyn, but Harry had expected it of the man and knew his wives could deal with it themselves. "Let me guess." the last Potter drawled with a smirk, inclining his head towards the downed man. "He couldn't keep it in his pants."
"He could not, mon amour." Gabrielle affirmed as she walked towards him upon seeing the group, melting into his arms and kissing him and also ignoring some of the looks they got from sister-wives and passers-by alike. She knew the others directed looks at them that only said they wanted to do that too. However, the glances and leers of the insects around them were of no consequence to her. They could make faces at, and judge her and her beloved all day and Gabrielle wouldn't care one bit.
After she ended the kiss, despite wanting to continue, the others all too stole their share of kisses, not minding the groaning man on the floor. Ellaria was tending to him, still openly amused at the whole thing. She knew when it was a serious injury or when he played wounded to get more attention.
"Come on get up, lover." when he did not move she leaned down and whispered in his ear. "When you stand up I will kiss it better." that did the trick as the Prince of Dorne practically leapt up, grinning and immediately kissing her.
"If you don't mind me asking, but why are you two here?" inquired Fleur with a raised eye-brow and a glare in the Red Vipers direction. She was unamused by the man trying to get it on with her sister. Regardless of knowing that he would be unsuccessful.
Having had his kiss from his Paramour Oberyn turned to Fleur and asked with a roughish grin. "You wound me fair Lady. We just came here to see how our companions were doing." a hand over his heart as if shot by an invisible arrow.
Completely unimpressed Marcella drawled in such a way that she could've been mistaken for a dornish if not for her unique looks. "Really?"
Ellaria and Oberyn looked fairly impressed and the Prince of Dorne again grinned. "Yes" upon Marcella's rather unimpressed look that clearly said she did not believe him he continued in equal parts amiable and cheerful. "Though we also wanted to know if you were coming to the opening feast."
While talking all were back inside the tent. Davos and Ros seemed to still be out. Harry had no concerns towards the two running. It was unimportant if they stayed or got away. No one in Westeros would believe anyone who claimed to have seen magical people.
Shortly after all were seated comfortably at the table.
Narcissa shrugged her shoulders and asked "Don't we need some kind of invitation for that?" she doubted that they could just walk inside and dine with Lords. The common folk and other probably had to eat outside and make their own feasts. Sure their family had control over a much larger region than any of these Lords, except the King, but anyone could claim something like that.
'Though, our appearance certainly would help in that regard or condemn us due to their superstitions.' The youngest Black-sister thought irritated at these peoples ignorance.
Completely unconcerned the Prince of Dorne countered "Yes, but I am, as it happens, the brother to the Princess of the Throne." following the explanation was a self-satisfied smirk.
"Aren't eleven people a bit much to invite for a single man even for the brother to the future Queen?" retorted Harry while being comfortable in his chair at the head of the table. It took a while for him to be comfortable with the position, but seeing that all others insisted on it, he caved in.
Now Ellaria spoke leaning back in her seat and one hand on Oberyn's own. "Eleven? Aren't you only nine?" it was said curiously as if she expected even more beautiful women to appear. The glint in her eye pretty obvious that she would appreciate more eye-candy.
Putting his musings as to the sexual orientation of his guests aside Harry explained. "Yes, but we also have Davos and Ros to account for, if they so choose." it would be unfair to leave them out of it. Harry naturally would ask them first if they even wanted to, but to just disregard them would be rude.
"Of course." Oberyn agreed the smile never leaving his face. No doubt imagining all the scenarios that could happen during the ceremony. From more than a few drunken fools trying to make a move on Harry's wives to other hilarious outcomes. The Red Viper could hardly wait.
The group then spent the next few hours preparing for the upcoming feast. Well, the women did due to leaving earlier than Harry and Oberyn to do so. Braiding and Styling their hair, applying some sparse bits of make-up here and there, and slipping on the best dresses and jewelry they had. Intent on showing these people exactly on how wide the gap between them really was.
Of course, Ellaria was intrigued by the make-up, such as eye-shadow, lipstick, mascara, nail polish and many others even when they didn't use all of it. "Where did you get all this?" the Dornish woman asked intrigued, inspecting the various vials and pots.
Shrugging Narcissa answered nonchalantly "Harry usually makes it for us." it was really thoughtful of him to do so with his knowledge in Alchemy and Potions. She herself could make them also, but somehow he got better results in that regard. She may be excellent at brewing herself, however Narcissa never had interest in Alchemy which she suspected Harry enhanced the products with.
"Truly?" Ellaria couldn't fathom a man making such things if she was honest with herself. Least of all a man looking like Harry. Powerful, charming, commanding and handsome. People like that usually weren't seen doing such things, not even in Dorne.
This time it was Gabrielle who answered absentmindedly, while applying her own make-up in a mirror "Yes, he also cooks great food, gives excellent massages, can dance incredibly, isn't half bad at braiding hair and can fuck you into a stupor." The last part was said with a fanged grin and a twinkle in her eyes, mirrored by all the others present, except Ellaria of course.
Before they could be distracted Andy intervened "We can talk about Harry's many qualities later. Now we have to finish preparing ourselves."
Everyone of them had just applied mascara and a very small amount of eye-shadow to pronounce the eyes, as well as the only real accomplishment of Lockhart. His Occamy Egg Yolk shampoo, which really did give one locks of lustrous luminosity as it promised. Harry had gotten the ingredients from the time they had acquired Occamy eggs and used the shells to make Mithril.
After the little bit of make-up was applied they donned their dresses. Melisandre and Kinvara just went with their Phoenix-feather dresses they nearly wore each and every day. Their shoulder length hair was simply left open and free.
The two wore jewelry in form of earrings out of gold and rubies and circlets with the same materials for the ankles. Curiously enough, they forwent shoes altogether and intended to go barefoot, like someone would when it was high summer. No one said anything, knowing the quirks of the priestesses. It showed their painted toe-nails, which had the same color as their finger-nails, a crimson red.
At home they also always walked barefoot, but there it was hot enough to warrant it. Not that temperature was anything to impair them. All kinds of heat did no damage to them and most cold temperatures were negated by the Phoenix flint. The nine of them could walk day and night naked and still be comfortable.
For the occasion, Harry's wives decided to wear fitted Sari-type dresses of differing styles.
Fleur and Gabrielle's were made out of blue Acromantula-silk with embroidery stitched onto it with Unicorn hairs, looking like snowflakes and frost. The Saris were sleeveless and left the stomach free, showing the lower half of their breasts with the nipples just so covered as well as their toned midriff and with that the phoenix tattoo to the world. The top part of the dress was enchanted with a sticking charm so that there would be no accidents.
Earrings made from silver inlaid with sapphires as well as circlets of the same wrought into the form of snowflakes were adorned by them. Both Veela had their waist long hair braided into a rope-braid French plait. What was curious was the accessories came in the form of a sharp curved blade six inches in length hanging at the tip behind them.
Ellaria asked curiously upon noticing this, "Why do you have a blades in your hair?" Not really seeing a reason for it.
Gabrielle grinned at the Dornish woman and said "Look." pointing to the table before her, the same was shortly after impaled by the blade with Gabrielle not moving a single muscle. Ellaria could only stare in shock and amazement at the display.
"How?" not understanding how the Veela did it.
Gabrielle just kept on smiling as her braid settled again behind her. "We can control our hair with just a thought just like you would a limb." it was something that not many knew about the Veela, but their hair was more than just a pretty accessory.
A Veela never parted with her hair, except in a few rare instances and even then it was only ever a single strand. Which was also why Ollivander was so shocked at seeing a wand with Veela hair as a core during the Triwizard Tournament all those years ago. Even in legend, it was portrayed that when someone cut off even a single hair from a Veela that she'd lose her beauty.
It wasn't true of course, but it symbolized just how important their hair was to them. The reason was that strands of their hair did not regrow once removed. They were much like a fixed set of teeth and they only had one at their disposal. A hair could grow when it was cut, but one removed with the root did not. Should a Veela's hair be taken completely then it was gone forever. No potion or spell could regrow it like humans could. Luckily fire didn't damage their hair in the slightest.
Sadly, this was just another reason the Veela used live in their small colonies, with their hair being so useful in many potions for beauty and the like. So it was lucky that it could, quite literally, fight back.
With that cleared up, the Black Sisters began getting changed as well. Bellatrix and Andromeda's saris hugged their generous curves perfectly and left their shoulders and back bare and showed a good, but not outrageous, amount of cleavage. Both dresses also had slit skirts beginning at the hip that showed the right leg and the creamy skin perfectly in a teasing way. They were made out of black acromantula silk and embroidered with small golden phoenixes.
Their jewelry were just silver earrings with amethysts in them. Also the pair wore bracelets of silver with the same gems. Both had their hair braided into a waterfall-braid with the only difference that Bella had it on her right and Andromeda on the left side of her face. Their curly hair only enhancing the wavy look as if it truly was the reflection of the night sky in a flowing body of water.
Marcella and Narcissa's saris were slightly different from their sister-wives. Both of their saris where made out of Unicorn hair and silvery-white acromantula silk, with Narcissa's having black roses embroidered on it while Marcella's had spider webs designs, each looking like an upside down rose.
The dresses were also all charmed in such a way that if someone tried to sneak a peek under them only blackness would be seen. A good thing too, because all of them went commando.
The two had no other jewelry besides the choker and ring that all of them had. Narcissa had her hair braided into a florette with a side-braid and Marcella into a low headband one.
The missing thing now were only the shoes. All besides Melisandre and Kinvara slipped into black four inch heels that left the toes and feet free like sandals. As well as putting on some small dashes of perfume.
Ellaria could only look on as they prepared as if the eight of them would go to war, instead of a simple feast among nobles. Soon, she ended up sucked into it as well and was given a quick makeover.
They applied some of their make-up and gave her a dress in the typical style of Dorne that seemed simply white on the first glance, but that changed as soon as it moved. Then it shimmered like oil in all colors. Her dark hair got braided with golden bands and decorated with flowers from Dorne, called Moonbloom, that apparently would never wilt. She was also given a golden necklace that had an orange gem hanging on it the size of an egg. that she would keep as a gift.
Seeing the size and quality of the gifts, Ellaria couldn't help but think of how wealthy they must be if they could give such things away so easily and got a little jealous.
"It seems we're ready." announced Andromeda as all of them looked into the mirrors in the room. Of course there was no flaw. The eight women looked like different versions of the Maiden come from the Heavens, only the Warrior and Stranger could be seen in them too.
All nine walked out of the room to the adjacent one where Harry and Oberyn prepared themselves. From the looks of it Oberyn was ready himself with his hair combed back, showing the beginning of a widows peak. He wore a orange velvet doublet with the emblem of the House Martell embroidered on it. A Red sun pierced diagonally by a yellow spear. Over it the Prince wore a jerkin. The look was completed by the typical breeches with the same colour theme and brown leather boots.
In contrast to the Salty Dornishman, Harry wore something completely different. It was a layered sharwani, a long coat-like garment originating from the Indian subcontinent of their old world that was used as the European style court dress of nobles and royals of northern India in the 18th and 19th like his wives Sari-Style dresses, didn't look out of place for someone from Essos, as people's clothing styles varied wildly across the continent. Its style also seemed to mirror that of similar style of clothing worn by the Eastern Rhoynar as well as pockets of Dornishmen in the West.
Harry's sherwani was a true combination of style and majesty that conveyed his wealth and power through it's rich colors and materials. It was mainly black in color highlighted by a maroon colored inner jacket and churidar. The crushed silk stole also in maroon color he wore with it only added glamour to the Essosi King's overall look.
The layered garment was decorated with diamond and ruby beads, along with sequins of gold color with additional thread work. The fabric was a highly extravagant brocade which made it look rather lavish. the look was finished off with a pair of shoes black shoes with same brocade as his sherwani. The outfit was one of the newer and more stylish outfits he had in his extensive wardrobe, courtesy of his wives. With this, Harry truly looked the part of a wealthy and powerful monarch.
"Why are you not finished yet?" demanded Narcissa with a hand on her hip and narrowed eyes at Harry.
Confused Harry asked, "What do you mean? I haven't forgotten anything have I?" inspecting himself and finding nothing wrong with it.
A little exasperated and amused Marcella answered with her arms crossed. "Really? You haven't shaved, your collar is crooked and you've hung your stole on the wrong side." pointing out the various things he'd done wrong even when they allowed him to go with a less strict dress code.
However, that would've been like trying to get a donkey to do something it was too stubborn to do. With Harry it was much the same. It was one of the reasons they didn't host many such occasions at home, despite there being many opportunities. The Qartheen especially could make up excuses to hold a festival for nearly anything.
"Oh, come on love! I thought we were here to have fun!" Harry complained arms crossed, pouting with his head to the side. The only thing missing to complete the picture would be if he was stomping a foot on the ground.
Knowing they were on a tight schedule and had no time for arguments the woman picked up a chair before pointing at it and said. "Sit!" When Harry grumbled, she simply raised an eyebrow, asking him silently if he really wanted to take it further.
Oberyn and Ellaria watched in amusement after the Prince of Dorne overcame his shock and remembered how to breathe.
Soon enough Harry sitting in the chair where Bella already had the razor and shaving cream ready. With a quickness born out of handling knifes for a long time, the eldest Black shaved him quickly and cleanly after having applied the cream. Meanwhile, Narcissa and Fleur straightened his crooked collar and rehung his stole on the correct side.
Nodding satisfied after inspecting Harry Andromeda asked the rest. "Do we really have to follow a choreography?" she found it a bit much and it drew attention that Harry not liked, though they would get enough attention with their looks alone so it was a moot point.
Now it was Fleur's time to nod. "Of course, we have to look good when we walk behind Harry." The Veela insisted with her sister, Bella, Melisandre and Kinvara mimicking the older Veela as they also nodded in agreement.
Shoulders sagging a little at being outnumbered the middle Black sister said "Alright." taking a breath she asked "What were the steps again?"
"It's step, heel, pivot, step, step." Narcissa explained and promptly demonstrated it too. She only received a betrayed look from Andromeda, causing her to shrug and smile sheepishly.
While the eight women practised it a bit Oberyn asked his paramour. "How many men do you think will leave tonight with a bruised ego?" a twinkle in his black "viper" eyes.
Ellaria shrugged her shoulders, but was equally amused "I don't know, but I think they will leave with more than just bruises on their egos." causing Oberyn to chuckle. He completely agreed with that assessment.
With everything prepared the group made their way outside and towards the Hall of a hundred Hearths. Davos and Ros were nowhere to be seen so the group assumed the two went to the place where the smallfolk celebrated the beginning of the tourney.
Cersei Lannister was equal parts exited and terrified. She was allowed to go to the Tourney of Harrenhal together with her father, the Hand of the King and her twin brother. Though, it wasn't because she convinced her father through some means. No, such efforts were futile altogether.
It was because she tried to get Jaime into the Kingsguard and her father found out about it. She didn't know how he had found out, but he did. She would never forget the raw anger she experienced in that moment from her father as it boiled over with her being the target for daring to take his prized heir away.
He even struck her!
For someone so obsessed with family and how it was presented that was saying a lot. In King's Landing appearance was important and even a single thing out of place could mean something bad, but a big ugly black eye wasn't possible to conceal so she stayed in her rooms, like ordered, until it had vanished and while she was at it Cersei also cried her eyes out.
Now Jaime wouldn't join the Kingsguard. She had heard the argument from her rooms in the tower of the hand. How Tywin shouted Jaime into submission. For how stupid he was for following the instructions of an equally stupid girl. That if her brother was to join the Kingsguard he would never inherit Casterly Rock, which would go to Tyrion instead. When she heard Jaime shouting back that he didn't care an even louder smack was heard than her own and with that the argument ended in her fathers favour. Like it always did when it concerned the family.
Cersei hadn't thought about what would happen when Jaime joined the Kingsguard, expect that she would be together with her twin again, after being separated for so long. He having only visited on her urging. Although from the reaction of her father it also could've been that in his rage he put her in a wheelhouse and left King's Landing after resigning as hand. Leaving Jaime and separating them once more.
That the little monster would inherit the Rock also hadn't crossed her mind. At least the only silver lining from the whole fiasco was, that that now wouldn't happen.
Well, not the only one. The other was that her father hadn't found out about her giving Jaime her maidenhead in the Old inn on Eel alley disguised as a tavern wench. If he had, she was sure that the punishment would've been much, much more severe.
Hers more so than Jaime's. Apart from the whole incest thing she was soiled goods now. If that came out the best thing she could hope for was to marry some landed knight. Her! The Lioness of Casterly Rock, married to some oafish knight. Unacceptable!
Father wouldn't have spoken a word about it to anyone naturally, however her future life would've been hell, most likely always be separated from her other half and under constant supervision from Tywin. Maybe even forced to sleep in one bed with Septas that would watch her, like the Queen had been forced to do in the past on the King's orders in his ever growing paranoia.
Her brother would most likely be married off to that Tully bitch Lysa. Which was also one of the reasons her father came to Harrenhal, because Hoster Tully would also be there and he could finalise the arrangement.
The exited part was that she could visit the grandest Tourney in the history of Westeros, see her brother in it, as well as the crown prince, Rhaegar Targaryen. Though, even that had a downside.
Her father didn't let her out of his sight and kept her on a tight leash. She didn't dare speak against him now that she was finally out of her chambers once more. It wasn't some attempt from her father to apologize by allowing her to come, but rather that like this she couldn't make more inane decisions without him preventing them. According to him anyway.
So it was an internally seething and outwardly neutral Cersei Lannister that exited the Wheelhouse that transported the highborn ladies from King's Landing to Harrenhal. The big ugly and mostly molten castle of House Whent. The five towers of it could be seen from far away as they stretched into the sky like grasping fingers.
Head held high she waited for her father to arrive, while the other ladies went on their business giggling. Most likely giggling about her. They wouldn't act like that when their father would be Tywin Lannister, but do as she did and follow his instructions. 'For now anyway.' Cersei raged inside her head.
A short while later the imposing figure of Lord Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King walked over to her waiting form. He barely inclined his head in greeting. "Daughter." he greeted quite coldly.
A perfect curtsy in her red and gold dress later she greeted him back equally cold "Father." but plastered a false sweet smile on her face as he narrowed his eyes at her.
He did not say anything further, only motioning her to follow him like some dog. The only thing missing was the leash, though it was there only not physically.
The walk towards their crimson and gold tent was spent in silence in which Cersei took in the grandness of the Tourney.
Once arrived he left her in the care of her aunt Genna with instructions to watch her every move. The woman was married to a Frey, who like all their ilk had weasel like features and no other qualities to name. She was only married to that man because her grand-father Tytos Lannister had been a weak fool. Only Tywin spoke out against the match, for which he had Genna's gratitude to this day and it was also the reason why she would do as he asked of her.
"Good day sweetling. How was your journey?" the somewhat plump woman asked. She like all Lannisters had golden hair and green eyes.
Ignoring her aunt Cersei walked to one of the artfully crafted chairs and sat down, while wanting to pour herself a goblet full of wine. Before she could do so it was snatched out of her grasp by Genna. Cersei only shot her a contemptuous look. A scowl adorning her features.
Genna only smiled "Now, now sweetling if you make such a face you will get wrinkles and you wouldn't want that. Would you?" putting the pitcher of wine out of Cersei's reach she continued "Besides, to drink so early isn't done as a highborn lady and you're only fifteen."
The condescending tone her aunt used blew Cersei's already strained temper. "I am a woman flowered and can drink as much as I want to." in King's Landing with her father occupied anyway. "Besides what use is it to be a highborn lady if I can't do anything I want!" all the while bemoaning inside her head that if she would've been born with a cock she would be the heir and centre of attention for her father. She was the eldest after all. She even could wield a blade, somewhat, having switched places with Jaime in her youth fairly often and trained with the master at arms of Casterly Rock. Those days were over as soon as she showed signs of being a woman and people could tell her and Jaime apart.
Genna only sighed at that as she sat herself down besides her niece. "Cersei, being highborn doesn't mean you can do what you want without consequences. It means you have more responsibilities that accompany the privileges. You have to care for you vassals, allies and smallfolk and look after their well-being."
That only cause the young woman to scoff loudly, a haughty nose upturned at that. "The dirty peasants are beneath us. They should be grateful we let them live on our lands." The lowly smallfolk weren't of any consequence to her. The only thing these were good at was working for her.
Deciding to give up on that topic Genna steered it to another one. Even then it wasn't much better. "Alright, then could you explain to me why I have to watch over you, if you are as fledged as you claim you are?" the entire demeanour of Genna having shifted from nice aunt to no-nonsense in a heartbeat.
The explanation that wasn't accurate of course. "I only tried to further the legacy of House Lannister by getting Jaime admitted to the Kingsguard."
Sadly Genna didn't believe it for a second "Cersei, your actions would've robbed your father of his heir, whom he had groomed for it since infancy."
Not giving up the young Lannister countered "Jaime doesn't even likes politics and the like, why should he do something he hates instead of something he's good at and loves?"
Genna's expression only turned colder. "Don't presume to tell me you did what you did out of Jaime's interest." before Cersei could say anything against that the older woman went on "You only did it for yourself. Did you not think for a second of how your actions would affect both of you in the long term? From your expression I can tell that is a no."
Taking a deep breath to control herself Genna continued, while staring the younger woman down. "Then let me tell you. Tywin would've perceived Jaime in the Kingsguard as a slight against him from the king himself. Thinking Aerys was going to take his heir away from him, while he could do nothing against it. Not to mention that the king would've Jaime under his direct command, while Tywin in his fury would've taken you and went straight back to Casterly Rock."
"But the King and father are friends, why would father think that?" Cersei questioned completely sure she knew all the facts.
Shaking her head at her nieces obliviousness Genna explained "It is true that the two were once friends, but that is no longer the case. Not after all the things Aerys has done against your father."
Upon seeing that she still didn't completely believe it the older woman elaborated, her voice but a whisper. One never knew who listened in on conversations. "He made lewd comments at your father's wedding and lusted after your mother. He insults Tywin at every opportunity and lets the cowards of the court walk all over Tywin. After hearing Ilyn Payne say that it was Tywin who ruled and not him, the king had Ilyn's tongue ripped out with hot pincers. He is jealous of Tywin's success and would do everything to undermine him."
The defiance of Duskendale and the time the king had the taxes increased coming to mind. At the first Tywin warned Aerys not to go, which only prompted the man to do the opposite. Fuelling the paranoia and madness, now that the king thought Tywin knew how he would react and collaborated with Duskendale. The last was simply petty. The king having increased the tax and put the blame on Tywin. Only to establish the old tax shortly after and earn praise for it.
After explaining these things to Cersei she seemed to only grow angrier. "Then why does father not do something about it?" they were lions and should never accept insults without a fitting response. She couldn't understand why her father let himself seem weak.
Now Genna laughed. The woman really couldn't believe Cersei's stupidity. "And what should he do, hmm? Confront the clearly unhinged king who has a grudge against him and who is surrounded by people sworn to him?" shaking her head still chuckling Genna went on. "Aerys may be a terrible and mad king, but he still is just that and one just doesn't go openly against a king without a good reason besides insults."
Seeing that her point was made she went back to the previous topic. "However you should think about what you wanted to do. Presenting your brother to the very same mad king. He maybe would have been a Kingsguard, but also a hostage in Aerys control." with that she left to find some servants to make lunch, leaving her niece to brood.
Meanwhile Cersei was thinking how none of this was her fault. She only wanted to have Jaime by her side for when she would eventually become Queen. Something she was sure wouldn't be far away. After all the Dornish slut Elia Martell was weak and frail. Even after only whelping one child she was bedridden for half a year. The next was sure to kill her.
Then Cersei would swoop in and console the prince and become his Queen with Jaime as her Kingsguard. Like that she could have the man she loved as a husband and her brother by her side. She knew Jaime would be a bit put out that she would've to sleep with the prince, something she wouldn't be sorry for at all, but he should be grateful that she found a way for him to stay in her presence.
With that mental battle cleared and finding no fault with her logic she went on with her day. Screaming at a few servants and threatening them for doing minuscule things wrong improved her mood a good bit, even when she hadn't seen her twin the whole day.
Finally it was time for the opening feast in the Great Hall. She was washed, her hair braided in the newest fashion of the south and her body put into a typical red gown out of myrish silk with golden lions embroidered on it. Cersei wore a golden necklace with rubies of various cuts in it to complete the look.
Satisfied with her looks Cersei waited for her father and brother to arrive, so that she could finally catch the eye of the prince and work towards the future she always wanted.
Lyanna Stark was annoyed. First she had to endure the constant staring of the oaf that was her betrothed. When he didn't stare he was drinking or groping some women in the reach of his much too grabby hands.
How Robert Baratheon wasn't already dead from alcohol poisoning or some of the disease she heard whores talk about was a mystery to her. He drunk ale and wine like water and fucked as often as he hunted. His promises of love seemed empty like his head. After all he said one thing and did another.
'Love is sweet, but it can't change a man's nature.' the she-wolf thought. That got only reinforced after she saw her brother Brandon. She loved him dearly like all her family, despite the fact that they butted heads one too many times due to both their hotheadedness. It wasn't her brother Brandon she had a problem with, though rather the man Brandon was.
He also had a woman he claimed to love, some Barbey Ryswell, she heard. Despite that he still fucked the serving wenches and servants. She could hear it pretty good from her rooms.
Brandon was never shy about taking what he wanted, like her. They both even wanted the same things.
She wanted to avoid marrying Robert Baratheon, ride in the Rills and learn how to fight. Only one of those she could get without hindrance and that was riding. The first and last of those points were things out of her reach, it seems, with riding soon to follow, should she marry the oaf and live in the south. Southron ladies didn't ride like she did, but like meek little mice afraid of everything or even in such a thing as ridiculous as a wheelhouse.
Brandon also wanted to fight and ride and drink all day long as well as avoid being married to the Tully girl. He would fuck her, no doubt, as evident in the lustful looks he sent Catelyn as he saw her earlier in the day, but he would rather not marry the fish.
However, she doubted his pleas were heard, much like hers. 'Stupid Maester and his southron ambitions.' Lyanna thought contemptuously. She knew who put these notions of marrying in the south into her fathers head, but couldn't do anything about it short of killing the annoying little rat.
After another argument with her sweet brother Ned about Robert Lyanna fled the tent. She would insist that he would never change and Ned would deny it. This time she stormed out before she exploded and went to explore the area a bit. After a bit of time cooling down she had come upon a strange sight.
One of her fathers Bannermen was hounded by three squires. Quickly, she snatched a dulled blade from a nearby rack to surprise them and beat some sense into them, but fate seemed to have other plans as a new group arrived and took care of it.
It wasn't a normal looking one either. It consisted of one man and four women with exotic, but beautiful features. A beauty she would never achieve no matter how many times Robert claimed it, together with an almost unnatural grace to them. Letting them look like predators amongst a horde of prey. The man just had said something to one of the women with hair like the night sky and the same sprung into action with a grin,mirrored by the rest.
First she thought the woman would charm the three squires, but something in her walk set the hairs in the back of Lyanna's head on edge. Her instincts were proven true as the same woman brought the first squire to his knees with just a touch. The other two were soon to follow as she threw one into the other, letting their bodies land in a heap of moaning limbs. A quick punch to the head of the first saw him in the dreamland quickly enough.
Astonished, the daughter of Rickard Stark stood there still with dulled blade in hand, not really comprehending what she saw. A woman easily dispatching three squires without the element of surprise. Ok, it were idiots and weaklings, but the manner in which she did it suggested a lot of training and experience.
Only after her surprise wore off and she got her bearings back did Lyanna walk towards the man. "Are you alright?" she inquired worried he might be wounded from the beating he got.
"I am fine, thank you my Lady." Howland answered.
Puffing up Lyanna growled or tried to at least. "I am not a Lady!"
It seemed her objections fell on deaf ears as Howland looked at her. "Are you or are you not the daughter of my liege Lord Rickard Stark?" maybe a lookalike stood before him. 'Wouldn't be the weirdest thing happening to me today.' the Crannogman mused in his head.
Reluctantly Lyanna nodded her head. "Then you are in fact a Lady." the small man countered.
"I am not!" she still denied, shortly after she decided it was childish to act like that and stop it. "Are you sure you're alright? You can come with me to the Stark tent, if you want!"
Howland just shook his head "No need. I wouldn't want to intrude."
She in turn waved off his protest. "Nonsense, I failed to intervene in time so I have to make it up to you." gripping his arm tightly she steered the man to her and her brothers tent.
The walk back there was fast as she dragged the smaller man behind her. Earning herself some glares from other highborn ladies for her behaviour. The dress she wore identifying her as one of them, no matter how much she wanted to burn it and wear breeches.
They arrived in a few short minutes at the white tent with a grey Direwolf on it, representing House Stark. "Here we are!" the she-wolf exclaimed, opening the flap of the entrance she shoved the reluctant Howland inside.
On the inside waited her brothers with, thankfully, no Robert in sight. She introduced her brothers after pushing Reed in one of the chairs inside the big tent. She had a separate one herself, where she could sleep and change. Pointing to a large and handsome man with dark hair the wolf-maid began introductions. "This is my big brother Brandon Stark." pointing to the next smaller one "This is Eddard or simply Ned." now her finger was on the smallest "And this is my younger brother Benjen."
Howland nodded mutely, hoping the crazy woman was finished dragging him to places he didn't belong.
The biggest of the three laughed boisterously, the second muttered under his breath, but had a small smile on his face. The youngest just looked on in curiosity and asked. "Lyanna, who is that?"
"It seems you already encountered my sister, Howland." the oldest said, while grinning from ear to ear. Answering the question of his youngest brother. "This is Howland Reed, one of the most important Bannermen sworn to the Starks." having met the man as he visited a few of the holdfasts in the North with his father.
The man in question nodded "Aye, I have." even him escaped a small chuckled at the situation he found himself in. "And you flatter me, but the Crannogmen are a only humble servants."
Just like Lyanna, Brandon waved him off. "Nonsense, with you the North can withstand an attack from land anytime." now turning to his sister Brandon inquired "Not that I don't appreciate Howland's company, but why did you bring him here?"
So she told him how she encountered him and the three squires and the other group who helped the Crannogman. Howland described them as good as he could when asked about it.
"A man with a golden streak in his hair, accompanied by beautiful women with exotic hair and features?" Ned asked, remembering his encounter with the group. Though it seemed only half of them were present in the encounter.
Howland answered, while nodding his head "Aye, but I would rather call them odd than exotic."
"Why?" Brandon butted in. The mention of beautiful woman was more than enough reason for him to ask that.
So the Lord of Greywater Watch explained "Well, for one they had slitted eyes with the woman having silver rings around the colour of their eyes and the man gold. They had also black where white was normally in the eyes and on top of it all fangs. Not to mention their hair."
"Truly?" Lyanna asked. She hadn't seen them up close, but only from afar. So the hair was what stood out for her.
Innocently Benjen said. "Maybe they are sick or something?"
Ned shook his head. "No, they said that these are their normal features." he stilled once he knew that he said that out loud and all attention was on him.
"How would you know, brother?" Brandon queried as he looked towards his younger brother with a grin.
Ned just sighed, knowing he wouldn't leave the tent until he spilled everything and so he did. "I met them as I went praying in the godswood. However, I met nine people. One man and eight women. Their family name is Peverell and according to them they hail from near the Jade Sea. They also said they wanted to experience a typical Tourney from Westeros."
"From the Jade Sea?" Lyanna asked excitedly. She had absolutely no idea where that was, but it sounded far away and thrilling. Benjen looked equally enraptured by the exotic sounding location.
Ned only nodded his head. "Yes," and added bemused, knowing it to be true. "but you have no idea where that is, do you?"
Lyanna pouted fiercely and countered "I do!" her arms crossed before her an expression on her face that would cower most men, though this was her family so it hadn't as much effect.
This time it was Brandon, who asked "Really? Because I don't know where it is. Could you enlighten me?" his grin never leaving his face during the whole conversation. He had the vague notion of it being east, but that was a given. West of Westeros wasn't something from which sailors came back.
"Of course, you know it lies east and stuff..." the more she talked the less she said of importance. One by one her brothers laughed with Howland not being able to conceal a chuckle. "Stop laughing at me!" she commanded with her arms still crossed. It naturally only served to make them laugh harder, that is until an evil glint appeared in her eyes.
"You find that funny do you?" she asked rhetorically. "Well, I have a few more funny things to tell. For example, I think father would love to hear that Brandon was responsible for the chaos in the stables last year." she had no idea what happened, but her brother was skittish the few days after the incident so he was it most likely.
Turning to Benjen she said with a raised brow. "Or that Benjen likes to sneak out of the castle and visit a certain brothel." she only came upon him by chance, but it wasn't surprising. He was fourteen and a boy, it would be more surprising if he didn't do such a thing.
Last came Ned."Or that Ned really likes to play King of Winter with our family sword Ice when he thinks no one is looking?"
That shut the three up. Brandon had gone white, while Benjen and Ned went red with embarrassment. Smugly she asked. "So, lets get ready for this feast and you are coming with us Howland!" she stated and not asked. The wolf maid wasn't easy to refuse, so the Crannogman just nodded numbly, hoping she doesn't have some stuff on him too by whatever miracle. With that she walked out of the tent with her head held high in victory.
The Hall of a hundred Hearths didn't and did life up to its name. No matter how weird that sounded. It were only thirty-five hearths, but the great hall was enormous nonetheless. An army could easily fit inside.
The group of eleven people slipped inside without problem. If one did not count the stares, glares and mutters following them. Women looked on Harry's wives with envy or jealousy and men with pure lust. The reverse was true for Harry, though there was also confusion and a few other emotions displayed on people's faces. A few rare ones only, though.
With perfect cat-like grace, confidence and heads held high the group entered without a single glance at the people around them, looking positively ethereal. The women's hair was literally shining with a light of its own, be it the silvery-gold of the Veela, the fiery hair of the priestesses or the stars in the sisters Black hair. Their bodies flawless and powerful, their eyes holding contempt as they surveyed the people.
Slowyl, but surely a boiling point would be reached, due to many a man attempting to grab their attention, but then they thought better upon feeling an aura of dread encompassing them.
Most were found lacking by Harry's wives. Either drooling idiotically or doing some other stupid stuff to attract their attention. Even without the Allure active the gap between these oafs and Harry was too big not to notice.
Oberyn with Ellaria on his arm led the over the smooth stone floor to steps that led to one of the two galleries above. They were reserved for the great and important houses, while the many tables on the ground were for the minor and less important ones. The two galleries were opposite of each other with a gap between them and a single bridge connecting the two at the end directly over the dais on the ground. Probably where the king with his family will be sitting and to show his superiority to his host. Quite literally sitting over him.
The group arrived on the gallery without problem and Oberyn found the table he was looking for. At it were currently sitting two women and two men standing nearby.
One looking like his sister in a orange gown and a few accessories out of gold on her head, arms and fingers. The women beside her, probably a hand-maiden or lady in waiting, had black hair, was tall and her eyes were a violet colour, though not as radiant as the black sister's own.
One man had the same purple eyes with silvery-white hair and the other looked also familiar with Oberyn and the woman at the table. Both men wore white armour with scales. From the looks of things the group of four were the only ones here right now, being the first ones with the rest coming probably in the next few minutes.
The conversation seized as Oberyn arrived with a grin. "Sister, uncle." the dornish prince greeted.
His sister, of course was the fist to notice and looked up and away from her conversation. She stood up and embraced her brother. "Oberyn, its good to see you!" she exclaimed in a soft voice. She looked like she had a gentle heart and couldn't harm a fly. Oberyn greeted the other woman with the typical greeting and the men with a hug until he turned and introduced his guests.
"I brought guests, let me introduce you to the Peverells from Essos and my new Paramour Ellaria Sand." the whole thing was accompanied by a flamboyant bow and grin, typical for the dornish prince.
After he introduced everyone, the excited red viper turned to the table and introduced them in turn. "This is my sister Elia Martell, consort to Prince Rhaegar with her handmaiden Ashara Dayne." pointing to the two armoured men he went on. "This are Arthur Dayne, Ashara's brother and Lewyn Martell, my and Elia's uncle. Both serve in the Kingsguard."
Harry just nodded a little while his wives all just barely inclined their heads in greeting. "Good evening, it is nice to meet you all." this only caused the Kingsguard to become peeved. Probably, because he didn't scrap and bow before their princess. Well ,they couldn't make him do that.
"You're in the presence of the princess to the Iron Throne, show some respect!" said the one with silver hair, Arthur his name was. His hand on the dagger at his hip. The great-sword on his back was too long to be drawn even if he wanted to.
The Martell Kingsguard had the hand on the pommel of his normal longsword and dirk.
Before Elia could defuse the situation and tell her guards to relax or Oberyn utter a single quip Bellatrix was already in motion with Gabrielle, Fleur and Andromeda not far behind. Basically they were annoyed at the blatant disrespect shown to their husband/mate/master. On top of all the attempts at inapporpriate advances.
Sure, they were incognito and it wouldn't have mattered if people here weren't such idiots. The constant ogling and pitiful attempts of getting their attention as well as ignorance grated already on their nerves. At home respect was shown to them, not only because of their beauty, but because of their talents. This only was the last straw for the four of them.
Cold fury on their faces Gabrielle said back with her head held high and sneer on her normally happy face. "And you are in the presence of Harrison James Peverell, Head of House Peverell, Black and Potter, Conqueror of Ghis, Qarth and the Bone Mountains. King of Atlantis. You should bow."
As the Veela said the last word the eldest black clenched her fist with a downward motion, mirrored by Andy, forcing the knights down on the ground in a kneeling position. They only let out a gasp of exertion. No such sign was seen on the witches, only annoyance.
Shock was on all four of their faces, while the Peverells took their seats. Only then were the two released from their invisible hold. Both sagged a little, but shot up straight again, drawing their weapons.
Before they could do something stupid Fleur said. "You really don't want to annoy us anymore than you already have!" It was stated with an innocent and sweet expression on her face, that at the same time inspired terror in the ones who saw it.
Next she held her index and middle finger together and let a flame spring forth. Hot and controlled, much like a welding torch. She quickly stole the dagger from Oberyn and cut it clean in half using the flame without any visible effort, letting the now ruined dagger fall to the floor. "Or do you?" she asked with a raised brow, still smiling a toothy grin. Her fangs on full display.
Coming out of her shock Elia went to diffuse the situation quickly. She wouldn't show it outwardly, but she was worried and terrified. Evidently these people could kill all of them easily. She knew one day Oberyn's recklessness would get him to people that weren't to be trifled with. He also wasn't to be trifled with, but these people were something else than his usual whores or charlatans.
"I apologise for my guards reaction they tend to be overprotective." which was true. She was seen as fragile and handled like a glass figure at the verge of breaking. Admittedly it annoyed her a good bit.
Harry just shot Andromeda, Gabrielle, Fleur and Bellatrix a slight glare and turned to her with an honest smile. "I apologise as well, it seems my wives are a bit agitated with all the stares and poor attempts at courting they receive, regardless of being already married." he hadn't thought it had gotten so bad in just two days.
Now he really thanked the gods for eunuchs. No matter how cruel it sounded in his head. It just made his and their lives easier. Not that he would chop off junk from new ones. More like hoping that the people learn to leave them alone. At home it seemed to be an accepted fact that the eight of them were not be approached with romance in mind.
The problem was that four more people now knew about their abilities, at least a bit. Thankfully, only those four were present and no one else. It wasn't as if it really mattered in the end. The people here could not harm them. It would've been nice to keep it a secret, though. Harry also doubted Oberyn would appreciate him messing with his sister's and the future queen's mind.
That is just asking for trouble, if they do it and the action come out.
Elia nodded relieved that the man in control seemed not angered or insulted. She ignored the mention of multiple wives. It would be rude to point that out. Besides, Oberyn had mentioned them being from Essos and there rich or influential people had concubines or multiple wives all the time. Though she never heard of any so... fierce.
'At least he hasn't a stable full of boys.' the princess thought somewhat grateful, knowing the rumours from other rich people in Essos as well.
"I can certainly sympathise." Ashara butted in, trying to get Elia more time to think. She too was more than a bit terrified. Who wouldn't if you were sitting at a table with people that could kill you at a whim and from whom you didn't know the mental state of or anything really. Despite that, she handled herself admirably and kept a cool head. She and Elia weren't dornish women for nothing.
However, it was true that she could sympathise. Men bothered her frequently and some didn't get the word no. These were usually discouraged by her brother. "It is bothersome when people don't get the word no."
"Thank you." Fleur had her head inclined in thanks. The others too muttered thanks and some apologies, half-heartedly.
What followed was a slightly awkward silence as the people sat tensely around the table.
Harry just sighed at the blunder that just happened. "Look," getting the attention of the four new people. "we obviously have started on the wrong foot. Wrong things were said as well as overreactions made. So let us give you a reassurance that we don't mean you harm." while he talked he had calmed his wives mentally and somewhat emotionally and also sent Gabby to fetch some bread and salt from their kitchen in the tent. Her disappearance startling the dornish as much as her reappearance. "The law of guest right should suffice, wouldn't you say?" eating some of it after taking it from the French Veela and passing it around.
When everyone had eaten a part of it the atmosphere relaxed. Now, more sure that these people wouldn't attack with the ancient law in place and activated.
"Why are you wearing collars?" asked Ashara, thinking they were slaves. Though, they did not act like it. She wouldn't say that she was somewhat relieved and jealous at the same time. Relieved, because there were now more beautiful women that would get the attention and jealous for the same reasons, weirdly enough.
Oberyn chimed in, intent to dispel the tense atmosphere. "I too have wondered that." unsaid went that he had wondered if Harry made them wear it. No, matter how much he doubted that there were no assurances expect his trusted gut-feeling.
'Typical for such people to focus on such an insignificant thing.' Andromeda thought., while saying. "We wear them, because they protect us." touching the reassuring and snuggly piece of jewellery on her neck, while playing with the shrunken horn a bit.
"And how could a thin piece of metal protect you?" Arthur asked in an almost sneer. After the previous demonstration he wouldn't risk such a thing as antagonising them.
Besides, they invoked guest right, so they knew about the importance of it. What he didn't know was if they really meant it or not. They were foreigners after all. Foreigners from Essos, where slavery and sorcery was practised and no honour was to be found. In essence a land where everything a knight like him stood for had no meaning. At the moment the only things holding him back, was that he and his fellow Kingsguard were outnumbered, he had no idea as to the strangers true capabilities and he wouldn't risk Elia or Ashara like that.
Andromeda nearly sneered back. She didn't like people who blindly followed others and accepted orders without complaint or concern about a possible moral dilemma. A thing the two Kingsguard were to a tee.
It reminded her too much of Dumbledore and his order, where her precious daughter sadly had belonged to and also blindly followed the old headmaster, despite her warnings. Not to mention that Nymphadora met Remus there. She had nothing personal against the werewolf, at first.
That changed when he knocked up her baby girl and left her for whatever half-assed reason, as soon as he learned of it. That, more than anything, cemented in her mind that he was a cowardly slacker who couldn't be relied on. It was supported by the fact that the supposed friend of James Potter never checked upon Harry. The werewolf had been lucky that he died soon after her daughter or she would've made his suffering the stuff of legend. Blacks protected their own after all.
She came out of her recollection as she heard Melisandre speak.
"It protects us from poisons of any kind, as well as symbolises that we belong to Harry and no one else!" the priestess exclaimed strongly. All the while glaring at the two brutes. The only thing they could do was follow orders like the dogs she knew they were.
The first part drew scoffs out of the Kingsguard members, but curiosity from the three women and Oberyn. "Really, would you demonstrate?" the Red Viper asked intrigued at this.
Bellatrix shrugged her shoulders. "Sure, why not," she had no qualms of showing it. "If you have poison on hand." the eldest Black said with a grin. She doubted they would believe them if it came from their own stock.
Oberyn in turn shrugged also, stuck his hand in a pouch at his belt and said. "I always have poison on hand." pulling out several vials he named them. "I have the sweetsleep, Widow's blood, Demon's dance and Greycap." each time pointing to the substance in question.
Exasperated Elia scolded her brother, scandalized at his behaviour. "Really, Oberyn? You bring poison with you to a feast?" a fire lit in her eyes. She knew her brother was reckless, but that took it all a step too far.
Holding his hands up in the air the Prince of Dorne made a placating and explained. "Hey, these are easily identified and countered. I left the more lethal and undetectable poisons at home." He pouted. Really, it was as if she never had poisoned anyone. A few women who had plotted against her and tried to kill her coming to mind. He, of course, helped his sister to hide the bodies. Like a good brother should.
Elia just huffed, but didn't press the matter further, knowing even he wasn't so reckless as to try anything with the Mad king around. Everyone knew that King scab didn't like her and by extension her family.
"Which one do you want?" the Red Viper asked, holding the vials between his fingers. Normally Lewyn or Arthur would also berate him, but they too would want to see this.
'Probably only to see them die.' Oberyn thought with an internal grimace. The dornish prince liked them, but sometimes these two were too narrow minded for him.
Fleur just summoned one and levitated the other three to Narcissa, Melisandre and Gabrielle respectively. Afterwards each downed most of the vials contents without complaint, so that a little was left over from each.
Next Marcella summoned four rats from above them on the support beams. Quickly catching them the Italian witch administered to each the rest of the poisons. Soon four dead rats were laying on the table with the four women unharmed. The vials got returned to Oberyn.
"So you see, it protects us from poison in our food or drink." Melisandre said indicating to the four dead rats that were proof of their claim. Her eyes practically saying 'I told you so'. Shortly after she vanished the dead animals with a contemptuous sniff directed at their hosts.
Before anymore could be said noise from below caught their attention.
A horde of people swarmed inside and others upwards to them. Harry quickly cast the same tongue-tying curse at the four new targets, together with a compulsion and hoped it were the last ones where he had to do so, while also pondering if it was worth to hide their true nature.
Minute by minute the gallery filled with people in expensive clothing. Ladies and Lords alike with their children in tow. Now a stream of people coming inside compared to the previous trickle. Fortunately no other had seen them perform magic.
Harry saw many people he had no clue as to who they were, until he saw Ned come up to the gallery with what had to be his family and the small man they had rescued from the three squires. Harry out of an impulse waved to him, hoping to get Ned's attention, besides he was interested in the man's family.
On the other side of the room Ned's older brother saw the handsome, imposing looking, but friendly smiling man waving to Eddard. "Do you know that man Ned?" he asked with a raised brow and a finger pointed at the table in question.
Eddard looking where his brother pointed nodded in confirmation. "Yes, that is Harrison Peverell, the man I talked with you about." giving a small and friendly wave back.
Brandon seeing all the breathtaking beauty at the table, couldn't help but ask "And all the women belong to his family, too?" a touch of incredulity in his voice. He saw Lyanna giving him a sharp look, but he couldn't care less at the moment. There were nine incredibly fair women, that as far as he knew weren't married, and he would be dammed if he hadn't one or two of them in his bed tonight. Not that a women being married had stopped him before. It made things easier, however.
Ned also giving his brother a suspicious look nodded regardless. "Yes." not long after the word left his mouth was Brandon already in motion and walking over to the table. The rest of the Stark family following.
Ned had gotten a bad feeling as soon as he saw the look in Oberyn Martell's eyes. That it was an amused look didn't lessen, but increase his worry. On top of it the princess to the Throne was there as well. Serving to make him only more nervous. Brandon wasn't subtle or big on etiquette. What was when he offended her or anyone else for that matter?
Apparently the old Gods were listening as evident by Brandon greeting and bowing deeply to Elia first. "Greetings Princess Elia, we are honoured to be here." the rest of his family reciprocating, with Lyanna nearly doing her curtsy mockingly, but thinking better of it in the end.
"Greetings to you as well heir of House Stark. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" Elia greeted back. She already knew for what he was here. The poorly concealed looks of lust he send every women at the table expect her was evidence enough. Despite knowing that she didn't hold a candle to any of them still stung. The near constant absence of her husband wasn't making It better. At least she had her brother's presence to find consolation in.
Brandon put on his roughish smile that normally had every maiden swooning and said. "I wanted to greet the princess to the Iron Throne personally as well as getting to know the new friends my brother Ned made better." there he looked at Harry's wives from whom not a single one took notice of the new group. Preferring to talk with each other or the dornish.
"So you know our guests from the far east?" Elia inquired politely. At least they didn't seem hostile to Harry's group, which was good. It gave the princess some more insight to them. The Starks were Northerners and liked blunt, direct and honest people. She could at least believe that the group was indeed in Westeros to see a Tourney, like they claimed.
Brandon shook his head "Not personally, however my brother Ned met them yesterday." during the explanation it was difficult to maintain eye-contact. Normally it wasn't a problem, but now it was, when all around the table was so much skin exposed. To Westerosi standards, anyway.
At that point Harry chimed in. "Hi Ned." again accompanied by a friendly wave and grin. "I hope you feel better than yesterday."
Having seated himself as well Eddard answered. "Yes, I do indeed and have to thank you for it. Your advise was very helpful." a small smile on his lips with his eyes right now soft as fog.
Having finished the typical pleasantries with the princess Brandon, Benjen, Lyanna and Howland seated themselves also at the table and on the same side as the Elia, Ashara and Ellaria. Oberyn sat at one end with Ellaria opposite of him. The Peverell family with Kinvara sat besides Oberyn and occupied the rest of that side of the table.
The conversations around the table resumed. Time and again some Lords were entering the great hall and took their place at the many tables. Either on ground level or the galleries.
One stood out spectacularly. It was an old fart of a man. Looking as if he couldn't stand under his own power. He and many men and women with weasel-like appearance came up after a group of five, who all had auburn hair and blue eyes. Two men of approximately forty years with three children in their late teens. Two female and one male. All dressed in clothes that had different variants of blue and red with a white fish on it. Expect one of the men that had a black fish on it.
Amusingly enough the five blue-eyed people looked like they were searching for anything that would get them away from the old fart.
The group separated with one of the men going away to a table where an imposing blonde man sat with a pretty blonde girl and boy as well as three other blonde men and a plump blonde woman that, curiously enough, previously had separated from the group of weasels. The blonde man wasn't the biggest or remarkable looking man, but there was a presence that commanded a certain amount of respect.
The rest of the auburn-haired group walked towards their table as soon as the prettier of the two girls took notice of Brandon. Behind them an unremarkable, skinny and small boy that Harry previously overlooked was shooting Brandon looks of resentment.
"Brandon!" the girl exclaimed happily a smile on her face, though it only caused the man in question to tense up. At least he stopped his fruitless flirting with Fleur, who just ignored him. The more the girls mood turned positive the more sour it turned on the small boy of maybe thirteen.
The girl on the brink of womanhood squeezed herself between Brandon and Lyanna. The latter shooting the blue-eyed girl a contemptuous look. "Lady Catelyn." Brandon said quite formally.
The now named Catelyn beamed at him. "Call me Catelyn or Cat, after all we are to wed soon." as she said that she took Brandon's arm into her own. The slight twitch of Brandon's face wasn't noticed by her.
Now Lyanna snorted, while Ned hid a grin and Benjen had a laugh in his eyes. "Very well, Cat. However, I was just talking to Fleur here." pointing to the Veela, who right now was sitting on Harry's left leg with Gabrielle sitting on the right. The former was snogging her husband in front of everybody. The latter occupying herself with kissing his jaw and neck and waiting her turn as well as pouting her full lips to convey her displeasure.
The eldest of the Tully sisters took one look at the people opposite of her, taking in the clothes and appearances a surge of jealousy and envy took over her. Jealous of these women, because they had the attention of Brandon and envy since she knew that they were more beautiful than her by a large margin.
A typical response was formed "Why did you bring whores at this table?" she demanded pompously from Harry.
The reaction was immediate as the air grew colder. Oberyn couldn't hide his grin, while Ellaria shook her head at the girls attitude. Elia sucked in a sharp breath together with Ashara, while the Kingsguard tensed up. The Starks and Tully's were oblivious to the change.
Fleur disengaged, while Gabrielle and the rest turned their attention to the little girl and with that their glares. "There are no whores at this table, little girl!" Fleur replied calmly. The word whore was equally bad to them as was the word Freak for Harry. Too many silly little girls had accused them of being such, when they felt inferior or when their boyfriends or husbands where only drooling idiots.
Obviously Catelyn bristled at that answer. Her nose upturned she demanded "Then why do you all dress like whores?" her eyes going over their clothes and flashing again in envy and anger. Her sister mirroring Catelyn's actions. Their uncle just looked concerned to Elia, while Edmure stared at the Peverell women. The small boy just nodded along with Catelyn.
Before the inevitable happened Ned went to speak up, trying to pacify the situation.
However, Elia beat him to it. "Do you think I would allow whores to sit at my table, Lady Tully?" she said with a dangerous calm and continued "Or do you think I am dressed like a whore, too?" Elia wore after all a dornish dress that revealed more than the typical Westerosi one. Her dark eyes were slits as the dornish woman's eyes bored into the blue ones of the Tully girl.
She was a bit envious of these women as well, but at least had more self-control than this girl. Not to mention that she wouldn't allow such talk in her presence. That she was possibly saving the girls life from an irritated witch ranked below those reasons. After all Catelyn hadn't invoked guest right herself at the moment.
Not giving the now stuttering girl a chance to even reply Elia ploughed through. "These are the Peverells, a prominent, influential and wealthy family on par with the Targaryens from far east of Essos. So naturally their customs and clothing would appear a bit strange to us. I am sure our traditions and customs seem strange to them as well. I advise you treat them with respect!" Her brother may think her without thorns, but that wasn't true. The difference was that hers weren't visible.
'That he thinks such even though he knows that I killed women that would've killed me without a second thought isn't entirely surprising.' the princess mused in her head. Probably because she never was as promiscuous as her brother or Dorne in general. Or maybe, because he still saw her as his to protect.
Properly chastised Catelyn apologized properly, though it was without spirit. Afterwards Elia left with the two Kingsguard and Ashara in tow. The prince apparently just showed up and she only now could join him with his father at the head table. Not that Harry blamed her. The king looked like madness warmed over. He wouldn't want to be alone with that guy either.
With the arrival of the king the feast officially began. Servants poured in from the kitchens and served many meals of different kinds. Plenty of fish was present, which was understandable with them being near a big lake and in the Riverlands. Different kinds of meat, soups, stews, pies, vegetables and fruits all arranged in many meals. There even was a suckling pig stuffed with mushrooms. All was served together with sweet wine from the Arbor or sour ones from Dorne. Ale was also served, but apparently no water.
Curiously enough all the things present were only things found in medieval Europe. Potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins, corn, peppers, chilli, avocados, rice, tropical fruits and many others weren't present. Which served Harry just fine, even though he was a bit confused at first. After all he was used to having nearly all ingredients he needed, it also would only serve to make them richer when the time came to make trade with Westeros.
Another thought was that he maybe should introduce the people present tomorrow to some meals they had never seen or even heard of.
All further musings were interrupted by a question asked by Lyanna. "What differences are there that the Princess spoke off?" she asked, being the only one curious enough or blunt enough to ask the Peverells something after the chastising from Elia. However all the others at the table were obviously listening in.
Putting the spoon that was bringing the venison stew to her mouth down Narcissa replied. "Well, there are quite a few. Which ones do interest you the most?"
Brimming with questions the wolf maid queried "Are women allowed to fight?" she could remember all to vividly how she dispatched the three squires. Lyanna herself had no training in swordsmanship, even when she bested Benjen she knew that he let her win. After a few more years her little brother would be taller than her and stronger too. Lyanna knew she couldn't beat grown men without training of any kind. Even then the style in which knights fought was heavily reliant on strength. Something that men naturally had more of than women.
Narcissa nodded her head. "Yes, they are. In fact our complete army of roughly fifty-thousand is compromised of exclusively women. The navy is entirely made out of men at the moment." the explanation was met with a wide-eyed Lyanna, who couldn't believe that so many women were allowed to fight.
"Your entire army is made out of women?" the she-wolf asked awed at that bit of information.
Now Andromeda answered as she noticed that Narcissa wanted to continue eating the stew. "Indeed, however that is not because we find women to be better at fighting, but it has cultural reasons." taking a sip from the sweet Arbor gold the middle Black went on. "In the society we come from taking a life was seen as something, that only someone who could give life was allowed to do. So, naturally only women were allowed to kill."
"Was?" inquired Oberyn from where he now was being fed by Ellaria in his lap. The woman having copied Fleur's and Gabrielle's action. All three women ignored the glares send from the Tully women. It wasn't important to them that it was seen as improper behaviour.
Andromeda just answered. "Yes, it changed in the last two years as we discovered some new facts as to the process of how children were conceived. Due to those insights men and women both are allowed to serve in the army as equals as well as in every other field in society." she took another sip "In the past only women who had children were allowed to fight, the female children in turn were trained from the moment they could walk in all manner of combat. Effectively turning half the population into warriors."
"And what of the boys?" Ned asked kind of dreading the answer to that question. The urge to protect his manhood came up, but he fought it off.
That Melisandre answered, but not after getting a taste of beef. "Hmm, that's good... " having chewed and swallowed she said "Well, before Harry here happened they were mostly scribes, priests, servants, cooks, farmers and craftsmen." now she too had Narcissa's smile. A smile that all would remember told nothing good. "Then when they came off age most were gelded."
All the men at the table, expect Harry and Oberyn spat out their drinks or choked on their food upon hearing that. Some even let the cutlery fall out of their hands.
"What?" that question came from the Blackfish. His pupils shrinking to pinpricks.
Flipping her hair elegantly back Marcella gave the man a brilliant, but fanged smile and answered. "Well, where we come from women take the making of offspring seriously. Only the largest, strongest, most comely and intelligent men were allowed to have children. Besides..." taking a sip of her dornish red she continued smiling with a mocking brow raised. "Do you really think we we don't notice how most men stare at us here? At home we at least don't have to deal with that." hoping to convey the message that if they didn't let up with the rude staring she would geld them. She wouldn't, but when they thought such maybe the group would be left alone. Rumour would do the rest.
Marcella didn't hate men per se, well not anymore. However, she definitely preferred Harry over the rest by such a huge margin it wasn't even funny anymore. As long as they only stared she could ignore it and move on, after all she had dressed to impress. She was also aware that she was in Westerosi society an object first and then a woman. Hopefully it wouldn't escalate with some drunk lout that had no inhibition trying something. Not that she needed Harry to protect her, but it would be unwelcome indeed.
Most men flinched at that comment, while Oberyn chuckled, remembering the Unsullied and most male slaves he saw in Essos. After all it wouldn't do for the guards to fuck the Harem girls, so to speak. Though, that was only true for most men, who took on more women than they could handle. Harry with his eight seemed to handle it admirably.
Benjen chimed in for the first time, remembering his brothel visits and how it would be to live without his prick. He couldn't fathom it, to be honest. "But not anymore?" the hopeful tone free for anyone to hear. No matter where, every man had sympathy for his brothers regarding their manhood. Be it flinching when he gets a hit in the balls or something more drastic.
This time it was Narcissa who answered. Kind of annoyed at all the questions. "No, not anymore. There was a plot in place against Harry here," pointing to the still eating man "he uncovered it and was forced to kill the remaining Great Fathers, the ruling council and only men allowed to have children, as well as take control of the kingdom to prevent the threat of an invasion from Qarth, Slaver's Bay and Ghis. After all was said and done he changed the laws regarding these matters."
From then on it came a few more questions regarding their homeland and things. The women left out that Harry was worshipped at home and had several hundred red priestesses, red graces and thirty-thousand women as well as some men, hoping to be fucked by him. Foreign Religion wasn't a well received topic in the eyes of the followers of the Seven. Neither was buggery.
Further conversation was interrupted as the crown prince played a song on his harp. It was a haunting melody with a deep sadness to it. As it echoed around the hall most women were in tears, including Lyanna, who got teased for it by her younger brother and promptly emptied her goblet full of wine on his head. Same with Lysa and Catelyn.
Harry's wives were unaffected. When someone had heard a Phoenix lament that touched ones soul this music wasn't as strong. It was a beautiful song, only with nothing magical about it. Simply not on par with things they had heard before.
Harry disliked the prince. Sure, he was good looking and had apparently all the qualities of a good ruler, but he looked and behaved too much like an Emo. The sadness never left his eyes or demeanour and Harry did not like people, who moped around without doing anything about what caused them sadness and instead whined. He himself had done so in the past enough. Only that Harry grew reclusive and wallowed in guilt. Luckily, he had grown out of that.
Before they knew it musicians began to play on their instruments. Dancing began on the ground level, besides the many tables the hall was still big enough to allow for a space to dance. Harry was promptly dragged by Kinvara, Fleur and Gabrielle to the level below. The rest soon followed. Catelyn dragging Brandon with Lysa doing the same to the small, silent and still unnamed boy. The Blackfish, Lyanna and Benjen stayed at the table for now.
Once more the Peverells singled themselves out with things they did. Aside from the more intimate dancing the women also only ever danced with Harry, each other Ellaria or Oberyn. The uneven number working not in their favour.
Naturally, this also caused whispers to start. Many or all people looked down on men or women, who liked their own gender a bit too much. Disdained them even. Not that that was the case for them. Every single one of them was as straight as an arrow, but experiments weren't out of the question and do indeed happen, seeing as they were all sister-wives. Besides, it keep idiots and their hands at bay.
All the festivities were interrupted by something none of the guest had anticipated. It was a roar, but not any roar. It was no Lannister lion that did it, nor a shadowcat or any mammal at all.
No, all of Westeros and Harrenhal in particular had heard that kind of sound before. It was a dragon, which only got reinforced as the ground shook a little as what could only be the beast landing.
With that all of their hopes of keeping the vacation uninterrupted were thrown out of the window.