301 AC - Red Keep, King's Landing, CrownLands - Seat of Power: Joffrey I Baratheon / Lannister
After days of travelling, Jaime at last saw the familiar outer walls of King's Landing. It felt like a fever dream to him, after all he had been through. He was happy to be back but also hesitant, for his family to see him in this condition; dirty, skinnier and with one hand missing.
When he looked at himself in the reflective surfaces of water bodies on their way to the Capital, he barely recognised himself. His hair had grown longer and he had obtained a beard while his clothes were those of common folk, second-hand and overused.
Soldiers by the Gate recognised him after they heard him and soon they were allowed to the Red Keep. The common folk did not seem to recognise him, which he was thankful for but he could hear them commenting on the latest news and mostly how much they hated Joffrey.
At last, he passed the Gate of the Red Keep and his eyes fell on the familiar building he had called his home for many years. A few steps towards it and they came to a halt when the doors were pushed open and a familiar figure walked their way.
White hair was matching the shade of the Northern snow and striking amber eyes that seemed mystical were the first thing one would notice. Her red dress was adorned with golden decorations and the figures of lions as the Dragoness walked towards them. Her back was straight, her hair braided into a half-up style while two Lannister soldiers were trailing behind her.
"Jaime," she exclaimed with a look of surprise and relief upon seeing him, her steps remaining elegant while her pace quickened.
Jaime came to a halt a few steps in front of his travelling companions, suddenly feeling guilty and frightened. It had been more than a year since they had last seen one another, more than a year since he made the mistake that ended up with him as a prisoner of Robb Stark.
He felt ashamed for the condition he was returning in, his one hand held by a shoulder sling with the part of the wrist and below missing; his other limb hanging by his side. He glanced to the ground, wondering what she would think of him.
He was not the mighty and proud Lion she knew him as, he was not even a complete man upon his return. Would she curse him for getting captured and prolonging the war? Would she look at him with disgust upon seeing his condition?
He was not sure but he expected the worst. Yet, he had to greet her because at the end of the day; he had missed her. "Good-mother," he said as she came to a halt in front of him.
However, before he could say anything else; she hugged him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and shoulder respectively, pulling him closer for a tight motherly hug as she rested her chin on his shoulder; eyes closed.
"Thank the Valyrian Gods that you are back," she expressed, not caring for any formalities or people watching.
She had spent days on end worrying about Jaime, thinking about where he was and what he was going through. She barely saw any dreams about him and that worried her but she never let it show.
Her own spies had no clue of where he was and even Varys did not seem to know either. She had been concerned and actually prayed a few nights to the 14 Gods of Old Valyria to keep him safe.
Jaime was surprised by the hug but he quickly returned the action, using his good hand to pull her even closer. His chin and head rested on her shoulder, his own eyes closing as all the tension in his body started to leave.
By the Seven, he had missed her; he had missed her so much. He was so worried about what she would think of him upon seeing him that he had forgotten how much she truly cared for him in the end.
He enjoyed that hug, not caring if one would call him weak. After all the shit he had to go through, he truly needed some comfort and none could truly compare to the warmth coming from her; the true motherly hug filled with care and love.
They stayed like that for a whole minute before he slowly pulled back and she did the same. Her eyes had softened, her beautiful amber irises looking at him as he was but a mere fraction of her imagination and not the real him.
She placed her hand on his cheek like she always did, the unnatural warmth coming from her skin soothing him. She quickly took notice of his ragged and tired form, until her eyes truly noticed the cut hand.
Something darkened in her eyes upon realizing it and she looked up at him. "Who did this to you? Give me their name," she said, her voice sounding lower and not hiding the growing anger and danger coming with it.
If people thought it was stupid to harm him because they would face the rage of the Lion known as his father, they seemed to forget that there was a Dragon in the picture; willing to burn them into mere ashes for harming her son.
"Not now. I will tell you later..." he said in a lowered tone and she nodded, her gaze softening upon seeing his tired green eyes that she had missed so much. "Where is Father?" he asked, a part of him dreading to be seen like that.
But if those Lannister soldiers had recognised him at the Gates, they should have informed him as well. Or else his Good-mother would not be present to greet them.
"At his study, asking not to be bothered by anyone. The soldiers know better and came to me instead," she explained, seeing relief in his eyes. "Hey, he will be happy to have you back. Trust me," she said, her words offering some reassurance that he needed.
Eventually, the Dragoness took notice of the two odd companions standing a few feet away from her; a peculiar man that seemed to be dressed like a Maester but had no chain around his neck and a very tall, muscular woman with a sword.
"Good-mother, allow me to introduce you. This is Maester Qyburn and Lady Brienne of Tarth," he said, his body turned slightly to look at them. "This is my good-mother, Lady Visenya Lannister, née Targaryen; Lady of Casterly Rock."
There was a faint reaction to her name, a common thing that she had seen from others as well. Yet, upon realizing they were the reason Jaime was brought back; she had to truly greet them.
She turned her body to acknowledge them, with Brienne immediately bowing her head. "My Lady," she said and Qyburn copied her, although his bow was far quicker.
"Thank you for your service and escorting him back to us," she said with a small smile, her words not hiding her honesty.
Brienne did not believe that after everything they had been through, they had finally arrived at King's Landing. She had only heard of the once great city, read even, and did not truly expect she would be visiting it soon; let alone in the situation she was now.
The first thing that she could say about it was the fact that it was dirty and there was this odour of human faeces, fish and no one truly knew what else. Some parts looked poor and overcrowded but as they walked towards the Red Keep, the houses and the streets changed.
They entered the Red Gate and the big doors of the Keep were pulled open before someone walked at a fast pace towards them. Jaime, who was leading the group a few steps ahead, suddenly froze upon seeing the new person and so did they; although they were more confused at first.
However, things made more sense upon Brienne hearing Jaime calling her good-mother. Quickly realizing who she was, the female knight could only stare in silence at the sight in front of her.
During the bath at Harrenhal, Jaime had shown a different side of him... a more human one. Yet, that was nothing compared to what he was showing now. At first, he was still but once he was hugged, the mighty Kingslayer returned the action with a subconscious need.
There was tenderness in his actions and even some hesitation at first but all changed soon after. It was a welcoming sight and as Brienne remembered the story he told her, she could see that this woman indeed cared for him and that's why she had forgiven him despite killing her mad brother.
For a moment, it was just the two of them reuniting after so long and despite not sharing any blood relation, they acted as if they did.
Eventually, after Jaime persuaded her not to chase the subject of his hand right now, she finally turned to them.
Brienne felt a little bit uneasy under those unique eyes that did not seem to belong to a human. The iris was a bright yellow amber like molten gold but there were specks of red like the flame on a candle.
Jaime went ahead and introduced them, earning a reaction from Qyburn upon hearing her name; for apparently he had not connected the dots. Brienne offered a bow in respect, having heard so much about her.
Partially, the Dragoness had been an inspiration for her when she learned how to handle a sword. Her father would use her as an example to show that even women could fight and be good at it.
Considering the rumours spreading and circling around her, the woman certainly did not seem to fit all of them; especially in terms of character.
"Thank you for your service and escorting him back to us," she said and offered them a small graceful smile, honesty the only thing in her words.
She then turned to one of the Lannister guards standing close by.
"Please escort them to the guest chambers and make sure a servant tends to their needs. They are our guests from now on."
The soldier nodded and waited for them to approach him, so he could lead them inside and where they had to be. Yet before that could happen, Brienne had more to say.
"My Lady, I was assigned by Catelyn Stark to return him to you in order to ensure the freedom and return of her two daughters," she explained, unaware of the Red Wedding that had taken place just a day ago.
Yet, Visenya did not give anything away. "Of course. Please do rest and we will discuss it openly later with His Grace and His Hand about the terms," she said, effortlessly lying.
Brienne was hesitant but nodded since the Dragoness did not seem willing to do things now. Yet again, it was that boy-king, Joffrey, and his Hand, Tywin Lannister, that ruled the Kingdoms and took all the important decisions.
Everyone walked inside and Brienne was about to be escorted a different way than the one Jaime and Visenya were going until someone new joined them. A young boy, who could not have been older than 9 & 10, rushed their way, practically running towards them.
She took a good look at him and immediately saw the similarities in colours, height and some facial traits with Jaime. Brienne quickly understood who the boy was and what his relation to Jaime was.
Yet, she found herself freezing on the spot and merely watching as the Half-Lion had a smile on his face.
"You bloody show pony," he exclaimed, using some sort of nickname he had for his brother, before embracing in a more brotherly hug using his one hand.
There was a small and barely audible chuckle from Jaime as he returned the action, enjoying another warm welcome.
"Little brother," Jaime called him, a smile forming on his face.
"Don't you dare ever leave me alone with our sister ever again or anyone from our family for that matter," he joked, his charming smile remaining as the two brothers pulled apart from one another. Jaime was even smiling at the joke but then his brother noticed his missing limb and his face darkened in mere seconds. "What happened?" he asked, his lips almost forming a snarl at the sight.
"Don't. I will explain all later," Jaime begged, not wishing to cause the wrath of every one of them.
"Trystan, where is Cersei?" Visenya asked since Jaime wanted to see her.
"In her room. Oh, you must visit her. She has been driving herself nuts ever since," Trystan said, making his older brother smile.
That does sound like her, he thought and felt his hands itching to hug her and keep her close, his lips to fall upon hers and just be the two of them again.
Brienne was reminded to walk and she glanced above her shoulder, getting a few last glimpses of Jaime's reunion with his family; receiving a proper welcome so far and a warm one nonetheless.
The Hand's Study, Red Keep - King's Landing, Crown Lands - The Same Night after Jaime's Return
It was early nightfall when Tywin asked for her presence in his study, having finished with most of his work. She entered just as he sealed yet another letter, a big part of his job as he was in contact with multiple Lords, Generals, Relatives and Allies all across the world of Westeros.
"You asked for my presence," she pointed out as she took a seat across from him.
"Yes. Read," he said and handed her a letter as he leaned back on his chair and took a few sips of his red wine.
The Dragoness took the letter in her hands and read it close to the candle to have better light. Her eyebrows shifted, moving forward to a frown by the time she finished reading it. It was a letter from Prince Doran Martell, informing him of his arrival at King's Landing in two days for the wedding of Joffrey and Margaery.
"The Martells are coming," she pointed out, feeling a single drop of cold sweat down her spine.
This was news, big but also bad news. Yes, Myrcella was sent to Dorne and was safe and happy with her husband but there was one big fact remaining... the death of Elia Martell by the Mountain.
Both Visenya and Tywin knew that the Martells were bitter about it and that their visit to King's Landing would not be an innocent one. Tywin personally doubted they would truly do something since they were not really that stupid but their presence in court was something that was bothering him.
"Yes... we already have enough in our hands with Olenna. Now, we will have them," he commented, clearly not happy with the news. "This is why I want you to keep an eye on them, try to see what you can find about their visit here. I will be damned if it is only for the wedding."
Visenya understood what he was talking about and she would have done either way. However, she would never plan to just stalk and observe them. No... she had plans of her own to discuss upon meeting them because they were not the only ones wishing for justice for Elia Martell.
She nodded her head, deciding not to chase the subject yet and instead focusing on another subject; one that Tywin did not seem willing to bring up.
"Jaime has returned... I presume you have not visited him, yet?" she asked, although by the look he gave her, she had her answer.
"I will in due time, there are important things to handle first," he said, trying to act cold and distant when it came to his son.
She could see through it and she knew the reason why.
Tywin had spent a lot of his mind, time and thoughts on Jaime and his whereabouts while a prisoner and then lost somewhere in Westeros. He worried about him because, in the end, Jaime was his first son and his original heir; vows or not.
However, he was not a father that would rush to find him. That would make him look weak to everyone else and he suspected it would boost Jaime's ego, doubting one year of imprisonment had truly changed it.
He would visit him, eventually, with his latest gift nonetheless. But for now, he would let him settle while he dealt with everything else.
"Then I presume you heard about his hand," she brought up and immediately his jaw tensed.
He placed his goblet on the study, risking breaking it if he kept holding it. His nostrils flared and his gaze turned steel cold. "I did," he almost spat, clearly furious about the condition of Jaime's hand.
"It was Vargo Hoat and his men, you remember him?" she said, her voice being unnaturally calm but mostly because she had thrown her temper before arriving at the study of her husband.
Tywin's jaw tensed. "That little traitor," he said, his hand clenching into a fist on the arm of his chair and it was faintly shaking with anger.
Vargo Hoat was a sellsword, a mercenary and they had hired him and his group when they were fighting in the Riverlands; before Jaime's capture. However, after all that took place, they left him behind with other Lannister soldiers to guard Harrenhal as they moved towards King's Landing to help defend it against Stannis.
After that, they had not heard from him until now. They definitely knew who Jaime was and so to attack him physically and cut his hand was their own doing and mostly Vargo's.
"We'll have their heads. Every one of them," he said, slamming his fist on the arm of his chair. "Where is he now?"
"Harrenhal has fallen to Robb Stark as you remember. According to Jaime, the few who stayed died. The others scattered in the woods and around the Riverlands," she explained, having gotten the proper information from Jaime. However, it was not pleasing enough but thankfully for Tywin, his wife was one step ahead of him. "Worry not; I have already started searching for his whereabouts. It will not take long before he is found."
This made Tywin arch an eyebrow at her initiative to act without telling him first, which was something she rarely did. However, he did not comment on it and instead let it slide. If she could, somehow, find the whereabouts of that bastard; he was not going to complain.
He was far too busy right now with all of this to start questioning Lords and soldiers alike in order to find him. Visenya could do that just fine and once she had the information they needed, Tywin already knew whom he would send to punish for daring to maim his son.
"Good," he commented, his temper slowly dropping and he grabbed his goblet again before emptying the remnants of the red wine that had been left.
Visenya did not say anything and instead chose to help him finish any unfinished work and reports to keep her mind occupied. With Jaime's return, she had pushed that odd vision to the back of her mind; for there was a bigger concern for a shadow lurking by the corner... Varys.
Visenya had searched for Varys right after Jaime told her of what happened to his arm. She had praised him for acting to protect Brienne but was also furious at Vargo and his audacity to harm Jaime that way.
She knew that she needed to find him so he could be dealt with accordingly. Many often feared to harm a Lannister because of the rage of Tywin but the same people often forgot that there was a Dragoness in the making; one capable enough to find and make them pay in ways they could never imagine.
She had her blood family, she had failed to protect them and then took it upon herself to do what was best and protect those that had been left; the Lions... her Pride. She had vowed to herself and to the Old Valyrian gods that she was never going to sit back with her hands on her lap and do nothing.
Thus, she approached the only man capable of finding such information; especially with the small clues Jaime had got that helped narrow down the location of the culprit. She had waited in her chambers when he eventually answered the summon.
"My Lady, I heard that you summoned for me," he said as he entered and closed the door behind him, his hands hidden in his big sleeves.
Visenya was staring outside the balcony door and looked at him through the reflection on the closed glass door. "I did. I have a favour I need from you," she said and turned to face the Eunuch, who despite his acting; his eyes betrayed the excitement he felt.
"I do recall those were the exact same words you told me when we met in Pentos," he said, standing in the middle of the room. "I do not need to remind you that I require payment for it."
She narrowed her eyes faintly, for she had not forgotten about it. She never would and she remembered it very clearly, even when she decided to summon him. "Lannisters always pay their debts, isn't that right?" she asked rhetorically. "Find me where Vargo Hoat is in the Riverlands and then you can approach me for your payment."
She knew Varys, at least how he worked. While he did keep his position as Lord of the Whispers or Master of Whisperers as some might call him, he did not have loose lips. He only said what he found important to say and just enough to show everyone he was useful but never to expose himself for the threat he was.
His network was ever-growing and it was dangerous because he could learn of things first and details even that only those witnessing an event could know. Yet, few truly knew of that and many thought his ways of finding information were limited.
Visenya, though, knew him better. She knew of what he was capable of because passively, they had a common person in their minds; Daenerys.
She also knew that with the right motivation as a reward, Varys was capable of truly pulling miracles and using his network of 'little birds' to the maximum of its ability.
By the twinkle in his dark eyes and the small smirk upon his lips, she knew that a personal favour from her was motivating enough for him to find what she asked him. The only thing worrying her though was what kind of favour he would ask in return.
She knew it would never be something physical or carnal for he had no interest in that. It would have to do with secrets, power and favours that could easily put her at odds with others; especially Tywin.
However, she was determined to get revenge for what happened to Jaime and properly protect her family; consequences be damned.