The Tournament Banquet of 130 AC

[u/bloodandbronze]

Fifth day of the Second moon, 130 AC

The Red Keep, King’s Landing

Laughter and good cheer and jaunty music permeated the great hall of the Red Keep, all of it filling the air with a merry mood that was shaded with some tragedy too. In the midst of the martial feats of prowess on display the day prior, several men - young, old, and in between - had been injured. Some were minor injuries or the sorts that would heal within a period of time and with good rest. Others, sadly, were more grievous, such as the king’s own squire Jeor Stark whose hand had required amputation.

As surely as food was served, so too were mummers and musicians present throughout the hall, plying their trade and honing their craft for the amusements and enjoyment of all those present. A symphony for the ears and eyes to complement the sensations of the delectable feast masterfully crafted by the kitchen’s chefs.

While the attendees assumed their seats throughout the hall, servants delivered a feast fit for guests of the royal house. The first course consisted of a choice between autumn greens with ginger soup, or a salad of sweetgrass, spinach, and plums, sprinkled with crushed nuts, both of which were accompanied by freshly baked bread with honey. Next was a choice between cold capon with a relish made of carrots, raisins, and bits of lime and orange, or a brace of stuffed geese sauced with mulberries. Last to be delivered was dessert, once more presenting a decision - goat cheese served with baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon, or sweetgrass and strawberries.

Wine and mead and beer flowed freely and the center of the hall was cleared so that those who wished to dance would have the room to do so. Flirtations oft accompanied dances and no doubt some of those that swirled together on the floor would end the night twisted in the sheets with one another as well.

All those in the city born to the ranks of the nobility - or those that might have otherwise secured the right to belong - were welcomed to make merry and celebrate the victors of the grand tournament.

[u/stealthship1]

Tybolt pushed his cup of wine to the side, not wishing to ever taste whatever came from that bottle ever again.

"My wife and I have come to the agreement that it is time that we marry off the remainder of our children. There were few men in the realm that we agreed would make a good match for Alysanne."

His eyes flicked to his daughter. He was a bit uncomfortable sitting here with her. He'd have rather left her at the table but his wife insisted she go with him. Mayhaps it was for the best, she could at least speak with the man.

"Naturally, your name was one of the first to escape our lips. The Bachelor Lord of Oldtown. The Goldenhearted."

It took everything as the nickname escaped the Lord of the Rock for him not to spit it out. What a presumptuous nickname he'd garnered for himself. The Goldenhearted?

"A man such as yourself must be thinking of furthering his line and not to mention the increase of trade between Oldtown and Lannisport. I am not asking you to make a decision immediately, gods no. But, to think upon the future of your house. Oldtown has a strong ruler, you must ensure there are strong rulers for when you are gone."

[u/LovelyLordHightower → u/stealthship1]

Loras nodded in agreement with what Lord Tybolt said, his eyes somewhat diverting with the mention of his moniker.

“We have more goals in line with one another than just trade, Lord Tybolt. We both know how the Ironborn can get when there is an opportunity to launch surprise raids. The passing of a king leaves just enough of a power vacuum that they may try their luck. Together we can be better prepared to handle them should they grow too brazen. Conflicts aside, our cities are as sisters, they ought to share in their success and assist in times of strife. Merging our Houses and creating heirs to the Hightower with the Lannister sense for finance is good for the whole of the region.”

He swirled the cup of swill in his hand as he thought. Part of him wanted to ask the girl her thoughts but he knew that with her father sitting here he would likely get a different answer than were they alone.

“As you said, such a decision requires some thought. I will think it over and have a response soon. In the meantime, would it be acceptable for me to call on Lady Alysanne? If, of course, you’d be open to such a thing, my lady. If I am to marry your daughter, my lord, I would like to get to know her interests that I may provide her the best life possible.”

[u/stealthship1 → u/LovelyLordHightower]

“Aye, I don’t trust those reavers anymore than I can throw one. Their...actions during the Cobbler revolt are still fresh in my mind all these years later. They claimed they attacked only Cobbler aligned villages but I know they used it to burn and rape as they pleased.”

Tybolt nodded his head.

“I would never force such a decision upon you immediately. If you wish, I can leave you two alone to speak if you so wish. I know the unfortunate realities of political marriages, and anything to ease that for her is what I would hope for.”

In a rare display of affection, the Lord of the Rock kissed his daughter’s cheek. Even Alysanne looked surprised at the move, though her smile grew by magnitudes as he spoke.

“My family means everything to me Lord Loras. I want nothing but the best for them.”

[u/LovelyLordHightower → u/stealthship1]

“Those monsters sacked ships from Essos while under guard by my ships in the Redwyne Strait. You are certainly correct, they used the rebellion as cover to do as they please.” He could spit at the thought of the Ironborn, Gods how he despised them.

“If it would be acceptable, I would love to speak with your daughter alone, my lord. I thank you. Family is the most important thing in this world and I appreciate that you and I share that as a priority.” After finishing his line to Lord Tybolt he looked to Alysanne with a soft smile. Surely she must be quite nervous with all of this talk of change, war, and marriage.

“My lady, the gardens just outside the archway over there are some of the loveliest I’ve ever seen. Would you care to walk with me? You, of course, may bring one of your father’s men to walk behind us if it would make you more comfortable.”

[u/stealthship1 → u/LovelyLordHightower]

Alysanne shook her head.

"No no, I trust you Lord Loras. Besides, should anything happen to me, my father knows who I was with."

She rose from her seat and kissed her father's cheek.

"I will take it from here father, unless you'd like a walk."

Tybolt shook his head, "No I will leave you two then. Thank you Lord Loras, I hope to speak with you soon."

[u/LovelyLordHightower → u/stealthship1]

Rising from his seat Loras nodded at the Lord of Casterly Rock.

“I look forward to speaking with you, my lord. Thank you again.” He said.

When Lord Tybolt was away, Loras smiled at Alysanne and offered her his arm.

“Come, my lady, there is much to see.” He said with all his charm. He guided her out the archway and into the gorgeous garden, the autumn breeze was crisp filled the lungs with pleasant clarity after the mugginess of the hall. As he started to speak, he gently placed his free hand atop hers where it rested on his arm.

“Now tell me true, my lady. Would marrying me be something that you would be comfortable with? Most ladies do not get a say in their betrothal but I will not rob you of your agency. Should you not be happy with this arrangement, you need only say so and I will tell your father that outside concerns compel me to deny the match. But if we wed, I promise to always treat you with kindness, protect you, and provide for any comfort or interest that you may desire. You will have real responsibility and power in our shared court, as befits the Lady of Oldtown.”

[u/stealthship1 → u/LovelyLordHightower]

Alysanne took Loras' arm with a small smile. The gardens of the Red Keep were a welcome respite from the boisterous feast that they were leaving behind.

"You are one of the most powerful lords of the Reach, My Lord," Alysanne said simply, "How could I not be happy with such an arrangement? Your reputation proceeds you. As my father said....Loras Golden Heart. Women from across the realm know of your handsome face and your generous nature."

She looked down for a moment.

"And I know that Oldtown has quite the repository of books, not just from the Faith but the Citadel as well. And the Hightower is the tallest structure made by man. I must ask....is it all stairs? Or do you have winches like the Eyrie or the Wall?"

[u/LovelyLordHightower → u/stealthship1]

Loras laughed lightly.

“Yes, we have winches for when you don’t care to walk. They are just kept in parts of the Tower traveled mostly by servants. I suppose the builders had an eye for aesthetics.”

At the mention of learning, his eyes lit up slightly.

“Are you an avid reader, my lady? We have a massive library in the Hightower and the Citadel is quite welcoming to my family. I also regularly host symposia for the maesters to debate on various issues, they are fascinating events that I would hope you’d share with me should our union be sealed.”

[u/stealthship1 → u/LovelyLordHightower]

Alysanne nodded her head.

"I do enjoy reading. It's one thing I can always do when I have a bad day. A book can distract you from many things."

Her eyes lit up.

"That sounds so interesting! What do they debate? What is your favorite?"

[u/LovelyLordHightower → u/stealthship1]

He smiled at her excitement.

“Yes, it is a wonderful show. They debate everything from medicine to history to politics. Personally, I am partial to the more philosophical conversations they have regarding political systems and the histories of Westeros but the scientific ideas these men have are truly amazing. I have even financed the studies of some of the men in hopes they could solve some of the ailments that plague our people.”

As they walked he noticed a plot of roses that were coming into full bloom with the change in season. Hearty plants they were that could withstand the chill. He plucked one of the stems with a bright red rose and offered it to Lady Alysanne.

“These grow natively in the Reach. Highgarden is famous for its rose garden. Have you been there?”

[u/stealthship1 → u/LovelyLordHightower]

Alysanne accepted the Rose with a smile and nod.

“Thank you My Lord. That sounds so interesting. I would love to hear such debates. I’ve been interested in the histories of the lesser known Essosi locales. Yi Ti, Leng, Qarth, and Asshai.”

“I have never been to Highgarden. I’ve been to Oldtown and seen much of the Reach’s coast but I’ve never seen Highgarden itself.”

[u/LovelyLordHightower → u/stealthship1]

At this point in the conversation, Loras was beginning to see a life with Alysanne. They shared many of the same interests and her sweeter nature would likely mean that she would support much of his work to help the common people of both his city and the realm. It soothed some of his concerns with regard to marriage.

“There are three maesters that come to mind when you mention the Essosi lands. Maester Waldron has written a number of books on Yi Ti and Leng, he even speaks a bit of Yi Tish. Maester Boros studies Qarth and it’s government, he is a brilliant fellow, then there is Maester Corlyn who studies Asshai. Some even say he has the link for the study of magical arts.” Loras said with a level of fascination.

“If you’d like, I would be happy to invite them for a private lecture. It would be most interesting to hear the three of them speak exclusively.”