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Post by Adrian Sapner on Apr 18, 2015 11:41:41 GMT
Adrian Sapner thought that he would start to be more accustomed to lordship, yet he felt more a boy than ever before. His clothes, borrowed from his late Lord Father's wardrobe were too large, and looked awkward on the his skinny body. His Lord Father had been a huge man, with arms thick as tree trunks, but Adrian was not. Adrian wanted to ask his mother to send him more well fitting garments, but what kind of lord would he be then, asking his mother for help? No great knight ever asked their mother for help in the tales. In the tales, the knights could do anything and everything, and they could do it on their own. Of course, Adrian had to wonder if the Dragon Knight ever had to deal with an ill fitting tunic.
Adrian wandered the gardens aimlessly. Were he younger, he would have been counting the flowers, or the different colored stones on the pathway. Now, he counted Lannister swords. Adrian was loyal to Joffrey, of course. His father had died for Joffrey, but, he wasn't sure why his father would give his life for him. Joffrey was a cruel boy, and a crueler king. King Renly, King Robb, even King Stannis, they were better than Joffrey, and if the rumors were true, both Renly and Stannis had better claims, yet Adrian's father died in the service of Joffrey. Obviously, his late Lord Father must have known something he did not.
Still, though, all the Lannisters made him uncomfortable. They reminded him of Lady Sansa's pain. The people of King's Landing were scared, it was evidence by what they said into their cups, or rather, what they didn't say. They were all too scared to speak out about Joffrey's cruelties, about the possibility of the Kingslayer and the Queen's relationship, it made Adrian uneasy. He wanted to return to Stallion Monte, and bar the gates, sealing himself in where he was safe. He was no lord, he wasn't a hero, he wasn't even a knight. He was just a squire... Adrian unsteadily sat down on a nearby bench, gripping the cool stone tightly, as though it gave him some relief from the terror of the Red Keep.
"In the name of the Warrior I charge you to be brave..." he mumbled to himself. The oath of knighthood provided him some small comfort here, but even the smallest comforts kept a man sane.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2015 12:04:30 GMT
| The morning was oddly beautiful and bright. The birds seemed to care to play a song. As a gentle push of wind went pushing her hair, she saw the Sapner knight. Varys, the way he put it, was that Sapner was sympathizing with the Stark girl. That wouldn't sit well with the crown. Even after Sansa's marriage to Joff, she will still be the helpless girl, stuck in her tales of knights bedding women after a valiant battle. In reality, knights bed whores in brothels after killing whoever can earn them gold. It was how the world truly spun. But the world is spinning too fast, reflected Cersei.
"Ser Adrian, I wonder if we might share a word," called Cersei. She strolled up to the handsome knight. He looks like Jaime, she thought in a puzzling manner. Cersei flashed him a smile, but by now, he smiled weren't ever sincere and true, but usually deceptive and wicked. Her red and gold dress was slung by a beautiful Myrish lace golden cloak, swinging from her arms and shoulders, with rubies and bronze disks inlaid. She wore two ruby and gold amulets, along with bronze rings, and a red belt that hugged her waist. Perhaps he most beautiful dress; she certainly was a Lannister. And Lannister pay their debts...be it in blood or gold. Adrian Sapner
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Post by Adrian Sapner on Apr 18, 2015 12:47:32 GMT
Adrian glanced up at the voice, meeting the gaze of Cersei Lannister. The Queen Dowager. He'd heard so many rumors about her, how she was a manipulative witch, how she'd done ungodly things with her brother, but looking at her now, Adrian knew none of those rumors were true. She was a beautiful woman, her hair like spun gold, her eyes a brilliant emerald green, she even had a sweet smile. She was dressed wonderfully too, fitting for a queen. Adrian found himself blushing faintly whilst looking at her. "Y-yes, of course, your grace. But, I'm afraid, I'm not yet a knight. I had to return to Stallion Motte due to my father's... departure before I was able to be knighted." Adrian's voice betrayed his wanting to impress the queen.
"What is it you want to speak about, your grace?" Adrian asked, turning his face down, so as to conceal his blush. He'd heard the Queen was beautiful, but he'd never truly imagined how much so. It was like all of her features were finely crafted by the best painter on the earth, as though the gods themselves spent extra time creating her. Adrian had no idea how to properly address royalty, and even less of an idea how to properly address particularly attractive loyalty. The young Lord Sapner had never so much as properly kissed a girl, and now he was speaking to the Queen, a woman who looked to have walked straight out of an old tale. A woman fit to be rescued by a proper knight from a dragon, or some other terrible beast. Not a woman fit to have to deal with the cruelty that surely must be King Joffrey.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2015 13:44:18 GMT
| Cersei frowned. "Knight, hedge knight, sellsword...it doesn't matter." she groaned in annoyance. Cersei flashed him a stare with her eyebrows curling, "Leave the blushing for Ser Loras," she said coldly. "Walk with me."
She began her slow strolling down the white pebbles and stones, the clink of Lannister armor flown from her four guards. The tussle of the bushes calmed her, but it reminded her Myrcella. It would have made her cry, but she couldn't let anyone see weakness in her. "Tell me what you think of the Stark girl," she murmured bluntly. She was sure a lord like him is bound to attract the affection of ladies. Sansa's and Adrian's fathers both met similar fates. That may be enough for his affection to extend to Sansa. It seemed every outsider who storms the Crownlands feel sorry for her. Cersei had hated Sansa, and even felt damned because she was to wed Joff. But with Robb approaching, his battles being spun greatly, and not to mention his consideration for Stannis, it was bound to be shatters of steel over the Lannister name. Father will do what he must, and I will do what I must, she noted. She may even find joy in the upcoming wedding.
Cersei couldn't trust this one for a guard, no. He was soft and still a mere boy. She could hardly find time to trust her lean and hard Lannister guards that patrolled with her about. "The Starks are traitorous." she commented with a calm demeanor. Her gold-amber locks began flying in the breeze that had suddenly passed.
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Post by Adrian Sapner on Apr 18, 2015 18:31:51 GMT
Adrian frowned faintly at the Queen's dismissive attitude. It was as though all of her happiness suddenly left her. It felt odd. Of course, she was queen, she must have had a lot on her mind, but still... He needed to remember, despite the beauty of the queen, she was still a Lannister. He wanted to argue with her, tell her she was wrong about knights, but instead Adrian just stood up stiffly, following her. He didn't want to cause any problems, especially when he'd promised to protect Sansa. He didn't want to cause any undue issues to the Stark Maiden.
And then Cersei asked specifically about her. Adrian struggled with words for a moment. Had people found out about his vow already? He wondered what Ser Galladon of Morne would say in this situation. Would he tell the truth? Telling the truth might make things even harder for Lady Sansa, but a true knight was supposed to tell the truth always... Adrian was torn. "She is a maiden. All good men and true knights should protect maidens to the best of their ability," Adrian said as he walked alongside the Queen. He'd never expected he'd be in this situation.
The Queen spoke softly, but her soft voice didn't do much to hide her openly harsh words. "Some would say the same of the Lannisters, your grace. I would think you would realize just because one in your family is something, doesn't mean all of you are. That would make all of you Kingslayers, and all of you very short." Adrian knew he shouldn't have said it. It was a foolish thing to say, especially to the Queen's face, but he misliked the way the Queen spoke about his Lady Sansa. It was bad enough the Lord Eddard was traitorous now, but implying Sansa was as well, that was too far.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2015 21:24:51 GMT
| Cersei gave him a cold stare. This one was already bringing hisself to a foe. "The gods put me by a knight who believes all maidens should be protected," Cersei laughed. "I suppose you'll be sending your knights to protect the mad maiden Targaryen across the sea?" Cersei then toppled to a frown.
Her cloak was flowing in the wind, it had begun to sway and flail in the Guards' faces. At the mention of kingslayer, Cersei had sworn she heard a deafening roar that could only come from Jaime. Her other half was calling, so she dreamed. She considered Adrian's words. "You're right, you don't have to be a Stark to be a traitor." She had glared at him in a scoop of silence.
"Why don't you tell me about House Sapner. To who do they remain loyal to?" she asked. "The one who holds power, or the one who sits the throne?" she was slightly smiling, and perhaps found fluid enjoyment. Adrian was a young man, and certainly daring. Cersei almost wished Sansa was like him, so she'd strike, and Cersei could rage what she had held back. |
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Post by Adrian Sapner on Apr 18, 2015 22:06:55 GMT
Adrian Sapner was... confused by Cersei. He was trying to pin down exactly what kind of person she was. Was she a good person, who was made harsh by the dangers of the capitol? Was she a bad person, who thrived on the capitol? He wanted to believe the former, but the latter did seem somewhat likely. At least, a bit. He didn't like the thought of her being a bad person, she was far too beautiful to truly be bad, wasn't she? She was just cautious, he realized. He would be too, if put in a similar situation.
"The Sapners are loyal to the king, your grace. Loyal to you. I have some concerns, but I am loyal. My father died fighting for Joffrey, and if need be, I will do the same." Adrian bowed slightly, straightening his tunic. He knew he shouldn't have said what he had about the Queen's family, he felt bad about it, but Cersei seemed not too upset by it, judging by her smile. Again, it was a sweet smile. It was strange that someone so beautiful could raise a king so cruel, but it wasn't Adrian's place to judge his king. A true knight recognized their place.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2015 22:20:04 GMT
| Cersei blinked in amusement. "Oh what was I thinking. Of course you're loyal. When asked by the Queen. When asked by Stannis, your loyal to Stannis. You may think you're loyal now, but you're not. At the last of war's odds, you may be bending the knee to a Targaryen," she smiled. "But I need loyal men by my side. The king's men are loyal to him, but loyal to my coin. With upcoming arrangements, I am bound to lose some coin and some men." she said as she stared at the sky. The birds were soaring. Sometimes Cersei yearned she could be a bird. She imagined it felt powerful and free to fly. But she wasn't a bird, she was trapped on the ground. Where she must earn her own power and her own right. Being a lady isn't ever easy, she thought to herself.
Cersei continued her stroll to a table at the end of the gardens. The fragrant smells of peonies and lemons struck her. She basked in the smell. What wonders a fragrance could bring a woman to. She sat on the chair, and poured glass of the raspberry wine. She held it out to Adrian, waiting for him to accept. What rudeness would he be to reject.
She noticed how smooth, yet prominent, his jaw appeared to her. He looked older than Lancel, but perhaps his wits were dryer than his. His hair almost tricked her into seeing another Lannister right before her. He was alike the young Jaime who loved to face her when he pumped to let his seed flow. He was admirable in many ways. But his daring and impulsiveness wasn't always to sit well with people, but it might prove useful. Honest knights are loyal knights, Cersei reflected. And perhaps it was true. If they are honest, they won't lie to you, and only be honest to your foes behind your back, while they brew their plans to slay you. Deceit is in the air, thought Cersei. Although she didn't trust her protection with this knight, she could trust her secrets. Well enough, she corrected herself at the thought of the Stark girl. Adrian Sapner |
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Post by Adrian Sapner on Apr 19, 2015 1:05:26 GMT
Adrian frowned faintly, as Cersei questioned his loyalty. "Sapner loyalty doesn't bend, it has to be broken. It has only ever been broken by the Mad King. If Stannis asked my who I was loyal to, I would say Joffrey and then stick a sword through his belly." Adrian's words came out as almost a sort of boast, although it wasn't the sort of thing to boast about. Stannis had always made Adrian mad, he sent out terrible lies about a woman like Cersei, it was no wonder the queen seemed upset very often. "I promise you, my sword cannot be bought by gold. You already have my unwavering loyalty, your grace."
Adrian followed his queen through the gardens tentatively, very much aware of how few people were in the gardens now. Him, the queen, and her guards were the only people there, it seems most of the courtiers had cleared out after Adrian and the Queen had started to speak. They finally got to the table, where Cersei sat, pouring glasses of wine. Adrian followed suit, accepting the wine with a nod.
“My queen, what is it exactly that you need from me? I’m loyal to both you and the king, I don’t know what I need do to prove it to you. My father died fighting for Joffrey, and I won’t disrespect his memory by siding with some usurper.” Adrian was getting impatient. The queen was beautiful, her long flowing dresses looking incredibly on her, but she was also subtle, she also seemed to know many thing Adrian didn't. Beyond just being so much more powerful than he was, she was also experienced at the Game, after spending so much time in King’s Landing. He wondered if he’d ever be able to follow the subtlety that everyone seemed to speak with in King’s Landing. He doubted it. He’d never been one to fight with words.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 1:20:38 GMT
| 'You already have my unwavering loyalty.' The sentence echoed within Cersei's head. You seem to play the Game of Thrones well. That was all I needed to hear, she thought to herself.
Cersei shown a malevolent glare to the guards, and commanded them to leave. They were guarding all paths that lead to where Sapner and Cersei were. "I've arranged plans for Sansa to wed King Joffrey for the better of House Lannister," she said dryly. For the better of Tywin Lannister, is what she really meant. "Robb Stark should see that House Lannister is in control, and will release Jaime." Although Cersei hadn't thought through what consequences that could come of this false ally marriage, she was sure of herself. If she were right, Jaime would be released if Sansa's marriage was broke. If Tywin was right, Jaime is either released or kept, and Robb won't wage war on King's Landing. Cersei had saw her plan as a symbol of what she was capable of. She was doubted her whole life.
Cersei shook her head as if agreeing with something Adrian hadn't said. "You say your loyalty is with me. You know these words, but if you're smart, you know more than I said." she smiled. The public and high lords saw this marriage as a bond and an act of liberation between Robb and the Lannisters. It wasn't. "It will be your head of these words slide from your tongue and reach another's." she threatened him.
She sipped at her wine, until the glass was empty. She gave him one last look. "I need you to stay in King's Landing. You will not leave with your head, if you try." What Sapner may have not known was that Cersei would be opposing many in the Crownlands. And not one had she trusted. She was manipulating the young lord. He looked like Jaime, and if he fell for her, then he may as well don his white cloak. Adrian Sapner |
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Post by Adrian Sapner on Apr 19, 2015 2:13:58 GMT
Adrian sipped his wine quietly, listening to Cersei speak. He tried to be subtle, but his wandering gaze quickly betrayed his obvious feelings for Cersei. He blushed a bit when the queen sent her men away, but quickly covered his blush with his cup. With the guards pretty much gone, it meant Cersei and Adrian were alone in the gardens. Adrian had rarely gotten to speak to a girl alone before, and when he had, it had never am mounted to anything. Of course, now he doubted it would be different, but still, a man could dream.
Adrian listened to Cersei's plan thoughtfully. He wasn't good at the politicks of King's Landing, but even he was able to pick up on what Cersei had left unsaid. He felt himself torn, Cersei and Sansa seemed to be at odds, and Adrian felt as though he was in the midst of them. He'd sworn a vow to Sansa, he'd sworn no such vow to Cersei, but at the same time, he knew he wouldn't be able to go against her wishes.
She made threats, which Adrian could understand. Cersei was in a difficult situation. He knew it must be terrible for her, surrounded by people who want to steal her and her son's power. He understood why she needed to make threats, and he picked up on something else. "I need you to stay in King's Landing." She said. She needed Adrian to stay with her. A bit of a stretch, undoubtedly, but what if it wasn't? Adrian wasn't one to fret over things like that. "Your grace, you don't need to worry. I won't King's Landing. I have a regent at Stallion Motte, and I'm sure they could rule better than I could."
He bowed his head graciously, finishing his wine at around the same time Cersei did. Adrian didn't drink very often, and now he'd drained a cup of wine to keep up with Cersei. He felt a bit light headed, his cheeks flushed. "My queen, I forgot to mention how beautiful you look..." He said, as he set his empty wine cup down.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 2:56:17 GMT
| Cersei wasn't flattered by his compliment one bit. But she felt what he perhaps felt. He was her other half. He was the deafening roar. Cersei stood and walked slowly up to him.
She wrapped her arms around him, as her dress fell, and whispered, "I forgot to mention how much you look like Jaime." And it was too late to stop.
-Fade to black-
Cersei knew that anyone could've intruded on what she was doing. It was in the gardens. Many take strolls here. But if indeed she was spotted, it would put the Jaime rumors to rest. The best weapon you have is in between your legs, Cersei thought. The mention of Jaime, she wondered how far taken back Ser Adrian would've been. He was just as strong as Jaime, and felt the same, but he only looked young. He didn't look into her eyes the compassionate way Jaime had. He looked like he could barely see anything, with what wine he had. Cersei had grown an iron stomach, for after she had dressed herself, she downed two more cups of the wine, and was barely feeling a spin.
Cersei had took another sip, and after situating herself in the iron chair, she glared at Jaime—no, Adrian. "I am a woman. It was only a need you had fulfilled, that all of us have," she said. Jaime was her only love. Not Robert. Not Lancel. Not any Prince. Not even Sapner. It was Jaime. Sapner was only here to be loyal and manipulated. Or so she would believe. Adrian Sapner |
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Post by Adrian Sapner on Apr 19, 2015 4:36:44 GMT
Adrian hadn't expected that Cersei would do what she did, at first he thought she would hit him, but she did something twice as shocking instead. Adrian had never laid with a woman before her, and after it was done, he didn't want to be with any woman other than her. He barely even noticed what she said about Jaime, as his mind was busy focusing on other things.
By the time Adrian was truly able to comprehend much, Cersei had poured herself another cup of wine, and was sat in her chair. She glared at him, which confused Adrian a bit. He didn't think glaring was the correct reaction to that, especially when she'd started it. Adrian didn't deny that what she said hurt. It hurt quite a bit, actually, and the wine certainly wasn't helping. Although, there was something in her eyes, a certain uncertainty that made him wonder if she was saying that for his benefit, or her own.
Adrian shakily poured himself another cup of wine, sipping it cautiously. "My queen, you seem awfully defensive, considering you're the one who started it," Adrian said, a smirk creeping across his face. The wine was a sort of liquid courage he could drink, and it didn't taste too bad, either. If Cersei truly wanted it to mean nothing, he supposed he would accept, but he couldn't deny, he wanted more than that.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 13:53:24 GMT
| Cersei could've sworn she was facing Jaime. She wouldn't have ever been able to lay him in the gardens. It felt exotic. But what she did, and Adrian did, undoubtably filled the whole that only seemed to keep growing. But Cersei tried to leave it away from emotions. What she did was duty. No doubt he would want it again. And women with a bed can keep men loyal, and that's just what Cersei needed for the tragedies to come.
She knows Jaime has always been loyal to her. He never bedded any other women except her. And it may have been harder for Jaime to resist. But I was easy to live as a man in this world. The world was made for men, and for that, Cersei would scorn the gods.
She could tell the wine was rushing to Adrian's head, and perhaps he may have more wine in him than he does blood. She sat up, and held her hands curled. "Guards," she shouted. Clinks of armor and the trampling of men with their hands on the pommels of their swords had rushed around Cersei. They stared at Adrian and gave scowls. Their loyalty is a game...I'd be better off with Unsullied, she frowned. Cersei have one last half-smile at Adrian and said, "You won't leave King's Landing." and she strolled off with her guards marching behind. |
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Post by Adrian Sapner on Apr 19, 2015 18:19:19 GMT
Adrian had not been expecting his day to go like this, it made him feel proud. He had bedded the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. It reminded him of the tales of the Dragon Knight and his love for Queen Naerys. In the tales, it was different, of course, Naerys married King Aegon, and loved Aemon before her marriage. Perhaps, one day, Adrian would be spoken of in tales like the Aemon Targaryen. There was, of course, nothing Adrian wanted more than a white cloak and singers to sing of him. He knew he would be better suited for the White Cloak than the men that wore it now, and he wasn't even a knight yet.
Suddenly, his queen called for her guards. Adrian was too drunk to stand properly, despite this, he quickly fumbled to his feet and looked around. He worried for one moment that Cersei was going to order him seized, but he knew she wouldn't do that. Despite that, the guards scowls made Adrian wonder if, perhaps, they knew what he had done. Perhaps they would kill him themselves...
Yet, they didn't. Cersei gave him one last smile, which Adrian reciprocated, and nodded. He wasn't going to leave King's Landing. Not while his queen and Sansa were here. He remembered the lady Stark, how he'd sworn an oath to her... He needed to protect her, a knight fulfilled their oaths, even when it was hard for them... Drunkenly, Adrian watched Cersei leave, and then he stumbled away from the gardens.
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