The Lannister Manor

[Erik]

The guard looks her up and down, smiling hungrily at the lovely girl. "Oh, of course, dear. But what's your name and business? Lord Lannister's policy to ask all that come through."

[Erik]

The guard rolls his eyes, but opts not to say anything lewd to the daughter of a knight, unheard of though he might be. "Of course, of course. Oy! Tom!" He yells at another guard, just inside the walls, "Tell Lord Lannister there's a lovely young lady here to see him, says her business is only for him!"

Tom rushes inside, and runs back out red-faced a few minutes later. "Let her in," He tells the first guard, "I'll take her to him."

Tom brings her inside, passing through a number of not-quite-finished rooms until they reach the library, where Tyberion is relaxing with a book. He looks up happily, then some confusion passes over his face. "Forgive me, my dear. I was expecting someone else. But...we have met, haven't we? At court, some months back?"

[Erik]

"I'm...sorry. Gemma, of course. I meant to see you again, but the King, he doesn't let us leave the city. I thought you would have given up on me, and so I had to move on. But come, sit. Let me see you, take off that cloak." He beckons to the chair across from him, not commenting on her last sentence.

[Erik]

Tyberion rises and moves toward her, going to one knee and resting his hand on the swell of her stomach. "No. No, that will never happen, Gemma. I...No one would dare hurt anyone with Lannister blood, and that's exactly what you have in you, now. You'll be taken care of, and the child will be raised as befits a natural child of the Lord of the Westerlands."

[Erik]

"Of course I do, my dear, and you are still the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on." He leans close to her, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "But...you understand, yes? I am the Lord of Casterly Rock and, despite your beauty, you remain the daughter of a landed knight. Marriage would...not work. You'll have a home, servants, money...and I will visit, of course, as much as I am able, the child as well as you." His mouth twists into his rogueish grin as the last words come out. "Smile, darling. Everything is going to be fine."

[Erik]

He takes her small hand in his, holding it tight. "I swear it by my father's memory. You will live a good life, and raise a fine child. If you like, I can even work to find a husband for you."

[Erik]

Tyberion takes her kiss and returns it in kind, adding a few more of his own when she is done talking. "Wonderful, my dear." He tells her, as one hand slides slowly up her leg, taking her skirts with it. Leaning in next to her ear, he whispers, "Forgive me, my love. But you're so beautiful...I can't believe I've gone these months without you."

[Erik]

"The guard shut it on the way out, and they know not to disturb me. Not like we haven't managed with a little risk before, though, eh?"

[Erik]

Though initially rather gentle, Tyberion matches her, until they are both worn out and he sinks onto one of the large couches about the library, holding her tight. "So where would you like to go, my dear? You could stay here in the city, or some empty plot of land in the West...or other arrangements could be made, if you like."

[Erik]

His hand tracing circles on her belly, he replies, "I'll not be at the Rock for some time, yet. Rodrick's seen to that. But...I think not, at any rate. You can be close, certainly, but that would be a bit too close. There is already discontent, among the people...if someone starts claiming I keep the mothers of my children around to have my way with them, especially if and when I marry...it would not look good."

[Erik]

"Of course. I can look into it, get a few likely places ready...oh, within the month, I should think. And you can go out, find wherever you like best. All right?"

[Erik]

"You and he are staying in the city, then? Where?"

[Erik]

"Of course. But...I worry. If he should find out before I can send word to you..."

[Erik]

"I...yes, why not? I had been expecting some company, but they're rather late. Wynsten!" He tells her, then calls through the door. A few moments later, a squat butler comes through. "Let the stables know that I'll need two horses, quickly. Make one of them that warhorse we picked up a few weeks ago." Wynsten nods and hurries out the door.

[Tytos]

Ser Quentyn Prester, newly arrived from the Westerlands, stands at the gate of Lannister Manor, observing the large complex.

"Hello Ser, I'm Ser Quentyn Prester, I seek an audience with Lord Lannister." Quentyn stated cordially, although truthfully he was paying more attention to the grand Manor past the gates.