Nephilim

"Ser Jason?"

A young male voice snapped the Surgebinder out of his deep meditation, making him open his yellow cat-like eyes to see who disturbed him. He'd quickly recognize it was Robert's squire, the Lannister boy who seemed a bit short witted at times. Seeing Jason's gaze had the squire flinch, no doubt finding those eyes a bit unsettling up close.

"Yes?"

"Uhh…I have a message from Lord Tywin Lannister. He wishes to speak with you on some important matters."

Jason didn't answer, only staring at the squire with an unblinking gaze before giving a small sigh. He guessed Tywin would have arranged a meeting, even more considering the outcome of the Melee. While it was tempting to simply refuse, he guessed it was best to not annoy the powerful noble. Besides, he felt Tywin could give him new leads or insight into his investigation.

"Very well." Jason shifted up to stand, stretching a bit to loosen up. "Lead the way."

The Lannister squire nodded as he'd turnabout and head outside, the Surgebinder following close behind. Outside the noises of the tourney festivities quickly surrounded the two as they'd stroll through the private campgrounds with the laughter, chatter and music from the fairgrounds filling the air. It seemed everyone was enjoying the last free food and drink Lord Stark had offered up, a last call for merriment for the night.

"Everyone has been talking about you're victory, sir." The Lannister squire suddenly remarked. "I saw the whole Melee…it was astounding really. They're already working on some songs for you, the commoners I mean."

"The bold heroic type or dark and brooding? That's how most songs on Surgebinders go." Jason asked, dry sarcasm hinted in his words.

"Why dark and brooding?" The squire questioned, obviously not getting the Surgebinder's jest.

"Never mind. Anyway, are we close?"

"Ah…right! Just here, sir." The squire pointed out a red and gold-trimmed tent, an obvious sign of it being Lord Tywin's encampment. Besides the entrance were two of the lord's honour guard who was dressed in quite fine and unique styled armour. Approaching the entrance, they'd suddenly bar the way with their spears, making the squire gulp nervously. They'd look at the squire then Jason, a hint of respect showing as they nodded to him.

"Ser Jason. We're sorry but you will need to wait for a while. Queen Cersei is busy speaking with her father privately." One of the guards remarked.

"No worries. I can wait." Looking to the squire, he'd continue to speak. "Anyway thank you for guiding the way. Uh…what was your name again?" Thinking about it, no one ever spoke the Lannister's first name at all.

"Lancel ser."

"Try to relax a bit this evening. Not often anyone can enjoy a tourney feast after all."

The young man nodded, giving a thankful grin. "You're right sir. After all, it may be me who'll win his joust or melee someday." Seemed the squire had quite the ambition hidden away.

"One step at a time. Anyway, go on." Jason warned before the squire nodded and hurried off into the maze of tents. The Surgebinder's attention focused back to Tywin's tent, curious at what he and his daughter were discussing. The guards seemed focused on watching the main entrance, not paying too much attention to him while they idly chattered. He saw this as a good opportunity to eavesdrop, if he could get close enough for his sharp hearing to catch in. Pacing around the side of the tent discreetly, he'd hone his senses as he'd shut out the many other noises. With some effort, he'd soon pick out Cersei's and Tywin's voice.

"He's dangerous!" The queen remarked sharply, seeming to be in a heated argument with her father.

"Most men like him are…you're point being?" Tywin calmly questioned.

"My point? He scarred Jaime and he's been trouncing across all of King's Landing looking for something for the last few weeks. Always he's been constantly speaking between Lord Stark and Tyrion. They are planning something…scheming…"

"Or you are being paranoid," Tywin muttered sternly. "Firstly, has Jaime even complained about his injury? I take he's being given the best care. That scare wouldn't have much effect on him or the family reputation."

Cersei paused before answering. "The Maesters say he's injuries are minor, though the wound on his face will have scarring. He…hasn't complained about that news."

"So there. If he isn't bothered then neither will I. He understands the risks any battle brings and if anything a scar is a blessing to the crippling Gregor received."

For a moment it sounded as if the queen gave a low hiss of anger. "What happened to all that talk of family pride? Some foreign stranger wounds your favoured son and you simply let him by."

"If you are so eager to avenge Jaime's honour then you may gladly pick up a sword and challenge Ser Jason." Tywin snapped back, leaving Cersei silent now. "You're emotions are blinding you Cersei. Do not underestimate the man, he's a calculating professional, not some short-sighted sellsword. He understands how the intrigues of the court, maybe even better then you if he has you this concerned."

"It is about Jon Arryn's passing. From what I've learned he has been prying deeper into the previous Hand's death."

"Which we had nothing to do with…if anything learning the truth would be desired. Jon was a valuable member of the Court. He managed the Kingdoms well and organized your position as queen. With his questionable passing, Lord Stark has plenty of reason to suspect us and in turn the Surgebinder as well. Acting rashly won't help our case of innocence."

"What if he frames us or-"

"He won't."

"Again you are so certain."

"Because I am. Just one look at the man I could tell he is someone who puts truth before all else." A tense pause before he continued to speak. "Now if there is nothing else you will leave."

Cersei was silent, making Jason wonder if she'd snap back at her father for his blunt dismissal. However, she'd give a low sigh before hurrying for the way out. Keeping hidden, he'd see her hurry off and out of sight, giving him a chance to step out of hiding.

"Curious…" It seemed Tywin and Cersei didn't see eye to eye, along with the fact the lord was just as interested in knowing the truth about the late Hand's passing.

Approaching the guards, they'd move their spears to unbar the way into the large tent. The main space felt more suited for wartime, having hanging banners of the rearing roaring lion of the Lannister's along with a large table set in the centre of the space with a large map of the Seven Kingdoms set on top of it. At the head seat sat Lord Tywin, the older lord dressed still in fine plain clothes for the evening. Those calm judging eyes focused in on the Surgebinder, that same gaze Seph always gave.

"I apologize for the wait Jason. Family matters with my daughter." The man simply stated as the Surgebinder pulled up a seat a few spots away from Tywin.

"Must be quite important for you to have invited me so suddenly and dismiss the queen." The Surgebinder questioned.

"A formality. Your success in the Melee earned my respect and interest, something that isn't easily earned."

"No hard feelings over Gregor or Jaime?"

"Gregor…he is one of our strongest and most loyal warriors who served well during the Rebellion. If he had a sense of self-control and respect he'd be the perfect knight, yet such qualities are rare for those with his history." Tyrion paused for a moment, seeming to ponder a bit before continuing. "Few would dare face Gregor as you have and they usually have a reason. You though fought and bested him with ease, fearless despite his reputation."

"Because I've killed a dozen 'Mountains' back home. The only difference is that he has the title of a knight.." The Surgebinder simply stated.

"His actions during the end of the Rebellion did…complicate matters. The Martells of Dorne have long demanded retribution for years for the killing Elia during the sacking of the capital. I never ordered or accepted the death of her or her children, even if Robert agreed to a degree. What is done is done…as can be said now."

Jason decided not to argue on mortally about Gregor since it seemed Tywin knew just how much of a monster the Clegane was. "So what is his condition anyway?"

"Stable, however, his injuries will be long term. When he woke up in the middle of getting his leg stitched together, he went into a rage. Nearly strangled a Maester and crushed a squire's skull as they tried to restrain him. Took half a dozen men and enough sedative to drop an ox to calm him. Overall the Maesters doubt he will heal properly considering the precise wounds and the stress he put on them. He'll be lucky to walk and wield a sword properly again."

The Surgebinder didn't respond, having nothing to say on the matter, his calm gaze hinted that the cold satisfaction knowing Gregor's fate. "And Jaime?"

"Well enough. A few days and he'll be at full condition, although he will be little scarred from the slash on his face. A small price to pay for the experience."

"He's a gifted swordsman. Been a long time since anyone has pushed me that far in a fight."

A hint of pride showed in Tywin's eyes, yet the man kept that calm demeanour well enough. "Jaime is the pride of my house, even if his potential is being wasted guarding kings. One day Robert will see fit to dismiss him and let him take his proper place leading Casterly Rock."

"Seems odd you want him to take up lordship. Your family already is in line to becoming Westeros's rulers after all."

"True…yet I'll not have our legacy limited to that. I've worked long and hard to get my family to the position of power it is in now and I expect my children to take their rightful places as well."

He was very similar to his father in mindset. That sense of his choices being the right ones and seek control over everything. If anything Tywin's aspirations were very much the same as the emperor's, to create a dynasty of power that his bloodline would dominate. "Fascinating as this is, I feel you didn't invite me here to share the family legacy, Lord Tywin."

"No, but it is to make a point." The man stated quite sternly. "The matter is you're an oddity, someone will skill to outmatch the greatest knights in the land and having a sharp if blunt cunning within the court, all while being of unknown origin. I thought it was simply rumoured, yet you've easily proven otherwise. Many see you as a threat and others a tool for their ends. I question if you know who considers you as such."

Jason was silent for a long moment, knowing well what Tywin was trying to do. "And what do you consider me then? A threat or 'tool' as you say."

"A possible ally." He'd simply answer back, catching Jason a bit off guard.

"That suddenly? I've heard many things about you Lord Tywin, easily trusting isn't one of them."

"For this, I feel an exception can be made. As I said before Jason you have the rare quality of being truly honest which I respect. You speak what you believe and let no one dissuade you, be it men like Gregor or even King Robert."

For a moment the Surgebinder thought over Tywin's words, his yellow eyes glaring for a moment. "Then let me be honest with you now. The answer is no. I'm not someone you can hire or convince to join your 'side'. You may have a claim to respect me, for me, I value trust as well, which you haven't earned. After all, I've taken my time to learn of your history and past…a long history of betrayals considering."

Tywin silently listened, Jason could tell his words had struck a nerve with him. "So do you think trustworthiness and honour are enough? Eddard's father and brother followed those beliefs and died because of it. Lord Stark has that same mindset which will drag you down."

"I've heard that many times Lord Tywin…hasn't killed me yet." A small smirk hinted his lips as he'd shift to stand up. "For now though I think it's time I left. This has been an insightful conversation though."

"Indeed," Tywin muttered, giving that cold look to The Surgebinder. "I do wish you a fortune in learning the truth of Jon Arryn…and the misfortune to young Bran Stark, the attempt on his life is troubling news. Good luck, whitethorn."

What surprised Jason on that mention was Tywin's knowledge of it. Few knew of the assassination attempt beyond the Stark family and the few involved in the investigation. For a moment he looked at Tywin, realizing the man was far more informed than he originally thought. Already he questioned if he learned of this somehow through family agents…or if someone involved in the case had leaked the news.

"I always prefer my first title as Nephilim. Goodnight Lord Lannister." With that, he'd leave the large tent, eager to escape the cold judging gaze of Tywin. It was for certain though, he already disliked the man greatly and knew that out of all the nobles in King's Landing he was by far the most dangerous one about.