The Gardens

[Lorraine Lannister]

The Gardens behind the Lannister manse were surrounded by a high wall that protected them from the commoners on the street outside. The gardens had a walk of cobblestones, arranged in cocentric circles. The trees were all trimmed perfectly into slender and elegant shapes. Flowers added a splash of color, but they too were kept carefully shaped and pruned into place. A fountain was the crowning touch, depicting a lion rampant that seemed to float on water.

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[Lorraine Lannister]

Lorraine waited by the garden gate, which opened onto the street. The Tarly knight was supposed to meet her here quite soon. But perhaps he had forgotten...he was a busy man of course. She idly wove some daisies -mere weeds- into a chain, just as something to occupy her hands.

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

Cedric, dressed in a red-and-green tunic, arrived shortly after Lorraine had started her weaving.

Opening the Garden Gate, he saw that the lady was waiting just on the other side of the iron.

"My lady, I ..." Cedric lost his words upon seeing the magnificent garden. Lorraine had spoke the turth, this garden was the best King's Landing had to offer. Regaining his words, he continued. "... I have arrived."

[Lorraine Lannister]

Lorraine dropped the daisies, startled. "Oh!" she exclaimed, getting to her feet and brushing the dust and bits of pollen from her skirts. "It is good to see you. And what do you think of the scenery?"

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"It is simply breathtaking." Though, whether Cedric was talking about the vegetation or Lorraine was left ambiguous. Extending his arm, he asked, "Could we venture further inward? This gate is well-crafted and all, but I did not come here to look at it." The knight laughs lightly.

[Lorraine Lannister]

She took his arm graciously. As they walked the winding circular path, she pointed out the fountain. "I think my favorite part is the fountain. The marble was imported from across the Narrow Sea, or so I am told. Ithas been here far longer than I."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

Cedric looked at the fountain, and what Lorraine said was true. "You are right, it is a work of art. Transporting that marble must have cost a fortune, but then again, they don't say 'As rich as a Lannister' for nothing."

Looking around, he noticed a small flower poking its way through a hedge. Picking the flower, he remarked, "You know, we don't have places like this back home. I mean, we have the woodlands, but Horn Hill really isn't known for its propensity towards gardens. It's a shame really."

[Lorraine Lannister]

"Isn't Horn Hill near the mountains? I'm sorry, I am nowhere near so well travelled as you are." She watched him take the flower and spin it in his fingers. They moved through the open air and under a whitewashed arbor. It was shady there beneath the blooming vines that had been trained to cover it. "Do you enjoy the outdoors then? And gardens?"

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"Indeed, it is. It sits on the foothills of the Red Mountains of Dorne, to be exact. When the sky is clear, you can see the mountains in the distance, and it is a truly beautiful sight."

"What is your home like? I can tell you are not a Lannister by birth, that much is clear."

[Lorraine Lannister]

"That does sound very beautiful," Lorraine sighed, imagining what it must be like.

"I am a Tully by birth, and I grew up between King's Landing and Riverrun. I learned to swim not long after I could walk, in the calm waters of the rivers near there." She smiled, thinking of home. "I married the second son of Lord Tyrell Lannister during the war. Unfortunately he was not long for this world and now rests in the hands of the seven."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"Oh, I didn't know, my lady. I am truly sorry." Cedric looked down at the flower in his hand, and studied the petals for what felt like an eternity.

Finally, he added, "I know how you feel, my lady. I too have lost people close to me, and all because of that blasted war."

[Lorraine Lannister]

Lorraine shook her head. "It is going on four years now, and I knew him for only a fortnight. We all have to move on and rebuild now." She brushed at a spot of pollen that had adhered itself to her gown. "But I didn't invite you here to speak of sad things. The wedding has me dwelling on things long past."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"Yes, we do. Though, all of the commotion around the ceremony and feast seems to have riled some of the King's guests into a frenzy."

Looking around the garden, Cedric became more and more relaxed. "I do not believe I have ever seen such a hap-hazard two days. It is strange that the joust and melee, of all things, may be the events that calms everybody down. Though, if the wedding was any indication, King's Landing will be burned to the ground by the end of the week."

[Lorraine Lannister]

"Yes, a few of them seem to be quite highstrung." She knew exactly whom he spoke of. "But I do not mind overmuch...I mean, usually it is much the same thing, day-in and day-out. I am sure it would be more interesting were I not a part of the court, and without my mother-in-law watching my movements. I do hear interesting rumors and sometimes spy secret liaisons, but generally, Kings Landing is nothing special. And to think while I was at Riverrun, I longed to be back here!" She laughed. "I am sure things can only improve from now."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

Cedric laughed with the Lannister. "I do not think I could ever live here, at least not without going crazy. The intricacies of dialogue and diplomacy are not my forte, and I would probably end up floating in Blackwater Bay the first time I angered someone."

"As it were, I will probably return home soon after the tournament. What do you plan on doing once the capitol has settled down again?"