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The Lannister Family
The members of House Lannister were gathered in their tent, having a conversation about political matters and things of that sort.
"Who has already arrived for the tournament?" Tyrion asked his uncle.
His cousin Lancel couldn't stay still — after all, he was only a two-year-old child.
His brother Jaime was also there; they were all seated on chairs inside the tent.
"I've seen some of them in person, and I've heard that others have arrived, though I haven't seen them yet," Kevan replied.
"The Prince Rhaegar Targaryen — the king's eldest son, heir to the throne."
"And what about the king himself? Will he come?" Tyrion asked.
The current king was Aerys II Targaryen. His children were Rhaegar (the eldest), Viserys, and Daenerys Targaryen, who had not yet been born.
Tyrion wondered if his appearance here could change anything.
To be honest, he didn't really want to change the future. It would be good for Daenerys to be born — well, maybe not that good, since in the future she would have dragons and become very powerful. That might not be good for his family, but inevitably, they would need her dragons to fight against the Night King and the White Walkers.
"And what about the North — who's arrived from there?" Tyrion asked.
"Lord Rickard Stark is here. I've seen him myself. As for his sons — I've seen all of them around," Kevan replied.
The sons of Lord Rickard Stark were:
Eddard (Ned) Stark — present; young, quiet, and often seen near Robert Baratheon.
Benjen Stark — the youngest of the brothers, also present.
And, of course, Lyanna Stark — the cause of all the trouble soon to come — she was there too.
As for the other houses, the situation was as follows:
House Baratheon
Robert Baratheon — Ned Stark's friend — had, of course, come. Young and strong, he participated in the tournament.
Stannis and Renly were still too young and did not attend.
House Lannister
Tyrion, his brother, uncle, and cousin were there. Cersei hadn't come. His father and other uncles also hadn't appeared.
House Tully, according to Kevan's knowledge:
Lord Hoster Tully was present — the regional host, since the tournament was held on his lands.
Catelyn Tully — betrothed to Brandon Stark — was there.
Lysa Tully — young, also present.
Edmure Tully — still a child, probably there (Kevan wasn't sure).
House Arryn
Lord Jon Arryn — present, already the guardian of Robert and Ned.
Other minor members of House Arryn may have attended (Kevan didn't know).
House Greyjoy
Lord Quellon Greyjoy — Lord of the Iron Islands — had attended.
Balon Greyjoy — young, possibly present (Kevan wasn't sure).
Balon would one day be the father of Asha and Theon Greyjoy.
House Martell
Elia Martell — wife of Rhaegar — was present.
Doran and Oberyn Martell — likely there as Dorne's representatives (though Kevan hadn't seen them).
As for the Kingsguard, several skilled knights were present or yet to arrive:
Ser Arthur Dayne — the Sword of the Morning.
Ser Oswell Whent — brother of the host.
Ser Gerold Hightower — the Old Commander.
Ser Barristan Selmy — Barristan the Bold.
Ser Lewyn Martell — Elia's uncle, also present.
Other notable figures who were or would soon be present included Lord Denys Arryn, Bronze Yohn Royce, and other minor lords of the Vale. The Ashford, Fossoway, Mooton, and Frey brothers were there as well.
Howland Reed too.
All the Great Houses had sent representatives, or their lords had come in person — along with the full Kingsguard and countless minor lords and hedge knights.
"Gods, a lot of people came," said Jaime.
"I know. And you, Jaime — remember not to dishonor our house when you fight. Don't shame us," said his uncle.
"I know, you don't have to tell me. Honestly, I think I'll win this tournament," Jaime replied.
"I think there's a better chance of pigs falling from the sky than you beating Prince Rhaegar Targaryen."
Jaime sighed. "You're quite the Targaryen bootlicker, uncle."
"That's not it. They say he's one of the finest knights in Westeros — and that he wears a beautiful black armor," said Tyrion.
"He could have the finest armor in the world, but he can still lose," Jaime said.
"You're both right. A pretty armor means nothing — anyone can lose. But Tyrion's right too: the Targaryen is very skilled. It'll be hard for you to win. If you reach the finals, that's already something," his uncle replied.
The Lannisters were still talking when a squire entered the tent.
"What is it?" Kevan asked.
"My lord, Lord Oberyn Martell asks to meet Tyrion. He's outside."
"Oberyn?" Kevan exchanged a few looks, then said to Tyrion, "Go."
"Yes, uncle," said Tyrion, leaving the tent.
Outside, he came face to face with Oberyn Martell, who was waiting for him.
Oberyn was a man with dark skin, black short hair, and sharp features typical of Dorne.
Lean, with dark eyes full of confidence — he seemed to be in his twenties.
"You must be Tyrion Lannister. The last time I saw you, you were just a baby this small," said Oberyn.
Upon seeing Oberyn, the first thing that came to Tyrion's mind was the terrible fate that awaited his sister.
Oberyn's sister, Elia Martell, was married to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and would soon be the mother of two children: Rhaenys and Aegon Targaryen. Tyrion didn't know if she already had them, but if not, she soon would.
And the fate of those children would be tragic — as would Elia's own.
In the future, unless something changed, she would die during the Sack of King's Landing at the end of Robert's Rebellion — killed by Gregor Clegane (the Mountain) under orders from Tyrion's own father, Tywin Lannister.
That would ignite a burning hatred in Oberyn's heart — hatred for the Lannisters and for the Mountain.
And that hatred would be well justified.
During the Sack of King's Landing (283 AC), when Lannister forces took the city:
Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch stormed into Elia's chambers.
Amory Lorch killed her daughter Rhaenys, stabbing her.
Gregor Clegane killed baby Aegon by smashing his head against the wall.
Then Gregor raped Elia and brutally murdered her.
All of that would happen — unless Tyrion could stop it.
Tyrion was speechless for a moment but quickly gathered himself.
"Hello… I'm Tyrion Lannister. It's a pleasure to meet you," said the small boy.
"My name is Oberyn Martell. When I first heard about you, they said you were a monster. But look at you now — a healthy boy. Short, but healthy," said Oberyn with a smile.
Tyrion thought about his words and smiled lightly.
"Thank you. I don't take those comments seriously. I may be a dwarf, but I won't let that stop me from being great in life," Tyrion replied.
"I like your spirit, boy. Keep thinking that way. Never let anyone belittle you for being a dwarf," said Oberyn.
"I won't," Tyrion answered.
"Well then, if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to. Farewell, little Lannister," said Oberyn, turning to leave.
Oberyn had just turned his back when Tyrion thought of Elia's fate — and realized he had to act.
He needed to get close to Oberyn, to earn his trust as quickly as possible.
If he could somehow save Oberyn's sister during Robert's Rebellion, he was sure he would earn Oberyn's eternal gratitude.
"Wait!" Tyrion called out.
"Yes, Tyrion?" Oberyn turned back, looking at the little dwarf.
"I haven't met your family or the others yet — could you introduce me to them?" Tyrion asked.
"Of course, little Tyrion. I'll introduce you to my friends — with your uncle's permission, of course. If he allows it, come with me," said Oberyn.
Perfect, Tyrion thought.
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