There Be Demons In Us All

Sansas maids, or more the queens spys, dressed Sansa in one of her best dresses for the great feast. It was one of splendid dark blue silk with queenly cloth of gold at the hem of her sleaves and at the bottom. The dark blue made her red hair pop and her eyes stand out. The gold displayed her support of the Lannister house. The dress had been a gift to her from her grace.
After Sansa was dressed the maids put up her hair in the western fashion. Sansa would have done everything and anything to show her good will to the future king. He was so handsome. And so gracious.
When Sansa was dressed and groomed her and her ladys made their way to meat her father who would take her and her little sister to the feast.

Arya crouched behind an abandoned cart by the side of the road as she caught her breath. Her heart fluttered excitedly as she peered over the cart to see if there was anyone who had followed her. With her sword in hand and her helmet placed securely on her head she rested her back on the cart and breathed deeply. She scratched the dirt with the wooden stick which she fancied a sword and adjusted the old rusting helmet she had found within the halls of her home. The heavy footsteps of the approaching boys made her cringe slightly as she hoped they wouldn't think to search for her behind the cart. Once the noise had dimmed she scanned the area once more to make sure they had gone and she scrambled up from her hiding place. Knights and thieves was one of her favourite games and along with some of the other children she could stay outside for hours, would it not be for her duties as a Lady. Sometimes she wished she could just be a normal child and stay outside and play with the others instead of having to learn how to do the pointless things Sansa did, like sewing and weaving. Arya wanted adventure and excitement, she dreamed of being famed for her fighting skills like Nymeria.

She knelt on the muddy ground, not caring what her clothes looked like. They were grimy and dirty after about 5 minutes of being outside. No one would notice if there was only a small amount of dirt on top of that. In a flash, she sprung from her hiding place and scuttled in the opposite direction the boys had left. Only to find herself crash into someone, the impact caused her to fall backwards. She pushed herself up and took off her helm. As she looked up, she saw none other than the farrier, Crispin Tanis.

"Oh hello" She said happily, though she noticed that he was heading towards the Keep "Where are you going?" She asked him curiously.



The Queen sat in the throne room, taking her place beside her son. Her dress was Lannister red and decorated with intricate gold patterns. It was one of her best dresses and one she would save for occasions such as this. She proudly looked above her subjects and smiled graciously and nodded politely to those who greeted her, as was her job. Though beneath the elegant façade she bore, she was utterly bored and beginning to get restless. How many useless ceremonies did she have to sit through? Couldn't the Captain of the guard just be grateful for the position and get on with his work?

No, all men were after the same thing: Attention. They wanted to gather as much fortune and fame as they could, after all in a man's mind you are determined by what you possess. They were all fools. Which made Cersei's job easier seeing as they also all thought with their cocks and Cersei knew how to grab their attention.

But they are fools indeed if they think they can turn me into a possession once again. I endured Robert but no more, all will know to fear and respect me as my Lord father is. She thought to herself as she gave her greetings to a knight seeking her blessing.



The King of Westeros, the most powerful man in all Seven Kingdoms sat upon his throne and watched eagerly as he awaited the arrival of the new Captain of the Guard. He turned to his dog as he squirmed uncomfortably in the Iron Throne. It was true that the seat was uncomfortable and even his father's fat arse hadn't worn through the metal to fashion a comfortable seat.

"Hound, what do you think of the new Captain?" Joffrey asked to pass the time. The new Captain was certainly taking his time and all the blessings and greetings he had to express was beginning to bore him.

"I haven't seen him yet, Your Grace. We'll see just how tough he is later when he has to face some real challenges" The Hound gave a twisted grin as he motioned his hand to his sword. Fancy pricks Thought Sandor I'll see if the pompous cunt can actually fight in time. He waited for the Captain to arrive, though not in the slightest was he excited to see who it would be, he just wanted to get out of here and do something more worthwhile.

Understanding what the Hound meant, Joffrey followed suit and gave a wicked grin of his own. "Don't go easy on him dog, I don't want my guard to be filled with unworthy maggots, let alone led by one."

I don't intend on doing so The Hound thought to himself. "Of course, Your Grace." Sandor gave a nodded as he shifted his weight.

“Oh! Lady Arya.” He bowed his head. “Forgive me I have seemed to ruin your dress.” He said with a knowing smile. He knew that Arya was nothing like her sister, Lady Sansa, of who he had never met nor laid eyes upon. He looked at her, “That wooden sword will get you nowhere if you wish to be good with a real blade.” He said.

“I am to head to the feast. At the request of Tyrion Lannister.” he announced. “I think they might just tell me to fix the horseshoes but truly I am there to take part of being Captain of the Guard.” His gaunt form was almost laughable in comparison to that of the Hound or even the girl’s father. “Truth is I am nervous for it by the grace of seven hells.” He continued on his way to the feast. “Shall you be my escort in just in case they will not let me in?” he asked turning back around.

“Cersei! My Dear Sister must we have the new captain fight Sandor? He bested me and several other applicants there are no other reasons for Hound to become one of the bruised in pride.” Tyrion rubbed his back. The courier declared,
“Lord Eddark Stark; Hand of the King in the second order. Lord of Winterfell and Lady Sansa Stark.”
“A Thousand apologizes majesties my younger daughter is not in attendance.” He explained after bowing.

“It would seem your daughter; Arya is as late as the new captain.” Tyrion said amused.

Arya looked at the puddle she had fallen into as Crispin mentioned her dress but she shrugged her shoulders, she wasn't Sansa and so gave little thought as to what she looked like. On the positive note, at least now her backside matched the rest of her, covered in grime and dirt. She gave Crispin a look of annoyance when he noted her wooden sword, well stick.

"Firstly Crispin, you know the dress doesn't mean anything to me. You're starting to treat me like Sansa." Arya pouted, she hated being compared to Sansa who was so beautiful, so perfect, had all the dreams that a young girl should. Arya on the other hand was far from any of that, as her Septa had pointed out countless times. "And I can only get better with this because I can't lift any of the other swords, they're too heavy." She responded to his first comments before waiting for him to continue.

She swore silently as she remembered the stupid ceremony that Crispin mentioned, she had completely forgotten about that. Could she go dressed as she was? Maybe if she snuck in that might help her keep a low profile. Her head snapped up as Crispin revealed why he was going. Of course, she should have noticed that there was something strange about a farrier attending. But as the new Captain of the guard? She had known that he was a good fighter but had never guessed that he had been chosen to be given such an honorary position. She couldn't help but laugh when he told her he was nervous.

"You're worried? I'm going to be skinned alive when I turn up like this! And Sansa won't be the only person queueing to do so." Arya muttered as she remembered Queen Cersei would not let this go lightly. "Besides, a new Captain should be fearless! You can face monsters, armies and dragons but what would it matter if you can't face a crowd of stuck-up, self-centred nobles?" She said holding up her arm in acceptance of his request for her to escort him.




Cersei smiled as Eddard Stark and Sansa paid their respects. She saw in Sansa the naive and innocent girl that she had once been, full of hopes and dreams of marrying a wealthy and handsome husband. The naive wishful thinking that had once filled Cersei's head before reality had given her a sudden wake up call after Aerys had refused her Father's request to marry her to Rhaegar and an even greater shock after she had been wed to Robert. She will know the harsh sting of reality soon enough The Queen thought.

"It is a pleasure Sansa, and it is an honour to have you attend this feast." Cersei addressed the two And where is the wild one? She thought, not referring to the monstrous wolves.

She turned to Tyrion as he spoke to her, though she wasn't fully paying attention. It was something along the lines of the Captain fighting the Hound and he was afraid the Hound would lose? That was ridiculous! The Hound was a good fighter because unlike the other knights and fighters, he was not afraid to be brutal. He wouldn't hesitate to rip out a man's throat with his bare hands if asked without questioning the orders.

"Brother, you forget that I know nothing of what happens to the Captain nor do I care frankly. If the Hound wants to fight him then so be it, but I don't think he'll be the one with a wounded pride by the end of it. You shouldn't measure a man's abilities by comparing them to yours, imp." She spoke the last word harshly. How could he measure the strength of a man when they all towered above him anyway? "If you wish to discuss this further, King Joffrey will attend to the matter." She added, turning to another noble family.



Joffrey smiled back at Sansa as she smiled at him. She was to be his wife, but she was no doubt a fool. But it was his mother's wish to see him wed and with an heir as soon as possible. At least she's fair of face He thought as he looked over her.

"I welcome you, my Lady and your Lord father" The King said and gestured for them to take their places near the front of the crowd. He didn't even mention Sansa's sister, that wild bitch who had attacked him with her direwolf. There was a place reserved for her in one of the Seven Hells for her, he was certain.

The Hound stood solemnly with an unemotional expression on his face that hid his boredom. Would the idiot just arrive already to get this over and done with, and stop everyone from wasting their time on him?

Crispin held up a hand and grabbed two weapons. One was the light sword he, himself trained with as teen. He had made it himself. He remembered actually bashing Jaime Lannister in the ribs with it one tourney in the four years past. He had been laughed at as it was not claimed to a good blade because it was as heavy yet he had nearly bested the great Lannister if it weren't for the fact that they said Jaime had bested him blows landed. He wondered if he had to face the hound.

“A Weapon should benefit its warrior not hinder he or she.” He said giving her the blade. The second he quickly put in a scabbard, it was not yet to be revealed to other eyes. It after all was his most precious creation. He placed the scabbard on the sword belt. Then the placed it to his waist.
“Nobles can sod off. Girls should learn to fight as well because even those without a sword they can still die by them. So better defend than offend or was it the other way around.” He said very stern faced. He allowed her to lead him. As she was a nobleman’s daughter. He was noble but not in the law’s eyes.

The herald barely contained his laughter as he asked how they were to be announced. Crispin clenched his jaw and twisted his mouth into a cruel smirk and told him “How quaint is to find a herald with no voice.” The herald paled and let them through. Ned noticed his daughter coming in with the farrier. Her dress ruined and holding a sword, the same one Jaime Lannister had been clearly mocked, he shook his head in disbelief.

“My King Joffery this is Lady Arya daughter to Lord Stark and your hand.” He saw the boy’s bewildered expression when he spoke and he laid eyes with him.
“I am Crispin Tanis. You might know me considering how your horses can’t be tamed or shoed yet my hidden talents include becoming your Captain of the guard and sword-smith.” He said his voice dripping with sarcastic disdain. He threw the scarf to Tyrion who studied it in turn. Tyrion nodded.
“You can’t be serious.” Ned couldn’t stop himself from asking. “The man isn’t even a knight.”
“Oh yes; I suppose you the great victim of the Mad king would doubt me. Eddard Stark!” Crispin said through still a twisted smirk. How he hated the bad blood that had sprung up between him and the Northern noble family.

“Did you come here to claim the position or to simply pay a festering wound in salt.” The Lord of Winterfell gritted.
“With all due respect Lord Stark I have bigger qualms than just yours.” He sniggered. Tyrion went to his sister. “Shall we release Sandor.” He lightly whispered.

(Trin, I know that Crispin is an amazing fighter, as Armitage would inevitably be but is it possible that he does come across some losses as well? Defeats make a character interesting and open new territories to explore. Just a suggestion ;D And don't worry if Cersei seems to be going a bit harsh, she'll confront feelings other than those for Jaime soon)

Arya entered with Crispin a hand of her new sword and keeping her head held high and acting as though she wasn't receiving all those looks for her attire. She got out of trouble all right when the spotlight was suddenly switched to Crispin. What an efficient way to get out of trouble Arya thought to herself as she let go of Crispin's arm and slipped back into the crowd. She scurried silently, slipping between people and smearing dirt on the formal attires of the nobles crowding the hall. Nobody noticed her thankfully, so she went to the end corner of the hall and sat up on a ledge where she could watch what was going on without having to interfere with anything.

She listened and watched eagerly, a smirk on her face as she watched the look of horror on the faces of those as the farrier went up to the throne, where Joffrey sat. There wasn't anyone she loathed more in the Seven Hells beside him. She would quite like to see how he reacted when he was to learn that the northerner was to be his new Captain of the Guard.

Of course when he started, there was the sarcasm immediatelt detected in his voice. But Arya just pinned it on him being slightly outcast from others, he never talked much and certainly didn't frequent the tavern with friends. Actually, thinking about it, Arya wasn't sure how many friends he had. A puzzled look crossed her face when she heard her father beginning to question Crispin, him of all people? Arya would've thought that he'd have been in favour of Crispin's rise. And what did he mean when he said a festering wound? Had Crispin done the Stark household wrong? That man had some explaining to do.



Cersei gave a hard glare as Eddard's youngest daughter arrived in a ruined dress with none other than a peasant she had dragged in. The Throne Room is no place for garbage off the streets She thought bitterly as they approached down the isle. She noticed the girl with her sword in hand and she remembered as she closed her eyes how she had begged to be taught how to use a sword as Jaime had when they were younger, but had been refused severely by Lord Tywin. It was only when she had grown older and bled for the first time that she understood the power of the weapon that resided between every woman's legs.

She looked down at the farrier as he approached, and when he announced himself as the mysterious victor who had earned himself a place as the Captain, Cersei raised an eyebrow. Of course, he was fairly handsome and she didn't doubt he had skill with a sword but his sarcastic and mocking tone and his humble background made him ineligible for any honorary position within the King's Guard did it not? Of course there had been a few who had worked from humble origins, Varys and Littlefinger for example, but they had not insulted the most powerful Houses in the Seven kingdoms within a few short seconds of their arrival. She hoped he wouldn't last long, he would soon realise he was way out of his depth. He would quit soon enough, she was certain.

She watched as Lord Stark and Crispin bickered like children an unimpressed look on her face. She cringed inside as the Imp turned to talk to her again.

"Release the Hound? Why brother, in case you plan on paying for removing the stains of blood that will cover us all as well as sending for all the Maesters in the Realm to revive the noble women who faint from the sight, then why not?" She whispered back sarcastically, keeping her elegant and composed façade, her lips tugged into a small smile. "What you do with him away from the Throne room is entirely up to you"

Cersei turned to face the newly promoted Captain, "Every man and woman in the Seven Kingdoms owes you thanks, Ser. As our new Captain of the guard, we are entrusting you with our safety, may you stay strong even in the darkest of hours." She said graciously, giving her thanks to the new guard.


King Joffrey looked over the newest addition to his guard as a hawk eyes it's prey. This was a very interesting character indeed. He seemed to have a bitter relation with the Starks but that might prove useful should their beasts get the better of them. So long as he was a friend to the throne, obeyed and served, the King cared not what he thought of the others.

"Do not bring shame to the title, Ser. Your vows are to be taken for life and should you break your vow, the gods will show you no mercy in your punishment" King Joffrey added after his mother spoke. He wanted to be sure that the simpleton understood the meaning of the vows he was to take, it was after all the King's reputation that would crash should come crashing down should he forsake the sacred words he would speak in front of all the crowd.


The Hound wasn't impressed at all, the Captain was no noble cunt but he was a cunt all the same. All men were, no matter how heavily they tried to disguise their true nature. He clearly had a suicidal desire to speak in such a tone to the King and Queen regent in such a manner. But what fate he brought upon himself was of no matter to Sandor. So long as he stayed out of his way, and didn't dare to question the Hound's actions.

Sansa, in her amazement, took a step forward as if an invisible force was pulling her towards him. Not realizing her self that she was taking the step she did not bother to lift her longer then floor long dress. As soon as she took the step, in fact as soon as she lifted her foot it got stuck in her dress. Immediately she triped on her dress and when down to the floor with a loude crash. This riped her back to reality. Embraced she lay still on the ground for what seemed like for ever.

Blushed deeply as he touched her. Oh he was most splendid wasnt he? A noble knight like in all the stories she had been told. Oh would that he would whisper to her again....

Sansa looked back over her shoulder to look at the man who had helped her up in such a knight from a story kind of way. Trying to catch a glimpse of him before she was around the corner and in the hands tower. "My lord father why must we leave? The queen will be so mad!"