The Queen & The Knight (Cersei/Open)

[Torin Lannister]

It was just after midday when he arrived. Riding hard with dozen at his back. Thick armour and Lannister red cloaks bellowing in the wind on each as. They passed the commonfolk and must have looked like something out of myth or legends, from the time of Lann the Clever and the Griffen King. Men who moved with a purpose and resolve not often seen.

Ser Torin and his riders went straight through the city and up to the Red Keep, only leaving their horses then. A runner boy was sent to inform the Queen Regent that her brother, Ser Torin had arrived. His helm was passed off to the boy was that squiring for him. His Lannister blonde hair fell down around his shoulders and a hand rested on the sword, Deathroar, as it hung in its swordbelt.

The riders he came with departed and made to the walls, they had information to gather about the cities defenses. Ser Torin swept into the Castle to meet his sister. Dear Cersei.

[cersei]

It was just another day in King's Landing for Cersei. Joffrey was screaming from the Iron Throne, some common person was being dragged to the dungeons, and men were gearing up for some torturous tournament set up simply for amusement. It was all getting to the point that Cersei needed wine to keep her calm throughout the day. She gave a soft sigh as she poured herself another glass of wine. Being Queen had its advantages; the finest wine imported from Essos was always in a steady supply and at the snap of her fingers.

The Red Keep had become her home for the past many years and she had grown quite comfortable within its walls. Cersei sipped on her wine as she leaned against the window of her room. The waters that her chambers overlooked were calming and kept her mind at ease. Suddenly, her tranquil thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of footsteps approach where she was. At young servant informed her of her younger brother's arrival to see her. Giving a soft sigh and a faint smile, she leisurely walked over to her table to set her glass down before making her way out of her chambers.

The walk down to hopefully intercept Torin's path to greet him. Sure enough, she managed to find him about halfway between her chambers and the throne room. "Torin, it is nice to see you. Tell me, little brother, what brings you to King's Landing?" She continued to her brother, placing her hands on his shoulders and reaching up to kiss his cheek and the give a soft embrace.

[Torin Lannister]

Ser Torin met his sister in the grand corridors of the Red Keep, placing a kiss on her cheek and she did the same. "To see how the city prepares for Stannis." Who knew when Robert's eldest would decide its time to set sail and move to make good on his claim to the throne. He accused Cersei and Jaime of incest, so they accused him of being a cuckold, the needs of his wife fulfilled by the fool Patchface. Torin had heard it being whispered back in the Rock, so the rumours were as far as the Westerlands.

"I've brought some Knights from the Rock, I do not trust the Gold Cloaks to keep the family safe when Stannis arrives. Between them and the Kingsguard you should hold out well in the event of unexpected siege." Until the Lannister army could arrive to break the spine of Stannis's force. Even if the Baratheon took the city itself, just the Red Keep needed to hold out. He'd bring more men soon however. Jaime could organize a proper defense with Lannister men at his back.

[cersei]

Cersei listened to her brother give his small strategy regarding the defense against Stannis Baratheon. Always the Baratheons; always a thorn in her side. Then again, having more support certainly wouldn't be a bad thing. Cersei began to think over the defensive strategies mentioned in the small council. Having the support of Casterly Rock would certainly be beneficial, but Stannis was also going to be attacking from sea. The Lannisters wouldn't have a fleet large enough to defend King's Landing, even if time weren't an issue. Sailing it around Westeros would be a fool's idea.

Cersei soon started thinking of Jaime, her twin brother. He was just a great man, and a handsome one at that. The way his hair lay on top of his head was beautiful and the way he looked at her often made her feel weak; it was the only time a man had power over her. Aside from all that, he was the head of her Joffrey's Kingsguard. He had slain that Mad King before Robert usurped the throne. "The Kingsguard will be plenty as long as Jaime is around. But Stannis is expected to attack from sea, so the troops will be welcome to help defend from his raid from sea and keep them from the city."

Torrin would be a valiant warrior on the battle field, though she did have her own plans laid out. His sheer strength would be worth at least then of Stannis' men; and his prowess on the battlefield rivaled that of their father. Cersei had the ability to scheme and strategize political plots, but Torrin had the strategies in battle. "You must be tired. Shall I show you to your quarters?"

[Torin Lannister]

"Brother Jaime is one man and the full might of the Kingsguard is seven. The Gold cloaks are thugs and brutes in armour. Stannis will land twenty thousand soldiers. Brave, disciplined soldiers. Double that and half again if his sister supports him, which she will." Not to mention that with exception to Jaime and Sandor, the Kingsguard was a joke. But Jaime and Sandor were worth the rest of the Kingsguard combined, each. If only that. But still, they were but two men. Even if they killed a hundred men a piece it would not be enough. Armies defended cities, not men. Even if fear or respect of one man made or broke an army.

Cersei offered to show Torin to his quarters, but he had no need of rest yet. "No, I am fresh enough. But I'd accept a glass of wine, or did you plan on offering one at all?" he asked with a feint smile. He could sit on a balcony with his sister and overlook the city as they spoke or relax anywhere. But a day would come when Stannis would move out and make a move for the throne he claimed was his and on that day, King's Landing would need to be ready.