Chapter Text
"Mais que diable suis-je venu faire dans cette galère ? "
A part of me was tempted to speak aloud this thought as I tend to generally express my thoughts on my own, but such move would have made me noticed and the last thing I currently need was to attract unwanted attention, especially as my clothes, even covered as best as I can with clothes I have found in the first weeks of my stay made some people raising their eyebrows. A part of me regret I didn't reincarnate in someone of the place while the main part is grateful of still being me as I doubt my own mind and soul would have exactly remain the same if it a reincarnation, not to mention the conflicting debate about the nature vs nurture dilemma in such situations.
I sighed, wondering again how I found myself displaced from home into a world that once used to be tales. I still wondered about it. A part of me wondered if it wasn't a very active dream, another of my thought fantasies when I took a rest or slept as I had imagined so kind of scenari for years for fun. But the details and the fact I discovered places I didn't read or watched denied these possibilities and made me thinking of a dubious trick or prank from the Old Gods, the Seven, the Red God, the Storm God, the Drowned God, the Harpy, the Three-Eyed Raven, the Three-Eyed Crow, the Great Other, God, the Fate or of the whole universe. I couldn't help but thinking it was the case as I was kind of the least choice of finding myself in such universe, both for the cultural clash and for the fact my personality and values would make look like a greenlander, a summer boy or a honorable fool. Unless it was their nasty way of tempting me to the worst kind of deeds.
A part of me however thanked not to be in a universe of the likes of Berserkers for the worst at a whole or finding myself on Skull Island, especially the version depicted by Peter Jackson as even my knowledge of this place as depicted in the movie wouldn't have protected me from the nasty creatures there that wouldn't hesitate to transform me in their midday meal.
I shook my head to these dark and conflicting thoughts. They still plagued since I had found myself in this whole new world, even though I didn't think it offered me a fantastic point of view, except the fact to experience what I had read and watched. But regardless of these thoughts and questions, I didn't and wouldn't let them plague me or myself being crushed by the place. While the start had been a bit complicated, especially because the extent of my knowledge of customs in the Seven Kingdoms was restricted by what I had read and watched from "A Song of Ice and Fire", "Game of Thrones" and any fanfiction and crossovers, not to mention some Wiki infos, I had managed to stay as low as possible and to fit for the short while I was among the people in the Riverlands.
But now, I was among this crowd of courtiers and servants, both from lord Darry, king Robert Baratheon, queen Cersei Lannister and lord Eddard Stark while the king was tackling the matter of the incident between Arya and Joffrey that occurred on the Ruby Ford. A part of me wondered why I took the risk to witness it, but curiosity and a certain desire some would call a child's dream brought me here. While some of the courtiers and servants looked at me strangely or with some condescending, they were focused on this kangaroo trial. I also witnessed and first thought just to remain in the shadows, knowing well that intervening could bring unexpected consequences and challenges. But the moment I saw Eddard Stark in the hall, everything that was depicted in the book and the first season seemed to unfold in one common reality. Experiencing the reality of what were before words and pictures destabilized me, but also frustrated me as I knew how it would end. The more I hear, the more I was tempted to intervene as I was feeling being like the kingsguard prisoner of their stringent oaths when the Mad King raped his wife or executed Rickard and Brandon Stark. How could I let things unfold while I could try to do the right thing? My cautious self was warning me not to do it for my sake and to avoid creating unknowns, but my selfless self was cringing and burning to intervene to defend Arya. My rational self reminds me that I regarded Arya with biais as she was among my favorite characters, but also acknowledged the unfairness and the dubious situation, having overanalyzed it in the time. As I heard and saw Renly Baratheon leaving while guffawing on the name of Joffrey's sword, my resolve was almost asserted, but my cautious self was still fighting this desire as I knew that once I crossed this line, I would likely become the new public enemy of Cersei and of her son, just because of my situation which would be regarded as insulting by the over-proud and shortsighted lioness.
However, when Sansa presented her "testimony", resulting in Arya attacking her, it was for me too much. Even if Arya didn't get punished, Lady would be executed for something she didn't do and I thought my skills could be of use for at least derail in a better way the plans of Joffrey and of his mother. While dangerous, I did not care. No child and no animal should suffer the whims of dangerous and pathetic people because they found themselves in a position to abuse power. I on the contrary, am a thirty years-old man with no ties, no loyalties and could therefore offer myself for the Greater Good. My Christian heart would appeal to this idea, even if my very cautious side still protested against my decision.
While Sansa was staring blankly at Arya, having not heard her father's concerned question, I took a breath and said in a strong voice among the crowd, "If I may, your grace and my lord Hand, I think we can guess the truth from what prince Joffrey and Arya Stark told."
As I spoke up in the crowded hall, all eyes turned towards me. The assembled figures of power and influence looked upon the unfamiliar face of a dark-haired man with slightly tanned skin. Their gazes shifted, assessing my appearance—a peculiar mix of 21st-century clothes and Westerosi smallfolk attire. I stood there, clad in jeans, a simple shirt, and a weathered pullover, representing a juxtaposition of two worlds.
Eddard Stark's eyes narrowed as he took in my peculiar outfit, clearly discerning the stark contrast between my attire and that of the noble court. He seemed intrigued, recognizing the uniqueness of my appearance. Arya Stark, standing nearby, glanced at me with a mix of curiosity and suspicion, her fiery spirit fueled by her anger towards her sister, Sansa. Sansa, on the other hand, regarded me with uncertainty, her gaze reflecting a mix of curiosity and a tinge of fear, unsure of the potential impact my words could have on her own circumstances.
Joffrey Baratheon, eager to assert himself, sneered disdainfully as his eyes fell upon me. His privileged upbringing and disdain for those outside the noble circle were evident in his haughty demeanor. Cersei Lannister, never one to shy away from expressing her arrogance, examined me with a skeptical gaze, her eyes conveying both suspicion and a touch of annoyance. She had been thwarted in her attempts to seek retribution against Arya, and my presence was an unwelcome disruption to her plans.
King Robert Baratheon, sitting upon lord Darry's seat, displayed a mix of curiosity and disinterest. Known for his bluntness and preference for drink, he leaned forward, intrigued by my intervention.
I took a moment to compose myself, aware of the tension in the air and the significance of my words. With confidence and respect, I prepared to address their concerns, offering an impartial perspective on the matter at hand.
Cersei Lannister, displaying her usual arrogance, was the first to break the silence.
"And who, may I ask, are you? You have no place interrupting the Crown."
Robert cut off Cersei: "Hold your tongue, woman. Let him speak."
While mainly sober, his voice carried a slight slur, evidence of his recent indulgence.
I took a moment to compose myself before responding to Cersei's question, addressing both the king and the queen.
"Your Grace, My Lord Hand, I apologize for my interruption. I am Marc, a traveler from a distant land. I have no allegiance to any house or kingdom, which allows me to offer an impartial perspective on this matter."
My answer intrigued Robert as he leaned forward, before asking me with curiosity and skepticism, "Impartial, you say? How can you find the truth amidst these conflicting accounts?"
I took a breath, a bit nervous but determined, even though my cautious side is crying to me to give up. Looking straight at the king, I said, "Your Grace, allow me to make an observation before tackling the truth directly."
Robert raised an eyebrow before nodding. While still looking at him, I sent a glance in the direction of the Starks.
"Your grace, Lady Sansa's testimony, while important, cannot be considered impartial. As Joffrey's betrothed and Arya's sister, her loyalty and concerns for both parties may cloud her judgment. If she supports Joffrey's version, she risks condemning her own sister. Conversely, if she supports Arya's side, her betrothal may be jeopardized. Sansa's evasive answer was an attempt to navigate between these conflicting loyalties."
Eddard Stark showed surprise at my insight while sending a glance to his daughter, "You make an astute observation. One that I hadn't considered."
Sansa, her demeanor conflicted, looked at me with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, uncertain how to interpret my words and the potential impact on her own circumstances. A part of her felt insulted by the fact I dismissed her word and yet a part of her was relieved by the fact I didn't judge her and seemed to understand her quandary. No matter how unbearable her sister was, she couldn't let her to be punished, but she couldn't tell the truth as it would anger her prince and she would lose the chance to become queen.
Arya, her eyes shining with a glimmer of hope, seemed cautiously optimistic about my involvement as my words and my demeanor abated her anger and distress.
Robert, now very intrigued by my perspective, leaned forward, "Continue, Marc. Tell us how you propose to uncover the truth.", he said with a slight slur.
Cersei's skepticism betrayed her as she interjected: "Why should we trust the words of a stranger? What makes you think you can discern the truth in this matter?"
Joffrey, taking the opportunity to challenge me and to belittle as he was looking down my strange appearance, added with a sneer: "Yes, how can you possibly say which version is true?"
As the question hung in the air, the hall remained silent, awaiting my response. Ser Raymun Darry, or as I liked to call him, lord Darry, was looking at me with attention, seemingly intrigued.
While trying not to be overwhelmed by the gazes on me, I merely looked at Joffrey as if he was of little importance before saying to the king and the crowd: "The truth can be guessed through observing and analyzing details. In comparing the tales of your son and of your lord hand's daughter, one who pays attention to their details, their similarities, their discrepancies and their meaning can decipher many things."
Taking on a posture reminiscent of Hercule Poirot, I began my analysis, addressing the assembled characters.
"If we carefully examine the two tales that have been told, we can discern important details. Joffrey claims that Arya and her friend attacked him with clubs and set her direwolf on him. Arya's version, on the other hand, states that Joffrey injured her friend Mycah with his sword, leading her to defend him with a stick. In the ensuing altercation, Joffrey struck at her with his sword, Nymeria intervened and bit Joffrey's wrist, and finally, Arya threw the sword into the river."
I continued, pointing out the contradictions and implications within each account.
"If Joffrey's tale were true, we would expect to see evidence of bruising from Arya and her friend's clubs. Additionally, if a direwolf were to attack someone, the injuries would likely be severe, as the animal would not restrain its strikes. However, we have seen no evidence of such injuries on Joffrey, otherwise he would have been uglier than his sworn shield."
My words made Cersei gritting her teeth at the perceived slight to her son while Joffrey angrily sneered at me.
Ignoring the queen and the prince's reactions, I added, "Furthermore, Joffrey's inability to defend himself with a steel sword against Arya and Mycah's sticks suggests either an ambush or his own arrogance and foolishness."
Eddard's expression showed a mix of contemplation and concern as he listened to my deductions.
I looked at the crowd and saw how curious and invested they were. Lord Darry kept a guarded face, but his eyes seemed to shine in amusement, probably cheering to the fact I was destroying the prince's claims like a knight whacking on his opponent with a hammer and thus taking a peg down on the Crown since he despised Robert and his allies because of his Targaryen's sympathies.
I then said while making a gesture of the hand, "Now consider the nature of the alleged attack. Only a moron, a dangerous man, a mad one, a desperate one, or one with a vendetta against the Lannisters or King Robert would dare to harm the prince without provocation while knowing the dire consequences. However, Arya has no such motivations. If she truly wanted to harm Joffrey, she would not have allowed him to live, as his survival could mean denouncing her and inviting royal wrath upon her."
Sansa's eyes flickered with a mix of relief and anxiety as she listened to my words, understanding the implications they carried. A part of her was however outraged by how I was belittling her prince, even if I was defending her sister. A part of her was blaming Arya, thinking that if she hadn't intervened, they wouldn't be in this strange situation.
Unaware of her thoughts and demeanor, I pursued my explanation, "Furthermore, we must consider Nymeria's involvement. Direwolves are pack animals known to fiercely protect their own. If Nymeria saw Arya in danger, she would instinctively react to defend her. The fact that Nymeria harmed Joffrey in a restrained manner aligns more with Arya's account of Joffrey's bullying behavior and his near strike with the sword."
Arya, with a hopeful yet guarded expression, nodded slightly in agreement with my words, happy and amazed by how I was defending her and destroying Joffrey's lies.
I turned my eyes back to the king, expressing a solemn glance as I said, "In conclusion, Arya's tale implies that she struck the prince with a stick and that Nymeria defended her, resulting in Joffrey's injury. While her actions cannot be condoned, we must also acknowledge that Joffrey's actions, almost killing the daughter of a Lord Warden and the Hand of the King, carry grave implications. Such acts echo the tragedies endured by House Stark at the hands of the previous dynasty."
A heavy and uncomfortable silence settled in the hall as my words reminded many of the fate of Lord Stark's kins. As the room fell silent, all eyes turned towards Eddard, waiting for his reaction and response. Arya noticed the change in atmosphere and was curious of it while thinking how her father refused to speak of grandfather Rickard, of uncle Brandon and aunt Lyanna. The young Stark also remembered how frightened she felt when Joffrey tempted to cut her down.
Eddard Stark's expression betrayed a canvas of contemplation and concern as my words had touched upon sensitive matters, stirring memories and traumas from the time of Robert's Rebellion. He felt the weight of the implications I had presented, highlighting the potential gravity of Joffrey's actions. The parallel I drew between Joffrey's actions and the past horrors struck a chord, making his face contorted in anger and concern, a reaction worsened by his wariness and exhaustion of the previous days. A part of him was horrified to the idea he could have lost his dear daughter and he was tempted to break off the betrothal of Sansa. His mind reminded him that it was a very difficult thing to do with a king without slighting him. While Robert was his friend, the changes in him nourished in the northerner lord disappointment and disdain.
Robert's face hardened with a mix of anger and concern, his memories of the past resurfacing. A part of him was furiously appalled by how I seemingly suggested his son was like the Targaryen and yet deep inside, he knew his son was a little shit that only followed his whims and his mother. He sent a dangerous glance at his son, as if warning him of what would occur to him if my words were true.
Joffrey nervously squirmed under his father's gaze while Cersei's eyes narrowed to my comparison, inwardly cursing me for making the Starks the victims and her son the reincarnation of the Mad King as she didn't miss the subtle jab I made to her son.
While I felt the change in atmosphere, I tried not to let it affect me in any manner. Taking a breath, I ended my explanations, "Additionally, it is worth noting that Joffrey's distorted tale may stem from wounded pride, preventing him from admitting his own humiliation and wrongdoing."
As the weight of my conclusion settled in the room, a brief moment of contemplative silence enveloped the assembled figures. Eddard Stark's gaze fixated on me, his mind undoubtedly flooded with memories and considerations. The implications I had drawn regarding Joffrey's distorted tale and his wounded pride lingered in the air, stirring thoughts of the prince's character and motives and making questioning once more if he shouldn't call off Sansa's betrothal.
Sansa, caught in a web of conflicting emotions, struggled to reconcile the image of the perfect queen and prince she had once held dear with my words. Denial was strong within her as she couldn't accept the idea her prince was flawed and the fact that a strange commoner was making these claims turned her insides in. A part of her bitterly thought that it was no wonder that Arya was defended by a commoner of all people. Her naivety and dreams still clung to her, a shield against the harsh realities of the world and the true nature of the incident between her betrothed and her sister. However, my words had planted a seed of doubt in her mind, tugging at the corners of her perception.
Arya, ever perceptive and fiercely protective of her own truth, contemplated my conclusion with a guarded yet hopeful expression. My interpretation of Joffrey's motives resonated with her, aligning with what she had seen and experienced of his cruel behavior. She held onto the glimmer of hope that my words might help shed light and proved she told the truth. A part of her was worried of the risks I was taking, but she couldn't help to be proud that a stranger, a commoner was defending her, Arya Underfoot, Arya Horseface. Outside of father and Jon, no many would have done that.
Meanwhile, the room buzzed with unspoken thoughts and uncertain glances. Each person present considered the veracity of my analysis and the implications it carried for the fragile balance of power and loyalty within the realm. Whispers of doubt mingled with fragments of hope as the gravity of the situation sank in. Among the crowd, lord Darry was observing the scene with attention, his mind reveling in how I was tearing apart the Golden Prince and the lion's pride.
It was in this charged atmosphere that Cersei, her frustration and defensiveness palpable, interjected, having heard enough of me.
"This is preposterous! How can we trust the words of a stranger? There is no evidence to support these claims!"
Joffrey, his face twisted in anger, added his own retort, determined to shut me out and to put me in my place.
"Who is this commoner to question my word? I demand satisfaction!"
The room fell silent, awaiting my response to the challenge and the skepticism and how I would handle the prince and the queen's reactions.
As I addressed Cersei, my eyes cold and my smile filled with a hint of malice, her confidence wavered momentarily.
"On the contrary, Your Grace, there is a simple albeit controversial way to prove the truth of the matter.
I then turned my attention to Robert, presenting a solution that would avoid public humiliation.
"I propose that impartial men from your household, such as Ser Barristan, from your Lord Hand's household, such as Jory Cassel, and the maester serving Lord Darry, examine your son's body in a separate room. They can carefully inspect every scar, wound, and bruise he should have according to his own tale."
I paused for a moment, allowing the weight of my words to settle in.
"This examination must be conducted swiftly to prevent any manipulation or deceit. We must remain vigilant, as there are those who would go to great lengths to preserve their version of events. However, this private examination would allow us to ascertain the truth between your son's version and Arya's account, without subjecting him to public humiliation. I am no monster, nor do I wish to see him reduced to the status of a slave awaiting sale or a whore displayed for new clients."
The room filled with a mix of contemplation and tension as the people around me pondered my proposition, while some were outraged by the audacity or the way I presented it.
Eddard, displaying a mix of concern because of the proposition and cautious hope as it might definitely solve the matter, spoke up.
"It is a risky approach, but it may provide the clarity we seek. We must ensure the integrity of the examination, but it would spare Joffrey from further embarrassment."
Sansa, her face a blend of anxiety and anticipation, looked toward her father, silently pleading for a resolution that would bring justice and protect her sister, even though the idea that her prince would be under scrutiny put her ill at ease. She looked at me, wondering why I would put the prince in such a position.
Arya, her eyes fixed on me, seemed both anxious and grateful for the possibility of vindication while a part of her was gleeful to the idea I had presented, amused but also disgusted by the perspective of Joffrey being forced to disrobe himself to show his body and the lack of wounds.
Robert, his expression contemplative, thought upon the idea before addressing the room.
"It is an unconventional proposal, but one that may yield the truth."
His eyes stopped on Eddard Stark, "You are right, Ned. It may provide the clarity we need to solve this matter."
The king addressed once again the room, "We shall proceed with the examination, ensuring the presence of trustworthy individuals. The integrity of the process must be maintained."
Cersei, her dissatisfaction evident at the audacity of my idea, protested.
"This is outrageous! You would subject my son to such scrutiny? It is an insult!"
Joffrey, his face a mixture of anger and fear, attempted to regain control.
"I won't stand for this! I am the prince, and I won't be treated like a common criminal!"
Robert's voice boomed through the hall, silencing the protests.
"Enough! This decision is mine to make, and I have made it. We will conduct the examination to uncover the truth, and no more words shall be wasted on this matter."
The king called out lord Darry, "Ser Darry! Bring your maester here."
While keeping straight his face, lord Darry bowed to the king before turning to a servant and tasking him to bring his maester. As the servant moved by, Robert looked his friend, "Ned, is your man dutiful to observe the examination?"
Eddard nodded with a determined and firm expression while sending a look at Jory, "He is Robert. As this stranger said, he would observe dutifully and honorably the examination if you command him to do so."
Robert nodded a bit absentmindedly before turning his eyes on Jory, "You'll accompany ser Barristan and the maester once he is there."
Jory bowed to the king, "I'll do what you command, your grace."
Robert goofed a lackluster laugh and waved away his hand.
In the awaiting time, the tension in the room remained palpable, as the fate of Joffrey's reputation and Arya's innocence hung in the balance. I sensed Joffrey and Cersei burning eyes on me and I can imagine their thoughts, something of the likes of "How dare he forcing my son to be displayed like a whore! I should demand his tongue."
While I tried to sound nonchalant and solemn, a part of me felt dread and worry as I was aware that my intervention likely earned the queen and the prince's enmity. Inwardly, I said, "Alea Jacta est."
Finally, the maester arrived. I moved backwards to allow him to present himself to the king.
"You summoned me your grace?"
Robert nodded in a gruff, "I want you to examine my son in a room. Ser Barristan and ser Jory will accompany you."
The maester looked a bit flummoxed by the command and sensed the threatening look of the queen while Joffrey was looking at the man with a sneer. After a short silence, the maester bowed, "I'll do by your command, your grace."
Robert grunted before turning to his son, "Joffrey, go with them."
Joffrey seemed ready to protest, but stepped back under the narrowed and threatening eyes of his father. The prince was then led in another room by ser Barristan Selmy, ser Jory Cassel, and the maester.
The awaiting time was tense and uncertain as everyone was wondering the result of the examination. Many looked at me, wondering if my claims will be proved true or false. Arya fidgeted impatiently, both hopeful and apprehensive and stealing glances at me, hoping that my proposition would prove her true.
As Joffrey, accompanied by Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Jory Cassel and the maester finally returned from the examination room, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense. Joffrey's face was red with a mixture of anger, humiliation, and festering resentment, his eyes narrowing in burning anger on me. A part of me felt the heat of his rage, but I stood my ground, aware that all was a show to display power, authority and determination. My cautious self regretted that I jumped forward danger and political fields as I disliked it in spite of my love to understand the world. While the prince returned on his seat, the crowd shifted uneasily, awaiting the results.
The maester stepped forward, addressing King Robert and the gathered audience.
"Your Grace, lords, ladies, and esteemed guests, the examination has been completed. I can attest that the findings align more closely with Lady Arya's account of the incident. No wounds consistent with Prince Joffrey's version were observed, with the exception of the scar on his sword wrist, which corresponds to Lady Arya's tale."
The room erupted in murmurs, gasps, and exchanged glances. The revelation seemed to carry significant weight, challenging Joffrey's credibility and implicating him in a web of lies. Lord Darry kept his expression guarded, but his eyes shone in delight and satisfaction in seeing the stag and lion prince taking a peg down thanks to a daring and interesting stranger.
Robert, his face a mixture of surprise and disappointment, turned his gaze towards me.
His voice was heavy and slurred as he said, "You... you were right. Your perspective has shed light on this matter. I must admit, I didn't expect this turn of events."
Eddard, a mix of relief and concern etched on his face as he heard the news, spoke up.
"It seems the truth has come to light. My daughter has been vindicated. I thank you for your intervention, stranger. You have aided us in seeking justice."
Sansa, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, looked between her sister, Joffrey, and me. Her expression betrayed a mixture of relief, conflicted loyalty, and confusion. While relieved to see that her sister won't be punished by the crown, she was torn apart as her prince was humiliated and branded as a liar. She couldn't fathom the thought. She looked in my direction, wondering why I was doing this.
Arya, unable to contain her fiery temperament, approached me with a wide grin.
"You did it! Thank you! I knew I wasn't lying. You're not like the others."
Jaime, standing near Cersei, clenched his jaw and exchanged a tense glance with his sister. His loyalty seemed torn, and he remained silent, observing the unfolding events even if a part of him was amused and entertained by my intervention and the way I played with words.
The crowd buzzed with whispers and murmurs, some expressing surprise, while others offered praise for uncovering the truth.
Cersei, her face a mask of displeasure and disappointment, turned her gaze toward me.
"You have proven yourself an unexpected thorn in our side, stranger. Be careful, for you meddle in affairs that don't concern you."
Joffrey, unable to contain his exploding rage any longer, directed his fury towards me.
"You! This is your doing, you insolent fool! How dare you interfere and tarnish my honor? I'll make you pay for this!", he shouted while pointing a accusatory finger in my direction.
Robert, his voice thundering through the hall, stepped forward to address his enraged son.
"Enough, Joffrey! The truth has been revealed, and your anger won't change that. You will learn from this, as we all must. Justice has prevailed, and we shall not allow our pride to cloud our judgment any longer."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the revelations and the consequences they carried hanging in the air, leaving everyone to contemplate the consequences of Marc's intervention.
While wincing a bit to Robert's booming voice as it had been sudden, I ignored Cersei and Joffrey to turned towards Arya, a smile forming on my face.
"I am glad to have been helpful", I answered her sincerely.
Arya's eyes gleamed with gratitude, and Eddard Stark nodded appreciatively as he approached me.
"Indeed, your assistance has been invaluable. We owe you a great debt."
Turning my gaze to Lord Stark, I nodded, silently acknowledging his gratitude and the significance of the moment.
Finally, I shifted my attention to the king, feeling a mix of wariness due to his booming reaction and respect for his position. I bowed before him, maintaining a respectful tone.
"Your grace, I hope my help and advice have been fruitful in helping you solve this matter. I apologize if it has caused any trouble for you, as few people would love to see their children involved in such wrongdoings, let alone have them corrected in public."
Robert regarded me, his expression a blend of weariness and gratitude and a bit surprised and impressed by my words.
"You've done what needed to be done, and I appreciate that. It's a heavy burden, but justice cannot be ignored. Your intervention has shown me the importance of confronting the truth, no matter how difficult."
Cersei's gaze remained fixed on me, her eyes cold and calculating. Joffrey, subdued by his father's reaction, glared at me with simmering anger.
The crowd continued to react to my interactions with the king, expressing a mix of curiosity, awe, and speculation. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, as onlookers tried to make sense of the unfolding events and the stranger who had turned the tide of the proceedings. My stance, my appearance, my way of speaking, everything aroused curiosity, interest, awe and concern.
Feeling that the matter of the incident between Joffrey and Arya had been resolved, and needing a moment to collect himself, Robert decided to leave, announcing his departure.
"I need a drink after all this. I leave the rest of the proceedings to you, Eddard."
Hearing that, Cersei sneered, her discontent evident upon hearing Robert's decision to leave and seek solace in drinking and whoring.
"Of course, run to your vices, Robert. Leave the mess behind. Our son has been humiliated, and that direwolf that attacked him still roams freely. Justice is far from served."
Robert shut her out, his patience worn thin by the revelation of Joffrey's lies and his attempt to harm Arya.
"You've had your say, Cersei. You wanted the girl punished and a stranger corrected our son. I won't tolerate lies and deception, especially when our own son is at fault. Joffrey is lucky that the beast didn't savage him, as it surely would have if his tale held any truth."
Cersei's face contorted with anger, and Joffrey's expression mirrored her disappointment and frustration. They exchanged a quick, resentful look before Robert stormed out of the hall.
I watched Robert's departure, noting Cersei and Joffrey's lingering glare directed at me. Raising an eyebrow in response to their reactions, I remained calm and composed.
Their expressions hardened as they locked eyes with me, their resentment and fury palpable. I felt their burning fury and increasing bitterness and resentment against me. With one final disdainful and cold glance, Cersei and Joffrey turned and followed in the wake of the departing king, storming out of the hall. Ser Jaime followed them, but stopped a short moment to send me a complex look, full of his arrogance and yet of something akin of a conflicted mind and curiosity. He finally leaft the hall and a part of me wondered if he won't join Cersei to discuss me or to help her finding some relief. A part of felt strong disgust, but the other felt sorry for the Lannister kingsguard.
The crowd, engrossed in the spectacle, had yet to notice the subtle exchange between Cersei, Joffrey, and me. Their attention remained focused on the departing figures and the lingering tension in the room.
As the scrutiny of the onlookers followed my every move, I decided I made my due and that I needed to take my leave. I made my way towards the exit of the hall. As I moved, I felt that their reactions and expressions varied, some showing gratitude, others curiosity, and a few even suspicion. The room remained abuzz with whispered conversations, dissecting the events that had just unfolded, and contemplating the stranger who had become an unexpected catalyst in the realm's affairs.
AN:
1. This text results from the use of ChatGPT to help me to build the draft of the tale, especially for the canonical characters as I am uncertain to truly depict them in a faithful manner. And on this draft, I rewrote some parts, included other details and part to shape the text and to give more details depth, notably concerning the reactions of the MC and of the others, not to mention to be even closer to what I may have imagined on my sole own. Consider the use of the AI like a tool/artificial director interpreting the request of a producer/scriptwriter.
2. The POV would be of the SI isoted in Westeros, mainly because of his way of thinking and because I generally prefer to develop the characters in their interactions and personalities, not to mention their actions and decisions as they are the fuel of stories. However, it is also a bit omniscient (a result from my requests to ChatGPT), so do not be surprised of seeing depictions of characters's thoughts the MC is not supposed to know (or at least, not being able to guess).
3. Concerning the regularity of publication, I am still thinking between a week or a fortnight. There are already three other parts as ready for publications, but because I am someone who likes to plan further and to be well prepared, not to mention to be able to adapt, rectify and shape the texts before publication.
4. I'll try (both in my requests and in my own additions) to be as close as I can to the canonical characters (at the least for the starting point, because I know alternate events tend to affect characters in a different manner).
5. Do not be surprised of the MC's personality and behavior. Mainly inspired from myself, it is also the fantasized version of some of his qualities (not to mention the qualities people who loves to insert themselves tend to have), even though it won't be a Gary Stu (or at least, I try not to fall in this trope with all the issues they imply), mainly because beyond his skills and knowledges, he is a everyday people with no magical powers and aware of his limitations. And when in incoming parts, there are situations I feel can allow it, some of the flaws will be shown.
6. However, I am someone who considers that in the world, there is always a counterpart/alter ego/consequence... to another. In short, in every quality, there is ground for potential flaw as there is ground for potential quality in a flaw. The skills of the MC may be qualities, but they can also be flaws because of the context. I'll try to explore it (especially as while it is an inspiration from me, I tend to be as merciful to my characters in the stories I imagined as would be GRRM, even though I tend to have an approach of a less brutal and cynical approach on the matter).
7. Consider this fanfic as a semi-alternate-canonical universe as while the setting is canonical (though a mix of both the series and books), the interpretations by ChatGPT and my own interpreations on certain matters might affect it (even though I'll attempt to be as close of the context as I can, making my own additions for everything ChatGPT can't do, notably concerning reflecting flaws, weaknesses and depiction of violence (mainly from canonical characters, as the MC is not only a 21st century man, but also one that deeply dislikes violence, even though he is aware there are situation it can't be avoided).
8. I hope all these notes are not too much. I am someone who try to be as clear as crystal in how I speak and think of matters as any phrase, any word can be interpreted through a certain lens and context.
9. Good reading !