weary warrior

for blood and glory

[arthur-daynes-blog]

The more you lose the less you see [ Arthur & Varys; 21st September ]

[lordvarysthespider]

Varys nodded, and although it might be pessimistic to think so, he didn’t expect that he would find the man alive. “I think it will turn up, unfortunately.” He didn’t take Beric’s group for kidnappers and he couldn’t imagine what they would do with him, anyway. Any sort of ransom attempt would be a risky endeavor. He wondered if there was any particular significance about those people, like if they knew anything about the group or the people. He couldn’t forget that his own life was hanging on a fine line. 

Arthur was making the connections that Varys wanted him to. “Yes… I suspect that’s the case, but those are only my own thoughts.” He wished that he knew more that he might be able to give some further hints, but for the moment he was mostly in the dark as well. He smiled ever so slightly, even if there really wasn’t much to smile about at the moment. “I hear you. That’s how I feel about the bombers that I’ve been looking for,” he said, and he was completely genuine.  He wondered what else he could articulate that could help Arthur out. “I would say if there’s any proof it lies in their motive, rather their cause. I think the messages from both murders seem like they could be compatible. I know it’s a long shot, but…” He wondered if his obsession with the bombers was coloring his vision and that he was just hoping to see things where there might not be any. As it stood, he had no actual proof that they were responsible. 

[arthur-daynes-blog]

He nodded, leaning back. Silence fell between them as he thought and mulled the possibilities. Perhaps it was not too far fetched that the terrorists were also more traditional murderers. He wouldn’t put it past them- if they could kill three thousand innocents in a single blast, what were half a dozen lives? No- keep an open mind, he reminded himself for the last time, this could be another political or business killing as that possibility is not ruled out yet.

But it was rare for terrorists not to declare themselves- to make an explicit statement. He half expected one of the hostages to be filmed reading out a message and demand or a threat. But nothing of the sort so far, only half vague messages broadcasted on hacked television stations. Yes, he knew that there was this Anonymous Brotherhood- a bunch of hacktivists, and those were the ones who sent those tv messages. Yet he also knew that while most doubted that they were the same people who blew 3000 people into the air, there was nothing to definitively say that they were not responsible for the Olympic stadium. They could be terrorists, and they very well could not be. 

More headaches.

If there were two groups- potentially three-

And with Scotland-

How did the world get so insane?

He blinked and looked back up to Varys, giving the man a polite smile, “ Okay i need to stop thinking before i hurt myself- at least until i get another round of coffee,” He pushed himself up onto his feet, “ I’ll speak to Liz and keep looking for leads and evidence. I’ll keep you updated, sir,”

“ Thanks for getting my head unstuck, by the way,” He said lightly, cheerfully as he stepped out of the office and back into the flurry of madness.

[arthur-daynes-blog]

The more you lose the less you see [ Arthur & Varys; 21st September ]

[lordvarysthespider]

Varys nodded along to the logical statement, and there was not necessarily any hard proof to link the two crimes together. It was still difficult to even say who was behind the bombings. But it didn’t mean that he could not have his suspicions. Plus, he was working with more information than anyone else investigating these crimes was. That was not to say he was certain in his deduction, but he did not believe that Beric would let up in his vision. Or, as he suspected from that first night they talked, that there was another terrorist group as well lurking about.  Arthur went on to ask him his opinion, and he wondered exactly how to word it, because he was not so sure of his thoughts himself. “The coins certainly seem to suggest that there is some sort of foundation of an ideal. It’s peculiar enough that one might think it was a serial killer, but the chosen victims are rather high profile people that suggests the killings are political in nature. These bodies were meant to be found and were not hidden away, and the terrorists from their previous actions have shown themselves to be bold and out in the open,” he explained, and hoped that it all made sense to the other man.  "I do not mean to give this conclusion merely because it would make these cases a priority, but because I do not want any possibility to find the terrorists overlooked." Varys was in a tricky situation where it concerned Beric, and he needed more people to be digging deep into the matter. He trusted Arthur and found him to be very bright. Perhaps he was the one whom he should after the terrorists personally.

[arthur-daynes-blog]

“ Well, one body is not yet found,” The word body tasted bitter in his mouth. He was already giving up, but was it so far fetched to believe that Wylde was still alive? These murders were done with every sign that the people behind this were professional killers, skilled and able. What were the chances of one ageing old aid to the PM have against them?

Professional, not a crazed bunch of serial killers.

Assassins?

An ideal...

“ We know that these murders were done by more than one person,” Arthur ran his fingers through his hair, “ Can we take that because not all the bodies were not found means that they are a loose band? And not like a football team united sort of thing?”

“ The differences in killing styles, poison, hanging, immolation, all point to a wide set of skills within the group,”

He sighed and tapped the arm rests on his chair, “ We need to get a proper profiler for this shit,” He gave a chuckle and shifted in his seat, “ My brain is hurting just trying to put myself into their shoes,”

“ Or maybe that’s due to the lack of sleep,” He looked up, to Varys, “ I’ll check with Liz, see if she can see if there’s anything to connect the terrorists with this. But i doubt there’s gonna be much proof- I mean, i can’t see any,”

[gosly]

[dragonsheir]

don't let me darken your door, that's not what i came here for | arthur & rhaegar [september 7, 6:15 pm]

[dragonsheir]

"You’ll be fine." That was as reassuring as he can manage it. You’re not a bad father, he wants to add. Even if you think yourself a bad husband. You tried.

He reconsiders. He doesn’t want to lie to Arthur, doesn’t want to feed him false hope by dressing up phrases and words and mincing them until they’re just barely nothing. Arthur manages a smile, and there, Rhaegar finds that suddenly it became easier. “I don’t want Amy’s sloppy seconds,” he laughs, and takes another sip of his beer. 

Rhaegar looks down, running a hand through his hair. Suddenly, he feels the way the collar of his shirt tighten, choking him. “I’ve got a date, anyway,” he bites at the bottom of his lip. “You’ll never guess who…” He’s almost nonchalant, trying to make it out as lightly as he could, but the heaviness is there no matter how much he tries to hinder it. 

He chuckles. “Cersei.”

[arthur-daynes-blog]

Arthur gave a simple hum and a nod, " Might," He muttered, " But my marriage isn't going to be fine, or even workable at this point," He sighs heavily and shakes his head, " Well, whatever. If it will happen, it will happen, and i rather it be done with sooner than later," His stomach sank at that, as it knew that it was a lie that he was trying to convince himself to believe. 

It felt wrong saying it,  like committing a great sin. Did he feel like that because he still loved her? Or because it was what every husband was supposed to feel when he's about to get divorced? Was he just holding onto something that was long gone? He would like to think he still truly loved her,  but what does a spy know about genuinity and love? He ws made to shift, adapt, and fake. Were there any lines distinguishing truth and lie for him now?

He downed half his drink in a go, hoping for the suddenness of it will halt his racing thoughts.

What was he doing? Worrying about something so meagre as this? So unimportant to the world?

( His stomach twisted and he felt like retching his beer back up. )

But the drink works and his mind stops racing, before finding anchor in Rhae's voice and words, " Fuck you too, bro," He grinned, managing only a weak laugh to complement it, " And for your information, I  am an excellent date, before, during and especially after. It's your loss, man," 

He glances around his shoulder at the raised voice of the bartender hollering to the kid coming through the door with a trolley filled with beer bottles. It made a racket, but Arthur quickly ignored it and turned back to his own drink, then back up to his friend when he spoke. He raised his brow, smiling a little in anticipation, feeling like they were back at Eton where they spoke endlessly of their crushes and of girls. 

But when he heard the name, his brows raised further up his forehead, " Cersei Lannister?" Of course it was Cersei Lannister. Was it another political play? But whose? Cersei's or Rhaegar's? " C'mon then,  bro,  don't leave me hanging. Spill it.  How, why, when- Everything,"

[marifu-deactivated20170102]

[arthur-daynes-blog]

The more you lose the less you see [ Arthur & Varys; 21st September ]

[lordvarysthespider]

Only truly overworked men could smile about getting no sleep. Their profession wasn’t very conducive in that sort of way. In between the long hours and the hard decisions, men like them didn’t get much sleep. Varys nodded when Arthur said that there were no solid leads yet. Everyone was reliant on technology these days, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Long ago you had to do all the hard work yourself instead of letting a computer do it for you. They would just have to wait and see what materialized, but he had full confidence in Arthur.

They had been working together for over a decade, and Arthur was among the people that he could consider trustworthy and who prioritized the nation over everything else. There were many people who would try and find a way to make a profit for themselves along the way, which could often jeopardize the mission. At a certain point, most become disillusioned with the idea of sacrificing themselves for their country and would prefer to retire with a cozy life ahead of them. Varys doubted he would ever do such a thing, though he did have the means. He would work until somebody put a bullet in him. He mused on Arthur’s suggestion, and thought that maybe it would be good, but he merely sighed upon the reality of it. “I don’t know. Everything is so political right now that I’m not sure what the chances are of working together on anything but hopefully they will help." Even if it was catching a killer. Everyone had their own agenda these days, which most often did not include the common good. He pursed his lips at the thought that the coin was found there. More and more, Varys wondered if covering was Beric the right idea, because he didn’t seem to be getting the leads he hoped to get. “Who do you think might be behind this?” Arthur, of course, could speak freely with him - Varys liked hearing what other people thought, even if the idea seemed improbable. “Do you think it could be linked to the terrorists?” Varys believed it, perhaps. Or maybe he just thought any dead body that showed up because of them. Because he hadn’t caught them all yet.

[arthur-daynes-blog]

He let the corner of his lip pull downward, " At least share information with us about this, in exchange of us sharing what we have on this with them- If they really want to get these people," He shakes his head and rubs his palm against his jaw, feeling the prickle of his stubble, " Unless they don't want to. Unless they want war," He glanced up at Varys, wondering what he thought of the situation between the two- well, nations. He wondered if in a month, he will find himself placing bugs inside the apartment next door. Would Baratheon go that far though, to stop the Scots from endangering England? It was bad enough they had terrorists and murderers and kids with molotov cocktails running amok. He listened to his friend, frowning, " I'm keeping myself open to anything, so far, theres… nothing to link the Olympic stadium and the Old Bailey to these murders," He paused a moment, mulling on it. He had to be careful not to allow this influence his decision and what he sees. People see what they wanted to see, and he was not supposed to expect to see anything to see everything. But evidence is nothing without interpretation. But its been two months since the bombings, then dead silence. It was likely that now, these people have decided to work quietly now. Or it could be two different sets of people, with this one wanting everyone to know who they are. Those coins. Those coins suggested a foundation and an ideal that they worked around. The killings were quick and precise. While the bombings were nothing but mass murder, but also a loud speaker, to get a message out. But what message did blowing a stadium on the night before its opening send? If these terrorists wanted to kill as many as they could they should have waited another day. Why didn't they? Bah. It was the same question he asked himself over and over again. What did the bombings mean? What was the message they wanted to announce to the world? Revolution, some said. Mindless murder, others told him. If it was revolution, what kind of revolution- a revolution against Baratheon? And what has that got to do with  the reminder of death, inscribed on the coins? And the murders themselves… what has killing these people got to do with revolution? If the terrorists were revolutionists, then it was unlikely that they are related to these murders. However, if they were just mindless killers, they fit the bill. " I came here for a new opinion and i'm rejecting it- I'm sorry ," Arthur mumbled. Fucking tunnel vision. Then, he glanced back up at his chief, " Why do you think it was them?"

[arthur-daynes-blog]

Lying on my back, watching stars collide [Arthur & Allyria; 30th September]

He dropped by the liqour store and went straight for a bottle of Gulfi Nero d'Avola Neromaccarj Sicilia 2008 . He said no to a taste test, he didn't need one. He knew how this wine tasted, and he didn't have time to linger. He paid for the bottle and rushed back to his car, placing the bag beside the chocolates. He pulled out of the curb and sped down the street. He wondered if he always tried to be late on purpose, just to give him a little rush. Five minutes to half past eight. He can make it.

It would be good to see Ally again. It has been so long especially since they were both so busy with their work and because they walked in different circles. Him, the politics and security circles, while she floated in the spheres of high life and business.  A simple home cooked dinner, and some wine and chocolates as he had promised to bring. A shadow of a simple life, but a welcome relief from the glare of reality. He needed it, needed to wind the knots in his shoulders loose. He had been working himself close to exhaustion, especially after the murders, and for what?

Nothing.

No, he should not think about that. He was here to relax, to escape from the cold hollow of his new flat, from the guilt gnawing at his bones. He was clinging onto whatever he had left. He had lost his wife and daughters, and was now reaching for whatever was left of his normal life. Ash was not answering his calls and Alex was dead. There was only Ally left. His single remaining life line of his family.

Was it right to think of her like that?

Did it matter?

He was losing himself to this job. It nibbled away at him piece by little piece and only when he had nothing left did he realize that he had been robbed. He was sure that there was a psychology to it, perhaps he had once read about it, or one of the shrinks had warned him about it. Nevertheless, here he was now, empty and searching for who he was. Rejecting who he had become.

He wondered if they had not fought, if Amy had not yelled at him for it and had not forced his eyes open, will he have noticed it? Will he have realized the man he had turned into?

He gripped the steering wheel and parked in front of the doors. He stepped out, the bottle and box in hand as he passed the valet his keys. He glanced down at his watch. A minute to get to Ally's apartment. Hah. He won't make it.

He jogged through the lobby and pressed the button with his thumb. Half a minute and he had fifteen seconds left. He hurried into the lift and closed the doors, and when it opened again, he was ten seconds past 8:30. Not too bad.

Arthur strode down the hall and knocked on the door twice, before taking a breath, so as to not seem winded. The door opened and he gave his baby sister a smile, " Got the wine and chocolate, as you asked,"

[viggopetermortensen]

[dragonsheir]

don't let me darken your door, that's not what i came here for | arthur & rhaegar [september 7, 6:15 pm]

[dragonsheir]

He can’t shake the hinted nonchalance in Arthur’s voice, the easiness.  Everyone’s getting divorced nowadays— as though it was some quick escape from misery to happiness. Or something close to it.  Rhaegar knows differently; has been taught differently. Endure it, if all else fails.

And yet, he says nothing. Better to keep it to himself. This matter was not his business.

"I’m sorry to hear it, anyway," he manages, instead. “But it’s probably for the best, I reckon." He smiles, but it doesn’t come as easily as Arthur’s jape (not even with possible matters likes bugs and explosive). “I guess that means you don’t have a date to the Martell gala? I will see you there, won’t I?" 

[arthur-daynes-blog]

" Why?" Arthur sighs and sinks into the back of his chair, " Because i'm a fucking idiot for thinking that i can hold a marriage together when my job forces me to keep secrets and to distance my self from them. Why do you think Rhae? It's this job. Its sucking away everything i have. I literally sold my soul to this job and when it asked for my wife and kids, and i sold them off too,"

He took a breath and shook his head, " Sorry,"

He hadn't meant to raise his voice, nor to allow emotion to slip into his words. A part of him thought that to be a relief, that yes, he could still be human, but the larger piece of him only saw that as a weakness and he quickly reminded himself that it was about time that he let Amy and the girls go. He didn't want them to suffer being with him any longer.

" It… Its not news. She gave me the ultimatum last year, her and the girls or my job," He leant forward and drank from his pint, his tone returning to the calm it usually had, " I asked for another chance. I told her that i can still be a husband and a father and MI5. I think i managed, for about a week, but after," He shrugged.

" We've been on and off for the rest of the year and really… I wonder why she's taken this long to file for divorce," A beat, " And i won't be surprised if she's cheating on me. I suppose she deserves someone else that will sleep with her through the night,"

" Yeah, I will be part of security, but undercover-ish," He looked back up at his friend, " And i've been going solo for a while now- miss having a plus one," He managed a smile, " Unless you want to be my date for the night?"

[sevendeaths-deactivated20140707]

They don't know each other's name. But they've got each other's color. | | arthur & beric, september 2010

[sevendeaths-deactivated20140707]

He does wonder… if such a formidable man like Arthur isn’t able to avoid the common complications of life and marriage, what can he expect; he who often forgets about that life and absorbs himself in his work and plans so much and for so long; plenty of his fights with his fiancée are because of this, because of his own flaws that he seems unable to change. 

He brings the drink to his lips and lays lower against the bar before lifting his gaze one more time, “If you ever want to talk… besides politics, I mean-", he trails off, hoping the other will understand what he means. He thinks this is a virtuous distinction, that he always tries to help others the best he can. Indeed, he should start with family, the new one. Then Arthur catches him on his lie and Beric blushes. He shouldn’t even try to lie when he’s so lousy at it, he tells himself before smiling rather shyly. “Forgive me", he says softly and drinks again. 

"I don’t want to think of other people as enemies, I don’t want to feel like I’m preparing for war every time I wake up", he dropping his shoulders and uses a more relaxed tone, “I much rather regard them as… people who have yet to know me and agree with me, future friends if you will", he pauses, “I know it sounds childish but I truly believe that the government would work much better if everyone would just agree to get along and stop trying to look out for themselves only". 

[arthur-daynes-blog]

He raised a brow when Beric spoke, " Talking to you about my marital problems… Probably isn't the best conversation topic for an engagement celebration," At that, he smiled kindly, understanding that Beric thought that it will help Arthur get through it, or at least, help him figure his marriage out. However, Arthur doubted that this could be saved, or even stalled for any longer. He can't remember when this rift was first a crack, then again, he can't remember if there had even been a time where that crack did not exist and cut through Amy and him.

That thought made the little beating thing in his chest twist, half in reminder to Arthur that it was present and alive.

Did he ever love her?

He looked into his glass, to hide his eyes from Beric.

He tried to remember how he felt when he asked Amy to marry her- What was he thinking? Did he really believe that he could have a married life, a wife and kids when he did what he did? No, he doesn't remember what he felt when he asked for her hand in marriage, nor what he felt when he did marry her. No, the only thing he felt right now was foolishness. He had been stupid and blind. He should have seen this coming, and if not this, then, the possibility of putting Amy and the girls in danger.

He poured himself another glass.

Now, the girls, his daughters. He loved them. If anything, they were the reason his heart still pumped between his lungs. But he has to let them go. He has to. Probably he'll ask Amy to bring them to somewhere far away, like Canada, to keep them safe.

" Fuck," He groaned and rubbed his eyes with the ball of his palm. No, he had to try. He can still save this marriage. It was a mistake yes, but they were his family, and he loved Amy, he knew he did, even if he did not feel it now. It was only placing the girls in the line of fire, yes, but he'll keep them safe. He'll keep them sae even if it was the last thing he did. Whatever happened, he did not want to lose them. He has lost so much of himself already to this job.

He nodded at Beric's words, " That will be a nice change, for once," He said, " Be the change you want to see, and all that. But there will always be those who don't agree to that. Still, i suppose, that's why i'm here,"

Arthur wrapped and arm around Beric's shoulders and gave him a slight squeeze, grinning, " I'll have your back, brother,"

[j-conningtons]

that bridge is on fire [arthur & jon, sept 15]

[j-conningtons]

She’s going to hurt him.  Jon has never been fierce for himself, but in defense of his friends his blood rises; every punch he’s ever thrown has been for someone else.  The danger that the Lannisters pose can’t be settled with a fistfight or a shouting match, and that frightens him.  They’re bigger than he knows how to handle.  Rich, powerful, towering.  He remembers Cersei’s breath on his neck and shudders.

Outside the night air is warm, but less stuffy than inside the Water Gardens, and Jon slips out of Arthur’s helpful hold to slouch against the wall with a grimace.  “Sorry," he mutters.  “I know… probably not best way to come back, yeah?"  He pushes his hands through his shaggy hair, grabbing fistfuls before he lets them drop.  “Haven’t been this drunk… in a while.  But what you said, about pleasing everyone?  Those hundred other people… they are unimportant.  Save Rhae."

I love him, he wants to gibber, and that’s when he knows he’s drunk.  He only ever gets these urges when he’s wasted, and he rubs the heels of his palms into his eyes to try to sober himself up.  It hurts, but he supposes that’s helpful.  Sobriety through discomfort.  “You’ve… how’ve you been?" he forces himself to say instead.  Redirect of emotion.  “I-  I missed you, Art… missed all of us."

[arthur-daynes-blog]

Arthur slips his arm under Jon's and steadies him as he stands, letting Jon shift most of his weight on him. It almost felt like nothing had changed between them. Just a few grey hairs and lines on their brows, " Easy, Jon, easy," He said as the man sways unsteadily. Arthur could feel eyes on him but he couldn't bother to turn and look. He only hoped that no one from his team will call him out for going outside, but as he stepped out the door, the music still went on and the low hum of voices did not pause.

Nothing will happen while i'm out… Just ten minutes.

" I am," He replied, " The Lannisters always have something planned, they're always up to ruin someone's day, and i wouldn't be surprised if they're using Rhae- but it doesn't change the fact that they're fucking rich, which makes them fucking powerful.

He held a palm out to stop Jon from interrupting, " Still- You know i will do anything to save Rhaegar- and you know that i'll do everything i can to make sure he doesn't get hurt,"

" All i'm saying, Jon, is that you need to calm down, so that you don't get in trouble," He lead Jon out to a nearby wall, " I can't protect both you and Rhae..,"

The air was a little warmer than it was inside, but it was definitely fresher, and the sound of the fountains was a nice change. He stayed by him as

Jon braced himself against the wall. His friend's skin looked a shade paler than it did five minutes ago and Arthur wondered if he should get a bag, just in case, " Hmpf," He nodded and ran his hand through his hair, and shrugged, " I suppose it all depends on point of view," He held Jon's shoulders and coaxed him to sit against the wall.

" I'm.. doing allright, i suppose… Amy's filing for divorce, but i'm okay," He managed a smile and got to his knees so that their eyes met, " Yeah… Yeah, i know. I missed you guys too, more than i thought i would really,"

" Anything new with you? Find someone yet?"

[finch]

[sevendeaths-deactivated20140707]

They don't know each other's name. But they've got each other's color. | | arthur & beric, september 2010

[sevendeaths-deactivated20140707]

"I would have understood if you hadn’t come", he paused, “I appreciate that you did, it means a lot", he nodded to himself, “Family is the true nucleus of society, if we can’t sustain that what can we expect to offer to the country". He had delivered that line plenty of times before, always fighting the pinch of guilt that his conscience would always arise. He took another sip. But there he was with his new family and one he was rather fond of, from Ned to Ashara, they were magnificent people.

He had never asked for Arthur’s opinion or feedback on his promotion and political rising, he was always on his toes when it came to Arthur. Beric always tried to please people, to be what others expected and more, and Arthur Dayne wasn’t just an MI5 agent (not that such rank wasn’t already something to be proud of), he was able to cast a shadow that seemed inexplicable enormous, he was a modern warrior in true form and Beric admired that as much as he envied him with all the best intentions.

He too wanted to be a warrior for the country and he wasn’t sure if he was doing things right but he had to keep trying. He suddenly felt guilty of the apathy he had shown tonight, specially when Arthur reminded him of it. He shook his head, “I was just looking for an aspirin", he mentally reproached himself. He was never keen on lying, it felt like a breach of his own moral code, “It’s fine, this is my job after all", he looked over his shoulder and into the crowd that was gathered in the hall, “and this is a good opportunity to make friends". Allies and supporters were gold to any politician, he knew.

[arthur-daynes-blog]

He grins, " That’s my baby sister allright," He shakes his head and takes another drink, " I admit though, this is a lot more lively than my engagement party was. My crowd was far more somber than this lot is," He shrugs then, straightened his back, looking mischievously at Beric, " So who’s hosting your bachelor’s party eh? Don’t forget to send me an invite,"

Beric looked like Beric now, which was a relief to Arthur, mainly because he didn’t need to right his tie and hold his tongue whenever he felt like teasing his soon to be brother. (Arthur missed having a brother, ever since Alex passed away- No, he shouldn’t think about that, not now of all times.) But another watcher may see something else. He may see weakness in Beric, his youth and inexperience, and Arthur understood that when Beric sat up again, he was trying to hide it.

Yes, of course Arthur was worried for him. The Home Secretaries he has seen were at least ten years older than Beric was now, and with so much going on both inside and outside the country- with the covert attacks and the terrorist plots, it was a lot for someone so young to take on. He was sure that since Beric sat in that office, England was waiting for him to fail.

But he didn’t, and as far as Arthur could see, Beric was learning, and learning quickly. He always seemed to be hungry for knowledge, always seemed to be driven by the sense of justice. Dann had made a comment once, though, that he thought Beric too much of an idealist, to which Arthur countered that perhaps that was what the country needed to get it out of the state it was in now. Someone to drive it forward with a dream, for if it was driven by reality, things will just stay as they were.

He also seems to be managing the workload and the stress well, ( Arthur wondered if Beric was like him. The more people doubted him, the more he’ll try to prove them wrong. Probably. ) and handled juggling between the office and Ally better than Arthur ever could, and most of all, Beric was good to her, and he made her happy. Arthur could not see any reason to disapprove of Beric.

He smiled at Beric’s words, " Exactly," He sipped from the glass again, " And you’re going to be my brother in law, which makes you family. I may be failing to keep my own family together- But God forbid i let this one go to pieces," Then, he waved his hand dismissively, apologizing for bringing the topic to the table and wiling Beric to ignore it. Now, the drink didn’t seem like a bad idea, maybe he’ll forget Amy for a few hours. That will be a relief.

" Asprin," Arthur studied him, grinning briefly before nodding, " You shouldn’t be drinking then, brother," He pat the man’s shoulder, " Don’t worry i got your arse covered if you need anymore peace and quiet," He was such a bad liar, and it made something in Arthur breath a sigh of relief. For once, a politician that cannot lie. An honest man. They needed people like those.

" Mm," He finished his drink and set it down on the table, pouring himself another glass, " Friends are important, especially in your business… Enemies too, make sure you know who your enemies are," If he wasn’t Arthur Dayne, the man who had been serving in MI5 for seventeen years, he would be chastising Beric for not making the focus of this night on Ally. It was their engagement they were celebrating, yet, both were busy making allies. But he was this Arthur Dayne, and this Arthur Dayne understood what people like Beric and Ally had to do to survive in this world. So, he lifted his glass to his lips, and tilted the drink into his mouth.

[beauty-of-fame]

[arthur-daynes-blog]

The more you lose the less you see [ Arthur & Varys; 21st September ]

[lordvarysthespider]

When he arrived to see exactly what had gone on, Varys knew that he was in fact at least a little responsible for this, or at least he thought he was - if Beric’s group was the one behind this. He had decided to not give him up in hopes that he could bring down the entire operation down - and more, possibly. Varys knew the risk that there would be many more deaths to come. It seemed that it was becoming a question of his patience and his morality.

What proceeded was very long day at work. But then again, most seemed to be these days. Varys had been typing away at an email as well as checking the text messages on his phone when Arthur walked in, his eyes flickering up to meet his face. “I don’t think I slept at all," he chuckled, before finally taking a deep breath. “I probably won’t until we find a good lead." There was a lot of work ahead of them. “Unless you’ve found one?" Arthur was one of his best agents and he trusted him above most in his department, if not all. There was a reason Arthur was in the position he was. Varys wouldn’t have wanted to work with someone he didn’t trust or find competent.

[arthur-daynes-blog]

He smiled at his reply, " Me neither. I swear i had only just put my head down on my pillow when i got the call," He stepped across the room and seated himself in the chair opposite Varys, " No, not yet," He sighed and leant into the chair, " The tests are still being run and victims are still being examined. Will take us at least a few more hours until we have any solid evidence to help us,"

Arthur paused to study the man infront of him. He often forgot just how long he had been working with Varys. What was it? 15 years? And a good majority of those years, Varys had been sitting in that chair as his chief. He remembered being suspicious and wary of the man at first, for it seemed that his face always wore a slight smile and his eyes always seemed to be hiding something- But then again, he was new to MI5 and the work that they did, and he had naturally assumed that other spies were untrustworthy and deceitful.

But then he learnt that no one can survive in this world without trust, and without giving trust, and he found that even if he trusted no one else, he should trust his team, and the people he worked with. So Arthur allowed himself to trust Varys, and it seemed that as soon as he did, Varys began to trust him, and because of that trust, hundreds of lives were saved. However, he would not look at Varys as a friend like Rhae and Jon are- their business did not allow for that degree of vulnerability, but he and Varys were friends all the same, and he no doubt will visit the man for a drink if he ever retires.

Fifteen years- They had done and been through so much together, and he wondered if Varys felt as worn out at night as he did. From the lines on the man's face, he supposed so.

" I would much rather have Hornwood- The victim in Glasgow, with us as well," He began, " If his killer is still running free in Scotland, then it could spell trouble for the entire country. He could kill another and blame it on England, if the Scots hadn't done already. Do you think we can still work together with them on this?,"

" Also, the coin was found in the pub Wylde went to last night," Arthur ran his fingers through his hair, " No sign of his body yet though," His body- When did he start being so pessimistic?

[sevendeaths-deactivated20140707]

They don't know each other's name. But they've got each other's color. | | arthur & beric, september 2010

He thinks he needs a break but he has already retreated to his study once and he reckons that a second try will earn him a glare from his fiancée. From the corner of his eye, he spots Arthur nearby the bar. He excuses himself from the circle of people he is engaged in conversation with and smiles at him when he is by his side. He places his glass on the bar and reaches over a cabinet bellow to pull two beers.

"Thanks for coming", he says quietly opening one bottle and pouring it into a glass before handling it to Allyria’s brother and repeating the process for himself. Two bottles of Samuel Adams’ Utopias. He is convinced that he won’t be able to keep this life style one day but for now he is supposed to enjoy himself. Or so his advisors tell him. He licks his lips, “I know how busy things are down there nowadays".

He has always enjoyed the agent’s company. Older than him, and more importantly, Allyria’s older brother, he had been intimidated of him from the very beginning. But Beric has always been ranks above him and he doesn’t dare trembling in his speech and showing his youth or inexperience. In any case, it didn’t take long before he fell into comfort by Arthur’s side, and then they would always engage in some of the most enjoyable conversations.

He was thankful for men like him in the MI5 and amusingly afraid of him if anything were to go wrong in his relationship with Allyria.

[arthur-daynes-blog]

He found this all very strange.

Here he was, congratulating his baby sister on her engagement, while back home, Amy was threatening to leave him. It made his stomach twist when he remembered doing something like this eleven years ago. The smile on his mother's face and the handshakes and well wishers. He even remembered forgetting to pick up the engagement ring until only before the dinner. Amy wasn't too impressed then, but she shrugged it off and said she found it endearing. But he doubted that she would say that or forgive him so easily now.

In all honesty, he didn't want to come to this, because it contrasted so starkly with his own relationship status. But Ally will always be his baby sister, and he will always be her eldest brother.

So here he was, in a suit and a navy blue tie- The only tie he could find that Amy did not buy for him. He watched Ally as she smiled and shook her guests hands, and he wondered if he should stop calling her baby sister now. She was going to be married, and its she has been a woman for years now, and a fine one at that. With a hotel chain well on its way to success, it was hard to imagine her as a girl at his daughters' age.

Then, there was a matter of her boyfriend- Fiance- Beric Dondarrion, which made things a little more awkward, at least, at first. Four years ago, Beric had just been a rising politician whose name popped up from time to time on the papers that arrived on his desk. When Ally introduced Beric to him, he became a potential potential brother-in-law, and after what happened with Ash, he treated Beric a little coldly. But as the years went on and the family gatherings and birthdays and Ally's dinner parties piled up, he got to know Beric and found him an interesting person to speak with, and soon, he became pleasant company. They had even had a few drinks together without Ally's help.

A few months ago, Arthur got the news that Beric had become the new Home Secretary- thus making him effectively, Arthur's boss, and he got a bit of flack from his team because of that. Still, he tried hard to compartmentalize and separate Beric, his baby sister's boyfriend, and Home Secretary Dondarrion, and he found that once he had put it that way, things became less awkward and a lot simpler. Except, in times like these.

He looked around the apartment, and saw not just friends and family (well, what ever was left of it anyway) but politicians and business men and women. This was an occasion, that both Ally and Beric took advantage of. Yes, it was a party to celebrate their engagement, but it was also a party to gain some reputation and another stepping stone. It was times like these where he would look at his potential brother-in-law and would argue with himself if this was the Home Secretary or Beric.

Arthur sighed at that thought, hating himself for it.

What was most important is that Ally was happy, and she certainly looked like she was. Beric too, though he didn't quite show it the same as Ally did as he talked to a group of people in that somber and politeway he always did.

Then, he saw Beric come towards him and he straightened himself and offered a smile, " Ally would have buried me alive and danced on my grave if i didn't," He said, taking the glass Beric handed to him. His eyes then fell on the label and his brow raised, " Very nice. " He lifted his glass, " To you and Ally,"

He took a drink, allowed himself to process and savor the taste (because God knows that he could never afford to drink this kind of stuff otherwise) then nodded, " Yeah, but, it's only for a couple of hours. Saving the world can wait, especially for you two,"

" I saw you sneaking off into the other room just now," He smiled, and clapped his shoulder, " These kinds of parties drains a man. I understand,"

[arthur-daynes-blog]

The more you lose the less you see [ Arthur & Varys; 21st September ]

He woke up at 1 am that day, a phone call telling him that a someone was murdered at Temple Bar, but he only frowned when he was told that the body was burnt beyond recognition and the police had found a coin which had been inscribed with 'Omnes Mori'. He then put the phone down and quickly got dressed, splashing some water over his face and his eyes only as an after thought. He hurried to the kitchen, and remembered that he had to be here today so that Amy could collect the last of her things, but maybe he didn't really need to be here. He just wanted an excuse to talk to her, try to convince her that he can handle having a family- or at least convince her to trust him enough to have the girls over for some of the weekends.

He shook his head and pulled a jacket on and grabbed his keys. He can't think of that right now.

He was 10 minutes away when his phone beeped again, this time, a text telling him that there was another murder in York, and on a  Greyjoy oil rig. He set his jaw and a voice in his mind decided that whoever killed these people were the same fuckers who blew the Old Bailey and the Stadium up, but he knew that even if his gut feeling was good, he couldn't let it cloud his judgement. People see what they want to see. He can't rule out the possibility that another group of murderers was responsible for this. He had to remain objective.

He flashed his card on the scanner and walked through the doors as they opened and let him into the MI5 offices. There were people bustling about the room, the sound of papers getting passed about and a low murmur of voices. Dann saw him and waved him over, quickly telling him that they've had a report that a journalist had been found murdered in his Glasgow apartment, and a Lannister employee was poisoned with arsenic. He asked if there were any relation between the victims and Dann shook his head and told him that the only thing they shared was the coins they found on their body and that they were close to prominent members of the great Houses. Arthur narrowed his eyes at the list. Hornwood, Stark. Dalt, Martell. Devan Lannister. Goodbrook, Tully. Farwynd, Greyjoy. That's five Houses.

Then, Erin said that one of the PM's aide didn't come home that night and Arthur quickly told her to search for him. Wylde, Baratheon. Six.

He asked about the coin and Dann showed him a picture of it, and on it, OMNES MORI was clearly carved on it, and Arthur asked, " Is it and abbreviation of Omnes Moriuntur?" Dann nodded.

All men die.

He smirked at that, " A group of philosophers, brilliant. It's always the weird and quite ones, right?"

Erin raised a fist and flashed a grin, and proclaimed that women will gladly rule the world in the absence of men.

Arthur straightened and looked at his team and nodded, " These are done by one group. Lets get them. Do we have any CCTV footage?"

---

It was 11 pm and he had just come back from the Red Lion. They found the coin in the cash register and the bartender working the night before could only shake his head and say that Wylde left a little drunk and a woman paid for his tab, but he couldn't give a proper description of her. Just blond, he said.

They had some footage, of course, but not faces. These people knew what they were doing, when, where and how to hide their faces. Dann had tried to track them by pinning the way they walked, but nothing came up and he suggested that the assassin's changed their entire body language to mask their identity. So, here they are, faceless and nameless, and his gut twisted and the voice in his head told him once again, that they were the ones who was responsible for the bombing.

And they were still no closer to catching these bastards now than they were two months ago. All they had to show for the time spent were arrests that they soon found to be false. They had spent so much time chasing after the wrong cars, and by the end of it, he was angry, frustrated, and tired above all. Everyone was.

He only hoped that these murders would eventually lead them to these faceless men ( and two women at least, as Erin reminded him. )

He turned his head away from his computer screen and leant into his chair. His eyes were worn and aching and he rubbed them, wondering if he should grab a cup of coffee. Arthur then saw Varys in his office and he got up. He should speak to him about this, see if the man has anything to add- Maybe he will see something that he didn't.

So he walked to the office and tapped his knuckles on the door once, before walking in, " Sleep allright?"