Realm of Fate and Sacrifice

Chapter Two

|Mocking Bird In The Camp|

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It was night. She wanted to speak with Lady Catelyn, but Araelia heard a certain member of the counsel had visited Renly earlier that day. She knew it was Lord Baelish, it had to be.

Renly told her what they spoke of, though she was upset she wasn't included. She maybe been sixteen years old, but Renly put her on his counsel for a reason; she's smart. She's capable, and she knows what she's doing.

She knows how to play.

Araelia decided to take a stroll around the camp, trying to clear her mind and think about their next course of action. The Starks want to form an alliance with Renly. The plan can go so perfectly. Robb just wants the north, and Renly will give it up to have the iron throne. All they needed to do was find common cause, a way to bring themselves together.

She clenched her jaw in thought as she walked past soldiers and tents, past open brazers and small fires.

"Lady Araelia" a voice called from behind her as she passed an open brazier.

Araelia spun on her heel to face a man wearing clothes too luxurious for a common man in this camp "Lord Baelish" she knew immediately.

The man bowed slightly "I'm surprised you recognized me, I don't think we have had the honor of meeting" he was laying it on thick already.

"What can I say, I have good eyes" Araelia decided to keep walking.

"Interesting way of phrasing" Lord Baelish followed behind her swiftly "I hear Renly has made you apart of his counsel"

Araelia stoped and turned to him "King Renly, and yes he did, His Grace trusts my advice and heeds my counsel"

"I wonder why that is" He cocked his head and smiled "you are all but a girl, you have no experience in war, nor politics"

"And who said I didn't?" Araelia matched the lords energy "If I were you, Lord Baelish, I would watch the way I speak, I may be the one taking your place in the near future"

"I didn't know you were interested in the role of Master of Coin" Lord Baelish kept his smile but Araelia could see right through him.

"I'm not" She turned away and continued to walk "have you lost your tent Lord Baelish? It can be confusing, I know. It took me quite long to find my way to my tent...as well as my sisters and the kings. I have walked in on many things I dare not repeat to a Lord such as yourself"

Lord Baelish chuckled "I'm sure it wouldn't shock me"

"Perhaps" Araelia answered shortly.

"I'm sorry but I seem slightly confused about something you said just now" He shook his head.

"And what is that?" Araelia questioned.

"Well, I noticed you said your sisters tent...do the Queen and King not share one?"

"People require thier space, it is not something that is unheard of, and I'm sure Renly wouldn't like all the queens gowns and womanly things cluttering up his space" Araelia played it safe, she knew about Lord Baelish and his tricks. She wasn't about to fall into one of his sly traps.

"Yes, well...I can't help but notice that your brother; Ser Loras, went into the kings tent just earlier"Araelia knew what he was trying to hint at.

"Why wouldn't he?" She asked him, carefully using a casual tone "Loras is head of Renlys kings guard, there are many things they must discuss...are you trying to imply something...My Lord?"