(Ellion's POV)
"You knew Old Lyonel?!" I asked, my eyes widened
There was nothing but genuine surprise in my voice. I was aware that the old knight was acquainted with House Frey and House Tully, even House Lannister by some extent. But to think he would have ties with the Crown and Aerys himself.
Aerys smiled slightly, "Did I?" He said, "The Old Fox was once a Knight who served House Targaryen. He was a candidate to become a fellow brother of Ser Arthur here."
I looked at Ser Arthur, who was merely staring at me with a serious expression. I didn't know any of this; Old Lyonel was a simple Hedge Knight who occasionally did jobs for House Frey.
"He didn't tell you?" Aerys asked, "I heard that the Old Knight took a young red-headed squire, who he picked up from somewhere. I assumed you were a peasant, but to think you would be a bastard. I do wonder who is the foolish Highborn that fathered you? Well, it doesn't matter."
"What do you mean, Your Grace?" I asked, "Did Old Lyonel say something about me?"
"Hm, yes." Aerys said, "He told me you had the potential to become a fine warrior, one that would serve the Realm well."
"Wait...." I rubbed the bridge of my nose, "I.....I am confused. Lyonel was a Hedge Knight, I know that much. But you mean to tell me that he was a Knight of House Targaryen? I....I was not aware of that."
"Tell him, Ser Arthur." Aerys gestured at the Kingsguard
"Ser Lyonel was a fine warrior, one that Ser Barristan and I respected." Ser Arthur said, "Even our fellow Kingsguard respected his prowess. He served House Targaryen well, but his clashing ideals with His Grace eventually led to him leaving."
"I would have had him hanged, for treason." Aerys said, "But I decided to spare him. The truth is that I still had love for someone like him. He was a good man, Old Lyonel. Shortly before his death, he had sent me a letter, informing me of you. It brings me joy to hear that you avenged him."
This was something that came out of nowhere.
Old Lyonel practically raised me, he was the only father figure I had in this world. He taught me everything there is to know about this world. He taught me how to ride a horse, how to hunt, how to fight, and how to play cyvasse.
He was very important to me, so hearing about this came as a shock to me. Then again, the Old Man never spoke about his history. I do remember him talking about the King as if he knew him personally, but I always thought he was being a rude old man.
"I see..." I said as I looked down, "I didn't know about this, Your Grace. Old Lyonel never spoke about his past."
"He lived for decades before you came to his care." Aerys said, "Don't be surprised that he had some interesting experiences."
"I do wonder." I said as I looked at him, "What clashing ideals led for him to leave....."
Aerys stood up from his seat and walked up to me, a slight smile on his face. He then gestured for me to lean down to him.
I leaned down, a bit curious about what he was going to say.
As I did so, he leaned towards my ear, "I had plenty of mistresses." He said, "So many that it was overwhelming."
I raised an eyebrow, "Oh." I said, "Is that so?"
He leaned back, "It's no secret to the court and many houses that I had some." He said as he turned around, "But the exact number was a secret, you know. I've had some Essosi ladies on my bedside, even a couple of Northerners. Not many knew about it, save for the Kingsguard and Old Lyonel himself. There were around two or three Ladies from the Great Houses that were part of my old group."
"I-Is that so?" I asked, "I guess asking who it was would be quite insulting."
He looked back at me, "Well, it would." He said, "But no matter. I only tell you this because I can tell one thing; I am no fool."
"Know what, Your grace?" I asked
"You are like me. Well, you are like the old me." He said with a slight smirk
Shit.
Did he figure me out?
He knows about me fucking multiple women? Well, even if that is the case, he wouldn't know who I have been fucking. But if knows that I do it, he would only do so if someone caught me with Genna or someone in the Masked Party.
"Hm....." I said
"Do you seriously think I wouldn't hear about that little reunion?" He said, "The one with the masks?"
I frowned, "Who was it?" I asked, "Was it the plump one with a fat ass?"
He laughed, "Hahaha!" He said, "Oh, I like you a lot! No, it was not nobody like that. Someone else, do not worry about such things."
"Do you know who hosted that party?" I asked
"The owner of the brothels here in Lannisport?" Aerys shrugged, "I do not know, nor do I care. What I care about is that you are like I was in my days. And I am quite surprised that you're acting the exact opposite of how Old Lyonel would approve of."
My eye twitched, "W-What?"
He narrowed his eyes, "Old Lyonel would disagree with what you're doing, Ellion." He said seriously, "So I suggest you choose your path carefully."
"With respect, Your Grace." I said, "Whatever Path I take, it shouldn't matter. I am still honoring Old Lyonel's death wish; to live without regrets."
"Oh, is that what he told you?" He asked, "That is interesting. And quite dreadful, Ellion. Well, no matter. I wanted to speak to you directly and alone."
"I am liking Lannisport, Your Grace." I said, "I am afraid I might have to refuse your suggestion to join you."
"That was no suggestion, boy." He said with a frown
"Again, with respect." I said, "There are things I must do."
"What kind of things?" He said, "There is nothing else for you here in Lannisport, Ellion."
"I would disagree," I said
"Tywin wouldn't want you here. The only reason you still breathe is that I have kept him from hanging you, boy." He said with a scowl, "And for a blade as sharp as yourself, it would be a shame to see it stuck to the side of his sister."
"You flatter me, Your Grace." I said, "Lady Genna is quite nice to me. But the thing is, there are many things I have to do. I cannot speak of them, but when I am done, I would be more than glad to join you."
"Hm...." Aerys said, "You have two weeks."
"Then we leave."