The Winds of Westeros

Okay, as a little girl, I used to love the "Mr. Men" series of books. They were colourful, entertaining and usually had some sort of moral to the story.

I ask you, then, what could be better than regular "Mr. Men" books?

Game of Thrones Mr. Men books!!!

I will post the link in the links section.

As for my favourite Game of Thrones "Mr. Men" character, I'll give you three guesses!

And of course, that goes without saying that it is Ms. Arya Stark! (I'm kind of hoping that the creators of this will get around to drawing more of the characters, because I would love to see what Tywin, Tyrion, Margaery and Lady Olenna would be labeled as!)

My husband gave me the best suggestion: why not have the Arya Stark Mr. Men character as a tattoo, because I have been wanting to get one for a year now and it had to be specifically about Arya or Tyrion. Awesome suggestion, honey. This time, I'm going to listen to you!

:)

Who do you consider to be the sexiest vamp on Game of Thrones?

Who, in your humble opinion, is the most dastardly of men, in the Seven Kingdoms?

Who do you think will reign supreme and come out on top - proving many people wrong and perhaps raising a few eyebrows?

I think Margaery is the sexiest vamp to hit the screen. Cunning, lethal and seductive, not only does she know how t play Joffrey like a lute, she dresses to accentuate her womanly curves and titillates with her come hither eyes.

The most vile, dastardly of men....well, this is a tough one! I asked my husband and his answer (right away, without hesitation) was Roose Bolton's bastard, Ramsay Snow.

I agree with his choice. I also want to add Walder Frey and Petyr Baelish in that club, too. Dirty rotten scoundrels! And yet, these men seem to be outlasting a lot of other people!

As for who will come out on top, well, I would love to see this happen: I would love for Arya Stark to somehow, someway, meet up with Dany Targaryen and become a member of her Queen's Guard. In fact, I would love to see those two women team up and have each others' back. Dany with her dragons and Arya with her street smart, assassin savvy skills, well, what more could you ask for?! Well, of course, I would love to add Tyrion Lannister to the mix. He would be the political advisor to Dany Targaryen. That would be SO awesome!

I'd also like to see Jaime say, "Eff you, Cersei!" and never, ever be under her malignant influence again! He should go off in search of Tyrion, beg his forgiveness and restore the bonds of brotherhood. I'd also like to see Jon Snow become the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch with Samwell Tarly by his side, as his most trusted confidant. I'd love to see Margaery rule - through Tommen and have her grandmother at her side as a political force to be reckoned with. BOOYEAH.

I'd like to see Cersei get her JUST DESSERTS. I would also like to see Bran and Rickon reunited with Jon, somehow, someway, with the Reeds, Osha and Hodor intact, too!

I know, I know. Perhaps this is just wishful thinking on my part...

Well, we have to wait another 290 days or so until Season IV, which begins March 2014. Man, is it going to be a very long winter.

I want to state that I am a HUGE Game of Thrones fan, as evidence of my blog, my articles for HBO Watch and my memorabilia are all proof. :)

I have to say that I was slightly disappointed with the season finale. To be more specific: the ending. I really thought that ending it off with Dany - once again - was a let down and totally burst my balloon.
I was left yelling at the television after the credits had started to roll. As in, "Give me a break already! What the hell is this?! The Dany Targaryen show?! Last time I looked, the title of the episode was called "Mysha." Yes, Dany is the 'Mother of Dragons' but there are other mothers in the Game of Thrones series.

You have every one's favourite wicked witch of Casterly Rock, Cersei.

Of course, we can't forget the totally awesome grandmother, Olenna Tyrell, who with a look, could freeze a person in their tracks and run roughshod over the strongest or sliest person. After all - you're talking about a woman who had the balls to stand up to Tywin. And live to tell the tale, too! Grandma got game!

Gilly the Wilding is starting to come out of her shell since escaping her cruel and depraved father.

There was mother to be Talisa Stark. May she rest in peace.

What about Catelyn Stark?! Now, there's a woman and a mother who had been thoroughly robbed of her purpose to live! There could have been a spectacular (or spooky way) of ending the season finale with her...

I loved everything in the season finale except the final scene.

Highlights: Tywin and Tyrion. And how Tywin totally intimidated Joffrey. Jaime and Brienne coming back to King's Landing. Davos risking his life to free Gendry. Bran and company meeting with Sam and Gilly. That was bittersweet. Hodor being Hodor. Yara standing up to her father and suiting up to go get Theon back and (hopefully) whipping Ramsay Snow to death. Sam being reunited with Jon! Arya and The Hound. ARYA!!!!!

Lows: Walder Frey and Roose Bolton gloating in the aftermath of the Red Wedding. SHAME ON YOU BOTH! They are MONSTERS!! Ygritte crying after shooting Jon with a few arrows. Really, Ygritte?! Ramsay Snow taunting Theon. Gross! C'mon, you knew he would flee! Showing Dany as the saviour of yet another city, Yunkai. While I am happy that she is finally acquiring some girl power and trying to right a few wrongs in a tough, unforgiving world, this ending was a huge let down. I can't recall a time where I was so unbelievably frustrated that I actually had a fandimonium tantrum!!!

Okay, end rant. I just wanted to get that off my chest! I respectfully state my opinion and that I totally respect other people's opinions about the story lines and endings.

#TeamArya

In light of the fact that the school year is coming to a close and that HBO's Game of Thrones is winding down (*sigh*), I've decided to pick up where I left off from last year.

I have been reading A Dance with Dragons.

And BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is it ever a meaty read!

Action! Adventure! Betrayal! Surprise journeys! Power! Crime! Intrigue!

And ONE VERY BIG glitch that I did not see coming.

New characters. Shady pasts. Possible hope for a better future.

A lost, forgotten member of a House.

And that's all I'm going to say right now.

Happy reading to me! :)

So, we've come to the point where Tyrion and Sansa have now been united in holy matrimony. Or unholy. I guess it depends on how you look at it. I feel for the both of them - being used as political pawns at the behest of Tywin and Joffrey. I really wish Sansa would grow up and start showing a little more maturity - after all, it's Tyrion she's wedded to and not Joffrey. She also needs to develop a sense of cunning and keen wit. How else will she survive?

Joffrey was insufferable, as usual. However, for all the fans that can't stand him: I counsel patience. He will get his soon enough.

I find Shae annoying and a real idiot. When she said "Your father does not rule the world," to Tyrion when the news broke of Tyrion's impending nuptials, I thought what an absolute fool she was! Mind you, I've read the books and I didn't like her character to begin with, so I was on red alert with her.

I totally dug how Lady Olenna was trying to breakdown the very complicated and six degrees of separation relationships that both her grandchildren were going to have through marriage. Classic - she is the female version of Tywin, although her strength does not come from armies or brute force, but from wicked wit, intrigue and knowledge.

Cersei is nothing but a power hungry drunk. Funny, all those times she chastised Robert for drinking, eh? Her little speech to Margaery has really not endeared her to me. Mind you, I never liked Cersei to begin with. She thinks she has power and thinks she has the female gender's interests at heart but she does not. I've never seen a poorer example of a feminist being portrayed. Hence, I don't feel sorry for her and everything that she has coming to her, well, frankly, she deserves. The wedding banquet scene was priceless. I'm glad Tyrion insulted his nephew under the guise of being drunk. Or was he? Was that a spot of acting on Tyrion's part? And Tywin - very cleverly intervening - in order to save face in front of their guests and to disarm Joffrey's sadistic nature - was well timed. Who's playing who, you have to wonder...

Love Arya and the Hound. He doesn't get enough credit. He's kind of like Jaime. You can't stand them both equally and hope they get their just desserts. It's kind of weird - that moment where you actually start to like a character that you couldn't stand previously! The Hound is an observant, deep thinker. Nobody gives him credit.

The introduction of Daario Naharis into the fold is timely. He sure is nice eye candy to look at. I could feel the sparks fly between him and Dany. About time, too! And what about Melisandre? She's freaky! I'm glad Ser Davos is back in the fold, counselling Stannis. Someone needs to have some clarity and common sense where she's concerned! And let us not forget, the ravens, the hut, the dark frigid north and that eerie Weirdwood tree with all the noise from the ravens. And of course, Samwell the Slayer! Samwell has finally broken out of the timid shell. He attacked that White Walker first with his sword (but was unsuccessful), then with the Obsidian. Boo yeah! The White Walker cracked, as if made of glass, and shattered! Awesome! Three cheers for Samwell.

I'm bracing myself for the second wedding, which should take place over the final two episodes.

This wedding is not for the faint at heart - readers of the books will know exactly what I am talking about.

I have a feeling the royal wedding with Joffrey and Margaery will take place next season.

After all, I think Weiss and Benioff want to leave fans shocked, angry and above all, hungry for more!

I wrote an episode review for Season III's episode #5 - "Kissed by Fire."

Have to say, it was a fantastic episode! Can't wait for next week! :)

Been real busy with work and report cards.....stay tuned for additional musings.

Would LOVE to see a scene with the mighty Tywin and the formidable Olenna. Imagine those two trading barbs! LOL

It's not March.

Nope, not in my humble opinion. Yes, we said "goodbye" to February.

This month will be officially known as "Game of Thrones" month.

Brace yourselves, FB, Twitter and blog friends. More annoying status updates are on their way!

Less than 30 days.

AWESOME.

BRING ON THE DRAGONS, THE UNSULLIED, THE REEDS, MANCE, THE WILDLINGS, TYRION AND ARYA.

Okay. I saw the BEST Game of Thrones inspired cake EVER!!!!

My birthday is basically a week after Season III premieres (actually, my wedding anniversary is the day before my birthday). So, it's only fitting that I have a three tiered cake, with the top layer being dedicated to House Targaryen, the middle layer being dedicated to Arya, Jon, the Wall and House Stark and the bottom tier being dedicated to House Baratheon and Tyrion Lannister.

Top layer: double chocolate with chocolate butter cream filling.

Middle layer: marble with chocolate and strawberry butter cream filling.

Bottom layer: lemon with strawberry filling.

I just gained 20 pounds and my birthday is not for another 91 days!!!!

How AWESOME is this post from 109 We Come from the Future?

http://io9.com/5966920/game-of-thrones-meets-battle-of-the-bands-with-these-parody-music-logos/gallery/1

I think it's pure genius!

111 days left to go, Game of Thrones fans! Yay!

I have 10 good reasons as to why I am SO LOOKING FORWARD to March 31, 2013.

Y'all know, the season premiere of Game of Thrones third season?!

10. The Hound. A scarred warrior. A tremendous fighting machine. A man who told the King where to go and how to go about doing it. I have a new found respect for him, despite his past transgressions.

9. The Blackfish, Brynden Tully. Being introduced to the Blackfish of House Tully will help explain the family's origins, motives and military allegiances.

8. What's going to happen to Tyrion Lannister! He's the best one of the bunch! Need I say more on the subject?!

7. The Reed siblings. This should be interesting and as a fan, I am hoping that certain historical elements will be revealed to Bran and Rickon, especially about how their late father rescued their late aunt Lyanna, right before she died. Could unlock one of the greatest mysteries about why Lyanna was alone and what the cause of her death was.

6. The White Walkers!! Holy crap! What is going to go down at the Fist of First Men? And what will happen to Samwell Tarly?

5. Ygritte and Jon Snow. C'mon, I'm just going to say it like it is: we ALL can't wait to see what Ygritte is going to 'teach' Jon up in the frigid lands north of the Wall. She's a redhead, she's fiery and she calls Jon on his ignorance and naivete. I have a feeling that Jon Snow is going to be quite the apt pupil. If you catch my drift.

4. Bran and Rickon Stark. I have a tender spot in my heart for these two young Stark children, forced to grow up, to deal with their father's death, their mother's separation and the shocking execution of Ser Rodrick Cassel and having to say goodbye to their beloved Maester Luwin. I am looking forward to the dreams and the transformation of wolf and man. Dreams and visions are pretty powerful things, and Bran must come to terms with this new found ability.

3. Lady Olenna Redwyne. I've been looking forward to seeing who would be cast for this role. Yes, she's an old lady but grandma's got game! She's wise, cunning and quietly dominates her family. Sure, she lets her son think he rules the Tyrell roost. But come on, now. WE all know that the quiet power behind the Tyrell family sigil of "Growing Strong" isn't a male: it's Olenna. And with her sharp eyes and cutting wit, she is molding and shaping one far more beautiful as her protegee: her granddaughter, Margaery. Margaery Tyrell: shrewd, seductive, survivor. I can't wait to see what the writers have in store. Margaery isn't just another pretty face. You GO GIRLS!

2. Arya Stark. Let's see the mercenary skills begin to emerge. She's sassy enough to dress like a boy. She's got the basic fundamental sword and fencing skills down pat. She's made an important ally: Jaqen H'gar. Valar Morghulis, anyone?

1. Mance Raydar, King Beyond the Wall. CIARAN HINDS. That's my rationale. Does a woman need to say anything else?

Yes.

I actually had the nerve to email a few of my friends on Facebook and invite them to a little get together that I'll be having on March 31, 2013. (imagine that...me planning things way in advance!)

Oh, wait. What's so special about that date? It's seven and a half months away!

In case you haven't read my blog, followed me on Pinterest, haven't read my character profiles on HBO Watch or don't have me as a Facebook friend, then you've been living under a rock! (just joking). I am a HUGE Game of Thrones fan. March 31, 2013 kicks off the season premiere of the third season, known to us all as "Game of Thrones: A Storm of Swords."

I've invited six people so far. Five are coming. I am going to order two cakes from my fantastic cake lady to commemorate the auspicious occasion! One will be a blue and white cake with the Stark dire wolf sigil on it. I'm thinking chocolate vanilla swirl for the House Stark cake (I always order chocolate from my cake lady for my cake flavours so I'll be bold and try something different). As for the second cake, it will be red and gold, as it will represent House Lannister. Flavour? Hm. Strawberry might be a good choice. Lemon is always a crowd pleaser, too.

And NO, I won't be dressing up as Arya, as someone had previously teased me about. Although one day I will go to a Comic Con and I will dress up in a Game of Thrones costume. I've see legions of dedicated fans do it countless times and who says you can only dress up in costumes on Halloween?!

Of course, it goes without saying that the guests I've invited were told to watch Season II before coming by for the Game of Thrones get together (I actually got one of my friends hooked on the series and he totally thanked me for it).

Let's hear it for the Starks of Winterfell!

They're loyal, hearty, disciplined and respected. They are an ancient House in Westeros and they live in the northern part of the continent.

Eddard and Catelyn Stark have five children: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon. Jon Snow is the alleged illegitimate son of Eddard and some woman from a long time ago, but I doubt that theory. However, that is another blog post altogether.

Maester Luwin was their chief tutor, scholar, advisor and counsellor. Ser Rodrik Cassel was their chief defence advisor and weapons trainer.

We all grew to love Ned, as he was steadfast and loyal to all and a friend and good example of what a Warden and Lord should be. Unfortunately, we know he was falsely executed for treason at the end of Season I. His legacy and memory live on. Catelyn does her best to advise and raise her children but it is not an easy time, nor an easy thing to be a woman in Westeros. Robb is now stationed as King of the North, with a few military successes to his credit. The Young Wolf seems to be following in his late father's footsteps.

Sansa was the dutiful daughter. However, look where duty has gotten her: stranded in King's Landing with nothing but enemies around her. We all hope that her situation changes. Arya had the gumption to pose as a boy, was stationed at Harrenhal and became Tywin Lannister's cup bearer. Talk about getting the best access to war plans and military sieges. She also begins to show a prowess and cunning skill, when it comes to getting rid of her enemies. I like her!

Bran and Rickon are the two youngest Stark children and have not fared so well. Bran became paralyzed after being thrown from a tower window. Upon waking, many modifications had to be put into place, in order to allow him to move about. Rickon is the youngest and has had a difficult time processing all the events going on. The lack of parental involvement has taken its' toll on both the boys. Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik Cassel were the last two paternal figures they had, and unfortunately, we all know what fates those two men meet.

The dire wolves are a huge part of House Stark. After all, the sigil is the dire wolf and the motto for House Stark is "Winter is coming."

So far, Grey Wind is with King Robb. Lady was put down, by Ned himself, that way she did not suffer an even crueler fate by being butchered by some Lannister halfwit. Nymeria is somewhere out there....in the wilderness, grazing, search and travelling with a pack. Summer and Shaggywolf are constantly by Bran and Rickon's side, protecting the little Lords.

It pains me to see such a noble house suffer such injustice. I know that George R R Martin writes with purpose and intellect, but it just gets my blood boiling whenever a good character is torn asunder, betrayed or abandoned. Hence, the success of the books and series!

Damn you, George! (joking....well, sort of)

The baddest  - yet coolest - assassin on Game of Thrones is none other then Jaqen H'gar. You have to admit, there was something aloof...mysterious...dangerous about him, especially when we first caught a glimpse of him in that small cart, on the way to the Wall.

Anyone who can keep a calm composure and talk in third person without breaking a sweat is worth noting. Especially in Westeros, where there are so many characters and you really don't know who is a good guy or a bad guy until a few episodes have been shown.

Jaqen H'gar makes his debut in Season I, when Arya Stark had been disguised as a boy and was smuggled out of Kings Landing by Yoren, for her own safety. He is sitting in a small cart, apparently a prisoner and on his way to the Wall with the rest of the recruits that Yoren has found. He has red hair, with several streaks of white in it. He has the most hypnotic blue eyes I've ever seen. He doesn't bark or harass Arya, the way the others do. His quiet demeanour suggests that this man has some sort of secret power or ability that has yet to reveal itself. Yoren scoured the dungeons and prisons of Kings Landing, in search of new recruits for the Brotherhood of the Night's Watch. Apparently, other prisoners feared Jaqen H'gar. Perhaps with good reason, as we find out that he is a part of a secret troupe called the "Faceless Men" - they have the abilities to take on the physical appearance of others, and when that person's persona is no longer of use, they shape shift to become an entirely different person altogether! Which explains how he can take down so many people and not get caught.

When Arya meets up with him again in Season II while stationed at Harrenhal, she finds out that he is now serving Tywin Lannister's forces. She has a chance meeting with him and becomes upset, making her feelings known, stating that she should've just left him in the cart after being attacked by the Kings guard at the end of Season I. He doesn't flinch, nor does he deny what he is. He very calmly explains to her that he is now in debt to her. He asks her to name three people, because Arya owes the "Red God" three lives. Pretty sweet exchange, if you ask me, because this girl has a wicked agenda. She has a very long list and any help to getting rid of her enemies is just pure genius!

Jaqen H'gar helps out Arya Stark in ways she didn't even think of were possible. At first, she is skeptical of his abilities. Once the Tickler and Ser Amory Lorch are assassinated, she realizes that Jaqen H'gar is a force to be reckoned with and a very valuable ally. He also happens to arrange her escape from Harrenhal late one night, by simply stating to walk out of the gates at midnight. If you've seen the final episode, you'll know just how he took care of all the guards. At the end of Season II, Jaqen reveals all to Arya and asks that she go with him. Unfortunately, she rejects his offer, but not because she is scared or fears for her life, but because she needs to reunite with her brothers, sister and mother. He gives her a very strange but valuable coin with the phrase - "Valar Morghulis" - meaning "All men must die."

They part, Jaqen turns around to say goodbye to Arya and has completely changed looks! I am hoping and praying we see a little more of the elusive Jaqen H'gar in Season III or Season IV (I know, I'm being a bit pretentious when I say that, but hope springs eternal)!

We come to the letter "F." Normally, I don't mind the letter but I detest who this post represents. "F" stands for Frey. The Frey that most comes to mind is the cantankerous, sly old fox, Walder Frey. What I remember from Season I is how Lady Catelyn went to negotiate terms with him and he was newly married....to a 15 year old teenage girl. Talk about revolting. "And her honey's all mine." Could Walder Frey get any more disgusting?!

Yes, the man is called "Late Lord Frey," because he is known in the Seven Kingdoms for showing up late for battles. Preferable when the battles are over. How convenient. He has a lot of children and even more bastards. He is also very ambiguous in the series and extremely cranky in the books.

I know from what I've seen and what I've read, that I would not want Lord Walder Frey as my enemy. He has lived to be almost 90 years old and there's a reason for it: his cunning. He has outlived many a man because he is sly and able to look at situations and judge them for better or for worse.

Interesting to note that two betrothals were brokered at the end of Season I between two of his children to Robb Stark and Arya Stark.  Now that we've all finished watching Season II, we all know that Arya is so far removed from being engaged to one of Lord Walder Frey's sons, that really, she has nothing to worry about. It's Robb Stark's actions that have been a real breach of contract.

I have read four out of five books and I will not spoil anything for anyone checking out my little blog spot. But I will say this: Lady Catelyn Stark implored her son not to rub Lord Walder Frey the wrong way. He doesn't need the banner men of the North. More like, they need him because of his bridge. He has the advantage where he can call the tune and name his price to all that need to cross the Frey bridges.

Robb Stark: for all your military skill, you sure lack in common sense. And for what? A pretty face! Lord Walder Frey is a dangerous man. You will soon find out just how dangerous and vicious a 90 year old man can be...

Well of course! What did anyone expect?!

If I ever have a little girl, I already told my husband that we are naming her Arya and that's the end of the discussion. He has perfected a way of acknowledging me, when he is either amused with my shenanigans, or hasn't really paid attention to them, by stating, "Yes, dear."

I hope I have a little Arya to call my own in the near future (here's hoping that job comes my way). Now, back to the topic at hand. Where to begin? We catch a glimpse of a young girl, bored to tears and doing some needlepoint in a room with other ladies at the castle of Winterfell. We also see just how bored Arya is with having to do such a pointless task (yes, I said pointless, I fully agree with Arya on that one).

We also see that Arya has a keen intellect and longs for something more. Arya can shoot a bow as well as any of her brothers. In fact, she actually makes Bran look bad in front of the older Starks. We also know that Arya resembles her late aunt, Lyanna Stark. They share the same looks and personality.

Arya had some pretty neat experiences during the first season- she travelled to King's Landing with her sister and father, she met Syrio Forel and took up fencing and swordplay and she began her training. Unfortunately, she has some terrible experiences, too: she fought against that turd Joffrey and Lady ended up paying the price for it, she came to see how evil the Lannisters were and was present while her father was executed.

In the second season, we see Arya toughen up - by circumstance. Yoren smuggles her out of King's Landing with Gendry (the late King Robert Baratheon's illegitimate son) and takes them to the safety of the Wall. Only they don't get too far. They end up at Harrenhal. She ends up being a cup bearer for Tywin Lannister, of all men. Not that it's a bad thing, mind you, especially when the men discuss warfare and strategy. We see Arya hold her own against the great lion. The little wolf pup is growing up and growing teeth, while she's at it.

She is tough, spunky and clever enough to pose as a boy and then as a commoner. Tywin grows rather fond of her and they have meaningful conversations. She shows a maturity that most 11 year old girls don't possess. She also meets the mysterious stranger, Jaqen H'gar. They have an unusual agreement. I can't wait to see more of Arya Stark in "A Storm of Swords" (season three).

April 2013 is going to ROCK!

Well, as with all awards shows, the Emmys have put forth suggestions for their nomination ballots.

I BETTER see Charles Dance and Maisie Williams being nominated for Best Actor or Actress or Supporting Actor and Actress.

Yes, for those that have read the books, you know that in a Clash of Kings, they don't actually have personal contact while at Harrenhal, but I have to give credit where credit is due: pairing the debonair Charles Dance with spunky newcomer Maisie Williams was the perfect pairing. It was magic.

It was better then Nutella and bananas. Yes, I said Nutella! I know Charles Dance has been around in many movies, mini-series and plays/theatre productions. He is handsome, sophisticated and magnetic. I will admit, as a woman in her 30s, he is quite the sharp dressed man! I can't picture another English actor in the role of Tywin Lannister. That is a compliment to Charles Dance, because he just oozes leadership and control as Tywin. Right down to that steely glare.

As for Maisie Williams, when she portrays Arya Stark, she is tough, can hold her own against Dance's Tywin Lannister and still manage to maintain her sassy attitude. She portrays a tomboy in the first season, who was forced to grow up, especially after her father was executed. In the second season, we see her using her wit and fencing skills to help get her ahead, while pretending to be a boy. Her lessons with Syrio paid off.

I really want to see these two being rewarded this year for their compelling performances.

The episode "The Old Gods and the New" had a distinct theme throughout: what one must do in order to survive in the world of Westeros. Robb - wants to head back north to Winterfell to avenge Ser Rodrick's death and take care of Theon Greyjoy.

Brandon - desires to save the people of Winterfell but not wanting any harm coming to them.

Theon - still trying to prove what a man he is to everyone around him - often - with fatal results.

Osha - doing what it takes to survive in order to escape.

Arya - trying to be as stealthy as she can in order to gain inside information while using magic to get rid of her enemies.

Sansa - who comes to the realization that the world is not all fairy tales and perfect romances.

Tyrion - who is desperately trying to prevent open war and rebellion while at the same time trying to outmanouevre his cunning sister, Cersei AND trying very hard not to beat the living tar out of his stupid nephew, Joffrey.

Daneyers - trying to claim back the Iron Throne from a world away, with no ships, no armies and worst of all - no dragons (they've been abducted).