The Winds of Westeros

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?

My favourite family from Westeros....NOT! The ONLY exception is Tyrion. He walks with a swagger, is extremely intelligent and cunning. I like how he sees through everyone else's lies and deceit.

The rest of his family are abhorrent.

Let's start with his older siblings, shall we? What can we say about a pair of fraternal twins who commit incest? Nothing pleasant, that's for sure! Cersei Lannister was the first twin born to Joanna and Tywin Lannister of Casterly Rock. Jaime was born second. Both blond, cherubic and healthy, they grew up looking almost identical. The twins were educated very differently, much to Cersei's chagrin. She was taught all the finer points that befits a young lady of her station: court etiquette, needlework, dancing, poetry, household management and the history of all the Houses in Westeros.

Jaime Lannister was trained by the Casterly Rock men at arms to use swords, shields, axes, lances and how to properly ride horses into battle and for transportation. After all, he was a man and expected to serve his family through politics or combat.

Growing up, the twins began to have a sick, sordid relationship, with each other.  This relationship was carefully guarded and ultimately produced three children, whom Cersei let her late husband think he was the father. Readers of the books and audience members who've watched the series all thought how absolutely disgusting the two of them were for carrying on in such a depraved manner.

Cersei is angry and resentful for being born a female and being made to marry and serve her family like chattel. Jaime is arrogant and condescending, because he is so skilled as a member of the King's guard.

Tyrion is the one everyone likes best. Why? He has survived heartache and ridicule by many, including his own family members. He has used the fact that he is a dwarf to build up his strengths and cultivate a memorable persona. He reads and writes. He is shrewd, intelligent and is very capable of having intelligent conversations about anything. He has empathy for those less fortunate then himself, a rare quality that his siblings and father do not possess. He is a total ladies man. We all love him for it, too!

Then there is daddy. Tywin Lannister does not take bull from anyone. The man stands well over 6'5 and carries himself regally. This is a man with a stern military background. His has been very successful in all of his campaigns. He is also very wealthy and understands court politics and financial policies very well. He has a keen mind and sharp, cutting wit. Tywin Lannister is not the kind of man you want to trifle with. Ever.

There are other Lannisters that we've been introduced to, namely Kevan Lannister and Lancel Lannister. Kevan is Tywin's younger brother. He serves on his brother's war council and gives prudent and thoughtful advice. He is smart enough to know that Tywin holds all the power and that it is best to serve a man who is in power and maintains control of that power.  Lancel Lannister is cousin to Cersei, Jaime and Tyrion. Lancel seems like a little whiner, a backstabbing man who will do anything to elevate his social position. I think we all enjoyed seeing Tyrion mess with his head during the second season. I know I enjoyed their scenes together. Nothing like Tyrion putting a member of his own family in their place! Rightfully so!!

Now, I would also like to include Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen. Joffrey is an outright psycho. His immature and power hungry behaviour speaks for itself. If only Tommen, the youngest boy, had been born first. Tommen has a very sweet and loving disposition. Totally opposite of what a Lannister is like. Myrcella is a sweet natured teenage girl. It's hard to believe that those two younger siblings have Cersei Lannister as their mother. She is a monster.

I wouldn't expect to see Cersei up for 'Mother of the Year' award anytime soon. As for Joffrey...is there anyone else out there who is waiting and counting that days to see what goes down in Season III next year?! I am!!

I'd like to live at Casterly Rock. I'd have servants to attend my every whim; I'd have a huge room; lots of gold and oh, of course, I'd be residing in the ancient house of the Lannister clan.

What's there NOT to like?! Casterly Rock is the chief residence of the current ruling family - the Lannisters. Tywin Lannister is a rich and very powerful man. When Tyrion says to anyone within earshot that, "A Lannister always pays his debts," he's not joking!

Casterly Rock sits high on top of a great mountain range and deep within the earth, there are veins of molten gold deposits scattered throughout. No wonder why the Lannisters can pay for everything and never have any debts. When you sit on top of THE richest gold deposit in the Seven Kingdoms, then you'd be able to brag about it all day long, too! Life is pretty good in Westeros....especially if your surname is Lannister.

I believe that Casterly Rocks sits atop of a mountain range that overlooks Lannisport harbour. Casterly Rock has been the chief residence for all the Lannister dynasty. They have Lann the Cleaver to thank for that!

Ok.

Seriously.

What is there left to say?!

I was riveted in my seat from the moment the episode "Blackwater Bay" started, right up until the end. I yelled at the television a few times (I have a realllllly big flat screen television). A few times I cheered Tyrion on. At times I insulted Joffrey (what else is new). I had my "Clash of Kings" book beside me. I had my Twitter feed going and could see all the hashtag trending going on, with respect to the Game of Thrones Twitter feed.

Joffrey, you are a moron. The Hound, you have a soft side for Sansa but are loathe to admit it. Besides, you've had it with the Lannisters. Can't say that I blame you, either (with the exception of Tyrion). Tyrion, you had to take over and become the figurehead of support, to instill some bravado in the army, seeing as how Joffrey tuck tailed and ran off like the coward he was.  Stannis, you fool. While I understand that you have a good claim to the Iron Throne, was it necessary to sacrifice so many men, all for the sake of domination? Ser Davos, you're a practical and brave man, but unfortunately, all your years of experience couldn't save your son. Shae, I have to give you credit where it's due. You have a steely exterior, most likely in part of trying to survive your tender years and growing up in Westeros. I kind of have a grudging admiration for you now....but don't forget, I've read almost four books in the series.

Tywin, you clever, sly fox. You have the Tyrells in your midst and have them fighting for you. Hmm. I think you liked Littlefinger's rationale from a few episodes back. I hope Loras has good sense to see in time, he'll end up paying down the road for joining ranks with the Lannisters. Varys, you set a sombre tone. More like ominous. Bronn, you're a pretty tough guy. You and the Hound have unfinished business.

Sansa, you still want to believe that people have good intentions. The Hound offered you your freedom. As well as some pretty blunt advice.  Even though you went to pray for everyone and told Tyrion you'd pray for his safe return, c'mon, did you really think the Imp totally believed you? Mind you, the look on Tyrion's face was one of amusement and belief. I think he understands that Sansa has to do and say what she must, to stay alive. And of course, I can't forget to mention that immoral drunk (no, not Robert, because he's dead) Cersei. What a pathetic woman. She has stooped to new lows, even when I thought she couldn't get any lower. Such touching concern she showed for all in Maegor's Keep. My favourite is how she just kept on drinking and telling Sansa what would and could potentially happen, should King's Landing fall. Disgusting. She is the last person that I would keep the faith with!

Tyrion. What can I say? I'm glad that Podrik slew Ser Manden. Of course, what can you expect from Joffrey's personal Kingsguard? Backstabbers!

Hard to believe there is only one more episode left. Then, us fans will have to wait until April 2013 for Season III...

I've been thinking, while I was driving around today, running some errands. When I think of Game of Thrones, my mind is filled with all sorts of possibilities. But that's a whole other blogspot.  In honour of tomorrow night's EPIC episode, "The Battle of Blackwater Bay," two songs come to mind.

The first was Thin Lizzy's, "Jail Break," because there are several lyrics that are very appropriate for tomorrow night's battle sequences. The second song - and probably more ominous - is AC/DC's "Hell's Bells." Why that one, you ask? Well, um, hello?! Seven Gods in Westeros - the Old and the New....and because there is going to be a lot of action that goes down tomorrow night.

Some of the characters are going to survive. Others won't be so lucky. Certainly...some characters deserve to go to the deepest, darkest hell in Westeros, for all the misery and destruction they've caused in the last two seasons.

(I am aware that by rooting for the Lannisters, I am leaving myself open to criticism) I want to make it perfectly clear that I am NOT rooting for Prince Joffrey. Tyrion, show your animal side. After all, your sigil is a lion!

T-minus 34 hours and counting!

I just finished reading the full length article in Rolling Stone magazine that features Peter Dinklage, also known as Tyrion Lannister, and it was amazing. His sense of humour - more to the point - his deadpan lines are hilarious. I am happy that Peter Dinklage won both the Emmy and the Golden Globe for his portrayal of the Imp.

I bought two copies - one that everyone can read and one that I have tucked away, underneath my bed for safe keeping.  As an added bonus, RS magazine also has an interview with George R R Martin, based on how he came to create the character of Tyrion Lannister and why he was happy that Peter Dinklage accepted the role.

That Emmy and Golden Globe were bestowed on the right actor! Long live Peter!

After watching (and rewatching) last night's episode....you had to wonder, who in Westeros truly has honour?

I believe that Ned Stark did, as did Bariston Selmy. I believe that the old bear, Lord Commander Mormont does and Jon Snow possesses it, too. King Robb Stark is also a man with honour, as in evidence by the way he talks to his troops, the way he cares for them and how he listens to his bannermen's counsel. (He really should've listened to his mother's, regarding the Greyjoy's).

I was sad to see Ser Rodrick Cassel die. That upset me. However, it creates the sort of dramatic tension in order to keep the audience riveted to the screen and also instill a fierce loyalty to the remaining Stark crew. Brandon has forced to become a man in such a short span of time, even though he is only a teen.

And Tyrion has his own sense of honour, given who his brother, sister and father are. He truly cares for his niece Myrcella and nephew Tommen, but as for the rest of them, he knows they don't truly respect him because of his "imp" status. And Ayra....how amazing are her scenes with the great Tywin? Even though they are on duelling paths and he (apparently) has no knowledge that she is a Stark, you have to love their banter back and forth. He likes that fact that she is quick to sum up a situation. She likes that she can have a conversation, it is her way of being savvy at gathering information for future use. Also love how Tywin sees through what she says but he enjoys her company.

"You're a sharp little thing, aren't you?"

I went to three Chapters/Indigo stores who did NOT have the brand new RS issue in stock.

Needless to say, that did not make me a happy camper. I was told to come back on Monday, May 14.

You don't need to remind me twice, either!

I have to admit....I have a serious crush on Peter Dinklage. I find out tonight that he's going to be gracing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. The issue comes out this Friday. Which means I'm going to purchase several copies and put one away in my Game of Thrones time capsule.

Tyrion, get medieval on someone!!!!!!!!

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).