The Winds of Westeros

Happy birthday! Or should I say, happy name day, George R R Martin!

Maybe I'll celebrate with a cupcake in his honour.

I also missed a few of the Game of Thrones actors and actresses' birthdays in the summer months! I apologize for that, so happy belated name days to all I missed!

Only 193 more days until the premiere of Season III. But who's counting?!

And just like that, happiness is when HBO Watch publishes another one of my Game of Thrones related articles.

Happiness is HBO. Only 199 days left to go until the Season Premiere in March 2013.

But hey, who's counting?!

Hubster installed some kind of awesome sub woofer speaker system. When I watch Game of Thrones now...the quality of the sound makes me feel like I'm in the middle of a movie theatre!

:)

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?

As promised....I am coming up with some musical selections for some of the Houses in Westeros.

Not only will I do my best to pick a fitting piece of music per House, I'm also going to try and select the most appropriate piece of music for some of our favourite Game of Thrones characters, too!

Take into consideration that this is going to be a pretty big endeavour. I just got the 'green light' from Jacob at HBO Watch, so the finished product(s) will be published to the HBO Watch website.

So far, I have several songs from Led Zeppelin, Metallica, The Doors, The Cult, Madonna, Pink, Pink Floyd and LMFAO, to name a few!

You'll have to log on to http://hbowatch.com if you want to read the polished pieces of writing. I hope to do this particular piece justice. If there are any suggestions in terms of songs, please readers, feel free to leave me some commentary!

Time to cut a rug!

So, I was on a brief road trip with my husband to Niagara County, Ontario and we were listening to the Classic Vinyl and Classic Rewind stations on my Sirius XM radio when a wave of inspiration hit me: there are so many amazing songs out there, that perhaps I could blog about many of them, but that they should be classified according to their appropriate House.

There are, of course, many songs in different musical genres, so this provides me with an outstanding variety of songs to choose from.

Are there any songs out there, that you, my blog visitors, can think of for any of the Houses in Westeros? Feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

I'm going to go through all of my MP3 files and Cd's to see what songs would be appropriate.

Now that I think about it, Florence and the Machine's "Seven Devils" was such an appropriate choice for one of the Season II trailers....that I often wonder what they'll do for the Season III trailers that will be out for spring 2013?

Well, I asked my cake lady if she could make me 2 Game of Thrones themed cakes for the season premiere next year. Yeah, yeah. Laugh all you like, but she gets incredibly busy and I like to book her in advance. http://www.thevanillabean.ca

So, obviously I will have a House Stark and a House Lannister cake. I was thinking, they should definitely reflect the geographic areas of Westeros. What flavours? What colours?

Hubster says that the House Lannister cake has to be red and gold. Okay, I suppose that's a given. He also said that a nice combination of flavours would be lemon sponge cake with strawberry filling or raspberry filling. So that means one cake is going to be light and fruity. The lemon sponge cake, as he pointed out to me, would be very rich, just like the Lannisters of Casterly Rock. I told him to calm down and if anyone is going to come up with those awesome ideas, it was going to be me!

As for the House Stark cake, I am inclined to go with blue and white, reflecting on the northern climate of Winterfell. I was thinking about a dark chocolate cake with fudge filling. Hubster totally disagreed with that option (um....should I remind him who is paying for set cakes?!). He said I should go with a nice vanilla cake and blueberries/strawberries/blackberries for the filling. I don't know. I'm not too crazy about the idea of doing a fruit medley for the House Stark cake.

I like the idea of a chocolate and vanilla swirl with chocolate icing and maybe some blueberries in there somewhere, in order to include blue as a colour, to give it that wintry feel. Besides, seeing as how he made suggestions for House Lannister's cake, I feel it only fair that I get what I want and have a chocolate fudgey ooey gooey kind of cake to eat.

Oh wait. I have to share it with my guests. Winter is coming, indeed!!!

Like everyone else out there who enjoys reading the "A Song of Ice and Fire" books by George R R Martin, I consider myself enamoured of the series - the books and the HBO show.

So, what to do during these long seven months to get by?

Well, I have A Dance with Dragons and have just started it. I also have Pearson Moore's Season One Game of Thrones Essays to read, as well. Something else that will keep me occupied is getting my hands of the Tales of Dunk and Egg. That's a compilation of three books to keep me busy. The second Game of Thrones graphic novel comes out  in November, so you know that will end up on my bookshelf.

I also have this blog. I also have character pieces to write for HBO Watch. Maybe throw in a Comic Con in one day! My Pinterest board will be updated every month. At last count, I had 2346 pins on my "A Song of Ice and Fire: Game of Thrones" board. Apparently, I have something like 44 followers because of that board. That's pretty flattering.

I can also have Season I and II viewing marathons. Of course, I do not share the burden alone. Millions of fans eagerly await what Season III has in store for us.

At least we can all surf on the Internet and read the latest press releases about the upcoming season.

I need a job! For real! Full time employment would definitely keep me preoccupied. That way I won't endlessly drone on and on friends and family. Not that I drone on, but if someone brings up Game of Thrones, well, naturally I get a little enthusiastic about the topic.

Well, wouldn't you?! :)

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).

Ladies and Gentlemen of Westeros and Pentos: I'd like to just send a HUGE shout out to the good folks at HBO Watch.

This is a small website that grew out of love for the many high quality HBO series on television. There are several members and they all contribute to the website by means of HBO character profiles for their favourite series, editorials, updates or "this just in" news flashes. It's all entertaining to read and I HIGHLY recommend visitors to click on the HBO Watch link on the sidebar to the right.

I am both pleased and humbled that Jacob and crew have published six of my character profiles! Jacob also published one of my humorous articles about the most attractive men in Westeros (now ladies, remember, I'm entitled to my opinion, as you are yours!) and it garnered a lot of feedback on the HBOWatch website and on Facebook.

I knew that somehow, someday, my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Medieval History and Medieval & Fantasy English Literature would pay off!

Thank you Jacob, for taking a chance on this Canuck gal from north of Toronto, Ontario! I am stoked to know that there are many new characters that will be introduced for Season III's A Storm of Swords. This means more character pieces! Yay!

I love to write about the multi-faceted characters of Westeros. When it comes to Game of Thrones, I have plenty to say!

I am totally stoked that one of my favourite actors (not to mention older man crushes) is going to be a part of Season III: A Storm of Swords!! Ciaran Hinds is joining the Game of Thrones cast for Season III as Mance Rayder, King Beyond the Wall.

If you are not familiar with who Ciaran Hinds is: go to Internet Movie Database. You'll see that he has a long history of stage and theatrical productions, not to mention he's been in a lot of motion pictures. I watched Rome a few years back and thought he was brilliant as Julius Caesar.

That tall stature, that handsome face, the deep voice that delivered lines laced with authority or a quiet menace: what's not to like about Ciaran Hinds? If you've read the novels, as I have, you've probably come to understand that Mance's character is a bit younger. At least that is what I've read on many Game of Thrones related websites. I like the fact that the good folks at HBO cast Ciaran in the role of Mance Rayder. I think it takes a certain amount of wisdom and experience to become the King Beyond the Wall, to once be a Brother of the Night's Watch and turn your nose up at it all and head North to seek freedom, to rally people - Wildlings - to your vision and sick to it.

Not only that, but you are living in frigid, winter like conditions all year round. Would you rather have your freedom and live as you please or would you rather be down South, in one of the many cities in Westeros, where treachery and betrayal are a part of everyday living?

It'll be interesting when Ygritte takes Jon Snow to meet Mance Rayder. So far, I was very interested in meeting Lady Olenna Redwyne and Ser Brynden Tully, the Blackfish of Riverrun, in Season III. Add one more intriguing character to the list! 

The next book which will eventually grace my bookshelf will be "The Hedge Knight."

Of course, I'm actually trying to convince my husband that spending almost $300 on the first novel, especially seeing that it's hardcover and in 'very good condition, like new' is an investment.

Somehow, I don't think he's going to buy my line.

So, before I get really upset with him, I have to stop - he DID pre-order the next Game of Thrones graphic novel, which is due out this November. I am pretty impressed that he actually preordered it for, to tell you the truth.

Alas, I will order the next two novels in George R R martin's "The Hedge Knight" series. I can order them brand new or used from Amazon Canada.

Still thinking how to order "The Hedge Knight" without raising suspicion. After all, I need to have something in my possession before reading "A Dance with Dragons." The problem is this: whenever I have a fantastic novel to read, I start, then plow right through it. I don't know why, but I believe that personally, whipping though a novel is a sign of its' success. I must learn to slow down and appreciate the novels, because it's not a race!

Maybe I'll ask my mom and dad....for Christmas...I want a book. Not just ANY book....but...

Recently, I ordered two books from Amazon Canada. The first one was "Season One Essays from Game of Thrones" by Pearson Moore. I've already  read a few chapters. Pretty impressed with that book, but it is "The Ice Dragon" by George R R Martin that really got me going.

As in, this is a children's book he wrote in 1980 (I was a wee little thing) and a 2006 edition has been produced, complete with beautiful pictures by Yvonne Gilbert.

Yes, it is a children's storybook but approach with caution: this is George R R Martin we're talking about; therefore there is bound to be some heartache in it somewhere.

I cried. I cried like a little girl. Like the time I watched "Watership Down." I've NEVER had such a visceral reaction to a children's storybook before! Of course, I am drawn to anything that GRRM has written, so it's no surprise that I had to add this children's book to my already growing collection.

Oh Adara, your Ice Dragon will always be with you!

Well, I made it through 25 successful Game of Thrones blogs posts. Except, for this particular letter, I truly am stumped.

I can only think of the words "zest" and "zeal" to describe the enthusiasm and passion that the fans have for George R R Martin's fantastic series, "A Song of Fire and Ice."

I am pleased and humbled that people are checking out my humble little Game of Thrones themed blog. I am noticing a particular trend from the countries Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland and Germany!

Feeling a ton of international love. I love to follow anything and everything that is related to Game of Thrones. Hence, my zest and zeal for it! My friends and relatives often joke and comment that I am 'very enthusiastic,' 'borderline obsessed,' and 'if there's ever a contest about Game of Thrones, I want you on my team.'

I also love all the wonderful Game of Thrones fan threads and other amazing websites. I have included many of them on my blog as links and will continue to do so!

Only 226 more days until Season III!

I didn't really like this character in the books, to be in honest. I found him creepy. I liked him better in the HBO series. But there was something almost 'too good to be true' about him - yes, he was poor and he was starving, so he had to scratch, claw and fight for everything that he had. He was fabulously wealthy but....how did he amass all that wealth?

He certainly didn't hide his desire for Daenerys Targaryen, when she came to his city for help and refuge. I can't say I blame him. She is, after all, beautiful, with that silvery hair and lavender coloured eyes. I'm glad that Ser Jorah Mormont kept cautioning her to not do anything rash. After everything they had been through, it would've been very easy to accept Xaro Xhoan Doxos' marriage proposal and stay in Qarth and rule as his Queen.

But then....we wouldn't have as an exciting storyline for the last surviving Targaryen! That would be no fun and boring! Besides, after a while, I kept thinking that this guy was putting the moves on Dany way too often for my liking. Hm. Was he attracted to her because she was gorgeous? Was it because she was the mother of dragons? Or that she was the last Targaryen alive? Or perhaps it was a combination of all those factors?

Whatever it was, he showed his true colours, once her dragons had been abducted and the coup of the Thirteen had taken place. It seems that Ser Jorah Mormont was right all along. Of course, we know that the second book differed from the second season (there were some changes to the storyline) but all in all, I'm glad that Dany and company kicked Xaro Xhoan Doxos to the curb! Dude, you messed with the wrong woman! So long!

Can't wait to see how powerful Daenerys Targaryen becomes in A Storm of Swords!

There are things that go bump in the night.

There's a feeling of impending doom...and an evil presence stirs from its' slumber.

The first time you see them, you notice the piercing blue colour of their eyes. Their skin is discoloured, bordering between white and grey. They don't speak. They omit an eerie set of wails and howls.

These aren't the grumpkins and snarks that your nanny warned you about. The threat is real, not imagined. And the people of Westeros are going to find out the hard way, come Season III.

The two Brothers of the Night's Watch found out the hard way in the very first season premiere. The third Brother ran faster then lightning, south beyond the Wall, only to be caught and be branded a deserter. But he saw what he saw. He was no mad man. Too bad the late Eddard Stark and company didn't pay attention to what this poor ranger was trying to warn them about.

The next people to encounter the White Walkers are Green, Dolores Edd and Samwell. Well, I should point out that in the second season series finale, the three of them heard the horn blow three times. The first two fled the scene, with the wind and snow whipping around them, thus making visibility extremely poor.

Samwell, terrified and trying to escape, runs to seek shelter by a jagged rock. It doesn't matter, you can't outrun an army of them. Their blue eyes glow with evil intent, their bodies rotting and torn, wander aimlessly about. Once you are killed by a wight, you become infected and turn into a White Walker. You are no longer human, but a monster who sleeps for hundreds or thousands of years until it is time to wake up. When the White Walkers wake from their wintry nap, they have but one task: to roam and conquer anything that befalls their path.

Only two things seem to be an effective defence: fire and obsidian. We saw how Jon Snow burnt one by tossing the oil lamp, thus saving himself and Lord Commander Mormont from being killed.

Samwell, being well versed in Castle Black's military defence and history, had indicated that the bodies that they had found earlier be burnt as an added precaution. Lesson learned!

Which makes fans wonder: who did the black cloak and shield belong to? Where did Benjen Stark disappear to? And will Samwell survive his encounter with the army of White Walkers?!

He is often called the "Master of Whispers." Some call him "Varys the Spider."

If you've watched the series and read the books, you'll know that Varys is a man who's business is information and he has all sorts of little birds and spies scattered across Westeros and Essos.

I like Varys. Not too many people do. He does have a bit of a creepy appearance but really, when you look at the variety of people that make up the general population of Westeros, I think he fits right in. What I am interested in finding out is to whom Varys is loyal to. It seems he is opaque; there are times where I'm certain I know who he works for and then there are times where I am completely wrong. He doesn't come out and say who he supports and that just adds to his secrecy.

He is on the Small Council, alongside Grand Maester Pycelle and Lord Petyr Baelish. I always got the feeling that he really couldn't stand Baelish and just puts up with him, for the sake of the realm and the Small Council. The exchanges they've had are laced with sarcasm and subtle threats.

Having access to information from a great many sources makes Varys a powerful man. There's a saying - "Knowledge is power." Varys is indeed one of the most powerful people in King's Landing because of his ability to amass a wealth of information - near and far - and use it to his advantage, both personally and professionally.

It is said that Varys was able to master all of the secret tunnels and passageways in the Red Keep, therefore being able to move in and out of the area without being noticed and at the same time listening in on a great deal of secret conversations that contained highly sensitive material. He also employs many "little birds" - orphaned children that he takes in, teaches them how to read and write and procure information without arousing suspicion. Smart man, indeed.

Look at the relationships Varys has with the people in King's Landing: I don't think he respects or likes Pycelle and Baelish. Can't say I blame him one bit, because I really don't like those two, either. Although Varys provides information for the incorrigible King Joffrey, it almost appears as if Varys is dealing with a petulant child (also, feel free to add sociopath, while we're at it). Surprisingly enough, the one alliance I do like is between Tyrion and Varys. They are both equally wary of the way the Game of Thrones is played and understand that loyalty can get you killed but also weeding out potential traitors from allies will strengthen your perspective and help your survive a little longer.

Can you really trust Varys and all the information that he claims to have? I really want to believe that he is trying to help the realm for the greater good....and yet I have this sense of foreboding. I am about the start "A Dance for Dragons." *spoiler alert* I haven't heard or read anything about Varys for the length of an entire book. Will he make another appearance in Dragons? Will he do anything shocking? Will it be revealed to fans where the heck he was hiding out?

The only three Targaryens we've actually seen on screen are Viserys, Daenerys and Aemon (who revealed his lineage to Jon Snow towards the end of Season I).

There are some differences in the books. Dany is much younger in the books, for one thing. Her brother is a pompous jerk, for another. But we already knew that. We know that they fled Westeros and came across the Narrow Sea to Pentos, where they sought refuge with Magister Illyrio Mopastis, as wealthy merchant.

We know that their father, the Mad King, Aerys I, was murdered by Jaime Lannister (hence, the nickname 'Kingslayer'). We know that they had an older brother, Rhaegar, who was married to Elia Martell. They had two children. Rhaegar was a melancholy, but studious young man who showed great promise. He was in love with Lyanna Stark. We all know what happens next: the crowing ceremony that took place at a tournament, in which Rhaegar crowned Lyanna Stark the 'Queen of Love and Beauty' instead of his lady wife. Oh, and Lyanna just happened to be engaged to Robert Baratheon at the time. I'm sure that action set more then a few tongues wagging! What happened after is anyone's guess, really. Rhaegar and Lyanna disappeared for quite some time. Tragically, Rhaegar was killed by Robert, after Lyanna had died.

Rhaegar's wife and children were killed by the monster, known as the Mountain that Rides, Ser Gregor Clegane. That filthy and vile man assaulted Elia and killed her, then proceeded to kill the young children. It's no wonder why Targaryen loyalists whisked the two remaining children out of Westeros.

Viserys is a power hungry, condescending man who thinks of nothing but revenge. He wants the Iron Throne back. I'm glad that he didn't get the chance to retake it because his cruel nature and petty character would've translated to worse things, should he have actually sat on the Iron Throne. He would've been a nightmare. I had an inkling the first time I saw Maester Aemon, the first time I caught a glimpse of him at the Wall. Yes, I know he is old and blind, but he had that pale, ethereal quality and I couldn't help but wonder....could this be a long lost Targaryen relative who sought refuge in another part of Westeros? The Wall is a pretty far place to go!

I'm glad that Daenerys was married off to Khal Drogo, because the ancient practice of Targaryens marrying brother to sister is sickening, if you ask me. The idea of incest is so abhorrent!

The Targaryens are known for their pale complexions and silvery white hair, along with blue or lavender coloured eyes. Daenerys sure is a beautiful woman. I'm just sad that she never got the chance to rule with the Dothraki tribe, alongside her husband, who fell ill and died, because of a witch. Her unborn son, Rhaego, died prematurely. It tugged at my heart strings that this poor girl, who had already been through so much, seemed as if she was destined to live a life of sadness and depression.

Daenerys appeared to be a tough cookie, come Season II. If you're anything like me and have read four of the books so far, you'll agree with me that whatever doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger and this adage seems to apply to Daenerys Targaryen. She walked into that funeral pyre at the end of Season I, only to survive and come back out unscathed, with three brand new baby dragons. Season II saw her travelling a great length of the Red Waste, onto Qarth, battling intrigue and deception but hey! She managed to come back out on top!

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)

I'm kind of squeezing in  a few juicy topics into the letter "R."

Rhaegar: who was he? What did he mean to Lyanna Stark? Why was he so melancholy? Why did Robert have to kill him at the battle of the Trident? These are just a few questions that I have concerning the mysterious Rhaegar Targaryen. Poor guy. From what I have read and what threads have said, the guy was rather depressed. He was married to Elia Martell. That didn't end well, either. His two children were murdered. The woman he loved died under mysterious circumstances. And yet, Ned seemed to have remembered him fondly, not a bad word said about him.

I wonder, do you suppose at some point that HBO may cast someone to portray Rhaegar in flashback sequences? That would be pretty cool. My curiosity has been piqued ever since reading "A Feast for Crows." If any of you have read that far, you'll understand why I find his character so intriguing!

Rangers. Hey, we all have our calling in life. Jon Snow seems to have found his. Mind you, by virtue of his birth and circumstances, what else would he have been permitted to do? He started off as a steward (not his choice) but by the second season, he volunteered to go with Qhorin Halfhand as a ranger. Samwell, being the thoughtful and intelligent friend he was, volunteered to take over Jon's duties while Jon was away. I think being a ranger is a damned tough job and Jon is just beginning to find out just how difficult it is. Especially since venturing into Wildling territory and being far north of the Wall, where the cold is so merciless, it numbs your fingers and feet within seconds. If you don't have your wits about you, anything could kill you up there. I have a feeling Jon will fare just fine, albeit a few skirmishes here and there.

Robb Stark, the King in the North. That's what his banner men call him. He showed real promise in the form of military strength and tactic during the end of the first season. Of course, he also endured a heavy loss - his father was executed. He had the Kingslayer imprisoned - a major coup. He was also forced into a betrothal - which he agreed to - to one of Walder Frey's granddaughters, once Stark banner men had received permission to cross the Twins.

The apple of Robb's eye is not a Frey, it just happens to be a very beautiful field nurse named Lady Talisa Migear, who comes from Volantis. Awkward. This is the kind of impediment that collapses an empire. That brings discord and dishonour to the various Houses in Westeros. Do you think King Robb listened to the advice of his lady mother in the second season? No! So what does he do? He goes full steam ahead and marries Lady Talisa in secret, thus breaking his oath with Lord Walder Frey.

Smooth move, Robb. I think we all know how this is going to end. Scratch another Stark off of your list.

Just because you are a Queen doesn't necessarily give you absolute power.

Just look at Cersei Lannister. She yearns to sit on the Iron Throne and rule over Westeros with a vicious grip. Not bloody likely. Not while she is Queen Regent. Which, for all of her scheming and calculations, it more or less backfired in her face. Placing Joffrey on the thrones was like unleashing a swarm of angry bees after someone has knocked over their hive. Not pleasant for anyone involved.

Not that she fared any better as Robert Baratheon's Queen. She did her duty: she married him, united two powerful Houses in the Seven Kingdoms and produced three children (whom we all know are not legitimate children borne of that union, but products of incest).

Sansa Stark was betrothed to Prince Joffrey Baratheon in Season I. She would've been his Queen, once the late King passed on and perhaps things may have had a nicer turn out, had Eddard Stark not been accused of treason and Joffrey didn't turn out to be the vile sociopath that he really was. In Season II, Sansa should thank her lucky stars that she did not wed Joffrey. Her physical and mental abuse at his hands (or his henchmen's hands) was a real nice preview of what a 'blissful' married life they would've had together. (note my sarcasm)

Next candidate for Queen: there are two potential women who vie for the title and all it's privileges: Lady Talisa Migear and Lady Margaery Tyrell. (in the book we know that Robb Stark ends up marrying a character named Jeyne Westerling, from an impoverished House)

Lady Talisa is a field nurse, tending to wounds, cuts, amputations and dead bodies, no matter what House they serve. Lady Margaery has been trained by birth in the finer arts of women's studies, castellan management and court politics and etiquette by her grandmother, Lady Olenna Redwyne. Who is more worthy of the title? Who will be able to play the game better, outwit and outlast people longer and live to see another year in the Seven Kingdoms?

The tides have now turned and people's fortunes rise and fall just like the sun and the moon in the Seven Kingdoms. By the end of Season II, we see that Lady Margaery Tyrell has now been betrothed to King Joffrey Baratheon. Where Sansa cowered and put on a mask to conceal her true feelings, Margaery looks like she's able to use her looks and her sexuality to manipulate Joffrey. She doesn't look like she's afraid of Cersei, either. And you wonder why I like Margaery Tyrell.

Season III is going to place the women of Westeros on a whole different playing field!

What can you say about a man like Petyr Baelish?

Liar. Schemer. Manipulator. Genius. Businessman. Menace. Power hungry. Threat.

I think the list - as accurate as it may seem - could probably be a little longer and I'm sure Game of Thrones fans would agree. If any readers want to comment on what else they think Petyr Baelish represents, I say go for it and leave a comment! (interesting little aside - as I started typing this post, my husband suggested I look up the word 'megalomaniac; when I did, the definition eerily fit Petyr Baelish's persona, especially in Season II)

Petyr Baelish, or Littlefinger, as he is commonly referred to as, comes from humble beginnings. He was raised as a ward in the Tully household, alongside Catelyn and Lysa. Petyr has unrequited feelings for Catelyn and yet, had no problems having a secret relationship with Lysa before she was married off to John Arryn, the Lord of the Vale.

The way Petyr comes across to many of the characters in Game of Thrones is nothing short of sleazy. The man is a proprietor of several established pleasure houses. He also holds a seat on the Small Council and is in charge of the finances for King's Landing. He is a smooth operator - the man has a saying or a come back line for any given situation. He never breaks out into a sweat and his eyes miss nothing. I feel sorry for those that actually try to oppose him. He is a man who is well informed and he pays well for that kind of knowledge.

I believe that Petyr Baelish serves his own interests and is smart enough to conceal that by putting on on heck of a poker face and doing his duty but paying lip service to the Lannisters, or who ever has the most power to grant him money, power and titles. After all, this little man who came from nothing didn't get to being on the Small Council by being a willy nilly and naive fellow. Remember when he told Ned Stark "Distrusting me was the smartest thing you did since you got off your horse?" in Season I? Well, I can only imagine the sheer frustration and anger that many fans - myself included - felt when Ned was betrayed.

Season II turns out to be quite profitable for Petyr. He acquires a new leading prostitute, his own sigil and brokers a deal between the Houses of Tyrell and Lannister. Yes, he a pimp - the man is a machine who just doesn't stop. If he can make more money, acquire more power at court and gain powerful allies along the way, then perhaps we should also think of him as a survivor. The man has a knack for deceit as a talent.

My skin just crawls when he says to Sansa that she reminds him of Catelyn at that age. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing and because I've read four of the books, I happen to know just what a sleazy man Petyr Baelish truly is. He is a fantastic liar, especially when it comes to the Tully women and his supposed 'relations' with the both of them. I'll stop right now, before I get into too much detail (and possibly ruin it for other people who haven't read as far as me).

I'll say this: I'd trust Petyr Baelish with my money but not with my life!