History Recap / GameOfThronesS5E2TheHouseOfBlackAndWhite

** In the books, the process of voting for a new Lord Commander takes much longer, is more complicated and involves Sam doing some chessmastering to get Jon elected. Here, it only involves some speeches and the casting of ballots, taking only several minutes.

** Davos describes Thorne as "one pleasant man."

-->'''Ruffian:''' That's a nice little sword. Worth a hundred pieces, a sword like that. ''(the shivs come out for him and his friends)''

-->'''Queen Reagent Cersei Lannister:''' No man living better deserves the title.

* GoldDigger: Bronn doesn't even pretend to care about his betrothed Lollys and prefers to stone skip while she talks. That he's all about status, money and inheritance seems to fly over her clueless head.

At '''The Wall''', Princess Shireen teaches Gilly her alphabet in the library, while Sam researches the history of past Lord Commanders. Shireen and Gilly open up to each other and talk about Shireen's greyscale and Gilly's sisters, who were also afflicted with the wasting disease. Queen Selyse interrupts them and orders them to leave, before warning Shireen to stay away from Gilly as she's a wildling, and that the wildlings could strike at Stannis by striking at Shireen. Jon and Stannis discuss the free-folk and who they would follow now that Mance is dead, and Stannis shows Jon a reply from Lyanna Mormont, the ten year old Lady of Bear Island, after asking her to commit her house to his cause. The message reads: ''"Bear Island knows no king but the King in the North, whose name is Stark."'' They then discuss the upcoming election for Lord Commander, and Stannis, knowing that Ser Alliser is likely to win and will make Jon's life even more of a hell on earth than it already is, offers to legitimize Jon and raise him to true-born status and eventually Lord of Winterfell, joining with him to crush the Boltons, just as Stannis' brother and Jon's father were allied years ago. Sam and Jon discuss this offer, and Sam says that Jon deserves it. Jon tells him that he will refuse the king, as his oath to his Brothers is sacrosanct and a disavowal would reflect badly on his ability as a Lord. [[HonorBeforeReason He is Ned's son through and through it would seem.]]

We cut to somewhere in '''The Vale''', where Brienne, now with a new mount, and Podrick, still walking, arrive at a wayfarer's rest and they stop for bite. Co-incidentally, Littlefinger, Sansa and their Arryn entourage have stopped at the same inn, and Petyr mentions that the scroll we saw him open last episode mentioned the acceptance of his marriage proposal... [[LeftHanging His own?]] Podrick recognizes the pair, pointing them out surreptitiously to Brienne. The Lady of Evenfall quickly makes a contingency with her companion to get out of dodge, then stands up and confronts the men-at-arms. Petyr lets her through after making several transparently [[StealthInsult pointed remarks]] but undeterred, she kneels and offers Sansa her service [[DramaticIrony as one of the only true knights in all the realm]]. The Mockingbird inquires into who truly murdered Renly, since ''she'' had in fact been accused of his murder by elements of the Southern Alliance. He then derides Brienne's honest but admittedly outlandish answer of a Stannis Shade and swiftly turns Sansa against her. Yet allows for her to ''stay'' with them, as the roads aren't ''safe''... the implications are quite clear. Brienne bulls past Littlefinger’s knights, knocks one down and rushes outside to where Podrick has the horses ready and cuts some of her pursuer's steeds free, slays one man then mounts up, culminating in a chase. Brienne is separated from her attendant, only to save Podrick at the last second, slicing up two of the pursuing soldiers like so much soft cheese, through mail, blade and plate, with Oathkeeper's magical properties. Podrick asks Brienne if she hasn't been released from her oath, seeing how both Arya and Sansa both personally rejected her vows of protection. Brienne answers that whatever Littlefinger is planning to do with Sansa, it can't possibly be a good thing, and she will not give up her promises.

Above '''The Water Gardens''' next to the Summer Sea, Ellaria Sand watches Myrcella Baratheon and Trystane Martell larking about below, clearly smitten. She storms off to find Prince Doran Martell, brother to the late Oberyn and even later Elia and father to Trystane. She seeks vengeance for Oberyn, and her daughters, the Sand Snakes, are with her on this, as is the general populace. Yet when he makes it quite clear that open war is off the table, she settles for sending Myrcella, piece by piece, back to her mother in the capital. Doran is disgusted and spurns the suggestion point-blank, saying that it will ''never'' happen while he rules. Ellaria leaves, but warns Doran that he might not be ruling for long, to which Areo Hotah, Captain to Doran's guard, responds by wordlessly running a finger along the blade of his glaive. Questing whether steps have to be taken... Of course, [[TheFettered Doran, unlike Petyr, is unwilling to consider going to such lengths against his countrywoman either.]]

Daenerys' small council gathers to discuss the captive. Mossador urges Dany to have him executed, in order to make an example towards the other would-be Sons, Hizdahr zo Loraq expresses doubts that the man is even involved, while Ser Barristan advises restraint, as he may have valuable information, but Daario relays that the prisoner has already been extensively ''[[ExaltedTorturer questioned]]''. Mossador mentions that it has been widely known the lower rungs of the great families have been payed to perform unclean tasks by their betters throughout the city's history, alongside desperate slaves when they were in bondage and these two groups are most likely being bribed now to perform terrorist acts but Hizdahr scoffs at the notion. Selmy advocates that Daenerys should give the Son a fair trial whatever his actions against her, but Mossador says that the Meereenese slave holders did not recognise the concepts of mercy or a fair trial before Daenerys' coming and it will mean nothing to them now, they will only understand the spilling of blood. Daenerys must consider the matter in solitude before coming to a decision but Barristan remains behind.

* BuyThemOff: Cersei does this with the Small Council, making Mace Tyrell the Master of Coin (as well as Ships), and Qyburn the Master of Whispers. Kevan refuses to play along, despite being offered Master of War, and denounces her for trying to stack the Council with sycophants.

* NoSell: Kevan Lannister makes it clear to his niece that she won't boss him around like the rest of the Small Council.

* RunningGag: Maester Pycelle is the ButtMonkey again. He's curtly rejected as Hand of the King, and can only sputter indignantly as a disgraced ex-member of his order is placed on the Small Council, with Cersei implying Qyburn's loyalty is stronger than his.

** Ser Kevan refuses to be a puppet dancing on the strings of Cersei, quits the Small Council, and returns to Casterly Rock, declaring he's willing to return if [[AchillesinHisTent the King calls for him]].

** Kevan lays into Cersei in front of the entire Small Council (in what's actually a quite toned down piece of adaptation, as in the book he also brought up her sleeping with Jaime).

* GoldDigger: Bronn doesn't even pretend to care about her betrothed Lollys and prefers to stone skip while she talks. That he's all about status, money and inheritance seems to fly over her clueless head.

A congregation is held, with most of the city turning up to see their queen. On one side of the stage stand the former masters, and on the other side, the freed slaves. Daenerys makes a speech to the masses, arguing for both freedom ''and'' justice, and that such egalitarianism must be blind. Mossador is escorted out and made to kneel. Dany tells the people of his crimes against a citizen, who was denied fair process by his actions and that the law is the law. Death. The freed men and women cry out for mercy for their brother, as they are all her children. Despite the will of her subjects, Daenerys stands firm and decides not to play favourites like her father, though the decision is an unwinnable one with one micro-nod from her, Daario beheads her former adviser. The lower classes are shocked silent and disillusioned for a brief moment, before they begin to hiss at Daenerys, adjuring her, cursing her. One picks up a stone and lobs it at the privileged, scoring a hit and causing a riot to break out between the factions, the event devolving into anarchy. While most are restrained by Dany's Second Sons, certain pockets of the former slaves rain a barrage of rocks down on Daenerys but her Unsullied have formed a Tortuga formation over her and she is protected as they withdraw back to the Great Pyramid.

Hardly daring to hope, she reaches up to touch him and he inhales, almost allowing her to stroke his scaly nose, only to rear back and leap from the summit, soaring away over the city, leaving Dany more lost than ever as he files into the night.

A congregation is held, with most of the city turning up to see their queen. On one side of the stage stand the former masters, and on the other side, the freed slaves. Daenerys makes a speech to the masses, arguing for both freedom ''and'' justice, and that such egalitarianism must be blind. Mossador is escorted out and made to kneel. Dany tells the people of his crimes against a citizen, who was denied fair process by his actions and that the law is the law. Death. The freed men and women cry out for mercy for their brother, as they are all her children. Despite the will of her subjects, Daenerys stands firm and decides not to play favourites like her father, though the decision is an unwinnable one and Daario beheads her former adviser. The lower classes are shocked silent and disillusioned for a brief moment, before they begin to hiss at Daenerys, adjuring her, cursing her. One picks up a stone and lobs it at the privileged, scoring a hit and causing a riot to break out between the factions, the event devolving into anarchy. While most are restrained by Dany's Second Sons, certain pockets of the less advantaged folk rain a barrage of rocks down on Daenerys but her Unsullied have formed a Tortuga formation over her and she is protected as they withdraw back to the Great Pyramid.

Safe in her quarters, Selmy declares that he will watch over and protect her, as will Grey Worm and Daario, but, shaken from the experience, she tells them to leave her for tonight. Alone, she hears a disturbance outside and walks out to her balcony. A low soft rumbling greets her and Dany turns to see that the most fearsome of her dragons, [[WhamShot her black and red child has finally returned to her]]. Freedom agrees with him. He is massive. Easily the size of the Harpy statue that was recently pulled down, if not bigger. ''"Drogon."'' Daenerys exclaims in both gladdened wonder and a dash of understandable trepidation. But he purrs and snuffles gently as he leans down to greet his mother, all anger forgotten, and she responds tentatively, hushing the massive beast.

Hardly daring to hope, she reaches out to touch him and he inhales, almost allowing her to stroke his scaly nose, only to rear back and leap from the summit, soaring away over the city, leaving Dany more lost than ever.

We cut to somewhere in '''the Vale''', where Brienne, now with a new mount, and Podrick, still walking, arrive at a wayfarer's rest and they stop for bite. Co-incidentally, Littlefinger, Sansa and their Arryn entourage have stopped at the same inn, and Petyr mentions that the scroll we saw him open last episode mentioned the acceptance of his marriage proposal... [[LeftHanging His own?]] Podrick recognizes the pair, pointing them out surreptitiously to Brienne. The Lady of Evenfall quickly makes a contingency with her companion to get out of dodge, then stands up and confronts the men-at-arms. Petyr lets her through after making several transparently [[StealthInsult pointed remarks]] but undeterred, she kneels and offers Sansa her service [[DramaticIrony as one of the only true knights in all the realm]]. The Mockingbird inquires into who truly murdered Renly, since ''she'' had in fact been accused of his murder by elements of the Southern Alliance. He then derides Brienne's honest but admittedly outlandish answer of a Stannis Shade and swiftly turns Sansa against her. Yet allows for her to ''stay'' with them, as the roads aren't ''safe''... the implications are quite clear. Brienne bulls past Littlefinger’s knights, knocks one down and rushes outside to where Podrick has the horses ready and cuts some of her pursuer's steeds free, slays one man then mounts up, culminating in a chase. Brienne is separated from her attendant, only to save Podrick at the last second, slicing up two of the pursuing soldiers like so much soft cheese, through mail, blade and plate, with Oathkeeper's magical properties. Podrick asks Brienne if she hasn't been released from her oath, seeing how both Arya and Sansa both personally rejected her vows of protection. Brienne answers that whatever Littlefinger is planning to do with Sansa, it can't possibly be a good thing, and she will not give up her promises.

In '''the Water Gardens''' next to the Summer Sea, Ellaria Sand watches Myrcella Baratheon and Trystane Martell larking about below, clearly smitten. She storms off to find Prince Doran Martell, brother to the late Oberyn and even later Elia and father to Trystane. She seeks vengeance for Oberyn, and her daughters, the Sand Snakes, are with her on this, as is the general populace. Yet when he makes it quite clear that open war is off the table, she settles for sending Myrcella, piece by piece, back to her mother in the capital. Doran is disgusted and spurns the suggestion point-blank, saying that it will ''never'' happen while he rules. Ellaria leaves, but warns Doran that he might not be ruling for long, to which Areo Hotah, Captain to Doran's guard, responds by wordlessly running a finger along the blade of his glaive. Questing whether steps have to be taken... Of course, [[TheFettered Doran, unlike Petyr, is unwilling to consider going to such lengths against his countrywoman either.]]

A congregation is held, with most of the city turning up to see their queen. On one side of the stage stand the former masters, and on the other side, the freed slaves. Daenerys makes a speech to the masses, arguing for both freedom ''and'' justice, and that such egalitarianism must be blind. Mossador is escorted out and made to kneel. Dany tells the people of his crimes against a citizen, who was denied fair process by his actions and that the law is the law. Death. The freed men and women cry out for mercy for their brother, as they are all her children. Despite the will of her subjects, Daenerys stands firm and decides not to play favourites like her father, though the decision is an unwinnable one and Daario beheads her former adviser. The lower classes are shocked silent and disillusioned for a brief moment, before they begin to hiss at Daenerys, adjuring her, cursing her. One picks up a stone and lobs it at the privileged, scoring a hit and causing a riot to break out between the factions, the event devolving into anarchy. While most are restrained by Dany's Second Sons, certain pockets of the less advantaged folk rain a barrage of rocks down on Daenerys but her Unsullied have formed a Tortuga formation over her and she is protected as they retreat back to the Great Pyramid.

In '''Meereen''', Mossador and a group of like-minded followers enter the cell that holds the captive Son of the Harpy. The man, still bearing the signs of Daario's rough interrogation, remains defiant, even as he realizes what Mossador and his fellow freedmen intend to do to him, and with no shortage of spite he calls Mossador a traitor and tells him that the foreigner queen will never be his mother, no matter how many times he and her other supporters chant it. [[TranquilFury Mossador is impassive.]] We cut to day-break and the Son of the Harpy has been ''nailed to death'' and put on display, the final spike driven through his masked skull. Mossador is brought before Daenerys in chains. ''"Why?"'' she asks of him. He tells her that he killed the Harpy for her, and that she was tied by litigation the Masters didn't deserve. Dany reminds him that she broke the class divisions but Mossador asserts otherwise, telling her the tale of his family's escape and how the death of his father was the cost. He cannot allow them to fall back into slavery and invalidate that sacrifice. Though moved, Dany asserts that the harpy's life was not his to take and that he has only made her position more difficult in her quest for impartiality; an example must be made.

Safe in her quarters, Selmy declares that he will watch over and protect her, as will Grey Worm and Daario, but, shaken from the experience, she tells them to leave her for tonight. Alone, she hears a disturbance outside and walks out to her balcony. A low rumbling greets her and Dany turns to see that the most fearsome of [[WhamShot her dragon child has finally returned to her]]. Freedom agrees with him. He is massive. Easily the size of the Harpy statue that was recently pulled down, if not bigger. ''"Drogon."'' Daenerys exclaims in both gladdened wonder and a dash of understandable trepidation. But he purrs and snuffles gently as he leans down to greet his mother, all anger forgotten, and she responds tentatively, hushing the massive beast.

At '''The Wall''', Princess Shireen teaches Gilly her alphabet in the library, while Sam researches the history of past Lord Commanders. Shireen and Gilly open up to each other and talk about Shireen's greyscale and Gilly's sisters, who were also afflicted with the wasting disease. Queen Selyse interrupts them and orders them to leave, before warning Shireen to stay away from Gilly as she's a wildling, and that the wildlings could strike at Stannis by striking at Shireen. Jon and Stannis discuss the free-folk and who they would follow now that Mance is dead, and Stannis shows Jon a reply from Lyanna Mormont, the ten year old Lady of Bear Island, after asking her to commit her house to his cause. The message reads: ''"Bear Island knows no king but the King in the North, whose name is Stark."'' They then discuss the upcoming election for Lord Commander, and Stannis, knowing that Ser Alliser is likely to win and will make Jon's life even more of a hell on earth than it already is, offers to legitimize Jon and raise him to true-born status and eventually Lord of Winterfell, joining with him to crush the Boltons, just as Stannis' brother and Jon's father were allied years ago. Sam and Jon discuss this offer, and Sam says that Jon deserves it. Jon tells him that he will refuse the king, as his oath to his Brothers is sacrosanct.

The election begins, and Alliser Thorne and Denys Mallister are nominated from the get-go, though it seems to be a sure victory for Thorne. Sam, however, decides to take a gamble and throws in a last-minute nomination for Jon by holding a speech listing Jon's multiple acts of great bravery in the service of the Watch to much applause from a good chunk of the present Brothers. But Thorne finally decided to put in his own two cents and points out that Jon's sympathies for the wildlings might be their eventual undoing. After Aemon stacks the voting tokens, it seems that there is a tie between Thorne and Jon, until Aemon produces a circular token for Jon from his sleeve, breaking the deadlock. Jon Snow is now the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.

Daenerys' small council gathers to discuss the captive. Mossador urges Dany to have him executed, in order to make an example towards the other would-be Sons, Hizdahr zo Loraq expresses doubts that the man is even involved, while Ser Barristan advises restraint, as he may have valuable information, but Daario relays that the prisoner has already been extensively ''[[ExaltedTorturer questioned]]''. Mossador mentions that it has been widely known the lower rungs of the great families have been payed to perform unclean tasks by their betters throughout the city's history, alongside desperate slaves when they were in bondage and these two groups are most likely being bribed now to perform these terrorist acts but Hizdahr scoffs at the notion. Selmy advocates that Daenerys should give the Son a fair trial whatever his actions against her, but Mossador says that the Meereenese slave holders did not recognise the concepts of mercy or a fair trial before Daenerys' coming and it will mean nothing to them now, they will only understand the spilling of blood. Daenerys must consider the matter in solitude before coming to a decision but Barristan remains behind.

Daario Naharis and Grey Worm patrol the back alleys of '''Meereen''' together, and Daario points out that the Unsullied are too conspicuous, unsuited to rooting out the insurgents threatening the queen's rule while his mercenaries blend in easily and are able to obtain information on the dissidents through shakedowns. Daario leads them to investigate a suspected hideout for the Sons, but they find it deserted. Much to Grey Worm's annoyance. Daario asks the General of the Unsullied if he is afraid, and Grey Worm replies that Unsullied do fear nothing. [[TrainingFromHell As it was conditioned out of them.]] Daario points out that that is their problem as those who have forgotten fear have forgotten how to hide. He pulls his stiletto out and drives the blade into a dry wall, and the leg behind it, he pulls it free, causing the cubbyhole to crumble and for its occupant to tumble out. ''"fear is useful that way."'' Daario claps Grey Worm on the shoulder and the Unsullied take the hobbled man captive, then Grey Worm discovers a couple of knives and a gold mask within the dead-drop, incriminating the man as a Son of the Harpy.

In '''Meereen''', Mossador and a group of like-minded followers enter the cell that holds the captive Son of the Harpy. The man, still bearing the signs of Daario's rough interrogation, remains defiant, even as he realizes what Mossador and his fellow freedmen intend to do to him, and with no shortage of spite he calls Mossador a traitor and tells him that the foreigner queen will never be his mother, no matter how many times he and her other supporters chant it. [[TranquilFury Mossador is impassive.]] We cut to day-break and the Son of the Harpy has been ''nailed to death'' and put on display, the final spike driven through his masked skull. Mossador is brought before Daenerys in chains. ''"Why?"'' she asks of him. He tells her that he killed the Harpy for her, and that she was tied by litigation the Masters didn't deserve. Dany reminds him that she broke the class divisions but Mossador asserts otherwise, telling her the tale of his family's escape and how the death of his father was the cost. He cannot allow them to fall back into slavery and invalidate that sacrifice. Though moved, Dany asserts that he has only made her position more difficult in her quest for impartiality and an example must be made.

A congregation is held, with most of the city turning up to see their queen. On one side of the stage stand the former masters, and on the other side, the freed slaves. Daenerys makes a speech to the masses, arguing for both freedom ''and'' justice, and that such egalitarianism must be blind. Mossador is escorted out and Dany tells the people of his crimes against a citizen who was denied fair process and that the law is the law. Death. The freed men and women cry out for mercy for their brother, as they are all her children. Despite the will of her subjects, Daenerys stands firm and decides not to play favourites like her father, though the decision is an unwinnable one and Daario beheads her former adviser. The lower classes are shocked silent and disillusioned for a brief moment, before they begin to hiss at Daenerys, adjuring her, cursing her. One picks up a stone and lobs it at the privileged, scoring a hit and causing a riot to break out between the factions, the event devolving into anarchy. While most are restrained by Dany's Second Sons, certain pockets of the less advantaged folk rain a barrage of rocks down on Daenerys but her Unsullied have formed a Tortuga formation over her and she is protected as they retreat back to the Great Pyramid.

Safe in her quarters, her Selmy declares that he will watch over and protect her, as will Grey Worm and Daario, but, shaken from the experience, she tells them to leave her for tonight. Alone, she walks out to her balcony, and is pleasantly surprised to find Drogon perched on her roof. She reaches out for him and he sniffs her hand, but flies away, leaving his mother shocked and hurt.

* AbsurdlySharpBlade: Brienne's Valyrian steel sword cuts through plate armor like paper and breaks the blade of a sword wielded by one of Littlefinger's knights.

** Maester Aemon gives a wide chuckle as Sam delivers verbal humiliation on Janos and Alliser.

Daenerys' small council gathers to discuss the captive. Mossador urges Dany to have him executed, in order to make an example towards the other would-be Sons, Hizdahr zo Loraq expresses doubts that the man is even involved, while Ser Barristan advises restraint, as he may have valuable information, but Daario relays that the prisoner has already been extensively ''[[ExaltedTorturer questioned]]''. Mossador mentions that it has been widely known the lower rungs of the great families have been payed to perform unclean tasks by their betters throughout the city's history, alongside desperate slaves when they were in bondage and these two groups are most likely being bribed now to perform these terrorist acts but Hizdahr scoffs at the notion. Selmy advocates that Daenerys should give the Son a fair trial whatever his actions against her, but Mossador says that the Meereenese slave holders did not know mercy and a fair trial before Daenerys' coming and it will mean nothing to them now, they will only understand the spilling of blood. Daenerys must consider the matter in solitude before coming to a decision but Barristan remains behind.

A congregation is held, with most of the city turning up to see their queen. On one side of the stage stand the former masters, and on the other side, the freed slaves. The slaves cry for mercy for Mossador, but Daenerys stands firm and Daario executes the former slave. The former slaves are shocked silent and disillusioned for a brief moment, before they begin to hiss at Daenerys, and one picks up a stone to throw at her, but misses and hit the former masters, which starts brawls between the two groups. Daenerys is hurried back to her palace protected by Unsullied.

Back in her quarters, her council declare that they will watch over and protect her, but shaken from the experience, she tells them to leave her be for now. Alone, she walks out to her balcony, and is pleasantly surprised to find Drogon perched on her roof. She reaches out for him and he sniffs her hand, but flies away, leaving his mother shocked and hurt.

Bam. Arya's hardened gaze looks out on the iconic landmark that welcomes all to the greatest of the Free Cities, '''Braavos''', the bastard son of Valyria. She is captivated by the Titan's colossus and the Braavosi captain of the vessel she boarded at the end of last Season notes how the Titan's horn blast lets the Arsenal fleet know whenever a ship is about to make port. He rows her through the Ragman's Harbour and Arya is fascinated with the local colour of the East, what with being a Northerner all her life. They wind along the canals and eventually make it out to the [[TitleDrop House of Black and White]], where he tells her that who she seeks will be found. She walks up to the appropriately dichotomous front doors, knocks on them twice and before she can rap a third time, is answered by a rather old, gnarled and intimidating-looking male Summer Islander in a rough-spun hooded robe. After collecting herself, Arya greets him nervously. Silence. She tries for the old stand-by that always works! "Valar morghulis". Stone faced is his reply. Remembering with a start, the wolf pup presents her iron coin and tells him that Jaqen H’ghar gave it to her, but the elder tells her there is no one by that name here and she should move on. Arya pleads, telling him that she has no where else to go, but he deadpans: "you have everywhere else to go" and closes the black door on her. Arya resigns herself to sitting outside on the temple steps repeating her kill list all throughout the rest of the day and into a stormy night. The following morning, she tosses her iron coin into the sea in frustration and leaves.

-->''Footpad:''' That's a nice little sword. Worth a hundred pieces, a sword like that. ''(the shivs come out for him and his friends)''

Yet suddenly they see the old gent from the House of Black and White walking into view behind her and they instantly scatter, fleeing for their lives. Arya follows him back to the House, and asks him who he his. He, ''somehow'', gives Arya the coin she threw into the sea, and performs some sort of sorcery, his dark skin seamlessly peeling away to reveal her old friend from Lorath, Jaqen H’ghar. The Faceless Man reveals that his past name was a pseudonym and that in truth he is ''"no one. And that is who a girl must become."'' He opens the door for Arya, who enters the ominous House of Black and White.

In '''Meereen''', Mossador and a group of men loyal to him breaks into the cell that holds the captive Son of the Harpy. The man, still bearing the signs of Daario's rough interrogation, remains defiant, even as he realizes what Mossador and his men intends to do with him, and with no shortage of spite he calls Mossador a traitor and tells him that Daenerys will never be his Mhysa. The scene cuts to the Son of the Harpy bloodied and dead in the street, his corpse on display for everyone to see. Then it cuts to Mossador in chains in front of Daenerys. He tells her that he killed them for her, and that she was no longer required to have a fair trial for the Harpies, telling her that while the masters was the law the before, she is now the law. She replies to him that the ''law'' is the law and orders her guards to take him out to be publicly executed. On one side of the execution stage stand the former masters, and on the other stand the freed slaves. The slaves cry for mercy for Mossador, but Daenerys stands firm and Daario executes the former slave. The former slaves stand silent and disillusioned for a brief moment, before they begin to hiss at Daenerys, and one picks up a stone to throw at her, but misses and hit the former masters, which starts brawls between the two groups. Daenerys is hurried back to her palace protected by Unsullied.

The election begins, and Alliser Thorne and Denys Mallister are nominated from the get-go, though it seems to be a sure victory for Thorne. Sam, however, decides to take a gamble and throws in a last-minute nomination for Jon by holding a speech listing Jon's multiple acts of great bravery in the service of the Watch to much applause from a good chunk of the present Brothers. After Aemon stacks the voting tokens, it seems that there is a tie between Thorne and Jon, until Aemon produces a token for Jon from his sleeve, breaking the tie. Jon Snow is now the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.

In the streets of '''Braavos''', Arya chops off the head of a pigeon with her sword, Needle. Three shady men approach her as they point out that her sword appears to be worth quite a lot of money, and draw knifes on her. Arya looks coldly back at them, telling them dead men has no need for money, as she points Needle at them and readies herself for battle. The would-be robbers continue to advance on her, but suddenly they see priest of the House of Black and White appearing behind her and they instantly scatter, fleeing for their lives. Arya follows the priest to the House, and asks him who he his. The priest gives Arya the coin she threw into the sea, and his face turns into Jaqen H’ghar, but denies that he is Jaqen H’ghar, telling her that in truth he is "no one" and that is what she will learn to be too. He opens the door for Arya, who enters the House of Black and White.

In '''the Water Gardens''' next to the Summer Sea, Ellaria Sand watches Myrcella Baratheon and Trystane Martell larking about below, clearly smitten. She storms off to find Prince Doran Martell, brother to the late Oberyn and even later Elia and father to Trystane. She seeks vengeance for Oberyn, and her daughters, the Sand Snakes, are with her on this, as is the general populace. Yet when he makes it quite clear that open war is off the table, she settles for sending Myrcella, piece by piece, back to her mother in the capital. Doran is disgusted and spurns the suggestion point-blank, saying that it will ''never'' happen while he rules. Ellaria leaves, but warns Doran that he might not be ruling for long, to which Areo Hotah, Captain to Doran's guard, responds by wordlessly running a finger along the blade of his glaive. Questing whether steps have to be taken... Of course, [[TheFettered Doran is unwilling to consider going to such lengths either.]]

-->'''Cersei:''' [[Troll That is not your concern as Master of War.]]

At '''The Wall''', Princess Shireen teaches Gilly how to read in the library, while Sam researches on the history of past Lord Commanders. Princess Shireen and Gilly open up to each other and talk about Shireen's greyscale and Gilly’s sisters, who were also afflicted by it. Queen Selyse interrupts them and orders them to leave, before warning Shireen to stay away from Gilly as she’s a wildling, and that the wildlings could strike at Stannis by striking at Shireen. Jon Snow and Stannis discuss the wildlings and who they would follow now that Mance was dead, and Stannis shows Jon a reply from Lyanna Mormont, the Lady of Bear Island and ten years old, after asking her to commit her house to Stannis. The message reads: Bear Island knows no king but the King in the North, whose name is Stark. They then discuss the upcoming election for Lord Commander, and Stannis offers to turn Jon Snow into a trueborn if he joins him. Sam and Jon discuss this offer, and Sam says that Jon deserves this. Jon tells him that he would refuse him, as he needed to keep his vows.

The election begins, and Alliser Thorne and Denys Mallister are nominated from the get-go, though it seems to be a sure victory for Thorne. Sam, however, decides to take a gamble and throws in a last-minute nomination for Jon by holding a speech listing Jon's multiple acts of great bravery in the service of the Watch to much applause of from a good chunk of the present brothers. After Aemon stacks the voting tokens, it seems that there is a tie between Thorne and Jon, until Aemon produces a token for Jon from his sleeve, breaking the tie. Jon Snow is now the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.

On a beach overlooked by '''Castle Stokeworth''', Lady Lollys and an ever nonchalant Bronn chat together about their impending nuptials and his bride's mean ol' big sis, who will inherit the estate before them. But not if Bronn of the Blackwater has anything to say about it... Unfortunately for the retired merc, Jaime Lannister drops by on them, press-ganging Bronn [[TenMinuteRetirement out of luxury]] and into accompanying him as far south as south goes on the continent, in return, he'll find the wily sell-sword a better wife than the poor dotty thing Cersei offered; along with a much more prestigious castle, befitting the importance of his mission.

In '''the Water Gardens''' next to the Summer Sea, Ellaria Sand watches Myrcella Baratheon and Trystane Martell larking about below, clearly smitten. She storms off to find Prince Doran Martell, brother to the late Oberyn and even later Elia and father to Trystane. She seeks vengeance for Oberyn, and her daughters, the Sand Snakes, are with her on this, as is the general populace. Yet when he makes it quite clear that open war is off the table, she settles for sending Myrcella, piece by piece, back to her mother in the capital. Doran is disgusted and spurns the suggestion point-blank, saying that it will ''never'' happen while he rules. Ellaria leaves, but warns Doran that he might not be ruling for long, to which Areo Hotah, Captain to Doran's guard, responds by wordlessly running a finger along the blade of his glaive. Of course, [[TheFettered Doran is unwilling to consider going to such lengths either.]]

Daenerys' small council gathers to discuss the captive. Mossador urges Dany to have him executed, in order to make an example towards the other would-be Sons, Hizdahr zo Loraq expresses doubts towards that solution, while Ser Barristan advises restraint, as he may have valuable information, but Daario relays that the prisoner has already been extensively ''[[ExaltedTorturer questioned]]''. Mossador mentions that the lower rungs of the great families are being bribed to perform these terrorist acts but Hizdahr scoffs at this notion. Selmy advocates that Daenerys should give the Son a fair trial, but Mossador says that the Meereenese slave holders did not know mercy and a fair trial before and it will mean nothing to them now, they will only understand the spilling of blood. Daenerys must consider the matter in solitude before coming to a decision but Barristan remains behind.

-->'''Barristan:''' Your Grace. I served in his Kingsguard. I was at his side from the first. Your enemies did not lie.

-->'''Barristan:''' No, Your Grace. Thank the gods. [[PayEvilUntoEvil But the Mad King gave his enemies the justice he thought they deserved.]] [[JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope And each time, it made him feel powerful and right.]] Until the very end.

Back in '''King’s Landing''', a dwarf's head is presented to Cersei by two bounty hunters eager to claim the prize money. She rejects the head, and Ser Meryn Trant suggests throwing them in a cell for trying to deceive the queen. Cersei refuses as this might dissuade other hunters, and orders them to take the head away. However, Qyburn asks for it, as he says that it might be... [[MadScientist useful for his work.]]

Cersei attends the small council and sits in the Hand's chair. Kevan Lannister challenges her move, asking her if she is the King’s Hand. Cersei replies that she is advising her son until he comes of age. Mace Tyrell offers to be the King’s Hand, but Cersei cuts him off by telling him that the King has appointed him Master of Coin, in addition to his role as Master of Ships. Maester Pycelle offers as well, but Cersei snubs him by saying that Qyburn has been named Master of Whisperers. She cuts off his protests by addressing Kevan Lannister, saying that the King has named him Master of War.

-->'''Lord Kevan Lannister:'''

In '''the Water Gardens''' next to the Summer Sea, Ellaria Sand watches Myrcella and Trystane Martell larking about below, clearly smitten. She storms off to find Prince Doran Martell, brother to the late Oberyn and even later Elia and father to Trystane. She seeks vengeance for Oberyn, and her daughters, the Sand Snakes, are with her on this, as is the general populace. Yet when he makes it quite clear that open war is off the table, she settles for sending Myrcella, piece by piece, back to her mother in the capital. Doran is disgusted and spurns the suggestion point-blank, saying that it will ''never'' happen while he rules. Ellaria leaves, but warns Doran that he might not be ruling for long, to which Areo Hotah, Captain to Doran's guard, responds by wordlessly running a finger along the blade of his glaive. Of course, [[TheFettered Doran is unwilling to consider going to such lengths either.]]

-->'''Barristan:''' No, Your Grace. Thank the gods.

In a coach, Tyrion and Varys discuss Westeros, Tyrion’s leadership, and their deformities and what it does to them. During the conversation, Tyrion notices he has been placed in yet another box and is going stir-crazy from the experience, and expresses his wish to at least be allowed outside for a small walk. Varys tells him that it will have to wait until they have arrived in safer lands, as Cersei has promised a lordship to whomever killed Tyrion. In responds Tyrion quips that Cersei can't seriously be planning to kill every dwarf in world just to strike him down.

Back in '''King’s Landing''', a dwarf head is presented to Cersei by two bounty hunters eager to claim the price she has promised. She rejects the head, and Ser Meryn Trant suggests throwing them in a cell for trying to deceive the queen. Cersei refuses as this might dissuade other hunters, and orders them to take the head away. Qyburn asks for it, as he says that it might be useful to his work.

Cersei attends the small council and sits in the Hand's chair. Kevan Lannister challenges her right to the chair, asking if she is the King’s Hand. Cersei replies that she is advising her son until he comes of age. Mace Tyrell offers to be the King’s Hand, but Cersei cuts him off by telling him that the King has appointed him Master of Coin, in addition to his role as Master of Ships. Maester Pycelle offers as well, but Cersei snubs him by saying that Qyburn has been named Master of Whisperers. She cuts off his protests by addressing Kevan Lannister, saying that the King has named him Master of War. Her uncle refuses her and does not recognise her authority, and says that if the King needs him, he will have to find him himself. At Casterly Rock.

At '''The Wall''', Princess Shireen teaches Gilly how to read in the library, while Sam researches on the history of Lord Commanders. Princess Shireen and Gilly open up to each other and talk about Shireen’s greyscale and Gilly’s sisters, who were also afflicted by it. Queen Selyse interrupts them and orders them to leave, before warning Shireen to stay away from Gilly as she’s a wildling, and that the wildlings could strike at Stannis by striking at Shireen. Jon Snow and Stannis discuss the wildlings and who they would follow now that Mance was dead, and Stannis shows Jon a reply from Lyanna Mormont, the Lady of Bear Island and ten years old, after asking her to commit her house to Stannis. The message reads: Bear Island knows no king but the King in the North, whose name is Stark. They then discuss the upcoming election for Lord Commander, and Stannis offers to turn Jon Snow into a trueborn if he joins him. Sam and Jon discuss this offer, and Sam says that Jon deserves this. Jon tells him that he would refuse him, as he needed to keep his vows.

Daenerys' small council gathers to discuss the captive. Mossador wants to execute the man to make an example of him towards the other Sons, Hizdahr zo Loraq expresses doubts towards that solution, while Ser Barristan advises restraint, as they may have valuable information, but Daario says they have already been interrogated. Ser Barristan suggests to give the captives a fair trial, but the Mossador says that the Meereenese do not know mercy and a fair trial will mean nothing to them, they will only understand the spilling of blood. The whole debate now devolves into a shouting match between Mossador and Hizdahr, so Daenerys dismisses the council. Ser Barristan stays behind though, and tells her the truth about The Mad King Aerys, and uses this to remind Daenerys that till the very end, Aerys was convinced that he was right and just. Daenerys answers that she is not her father, and tells him she intends to hold a fair trial for the man.

On a beach overlooked by '''Castle Stokeworth''', Lady Lollys and a clearly uninterested Bronn chat together about their impending nuptials and his bride's mean ol' big sis, who will inherit the estate before them. But not if Bronn of the Blackwater has anything to say about it... Unfortunately for the retired merc, Jaime Lannister drops by on them, press-ganging Bronn [[TenMinuteRetirement out of luxury]] and into accompanying him as far south as south goes on the continent, in return, he'll find the wily sell-sword a better wife than the poor dotty thing Cersei offered; along with a much more prestigious castle, befitting the importance of his mission.

Daario Naharis and Grey Worm patrol '''Meereen''' together, and Daario says that the Unsullied are too conspicuous, while his Second Sons blend in easily and are able to obtain information about the Sons of the Harpy. They investigate a suspected hideout for the Sons of the Harpy, and find it empty. Daario asks Grey Worm if he is afraid, and Grey Worm replies that Unsullied do not fear. Daario points out that that is their problem as those who have forgotten fear have forgotten how to hide. He pulls his knife out and stabs a wall, making it crumble and revealing a man hiding behind it. The Unsullied take him captive, and Grey Worm discovers blades and gold masks at in the hiding place, revealing the man to be a Son of the Harpy.

Daenerys’ small council gathers to discuss the captives. Mossador wants to execute the man to make an example of him towards the other traitors, Hizdahr zo Loraq expresses doubts towards that solution, while Ser Barristan advises restraint, as they may have valuable information, but Daario says they have already been interrogated. Ser Barristan suggests to give the captives a fair trial, but the Mossador says that the Meereenese do not know mercy and a fair trial will mean nothing to them, they will only understand the spilling of blood. The whole debate now devolves into a shouting match between Mossador and Hizdahr, so Daenerys dismisses the council. Ser Barristan stays behind though, and tells her the truth about The Mad King Aerys, and uses this to remind Daenerys that till the very end, Aerys was convinced that he was right and just. Daenerys answers that she is not her father, and tells him she intends to hold a fair trial for the man.

Cersei attends the small council and sits in the Hand's chair. Kevan Lannister challenges her right to the chair, asking if she is the King’s Hand. Cersei replies that she is advising her son until he comes of age. Mace Tyrell offers to be the King’s Hand, but Cersei cuts him off by telling him that the King has appointed him Master of Coin. Maester Pycelle offers as well, but Cersei snubs him by saying that Qyburn has been named Master of Whisperers. She cuts off his protests by addressing Kevan Lannister, saying that the King has named him Master of War. Her uncle refuses her and does not recognise her authority, and says that if the King needs him, he will have to find him himself. At Casterly Rock.

On a beach overlooked by '''Castle Stokeworth''', Lady Lollys and a clearly uninterested Bronn chat together about their impending nuptials and his bride's mean ol' big sis, who will inherit the estate before them. But not if Bronn of the Blackwater has anything to say about it... Unfortunately for the retired merc, Jaime Lannister drops by on them, press-ganging Bronn [[10MinuteRetirement out of luxury]] and into accompanying him as far south as south goes on the continent, in return, he'll find the wily sell-sword a better wife than the poor dotty thing Cersei offered; along with a much more prestigious castle, befitting the importance of his mission.

Bam. Arya's hardened gaze looks out on the iconic landmark that welcomes all to the greatest of the Free Cities, '''Braavos''', the bastard son of Valyria. She is captivated by the Titan's colossus and the Braavosi captain of the vessel she boarded at the end of last Season notes how the Titan's horn blast lets the Arsenal fleet know whenever a ship is about to make port. He rows her through the Ragman's Harbour and Arya is fascinated with the local colour of the East, what with being a Northerner all her life. They wind along the canals and eventually make it out to the [[TitleDrop House of Black and White]], where he tells her that who she seeks will be found. She walks up to the appropriately dichotomous front doors, knocks on them twice and before she can rap a third time, is answered by a rather old, gnarled and intimidating-looking male Summer Islander in a rough-spun hooded robe. After collecting herself, Arya greets him nervously. Silence. She tries for the old stand-by that always works! "Valar morghulis". Stone faced is his reply. Remembering with a start, the wolf pup presents her iron coin and tells him that Jaqen H’ghar gave it to her, but the elder tells her there is no one by that name here and she should move on. Arya pleads, telling him that she has no where else to go, but he deadpans: "you have everywhere else to go" and closes the black door on her. Arya resigns herself to sitting outside on the temple steps repeating her kill list all throughout the rest day and into a stormy night. The following morning, she tosses her iron coin into the sea in frustration and leaves.

Bam. Arya's hardened gaze looks out on the iconic landmark that welcomes all to the greatest of the Free Cities, '''Braavos''', the bastard son of Valyria. She is captivated by the Titan's colossus and the Braavosi captain of the vessel she boarded at the end of last Season notes how the Titan's horn blast lets the Arsenal fleet know whenever a ship is about to make port. He rows her through the Ragman's Harbour and Arya is fascinated with the local colour of the East, what with being a Northerner all her life. They wind along the canals and eventually make it out to the [[TitleDrop House of Black and White]], where he tells her that who she seeks can be found there. She walks up to the appropriately dichotomous front doors, knocks on them twice and before she can rap a third time, is answered by a rather old, gnarled and intimidating-looking male Summer Islander in a rough-spun hooded robe. After collecting herself, Arya greets him nervously. Silence. She tries for the old stand-by that always works! "Valar morghulis". Stone faced is his reply. Remembering with a start, the wolf pup presents her iron coin and tells him that Jaqen H’ghar gave it to her, but the elder tells her there is no one by that name here and she should move on. Arya pleads, telling him that she has no where else to go, but he deadpans: "you have everywhere else to go" and closes the black door on her. Arya resigns herself to sitting outside on the temple steps repeating her kill list all throughout the rest day and into a stormy night. The following morning, she tosses her iron coin into the sea in frustration and leaves.

Bam. Arya's hardened gaze looks out on the iconic landmark that welcomes all to the greatest of the Free Cities,'''Braavos''', the bastard son of Valyria. She is captivated by the Titan's colossus and the Braavosi captain of the vessel she boarded at the end of last Season notes how the Titan's horn blast lets the Arsenal fleet know whenever a ship is about to make port. He rows her through the Ragman's Harbour and Arya is fascinated with the local colour of the East, what with being a Northerner all her life. They wind along the canals and eventually make it out to the [[TitleDrop House of Black and White]], where he tells her that who she seeks can be found there. She walks up to the appropriately dichotomous front doors, knocks on them twice and before she can rap a third time, is answered by a rather old, gnarled and intimidating-looking male Summer Islander in a rough-spun hooded robe. After collecting herself, Arya greets him nervously. Silence. She tries for the old stand-by that always works! "Valar morghulis". Stone faced is his reply. Remembering with a start, the wolf pup presents her iron coin and tells him that Jaqen H’ghar gave it to her, but the elder tells her there is no one by that name here and she should move on. Arya pleads, telling him that she has no where else to go, but he deadpans: "you have everywhere else to go" and closes the black door on her. Arya resigns herself to sitting outside on the temple steps repeating her kill list all throughout the rest day and into a stormy night. The following morning, she tosses her iron coin into the sea in frustration and leaves.

On a beach overlooked by '''Castle Stokeworth''', Lady Lollys and a clearly uninterested Bronn chat together about their impending nuptials and his bride's mean ol' big sis, who will inherit the estate before them. But not if Bronn of the Blackwater has anything to say about it... Jaime Lannister drops by on them, press-ganging Bronn into accompanying him as far south as south goes on the continent, in return, he'll find the wily sell-sword a better wife than the poor dotty thing Cersei offered; along with a much more prestigious castle, befitting the importance of his mission.

In '''the Water Gardens''' next to the Summer Sea, Ellaria Sand watches Myrcella and Trystane Martell flirting, then storms off to find Prince Doran, brother to the late Elia and Oberyn and father to Trystane, to seek vengeance for Oberyn by sending Myrcella piece by piece to Cersei. Prince Doran is disgusted and refuses, saying that it will never happen while he rules. Ellaria leaves, but warns Doran that he might not keep ruling for long, to which Areo Hotah, Captain to Doran's guard, responds by wordlessly running a finger along the blade of his glaive.

We cut to somewhere in '''the Vale''', where Brienne, now with a new mount, and Podrick, still walking, arrive at a wayfarer's rest and they stop for bite. Co-incidentally, Littlefinger, Sansa and their Arryn entourage have stopped at the same inn, and Petyr mentions that the scroll we saw him open last episode mentioned the acceptance of his marriage proposal... [[LeftHanging His own?]] Podrick recognizes the pair, pointing them out surreptitiously to Brienne. The Lady of Evenfall quickly makes a contingency with her companion to get out of dodge, then stands up and confronts the men-at-arms. Petyr lets her through after making several transparently [[StealthInsult pointed remarks]] but undeterred, she kneels and offers Sansa her service [[DramaticIrony as one of the only true knights in all the realm]]. The Mockingbird inquires into who truly murdered Renly, since ''she'' had in fact been accused of his murder by elements of the Southern Alliance. He then derides Brienne's honest but admittedly outlandish answer of a Stannis Shade and swiftly turns Sansa against her. Yet allows for her to ''stay'' with them, as the roads aren't ''safe''... the implications are quite clear. Brienne bulls past Littlefinger’s knights, knocks one down and rushes outside to where Podrick has the horses ready and cuts some of her pursuer's steeds free, slays one man then mounts up, culminating in a chase. Brienne is separated from her atendant, only to save Podrick at the last second, slicing up two of the pursuing soldiers. Podrick asks Brienne if she hasn't been released from her oath, seeing how both Arya and Sansa has now personally rejected her offer of protection. Brienne answers that whatever it is Littlefinger is planning to do with Sansa it can't possibly be a good thing, so she can't give up just yet.

Meanwhile in '''King’s Landing''', Cersei and Jaime discuss a threat received from Dorne, consisting of Myrcella’s necklace hanging from a stuffed snake, which ends in a decision for Jaime to secretly go and retrieve Myrcella from Dorne, before something happens to her.

On a beach nearby '''Castle Stokeworth''', Lollys and Bronn chat together about their wedding and Lollys’ sister, which is a sweet moment between them. Jaime Lannister interrupts them, asking Bronn to accompany him to Dorne, in return for a better wife and castle.

In '''Dorne''', Ellaria Sand watches Myrcella and Trystane Martell flirting, then storms off to find Prince Doran, brother to the late Elia and Oberyn and father to Trystane, to seek vengeance for Oberyn by sending Myrcella piece by piece to Cersei. Prince Doran is disgusted and refuses, saying that it will never happen while he rules. Ellaria leaves, but warns Doran that he might not keep ruling for long, to which Areo Hotah, Captain to Doran's guard, responds by wordlessly running a finger along the blade of his glaive.