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Book 1
Prologue: Below him the city
- There is something heartwarming about Maester Eaton choosing not to fight back against the man that murdered Lord Robert and is attempting to murder him, in order to protect his apprentice Dairon. It shows just how kind this man is and how much he cares for his apprentice that he willingly chooses his death in order to prevent the assassin from going after Dairon.
Chapter 1: Dark Wings, Dark Words
- Edmyn Tully standing up to Harren Hoare is equal parts this and a moment of awesome. He doesn't stand up against his king for personal gain, or to compliment his ego, he stands up against him because he feels that he went too far and that someone has to stand up to him right now and right here. It shows that even in Westeros there are still men in power willing to fight for a better world.
- Later on, Torvin allies with Edmyn for the same reasons. He feels that his king goes too far and is too cruel, so he refuses to stand down and accept it. The fact that even he, as an Ironborn, is willing to do this shows that there can be good on every side and honor even in unexpected places.
- Lyria is highly sceptical about working for Wolfius Woodbark. What convinces her to give in to his demands is his generous offer and a look at her daughter, which makes her realize how much she needs the coin for Rosalie. She willingly puts herself in trouble for this. Unfortunately, she has no idea how bad the consequences of this choice would be.
Chapter 2: Broken Vows
- Terroma's introduction to the story, in which he plays around with the recently orphaned Ellena Terys. It introduces him as a Friend to All Children, but also show that he cares for Ellena in particular. And given that she just lost her father, she definitely needs such a warm interaction. Ellena also recalls their first meeting, which is pure heartwarming.
- Garthon heavily disagrees with his brother's decision to join forces with Lord Tully. But in the end, when having to face the possibility of losing his brother, he comes around, offering to join up with him, to go down together if at all.
- Willfred is shown to be very annoyed by his sister and her mood swings, especially her constant crying. But he still is her brother and as such, he feels when she truly needs his affection. This leads to Alanna breaking down in his arms, admitting to her fears of the family being separated.
- Th interaction between the Reyne family in general can be heartwarming, as it shows just how much they love each other. The abovementioned scene between Alanna and Willfred, her childish joy upon seeing her little brother again, Willfred choosing to leave his loyal guard Two-Face in Castamere to have an eye on his sister and Darren's So Proud of You-moment during his final talk with Willfred in the chapter.
- After being introduced as a rather typical Drill Sergeant Nasty, Ilhan gets to show his nicer qualities in this chapter. His interactions with Jenna are a genuine and selfless attempt to turn her into a more capable and courageous person. It also shows how much he cares for his recruits and for the city he lives in.
Chapter 3: We Write History
- Jaron is shown to be alive and relatively well, thanks to the care he received aboard the Pale Princess. He has even formed a friendship with Ellena and is shown to care for her deeply, given by the concern he shows when she apparently gets into trouble with Butterfly's men.
- Ellena saying her goodbyes to Terroma is a big Tearjerker, but there is one small moment when he promises to get back for her, so that they can start a new life in Braavos. It shows how much of a Parental Substitute he has become for her.
- Jaron's interaction with Harpy and Martin is one of the most light-hearted scenes in the chapter, showing all three of them bonding in a relaxed athmosphere, which is especially precious when considering their generally grim surroundings in the utter hellhole that is Oldtown.
- John's talk with Cass is equal parts heartwarming and a Tearjerker. It is the first time the tough sellsword opens up a little bit and it is shown that he cares enough for her to reveal his dark past. In turn, Cass is shown to have genuinely grown to love him.
- It gets even more emotional after Cass' death. Despite being utterly distraught, John realizes how much her previous request of sending Samantha after Lucas and Leonard has meant to her, so he honours her last wish despite of how much it will put him at a disadvantage. It is one of the few times in the story he purposefully puts himself at a disadvantage, for entire selfless reasons even.
- The early signs of affection between Lucas and Lunett are adorable, especially as they both act like awkward teenagers around each other. At one point, Lucas outright starts to blush after talking to her, hinting at some heavy affection.
- Despite being heavily wounded and close to death, Richard does whatever he can to save his daughter, pushing himself far beyond what should be possible in his condition. Even better is that he succeeds.
Chapter 4: Butterfly
- There is something strangely heartwarming about Archmaester Quent's loyalty to his brother, Eaton. Even after all these years of them being estranged, he shows signs of loving him, which is especially surprising given how he behaves to every other person he encounters. It shows that underneath the crusty old jerk, there's still something of the man he used to be.
- The continuation of Jaron's talk with Martin and Harpy. With the former, there are signs of them overcoming their differences, to form a friendship, whereas Jaron's interaction with Harpy marks the happiest either of them has ever been seen up until that point in the story, as well as the part where the Ship Tease really kicks in.
- Every scene between Jaron and Harpy is heartwarming, as both slowly open up to each other, showing a deep, mutual trust and way softer sides than we've seen from either so far. Special mention goes to Harpy, who even opens up a little bit about her past.
- Towards the end of the chapter, there is the entire confrontation between Jaron, Harpy, Robb and Butterfly. First, there is Jaron's refusal to turn against Harpy, followed by him valiantly defending her. Second, there's Robb saving both of their lives at the cost of his own, not even hesitating to fight against Butterfly himself. Finally, there is the sheer relief that is felt when Martin and the reinforcements finally arrive to save the day.
- The reunion between Jenna and her father after she wakes up is mixing this with being a bit of a Tearjerker, as it becomes clear how much Jenna has suffered physically and mentally due to her attack towards Wolfius, but also how much solace her father gives her.
- A relatively minor example, but just seeing Maya and Gregar cuddling in their sleep like best friends shows how close these two have grown, after their relatively rocky start.
- Just seeing how much Lucas and Leonard have developed their friendship since Chapter 1. By the time of this chapter, they are very much Fire-Forged Friends, who are fully supportive of each other. It's especially moving to see Leonard going out of his way to make sure that Lucas will confess his feelings to Lunett.
- Speaking of, the actual confession is all layers of sweet. Slightly awkward maybe, as both fumble around and look for the right words to describe their feelings, but surely heartwarming and the first time Lucas is seen to be truly happy.
- Though it is followed by one of the most major Tearjerkers in the story, there is the final part of the chapter and how it culminates into Lucas and Leonard doing just about anything to save Lunett, whom they have both grown so fond of. It is especially notable for Leonard, who has previously gotten into an argument with her.
Chapter 5: The Iron Price
- Garthon has repeatedly shown just how much he disagrees with Torvin's methods and goals, seeing his way of taking down Harren Hoare as foolish. In contrast to his earlier behaviour however, he now fully trusts in Torvin and has come a long way from his earlier days. After spending their initial parts being silent with each other, it is also heartwarming to see how much of a friendship he and George have formed.
- Though it is mostly hilarious, the scene between Marak, Irving and Alan becomes quite sweet upon second thought. There are three grumpy loners, typically seen as outcasts by others, who nonetheless manage to show companionship among each other, genuinely supporting their respective ambitions. It goes double for Marak, who has so far been little more than Noelle's muscle, as he shows that he can be quite an affable guy.
- Just the loyalty Richard's friends show him. Philip and Urid, though both in way over their heads, refuse to leave his side when he decides to help the city guard during their assault on the warehouse, where Clayton's group is hiding. True Companions indeed.
- The warehouse attack holds one of Kersea's finest moments, when she disobeys Clayton to save Alysanne. To put emphasis on it, she willingly and openly disobeyed a man with near-total control over her, just to save a woman she befriended. Alysanne, who is a very messed up person herself, has never experienced such friendship before, so this moment is especially powerful for her.
- The newest Point-of-View, Raenna Minsworth, starts her storyline with such a moment, when she gets into a fight with several drunken thugs, who have come to the tavern she stays at to celebrate one of the Solvers becoming a father. Though she is forced to kill most of them, she goes out of her way to spare the new father, even convincing him to stand down and give up, because she does not want the child to grow up without a father.
- Jaron and Harpy provide what might be the stories most Heartwarming Moments, when several chapters worth of Ship Tease finally pay off. Encouraged by Martin and Bakr, Jaron starts to confess his feelings to her, first hesitantly, but then getting increasingly braver when it comes to how he feels. Harpy is not only completely baffled, she also reveals that she feels the same, culminating in a Big Damn Kiss between the two.
Chapter 6: Masquerade
- Seeing how Sasha and Samantha's friendship has developed. The initially cold, hostile Dothraki woman finally opens up, revealing her Dark and Troubled Past, showing that she now has complete trust in Samantha and the way their alliance turned into a genuine friendship.
- Kersea continues to prove that she is a Hitman with a Heart when she viciously shuts Clayton down when he proposes that they arrange for the death of the heavily wounded Alysanne, who has become a liablity to their mission. She actually manages to intimidate him enough to drop the proposal.
- To infiltrate the labyrinth below the Hightower, Raenna and Terroma are forced to team up with an expert, none other than Samuel Harrington, who seeks answers for the whereabouts of his brother. During their interactions, Raenna defrosts quite heavily, showing a vulnerable and sweet side of hers, while obviously crushing on Samuel. The best part? He, probably even more aloof, is clearly smitten with her as well.
- Garthon's loyalty to Torvin continues to be touching. Though he accepts Harren Hoare's offer of freedom, he remains concerned for Torvin's fate, doing whatever he can to make sure that his brother will get out of this alive.
- Furthermore, the Ship Tease between him and Kyra Greyjoy, as they both share a cute moment, with her even giving him A Kiss For Luck on the cheek, urging him to survive his coming hardships and return to Harrenhal.
- Jaron and Harpy. Just Jaron and Harpy. Both being in their first serious relationship ever (implied to be their first romantic relationship in general as well), they are positively adorable in their interactions. His concern for her, her playful teasing, the way they depend on each other and, of course, her Anguished Declaration of Love just before the final confrontation with Butterfly.
Chapter 7: Valar Morghulis
- Noelle gets a massive Pet the Dog moment when she and Marak find the victims of a serial killer who targets only children. Not only is she genuinely distraught over the death of his final victim, a girl she has grown fond of, she also insists on wasting valuable time on her mission to give them a funeral after the rites of her faith. Not bad for someone who has previously been portrayed as nothing but a clear villain.
- Raenna's interaction with Terroma really drives home the point that he has become a surrogate father for her, the only family she ever had or needed. In a brief moment, she even calls him father, something she has never done before. Terroma, dumbfounded by this, is visibly touched, showing that he has long since come to feel the same about her, his surrogate daughter.
- Pretty much everything Argella Durrandon says or does in this chapter. Having appeared as a stuck-up Alpha Bitch in previous chapters, she finally reveals a softer side of hers, as she is moved by Lucas' experiences in Oldtown. Not only does she vow to protect him and the city of Raylansfair against Maron Mullendore, she also makes it her personal mission to build up his lost sense of self worth. She even has some surprising success, when Lucas declares his loyalty for her, finally feeling like a knight again.
- Furthermore, Argella's interaction with Drent. After having been needlessly cold to him in the previous chapter, she feels legitimately sorry and goes out of her way to get him a bottle of Arbor Gold, the wine he admitted to having never tasted before, sharing it with him in a cordial moment.
- Alysanne Waters has always been portrayed as a broken, messed up person, part Tear Jerker, part Nightmare Fuel. However, after the previous interactions with Kersea, she finally shows a vulnerable, heavily wounded side of hers, as she reveals how much Kersea means to her as a friend, the first and only one she ever had. Their hug is one of the sweetest moments of the entire story.
Chapter 8: What Is Dead May Never Die
- Kersea finally reuniting with her little sister. After spending years doing Clayton's bidding just for a chance at prolonging Briar's life, the sheer joy she feels when seeing her again, alive and unharmed, is a severe contrast to the cold, broken person she has been before. She renounces her loyalty to Clayton immediately, as she tries to atone for her past actions.
- Richard has done quite a number of mistakes in the past. His desire for constantly proving himself has endangered, harmed and even killed some of his friends. However, when the stakes are high, he nonetheless proves himself to be a major good guy, putting himself at risk to save the wounded Hal Recton.
- Alysanne's sheer dedication to keep Kersea save and alive might be unsettling at times, but in this chapter, she proves how genuine her feelings are, as she saves her from Clayton and Harris Flowers, at the same time even. Sacrificing her own life for her friend is heartbreaking, yet also sweet considering how cold and broken she has been before.
- Right before his death, Jax Montclair is granted his greatest wish, when Argella knights him on his deathbed. She goes against all conventions to do this and out of her way to promise him that his sons, as the sons of an accomplished knight and hero, will live a safe and secure life, something that comforts him in his final moments.
- It is followed by the Tear Jerker that is his death, but Torvin's final part notably features him sparing the life of a little boy, whom he even hides from the other Ironborn. Though a brutal raider, it shows that up until the end, he had standards to follow.
Chapter 9: Valar Dohaeris
- After her seeming death in Chapter 8, Raenna is revealed to be alive and well. Her previous act of kindness, saving Brandon Snow from Butterfly's prison, has now saved her life, as Brandon repays his debt, even smuggling her and Briar out of the city and away from Maron Mullendore's men.
- Even though Harpy has lost her father figure, her power in the city and most of her friends, she does not give up on Jaron and neither does he give up on her. His worries that her feelings for him might fade are powerfully rebuked when she gives him a "Shut Up" Kiss to prove him wrong.
- John and Temari proving what True Companions should be like. Though in a situation where both are on the edge of a breakdown, they nonetheless make sure to support each other without question, as they prepare for their mission to save Janae and Behara from Abbas and Bakr.
- Once again, Argella's sheer determination to save her knight, Lucas. She even reveals why she is so dedicated to his freedom. Still unsure about her future role as a queen, she was moved by his declaration of loyalty to her, the first person to ever do so to her and not to her father. For a woman that has always lived in the Storm King's shadow, this was a very important moment and it retroactively explains a lot about how attached she has gotten to Lucas.
Interlude
Interlude: Seven Letters
- The entire end of Sharra Arryn's part of the Interlude. After receiving word that her sons have gotten into a fight with each other, she drops everything and rushes to their side, negotiating between Ronnel and his younger brother Jonos. The genuine motherly love she has for both is touching, but especially her Declaration of Protection to Ronnel.
- As messed up as it is, the relationship between Harren and Harlan in the Interlude, as well as his more obvious connection to Haragard Murphey pretty much proves that even a man such as Harren is capable of genuine fondness for others.
- Argilac's Interlude mixes this with a tear jerker, as the old king visits the graves of his family. He once again reassures his wife how proud he is of the woman their daughter and only living child has grown into. Hardened warrior or not, this man loves his daughter dearly.
Book 2
Chapter 1: Fires Far
- Aegon Targaryen gets a notable Pet the Dog moment when he tries to find a solution to spare Amerei Mooton's life even after she openly defied him. His relief at her finally submitting to her uncle's rule shows that despite being a warmongering conqueror, he also genuinely wishes to provide a stable rule for his subjects and does not wish to punish a girl for grieving for her father.
- In return for him previously doing the same, Rell Vessels comes back to save Garthon's life from Tedyn Bullister. In a setting as grim and opportunistic as this, it is wonderful to see an actual act of gratitude and decency, especially from an Ironborn, who are known for neither quality.
