Westeros

Just like his alter ego, the Knight of Flowers, Finn Jones is a very passionate, energetic individual.

Understandably, the fans are really pleased with his enthusiasm; he does get carried away while chatting, and I could hear him utter the “F-word” more than once (tee-hee!) His slender frame and that mop of quasi-alive curly blondish hair are quite striking, even more so with him sitting close to the mighty Kristian Nairn.

When my turn comes, Finn’s hand darts towards mine and shakes it effusively. A quick smile. Bright eyes. It shows today’s just the first day of the Con. I check my recording device (or “Phone”, as I am fond of calling it), like this:

Interview

Marino: OK, let’s try this… Hello?

Finn stretches his body from the other side of the table and with the grace of a shadowcat starts throwing words at the device.

“Man, he speaks fast,” I find myself thinking. I wish the few thousand people around would lowered their voices a few decibels, but since it seems unlikely, I ready my ears and buckle up to fight Ser Loras Tyrell in the merciless arena of light-speed-interviewing.

Marino: Finn, thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions. We didn’t get to see much of you last season, but Loras is in a difficult place right now with his wedding looming on the horizon and all the politicking. How is he faring?

Finn revels in the words “PISSED OFF”, which are the only ones pronounced somewhat more slowly. Did I mention he speaks fast? I’m so glad this is not a listening test!

Marino: You mentioned Cersei, your bride-to-be. She is pretty much in a similar predicament, her being forced married to Loras. Why do you think Loras and Cersei do not seem to find common ground?

Finn nods energetically and stares at me while I speak, his brow ever so slightly furrowed, as if he were measuring my words so that he may more effectively OBLITERATE them with a barrage of his own. This is wordfighting against a knight!

Marino: Loras’ sister Margaery Tyrell may become queen soon. Is Loras interested in politics at all?

Marino: So do you see Loras getting all “hot-headed” as you said and marching into some battle just to feel useful?

Finn gets all exalted. Man, I secretly hope he does not suddenly produce a sword and challenges someone to a duel. Like Naruto behind me!

Marino: You worked really close with Gethin Anthony in previous seasons, and your chemistry really showed, but Renly is no more. What are your recollections about your time together?

Marino: If it were up to you, what would you write for Loras next?

Finn rolls his eyes and smiles mischievously like a lil’ Baratheon kid on Christmas Day or whatever they have in Westeros. I’ll check it out in Westeros.org. Maybe.

Marino: You know HBO is now coming to shoot “A Game of Thrones” in Spain too, and we are pretty excited about that. How about sending a greeting to Spanish fans?

Yay!

Marino: Finn, thank you very much, it’s been a pleasure!

Gotta run, gotta run, or I’ll miss someone doing something somewhere else!

Mr. Jones waves his hand, but his farewell words are drowned by the loud and cheerful hubbub of the con. When I look back, he is already engaged in a surely energetic chat with Naruto. And The Joker. And there’s Wonder Woman too.

On Sunday I got the chance to get up close(r) and personal(errr) with Ser Loras. We opted for a classical, distinguished pose. As anyone can attest, our stern countenances exquisitely convey our restrained natures, all that savoir-faire, as you can see in the accompanying photo. And there was no shouting at all, no sir.

About the Author

Marino Santirso is a biped hailing from Northern Spain who writes, translates and edits words for companies such as… can’t really tell you. He collaborated in the Spanish edition of “A Dance with Dragons” and is in charge of the Spanish versions of the “A Game of Thrones” LCG and board games. He loves Dorne because “Ser Arthur Dayne had a magic sword” and “OMG the Red Viper is almost a Maester!” He also likes to stick his finger into béchamel sauce when no one is watching and won’t probably be allowed to write anything else for anyone else anywhere ever. He is a gentle soul; please handle with care.