Mother's Mercy

Lord Varys: Hello, old friend. I thought we were so happy together until you abandoned me.

Tyrion Lannister: I suppose there's no point asking how you found me.

Lord Varys: The birds sing in the west, the birds sing in the east, if one knows how to listen. They tell me you've already found favor with the Mother of Dragons.

Tyrion Lannister: Well, she didn't execute me, so that's a promising start. Now the heroes are off to find her, and I'm stuck here trying to placate a city on the brink of civil war. Any advice for an old comrade?

Lord Varys: Information is the key. You need to learn your enemy's strengths and strategies. You need to learn which of your friends are not your friends.

Tyrion Lannister: If only I knew someone with a vast network of spies.

Lord Varys: If only. A grand old city, choking on violence, corruption, and deceit. Who could possibly have any experience managing such a massive ungainly beast?

Tyrion Lannister: I did miss you.

Lord Varys: Oh, I know.