Chaos is a Ladder (A Game of Thrones RP) IC

[Prince-Bishopric Of Liege]

Gates of the Moon, the Vale

“A most welcome sight. A most welcome sight indeed.” Lysa said, standing a few feet from the portcullis of the castlen, to the amusement of the gathered nobles behind her. She turned around. “You all did very well, gentlemen. Very well.” Behind the Lady of the Vale the steep road to the castle was lined with spikes three rows deep. Every spike carried the head of a member of the former Mountain Clans. The line of spikes continued well out of eyesight.

The victory on the Mountain Clans had been complete. Those who remained would not have enough numbers to pose an actual threat and Lysa had given the order to pursue them, offering a good reward for each head brought to Nestor Royce. She offered her arm to Harold Hardyng and allowed herself to be escorted back inside the stronghold.

She had brought the young man to the Eyrie a few moons ago and she had raised him to the status of knight as soon as he arrived. She hoped to strengthen her own position, should her son ever (the Seven forbid it!) die. However, the heir second-in-line to the throne seemed content to wait in the shadows…for now. Lysa thought him to be rather kind and more-or-less honourable.

Cups of Arbor Gold were passed around. Lysa raised her goblet. “You all have made the Vale a better, safer place. To your health, milords!” Harold raised his own cup and shouted: “To your health, Lady Lysa. The Lady Protector of the Vale!” The attending noblemen rasied their cups in return and all murmured “The Lady Protector”. Servants brought in small dishes and more drinks. Very soon groups of nobleman were talking to another, ignoring that person or family whilst almost genuflecting to the other.

Lysa and Harold moved from group to group, showering favors and attention on certain persons whilst ignoring others. The only meaning of the feast, just as the countless others she had given so far, was to stabilize the hierarchy in the Vale and to judge which Houses she could count on. Lysa needed to be seen as a permanent figure of authority, not just the wife of a dead Hand. She did of course still wear black, but she saw no reason not to adorn it with white pearls or blue shawls.

Of course she knew not everybody was satisfied with her. But next to the doorway stood ser Vardis Egen, one hand on the hilt of his sword. The walls were lined with guards in the Arryn colours. And of course there was still the garrison of the castle. She had made a rousing speech that morning and she had told Nestor Royce that if she was gone, his head would be rolling too.

When the sun began to set, Lysa left the castle and strolled around on the battlements. Five guards followed her on a discreet distance. The huge mountain peaks that dominated the sight seemed ready to pierce the sun. The sight of the mountains was an assuring sight. To Lysa it always seemed like a huge rock curtain that was ready to shield the Vale from any outward trouble. She highly doubted whether the mountains were high enough to shield them from the coming catastrophe. Sighing, she summoned a smile to her face and went back inside.

[Sherwoode]

King's Landing
The Red Keep

Crown Prince Joffery Baratheon
First of His Name, Heir to the Iron Throne

Joffery felt oddly indifferent as he sat by his father's bedside. Myrcella and Tommen had tears running down their faces; only he and his mother still had their composure. He sighed. How cold this man simply just die before th eKingsguard? Was that possible? Even though Joffery never really admired his father and aspired to be King of the Seven Kingdoms someday, he never thought it would come so soon.

The King was laid in bed with the crowned stag of the Baratheon line embroidered on his chest, and the House sigil seemed ominous to him. Joffery had a thought: The Stag bears the crown no longer. Now the Lion must roar and claim leadership of the pride- the Seven Kingdoms.

He looked up at his mother, then to the door as his Uncle Renly entered the room. He gave a smirk when Renly called him 'Your Grace'. For some reason, Joffery knew he would get used to it very soon. He nodded in respect to the man that shared his father's blood and looked at him again. The man did not move- not even his chest rose to symbolize the breaths he could have taken. His girth was wide, yes, but as it stood, Robert Baratheon looked handsome in the dark materials around him. His mother was ever beautiful, and Joffery was glad to have the Lannister look.

The young prince, soon-to-be-king sighed again, and kept a hand on his father's arm. Albiet the man was a drunkard more than a king, he was still his father, and he had to pay his respects.

[Britanania]

Red Keep, King's Landing

Lord Tywin Lannister paced about the room he was staying in. The King's death came at a surprise to him as much as it did everyone else in the Kingdom. The thought that Joffrey was now the King weighed heavily on the Lion's mind. The boy could not be trusted to clean his own room let alone rule an entire realm, and it wasn't that Cersei would do much better as Queen Regent; she was a woman, after all, and despite her plotting, she was not in the very least capable of ruling Westeros. No, something had to be done if Westeros and House Lannister were to survive.

Even if it weren't true, rumours would circulate that Robert was murdered, and this was more likely than Tywin was willing to admit. Then who would kill the King? Cersei was likely, but she made it clear to Tywin that she would do nothing to compromise the Lannisters, and this certainly compromised their position. That left Stannis as the likely suspect. He left King's Landing not long after Jon Arryn died, most suspicious indeed, and took his fleet with him. Now his brother was dead, he could simply row back, land an army, and take the Kingdom for himself.

Ser Kevin walked into his brother's chamber

"My Lord, are you ready to return to Casterly Rock?"

"Yes, Kevan, but I still have some business left here in the Capital."

"Oh?"

"I'm taking Tommen with me. He'll be safer with me than with his Mother. Jaime will also accompany me. I'm leaving you here to act as my eyes and ears. You are to ride out and rendezvous with Lord Eddard and inform him of what is going on here. I am sure that Stannis is responsible for some reason, and this news must circulate."

[Of the Quendi]

Highgarden
On the River Mander, the Reach
The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros



Willas Tyrell

A month after the meeting in the Prince's Pass

Haughty that one, Willas realized. Like any Ironborn. Standing in one of the greatest halls of the Seven Kingdoms alone and exiled the woman did not defer but the slightest to Lord Mace but held her head high as if she was the great lord and Mace the humble supplicant. Apparently living on four isolated and utterly worthless rocks in the middle of the ocean bred not only prideful men, but prideful women too. She would not be easy to handle and should she learn of the role she would be used for by House Tyrell she might well attempt to set Highgarden ablaze.

But the character of Asha Greyjoy ought not to interest him when what she said was so much more interesting. Willas shifted uneasily in his seat at the thought of Euron Greyjoy coming to Highgarden once he had dealt with "administrative matters". Willas knew the Ironborn well enough to know that administrative matters was not their strong suit, and certainly nothing that Euron Greyjoy would spend his time on. Was the kinslayer concocting some sort of treachery? Either way Willas would go to great lengths to assure that the man never set foot on the soil of the Reach, much less the halls of Highgarden. He would need to discuss the matter with Olenna.

As Asha asked to meet her husband to be Willas sighed deeply before taking the plunge, delaying would accomplish nought. "Certainly My Lady." He spoke kindly, but not without a slight tremble of his voice. "I am Willas of House Tyrell, heir to Highgarden." He formally, and a tad pompously declared. Then after a moments pause where he could think of nought to say he ackwardly added; "Um, nice to meet you."

[Unitaristic Regions]

Asha 'The Kraken's Daughter' Greyjoy

Asha gave Willas a nod, and then an amused smile.
'So good to meet you, oh... 'Heir to Highgarden',' She said, still smiling, 'I must say, the proper greenlander forms of greeting elude me. Quite annoying, but there's nothing to be done about that, I suppose.'
She'd noticed Willas shifting in his seat when she'd mentioned Euron. Logical. Her uncle wasn't exactly the type to make people comfortable.
'Well... I'd like to talk to you somewhat more, Willas. However, I must give the Lord Paramount something first.'
Out of her right pocket, she took a small, simple glass flask. It was filled with a thick, blue liquid. Flipping the flask around in her hands, she handed it to Mace.
'I do not know why uncle Euron wanted to give you this, but he insisted it should be used to apologize for his abscence.'
She gave Willas another smile, a more apologizing one, hoping he would see this wasn't her idea.
'It's a flask of uncle's storage of Shade of the Evening.'
What uncle wants to do with this, I don't know. I don't even know what the stuff tastes like...

[Machtergreifung]

King's Landing, The Red Keep

Despite the chaos that marked the death of the King, Petyr Baelish felt exceptionally secure in his position as Master of Coin. Young Joffery was to be King, and if Littlefingers inclination was right (and it always was) then he would be a distant, indifferant and ineffective one. No doubt content to leave the petty matters like the crown finances and such to "lesser" men such as himself. In that respect, he was much like his father.

As the Red Keep took on a mournfull atmosphere, Petyr Baelish contemplated the King's death. Poison was clearly the cause, but nobody had really ask who. No doubt afraid to know. The Queen was a prime suspect in Littlefinger's mind, a woman having endured a harsh marriage for too long. Stannis was quite out of the picture, too uncharacteristic. Renly as well, the prancing boy was not made of the material to posion a brother in cold blood.

At least our dear King Robert's departure presents a oppertunity. The thought struck him as he was returning to his chambers from paying his respects to the dead King and his family. With no other man in the realm as able as Petyr, there was no reason for Petyr's title to be removed from him, and even if the few powerfull enough to do it, say, Joffery in a fit of spite, or his Lannister grandfather attempted to do so, he would vacate the position with a good grade. Only then would he make his displeasure known. Customs duties would fall, revenue sources would dry up, debts called, ships disappear and trade (or that of it that was taxed) would disapear.

It all stemmed from Petyr's own knack for finding the right people. Greedy, but not too greedy as to get caught. Ambitious, but not so that they would rise too far. Loyal, in that they would not bite the hand that was feeding them. There was a network of such men all across the Seven Kingdoms, and they all danced to the tune of Petyr Baelish.

Having made his expressions of sorrow and regret to the Queen and her three children, he slipped away to meet with the first sellswords he was accepting into his service. Lothor Brune was the man's name, and he seemed as regular as sellswords came, but Brune had inteligence. Rather than throw himself at the mercy of a great lord or knight, he had came to a man who was neither a great lord nor knight, but exceptionally wealthy.

Petyr's plan to cement his position in King's Landing was forming up nicely. Brune, along with his own men, the Kettleblacks, would provide a core of sellswords to do any physical work needing doing, while Petyr himself would make himself appealing to the new King by giving him something he desired.

[Sherwoode]

[i]King's Landing
The Red Keep

Crown Prince Joffery Baratheon
First of His Name, Heir to the Iron Throne[/i ]

Joffery looked up at his mother, his face blank, and he felt numb. "Mother, am I to be King now? King of Westeros, and the First Men?" he asked. It was really all he could think of at the moment; he wasn't sure if he cared for anything else in that particular moment. His father was dead, and someone needed to rule over Westeros.

He wondered what his fist act as King would be. Well, he had to find a Queen, as theothers intended for him. He could only imagine waht that would be like... His place was on the Iron Throne, and now that his ambitions were a reality, he had to figure out what the next step to take was. Ascending the throne, finding his Queen, and then what? Joffery shook his head, and silently stood up.

"Mother," he said, looking at her face. She had gone blank too, as far as he was concerned. It was as if the two of them felt the same way about his father's death. "I will be the greatest King the Seven Kingdoms has ever known. You will see..."

[Of the Quendi]

Highgarden
On the River Mander, the Reach
The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros



Willas Tyrell

A month after the meeting in the Prince's Pass

His father's face turned red as Lady Asha handed the Lord of Highgarden the flask of Shade of the Evening, Willas noted. Much bad could perhaps be said of his father but at least Willas knew Mace to be too good a man to kill the bearer of unwelcome tidings but it took no genious to see that Mace was angered by the present. "Your Uncle's present does not much please me My Lady." The Lord of Highgarden haughtily spoke. "His vices are not mine, and I have no use for this poison." Mace continued gesturing for a servant to take the liquid away.

Before Asha could offer reply Willas decided to steer the conversation in a more positive direction, not yet willing to address the hot topic of Euron Greyjoy. "I am sure that we shall have plenty of time to talk to one another My Lady; and you must certainly meet the rest of the family. In the ... Greenlands, as you call them, weddings between so highborn people as the pair of us are a grand affair that needs much preparations so we shall have plenty of time to get to know one another beforehand." Willas said, keeping a straight face not betraying his secret and cunning thoughts.

---

King's Landing
Blackwater Bay, the Crownlands
The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros



Luthor Tyrell

A day after the death of the King

Most of the time being squire to one of the most acclaimed knights in the Seven Kingdoms was like something out of a dream and Luthor treasured his position more than anything else in his life. That was when there weren't letters from Highgarden. And when Kings didn't die mysteriously of course. The letters from Highgarden never brought Luthor anything but nerves. Always the Queen of Thorns wanted him to write secrets to her. What was the King thinking? What was the Hand doing? What was the Small Council saying? What was the Queen not saying? So many answers and Luthor never had any answers. He was just a young squire anxiously awaiting the day when the Knight of Flowers would dub him a knight.

But there was no way the Queen of Thorns would understand that, but fortunately she usually was appeased by the doings of the Knight of Flowers and Lord Renly Baratheon. Not for the past months time though. Suddenly the brief and sporadic letter from Highgarden, delivered by discreet messengers had grown longer and darker. No more questions about how the Knight of Flowers fared; now the Queen of Thorns demanded to know the number of sworn swords in King's Landing, the ships of the Royal Navy, the military movements of the Seven Kingdoms and the thoughts of the great lords and ladies.

At least he would have something to write her now, Luthor thought. The King dead and the Knight of Flowers not wasting a moment to whisper that Lord Renly, not the Crown Prince, should be the new king. Somehow Luthor doubted that that would please the Queen of Thorns.

[Unitaristic Regions]

Asha 'The Kraken's Daughter' Greyjoy

Well... That was unexpected.
'My apologies, my Lord Paramount. I if had expected this, I would never have delivered this flask. I entreat you to forgive me for this.'
Still, she couldn't see what Tyrell's problem was. Yes, the stuff turned your lips blue. Yes, it had a rather... Odd, taste. But it was not poison.
But, who knows? All of Euron's gifts are poisoned, it is said. When I see the man, he'd better have a damn good explanation for this.
'Very well then, lord Willas. Lead the way... If you'd please.'
I'll learn to be polite one day. I hope.

[Britanania]

Red Keep

Lord Tywin Lannister found his daughter and the young King Joffrey in the boy's chambers. They had been apparently grieving, from their disheveled appearance. Lannister were dressed in golden armour, and cut a strong contrast to-what Tywin saw-the weeping of women and children.

"Cersei," he began, his voice still harsh but softened a bit, "I understand you are still mourning for Robert, but I must speak with at once."

The Queen nodded and walked with her father to her solar. She easily composed herself. Tywin would have smiled, but he figured it was subterfuge anyway.

"Robert's death certainly complicates things in the Seven Kingdoms, and that is why I am returning to Casterly Rock to prepare for the worst. I have no doubt in my mind that Stannis murdered the King"

The Queen raised an eyebrow

"Oh, Father? You believe so?"

"Yes, just as I believe he is the one who murdered Jon Arryn. It makes perfect sense; Arryn dies, and Stannis leaves with his ships to Dragonstone, then not a fortnight later the King suddenly falls dead. All he has to do is sail back to King's Landing to claim his Throne."

Cersei almost smiled. Her Father might be a great warrior and a great man, but sometimes he failed to see the obvious. Stannis had no part in Arryn's death, but he still may have had a part in Robert's demise.

"That is why I a taking Tommen with me back."

"What?" The Queen's eyes flashed with anger, but Tywin grabbed his daughter's shoulders.

"King's Landing is not safe for a Prince. Hands and Kings dying left and right, a King's brother plotting to take over, not to mention the conspiring courtiers. If anything were to befall Joffrey, Tommen is the King, and that's why he needs to be safe."

The Queen calmed down.

"All right, Father. And what of the Starks? Will they remain loyal to Joffrey?"

"I do not know, but I would keep Stark as the Hand. He may be a valuable ally if it things turn to war. Your Uncle has already began to ride north to meet Stark on the road and inform him of events in King's Landing."

"All right, Father."

"And keep that boy under control," he said as he left the solar.

[Machtergreifung]

King's Landing, The Red Keep

Had anyone been watching, it would have appeared as innocent a converstaion as possible. As Jamie Lannister was walking from his quarters in the White Sword Tower, Petyr Baelish happened to come across him by chance.

The Red Keep had not settled down since Robert's death, and the atmosphere inside was characteristic of uncertainty and doubt. It was the best breeding ground for schemes, and if there was anything that Petyr Baelish could nurse, it was schemes.

"Ah, Ser Jamie. I offer my condolences on the death of your good-brother. His passing must be a great blow to you...and to your lovely sister."

Jamie and Robert had hated each other, so it was a jibe, abiet one veiled in courtesy.

"I had just recalled that prior to the unfortunate death of our King, there was a certain issue you wished dealt with. I trust this is no longer a problem for you, and they do say a certain thing about you Lannister's and debts."

[Sherwoode]

King's Landing
The Red Keep

Crown Prince Joffery Baratheon, Soon-to-be-King
First of His Name, Heir to the Iron Throne

Joffery watched his mother away into the solar with Grandfather and Tommen would have ran after her if Joffery hadn't held the boy back. His baby brother proved to be quite the child indeed- his face twisted in understad=nding- not of his father being dead, but in the fact that everyone else was sad. If Tommen was sad, he let you know it by letting you hear about it if he could get the chance. Myrcella did as a simple girl normally would do, which was cry.

Joffery told himself would not deign to cry in front of his Mother or anyone else, perhaps save Tommen and Myrcella. He patted his brother's head. "You should be crying, it's quite alright. Father is simply... sleeping. But he will sleep for a very long time." Joffery was complacent, and only because he didn't feel like hearing Tommen sniffling anymore.

[Britanania]

King's Landing, The Red Keep

Jaime inspected the Master of Coin. The man was like every other courtier in this damned city, the Kingslayer thought. His face contorted itself into a smile

"No, that problem has been overshadowed by the death of King Robert. I really must be going, Lord Petyr. Someone has to guard this damned Castle."

Cersei's Chamber

The Queen returned to her Chamber and sat on her bed, taking Tommen into her arms and comforted the young boy. She then turned to Joffrey as the young prince in her arms fell asleep.

"Your Grandfather will be leaving soon, my dearest Joffrey, back to Casterly Rock."

Ser Jaime Lannister then entered the room before Joffrey could reply, just as Lord Tywin exited the solar.

"Jaime," the powerful man began,"I am returning to Casterly Rock, considering the circumstances of the Kingdom, and while I would prefer that you would return with me, you still have obligations as a Kingsguard, and now that Joffrey is your King, you have an obligation to your King and your Family here."

"I understand, Father."

The Lion of the Rock looked him up and down.

"Yes. Moreover, I am taking Tommen with me on my return. The boy will be in safer and better hands at Casterly Rock then here. Cersei already has her instructions with what to do here, and here are yours; treat Stark as an ally. I know you too aren't on good terms, but with Stannis likely moving against King's Landing, we need the North as an ally. Stannis is no doubt responsible for Robert's death, and this needs to get out."

The Lord took his grandson Tommen in his arms and began walking out.

[Machtergreifung]

King's Landing, The Red Keep

So, this Lannister will not pay his debts. Worth remembering, no doubt.

"I understand, Ser Jamie, but...a Lannister not paying debts? It would be quite a...scandal in...the family...Even more so in King's Landing, no doubt!" Petyr gave a mocking laugh.

"If you perchance see Prince...no, it's King now, Joffery, please communicate to him that I exist to serve the Crown, and him."

With a short bow, Petyr turned and walked away, his mind buzzing.

So the Lannisters are hostile towards me. No, not hostile, but they are no longer interested in my advancement. Interesting, interesting indeed.

[Sherwoode]

King's Landing
The Red Keep
The Queen's Chambers

Crown Prince Joffery Baratheon, Soon-to-be-King
First of His Name, Heir to the Iron Throne

Joffery watched as his mother took Tommen from his arms. Myrcella was confused at what he had just been told, but he nodded. Joffery completely understood. His brother was too young to be caught up in all this, and he was sure the boy wouldn't remember his father, even if he wanted to.

"Yes, Mother, it is the right thign to do." Part of him didn't entirely care, as long as Tommen was alright. He was sure the boy would be fine. "Tell Grandfather..." he sighed, wondering what to say. "Tell Grandfather his visit was most welcome." There. That sounded like something a king of Westeros would say.

[Britanania]

Red Keep

Tywin and his host made their way out of the city with much pomp and fanfare. He didn't wish to look like he was leaving King's Landing under suspicion, after all. However, Ser Kevan and a few knights travelled north along the King's Road to rendezvous with Lord Eddard Stark.

Back inside the Red Keep, the Queen walked hastily through the halls of the Castle. There was much activity as Joffrey was to be crowned soon, and Cersei liked to be the centre of the activity.

That is when she bumped into the Master of Coin.

"Littlefinger, just the person I've been looking for. Jaime mentioned he spoke with you a tad earlier."

[Sherwoode]

King's Landing
The Red Keep
The Queen's Chambers

Crown Prince Joffery Baratheon, Soon-to-be-King
First of His Name, Heir to the Iron Throne

Joffery nodded to his mother, and decided it best to retreat to his chambers. He wished to be alone, and didn't feel like talking to anyone, including his mother. He closed his green eyes as he closed the door behind him, nodding to those standing guard. Joffery went over to his desk, and stared at the candle's flickering light in the darkness. He got ready for bed and snuffed out the candle to stay in the darkness of the night.

This night was dark, indeed. His father had just died, they were taking little Tommen away, and he would soon be crowned King of the Seven Kingdoms and maried to Sansa Stark. Joffery sighed, shaking his head, looking forward to being the greates King the Seven Kingdoms had ever known.

[Tyben]

Barristan shifted alone through the ship's corridor, as it became closer and closer to Dragonstone. He had long since realized the nation of the boy's birth, and he would serve the rightful heir until he could decide if this usurper was more fit to be king. He had long since abandoned his armor at the tower in King's Landing, he would once again dawn it once the rightful king, or well the better one, had taken their seat on the throne and he had decided they were so.

[Sherwoode]

King's Landing
The Red Keep
His Chambers

Crown Prince Joffery Baratheon, Soon-to-be-King
First of His Name, Heir to the Iron Throne

Joffery awoke to dim mornign light, since the drapes covered he windows over-looking the city. He still felt numb from yesterday, but his greiving process was quick. A king didn't need to be unstable in emotions, not unless the Kingdoms wished for another Mad Aerys Targaryen.

He moved out of his bed to find the air cool, but still warm, and he was beginning to think the rumors were true. Winter was coming. The thought drew him to the Starks, and he scofed voluntarily. When would they arrive, and what did Lord Stark plan to do?

Joffery for one only wanted to see how much of Sansa he could control, and her father would replace Arryn as his Hand. Or would Grandfather do so, as reverence to his new King? Joffery smield at the prospect, and got dressed after washing in the basin. He dones an ornate doublet of gold and red, the Lannister colors, and his outfits matched perfectly. He was not as fashion forward as his Uncle Renly, but he would make do. He would be king soon, and would get whatever he wanted.

Joffery allowed his guard to follow him tot he Throne Room. Servants already milled about, and most of them made sure to keep out of his way. That was just as good, seeing as how they were lowborn and must know their place. Joffery sneered down as them as he walked past, and they had no choice but to bow down to him. Son, they would all bow down to him, even his lion of a Gradnfather, and the Starks.

Joffery made his way up to the dias, and sat himself down on the throne that was to be his. The dmn chair was uncomfortable, and he could see why his father had complained so much. Joffery had counted, and he was sure there weren't two thousands swords that made the chair- not even two hundred, byt the looks of it.