NationStates

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HOUSE SEAWORTH
"HONESTY. LOYALTY. SERVICE."

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The arrival of the Sweet Shiera was imminent now. He could see Dragonmont from afar, pale grey air billowing out from the top of it, and soon enough was able to make out the fortress of Dragonstone and its dragon towers, gargoyles decorating the walls. A fearsome seat, it must certainly be said. Ser Davos did not doubt that it could provoke dread amongst an enemy force prepared to assault the island, it looked fearsome enough both inside and out. But it did make one rather uncomfortable when living within the walls also. You would have to be as mad as the last Dragon King to desire this fortress, in his humble opinion.

Davos went below decks to seek out Lord Stark and tell him the news, however, he was interrupted at the sound of a child wailing. "Is everything alright, Barra?"

"Oh, yes, Ser." Mhaegen answered feebly, growing red at his appearance. "She don't like sailing though I think." The redheaded girl started to rock her daughter in her shaky arms. "Been sick a couple o' times." The former prostitute added. Her familiar lowborn rendition of the Common Tongue was oddly comforting.

"She's a bit young for it still I would think. Much younger than I had been." He thought back to when he was but a boy, serving upon the Cobblecat. He had been so eager to get away from Flea Bottom, from King's Landing, an the offer from Roro Uhoris, the Tyroshi smuggler, had been an offer he could not turn down. Barra was even luckier than he though, she was to be free of the capital before she even had the time to remember any of the blasted place. "Took me five-and-twenty years to be accustomed to it." He joked, trying to calm the girl. Despite his assurances, she seemed scared, perhaps because of Lord Stannis' reputation, or the fact this was her first time out of the city she had grown up in, it could have been worry for her daughter, all of these, or something else entirely, he did not know. Davos tried to reassure her nonetheless. "I don't know what exactly you have heard about Lord Stannis, or what he was like when he saw you, but he is not without mercy, I promise you. That is his niece right there, he will not harm her. If not for him I would not even know of you. Stannis told me about Barra, he thinks she has the King's look, the Baratheon look, he will not cast you away. King Robert has a natural child who is looked after by his brother Lord Renly, a daughter who lives at the Gates of the Moon in the Vale, a son who is a blacksmith's apprentice. Good, safe upbringings. Barra deserves better than a brothel."

Mhaegen just nodded in agreement, Davos could not tell whether she believed him or not. He wondered how Stannis had been at the time, hoping it was Jon Arryn who had done the talking. Brothels and prostitutes made Stannis... uncomfortable. Regardless of what Stannis would say or do, however, Davos was certain of one thing: Barra would be safe. Davos would accommodate the two himself if need. "Anyway, we will be arriving very soon, the two of you shall be happy to know. Please wait on the ship, I will send for you later."

The girl nodded again and the Onion Knight made to leave. "Ser Davos?" Mhaegen squeaked.

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

The Knight gave a smile. "You are welcome, both of you."

He found Ned Stark below decks in the room offered to him, alone as far as Davos could tell. "Lord Stark, I expect us to arrive at Dragonstone imminently now. I would gather your things if... you plan to be staying at Dragonstone any longer."

As the Sweet Shiera arrived at the docks of Dragonstone, the Onion Knight was in for a surprise as someone awaited their arrival. Clad in robes of scarlet with a ruby around her neck, it was none other than the red witch. Davos clenched his fist, irritated that she had come to greet them. Why did Stannis send her? Melisandre gazed back at him with a smug look upon her face, though her eyes soon turned to who the ship had brought to the island.

"Ah, Lord Stark. How lovely it is to finally see you in the flesh, after hearing so much about you." She gave a smile to the Northerner, ignoring Davos as if he was not present. "I have come to see you on the behalf of my lord Stannis, and to bring you to him, if you will allow me."

Rodrik Snow, Bastard of the Dreadfort

Rodrik and the Crannogwoman Rana stood near the east gate drinking the night away. The bastard had a few questions to ask the smaller lady a few as a way to learn more about her and a few just to figure out why she was in such a rush this late at night. "Lady Blacklocke, What brought you here to Winterfell?" He said as he passed her the drink.

Rana smile as she looked "I've been sent by my father to try to strength our bond with the Starks. I'm to do my best to ensure Lord Robb Stark knew we stand by him during his regency" She began to drink before passing it back to him

"Was that the reason why you were rushing around the castle" He knew that wasn't the case

She seemed to go silent for a moment "The night didn't go as I had wished for" She said "On another topic, How long have you been around winterfell Snow?" She said not knowing his name yet she felt as if she had seen him before ages ago.

Rodrik smirked and pointed at his sigil "I'm Rodrik the Flayed Man Snow, Bastard of Roose Bolton and blah blah" He said "I'm fairly sure we've met before as children"

Rana's eyes lit up and she grinned remembering the young bolton ward from her years in winterfell as a child. "I remember you, You've grown quite large haven't you. I must say I was quite saddened that you didn't talk much back then....I've always wondered what it'd be like to chat with a Bolton and now here I am. Back in winterfell with you chatting" She said

"Ay, I also remember you. A small little girl who was particularly too fond of certain friend of mine. You feel head over heels for him as a child and from the way you looked at him back in the crypts" He paused "It seems as if you've yet to let that go"

Rana gaze into the distance dumbfounded by what the Bastard had said "and why should I let that go?" the young girl spat. Rodrik smiled which only lead to her becoming irritated.

"No reason for you to let it go, My fair lady" He said jokingly "Not often that a Stark Lordling would be wed to somebody from a house such as yours but I shouldn't be one to speak. I'm a Snow, Ain't no Lady waiting for me." He knew that would change one day when he became Lord Bolton especially since he'd likely be seen as a more "friendly" Bolton due to him being a ward of the Starks

Rana took what he said with a grain of salt and simply sat silently drinking while Rodrik did the same before speaking again "Now, I'd say you're far more likely to get with the Starkling then most of the girls who've tried. You've got a pretty face and a decent figure which most girl who've tried to seduce him haven't got."

Rana was flattered by his compliment "Thank you, Gods willing I might be able to tell him how I feel but for now I think we should call it a night don't you think?"

"Ay, have a good night my lady" He said as he went back on his way towards his chambers to end the slightly dull night.

---Next Morning

Rodrik woke the next morning to see the nude servant girl still asleep on the right side of his bed. He rolled his eyes expecting her to have already gone on her way but she decided to stay in his chambers.

He decided he'd gently wake her and give her some coin to get her on her merry way. He slightly shook her until she opened her eyes "Hello, It's morning and I've got to leave my chambers. Here is a bit of coin for your trouble, I'd suggest not letting anyone find you sleeping in my bed or that could cause issues for either of us" he said as he began to dress once again while she rose from the bed and also began to do the same.

He expected a dull day today, He'd have to find Robb and get his sword back which was mostly all he'd do. As him and the girl readied to leave he brought her close one last time "I need you to inform Lord Stark that i'd like to have a chat with him" He said as he placed his hand over her rear end "If you can't find him tell him the next time you see him around the halls"

She smiled "As you wish m'lord" She said as he went on his way out the door towards the great hall, she waited a few moment before leaving the room and heading the other way to find Robb Stark to tell him the Bolton bastard is looking for him.

Tywin turned when he heard someone approaching him from behind and saw it was Tully man. He was not horsed so he was no knight or Lord which made Tywin wonder why he wanted him. As Tywin turned to face him the small man got to his knee and kept his face to the ground rather than look him in the eye.

"Lord Paramount Tywin, I come to you because Edmure Tully requests your audience in his tent at your earliest convenience." he said

'Alright. Run to him and say I shall be there momentarily." Tywin responded. The man thanked him for his audience and ran off. Tywin followed behind albeit at a leisurely pace and made Edmure wait. He rode a different route by different lords and contemplated his future. The thought of the Iron Throne could not be shaken, no matter how hard he tried. He thought he was over it all those years ago but just now the thoughts came welling back like an erupting volcano and stuck around. Thoughts of King Tywin Lannister swam in his head as he arrived at Edmure's tent. It was larger than the others, more ornate as befitting a man of his statue. He dismounted as a squire came and took the reigns and Tywin walked into the tent.

"Hello Edmure. I was told you requested my audience." Tywin said. He moved to the small table to the right-center and took a seat before pouring himself some wine and taking a drink.

Tully Camp, The Riverlands

Edmure Tully

"Lord Tywin" Edmure said before taking a deep breath from his seat across from the Lord. "I've asked you here so that you and I can have a private and frank discussion, no one else in the room." Edmure took a drink and steeled himself, "My sisters have accused your son and family of son major crimes, I don't know the specifics as of yet, too much disinformation going on but Catelyn would not take such drastic actions without cause. I'm not saying he or by extension your family are guilty of anything, i'm just saying it is a serious matter. I have sent letters to my sisters and to the King, I wish for the King to pass judgment over the matter and hear both parties out. Let a neutral party, and one above us both, settle the matter and find justice. I can guarantee you safe passage through the Riverlands but no farther, once you reach the border of the Vale 50 of my men will accompany you, and the Lord Novakai who I assure you is noble and just. They will take you to see my sister's and represent your son, then hopefully you all go together to King's Landing seeking the King's Justice. What say you?"

Lord Tywin sighed as Edmure talked, not out of contempt, but because he knows Edmure spoke the truth. The Arryns, Lannisters and Tullys are far from unbiased in this issue of Tyrions jailing. A neutral party would be good, maybe the Tyrells or Greyjoys. Certainly not the Starks since Eddard was married to Catlyn Tully and all his children loved their mother. The Martells still hated the Lannisters on principle for the brutal efficiency of the Mountains dealing with the Targaryen family. That only left the Tyrells of the Reach and the Greyjoys of the Iron Isles. However thinking on it more the Greyjoys were never interested in court politics and honestly Tywin could not remember the last time old Balon Greyjoy appeared in Kings Landing.

"Might I suggest the Tyrells. Us Lannisters are not to popular now-a-days and the Tyrells are the only major family who has no quarrel with us." Tywin suggested as he took another drink.

Tully Camp, The Riverlands

Edmure Tully


"Lord Tywin you misunderstand, this is a legal matter between two Lord Paramount's or their regents. The only one who can pass judgement is the King. Tyrell has no authority over either of us." Edmure stood up and strode about the tent for a moment, "this is going better than expected" he thought privately letting out a small smile when he turned from Tywin.

Lysa grew enraged as she read the letter her brother had sent "I am sending 50 men from House Tully to escort Tywin to the Eyrie, where he can represent and defend his son. What I hope comes from this is a determination to take the matter to the king himself." She mumbled

She began to grow more and more paranoid as she continued to read it. Many thoughts ran through her head such as what was the true reason her brother had become so friendly with the Lannisters and every time she read the last line she nearly burnt the whole letter to a crisp

"You expect the king to deal with this? The King who sleeps with a Lannister, Who's court is filled with Lannisters, Who's children are Lannisters?" She thought as she began to reply to her brother. "If Tyrion gets away with this then it might truly come back to me and Petyr"

To Edmure Tully, Heir to the Riverlands

Brother, I have gotten all of your letters but I simply could not respond to them due to the issues within the Vale but I will now and you shall know the truth. I have lost my husband as you know and Cat had almost lost her son, our nephew Brandon which the Imp and the Lions have played a part in. I am truly saddened to hear that you are bringing Tywin to my doorsteps but I thank you for informing me ahead of time. I do suggest that you travel with him all the way to the Eyrie if you wish for him to truly go unharmed as I will be raising an army to meet him at the Border.

You've yet to truly understand why we've done what we have and I've told you. We know Tyrion played a part in it but I suspect he'd not do it without it being his father's idea. We will try him in the Vale not before the King for if you believe him to be unbiased you're truly blind. King Robert's wife is a Lannister, His court is filled with them and his kids share blood with the imp. Why would he harm those whom whisper into his ear? The king can not and will not preside over this trial.

He has asked for a trial by combat and allowed for me to select him a champion. I ask that you do not tell Tywin this as i've been tasked to select his champion something I wish to do with honor.

Tell father I wish to chat with him one day when this is over. I do hope you can come to the Vale and see this, we will be marked down in history for the coming days will be testing

Lysa Arryn, Lady Regent of the Vale

Lysa was slightly thankful that her brother had sent her a warning but she couldn't help but feel as if Tywin was planning something and for that. He'd only be allowed to enter the Eyrie with two guards which would make for an easy way to overwhelm him if he began to talk of war.

She'd soon have to order Lord Nestor Royce to head a three hundred men force and wait at the border for Lord Tywin and hopefully her brother. They'd show the Lion and her Trout brother the true face of the vale talons and all. Soon the Vale would hear word that the "murderer's" father would be at it's borders and knowing him. He'd try to push his way over the vale something that would not happen not today nor ever

---

New Castle

Robert thought on Wyman's words. He remembered the Bolton bastard currently in Winterfell. Though he'd never spoken with the boy he certainly seemed more tame than his half-brother, given the stories of Ramsay Snow he had heard rumour of. Sipping from his goblet he walked through the hall, ranking the colossal Lord of White Harbor. "I know of the Leach Lord's younger bastard. Rodrik I believe he is named. From what I've heard he is certainly the more amiable of the Roose's sons. Though the last time I heard word from my son, Tommard, there was no love lost between them. If he was ever to be elevated to Lord of the Dreadfort I believe he would hold the same distaste for my family as his predecessors have. The same could be said of my own heir and his opinions towards the flayed men, though I cannot fault him, given my own opinions of the Roose and his house." At that moment the two were interrupted as a guardsman came into the hall, announcing the arrival of the Leach Lord himself.

"I will take your words to heart, Lord Manderly. House Brude would be happy to participate in whatever plan you concoct." Robert looked at the doorway as the Bolton party began to enter. His knuckles whitened, gripping the chalice in his hands tightly, as he saw the dead eyes of Roose Bolton himself making his way into the hall.

“You’ll more than likely be heaving your guts out over the rail” Theon said with a smile, “The waves and the currents are fierce upon the Sunset Sea. I spent many a day out on deck before I got my sea legs”. What Theon knew about sailing, would not fill much of their evening’s conversation, but he was assured he could learn it before Tommard was ready for instruction. He planned it, there and then, all he would need to be is a few steps ahead of Tommard and to handpick a tight-lipped crew to maintain the appearance of his supposed proficiency. At the time of his arrival at Winterfell, he had been deemed too young to participate in a true voyage, steering the tiller on the Cleftjaw’s longship was the extent of his experience. Still, he was likely the most experienced sailor in a hundred leagues. “If I was at Pyke now, I would have my own ship and crew. Likely I would have sailed the breadth of the known world”. His father and grandfather had sailed to the Stepstones and beyond as young men and Theon was eager to follow in their footsteps.

Tommard’s offer was surprising but welcome “If you don’t leave me at the top of than Ice Wall, it’s a deal” he joked. The home of the Brude’s had been described as a beautiful and remote place. What Lord Reaper could boast of climbing its mountains? Or living amongst the Clans? – another of the Ironborn’s many historic enemies. Ever since Tommard’s arrival, Theon had learned much about the culture of his people that had proven very different to the sedentary life at Winterfell. The Mountain clans had kept their traditions just as the Ironborn had and there were other similarities, the importance of individual martial skill and feuds were common. There were still great rivalries upon the islands and the fortunes of Houses rose and fell upon the shoulders of their heirs – as House Greyjoy’s would soon be upon his. “Whenever I am called back to Pyke, you are more than welcome to travel as my guest”. Theon took a sip from his cup, it was close to empty now, so he motioned for a refill for Tommard and himself, “Now tell me, why do they call you the True Axe? There must be a good story there…”

Tywin sat and watched Edmure as he strolled to the exit flap of the tent and nodded as he finished. "I must have, well I do hope that the King will be fair in this issue. May I ask what you know of this lord, Lord Novakai? I do not recall hearing of him and would like to know more before I trust my safety to him." Tywin said

Tully Camp, The Riverlands

Edmure Tully


"We grew up together, he was fostered as Riverrun. Honestly full of hot air and a bit of a fool, but he is a good man and just, he thinks too highly of himself to do otherwise. He would consider it a point of honor and privilege to escort you, and he is desperate to be important." Edmure knew he was exaggerating but wanted to give Tywin the impression Caleb was someone that could be manipulated. "All together a capable warrior and lord of Misty Island at the mouth of the trident, he knows the border well and has many connections and dealings with the Vale Lords."

---

Smoking Log

Tommard chuckled. He'd heard the sea was wild, but he knew Theon must've been messing with him somewhat. People had been sailing for centuries, it couldn't be as bad as Theon was saying it was...could it? Laughing nervously he decided to focus on the thought of seeing the world instead of heaving his guts into the ocean. "Sailing the whole world, eh? Damn, the mountains are beautiful Greyjoy, but I doubt they compare to sailing across the world. I must admit, I'm a little envious, one day you'll be captaining ships and I'll still be stuck here." Sighing, Tommard realized he was putting a bit of a damper to the mood. "But don't worry about ice climbing, I wouldn't leave the heir to the Iron Isles stuck on a mountain. Down a crevice maybe, but definitely not atop a mountain. Gotta be careful of the brittle ice, one wrong swing of an alpenstock and a man could fall to his death."

As Tommard sipped his ale he almost sent some up his nose at Theon's mention of his nickname. "Oh, that. Funny story really. Years back, 'fore I was sent to Winterfell, me, my siblings, and my cousins were practicing archery. I was having a bit more trouble at it than the rest of them. Tanda, my older sister, started teasing me, saying how I was a worse shot than Margaery, my other, simpleminded, sister. This carried on for a few days, 'til eventually I got so mad that I grabbed an axe from the armoury and threw it as hard as I could at the target. Ended up hitting it dead in the center. My brother, Edwyn, clapped me on the back and said I threw axes truer than I shot arrows. After that Tanda never made fun of me again, and everyone started calling me 'True Axe'." Tommard hoisted the axe he kept on his belt for emphasis.

Tywin sighed as he put his glass down for the last time, ambitious lordlings were troublesome at best. However with the Mountain Men becoming more bold in their raids he did not have much of a choice in the matter. Besides, this Lord Novakai could become useful along the line should things in the Seven Kingdoms get worse than they already are. An ally in the Trident could be vital should the need arise. Tywin looked to pout himself another glass but thought better of it and instead moved his glass away to minimize the temptation.

"Well, I can't really say no can I? Those barbarians plaguing the mountains are a nusiance that hopefully Novakai could help me overcome. I accept your proposal Edmure, however let us pray your sister's do not do anything...rash before we arrive." Tywin said

Tully Camp, The Riverlands

Edmure Tully


"Very well Tywin" Edmure raised his glass, "Let us toast to our common goals, peace in the realm and safety of our loved ones" Edmure raised his glass. Hey knew Tywin was crafty, he probably had a half dozen plans to have his son returned and to have the Tully family eliminated, all Edmure could do is play the best hand he was dealt and hope that somehow he could outmaneuver the Lion

"Here, here!" Tywin said after pouring a small glass of wine and raising it. He drank the small volume of wine in one gulp and once more put down the glass, before rising to his feet. He turned to Edmure and gave the tent another look around to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything.

"Is that all you needed Edmure?" he asked

Tully Camp, The Riverlands

Edmure Tully


Edmrue said his goodnights to Tywin and took one last stroll around the camp check on his men. All seemed quiet and still, save for the sounds of crickets in the nearby fields. He stared at the stars for a moment and sat on the outskirts of his camp, surveying his realm in the darkness, wondering if peaceful moments like this would became more rare...


The next day they reached Riverrun

Tywin walked back to his tent, he wanted to get a feel for how large the Tully contingent was. As he walked his mind wandered once more to matters of state, principally what he would do with Tyrion. He was an embarassment to the Lannister name; a dwarf and a hedonist who indulges in all matters of whores and alcohol and parties with the best of them. Due to the Mad King he was the heir to the Westerlands despite Tywin favoring Jamie for that position, the tourney at Harrenhall dashed his hoped of that when Jamie took the offer of becoming Kings Guard. Not only was Tyrion unfit to lead, he was unfit to exist. When that monstrosity was born it took Tywins dear Joanna from him and Tywin hasn't really recovered, something which Tywin kept close to his chest. He hasn't smiled in decades, pain was his constant companion as he lay in his empty bed wishing for comfort. Tywin would have wanted to be rid of Tyrion then but...for some reason he could not bring himself to do it. He thought he could let him live in obscurity as the brother of Jamie, maybe get some lower fief later in life. Tywin shook his head as the thought of Tyrion sitting in his throne crept into his mind. He had much planning to do.

Riverrun, The Riverlands

Edmure Tully


The Lannister party was welcomed to RIverrun with great fanfare and respect with Brynden TUlly at the head of the welcoming party. Pleasentries were exchanged and Tywin and his men were escorted to their rooms as dinner would not start for another hour yet.

Edmure washed his face and generally freshened up after checking on his father. His caretakers informed him they had to restrain him from joining the welcoming party. "I should ask Tywin to stop by" thought Edmure as he put on his finest clothes.

Edmure sat at his desk to write two Letters

Lord Novaki



Lysa Arryn

Tywin rode into Riverrun on his horse and immedeatly was overwhelmed with the size of it. While it was no Red Keep, no Casterly Rock it was certainly large in its own right and a formidable fortress. He had not been to Riverrun in some time and had almost forgotten how large it was. As he rode into the courtyard a young squire ran up and asked for the reins. Tywin looked at the little man and slung his leg over his horse, coming off and giving over the horse to the squire who led it away. Tywin then turned as Edmure as a throng of lower people flooded out of the stronghold and into the courtyard. Tywin saw most of the men crowding around Edmure while the women began to take interest in the knights of Lannister and Tully. However, few came to Tywin save for to give their courtesies. Tywin was a bit chafed by this but was by and large unmoved, the lower people feared him. The Old Lion's reputation had obviously proceeded him. After a few moments of fanfare Edmure dismounted and showed Tywin to his room in one of the many towers of the Keep. It was a rather large room with a large feather bed pushed up against the North wall, a medium sized circular table in the center with a candle in the center. Towards the eastern wall was a window in the shape of a diamond and under it was a small three drawer chest with another unlit candle and towards the western wall was a large armoire. Spread across the floor was a rug emblazoned with the Tully colors, not all that surprising. Tywin sat at the table and read a book, a book about Aegon's Conquests. After about half an hour Tywin changed into some crimson clothes he was saving for the Vale, but would do well at the feast.

When he finally went to the feast he saw it was a meal that could fill King Robert to the brim, no matter how impossible that sounded. He saw on three large platters in equal spaces across the table a roast boar, a large foul, and a hog. Surrounding it was all matter of greens and meats, salads and fruits and vegetables, flagons of wine and beer to be passed around and more place settings than Tywin could count.

"They are trying to give me a heart attack, these Tullys." Tywin thought

---

---

Caleb had been resting here for nigh an hour, thinking. Caleb was worried by everything that had been developing lately. Tyrion's arrest, Tywin coming east, and those ships at Dragonstone. Caleb had been wondering about them for hours. What pupose did they serve?

Caleb had come to the obvious conclusion. Something, something bad, was going to happen soon, he could feel it in the air. Everything was more..tense.
"Perhaps I should talk to someone about it." Caleb thought. But who would listen?
He could send a letter to Edmure, yes, but Edmure was in no position to do anything with the information. Caleb couldn't think of anyone else who could do anything.

Caleb remembered something. No, someone.
Of course, Petyr!

Petyr had grown up alongside Edmure, and Caleb remembered the two knowing eachother fairly well. Caleb could travel to Riverrun, speak with Edmure, send a letter to Petyr, who would bring it up at the small council.

Caleb smiled. Perhaps the realm could be saved after all.

Suddenly, he heard the thick oak doors to the godswood open.

Pulled back into reality, he looked up towards the doors.
Caleb recognised the man standing at the doors to be maester john.
"My lord, a letter has arrived for you."
Caleb raised his eyebrow. "From whereabouts did it come?"
"Riverrun, my lord. Shall I bring it to your solar?"
Caleb shook his head. "I'll read it here."

John walked over, and took the envelope out of his grey robes, handing it to Caleb.
"Thank you, John." Caleb said.
John responded with a nod, and left the godswood.

Caleb took his dagger from his belt, and opened the envelope, taking the letter out from the inside, afterwards standing up, and leaning against the thick weirwood tree that dominated his godswood.

He began to read the letter.

I am sure by now you have heard Tywin is heading east through the Riverlands to defend his son in the Eyrie. I am entrusting you to escort Tywin across the border and to the Eyrie. I am unable to take him the entire way but will be meet you in Lord Harroway's Town and will transfer Tywin into your custody. When we meet I will send you 20 loyal Tully bannermen in addition to as many of your bannermen as you deem necessary.

Tywin is not yet our foe and should not be treated as such. With that being said do not let him out of your sight and make certainly that you always have twice as many men present than he does. Should tensions rise and war seem inevitable, or if definite aggressive action is taken by the Lannisters, seize Tywin and place him under house arrest.

If you make it to the Eyrie without incident let my sister know you come under my banner and ensure neutrality. Do your best to ensure my sisters do not attempt to try the Lannisters at the Eyrie instead we are trying to have the King pass judgement in person at King's Landing. My sisters had every right to seize Tyrion but do not have the right to pass judgement. Take no side in any dispute between them but if things turn violent support my sister and try and ensure that the Lannister are unharmed.

If my sister attempts to seize Tywin at the border, escort Tywin back to the Riverlands, do not allow him to leave the Riverlands.

Overall, know that we are trying to resolve the dispute peacefully and legally. But if that is not possible Tywin is the best prisoner we could ask for.

Sincerely,
Edmure Tully

Caleb smiled. Edmure was coming east? Caleb had not seen Edmure in some time, he would very much enjoy to speak to him again.
The rest of the letter instructed Caleb to do things he had already intended to do, but it was good to have instructions nonetheless.

Caleb would have to travel to Lord Harroway's town, and help Lord Roote to arrange lodging for the Lannister, Tully, and Novakai men, along with a small welcoming party for lord Tywin. Caleb hoped to be able to speak to Edmure in private, but with so many men moving east to gather at Lord Harroway's town, it seemed impossible.

Caleb would have to try, though. If the letter did not get to Petyr, the realm could very much be in danger.

On the other hand, why would Stannis attack Kings Landing in the first place? There would be no need to gather such a large fleet unless Robert was planning some adventure in Essos, which seemed incredibly unlikely.
Stannis seemed like a truly just and honourable man. he would not betray his brother.

Then why the fleet?

Stannis was preparing for war, but if it would not be with his brother, who?
Whatever was happening, Caleb needed to know.
Caleb had decided. After he would return from the eyrie, he would sail to Dragonstone, and find out what was happening for himself, no matter the consequences.

The Narrow Sea

The Sweet Shiera, Near Dragonstone

---

---

As Ned sat below deck, he looked through the book once more. He had studied the Baratheon and Lannister pages for some time. It did not add up, Robert's children should be black of hair.

Eventually Davos came below deck and announced their arrival. Ned gathered his things, and helped his children with their's. As the ship finally docked, Ned brought his things and placed them down on the dock. Arya and Syrio would start to train once more, with Arya having to balance on one foot near the edge while she balanced a book on her head. Ned signaled Arya to stop once he noticed the welcoming party. A woman in red, with hair so red that it almost matched. Ned frowned, he had heard rumors that Stannis had kept company with a Red Priest but left it at just rumors.

As the woman approached and began to speak Ned felt a heat resonant from her. Eventually Ned nodded once she concluded.

"Very well. I thank you, it is of most importance that I speak with Lord Stannis." Ned spoke, his coldness going through the heat. He turned to Davos and nodded. "Thank you, Sir Davos. Your reputation precedes you." Ned then turned back to Mel. "If you would lead the way."

---

The North

Winterfell, Robb's Chambers

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---

As Robb sat in his chambers he thought to the night before. He realized how odd Rana had acted, she seemed different. Perhaps now because she was a woman instead of a girl. Robb then dressed, and departed for the Great Hall.

As he made his way through the hall a servant met him. The servant told him that the Bolton Bastard was looking for him. Robb sighed, and told the servant to tell Rodrik to meet him in the Godswood he then returned to his room and grabbed Rodrik's blade. After a few minutes of walking he arrived at the Godswood. Robb went over to the Wierwood tree and sat down. Grey Wind laid down next to him, Robb then closed his eyes and prayed to the Old Gods while he waited.

Rodrik Snow, Bastard of the Dreadfort

The girl had returned to him informing him that Robb would be waiting in the Godswood. Rodrik made his way to where the young wolf was waiting for him.

Once he had arrived he saw that Robb was either asleep or praying. He decided he'd speak softly just in case "Lord Robb, I see you've been told that I wished to speak with you?" The bastard said

"I wanted to talk about the incident with the Brude and I also wanted to ask for my blade back" Rodrik waited for a reply hoping Robb would not try to punishment somehow due to the fight.



Roose looked at the men as they stood silently before him. He knew he was feared amongst men but he did wonder why they had allowed him to attend the wedding. He knew he'd never allow his rivals to attend a Bolton one nor would they dare dream of it.

As the leech lord walked towards the two men he wished to "chat" with. "Lord Manderly and Lord Brude" he spoke softly while walking closer to them. "I assume I'm not interrupting your conversation?" Roose cared little if he was as he mostly wondered about why the Manderlys would marry their heir to such a lowly house and if being in attendance would help him figure out why he was happy to be here.

Amidst the sounds of sails and sweeps in the water, Paxter caught the cry of something else. Elusive, barely noticeable, but a sudden and definite change in the music of the wind and the waves. A song of white wings on the air. He could hear the gulls. Their muffled squawking through the creaking walls of his cabin beckoned him come forth for the open air, for it meant only one thing – the fleet nearing its destination. Setting aside his accounts and instruments, he slid a steel circlet about his head and bound his thinning hair in its leather thong. The weight of his war-horn, sword and dagger were welcome as always at his side.

Another year spent far and away from home.

Near twelve turnings of the moon since he had last spoken to his friends and family left at home; since he had vowed once more to Seven-Who-Are-One to honor his House and homeland with wealth, power and prestige amassed abroad.

Then hundreds of days full of calloused hands, hurricane winds and frothing waters to weather. So many sleepless nights and endless hours spent beneath the sun. Pulling ropes and sails, calculating accounts and routes. Navigating from west and east and back again for the tenth time in his life. Another year of watching the world spin, of scouring its seas and land by harbors. In learning of its places and people. And of hunting the shadowy ways for the foul men; sell-sails and petty pirate folk and all their ilk. Those that threatened Westeros and his isle; who would see the world of his freeborn children torn asunder.

But now, a well-deserved rest for his men and reunion with their loved ones. If a short one.

The winds blew ever on.

The sea mists had thinned little since night, he noted as he clambered on deck, and the day-morn was bright and damp. Already the sailors prepared to dock; a score and more pulled at the halyards to lower sails, rippling sheets of canvas as red-
bleeding clouds below the banner at their tops, the burgundy-and-blue of his House. High flew there the grape cluster of the Redwynes, shining threads gleaming in the growing light of dawn and the new day to come. He ambled about the ship, crewmen weaving around until he stood at the prow, peering into the sightless mists as the waters lapped at the bow before him. Chill still was the air out on the bay before the harbor, but he endured it, knowing what awaited him in moments. So he watched. Patience of days come to pass.

Through the clinging fog burst beacons of white-golden light like day-stars. The faces of the sailors and soldiers grew eager as their cries rang out, and they pressed the pace on with greater speed. Soft tongues no longer. In his ears, the stirring song of the seamen picked up in time and volume. Those lights – ones all knew well and held dear in their hearts.

As his ship finally sailed clear of the veiling vapors, Paxter saw it then. The glittering port town in all its glorious color and feeling, besides and not far beyond its seat on the gold-glowing mountains there, the Castle of the Arbor. His seat of his own House. Twin ridgelines flew out as the embracing arms of a giant ages dead, layered walls and tiered aqueducts of great height and number followed atop them to their ends. There stood twin pinnacles, small and lonely mountains outthrust into the ocean, and a deep harbor in between them lay, its waters clear and resplendent as in his memory. From afar, an image itself a seat, the throne of his ancestors. Hail, O’ Arbor Gold. His land. His hearth. His home.

To see it after so long – a sight that lifted the spirit and softened the hardness that had found his heart in a way he had known not since his the Rebellion. A cold now warmed away. So his gaze turned brighter still, filled with wonderment and deepest fondness. And remembrance renewed.

Gleaming granite walls climbed the high hill at either side of the harbor, tan stone and white quartz sparkling so. They traversed the slopes from shore to center of each pinnacle and all land along the harbor-edge, from one to the next in tiers of multi-layered defense. Teeming within were handsome townhouses and long guildhalls beside the spiraling towers and coppered domes of markets and manors alike. Vast enclosures supported by pillars and walls carved and crawling with vines and leaves. Tiled in burnished brass and framed with glass windows stained blue, burgundy and gold. Bright did they shine beneath the cloudless morning sky, innumerable banners flapped and fluttered as the flocks of seagulls and songbirds that flew and wheeled around them in their play.

The so-small and many shapes of people in their thousands on the orderly-laid cobblestone streets and among squares, afoot and wheeling wagons and trotting steeds. Too, upon the system of canals and locks, gliding gondolas out and about among those clear waters. Trees lining all ways swayed in the west-winds, leaves so very green to his sea-sundered eyes. Far and fast his vision spread. Already the grapes ripened full and plump, summer long in swing at the date of his return – and a rainbow of color and life before his sight.

Such beauty brought something to his eyes and spirit. A feeling stirred, long repressed. A welcome wetness then that he did not wipe away, for no shame came in it. From behind he heard his men. Too, they wept. Openly, happily, their tears of homecoming.

And there, the three wonders of the Arbor, where held true the wise in rule. Monuments to progress and their pride as placed within the Seven’s lasting grace. There alighted his eyes at the Arbor’s beating heart, the Great Armament that were its vast drydocks and shipyards. Within lay his offices of the Vintner Court, the massed markets and shopping streets arrayed along its sides where once he played as a youth – and returned as its master. Sat near was the Arboreal Sept, old and grand, where worshipped all the Seven-in-One and sought good health in body and mind in its great hall and smaller shrines nestled among flower gardens, tree groves and more greenery. And there, around it all rose his own works, New Wall of Vinetown – a sprawling complex of new fortifications, countless catapult towers and crenellated curtain walls across the coasts and within the town limits, barracks bastioned in their shadows.

Here though were the most wondrous works of House Redwyne greatest; standing so tall at the twin hilltops and the city’s center beyond. The Three Seaward Towers. Each three hundred feet in height of whitest stone above all else whilst spanning many more at their broad bases; the triplet lamps at their tips burning bright as the sun in ineffable beauty. A trident of light from afar ten leagues and more out to sea. And below the three stretched the land-bridge over the harbor-channel, carven deep and wide in its largeness between the two pinnacles. Beneath its span the only entrance lay to his havens and their countless quays, and Paxter lifted himself onto the bowsprit as the ship passed beneath its great shadow. So close now, his home finally within reach!

But before came something. An unanticipated sight -

Ships unnumbered. Many more than he remembered, and all golden-hulled and burgundy-sailed. And above them soared the tall-masts in their hundreds from titanic great-galleys, sisters to that on which he stood and those that sailed in line behind her. Beyond, at the back end of the harbor he could now see the Armament in its entirety, its scores of dry-docks filled with vessels in various stages of completion.

No matter though. Now he could smell food and fires on the sea-wind. Already, the clamor of the city. Sounds of singing and laughter, the bartering of buyers and banging instruments of metalsmiths, stonemasons and shipwrights alike. His smile broadened and he let loose with laughter, brighter-eyed and merry.

Yes. It was well to be home.

Outside of Lord Harrowway's Town, The Riverlands

Edmure Tully


It had been a hard ride from Riverrun, after sending off the letters and checking on his father at Riverrun, as well as coordinating with his uncle he had made his way East with all haste towards Lord Harrowway's Town. Edmure wondered to himself how different this all would have been had Jamie married Lysa as was discussed many years ago...

The order of the trident had gotten off to a good start, several minor nobles and plenty of knights, both hedge and landed had petitioned to join. The unlanded knights were being organized into chapter houses based at the crossings of rivers and bridges. They would be given a modest salary and would be required to patrol the rivers and nearby area but above all to protect the crossings.

As he rode east every night Edmure had made sure to check in on whatever towns were nearby listening to grievances and feedback from the locals, commoners and noble. He was pleased to see that all along the rivers of his region the people had been building warships for the rivers, galleys that could harass and harry, patrol, and even make small crossings of men to raid across rivers. Controlling the rivers would better control the Riverlands.

It was noon when he first spotted Lord Harrowway's Town. Tywin in tow he would hand him over to Caleb to take him to the Eyrie.... hopefully at least.

Tywin rode through the town and observed it closely. In the distance he could see a sept, built traditionally with seven points to pay homage to the Seven Gods. Outside of that there was not all that much. There was a small, two story inn that bustled with activity and a tall stone drumtower much like the one at Storms End just a bit smaller. It was once the part of Lord Harroway of the Harrenhall's domain, where the town gets it's name, but the house has been long extinct since Maegor I wiped it out thinking Lord Harroway bedded his wife. Fittingly so as they coat of arms was two towers on fire. If memory served House Roote now owns the holdfast, a old and storied house and one of the first to join Aegon the Conqueror's Kingsguard when it was first founded. However that was all behind them now obviously. He sighed as a few children chased eachother through the small gaps between the many horses of Tywins escort, the so call Knights of the Trident halted for them and chuckled to themselves when they were through. Tywin scoffed at them and rode on. They were knights yes but no elite guard of the Riverlands like Edmure claims. Well at least that's what Tywin thought, he had yet to see them in combat. As the group approached the Trident they saw the small dock Harroway's Town was known for. Next to it was a small boat, raft was a more apt description, that was tied to the dock and two men were fishing on the front of the dock, paying Edmure and Tywin no mind. Tywin came to stop as did the rest of the group and eyed the raft with visible distain. The water gently lapping at its sides revealed a mossy undercarriage. The boat creaked just moving with the waters. On the front of the bow was the symbol of House Roote, a double headed horse that was also covered in green. Getting in that was how people died.

"I am sorry Lord Edmure but is there not another, more seaworthy vessel we could take?" Tywin asked

One of the men on the dock must have overheard because he turned and saw the group. He first eyed Edmure and then Tywin and elbowed his friend before scrambling to his feet. He ran over to the group and took off his tattered hat and revealed a toothless mouth with his smile.

"Hello M'Lordth! How may I help you today?" he asked. His friend turned and when he saw Edmure and Tywin soon joined him.