Malachite POV

Walking along the rose bushes I turn to Varys. "I must say I'm surprised at you Varys. Letting a Hand die on your watch tsk. Your birds must have their wings clipped." I said in a dull monotone. Looking over I see a frown form on his face.

"Jon Arryns death was of natural cause. That falls into the priority of Maesters."

Shrugging, I show that his argument has little point to me. "Enough of death. What is known of the current," cocking my head slightly, "and his family?"

The slight raise of an eyebrow was the only indication of surprise that was seen from Varys, but that was all I needed. "A simple eunuch would know very little of the houses. Perhaps Littlefinger would be best to ask, involving Stark and his ilk."

Ignoring Varys for a time, I continue observing the garden. Coming to the edge I gaze over the ocean, until my curiosity is peaked by something. "Varys?" I asked not turning around.

Hearing a slight hmm from behind me I continue. "What do you see over there?" At the end of my sentence, I raise my hand and point towards the distance.

Raising his hand to shield his eyes from the sun, Varys looks over the ocean. "It looks to be a ship, heading this way. A black sail, with a golden snake's eye as the banner."

Chuckling slightly I respond to him, "Why yes it is. It appears that they have arrived. Must have been favored by the winds."

Turning to face him, "We will continue this later, for now I have business to attend to." With that said I quickly make my way out of the garden, not sparring Varys another glance.

Making my way from the Red Keep, towards the docks, I take time to fully look at the city. The impression left me wondering what the one million gold crowns, the Iron Bank loaned King Robert were being used for. The common people lived in shambles. Most in the poorer district, were almost bone thin, and likely living outside, at least from the smell they were. Pushing those thoughts to the back I continued to the dock.

As the ship approached I noticed several people converging near the side. I could clearly see one of the people pointing at others and from what I suppose, giving orders. Of course I knew who the person was, as he was one of my lieutenants. Salazin, the lord of Necrophagic Keep, had arrived in Westeros.

Standing on the edge of the dock, I wait for the ship to come in.

Few minutes later

Making my way on to the ship, I notice that Salazin and a group of black robed humans beginning to bow. Moving past them I motion Salazin to rise and follow me. "You have brought the items?" I asked descending the stairs to the bottom of the ship.

Trying to keep up with my fast pace he replies, "Yes, master. Everything is as you ordered."

Arriving at the bottom I quickly scan the room for my cargo. The room is full of boxes, but in the corner of the ship, is what I look for. Stacked from floor to ceiling were coffins all roughly the same size and shape and next to the coffins are a set of rather large containers. It wasn't much of a surprise that everything was over there, for a normal person would likely fall ill from the stench coming from the complete cargo.

Turning to face my apprentice, I point to the coffins. "Have the hatchlings bring those to my private location". Pointing at the set of larger crates I say, "Then have them move these to the laboratory. You will oversee that this project is set up as intended. This task is vital, and I hold you personally responsible for its completion."

Salazin knew the punishment for failure, and it was with a macabre humor that I smiled seeing his already pale complexion turn ghostly white.

"I expect everything to be ready upon my return," Without waiting for his reply I turn on the balls of my feet. The destination in mind was once more the Red Keep.

Time skip

Standing outside of the small council room I wait for one of the guards to announce me. Hearing the distant sound of the guard say my title I stride forward opening the doors. Looking around the table I silently study the occupants. On the far side of the table is an old Maester with a long grey beard and a balding head. The man looked as if a wind could blow him over, but looking closely you could tell he wasn't all he seemed. Next came an average height man with a long face, dark hair, and cold grey eyes. From the pin on his vest i knew him to be the current Hand. Right of him sat a rather tall man, somewhat young. He had shoulder length black hair, and wore the colors and sigil of House Baratheon. Opposite of him was Varys. The final occupant was a short man of slender build, with sharp features. He had a mix of grey and dark hair, along with a small pointed beard.

Of course i was aware of who each of these five were. My time in the brothel had not gone to waste. The only one that would be difficult to predict would be Eddard Stark. Those obsessed with honor often acted opposite of self-survival.

Tilting my head in some show of respect i address them, "My Lords".

"Welcome Lord Tissar. I hope your journey was safe and pleasant." Stark replied first.

Waving his greeting off I cut straight to the point, "I have not the time for pleasantries Lord Hand. I am here to renegotiate the crown's current debt to the Iron Bank."

Littlefinger spoke next a pleasant smile on his face. "Renegotiate? I was under the impression that the debt was to be paid in off in 15 summers. Has the Iron Bank changed its mind?"

"The debt was to be paid off in parts every summer and finished by the fifteenth. Of course that was before King Baratheon stopped paying off the yearly portion." This news seem to catch Stark off guard at least for a short time.

"I was never informed of this." The response had not come from Stark, but instead Baelish.

"Your knowledge, or lack of, is little concern to the Iron Bank," Pulling a parchment from my sleeve, I hand it to Stark. "The Bank request that these new terms be met for the continuation of loans."

A minute passes before Stark roughly rolls the scroll up. "These request are great." he says handing it around the table for each member to read.

"The Bank has allowed for section one through three to be negotiable. Section four and five are only negotiable in the timing the act takes place." I said barely paying attention now to this meeting, at least until the scroll reached the Maester. Upon looking at the scrolls his eyes widened. Looking from the scroll towards me he tried talking.

"S-surely the Iron Bank cannot expect us to agree with this?" He stammered out eventually.

"The bank can expect of you whatever it wishes, considering the current debt", I replied back. My words seem to leave the Maester in a daze as he opened and closed his mouth attempted to speak. The scene was humorous for a short time, sadly it ended with the interruption of Stark.

"The king will be presented with the Banks demands. How he will act is another matter."

Watching Stark for a short time I was reminded of a stone wall, cold and eternal. "The princess will not remain young much longer, as such I request that the decision be made with utmost urgency." Raising my hand to stall them from speaking I continued. "I and by extension the Bank, look disfavored if a certain age has passed when the decision is made."

"Of course the negotiator for this contract has recently arrived. As the Iron Banks ambassador his authority will give a greater range to change the terms." Placing my hands out wide I continued "I will relay any message you deem to send."

Saying the look that each council member had was amusing would be a slight against the word. Each looked surprised, or shocked at the news. Hearing that they had been discussing the terms with one who was a messenger was likely a great insult.

"Stark seemed the least affected as he spoke first. "If you could wait outside for a short time, we will draft the message for the Ambassador."

Tilting my head in acknowledgement I turned around and left the hall.