Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto and Song of Ice and Fire belongs to G.R.R. Martin. I do not, nor do I pretend to own the aforementioned IPs. Anything else you recognize from anywhere else is also not mine to own. Game of Thrones is a registered trademark of HBO.

A raven arrived at the Redkeep to a bald-headed man in obnoxious robes. Reading the parchment his face turned solemn and he closed eyes muttering a prayer to Gods.

As the Small Council was summoned instead of his usual bright colored clothing, he opted for black silk robes to mourn the fallen soul and opted not to wear his usual scented oils.

Almost every member of the Small Council was present except for the King and the Master of Coin, Lord Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion Lannister's appointment as the Master of Coin is done by the recommendation of Lord Stannis Baratheon, the Master of Ships and himself. The Imp of the Casterly Rock was a man-whore, a drunkard and many other things but no one could call him a fool. Lord Connington was sent home by Queen Elia after he insulted her saying she's not worthy of King Rhaeger. Unable to let that insult slide away despite their friendship, Rhaeger dismissed him as Hand of the King and appointed Jon Arryn in his place.

Lord Arryn wanted one of his Bannerman, Petyr Baelish as the Master of Coin but Varys cautioned the King against it. Two Men from Vale in the Small Council would be seen as favoritism and Stannis, bless his stone cold heart agreed saying that this minor Lord is a cunning and untrustworthy man. He too protested when Lord Tyrion Lannister is named by him but is silenced by hearing his reasons.

After the rebellion, not a single person in the Small Council was from Westerlands and North. Jon Arryn from Vale, Jon Connington and Stannis Baratheon from Stormlands, Mace Tyrell from the Reach, Brynden Tully from Riverlands with Ser Authur Dayne (replacing See Barristan Selmy as Lord Commander) and Oberyn Martell from Dorne. The North won't care but Lord Tywin would certainly see it as an insult.

The dwarf, while having several vices, is an extremely intelligent person who, when not drowned in cups, is an excellent administrator. Everyone knew when Lord Connington is sent away, Tywin Lannister coveted the seat of the Hand of the King. And is definitely insulted when not given the position. By giving a lesser seat to his son his anger would be somewhat abated. So Lord Tyrion is selected for the position.

The dwarf slowly but certainly increased the coffers. In a span of three months, he made several changes which bought money from the ends of Seven Kingdoms. Lord Tywin was not proud but said his son did well as expected for Lannister.

"Where the hell is that little beast?" Stannis groused irritated. "His Grace is to be here in ten minutes and he's nowhere to be found. Perhaps struck in one of those whore-houses." He spat out the last word as if it's a curse

"Glad to hear that your opinion of me is still high, Lord Stannis." A sarcastic voice was heard revealing a short man dressed in black and silver doublet and black silk pants. Easily recognizable with his stubby legs, a jutting forehead, mismatched eyes of green and black, and a mixture of pale blond and black hair, the little Lord walked gracefully towards the Small Council table with a presence men twice his height didn't possess. Sitting beside the Lord of Whispers he arranged his parchment in proper order, he turned towards Stannis Baratheon. Twirling a gold dragon in his hand, he looked sharp with his mismatched eyes at the Lord of Storm's End daring him to disrespect him again. Unable to hold his piercing gaze ('No one could.' Varys mused to himself. 'The dwarf knew this very well and used it to his advantage.'), the Stag Lord turned away.

"Lord Varys." He greeted him sharply. 'No warmth just like his Father this one.' Varys mused wryly before bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment.

"So whose death news do your little birds whisper in your ear, Lord Varys? Must be someone important. Did Lord Arryn's wife miscarry again or did any close relations to Lord die? Or someone from Dorne or royal family? Wait a moment..." He leaned in a bit as if sniffing around him. "It concerns a girl, an intelligent one at that and she's someone you respect deeply. That I can infer." The dwarf spoke nonchalantly sipping wine from the goblet.

The little Lord raised his eyebrow when the eunuch looked at him in shock. "Why are you looking at me that way? You always wear black when the dark wings carry darker messages. It's your way of announcing that you bear news of someone's death."

"How did you know it concerns an important person? And how on earth did you know it's about a girl and I respected her?"

"So I was right on all counts then." Tyrion grinned smugly. Before he could elaborate further King Rhaeger entered the council with Prince Aegon, Princess Visenya and Princess Rhaenys following him silently. All the members of the Small Council stood up and bowed their heads slightly in respect.

"Greetings to the Small Council." Prince Aegon spoke up taking the seat placed by Ser Jaime Lannister at the right to King Rhaeger. "As we are to rule this proud nation in the future, our father King Rhaeger said it will be a good experience for me and my sisters to understand the proceedings of the Small Council." The whole speech was said in a monotone while Princess Visenya looked downright miserable to be here. Only Princess Rhaenys looked alert and bit excited. The other two were clearly forced to attend the Council by the King. Not surprising as Princess Rhaenys always loved learning but her siblings loathed sitting still at a single place for hours.

The meeting started with a discussion of finances by Lord Tyrion. He stated that except for North, the rest of the Kingdoms paid their taxes in full. "They didn't have enough money Your Grace," Tyrion spoke calmly. "Lord Stark nearly emptied his treasury, increased taxes on his kingdom but trade and resources in the North is very low. I think from next year onwards he will have to borrow money from somewhere else to pay for taxes." Ignoring the smug satisfied looks from Lord Mace Tyrell, Prince Oberyn Martell and frowns on Lord Jon Arryn, Ser Authur Dayne and Ser Brynden Tully, he continued. "We successfully repaid the entire loan we have taken from Lord Tywin Lannister and the loan from Iron Bank will be cleared within 10 moons."

The Small Council and even the King looked at the dwarf in shock. Few of them who are drinking wine choked as the dwarf smirked coldly. Not surprising because last time they checked the Crown was in debt of 400,000 gold dragons to Lord Tywin Lannister and has a debt of 550,000 gold dragons to the Iron Bank. "I managed to break the code of half the books on agricultural research done by Lady Aella and it increased the productivity in Dorne, Stormlands, Westerlands, and Vale. We had more than enough produce this year and the surplus is used for trade. The Crown gained 15,000 gold dragons profit this quarter of the year. Hopefully, the next part of the book gives some idea about the North." The last part he murmured softly to himself.

Clearing his throat he continued. "Anyway Lord Hand. Please note that not all people who come from Vale are honorable people. The man you've recommended to be my assistant and understudy to my position, the 'Littlefinger'. I was late today because of that bastard." The dwarf glared heatedly at the frail man who was taken aback by the animosity in the usual sarcastic tone of the Dwarf of Casterly Rock. "Just came here throwing that ass in Black Cells. He was your understudy too if I'm not mistaken am I?"

"Yes, Lord Tyrion." The old man replied coldly. "Who are you to punish one of my Bannerman? How dare you?"

"I am not Master of Laws but I do have jurisdiction over the coin in our nation. Lord Baelish has been stealing from the Crown for the last ten years." Ignoring the shocked look on Jon Arryn's face he continued. "And it is well within my rights to arrest him."

"Please meet me after the Small Council is over. I'll show how your Bannerman cheated you." Turning towards the King he continued. "I will summarize his crimes, Your Grace." The dwarf poured himself another goblet of wine and drank it in a single gulp.

"Pretending to save money, the mocking bird while he was under Lord Arryn created false trails and stole money from the treasury." Ignoring the shocked gasps he continued. "To test him I calculated down to the very last expenses and feigning inexperience I asked Baelish to take charge of tourney held in honor the name-day of Princess Daenerys Targaryen a month ago. The expenses I've calculated is around 75,000 gold dragons. The expenses he showed me is 91,000 gold dragons. He through his channels stole the rest. Clearly failed my test, I guess."

"Anyway, the fellow was overconfident. Thought himself to be more intelligent than everyone in the realm. Didn't even knew that I discreetly went through his ledgers. I have recovered around 500,000 gold dragons in last three days. And seized the brothels he bought with our coin in name of the Crown. To our shame, the Crown is now the proud owner of 25 high-class brothels throughout the kingdom. Each of them generates an average of 750 gold dragons profit per moon turn (1)."

Princess Rhaenys, Lord Stannis, Lord Tully, Ser Authur Dayne, and Lord Arryn looked disgusted at the news while Prince Martell and Lord Tyrell looked amused. King Rhaeger and Varys looked unaffected while Prince Aegon and Princess Visenya looked shocked.

"Recovering the money, I've sent Lord Tywin Lannister enough money to clear off the debt and interest and sent the remaining money to Iron Bank. I commend Lord Stannis Baratheon for the maintenance of both warships and merchant ships." He tilted his head in acknowledgment. "Without them, we wouldn't have this much profit. This ends my quarterly report." Folding the parchment, he sat down.

"Thank you for your service, Lord Tyrion," Rhaeger said softly. "Please join our family in supper with Lord Hand and we'll discuss all the crimes Petyr Baelish has done."

"Maester Qyburn. Have I received any ravens of importance."

A tall man with grey hair with crinkles around his light blue eyes wearing white robes decorated with whorls of gold and a golden sash stood up. "Lord Stark sent a raven today Your Grace."

"What does that Northern barbarian want?" Mace Tyrell laughed boisterously. "Some alms maybe. Or is he begging to reduce taxes for his country?"

A sharp look from King Rhaeger silenced the Oaf of Highgarden. "Lord Stark executed a person on charges of murder of one of his Bannerman."

"Why is that relevant?" Jon Arryn asked confused. "Ned executed several people in name of King's Justice but never bothered to send any ravens before. What's so different about this time?"

This time it's not Qyburn but Varys who answered the question. "He executed the King's bastard daughter. The person executed is Lady Aella Waters."

Each and everyone sitting in the Small Council was shell-shocked. "I-is it true Qyburn?" Rhaeger asked trying to compose himself but failed spectacularly. The Maester nodded confirming the words of the eunuch.

"Your Grace...should I make arrangements for your journey to Winterfell to attend the funeral of your daughter?" Jon Arryn asked softly.

"It's a waste of time, Lord Hand," Varys said coldly. "Her funeral was over last week. The silent sisters prepared her body. It was burnt and her ashes were buried in the crypts of Winterfell even before Lord Stark sent this letter. Her handmaid Tysha stood vigil throughout the night."

"I'm her father." Rhaeger seethed. "Because of that Stark, I didn't have a chance to see her body one last time. Why did he do that?"

"It's her last wish King Rhaeger." The eunuch said softly. "Lord Stark said he'd delay the execution and that he'd send a raven to you about her trail. She refused. Before her death, she wished to be buried in Winterfell and requested her uncle not to send her bones or ashes south."

"And why didn't you tell where she was Lord Varys?"

"I myself learned it this morning, Your Grace." The eunuch muttered. "She identified all of my little birds in Winterfell and Lord Stark... before her trail locked them up. Only after her execution, he released them. Now I need to send new little birds to North." He muttered to himself.

"Do you know details of the trail Varys?" Rhaeger barked out. He nodded grimly. "Did she ask for Trial by Combat?"

The Master of Whispers shook his head. "She just confessed everything, Your Grace. Lord Stark even gave her an option to serve as a washerwoman at the Wall or to join Silent Sisters but she denied it. He tried to put off the execution till you arrive but he was unable to deny her last wish." Taking out a few parchments, he passed them to other members. "Everything about the trail is written down in here. The confession...well please read it on empty stomach."

Rhaeger looked as if he'd aged a few years. "The Council is dismissed. All of you leave."

Varys joined the Lannister brothers as both of them cried openly. "S-she was like a daughter to m-me, Tyrion." Ser Jaime Lannister spoke softly. "And she's never have done this unless that bastard of Bolton has committed an unforgivable crime." The jade green eyes hardened severely. "Father was right. I will no longer serve the King as Kingsguard. Tomorrow I will ask the King to release me from my vows."

"My Lords." Varys greeted. Both of them are bit startled but didn't let it show on their faces. "If you want to know the truth about Roose Bolton's bastard son... the only person who could tell you what happened is her handmaid, Tysha. Tysha Lannister."

Jaime's eyes widened in horrified shock. The only Lannister wedding he didn't attend is his little brother's wedding. His brother married a whore. And he heard what his father did to that whore. But...

"Tysha can't be that whore," Jaime muttered his hands shivering slightly.

"Tysha isn't a whore, Jaime," Tyrion said mournfully. "Uncle Kevan lied to me."

"WHAT!"

"Uncle Kevan lied to me." The dwarf repeated chocking out a hollow laugh. "Father himself told the truth to me."

Entering his father's chambers, Tyrion prepared himself for a long wait as usual. The older lion was about to pick up a quill but immediately set it down with a grimace. Tyrion thought he saw a flicker of pain in his eyes but dismissed it as a hallucination.

"Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King sent us a raven."

"So you are denied the position for Hand of the King again?" The dwarf quipped ignoring the murderous scowl on his father's face. "Jon Arryn is the Master of Coin before this position, isn't he? So who's the new Master of Coin?"

The Lion Lord took a deep breath and answered. "You are selected to be the Master of Coin."

The dwarf looked shocked at his father's words. "M-Me?"

"Yes, you are the one who they choose to be the Master of Coin. I thought of recommending Kevan but...not to see your cursed face..." Here he closed his eyes and gritted his teeth while Tyrion looked slightly concerned. His father was acting differently today. "Not to see your face would be a blessing to me. You will be leaving tomorrow. Don't dare to take whores to your bed in King's Landing and disgrace the Lannister name. If I even get a whiff of rumors that you took a whore...well you remember what happened to that first who-..." This time he nearly crushed the goblet in his hand, biting his tongue as if prevent a scream from leaving his mouth.

"Father...is everything alright?"

"I'll do the same thing I've done to your wife."

"You've always called Tysha a whore. What changed today?" He asked suspiciously.

"She's not a whore. Your wife Tysha is not a whore."

The words "Tysha is not a whore" rang in his ears as he sat shocked for a few seconds before he saw red. Flinging himself off the chair he pounced on his father and started raining blows on his face.

The commotion have alerted the guards who came immediately. One of them pulled Tyrion off his father and held him as the dwarf trashed wildly around in his grip seemingly trying to kill his father. The other one helped him to his chair.

"Should I call the Maester Lord Tywin?" He asked.

The old lion glared at his son but shook his head in negative. "Leave us."

"My Lord..." The guards looked uncomfortably between the father and son.

"My son will behave. Leave.. now." He stated in a tone that made them nearly piss themselves. Bowing down they scampered out of the room.

"I ordered Kevan to lie about that commoner. It is your punishment for marrying a commoner. And it's her punishment for daring to go above her station. Do not make the same mistake. Next time the punishment will be worse."

"Where is she now?" Tyrion growled out.

"Where who-." Tywin gritted his teeth and took a deep breath. "Don't know where she is now but knew who she is with."

"Who?" Tyrion's voice came out as a snarl knuckles turning pale due to his grip on the armrests.

"She's with Lady Aella Waters. She was her wet-nurse and became her handmaid later. Both of them are last seen in North in Bolton's territory."

Glaring at the Lion Lord, the dwarf left the room. After he left, Tywin pulled out a letter from one of the secret compartments and read the last few lines

"Despite what Ser Jaime says... I am not a kind person Lord Tywin. Please don't make me choose to be a cruel one. I wouldn't enjoy it. But... I would be a cruel person if I have to be. And you very well knew what I was capable of.

-You know who am I.

P.S: You have seven days to tell Tyrion the truth about Tysha. Your gold, your armies, your prestige, and your titles... everything you've amassed will do nothing to protect you from me Lord Tywin. Don't test me. You won't like the results."

"Send for a Maester." He ordered one of the guards. Taking off his tunic, he saw his undergarments stained by his own blood. Along the length of his back, there are four lashes seemingly caused by a whip made of thorns.

"Ruthless bastard child." He murmured to himself.

"I know our father is ruthless but... I am sorry Tyrion."

"Don't be." The dwarf answered sadly. "I hurt Tysha too much. I don't know if she'll forgive me."

"You can ask her directly, Lord Tyrion," Varys, said calmly. "Don't go to Winterfell though. Lord Bolton is taking your wife as compensation and Lady Arya Stark as his ward back to Dreadfort. They'll leave Winterfell in a few weeks. He's a cripple now and Lord Stark sent few of his soldiers with Lord Bolton so you don't need to worry about her safety."

Roose Bolton sat down on one of the chairs in Ned Stark's solar meditating calmly. His body was completely still and even rise and fall of his chest is not seen. It is easy to think he's a corpse but if anyone was to check his pulse they'd feel it gently against their fingers. Interestingly the area around his eyes has been changed to orange color.

"Fucking shit." He cursed softly to himself without opening his eyes. "Goddamn, it Ser Jaime. Well...let's see how I could turn it to my advantage." The man muttered before going back to his previous meditative state. This is how Ned found him in the solar.

"Greetings Lord Stark." The man said calmly without opening his eyes. The Lord Paramount of North was bit startled as he thought the leech lord was sleeping. "Ael..." One single eye opened glaring at the wolf lord. The exposed eye was golden with slits similar to Crannogmen before it turned grey with a violet tint. A moment later both of the eyes were opened, only this time they are pale like silver moons.

"Lord Roose." He greeted calmly.

"Please have a seat, Lord Stark." The Lord of Dreadfort motioned to one of the seats before him.

"What are you doing, Lord Bolton?" He asked curiously. "What happened to your e.." he was cut off when Lord Bolton raised his hand motioning him to be silent.

"I was listening to nature, Lord Stark. Now I will be here for a few weeks so we'll make use of this time to teach you politics."

"Mira please tell the guards outside to bar the door and check for eavesdroppers. Tell Lady Stark and Maester Luwin that I won't be available for the next six hours and to look over the proceedings of the castle for the specified time. We are not to be distributed."

"Yes, mi'lords." A busty brunette maid spoke leaving both men in the solar.

When the girl was out of their sight and the door was locked 'Roose Bolton' pinched his nose in irritation. "The first thing you need to learn is how to be a Lord, Uncle." There's a puff of smoke and the leech lord is replaced by a small girl.

"But Aella I've already learned how to be a Lord in Vale." The girl's lips thinned, eyes starting to narrow in irritation. "I spent nine summers learning..." Whatever he's saying is cut off when he noticed the expression on the girl's face.

"As I am saying before I was rudely interrupted. The very first lesson you need to learn is how to be a Lord. Sipping orange juice from her goblet she continued. "For that forget everything you've learned in Vale. What you've been taught is useless to you."

The Wolf Lord turned glacial and his tone became hard. "Lord Arryn was my father figure who taught me to the best of his abilities. I won't let you insult his teachings."

"I am not insulting Lord Arryn's teachings, Uncle." The girl replied in a mildly amused tone. "In fact, I actually praise how well he taught you."

Ned was taken aback at her words. "Let me rephrase my statement. What you've been taught in Vale is useless for Lord Paramount. This is not working properly." She muttered to herself. Shaking her head she continued.

"A simple question Lord Stark. When you and Lord Robert Baratheon were fostered in Vale what subjects were you taught together? And what subjects were you taught separately?"

"Weapons training, riding, writing, law, and history of Westros are subjects we were taught together. Robert used each and every tactic to escape from those classes into nearest skirts even at three and ten years. But..." He said fondly remembering the older days.

"Lord Stark, I am not here to listen to your old memories." The girl said irritated.

"Sorry..." The girl's eyes steeled further. "Management, war-tactics, values, and ethics. Lord Arryn said that as North and Stormlands are different we need to be taught separately about these topics."

"All of the topics he has been taught is relevant to managing the bannerman. You were taught to be a loyal bannerman and he was taught to be a Lord."

"WHAT!" He shouted.

"Please don't shout Uncle." The girl said mildly. "What I am saying is a fact to be honestly speaking. Every son who's not a firstborn is molded to be loyal bannermen. It's a truth, to be frank."

"I don't believe it."

"Lord Stark..." The girl took a deep breath and continued. "You and Stannis Baratheon are similar natured people. Ser Loras Tyrell and See Garlan Tyrell are similar to you. Benjen Stark, Kevan Lannister and hell even Oberyn Martell are similar to you. The only thing all these men and you have in common is that all of you are not firstborn sons. Your friend Robert Baratheon and your brother Brandon Stark are like minded. Jon Arryn, your father Rickon Stark, Mace Tyrell, Tywin Lannister, Doran Martell, and King Rhaeger are people who are willing to do anything for their kingdom. Each and every one of them is molded that way since they are children."

"The only exceptions I knew are Samwell Tarly, Renly Baratheon, Ser Jaime Lannister and Sandor Cledgane. Oh nearly forgot, bastards in general. In this list, one of them is thought to be worthless by his father and other is one of the Kingsguard. But if Dickon Tarly tries to usurp his brother's position no one will dare to support him. Not that he would as Randyll Tarly lost his reason that Sam is a coward. I'll come back to Renly Baratheon and the subject of bastards later. And the story of Hound and Mountain is well-known."

"You are lying." Eddard Stark said softly. "And that Dornish man-whore is nothing like me."

"Three years ago Oberyn Martell was banished from Dorne. Can I tell you a fact, Lord Stark?" The girl asked amusedly.

"A single missive on the wings of a raven is all Oberyn Martell needs if he wanted to dethrone his brother. That's the clout he commanded in Dorne. Yes, he killed a bannerman in honor duel but one missive is all he needed to rally Dorne against his brother." The girl looked straight into his eyes. "Yet a single word from his gout infected brother he walked out of the country without a word."

"Ser Kevan Lannister hates half the commands his older brother gives out. But he's the most trusted man for Lord Tywin Lannister. If Robert Baratheon is still in Stormlands and ordered Stannis Baratheon to jump off from one of the high towers, the only question he'd ask is 'From which window brother?' Loras Tyrell was one of the most favored knights of the realm and compared to his older crippled brother he is more loved in Reach. But Wilas Tyrell is the heir of Highgarden even though Mace Tyrell favored Loras. And as for you and Uncle Benjen, if you knew Uncle Brandon had a legitimate son... even if he's a toddler sucking on his mother's teats you'd have made him as Lord of Winterfell with one of you as his reagent."

" Let's compare the firstborn sons now, Lord Stark. Mace Tyrell is worse than Oberyn Martell in many ways. He is a foolish idiot, a man-whore and there are rumors that he sometimes forces himself on his maids. In comparison to him, the desert snake is a cunning man, excellent warrior and war field tactician. And most of all he'd never force himself on anyone.

Do you know Uncle Ned that Prince Oberyn before age of five and ten summers forged six links in Citadel? He's a well-read man while Mace Tyrell would have bankrupted the Reach if not for Lady Olenna Tyrell. See the difference?. Yet it is Oberyn's who are called a deviant and the Lord Puff fish is sent away with a light swat on the wrist.

And before his gout, Doran Martell too used to be same as Oberyn but it's the second son who's ridiculed. And the idiotic Norvoshi woman the ruler of Dorne married insults each and every Lord of Dorne. He's the most unpopular ruler of that kingdom and most of his bannermen hates him. But Oberyn never tried to usurp his brother's position even it just takes just a single missive. I may whole heartedly hate the man but I respect him. Why I hate him I'll come back to it later."

"Stannis Baratheon, the man I knew and grew up with, is the fairest man in the Seven Kingdoms. Intelligent in warfare, peerless in naval combat and a man with honor and does his duty regardless of how much it pained him. Yes, he cut off the fingers of the smuggler who saved his life but that smuggler now eats with him on his table, his family's every need provided for and the man has been knighted and given his own hold. It is actually an act of mercy as the alternative punishment for smuggling is..." She made a cutting motion along her neck. "..death. Yet... for not surrendering and causing the death of sons of few minor Lords, Stannis Baratheon is vilified as a cold-blooded and stone hearted man. Stannis knew if they surrendered all would be put to the sword or if they're taken to my mad grandfather they'd be burned alive. He too suffered but he did his duty to his best."

"Compare him to your friend Robert. He is a man-whore who's life ambition must be having bastards in each and every corner of the kingdom. A man who had too many excesses and lots of vices. Above all those idiots in Stormlands forget that it's your friend's refusal to surrender and fight with Rhaeger Targaryen against the Mad King caused the siege of the Storm's End. And yet he's praised before he's exiled from Westros."

"Why need to go so far? Your own wife was spiteful against you for fathering a single bastard. Uncle Brandon, before he fell against Oberyn Martell, if I'm not mistaken fathered twenty baseborn children. Do you really think she didn't know that? For Seven's sake, he slept with one of her handmaids."

"But she knew if she dared to do so with Uncle Brandon after their marriage he'd have sent her back to her homeland saying she is not respecting his position as Lord of North or would have fucked a whore leaving her in his bedchambers. Before the marriage, he'd have broken the betrothal. The only reason she dared to do so is that you're just a second son. Frankly, you didn't help in any matter as you always say you're born not born to rule North. And say you feel like you're stealing his position. You yourself are undermining your position before that bitch of your wife and your bannermen. Half of your bannermen laugh behind your back calling you a Stark of Vale or Stark of Riverrun. Is it truly a surprise?"

"Tell me if a single word I've uttered is wrong Lord Stark."

"Why do they do that?" Ned whispered out softly.

"First answer my question, Lord Stark." The girl barked out sharply. "Am I wrong?"

"No, Lady Aella. You are right." He said bowing his head down. "So why?"

"It's rather simple Lord Stark. Your question is bit wrong though." There's a mild smile on her face. "The correct inquiry is 'Why do we do that?'"

"What the hell are you speaking girl?" He shouted indignantly. "I treat all my children equally."

"You may not see that but your son Robb is pampered lot more than Bran or Rickon." The girl continued as if she hadn't been interrupted at all. "It's not something we do consciously but if Bran asks you about his future you'd say 'You'll grow up to be a great warrior and will be Lord of Mount Callian. You'll serve your brother faithfully and honorably as his bannerman. You'll have the fairest maiden in all lands as your wife and she'll give you strong sons who'll serve your brother faithfully as you served him. Your beautiful daughters would marry handsome knights who will rule as Lady of their husband's castle'. These words Uncle Ned, I've heard from your own lips three weeks ago."

"H-How? I spoke these words in the privacy of his bedroom. You're in prison at that time."

"I disguised Lord Bolton to take place in my execution and took his place, Uncle Ned. I remade him into my image just..." She snapped her fingers looking into his eyes "... like that to take my place in the execution. It's least of my capabilities, Uncle so please don't ask idiotic questions again. And don't try to change the question, uncle. You're not even doing it right." When the dour man sat silently she took a deep breath and continued.

"Anyway, since they are children we subconsciously make them loyal to their elder brothers. The reason is actually simple. Despite alliances and every other marriages, each Lord of the kingdom looks for his own interests. Because of that, they try to oppress others. So the sons are molded to never go against their eldest brother. Less headache that way 'coz if family fights against each other for their father's seat it's easy for an outsider to take advantage. Doubt me? Arya now trusts and gives respect to my word more than my aunt or her sister Sansa." Ned looked forlorn as he remembered the cold glances between Arya and Sansa. And he remembered comforting his wife in his chambers.

"The oldest son is pampered and is given too much leeway. If you showed even a slight 'dishonorable conduct' in Vale you were punished harshly. Your friend though...well his little platoon of thirty baseborn children speaks for his lessons." The girl smiled coldly. "Lord Arryn knew sometimes a Lord needs to be dishonorable. So despite having several vices, Robert Baratheon is never punished harshly."

"That's not true..." Eddard started speaking before remembering the fact that in Vale itself Robert had two baseborn children and Jon Arryn never reprimanded him harshly. "How do you know that?"

"If he's taught his duty among other things, he'd never throw tantrum like unweaned brat even when Prince Rhaeger showed proof that my mother came with him willingly. Lord Arryn failed in his regard as he didn't temper his excesses. Your friend was treated like a Lord. It's necessary as too many punishments and other reprimands would make him servile and he'd be seen as weakling like Tytos Lannister in front of his bannermen. But he spared the rod too much and the child became too spoiled. Jon Arryn made a mistake in that regard. So your friend only learned pleasure and comforts but not duty."

Ignoring the anger in her uncle's eyes she shook her head "Now we're off the topic. Your current behavior is ideal for a bannerman but not Lord Paramount of the North. Not your fault. You're trained to be that way. We just have to rectify that."

"So the very first thing about being a Lord is best said by the words of my great-granduncle Maester Aemon Targaryen." The girl's eyes hardened and her expression seemed to be carved from stone.

"Kill the boy... and let the man be born."

Tywin Lannister sat in his solar diligently reading reports about his lands when Maester Creylan walked in holding letters about the ongoings of the Seven Kingdoms.

Without raising his head, the Lion Lord enquired "Read the letters and summarize important facts I need to know Creylan?"

The Maester already used to the businesslike nature of Tywin Lannister sighed and opened a letter. This was sent from their spy in the King's Landing so he went through it first.

"Lord Tyrion found a minor Lord swindling the Crown's treasury and managed to recover the money he stole. With that money he's paying our debt with interest and the money will be here in two days My Lord."

Tywin simply continued his work but the maester knew he's listening. 'So Tyrion finally made himself useful after all these years.' "The Dowager Queen, Rhaella will be returning back to King's Landing as Prince Viserys was settled in Dragonstone."

"Our informants from the Reach sent a raven that Mace Tyrell betrothed his third son Ser Loras Tyrell to Lady Alarie Hightower. From Vale, it seems that Lady Arryn suffered another miscarriage. From Dorne, Prince Doran Martell sent his son Prince Quentyn Martell to Lord Ormond Yronwood as his squire. From Riverlands, it seems that Lord Hoster Tully tried to arrange a marriage with one of the daughters of Late Walder for Lord Brynden Tully but the Blackfish scorned it."

'To gain control over Silverhill, the Pufferfish must have betrothed his sword-swallowing son to that little girl. Lysa Arryn's miscarriages became common news. And Hoster must be getting desperate to marry off the Blackfish if he's willing to go to Late Walder Frey.' Tywin mused. 'Doran must be trying to smooth the relations between Martells and Yronwoods. The relations between the two houses strained after the death of Lord Edgar Yronwood. Wonder what the moron of his wife will say this time. Last time she openly insulted Dornish customs in front of Yronwoods. He's a cautious man though so he'll send the boy in the cover of the night. Married for love that cunning snake says and all the idiotic Norvoshi bought him is pain and scorn. This leaves the North.'

"Anything important news from the North Creylan?"

"I don't know if this is relevant information, Lord Tywin. Lady Aella Waters was executed by Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell on charges of assault and murder of his bannermen."

The Lion Lord's head snapped up in shock. He couldn't have listened to it right. "Repeat it again." He ordered. Creylan was startled. Tywin Lannister is smiling.

"Lady Aella Waters was executed by Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell on charges of assault and murder, Lord Tywin."

"Give me that letter." He ordered pushing aside the papers in front of him. Reading the letter his eyes narrowed a bit but went back to neutrality.

'My informants in Dreadfort said that the girl barely spent half an hour torturing Bolton's bastard and his companions. The confession is all wrong. To do everything in this confession the girl at least needs seven days, not an hour. The punishments are creative. Mayhap I'll do it if someone crosses me. Thankfully the bastard got herself killed without me doing anything.'

'And my good-daughter' he sneered 'lost the shield protecting her. Before my stunted son brings her back to the Casterly Rock I'll send Gregor to kill that who...' His thoughts were stopped when the pain overwhelmed his senses. He trashed on the floor in pain and when he touched his doublet, his hands were stained in blood.

"Lord Tywin..." Creylan cried kneeling at his side. Tearing the doublet and under clothes, he saw two long sword slashes from neck to waist causing the prideful Lord to bleed out. Testing his ribs, Creylan felt two ribs broken. 'Lord Tywin's old wounds must have been opened.' the maester thought as his eyes glazed a bit without his knowledge.

"Hold on, Lord Tywin, I'll go and get some medical supplies. Guards..." He shouted. When two of them came in "Put him on his bed, his old wounds have been opened and stand guard."

One of them pointed a sword at his neck. "How do we know that it's not you who tried to kill our Lord?" Whatever answer Creylan is going to give us cut off by a deep rasp. "He's innocent. Let him go get medical supplies before I bleed out and die. And both of you get out now."

"Lord Tywin..." "Now.." the old lion rasped out as both of them left leaving him with the maester. As fast as possible he tore a few clothes and bandaged the wounds and ran out to get his healing kit.

'The bastard child is dead.' Tywin thought furiously as he lay down biting his tongue to prevent himself from screaming. 'She has to be.'

"Did you really think it's that easy to kill me Lord Tywin?" A high-pitched voice was heard as his usual cup-bearer walked into the room. Everything about her is the same down to the very small wrinkle. But the suffocating presence and then cold aura around the girl betrayed the real identity of the monster standing in front of him. The Lion Lord's face was neutral but his entire body stiffened in fear.

"GUARDS..." He shouted.

"They won't bother us till Maester Creylan comes back with healing materials." The girl said mildly. "That gives us twenty minutes to talk. Before you think it's just two-minute walk from here to his office, I broke the jars required for your healing, so he'd have to start from scratch and with help, it'd take that amount of time."

"So you'll kill me by then bastard." He sneered coldly.

The girl's features shifted to amused but contemptuous sneer. "I would have killed you if I wanted to do so. But to your misfortune, I made a promise to Tysha that I'll not kill you."

"How's that my misfortune?" He asked befuddled.

"She's wise and intelligent to bear with me but sometimes Tysha doesn't understand even in a promise l usually search for loopholes. I promised not to kill you. But I don't need to kill you to make you experience Seven Hells in the afterlife. Just to make you experience Seven Hells while you're still alive is enough." His eyes widened clearly showing fear. With a single gesture, he was bound tightly just enough not to aggravate his wounds.

"After reading my confession," she said taking his ink bottle on his desk and poured something that looked suspiciously like blood into the bottle and mixed it "you must have noticed that there's a flaw in the confession. Yeah, I do know you have spies in Bolton territory. Unlike the other foolish Lords who had spies only in major houses and even more idiotic Lord Stark who didn't have spies at all, you have spies even in houses of the bannermen. The information you got is a bit flawed. I didn't spend just half an hour torturing those bastards. I spent nearly five summers...four summers, twelve moons and three days to be exact, making them curse their own existence."

'That's impossible.' Tywin thought still struggling against his constraints.

"You are thinking that it's impossible right Lord Tywin." The girl smiled enigmatically. "Don't worry you're going to see how that's possible."

Dipping a brush into the ink, the bastard girl drew few symbols on herself and then drew different symbols at two places on his chest. Then the girl went through odd hand signs and touched the seal on herself. She sat still for a few seconds before her eyes opened revealing golden slitted eyes with a hint of red in it. She shook her head as if throwing away a concussion and did a different set of hand signs before touching seal on him and muttered a few gibberish words.

"Fūin ni yoru sakkaku: Tsukuyomi (Illusion by sealing: God of the moon)."

The ornate paintings, the beautiful vases, costly rugs and everything that showed the splendor of Lannisters melted away into grey hues. The entire world lost color and Tywin then noticed that he was suspended to a cross like a scarecrow.

"Welcome to my world Lord Tywin Lannister." A glacial dulcet tone was heard revealing a small girl of three and ten summers. Even though the entire world was grey it's easy to recognize the only one person Tywin Lannister of Casterly Rock feared more than anyone in the world, the king's bastard Aella Waters.

"Where am I?" he shouted panic seeping into his tone.

"As I said before Lord Tywin. Welcome to my spiritual world. Here I control time, here I control space, in here I am the ruler."

"You can't keep me, hostage, here. My guards would notice I'm missing and you'd be found."

"Didn't you hear what I just said Lord Tywin?" The girl asked amusedly. "Here I control the time itself. One day in here equals one second back in Westros. In twenty minutes you'd experience more than three summers of hell."

'This power should never be in hands of a man. Power over time itself' the old lion thought shivering as he understood the implications.

"This technique takes lot outta me. If I used it for more than an hour I'd be out of commission for a week." She said mildly. "Fortunately it doesn't deteriorate my eye-sight." She muttered to herself slowly. "So I'll make it quick."

"Anyway, I am giving you a choice." She paused dramatically. "The same choice I gave to the Bolton's bastard, I'm giving you now. Do you want to choose your own punishment or shall I choose it for you?"

'What kind of a stupid question is that?' Tywin thought relieved that he could choose a mild punishment and get out of it. 'The Bolton bastard must've cursed her and told her to do the worst she can dish out."

"Let me choose my own punishment bastard." He growled out.

The girl looked at him calmly for a few moments and nodded. "So be it." She said as reality crumbled again like a pack of cards and Tywin was swallowed by darkness. When he woke up he's in a castle of sorts and his body out of his own violation giggled merrily running to room where the Lord's seat is present.

Despite not seeing the face for many years he recognized the Lord. It's Lord Walderan Tarbeck who was one of the ringleaders of Reyne-Tarbeck rebellion. And...and he's in the body of one of his daughters. What kind of sorcery did the girl do this time?

A few hours passed and suddenly the castle was seized and Tywin clearly recognized the banners. It's Lannister banners and he understood he's at the time where he crushed those uprising Lords.

Soldiers wearing Lannister colors came inside the castle killing each and every one. One of them, Amory Lorch caught him and started to defile him. The pain, the agony everything the girl felt, Tywin experienced it first-hand. After that, her head was bashed in and she's dead.

With a dry-heave, Tywin woke back in the grey world, his entire body shivering in fright.

"Just three hours passed in this world and you're already terrified?" The girl asked amusedly. "Oh, how the great lion was bought low."

"What the hell was that?" The terrified voice of the Lion Lord bought smile to her face.

"I gave you a choice, didn't I? On who would choose the punishment. Your choice is exactly the same as Ramsey Snow. Every depraved thing you've imagined, every death you caused either by your own hand or by your orders, every humiliation and unjust punishment you gave out, every innocent blood you've shed" The girl's demeanor changed her amused tone gave way to contempt "you, Oh cat of a different coat, will experience it first-hand. After all, it's the punishment you've chosen for others."

"You...you turned my own sins against me?" He croaked out.

"In a nutshell, yea.." she nodded patronisingly. "I turned your own sins against you. Ramsey Snow's mind is bit creative so his torture is that horrifying. To tell the truth, initially, I never harmed his body just his mind. After his mind broke apart I cut off his head and fed his body to the dogs. Only that part of the confession I've done with my own hand. He did the rest to himself. You don't need to worry though. I've ensured that your mind won't break down from the strain." She t'ched shaking her head. "Anyway, it's time to continue."

Tywin Lannister just screamed as darkness enveloped his senses again. After the torture was completed, he found a note.

"When Tyrion asked his right to inherit Casterly Rock these were your words 'I would let myself be consumed by maggots before mocking the family name and making you the heir of the Casterly Rock." He could almost hear the condescending tone. "Well you are eaten by maggots somewhere in there. Not a pleasant death I imagine.

What's next 'You who killed your mother as you came into the world.' In Westros one of three women die due to childbirth, the complications surrounding it and birthing fever, you brain dead cunt.

'You are ill-made spiteful little creature full of envy, lust and low cunning. Men's laws gave you the right to wear my name and display my colors since I cannot prove that you're not mine.' are your next words. No person in this world is worthy of wearing those colours than Tyrion Lannister. You Ser are no lion. A lion doesn't hunt unless and until it is hungry and everything it does it by itself. You destroy your bannermen for slightest insults, set your dog loose on others while hiding like a coward behind the walls of your castle. Low-cunning Tyrion has you say? You're lucky that deep down somewhere in his heart he still considers you family. If he sets aside his values and decides that you're his enemy, you'd be lucky to have ashes of your house left. He's my teacher and I learnt politics from him. And you very well knew how ruthless I'm in politics.

'To teach me humility the gods have condemned to what you (are) What about wearing that proud lion that's my father's sigil and his fathers before him. But neither God's nor men will compel me to turn Casterly Rock into your whorehouse.' These are your words are they not?

Well, you're getting your wish. Ser Jaime is leaving the Kingsguard. You said Gods made Tyrion the way he is to teach you humility. Well, you should have bloody learned it. Despite whatever he'd done to Tysha, Tyrion is my friend. Remember this well Lord Tywin, even in the privacy of your privy, even in the depths of your stone cold heart don't even dare to entertain any thoughts of harming either of them by your words or actions again. If you do so I'll raze the Casterly Rock to ground.

I will start hunting down your family. Tysha is my family Lord Tywin. Don't touch my family and I'll leave yours alone. My promise to Tysha prevents me from killing you. But it doesn't prevent me from going after what you love. And you love your family legacy didn't you.

I'll go after that legacy. Everyone above eight and ten years will be butchered to death except for Ser Jaime and Tyrion. I will leave you for the last. You won't even have time to mourn for each of them individually. The legacy you're so proud of... I'll tear it down brick by brick before it's nothing more than smoke and ashes. And I'll make you watch it. I'll make you feel the anguish and helplessness as you watch everything you strived for destroyed before your eyes. Till you beg for death I'll make you suffer and even then I won't let you die. Please don't think I won't do it. I'm more than capable enough and to protect the person I love there's no depravity in this world I wouldn't sink to.

Despite what my grandfather said about you I do respect you a lot. You are no fool and I knew well enough that you won't repeat this. This is your last chance. Please don't test me."

Eddard Stark stood in his balcony at midnight staring pensively at the sky. The skies are clear, a rare occurrence in the North showing the full moon in all its beauty but none of that registered as he looked soullessly outside the castle.

"Kill the boy and let the man be born."

"What does that mean, Aella?" Ned asked cautiously.

"Children are... let's simply say are innocent. They are dreamers who think the world is beautiful, a place where good men always win and bad men always lose. They dream about stupid things like valour, chivalry, honour..."

"HONOUR IS NOT STUPID," Ned shouted angrily eyes burning in rage, stood up and slammed his fists on the table. "If not for honour what's a man? A dead man."

"Please sit down uncle." The girl said mildly nothing about her betrayed what she's thinking. Ned cooled down a bit but continued to glare at her.

"Can I tell you a story, Lord Stark?" Ned even though a bit startled by the change in the topic nodded.

"In a kingdom, a vassal lord has three sons and a daughter. The first son was a wild and carefree person who's a bit of a man-whore. The second son is a quiet, honourable and loyal person. The third son was a childish, naive but supportive kid. The daughter was wild, intelligent but a dreamy child. Sounds familiar uncle?"

'It did.' Ned thought. 'This story was about my family.'

"Anyway the second son bought a suitor for the hand of his little sister. The girl was excited...oh how excited she was. From the letters of the second son, the man has hair black as a raven, beautiful scintillating blues eyes, a strong and handsome knight who one day would be a Lord of a castle. The betrothal was announced and the girl wanting to know more about her betrothed searched for him all around the castle. When after a few hours she didn't find him, she was willing to give up for the day and then she heard some strange noises."

Ned paled a bit as he understood what happened there. "Judging by the look on your face I could tell that you understood what happened, Lord Stark? Her betrothed's face was in between the legs of another woman both of them naked fucking each other like rabbits. Not even few hours from the time of announcement of the betrothal have passed the suitor was in the skirts of other woman." The girl said looking sharply into his eyes. "Her dreams of faithful husband shattered, the girl understood that her betrothed would never be faithful to her. Still, she decided because of the words of her brother that they could have a successful marriage. So she tried to engage the man. It had... odd results."

"The Lord's eyes whenever he's talking to the girl wandered to biggest pair of tits or roundest ass. Without any regard for her groped the maids, drunk himself laughing off her words, concerns, and everything. Every day for three months she did the same until she understood that their marriage would be that way. So she begged her father to break the betrothal saying that she'd be miserable. The father knew while the girl is a wild child wouldn't say anything like this without a strong basis. But before doing that he decided to ask his sons their feelings about the southern lord."

"The first son was pouring praises. Why won't he? He's as much of a man-whore and deviant. Two peas in a pod both of them." The girl snorted out. "The third son idolized the man as he trained him in arms and took him on hunting but he said his sister hates him so it'll be good to break the betrothal. The father decided that it'd be better to consult the second one as he's closest to the man and he's the one who bought this betrothal. He wanted to believe his daughter but both his sons gave good words about the man. He wanted to believe his daughter ain't irrational. So he went to his second son. Tell me what's the answer of the second son?"

"Aella please..." "Answer me." The girl's voice raised a bit as she glared at him coldly.

"It's dishonorable to break betrothal without a good reason father. Robert loves Lya. He'll do good to her."

"Is, what's the number I forgot..ah, two or is it three baseborn children he gave birth to only in Winterfell during three months he's here not a good enough reason I wonder? Or the fact that the man has seven baseborn children across the kingdom by then. So why did the second son say those words despite knowing the nature of his friend Lord Stark?"

"Robert despite his vices loved Lya.." "I'm not in a mood for bullshit Lord Stark. Try again."

"Because I didn't want to dishonor my friend." He said meekly.

"So in order to protect his friend's honor, the second son sacrificed his sister's future." Shaking her head the girl reigned in her temper before continuing. "So the girl resigned herself to a hopeless marriage. And the betrayal from both the brothers cut deep. Above all, it hurt her the most."

"Anyway a few years later some other Lord announced a tournament in honor of his maiden daughter. The biggest and most expensive tournament ever seen in the kingdom. It's actually a cover for the Crown Prince to gather allies to depose his father, the King. Not surprising as the years went by the King lost his sanity and became mad."

"The Tournament at Harrenhal," Ned whispered to himself.

"Let's skip the boring parts. The second brother danced with a beautiful lady with a little encouragement of his older brother and later slept with her. Some idiots bullied one of their vassal lords. The girl feeling a bit wild donned armor and participated in the tourney catching the eye of the King.

As I said before the King's not right in his head. A raving lunatic is the best word to describe him. He got in his mind that the knight is there to kill him. So the prince went out to carry out his father's order and when found he asked her the reason why she did so. Her reason for dressing up like a knight pleased him so he covered her escape."

"How do you know all of this?" Ned whispered. No one except for his brothers and the King knew the identity of the Knight of the Laughing Tree. And Ned knew Rhaeger would never have told the story to her. And no one except for Lya, Brandon and Robert knew that his brother all but strong-armed him to dance with Ashara. In response the girl simply showed a book he clearly recognised. Lyanna's journal.

"I may think my mother is a fool but she's family. This journal I stole it from the King before leaving King's Landing. Anyway when father made his proposal, mother didn't go after him blindly. Oh no she didn't. She went to your friend Robert and we all knew very well what how that goes."

"Anyway you knew how my mother and father eloped with bit help from Uncle Benjen. How Uncle Brandon went down south to challenge father. He's lucky that father intercepted him and managed to convince him but word already reached my mad grandfather. He called for heads of all members of our family along with Baratheons.

The opportunistic cunt Mace Tyrell couldn't resist the chance and marshalled his army. Somewhere in King's Landing an other opportunistic viper, by luck, found a letter and it was forwarded to Martells. A letter of annulment of Prince Rhaeger and Princess Elia's marriage. It was not signed and legalised by High Septon thankfully but the handwriting was unmistakably Prince Rhaeger's."

The girl took a deep breath and continued. "Rhaeger was called a wise king but to my eyes he is, was and always will be a madman. Chasing after dreams and prophecies he destroyed the entire Seven Kingdoms.

Ser Jaime once asked me despite how the Queen mistreated me why I hated my father more than her? The answer is rather simple. I understood what she went through. Yes I didn't like how I was treated but I understood. If the annulment went through Aegon and Rhaenys would loose their family names and will become bastards. She'd be disgraced and will become laughing stock of all Seven Kingdoms. Queen Elia didn't deserve that not certainly after how she stood behind her husband despite everything. That son of bitch nearly disgraced the mind behind his success in 'Second Dance of Dragons.'''

Seeing his sceptical face the girl groaned. "Don't look at me that way Uncle Ned. Queen Elia might be a frail woman in body but she's the spearhead and the reason why my fool of father had so many allies. She made many alliances gave promises and fulfilled them and united the kingdom against my mad grandfather while our moron King has his head far up his arse in songs and dreams thinking just because he's removing his mad father all others in Westros would have rallied around him." Giving a sharp glare when it's apparent that her idiot uncle is going to say it's honourable or some other bullshit like that she continued. "Queen Elia united the kingdom forging the army for my father.

And after all these our foolish king disgraced her. Politics is Elia Nymeros Targaryen's playground. Hell she would have forged a chain in Citadel if those grey rats allowed women in their midst.

As you could imagine Oberyn Martell and hell even Doran Martell lost their tempers. Dorne was the first Kingdom to get letter from Prince Rhaeger that North is with them. But they claimed ignorance and said they're fighting for their sister who's trapped in King's Landing.

They started to fight with North and due to our luck grandfather Rickard Stark managed to capture a spy in their midst. When they're about to torture information out of him...you moron was the one who said it's dishonourable to torture a man in front of all the bannermen. When the Dornish attacked the tents they're repelled but the spy managed to run away. When your brother was in favour of hunting them down and killing them all but you son of bitch are the person who argued again saying that it's dishonourable to kill a defenceless fleeing man. You bastard berated Uncle Benjen for letting mother elope with my mad father. What's a child of two and ten summers gonna do against knights of the Kingsguard hmm?" With every word the girl voice raised till she's screaming in his face as he shrank down in his seat.

Composing herself she took a sip of orange juice and continued "Wanna know the consequences? Because you didn't allow them to interrogate the spy, the North contingent didn't have idea of Dornish forces and were overwhelmed. Because of that your brother Brandon Stark, Jon Arryn's heir Denys Arryn and many good Northern men fell against the Dornish. Because of your fucking honour just a week before he's to be wedded Uncle Brandon got a poisoned spear to heart by Oberyn Martell.

Because you let the spy go he relayed all the weaponry, the war tactics and numbers to Martells. So the camp was attacked and your father was slain. Because you berated him too much your brother was now freezing his balls between the dregs of the society on the Wall.

You married Catelyn Tully to honour your father's ambition. The consequence is the child of your blood in Dorne was ill-treated in Dorne. They said that the girl ran away when she's ten from Dorne didn't they?" The girl laughed as her eyes glazed. It's a hollow and bitter laugh which sent chills down Ned's spine. "She's sold to one of the whorehouses of Lys." Looking at the tearstained startled eyes she continued. "Oberyn Martell is Ashara Dayne's husband and he swore on his blood that he'd destroy our family. What else did you expect? And before you ask Lady Ashara didn't knew what her husband plotted. Still searching for the girl that poor woman."

"Where is she now?" Ned asked his voice trembling.

"Safe." The girl said looking coldly at the disbelief in Ned's eyes. "What?" The girl sneered. "If he's Oberyn Martell I'm Aella Waters. Do you really think I'll let my blood suffer when I can do something about it? I'd rather die before letting that happen. She hates you by the way. Even more than her stepfather who sold her to a brothel she hates you more."

"Just because of your cock-sucking honour you destroyed the future of my mother and Uncle Benjen. Just because of your idiotic honour grandfather and Uncle Brandon died. Because of your honour Acacia Sand, that's her name by the way, nearly became a whore." The girl took a deep breath and asked softly "Is it worth it Lord Stark?"

"You proudly wear honour as a cloak didn't you?" Ned looked down tears running down his face. "Please look into my eyes." Raising his head she cast an illusion showing deaths of each and every remaining Stark. "This is the end of the path you're taking." Ned paled as his heart started to beat erratically before it calmed down by the girl's touch. "I am asking you a single question. When the cold rotting corpses of the people you love are laid on all your sides and you damn well knew it's your fault, will your cloak of honour provide enough warmth?"

Leaving the sobbing Warden of North behind, Aella changed back to form of Roose Bolton and wheeled herself out of the solar.

"Never again." Ned promised to himself. "Never again will I let honour cause death of person I love."

A small girl was seen sitting in a sewer with a forlorn look on her face.

"Am I a bad person Kurama?" She asked softly to a fox size of a mountain with nine long swiping tails. He has red-orange fur with black fur around its eyes that stretches to its ears, red irises with black slits for pupils and the upper-body structure of a human, complete with opposable thumbs on its clawed hands.

"Kit you are anything but a bad person." The fox said calmly wrapping it's tail around the girl. "Yes you've hurt your uncle but sometimes it's necessary. Spare the rod, spoil the child. What you're trying do is to save your family. That doesn't make you a bad person."

"Thank you Kurama-niisan." She said cuddling the soft fur of the fox.

"But I don't recognize you anymore kit. Are you Naruto Uzumaki or Aella Waters? My friend is not this cynical. Who are you now?"

"Who I am?" The girl asked softly. "Did you remember the loud and confident child who walked before a ball of hate and proudly stated that he'll bear the weight of it's anger and hatred? I'm that person Kurama. I'm the person who defied gods for anything I loved. I'm the Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato."

"There's no Konoha here kit." The fox reminded her calmly.

"What is Konoha, Kurama-niisan? Is it the city near the mountain on which the faces of Kages are carved? A place in Land of Fire in other dimension? Do you think that's my Konoha Kurama-niisan?" The girl shook her head.

"Konoha is Ser Barristan Selmy's proud smile. It is Ser Jaime Lannister's love. It is stories told to me by my grandfather. The kindness of Uncle Ned and innocence of my cousins. Konoha is your unwavering support and anger of Acacia Sand. Konoha is bawdy jokes told by Tyrion Lannister sprinkled with nuggets of wisdom. Konoha is the lullabies sang to me by Mya whenever I have trouble sleeping." Unbidden soft tears fell from the beautiful face. "Konohagakure no Sato is Tysha Lannister's smile."

"To that Konoha Kurama-niisan. I'm the Hokage. I may have thousand names and titles. But it's one thing they could never change and they could never take it from me. I'm the Hokage."

"I don't understand though kit. Even when you're a Kage you're not this ruthless or cynical."

"That's why I'm a failure as a Kage. When I passed the mantle to Konohamaru if not for Sasuke and my presence we'd have war in our hands.

I'm an excellent warrior but a spineless leader. To keep peace I gave in to outrageous demands. While none of them dared to fight Konoha the other nations if I hadn't passed the mantle my idiocy would have crippled Konoha financially. I gave Konohamaru a broken village and despite never voicing it he cursed me. All of this is because I forgot my oath as a Kage."

The fox looked shocked at the girl before him. "I made the same mistake jiji made. To keep peace I bent over to everything. I tried to stand firmly in good side and it's just my luck and partly due to Shikamaru's intellect Konoha's economy is not crippled. You know why I berated Lord Stark that much Kurama?" The girl smiled wryly. "It's because he's exactly like me. Kind, loving but too trusting, naive and spineless."

"It's because he wanted peace." The fox said softly.

"Kurama if my life taught me something it would be be this. 'A man who's incapable of war has no right to ask for peace.' I am able to ask for peace in Elemental Nations because I won the war. Because I won the war all the Kages are willing to sit down and listen to me. Because I'm capable of war they allowed Sasuke to go free despite his crimes. I know that uncle Ned hates it but I'm preparing the North for war."

The girl sighed a bit. "As for being cynical Kurama, deep down in my heart I was always cynical. You called me a kind person nii-san but you don't know that I'm kind because I know suffering. Because I knew hatred I can love. Do you know why I was so confidant that I could bear your hatred? Because whatever hatred you have against humanity in general I know it couldn't compare to how much I hated myself. That's why my darkness is that strong." The fox took a deep breath in shock.

"I hated myself for putting up with their bullshit with nothing more than smile on my face when all I wanted to do is to kick their ass.

Can I tell you a secret Kurama? Orange isn't my first favourite colour. I came to love it because it's impossible for people to not notice me when I'm wearing it. Ramen... I loved not for it's taste but it's a reminder that someone loved me as I was." A nostalgic smile lit up her face. "I still remember clearly the first time I ate it.

"It's a rainy day and I was six then and was kicked out of orphanage few months prior. Due to the heavy rain I was unable to catch fish or gather food as usual so I wandered in the streets shivering heavily searching in dumpsters for anything to eat. I must have made heavy noise as Teuchi-ojisan came out with a broom thinking I was a cat or something. Looking back to those memories I still remember how his eyes softened as he placed the broom down softly. I used to be a silent and scared little child then. He coaxed me out gave a small towel to dry myself and put a bowl of ramen before me even though I said I've no money. Even though he knew very well the consequences of taking me in he showed love to me. That day in my heart ramen became synonymous with home and love. It's a symbol to me that even a person like me could be loved."

The fox listened silently. He didn't knew much about Naruto's childhood as he was sealed tightly when he's a child. And the child never talked about how she used to be when she's young. She must be emotionally drained if she's willing to talk about that childhood.

"I used to be a self-sufficient child too Kurama. But a child who was who's on a ship without a rudder. A child who's aim is to survive other day. Hiruzen-jiji was the person who showed me the way. To that child who doesn't know where to go in his life Hiruzen-jiji showed the stars.

He inspired me to earn recognisation from the people. Fool I am tried to gain it whether it's good or bad. I skipped classes so that Iruka-sensei would come search for me. I wore orange so people wouldn't dismiss me immediately. I played pranks so that everyone would pay attention to me.

I wore cheerfulness as a mask for a very long time and it ceased to be a mask and my real nature was buried. And deep down I loathed myself for it. That's the reason why my darkness was so potent. After merging with it, I promised to stay true to myself despite any circumstances."

"I never knew..." The fox said softly before shaking it's head. "You're more than capable of destroying armies. So why bother strengthening these cold lands?"

"Despite being extremely powerful,. Kurama, I'm not a God. I very well knew with our combined power we could put end to famine, plagues, starvation, poverty and hell even the wars. But life taught me that we humans are greedy lot. Mother Nature has provided us enough for each and everyone of our needs but not enough for our greed. One day the burden would be too heavy even for me to bear.

And despite opening Uncle Ned's eyes to reality of the...jungle he's living in... it's not my duty to guide him out of it. What my duty is, Kurama-niisan, is to give him enough tools to survive without being eaten alive. I didn't knew that it's this much work. And as soon as it's done I'll wash my hands off this war."

"You're a good person kit." The primordial entity spoke gruffly. "But remember these words. 'You may not want the war but the war wants you.'" Flicking the girl out of the mindscape the fox curled up and dozed off.

In the real world Roose Bolton groused irritably. "Stupid overgrown rabbit."

The next morning Domeric, even though he didn't let it show on his face, stood nervously before his father. After all it was the first time he's alone with the Lord of Dreadfort since last year he went home

"Do you now understand why I forbid you to meet your half-brother, Domeric?" The leech lord asked softly.

"Is what Lady Aella said is true father?"

"Aye that bastard girl spoke the truth." The leech lord said dismissively. "What of it?"

"YOU HELPED THAT MONSTER FLAY INNOCENT GIRLS SHE SAID!" He yelled. "IS THAT TRUE TOO FATHER?"

The Leech Lord's face was wiped off all emotion as he looked at the pale eyes so similar to his own. "If it is... what are you gonna do?"

"Yo-You're a m-monster!" The boy stuttered as he collapsed in his chair. "I hoped it was false but you are a monster."

"Flaying is Bolton's tradition boy." The leech lord growled. "You have too much of Ryswell blood in you. 'Our Blades are always sharp.' is the words of our house." The Lord of Dreadfort shouted. "It's in our blood."

"Then I reject my blood Lord Bolton." Domeric gripped his chair tightly his eyes narrowed to slits and voice grew progressively colder. "When I become the Lord of Dreadfort I'll destroy everything related to our Old Ways starting with our banner."

"I should disown you, marry another woman have a child with her and make him my heir." He shouted as Domeric raised from his seat and started walking out of the solar.

"To your misfortune Lord Bolton, Lady Aella gelded you. You're an eunuch now." The heir of Bolton laughed mirthlessly. "By your leave." He raised from his seat and walked out before his father could say anything.

If anyone saw the Bolton Lord's face few moments later they'd be taken aback by the grief sported on his usually cold face.

"Do you really have to make that child hate his father Aella?" A soft voice followed by smooth caress on head was felt by Roose Bolton as he tearfully looked up to the stoic face of Tysha.

"I didn't want to do so ya know?"

"I know child. I do know that." She said softly. "But it's unnecessary to make that child hate his own blood."

"It may be...but what's done is done." Wiping his tears the Bolton Lord continued. "Anyway... please don't call me Aella while we're in Westros Tysha. Uncle Ned has enough problems even without anyone knowing I'm still alive. Let's not add anymore problems to his plate alright Tysha."

"Alright Lord Bolton." Looking at the parchments with odd designs drawn on the she asked a bit confused. "So what are you working on?"

"Oh... These are plans for glass manufacturing factory, Tysha."

"But Lord Bolton, there are no volcanoes in North." She asked a bit confused. "I'm not educated as my Lord Husband but I do know we need a source of glass for the factory and the North doesn't have it. And don't tell me you are going to buy from Pentos or other places. Glass is highly expensive to import."

The amused look on the normally inexpressive face was jarring to say the least. "Tysha... do you know if you have enough knowledge, the cost of one ton of high-quality glass would be less than 5000 gold dragons?"

"Wha-what?" Her brain froze at that revelation. Not surprising because even a small trinket of high quality glass weighing less than quarter of a pound could be sold for 10 to 15 gold dragons.

"Yes. It'd take less than 5000 gold dragons to manufacture one ton of glass and I'm counting even labour, transportation and expenses for materials."

"How?"she asked composing herself.

"I do know for a fact that no one in this world knows this but glass is mostly made up of sand. One ton of sand if you went through Iron Bank will cost no more than 75 gold dragons and it's mostly due to transportation costs. The remaining materials needed are abundant in area around the Neck. The average cost of materials including fuel to produce one ton of glass is around 900 gold dragons. For production... now that part is costly and takes around 1500 gold dragons. To shape the glass takes other 500 gold dragons. Labor and transportation would take other 1000 gold dragons. And if we sell it at half the market price the selling price would be 40000 gold dragons giving the North around 800 percent profit. Enough to payback loans taken to build the damn thing in month or two after production is started."

"Wow just...wow." Tysha breathed out. "So why don't everyone do this."

"Like I said no person in the world knew about this process." The girl in man's body shrugged. "This would be a heavy boon to the North as they could construct more glasshouses to grow more food. The money they get can be used to pay taxes and this will bolster employment here. And not mentioning other uses for these materials."

"Wonder how many chains you would have forged if you studied in Citadel?" The kind lady wondered smiling softly. Her musings were cut short when a loud screech rang out. Roose Bolton's form face-palmed as he recognised the voice of person screeching.

"Why's that infernal lady..." Tysha wondered distastefully "screeching like a monkey this early."

"I think I may have an idea." The 'crippled man' said pinching his nose in irritation. Uncle Ned telling his wife about his plan to bring Acacia Sand and raise her at Winterfell is what his shadow clone gathered before it popped. Foolish thing to do. He'll have talk that idiot out of it later. "Anyway not our problem Tysha. I thought of building this factory on a remote island but as now I'm the Lord of Dreadfort it'll be near outskirts of Bolton territory. It'll be near the shared borders of Hornwoods and Boltons and can be easily be built in three months. But major problem is labor. The North doesn't have enough men to provide labor for this factory to work smoothly."

"You're building this with clones right? So won't they provide enough work force, Lord Roose." She whispered.

"We're leaving Westros before my seven and tenth nameday Tysha." He replied. "I'm not gonna spend all my life hiding in this hideous skin. And if all the work is done by clones there'd be a large vaccum of skilled labour would be created when I left. And we're off the topic. Where will we get the workers? Any ideas?"

"Well Lord Bolton. We can get them at King's Landing. Specifically from Flea Bottom. There are too many beggars and orphans who'd be pleased to have work so that they could feed themselves regularly."

The leech lord contemplated those words a bit before nodding. "The idea has merit Tysha. And the King refused to let Ser Jaime leave Kingsguard so we have good reason to go to South."

"I don't understand."

"When my mad grandfather made Ser Jaime a Kingsguard, Lord Tywin was still the Hand of the King. During his tenure as Hand of the King, he made several successful changes to the law. One of the last changes to the law he had done is to provide a way for Kingsguard to leave his duties if the King refuses to relieve them of their oath." The girl took a sip from her goblet. "Rather simple process it is. The Lords of the Seven Kingdoms would be summoned to vote for or against the dismissal of the said Kingsguard."

"And if enough votes are given the Kingsguard would be dismissed."

"Yes. If enough votes are given the Kingsguard would be dismissed." The girl repeated softly. "Lord Tywin thought he could convince Ser Jaime to appeal to the King but he never did so. He already made plans to convince other Lords. Mace Tyrell is easy to convince. Dorne is all about free will so their vote would be positive. Steffon Baratheon is his old friend so he could appeal to Robert Baratheon. If appeal failed Lord Robert would agree if Lord Tywin funded his vices and my grandfather from mother's side was seen as dog who'd jump any hoops for few morsels. Lord Hoster Tully would be given a marriage alliance and with 5 votes, the King's vote along with Lord Arryn's vote would be negligible."

"Say what you want about my good-father, he's cunning and calculating isn't he Lord Bolton?" The Lord simply smirked. "So we're going back to King's Landing with your Uncle." The leech lord shook his head.

"Tyrion was told the truth about you by his father Tysha. And Lord Varys told them you're with me. So do you want to come to King's Landing? I kept him away from you respecting your wishes but I couldn't deny him if he asked me now."

In response the hazel eyed beauty handed over a parchment. "I'm coming to King's Landing with you Lord Bolton. Have to make Tyrion Lannister sign this."

Gently placing the parchment on the table the leech lord nodded.

"I thought you'd protest against this, Aella."

"This will break Tyrion's heart but to be fair he broke your heart first. I don't like what you're doing." She said glaring heatedly at the parchment as if it offended her personally. "But I understand."

"Thank you Aella."

"Take me to my Uncle please Tysha." Taking a parchment she continued. "I need his signature stating that half of the loan from Iron Bank will be on him. This way I could send half of the profits to him."

The parchment regarding divorce of Tysha Lannister and Tyrion Lannister was left on the table as the occupants of the room left to find the Warden of the North.

1 moon turn = 28 days. So 1 year = 12 moons 24 days. (Old calenders have only 360 days).

1 ton = 2000 pounds.

Aand done. Hey guys sorry for the late update. I got in an accident and was bedridden for six weeks. So didn't update immediately as I promised.

Anyway some of you thought I made Catelyn Stark a bitch and others morons just to make Aella intelligent, I'm sorry if you think so. But it's my perceptive so if you don't like it don't read. I wrote characters according to my feelings when I saw the show (I didn't read books, so I'm sorry if there are inconsistencies)

Anyway have you guys watched the recent episode? I don't know about you but I seriously lost any love I had for the show with this single episode. I won't give out spoilers but the episode seemed like a badly written fanfiction.

Chapter 5 would be about King's Landing and will come out by next Wednesday.

As always read and review.