Steps of a Fall
Farfella watched the Lannister men put on their armor from her spot; she wore all black with gold and the Lannister Lion in red today. Coming up to join her was Cersei; hers was opposite more red and black with the gold lion.
"Will Jamie really be alright?" She asked as she watched the men get ready to head to King's Landing.
"Yes and the dragons will fall. Remember Cersei whom wins you will be arranged to, you will rule, but you will not be powerless." She looked at Cersei who looked at her.
"Men have power, say and titles, but they are not the masters alone on this game. You must be strong and clever, manipulate when necessary," she looked back at the men.
"And if I find your suitor lacking and he mistreats you, you know what to do." She said softly but coldly in a way she never let Tywin see, just her daughters.
Cersei felt a twinge of reassurance surge through her being looking at the men. Gregor Clegane was among them, the Mountain that Rides. Ruelle was not there but with the fleet, the nurse maid held Gregor's son as she was with the other staff. Geralt Clegane, the toddler was big for his age, already walking. He would follow Gregor in size it seemed, Gregor looked down at the Maid saying something and Cersei was amazed she didn't cower. He looked at his son and his coldness lightened a bit putting a hand on his head moving his thumb before turning and calling for his horse.
Cersei glanced Farfella from the corner of her eyes, she too had given birth to their newest brother who was with the nurse maid. Dargo Lannister, Cersei watched the armies as her father emerged in his armor. His sharp green eyes merciless and calculating right now, a sweep of admiration ran through Cersei standing beside Farfella. She had grown up watching the sway of her manipulations, the secret implications of the lectures her father was so fond of, of family and duty, but under that love developed between Farfella and Tywin there had been power.
She had made sure her brothers secured fleets, and allies that wouldn't turn coat, hating the same enemy, benefit through the enemy unity, yet making sure the Lannister house had the majority sway of action yet apart to not fault all blame. It was a dangerous game and her mother played it well. She had made sure Ruelle had received her wish of Gregor, and in turn Gregor had gotten a son and a title, power rewarded, but with that Gregor had more sway of power when it came to dealing with Ruelle now. Going out amongst the common folk of their region Farfella had made sure the needs of the people had been met within reason.
Her father always chastised that lions should not concern themselves with the opinions of the sheep, but Farfella had countered that even a collective herd of Sheep could overcome a lion and trample it to death. The people were their subjects yes but they were more than that in the game, they were the arms and feet, the armies were the swords and shield. Everything had a price, had a purpose. Compromise. Cersei watched the armies move with the banner men, heading now for King's Landing.
Cersei could feel her heart race, worried about Jamie but also excited, because her fate was on this battle, who would be the new King, but also because she would be Queen. Farfella stepped away finally and walked the hall, Cersei followed and smiled, unable to help it. She would play the game soon, and she wanted to see if she could truly be like Farfella.
Farfella could sense Cersei following and let her. Thoughts on other things, of plans and outcomes, prepared. She would help Tywin put one of his own on the throne; yes, but until she or Tywin passed the true rule would come from them. Why? Because they were funding this war, backing the rebels, especially Robert Baratheon. Just because he wasn't a Lannister didn't mean he wouldn't have to pay back his debt. Yes they had borrowed from the Iron Bank, but she knew the crown would owe and take that debt. She had calculated and prepared for that outcome. One way or another a Lannister always paid their debts.
Coming to the war room Farfella received her raven looking over the notation and moved the Stark marker to the Tower of Joy. He had gone to save his Sister instead of joining Robert on the field. She took the other missive from another Raven and looked over the notation. Moving the Marker of Baratheon to the Ford, he was going to challenge Rhaegar Targaryen himself. The last Raven and marker to move where the Lannisters with their allies. Quentessa Rhyldin and Talyn where coming from the South with the hidden army in the forest that surrounded the plains of the battlefield. Ruelle and Tywinel were moving on the waters of the Harbor, Tywin would sweep through the plains and take the gate to sack the city.
She put a hound marker in the tower that contained the Martel with her children of Prince Rhaegar. Farfella moved a small gold lion to the throne room among the Kings guard and the Mad King. Flicking the dragon marker it fell onto its side. Resting her hands on the edge of the table she looked over the map. Mind calculating as her eyes swept the war map. Death was coming for dragons…a slow smile crept across her face.
"Your move….Mad King…" She murmured as the light glinted in her eyes.