Eddard

The next morning came too soon for his liking.

But Eddard Stark was a man of his word and so he went to find his son and figure this situation out. He wouldn't have to go far. He opened the door to his room to already find his son and heir standing right before him. A frightful pale look written all over his body.

"Come in. "he hardly had to say before Robb quickly moved inside as the door was closed behind him. As Ned turned to his son he found the boy pacing back and forth about the room before him.

"Father." He choked in his throat. He gulped it down and tried to continue." I've made a mistake Father." Ned quickly crossed the room and rested both hand son his son's shoulders.

"It's alright." He said softly." It's alright, just stay calm." But his words did little to ease his son's nerves.

"I meant to crown Lady Margaery, I did." He pleaded." I thought it was her, I-"

"That's alright. It was just a simple mistake was all." At least that's how everyone else sees it.

"Yes, yes. An honest mistake. I didn't mean to cause any problems. Have you seen her? Was she mad?"

"I have not." Ned shook his head." But I did see her father."

"I should go to them." Robb said his eyes on the door." And offer my apologizes." Ned released his son allowing him to continue to the door.

"I think that would be best." Robb marched across the room and grabbed the door. But when he opened it already found an older man and his daughter standing there before him. However, it was not the two he wanted to see.

"Lord Hand." Paxter smiled with a nod to Ned." Lord Stark. "He said to his son. His daughter followed his example although her enthusiasm doubled when her attention went to Robb. She was still wearing the crown of flowers.

"Lord Paxter. My Lady." Ned greeted trying to take the attention from his son." To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Another congratulations." Paxter said turning back to his son." On your victory yesterday. And to you Lord Hand." He said turning back to Ned." On your promotion to office." Ned offered a courteous smile although it was less than what his grinning guests were giving him.

"Would you like to come in?"

"If it pleases you my Lord." Paxter said walking inside followed by his daughter.

"Please sit." Ned motioned to the table and Paxter, but Desmera continued to stand. That was until Robb himself took a seat and she found the perfect spot right next to him. Taking notice of her bright smile he put on one of his own,though he couldn't match those wide eyes that started at him in fascination.

"You must be proud my Lord." Paxter said once he sat down." For the victory your son achieved yesterday." Ned gave a small nod.

"Aye." He said. He turned his eyes to his son and Lady Desmera sitting beside him. Whatever needed to be done Robb didn't look as if he could do it here and now with Lord Paxter. So Ned decided to arrange the situation. "Robb." Ned said getting his son's attention. Robb loked like he was going to be sick " Perhaps you'd like to take Lady Desmera around the Capital." Robb gulped down a breath. This was a delicate situation, one he certainly didn't want to be in, but it seems that Mace Tyrell hadn't gotten around despite his fury last night.

"Certainly. "He said offering the lady his arm as was expected of him. Ned waited until Robb walked out of the room with Desmera around his arm.

"I've never seen her so happy" Paxter said to Ned as they watched both of they're children leave. "A handsome lad that son of yours." Paxter said after they'd left." Like his father I'd say." Ned gave a slight shake of his head.

"He takes more after his mother's father." He turned his eyes back to the Lord of the Arbor.

"I could certainly say the same for her" Paxter grinned "We've come a long way since Storm's End haven't we?"

"Hm." Ned nodded." Things change."

"For the better, always for the better." Paxter said cheerfully. He took in a deep breath."When I left for war, in truth I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know what was waiting for me back home. But when I came back she was there waiting for me." he smiled. Ned shared his sentiment. When he left Riverrun for war he didn't know what to expect on his return, if he should return.

"I always found daughters more difficult than sons."

"I couldn't agree more." he laughed." She's my only daughter and I've always worried about her. But I knew she'd turn out well. She's just another branch on the Redwyne Tree and our blood if the blood of Kings, no different than the Starks."

Many houses claimed descent from a long lost ancient crown only to be reduced to vassals of a greater house. However that difference between their lineages might not have been good to bring up.

"Hmh." He said instead, nodding to Paxter. There was something else dancing around in that head of his that was just waiting to come out. It did.
"I know she'll be happy in Winterfell or Riverrun regardless. She was up all night talking about it." Paxter said." Do you know where your son plans to take residence when this is all over?"

"All over?"

"After the wedding of course." Ned crossed his legs allowing him to buy a precious second.

"Since his grandfather is still alive and the Lord of Riverrun he and his bride will return to Winterfell." Paxter nodded his head in understanding. But Ned had said 'Robb and his bride' for a reason.

"Right, right." Paxter said." I wonder Lord Stark if I might… ask something of you?" Ned had hoped to dig his son out of this hole but it didn't appear to be going the right way.

"What?"

"I am a seasoned seafairer." He told." You know my ships blocked Storm's End." Where he bent the knee to Ned himself." But then helped give you free passage to crush the Greyjoys." He balled his hand into a fist." And I'm well versed in matters of trade perhaps…. Perhaps the King might have need of me?"

"I'm afraid the positions of Master of Ship and Coin are both filled my Lord."

"My the King's own brother and my own brother in law respectively, I know my Lord." Ned knew what he was getting at. Like Mace Tyrell before him." But perhaps I could… be an advisor of some kind?" He was almost begging. Yet for some reason Ned found himself unable to answer at first.

"I….. I could ask the King." Paxter smiled at Ned the same way his daughter smiled at Robb.

"That's all I can ask for my Lord." There was brief moment of silence allowing Ned a moment of his own.

"Can I ask you a question of my own?"

"Certainly!" he cheered. It was only last night when it was agreed that Ned would deal with his son and Mace would deal with Paxter. Ned did not know this man as well as his future 'brother' and he certainly hadn't expected to see so many people so soon after he woke up.

"Have you seen your Leige Lord today?"

"Tyrell?" Ned nodded. All the excitment left his face, clearly confused." Not since yesterday, but I didn't speak with him then. Why do you ask?"

Ned let out a quick breath. This was for Mace Tyrell not Eddard Stark.

"Just curious. I recommend you meet with him as soon as possible " Another moment of silence passed over them." If you'll excuse me my Lord, I have many matters to attend."

"Yes, yes." Paxter said jumping to his feet." The King's Hand is always busy, you know what they say. My Lord I would be greatly honored if you'd dine with me and my family tonight. You may bring your wife of course. Your father in law and-"

"I will be busy all day my Lord." Ned quickly answered." I do not know if I shall be able to leave the Small Council chambers at all today."

"Quite right." Paxter nodded with apologetic understanding." It is a heavy burden you bare my Lord, not every man would be able to face it as easily as you do." He rose to his feet and headed to the door. "I will leave you to your work my Lord. But perhaps…" He turned back to him." Perhaps later you might like to have some wine. I've brought the Arbor's finest with me."

"Perhaps." Ned simply answered. Paxter pointed a finger at him.

"I'll have some sent to you."

"Not necessary. "Ned said with a wave." Don't trouble yourself."

"No trouble at all." Paxter quickly answered." No trouble at all. Think of it as a gift from brother to brother." Ned's eyes bugged open at him." Good day my Lord." Paxter said closing the door behind him.

He was hoping now more than ever Robb ended this. Had he simply crowned Wynafryd Manderly instead he would have been glad about this little 'mess'.

But the thought was quickly dismissed from his mind as there came a knocking at the door. No doubt Lord Paxter come to suck up already.

"My Lord I-" he began as he answered the door but stopped when he didn't see Lord Paxter there. He greeted his new guest with more curtesy.
"Good Morning Lord Tywin."

Jaime

He had been standing at the top of the Wall for the longest time. He wasn't one watch and had no other duty at present, he was just…..thinking.
Looking down below he saw the snowy lands beyond the wall which not too long ago was covered in Wildling bodies. Stark had certainly done well for them with that army and still did. He might have left but he left and armed host and his friend to lead him.

But that only meant they took up more space and ate more food, which the Night's Watch suddenly became short of. But he was greatful for the help and help they needed. The Greyjoy boy had since taken some of his men to Eastwatch where a large group of Wildlings had been reported.
He worried little about another attack on the Wall. If they were fortunate Mance Rayder died in the fighting. Even if he hadn't there's no way he'd risk another attack not after last time. But another battle was the least of his worries.

The sound of snow crunching under boots was heard behind him.

"First Ranger." Samwell said getting his attention." It's time."

Now he sat in his place at the table amongst the other officers of the Watch. First Steward Bowen Marsh, First Builder Othell Yarwych and old Measter Aemon.

Crowded into the halls before them their brothers in arms. Twenty men had come from the Shadow Tower led by Ser Denys Mallsiter and Qhorin Halfhand. From Eastwatch came Cotter Pyke with twelve men. Old measter Aemon was shaking as he rose to his feet, assisted by Samwell. And as he rose all the noise in the hall silenced.

"Would anyone like to speak for candidates as we vote for the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch?" Qhorin Halfhand did not wait a second and rose to his feet.

"Ser Denys Mallister came to the watch as a boy, and as served faithfully longer than any other ranger." Murmers of agreement rose out from men of the Shadow Tower with many others as well." Ten winters he served, commanding the Shadow Tower for over thirty years. A candidate in our last two elections it's time to give him what he's earned." As he sat down claps and cheers of approval accompanied him.

Jaime looked over the old Mallister with his bald head and long beard. He was not as tall or as powerfully built as Mormont but there was wisdom behind those old eyes of his.

The second to rise was Cotter Pyke Commander of Eastwatch. He was a bastard of the Iron Islands, despised by Ser Denys as much as Cotter despised him. It was fortunate they lived at opposite ends of the Wall.

"The Wall doesn't need another old man to lead it." He said with disgust looking at Ser Denys." What the Wall needs is fighters and I am just that." That was all he said as he sat back down with some approval although those who supported Ser Denys did not like his talk.

Jaime now tried to think about Cotter Pyke as Lord Commander. He was brash, outspoken, and illiterate but he was just that a fighter and Jaime could agree that's what they needed more of. And it looked like Ser Denys hadn't wielded a sword in earnest for years. But what Ser Denys seemed to lack in strength he made up for in wisdom. And as it was said he was the most experienced ranger of the Watch.

But they were not the only two candidates running. Ser Alliser Thorne had tried his luck once again. Ser Waymar Royce, Ser Terrence Celtigar both young and stupid enough to think their first real battle defending the Wall was enough for them. Even first builder Othell Yarwyck thought himself a proper candidate. But there were others who were taken seriously.

"Benjen Stark." Ser Mallador Locke suggested." The Starks have always been good to us. They've always helped us and come to us in our hour of need." Agreement began to rise among the crowd." And Benjen has been as good a man to the Night's Watch as any." Better if you'd asked Jaime.

"Ser Jorah Mormont has served us well." Bowen Marsh said." Just like his father before him. And the son will be as dutiful as his father."
More and more mans were put out there at the end of the day. Most of which Jaime couldn't see lasting a day. No in the end he believed it would come down between Ser Denys, Cotter Pyke and Benjen Stark. Any one of them seemed suitable for the vacant position.

Some might have been surprised he didn't put his own name forward. In all honesty he'd never given it any thought. But as First Ranger he already held many responsibilities and didn't need more to contend with. He was content where he was.

Or so he thought.

It was Sam, Jaime's own squire who picked himself up and stood before the group.

"Ser Jaime has been a black brother since I was born."

"Kingslayer." Men hissed amongst the crowd. But Sam did not let that stop him and continued.

"Commander Mormont choose him as his First Ranger when there were many other suitable men. He fought bravely to defend the wall and… is a man of honor." That was all he said. The reaction was mixed amongst the crowd. Some clapped and cheered others snarled and booed.

"The time has come." Measter Aemon said. And the voting began.

Ser Denys took the lead with two hundred thirteen votes. Behind him in second was Ser Jaime himself with one hundred ninety eight votes. Benjen, Jorah and all the others battled for lower numbers. And this was only the first day.

This was going to be a long choosing.

Mace

The second the sun rose Mace did as prepared, marched out to meet Paxter. But when he went to his tent he found the not the Lord of the Arbor but his heir or other son, in all honesty Mace could never tell.

The Warden of the South made a tactical retreat and would prepare to speak with Paxter and only Paxter as soon as possible.

And so once the sun was higher in the sky and a second breakfast Mace sent out once more.

There was a lot of ground to cover and even less time given everything that's happened. What made it worse was the crowds. Left and right there were people everywhere. But he had to keep going he would find Paxter here amongst them somewhere.

Eventually he did.

The Purple colored grapes flew high above a purple tent. But as he approached Mace heard raised voices. He couldn't make much of it out but one of the raised voices he heard was Paxter himself.

"Get out!" He demanded. "Get out!" A moment later Mace watched as two golden haired men marched out of the tent. Although Mace couldn't see their faces he could tell by their red garbs that they must be Lannisters. But Mace had little time to know or care what they were here for he had his own business to attend. He turned inside and went to talk to Paxter of his own business.

He found him only a few feet inside. Standing over a small table, a goblet of wine laid out before him.

"Paxter." Mace said approaching him. There was a cheery expression across his cousin and brother in law's face despite what must have just transpired.

"Mace." He chirped." Good morning. And what a lovely morning it is."

"Lord Tyrell." Mace corrected trying to sound as stern and confident as the battle commander he knew he was. But it was clear Paxter had been drinking evident by the glass of wine before him. Lord Redwyne paid his liege Lord no mind as he drank some more of it. He opened his mouth to speak, but Paxter spoke first. He was remarkably quick this morning.

"Look out there!" he walked to the other side of the tent and opened the flap to reveal the harbor. Mace crept over and looked with him to see exactly what he was talking about. Paxter's flagship and the greatest ship in the Redwyne fleet; the Arbor Queen.

"Impressive" Mace said quietly, though he'd seen it countless times before.

"She's to be the flagship of the Royal Fleet soon enough"

"What?!" Mace snapped "But-how when?" PAxter ten turned to Mace

"I have you to thank Mace" he placed a hand on his shoulder "I couldn't have done it without you.. and the Starks"

"Well what do you-"

"You saw it the other day didn't you? All of the seven kingdoms did" Paxter waved his arms "It'll only be a matter of time it seems" he looked up to the top of his tent with wonder. Then he let out a calming breath. Mace knew that there was a time in all battles to strike and this was exactly that time.

"Well that's exactly why I'm here" he said gaining Paxter's attention again" Paxter I've come to talk to you about the problem with your daughter."

"Problem?" he questioned. Mace nodded his head." Ah you've come to offer your congratulations! The Hand said you'd come by to do such a thing" He chuckled." Well I accept. She'd do so herself but she's off right not with her betrothed."

"Betrothed?!" Mace jolted." You mean he's, he's asked you to for permission already?!"

"No, No." Paxter shook his head, shaking his cup and spilling some wine with it." He's a quiet boy, but he has a good character. " He started breaking into laughter." But it's only day two, we still have time." Yes time, there was still time. Time for Mace to end this.

"What about the Lannisters? Your daughter was to be Lady of Casterly Rock." Paxter only snickered.

"Perhaps you didn't see them on your way out." He pointed to the entrance of his tent.

"But you were trying to marry Daven Lannister."

"Aye, trying. That was until this came along." He took another sip of his wine. He grimaced, but not from the taste "I was never comfortable with my daughter going there. Lady of the west or not, they're too prideful and violent" he then looked to Mace and recalled his pact with the Lannsiters "Not that I hold it against you Mace. I understand you are very close to the Old Lion" he quickly backtracked. This was getting out of hand. Mace had to gain ground quick.

"But, But he's not a Knight you know."

"Yes he's a Lord. A Lord of two regions!" He laughed, his shoulders bouncing up and down.

"I mean he doesn't worship the Seven." To his surprise Paxter seemed to swat the information like it was a fly.

"There's no problems we can't easily overcome." He smiled. The time had come. Time for Mace to end this. He took in a deep breath and puffed out his chest.

"I'm afraid Paxter, this cannot happen." He was half-way into another sip of his wine when he spoke, causing him to cough and spit it back into his cup.

"Excuse me?" He questioned.

"Robb Stark was meant to marry my Margaery." Mace told." I made a pact with Lord Hoster Tully before arriving down here to take my seat on the Small Council." Paxter said nothing. Despite his drunkenness he seemed to be comprehending this very well. The drastic situation he put himself in must be sobering " But don't worry. You can still undo this damage before any further dishonor is done to your house."

Paxter was musing on every word said to him as he swirled the wine in his glass "Ah" he eventually let out "So that's what the Hand meant.." he paused.

"You've met him?" Mace asked. Paxter only nodded "Well yes. I knew you better, so I took it upon myself to take care of you"

Paxter nodded again "That's quite the story." Paxter told." And perhaps there is some truth to it." Mace nodded his head. Now Paxter was getting it." But I've come too far to back out now."

"What?"

"This is one of the greatest things to ever happen to my house. It's not everyday a member of a great house offers such a lucrative deal. Even less likely is that he will rule two sections of Westeros." Paxter told. The idea of his grandchildren doing the same was just as appealing no doubt." I could think of no better future for any of my children, let alone my only daughter." he grinned "And let's not forget. All the world saw what happened out there!" he pointed off into the distance with his free hand "If there was such a pact whose to say? It's your word against every one else" Mace had to regain control of this situation quick. He puffed his chest out even more.

"Paxter." He pointed a finger at him." As your Liege Lord I command you too-"

"Command me?" Paxter laughed." Mace you couldn't command a pack of hounds." He laughed even louder. The drink was clearly getting to him.

"Have you lost your wits?! I am undefeated in battle. I beat King Robert at Ashford, I sieged Storm's End, I took Blacktyde!" With each triumph his voice grew louder. But so did Paxter's, his laughter grew.

"Every battle you've gone into Randyll Tarly's won for you. He beat King Robert at Ashford and he won the day at Blacktyde. And it was my ships that allowed our armies to go from Island to Island. And as for Storm's End" He stopped to chuckle a moment." The only thing you laid siege to was the banquet table." Mace's face began to turn red with rage. How could Paxter speak such lies!" Since your so fond of stories about better men, let me tell you something you don't know. Years ago Lord Randyll and I met and we sought to make an alliance between our two houses. An alliance to save the Reach from you!" He pointed a finger at his fat liege lord." His eldest son was to be my squire and eventually marry my daughter. But my own sons teased and bullied him too much and Randyll took him back to Horn Hill. I'm very grateful for it now since my daughter will marry better than anyone in the Reach."

"Paxter you-"

"But don't worry Mace. "He continued piously." I won't forget you. Perhaps when the time comes one of your grandchildren can marry one of mine. Should any be born to you that is." That was too much. Mace reared back his arm and then swung forward landing on clean punch on the right side of Paxter's face.