Sundas, 16th of Midyear

King's Landing

The Great Hall of the Red Keep was full with local nobles and ladies, as well as several Imperial Delegates from Tamriel. Standing before the throne was King Tommen Baratheon and Queen Margaery Tyrell, both dressed in full royal regalia. The boy king was holding an ebony straight sword given to him by Nakos and his family, and one that Nakos had enchanted himself with a strong fire enchantment and the ability to banish conjured Daedra back to Oblivion. The second enchantment was more for comfort, as Nakos knew the Spider Daedra had a profound affect on Tommen and he wanted Tommen to be comfortable with a weapon that would have the ability to do more damage to any summoned Daedra. With that in mind, Tommen named the weapon Demon's Bane.

Nakos himself was dressed in a red royal tunic with a thin, fur fringe around the neck. He still felt slightly vulnerable without his armor, even though he never really wore his dragonscale armor while he was in the Red Keep. He was happy, though, that his family was watching. As he walked towards the throne, he looked to his left to see his father, brothers, and sister watching with smiles on their faces. Beside them, he saw Daenerys, Mjoll and Brienne. He gave his wife, Dany, a smile and a nod, and she reciprocated with a nod of her own.

He looked on the opposite side of the hall to see Jaime, Cersei and Tywin watching silently. Though Jaime had a hint of a smile on his face, and Nakos knew he was trying to hide his emotions, it was obvious that Jaime was pleased. More obvious was Tyrion's wide, lopsided grin, and even more obvious was Cersei's sneer, though she was doing her best to hide it. Tywin's face, of course, was unmoving as stone.

Nakos arrived in front of the throne and got on one knee, bowing his head. King Tommen stepped forward, and raised the sword. "I, Tommen of the House Baratheon, First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, do hereby name you, Nakos of House Nalldiir…" Here, he laid the flat of the sword against Nakos' right shoulder, "Lord Paramount of the Crownlands, Warden of the Crown, and Protector of the Realm. In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave." Tommen moved the sword from Nakos' right shoulder to his left. "In the name of the Father I charge you to be just." The sword went back to his right shoulder. "In the name of the Mother I charge you to defend the young and innocent." And finally, back to the left. "In the name of the Maid I charge you to protect all women." And when Tommen raised his sword, he said words that were unexpected to everyone in the room. "And by the Nine Divines of Tamriel, stand not as a hero or a knight, but as a Lord Paramount of the Crownlands of Westeros."

Even Nakos was surprised by the words that came from Tommen's mouth. For a moment, he was at a loss for words. Finally, after an awkward

moment of silence, he stood. "Thank you, Your Grace." There was some tentative applause to begin, but soon the Great Hall was filled with applause and cheers, especially from the folk of Tamriel. A few moments later, several nobles and ladies came and gave their congratulations to the new Lord of the Crownlands.

Daenerys watched her husband from a distance, a smile on her face. She watched as noble after noble came and bowed before Nakos, and she chuckled softly to herself as Nakos shook his head, obviously telling them there was no need to bow. He glanced over at her and smiled, and she returned the smile.

"So," Rochelle's voice called from behind her, "Nakos is a Lord, now?"

Dany nodded her head and smiled at Nakos' younger sister, who was in fact closer to her in age. "Yes, and Tyrion managed to do it without displacing any of the other Lord Wardens as well."

"So… I guess that makes you the Lady of the Crownlands?"

Dany laughed lightly. "Indeed it does." She turned with a smile to Rochelle, "and it also makes you and your family nobles by association too."

"Oh." The realization slowly came to Rochelle. "That sounds… amazing, actually. Being a noble. Does that mean we have to live here now?"

"Not unless you want to," answered Daenerys. "You may choose to live wherever you want to, but you would always be welcome here, as honored family."

Rochelle thought about it for a moment. "I don't think I'd have it any other way. If Nakos helps end this war, and he's given a castle and lands, I'm sure Father, my brothers and I would be right here with him. We've been separated for far too long."

"Do you have any other family?" Dany asked, curiosity beginning to show.

Rochelle's face became sad. "Our mother passed away six years ago. That same month, Nakos departed for Skyrim. There is the youngest of us. Another sister. Nerissa, her name is. She's about the king's age. Right now, she's with my uncle, one of my mother's brothers, while we're here." Rochelle chuckled. "We have quite a large extended family. My mother is survived by four brothers and two sisters. Each of them have at least four children each, and some of those cousins have children of their own. My father has three brothers and a sister. My uncle Kotaro has two children, and my aunt Delyna has four. The rest of my uncles on my father's side don't have children. Whatever castle Nakos is given, there will be a lot of Redguards living there."

Dany smiled slightly, then took on a contemplative look. "How did your mother pass away? Nakos himself rarely spoke about his family, and never about his mother."

"Bandits," Rochelle said tentatively. "They raided our hometown and…" her voice trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid. But Dany could easily assume what had happened. "Nakos decided to go after them with several of his friends, despite our protesting."

Avik had overheard the words of his sister and decided to continue the tale himself. "They burned the village, they killed the men and the children, and then raped and mutilated the women, before killing them too. We were all enraged, but none more so than Nakos. My brother had a fire in his eyes nobody had ever seen before. And within a week, he had taken our fastest horse, and gave chase across the Alik'r Desert with several of his friends, who had also lost their loved ones. That was the last we saw of him for the next six years. It wasn't until his name filtered back to Sentinel from Skyrim that we learned he was still alive, and more, that he was chosen by Akatosh to be the Dragonborn. It was then that we learned what we saw that day… was divine intervention. His dormant power as the Dragonborn was stirred by the injustice done to our people, and his blood answered injustice with justice."

Dany knew the feeling, and finally understood why Nakos felt how he did when he saw what had been done to the children of Meereen. He had experienced such pain before.

Avik knelt before Daenerys, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "We Redguards of Hammerfell are natural born warriors, it is true. But even warriors fight for that which we hold dear. We know the pain of the heart, and our passion gives us the strength to fight long after the will to do so gives out. Nakos never stopped fighting for what he believed to be right. He told me about what your Khalasar encountered on the road to this city called Meereen. I can safely say that your city was lucky to remain standing, for he would have rushed ahead and Shouted the entire city into the sands if his rage got any more ahold of him than it did, and all the people inside with it."

Dany nodded in agreement. "Your people are as diverse as the people here, but at least many of you hold to your honor. I cannot say the same of the people on this side of the world, or even among my own family and kind."

"Well," Avik sighed, "as Lord of the Crownlands, I hope Nakos will be able to have an impact on this land. Honor will be something this country truly needs, especially after everything we've heard. This city, in particular."

Dany nodded. "So do I. I hope we can change what this place means, from a den of vipers, to a bastion of hope. We need that hope, instead of all the lies. And for that, we need power. A symbol for people to rally behind, and a cause worth fighting for, beyond mere survival."

Avik agreed with his sister. "Yes. Back home, we in Tamriel almost unanimously followed the symbol of the Dragonborn Emperors, the Septims, for five centuries. It began with Emperor Tiber Septim, and ended with Martin Septim's sacrifice to save us from Mehrunes Dagon. And their sigil, is not unlike your own."

"A red dragon on a black field," Dany nodded. "I've seen it before. But as I am Nakos' wife, and my family line is now passed through him, I now bear Nakos' name and wear his sigil, do I not? I no longer carry the three-headed dragon of my house."

Rochelle shook her head. "No, that is not how it always works. For the two of you, it is a union of different cultures, and we people of Tamriel do not believe in erasing one in favor of the other." She cast a glance at Tywin as she said those words.

Dany tilted her head. "Are you suggesting a new sigil?"

The two Redguards nodded, "We have spoken to Cyrus and some of his merchants, and to Lord Tyrion. We will have for you a new banner. One that will present the unity of our two families, rather than domination."

Meanwhile, across the room, Amir Nalldiir had been talking with Lady Olenna Tyrell, talking with her about their shared plans to make and send weapons between the Reach and the Wall. Lady Olenna was very impressed with Amir's ideas and promised to talk to him later, when they weren't celebrating Nakos' recent ascension to Lord.

"Lord Amir Nalldir," spoke Tywin as he walked towards Nakos' father.

Amir only smiled, "Am I a Lord now?"

Tywin merely smirked a little, but it did not reach his eyes. "You are the father of one, that makes you one by right of blood. It also ostensibly makes you the head of House Nalldiir as its patriarch, and a very important figure here in Westeros."

"Won't Nakos be the head of the House?"

"Ordinarily not," Tywin began, as he seemed to take the tone of a teacher. "You are the father, and you have an older son, who would inherit your titles and lands by right. However, Nakos is the founder of the house officially here in Westeros. And all things do have a beginning. That said, as his father, you do still have considerable weight with your decisions and choices as the head of your family back home in Tamriel, as much as you do here."

"So, I am the leader."

"In a manner of speaking." Tywin answered. "You are the boy's father, and he listens to you... hopefully better than my children listen to me."

Amir sensed that Tywin was going somewhere. "What is it that you want me to tell him?"

Tywin smirked, and took a swallow of wine. "I am hopeful that you can convince Nakos of the merit of my proposal to him."

Amir shook his head and smirked. "Ah, that proposal."

Tywin let out a huff. "So Nakos has told you."

Amir looked Tywin dead in the eyes. "You are asking me to either have my son sever his sacred bond with the woman he loves, and marry a woman who hates his guts, or ransom off my unborn granddaughter to your family's whims. Is that about right, Lord Tywin?"

"Yes, in exchange for supplying the force at the Wall with far superior weapons and armor."

"So what you are saying is, you would sacrifice the world, and your children's happiness, for the sake of titles and positions?" Amir was shocked and angry at the callous nature of the man before him. "Do you know what that would make you in my land, Lord Lannister?"

"What exactly would it make me?"

"A fucking asshole, to put it in as few words as possible." answered Amir, much to the amusement of the Imperials delegates and shock of the Westerosi nobles within earshot. "A man is not supposed to be consumed by power and position to the exclusion of everything else. I do not interfere with the lives of my children. I educate them, I provide for them, but I do not choose their lives for them. I allow them to grow, make their own mistakes, and learn in their own way. You, on the other hand, choose to maneuver your children like pieces on a chessboard, and value their individuality in exactly those terms."

Tywin only chuckled. "You have not been here long, Lord Amir. So I will allow your arrogance and disrespect to remain unpunished. But let me remind you, we are no longer in Hammerfell. We are in Westeros. Things are much different here."

"Indeed. But I must have done at least one thing right, Lord Tywin," Amir responded as he ate a small hand full of apple slices. "My son became a Lord in Westeros all on his own, without my interference. And for that, if nothing else, I am proud of the way my wife and I raised him."

Tywin could tell that trying to turn Amir against Nakos was pointless, and so decided to drop the matter for now. "I look forward to seeing what you and your daughter can do to help our forces, Lord Amir."

Morndas, 17th of Midyear

The Nightfort

Ulfric Stormcloak paced back and forth in the War Council Room impatiently and nervously, having just received word from Castle Black of the fall of the White Tree village and the heavy losses of the Night's Watch rangers, the Dawnguard, and the wildlings stationed there. Mance Rayder, Gunmar, General Castus Vandacia of the Imperial Legion, and several other leaders of the various Tamrielic groups stood in silence, watching for a few moments.

"By the Nine," Ulfric said finally, in a low whisper. "White Tree was our only warning outpost out there beyond the Wall. Without it, we have no way of knowing what the enemy is planning to do."

"We'll have to build another outpost, Lord Commander," Mance suggested.

"We had our some of our best men out there!" General Castus was obviously upset. "I don't know if we should risk any more for simply building another outpost."

"There's no other choice," Ulfric replied with a sharp glare towards the Imperial General. "We need eyes and ears beyond the Wall if this war is to be successful."

"And should we sacrifice our best men for that?" the Imperial asked. "They'd be safer here, so we can save them for the fighting."

"And who will protect the builders, General Castus?" Mance asked. "I hope you're not suggesting if we build a new outpost, we leave the builders defenseless."

"Of course not," the general shook his head, "but there are men here who we can spare that are just as experienced, but not as… valuable."

"You mean expendable." Gunmar growled, an angry scowl on his face. "You don't want to risk your precious Imperial soldiers for the greater good."

Castus sighed. "We need them as fighters-"

"They can do their fighting as they protect the builders!" Gunmar retorted loudly.

"Enough!" the Imperator Vitellus Attius roared at the arguing Generals. "It is obvious we cannot maintain an outpost beyond the Wall any further. White Tree was the only option we had besides Craster's old Keep, and that is too far to maintain a garrison. The enemy has already advanced close enough for us to spit on them from here, so having an outpost now is useless. We know they are here." He then turned to Ulfric. "This is your command, Ulfric, and I don't intend to step on your toes, so the decision is yours. But my advice? Place the rangers and watchmen on the Wall itself. We can see them coming from there soon enough. Until the Dragonborn and his dragons arrive to reinforce us, that is the best we can do."

The Lord Commander slowly nodded. "I agree. We can't risk to lose more men."

Gunmar sneered at Castus one more time, before he snorted and walked away.

"Is Gunmar going to be a problem?" the Imperator asked, a worried look on his face.

Ulfric shook his head. "No, he will perform his duties as the commander of the Dawnguard. He simply didn't like the way your General tried to place a value on his own men over everyone else. We are all in this together now, General Castus. Out here, banners, flags and ranks mean little to nothing. We stand together, or we fall separately."

"Agreed." Vitellus said with a nod. "It will all be for naught if we place precedence over own lives rather than everyone together." He cast a piercing glare at Castus as he said this. "Make that mistake again, General, and you'll find yourself with the rangers on patrol. Do you understand?" The Imperator's gaze was enough. He did not have to raise his voice.

"Yes, Imperator," Castus' face fell.

"Good, now get out."

As the chastised General departed, Ulfric turned to Vitellus and spoke. "While I have you here, Imperator Vitellus, did you get any news before leaving Cyrodiil about those bastard Thalmor elves? I never trust them, but I have not heard or seen any of their number here either, and that concerns me."

"We have not heard from them either since the Elder Council, and none of them came with us. It seems as though they decided to stay out of the war.

Ulfric frowned. "That is not like them. Usually they have their bony fingers in every pie they can get their hands in."

"You think they're afraid?"

"Maybe, but one thing they hate more than us humans are the Daedra. I have a cold feeling in my gut that they are up to something. Did they pull all their remaining men back to their Isles?"

Vitellus nodded and tilted his head, "How did you know?"

"An… educated guess. It means that while they won't interfere in this war, they are probably preparing for another one. Or they plan to ride out at the last moment and claim victory here from everyone else."

The Imperator chuckled. "Like the Late Lord Walder Frey I've heard so much about?"

Ulfric cracked a smile. "But with better timing."

"Well, as long as they don't start another war, I could honestly care less. Though it would be nice to have their numbers alongside us, if we win, it won't matter."

"True, but they may also use the time and depleted manpower in Tamriel for 'other' activities. Maybe not direct war mongering, but if the reports we just got from the College of Winterhold are any indicator, then it means that Tamriel has plenty of other ancient artifacts and weapons of war ripe for the taking, not to mention whatever the Thalmor themselves are developing inside Alinor itself."

"Whatever it is they're planning," Vitellus said as he headed for the door, "let's hope we're back in time to stop it."

"Indeed," Ulfric nodded.

Bran could feel the familiar presence that he had felt before when he and the Reed children had ventured through the north, beyond the Wall. It was the presence of the Daedric Prince Nocturnal. As far as he could remember, it had been three months since he had seen or spoken to the Mistress of Shadows. Alongside her however, was Meridia, the Daedric Prince who had killed that Red Priestess not so long ago.

"Nocturnal?" Bran looked up at the mysterious figures. "Meridia? What are you doing here?"

"Events are moving forward quickly now, Bran Stark," answered Nocturnal, who, curiously had a three-eyed-raven perched on her shoulder. "Mehrunes Dagon's power is restored, and he will not wait long before he unleashes his hordes upon the realm of mortal kind."

"He now possesses an artifact from a time before mortals came into being upon Nirn, and he is recklessly drawing additional power from it, and without the key to reseal it, even defeating Mehrunes may not be enough," Meridia added, and both the faces of the sisters showed concern.

"My ladies, how can we leave this Wall to find the key?" Jon said as he came up from the elevator alcove, having heard the conversation.

"The key is not here, Jon Snow," Meridia replied. "It lies in Skyrim, in Tamriel. But another child of the Direwolf is working to bring it to you."

Jon racked his brain, Robb was busy here in the North, and Rickon was still missing, and far too young. That left… "My sisters?"

The two Daedra nodded in unison. "Sansa Stark will bring the key. And Arya stays with the Dragonborn and will bring reinforcements from across the Narrow Sea," Meridia said.

"As to the youngest of your flock, have no fear, Bran and Jon. He remains safe with Osha in the town of Last Hearth with the Umbers," Nocturnal added.

The Daedra turned their immortal gaze to the far north beyond the Wall. "In a few days time, Dagon will begin to make his move. You must hold him here until all the players are in place, or all will be lost."

Morndas, 17th of Midyear

King's Landing

Nakos Nalldiir walked to Tywin's chambers, accompanied by several Lannister men. The Lord of the Rock had called the Redguard to him, and Nakos had a feeling it was about his previous offer of marrying Cersei or Myrcella. But this time, Nakos was armed with a counter-offer. Lord Tywin was seated at his desk, writing letters at a fairly quick rate.

"Lord Tywin," Nakos greeted the older man.

Tywin glanced up. "Lord Nakos. It is Lord now, is it not?"

"Still getting used to my new title," Nakos offered a small chuckle.

"Indeed," Tywin put down the quill he was writing with. "And you are the first Lord of the Crownlands in the history of Westeros. You truly are making history."

"Let us hope that we are all still here to enjoy it."

Tywin stood and walked towards the Redguard. "Would you like some wine?"

"No, thank you," Nakos declined. "Not this time."

Tywin smirked. "Suspicious of me now, Lord Nakos?"

Nakos only shrugged. "I'm always suspicious of you, Lord Tywin, just as you are of me."

Tywin poured himself a goblet of wine. "I think you can surmise why I asked you here."

Nakos nodded, "You want to know if I've changed my mind, before I depart for Castle Black." Tywin nodded, but Nakos only shook his head. "I think you know my answer. It hasn't changed."

Tywin frowned, and took a sip of his winecup before sitting down behind his desk. "You do realize how important this alliance is, don't you?"

"I realize how important this alliance is for you, which is why I am denying it to you. I will not have the Dragonborn potential tainted and misused for your own personal gains."

"Personal? I will never command the power of the Voice myself, so the idea of it being a personal gain is folly," Tywin declared, and shifted in his seat.

"But you will try to command it through your grandchild, if Cersei were to give birth through me, or through your great-grandchild, if my daughter were to give birth through Tommen."

Tywin sighed slightly. "Before too long, I will be dead. I am not long for this world, and all I wish to see is my family secured before I go. You would do the same."

Nakos smiled. Now was the chance to "strike", as it were. "I know," Nakos said as he walked towards the desk. "You are right. We both would like to see our family line secured… which is why I have been thinking of a way we both can have what we want. King Tommen can free Jaime of his post as a Kingsguard, thus relieving him of his oath to never marry or have lands. You can make him the Lord of Casterly Rock, and marry him into whatever family you wish. Your family line continues and my family is left out of it."

Tywin stared hard at Nakos. "I know that you plan to replace Tommen with Daenerys, Nakos. And I will burn the Seven Kingdoms before my family is supplanted from the Throne without certain considerations. I still have Tyrion who can continue the Lannister name provided he can be bothered to do his duty."

"I think your family is going to be uprooted itself when the truth of your 'legacy' becomes known… Lord Tywin. How do you think the other Houses would react if they learn that Tommen, Joffrey, and Myrcella were all bastards… born of incest? Tommen would lose his place on the Throne and Stannis Baratheon would become king. He is the rightful heir, after all." Tywin was about to speak, but Nakos put a hand up, eliciting a frown from the Lord of the Rock. "And don't even think about threatening me or my family. I know you know what I am capable of, and I will do everything in my power, literally, to protect them."

Nakos paused and smirked. "Now... I do not plan on telling the other Houses the truth about their king. The last thing we need is to rekindle the war I helped end. But, if you were to make a move against me, Daenerys, or my family, I will tell them, and you and your House will burn to the ground… and not by me. The other families will do that themselves."

Tywin's face remained even. "You are only half right, Lord Nakos. Cersei becomes Queen Regent if you do that. And Cersei has made it plain that she hates you, and will not marry you. This threat of yours is old news to me. Jon Arryn, Eddard Stark, Stannis Baratheon, and even Cersei herself have threatened me with this, and only one of those threats remains credible without evidence. Can you prove that Tommen, Joffrey and Myrcella are not, in fact Robert's?"

"There is that big, thick book that both Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark read, just days before they died. And if you are so certain that I need proof, why do you seem so adamant to make sure these 'rumors' don't become known? if they are not true, they will die out and will be ineffective."

"People are fickle, and they will believe anything that suits them. Case in point, Stannis. He hooked into that rumor, and used it to justify his own atrocities. Burning Septons at the stake for his 'Red Priestess' on the shores of Dragonstone, making sacrifices of people who were loyal to him, but disagreed with her. What matters is proof, not some contradictory texts in a book."

Tywin leaned onto his desk and tented his fingertips. "As to your threat to destroy my family, and knowing very well that you could, I would ask that you consider that action. Would it include all the Lannisters? My brother Kevan, my son Tyrion, and all the innocent people of Lannisport and Casterly Rock?"

Nakos was unfazed. "No. Just you."

"Are you threatening me? You should reconsider that."

"If I were threatening you, you would not be able to prove it."

"Your own words speak volumes, Lord Nakos."

"As do yours, Lord Tywin."

Tywin chuckled. "Indeed, so back to the original point, then. I have the weapons, and the resources to fund this war you've brought to Westeros. I am the only one who can, but you won't agree to my proposal and implicit aid because of your personal pride and distaste for my family and myself."

"I won't agree to your proposal and aid, but not because I hate your family, and certainly not because of my pride. It's because I am protecting my family. I am sure someone like you could understand."

"Protecting them from what? Me? I am not going to live long enough to see the fruits of that particular labor. What I offer is more than simple aid for your war, Lord Nakos. In time, the power and wealth of Casterly Rock would be within your reach. You need only sow the seeds now."

Nakos was silent for a moment. He had tried everything he could to not bring up the second half of the offer Tyrion had suggested, but it looked like he would have to. "I would rather have my daughter, or any other children I have, marry Jaime's children, once he is freed from his oath as a Kingsguard and becomes Lord of Casterly Rock."

Tywin smiled at his victory. "I'll have the Daedric weapons and armor made right away and have it sent to Castle Black."

Tirdas, 18th of Midyear

Braavos

The Iron Bank of Braavos overlooked the Narrow Sea, although the Titan of Braavos blocked most of the view. The Titan stood tall and imposing, but not as imposing as the House of Black and White, which was further inside the city, but a little ways away from the city center, on its own concrete island. The Iron Bank was situated in the center, tall and monumental.

Tycho Nestoris sat with two of his colleagues as three Faceless Men walked through the huge gated doors. They knew in advance that the Faceless Men were coming, and did not want to keep them waiting. Only a fool made that mistake, and those in the Iron Bank were not fools.

"Gentlemen," Tycho greeted the assassins. It was not every day a Faceless Man came through the doors of the Iron Bank, let alone three. "Please, take a seat." The three robed men sat opposite the Tycho and his associates. "How may the Iron Bank help you gentlemen?"

The middle man took of his hood. "A man is designated to speak to you," he said as he bowed his head slightly. "We are here to discuss the mobilization, and funding of the Braavos military to aid in the Long Winter War that is occurring in Westeros."

"I am not sure how we can help," Tycho shrugged, "The Crown already owes millions in gold to the Iron Bank. Investing in Westerosi affairs has proven to be bad even in the best of times…"

The Faceless man cut Tycho off immediately. "This is not about the affairs of their crown. The War we were sent to talk about involves more than Westeros. It involves the entire world, including the Iron Bank and Braavos. Do you think a man would be here if it were not important?"

"I would think that you would know that no matter the situation, we still are owed a tremendous amount of money," Tycho replied. "Once we are paid that loan back, at least in part, we can… consider… loaning more money out to the Crown for its… war."

"The Great Enemy is already moving. A man knows your due, but it will all be rendered meaningless if we all are dead. The enemy is far greater than even the Dragonlords of Valyria were to us, and he will not be fooled by fogs and lagoons like they were. Would you be the ones to deny your help and favor him?"

Tycho was silent for a moment and looked to his colleagues. "We will... think on what you have said. But that does not change the fact that the debt is quite tremendous."

A new voice came from behind the faceless men, as the shade of Lucien Lachance materialized behind the three Faceless Men, who remained stoic and unmoving. "If you are still concerned about your money, then consider collecting the debt after you have saved yourselves and the world. You cannot collect money from the dead, nor spend it if you yourselves are dead, on a dead world. But, if you contribute your considerable wealth and resources, then you stand to profit much more and for far longer than if you stayed out of the fighting."

Tycho was too stunned to speak, still getting over the fact that he had just seen a ghost materialize before his eyes. "You… do make a good point, ser."

"Of course I do," Lucien smirked with a smile that unnerved all three bankers.

"What is it that the Crown needs?"

"As much as can be provided. People, resources, funding, weapons, all of it. And get the rest of Essos prepared as well."

"Weapons?" Tycho repeated, still processing what the ghost was saying.

Lucien nodded, "We're going to need all the dragonglass your cities can muster. The White Walkers in particular are vulnerable to the substance, and the forces at the Wall will need every advantage they can get."

"The White Walkers?! The demons of ice and frost of the Long Night?!" Tycho gasped and turned to his compatriots in hushed whispers.

"Yes, but they will not be the greatest foes that will be faced north of the Wall." At that, the arbiters of the Iron Bank paused to look at the ghost.

"Not the greatest foe?" Tycho said in a hushed whisper, just barely audible. "What could be worse than White Walkers?"

"The one who created them. The one you refer to as The Great Other. The Daedric Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, and his unending legions from the Deadlands, his realm of Oblivion. Right now, Dagon is mustering his strength beyond the Wall, in the Lands of Always Winter. If he succeeds in breaking through that Wall, no force in this world will be able to stop him. And he will drown the world in ice, then in fire."

Again, Tycho looked to his companions, but this time, there was urgency in their faces. "If what you say is true, then I assume we have no choice."

"No," agreed Lucien. "You do not. You mortals of this world have only this one chance to stave off the jaws of Oblivion. It would be folly to waste it."

"Indeed," Tycho nodded ever so slowly. After a nod from each of his fellow bankers, he looked back to the Faceless Men. "The Iron Bank will agree to fund this war and provide the resources you need… provided you will pay us back of course, once the war is over."

Lucien chuckled darkly. "Ah, the problems of the living." His gaze became hard. "The finances of this war may exceed any amount you could loan to anybody, and I suppose the fact that you can continue to exist is not compensation enough. But I can only assume then, that you can reclaim your previously owed debt. I cannot speak to the cost of this war in itself, but think of it as an investment in your own continued existence, rather than a debt to be collected. Otherwise, there will be no more debts to be collected at all, as there will be none who owe it, and none to collect it."

Tycho chuckled nervously. "Very well, then. You will have your resources."

The Faceless Men manage to convince not only Braavos, but each of the free cities and the disputed lands to aid in the war effort. Eventually, word reached as far as Slaver's Bay and Qarth, even as The Free Cities began to send supplies and reinforcements to the Wall. Nakos' plan began to take shape, as the world readied its defenders to protect itself from Mehrunes Dagon.

Tirdas, 18th of Midyear

King's Landing

As Arya snuck through the halls of the Red Keep, she was reminded of her first time in King's Landing, when she was training with Syrio Forel, the First Sword of Braavos. He had her chasing cats all over the Red Keep as training to keep her lithe and quick on her feet. But that was more for speed and quickness in sword fighting. An assassin would also need speed and quickness, but that skill was more effective as a defensive option, rather than offensive, especially when trying to escape pursuit. Of course, if you were ever seen by anyone, you had failed With her training with Nakos, he was training her to use the shadows and sneak up on cats, rather than chasing them. "Cats have very good hearing and even better eyesight," Nakos had explained. "They can see very well in the dark. So if you can manage to sneak up on one, without it seeing or hearing you, then you'll know you're doing it right."

Right now though, as Arya snuck through the halls, it was mid-afternoon, so there were not as many shadows as she would have liked. But she could not only rely on shadows; there was also the environment that she could use to cover herself. She snuck into the soft foliage of a nearby bush and waited until her eyes fell upon a brown stray cat, trotting along and sniffing the ground. The cat had not noticed her and after sniffing the ground for a few moments, made its merry way along, walking by the bush. Quick as a fox, Arya leaped out of the bush at the cat with a cry… but the cat was faster. It bolted off and Arya fell onto the ground with a hard thump.

"You gave yourself away," Nakos' voice came from behind her.

"Gave myself away?" Arya stood to her feet and dusted herself off. "How?"

"When you yelled and jumped out of the bush," Nakos explained. "You gave yourself away. The cat heard you and ran off."

"Then how am I supposed to catch a cat, then?"

"What you lack right now is patience, Arya. You must be patient and willing to wait long periods of time. Hours, even. Soon, you'll become one with the environment, and your target will not even notice you, especially in the dark."

Arya nodded, though her face still showed confusion. "But we're not in the dark right now."

"The best way to practice a skill, is when it is the least practical. If you can master stealth when your options are limited, then doing so when options are plentiful will be easier. There will be times when not everything goes according to plan, and you will need to improvise on the move."

"How?"

Nakos chuckled. "There were a few times. Once I was tasked with killing a woman on her wedding day." Arya's eyes went up, but Nakos put up a hand to stop her from saying anything. "I'll explain later. But as I was saying, there was a huge wedding reception in broad daylight, and I obviously could not go right up to her and slit her throat. So I surveyed my environment and found several options. I could either snipe her with a bow and arrow from the balcony, or drop a gargoyle statue on her. I chose the former, but then the whole reception and town went up in arms. Luckily, I had a partner nearby who helped distract the guards while I slipped out unnoticed. So you see, you have to be ready for anything."

Arya was still a little stunned at the fact Nakos had killed a woman on what was supposed to be her happiest day of her life, but she was sure he had his reasons, and thus said nothing. She decided to switch topics. "So, besides sneaking and killing, is there anything else I should know?"

Nakos nodded, "Well, you've learned pickpocketing from Laniel, and I've taught you a bit about observation. I think it's time you learned some lock picking as well, and put them all together." Nakos then proceeded to take out a small metal device that looked like a rod with a small hook on the end. "This is your key through almost any lock, be it a chest, a drawer, a cupboard, a wardrobe, or a door. Invaluable for contracts that require more than simple killing, and a tool that has saved me and those I have worked for quite a number of times. I couldn't count how many dungeon treasures I've uncovered, or war plans I stole with these little things."

Arya smirked. "Who should we steal from, then?"

"We?" Nakos raised his eyebrows. He flipped the lock pick in his hand, till he held the hooked end, and pointed the handle at his newest apprentice. "You mean, you. Why don't you try breaking into my room?"

Arya eyed the lockpick and back up at Nakos before taking it. "I'll still need your help to figure out how to use these."

"I know. I'll be watching, but you won't learn if you don't try it first," Nakos replied. "Go on, then."

Arya gave a playful, evil glare at Nakos before slipping away and making her way towards Nakos' chambers. She knew Brienne well enough that she would be close by Nakos, and keeping watch over his room. The sun was just beginning to make its way down, but was still casting enough light for there to be a lack of shadows. Arya did what she could, staying out of sight, until she could see Nakos' room. Brienne was there, as expected. Arya snuck forward, picking up a rock on the way. She figured Nakos would have locked his room, so she would need to cause a loud enough distraction so she can pick the lock. But as it was her first time, she didn't know how long that would take. "Damn him," she whispered to herself.

She was getting closer to the room, but someone was approaching from the other side. She quickly ducked inside a nearby bush and watched. She still had a view of Nakos' door and Brienne, and watched as the newcomer approached.

"Lady Brienne," the man said and Arya recognized him as Nakos' older brother, Avik. "Is my brother in?"

Brienne shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Ser Avik. But I will let him know you stopped by when he comes back."

"That's fine," Avik smiled, "I actually came to see you."

Brienne raised her eyebrows, "Oh? And how can I help you, Ser Avik?"

"I just wanted to know if you wanted to go for a drink," Avik replied with a slight smile.

Arya could tell Brienne was taken aback by the straightforward offer. "And leave my post? I am sworn to protect Nakos."

Avik chuckled. "Well, Nakos is not here, is he? And even if he were, he's the damn Dragonborn. I think he can protect himself just fine."

"And what about his wife, Daenerys? I am sworn to protect her, as well."

"You and Mjoll are sworn to protect her. And since Mjoll is not here, I can only assume she's protecting Dany somewhere else in the castle."

Brienne only crossed her arms. "And how do you know they're not inside?"

Avik smirked and called out, "Lady Dany?! Mjoll?!" When no one answered, Avik shrugged, "Guess no one's home."

Brienne tried her best not to smile at Avik's antics, though she did find them amusing… and a bit endearing. "Are you this way with all women?"

"I'm not one to womanize, if that's what you're asking. Ask my brother if you don't trust my word alone, and he can tell you the number of women I've been with amounts to half the fingers on one hand. He was always the one having to beat them off with a stick, not me. Bastard." He cursed playfully, never quite jealous enough to envy Nakos' luck with the fairer sex. Even though Nakos had only been with three women in his whole life, they seemed to flock to him more than to Avik.

Brienne chuckled once, "Still, that does not change the fact that my post is here."

"I'll tell Nakos what happened. I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Brienne shook her head. "You don't take no for an answer, do you?"

Avik smirked playfully. "You didn't say no. You said you couldn't leave your post. There's a difference, my lady."

Brienne could only shake her head and smile, briefly at Avik's quick wit. "Are you certain you aren't related to the Imp by chance? You and he would get along well." After a moment, Brienne nodded and decided to take a chance. She knew Nakos well enough by now to know he would have pushed her out the door with Avik at her side if he had been present. "Very well. You win this once, Ser Avik. What did you have in mind?"

Avik held his arm out for Brienne to take. "Only a few simple glasses of wine here in the castle. Don't really trust the city just yet and would rather not get in a fight."

"That is a sentiment I share, and I've been here far longer." Still, Brienne took the man's arm in hers and smiled, briefly, at this rare chance to be someone other than 'Brienne the Beauty'. Avik was Nakos' brother after all, and she was certain that he was just as honorable as the man she had sworn her sword to, in his own way.

Arya stifled a chuckle as she watched them walk off. She was tempted to run out and pick the lock right away, but she took Nakos' advice and waited until the time was right.

"Dereliction of duty, what am I going to do with those two?" Nakos mused silently and chuckled low in his throat, having seen the whole exchange from his own hiding spot. He was glad for them, Brienne especially, so he bore their passing nothing more than a smile and a nod before he returned to watching Arya's attempt to pick the lock. He didn't have to wait for long as the young Stark ran out of hiding once she thought the coast was clear.

Arya took the lockpick in hand and after looking this way and that, began turning the pick every so slowly. The lock jiggled, but would not budge. She tried to jiggle the lockpick to try and free it to no avail. Frustrated, she turned the pick and ended up breaking it. "Damn it!" she whispered harshly.

"You're forcing it." Nakos crept out of his hiding spot towards her, and he was glad to see she was not startled. "It requires a deft, gentle touch." He handed another set of lockpicks to her.

"How do I do that?"

"First," Nakos reached out to adjust her grip, "only use your fingertips. That way, you can feel the resistance more. Next, use this lower pick to adjust the lock and then use this pick to rotate it. If you feel resistance, just adjust it every so slightly with the lower pick and try again." After a few attempts and broken lockpicks, Arya finally managed to pick the lock and open the door.

"Finally," Arya found herself saying before she could catch herself.

"Remember," Nakos rebuked firmly, "patience is key. If you can't be patient, then this line of work isn't for you."

"Sorry," she apologized and her demeanor softened.

"It's fine," Nakos put a hand on her shoulder, "Just try to remember that for next time."

"Well," she walked into the room. "Now what? I've done some spying and lockpicking. Anything else?"

"We'll take a break for now," Nakos said as he went to get a drink of water. "But later, we'll work on speechcraft. It's very helpful for talking your way out of bad situations, haggling for prices… or intimidating information out of someone."

"You mean interrogating?" Arya asked, confused by Nakos' choice of words.

"No, I mean intimidating," Nakos corrected. "You don't always need to use violence to get what you want. Words work just as well. You can observe your mark, see what makes them tick, and use that against them. For example, if I wanted to get information out of Cersei, I'd threaten Tommen or Myrcella."

"Would you?" Arya asked, uncertain if she wanted an answer.

"Hypothetically speaking, I'd strongly insinuate it, but I'd never harm them." Nakos replied honestly. "Their mother might be a monster, but they shouldn't have to pay for her mistakes. Intimidation works especially well for those you don't want to harm or for high-profile people. Physically harming people like them would… bring attention to you."

"Understood," Arya replied, accepting the glass of water Nakos offered her.

They spent a few moments in the room, simply talking when they both heard laughter coming from the other side of the door. Nakos looked at Arya and smirked, "Maybe we should put your skills to use."

"I'm up for a challenge," Arya stood to her feet and watched as Nakos opened the door slightly to see who was laughing.

"Lannister men." Nakos noted. "You're going to have your work cut out for you."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Their coin purses." Nakos stated matter of factly. "If you get caught…"

"You'll no doubt deny any involvement." Arya grumbled, but smirked at the challenge. Messing with Lannisters was too tempting an opportunity to pass up, especially with all the trouble they had caused her family.

"You're learning. Have fun." Nakos retorted with a grin and a nod towards the door.

Arya slipped through the door with a playfully muttered curse thrown towards Nakos, which he ignored save to let his grin widen a little. By now the sun was setting over the horizon, allowing more shadows to grow throughout the castle. She kept hidden and slipped into a nice dark patch of black, underneath a set of stairs. This time, she stayed put and waited to see what was happening with the two Lannister men. They were talking and laughing, but she was too far away to hear them. Curiosity got the better of her, so she decided to slip closer.

"Really?" One of the men said, "He's going to melt it down?"

"And why shouldn't he? It ain't the Starks no more, not after it was used to snip off old man Ned's head. Lord Tywin's always wanted a Valyrian sword, heard he's planning to make two with that oversized greatsword." The other grunted in response.

"Two? One for Tommen and one for Jaime, I'm guessing."

Not if I have anything to say about it. Arya slipped away, their coin purses forgotten. This was far more important.

She turned around and nearly gasped when she saw Nakos. "I heard." Nakos said before she could say anything. "Don't worry. I'll get the sword back. Ice will be returned, I promise."

The Next Day

Middas, 19th of Midyear

King's Landing...

Lord Tywin Lannister had a vicious smirk on his face. This was yet another victory for House Lannister. First, he had gotten Nakos to accept his proposal, and now he was about to melt down the Stark's Valyrian greatsword Ice and make two swords out of them. At last, House Lannister was going to have a Valyrian weapon, something he had tried to obtain for many years.

He watched the blacksmith struggle to pull the greatsword from its sheath. "Careful now," he barked. "That weapon is far more valuable than anything else."

"Yes, Lord Tywin. Do not worry, it will take far more than the likes of me to damage it." The blacksmith finally managed to get a handle on the sword and placed it down on the table. He first decided to deal with the wolf pelt that had been wrapped around the scabbard. He crossed the room and threw it into the fireplace.

"They won't be needing that anymore," Tywin said to himself, but loud enough to be heard."

"Indeed they won't," the blacksmith replied as he took the greatsword with both hands. One hand gently holding the flat of the blade and the second holding the pommel. He crossed over to a second table and took a hammer in his hand. He needed to remove the pommel before tossing it into the forge. But before he could bring the hammer down, the fireplace that the wolf pelt had been thrown into suddenly burst into flames.

"Seven hells!" Tywin gasped. "What happened?!"

"The wolf pelt!" The blacksmith ran over to the fireplace, "It must've caught fire."

"But the fire should not be that big!" Tywin retorted. As soon as he spoke, the fire seemed to die down almost instantly. Turning around towards the table once he was certain they weren't in any immediate danger, Tywin felt all the color drain out of his face when instead of the greatsword, all he saw was a white piece of parchment on the table. Picking it up, he saw the black handprint first before his eyes fell on the message beneath.

All it said was, "Thanks for the sword."

Tywin was inwardly fuming at the theft of the Valyrian greatsword as he walked to Nakos' chambers, but outwardly, he was as calm as ever. He had no doubt that the Redguard had something to do with the sword's disappearance, and he was not about to let it go unnoticed. He walked right past Brienne, despite her attempt to stop him, and threw open the doors to find Nakos sitting at the window with his brother Avik, Dany reclining on the bed, and Arya and Rochelle sitting at the desk.

"Leave us, all of you." Tywin ordered the group, but they didn't move. They looked at Nakos who shook his head, silently telling them to stay put. When Brienne followed closely, Nakos motioned for her to stand guard within the room, near the doors.

"Lord Tywin," Nakos stood from his seat, "What a pleasant surprise."

"Don't play coy with me, Lord Nakos," Tywin snapped, "You've taken something of mine, and I wish for it to be returned."

Nakos narrowed his eyes. "I haven't taken anything that belongs to you."

Tywin slowly walked towards Nakos until he was standing about a foot from him. He glared into Nakos' eyes. "This is not a good start to your Lordship, Lord Nakos. Defying a fellow Lord, and the Lord of the ruling family at that."

Nakos only shrugged. "I'll say what I said before. I haven't taken anything that belongs to you."

Tywin chuckled once. "Less than an hour ago, I was about to melt a Valyrian greatsword into two Valyrian swords. They were supposed to be a gift: one sword to my grandson Tommen, and the other to my son, Jaime. He needs one if he is going to become Lord of Casterly Rock, not to mention our family has never held a Valyrian steel weapon. And it just so happened to disappear."

"Hmmm," Nakos wasn't fazed at all. "If your family never had a Valyrian steel weapon before, then who did the original sword belong to?"

"From someone who no longer had need of it." Tywin replied simply, but everyone in the room knew exactly who he was referring to.

"Well, maybe your blacksmith misplaced it. Or maybe you have some thieves running around King's Landing." Avik and Rochelle chuckled at Nakos' jib toward the Lord of the Rock.

Tywin's lips curled up every so slightly in a sneer. "So you deny taking the sword from the forge?"

Nakos nodded. "I didn't take anything that belonged to you."

"Then you would not mind if I had your room searched." It was more of a statement than a question from Tywin.

"I would mind, actually." Nakos replied, his face becoming hard. "You would accuse me of stealing from you. I have nothing to gain from that, especially now that we've made a deal… a deal that I didn't have much choice in."

"A deal that you made the right choice in accepting in the long run. Be it as it may, I will insist once more that my men be allowed a chance to look through this room for the sword in question. If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to fear." Tywin had him trapped and he knew it. If Nakos refused, it would be more than ample evidence to suggest he had indeed stolen the sword. So, the only way he could clear his name was to allow the search party to go through his chambers.

Nakos stared into Tywin's eyes before smirking. "Very well. But if you don't find it, then I expect an apology for interrupting my family and I." He was just able to hide his laughter when Tywin's face fell into a deep frown at Nakos' counter proposal, but to the man's credit he said nothing as he beckoned several crimson cloaked men into his chambers a moment later. Brienne looked shockingly at Nakos, silently asking if they should do something. Nakos only shook his head and leaned back in his chair to watch the show. He had to give them credit… they were thorough as they flipped over the mattress, ripped open his closet doors, and rifled through every conceivable hiding place a greatsword could possibly fit, but they found no trace of it. All the while he kept a close eye on their hands, making sure they didn't try to make off with anything of value or any of his private letters. Not that they'd find anything of use in that regard, having destroyed or sent off anything that might incriminate him, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

"I wouldn't open that if I were you. My wife might disapprove." Nakos idly commented when one Lannister soldier opened up the nearby dresser only to find Dany's undergarments. He sighed and shook his head as the man tossed aside everything haphazardly before ripping the drawer itself out of the dresser. "I do hope you're going to send a maid to clean that up later."

"Shut up, dragoncunt." The Lannister soldier growled back before going back to ransacking the man's chambers along with his fellow soldiers.

Nakos said nothing, but took a mental image of the man's face. Perhaps Lucien would like to pay the soldier a small visit. Not kill him... just scare him. And no one would believe that he saw a ghost. When they were finished, the room was a total mess.

"I hope you're satisfied, Lord Tywin," Nakos put on his mask of disappointment and anger. "As I've said, I didn't take anything that belonged to you, and now I believe you owe me an apology for this rather fruitless search of an innocent man's chambers."

Tywin didn't apologize, as Nakos had expected, but rather said, "I'll have some maids come and clean this mess, and I will reimburse you for any damages my men may have caused."

"That'll have to do, I suppose. Although I hear some of my wife's dresses are rather… expensive where they were created." Nodding to the remains of several of Daenerys' dresses that had been stomped and torn apart by the Lannister men in their haste, Nakos turned his gaze to Tywin to see how he'd respond to his statement. He wasn't expecting much, save to antagonize the man, which worked, judging by the hard glare he got in return.

Tywin shot a glare at the Redguard and turned his gaze to all who were present. They were all obviously not happy. "Talk to Lord Tyrion. He can arrange to have some clothes sent from Essos." With that, Tywin turned on his heel and departed without a second glance, his men hurrying to catch up with their Lord.

Only after the door shut behind him did Nakos chuckle. It always made him happy to outfox the elder Lannister, and he had done that and more without needing to raise a finger.

"What in Oblivion was that all about?" Rochelle asked, eyes wide.

Nakos motioned to Avik and Arya and they helped him clean up. "He thinks I stole a Valyrian steel greatsword from him," Nakos answered

"Which you did." Rochelle shook her head in amusement.

Nakos chuckled again and nodded, seeing no point in hiding the truth from his family. "How can you steal something that didn't belong to you in the first place? I didn't lie, I simply didn't tell the whole truth. I said I didn't take anything that belonged to him. That sword was never Tywin Lannister's to melt down. It belonged to the Starks, and it has found its way back home."

Arya smiled when she heard Nakos' words, and a tear formed in her eye. "Thank you, Nakos."

"Of course," Nakos smiled back.

Later that evening...

Tommen was grateful for the fact he had decided not to ask Margaery to come to bed with him when his grandfather came to call. The last thing he needed was for Tywin Lannister to walk in on them in the middle of lovemaking, although anyone that might have come in at such an inopportune time would have been quite embarrassing. But Margaery had kindly refused his offer, and she had settled for writing letters to the Reach while Tommen had settled for reading a book, detailing one of the many great battles fought in Tamriel's past. If he was going to be sending men to war, he needed to become proficient in tactics and new ways of thinking after all. He was a King now, and people would respect and love him more if he didn't shy away from the battlefield, just like his father, Robert Baratheon, had done in his own youth.

Despite his faults, Robert had been a good father in his own way, and Tommen was determined to be a good King, as long as he could stay out of Robert's, and his brother Joffrey's, faults. But he had little to fear in both regards, having never seen his father read a book in his life, and he had no desire to be cruel like his brother Joffrey. He had been on the receiving end of his brother's cruel nature, and was determined to be better than Joffrey had ever been to himself and Myrcella, let alone anyone else he'd come into contact with. A good King showed mercy to the weak, compassion to the sick, and listened to his subjects as well as his councilors. And from what Ser Nakos had demonstrated thus far, strength against his enemies, wherever they happened to appear, as well as earning rather than demanding respect, would also be required if he wanted to rule for any length of time.

But Tommen was brought out of his thoughts when Tywin walked in, grim faced as ever. He no doubt figured it had something to do with Nakos. "Grandfather." Tommen greeted Tywin and stood to his feet.

"Your Grace," Tywin bowed to both Tommen and Margaery. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"No, you're fine Lord Tywin. We were just relaxing after a hard day at court." Margaery replied, all smiles as she looked up from her writing desk. "What can we do for you this evening?"

Tywin got right to the point. "I wish to talk about Nakos." Tommen nodded, having guessed as much long before Tywin opened his mouth.

"I don't want to have this discussion again." Tommen was tired of hearing his grandfather's and his mother's hatred for the man. That, and he remembered all too well what Martin had said about them both, and the man's words had stuck with Tommen. Not that he could have forgotten them if he'd tried, the Imperial had been captivating, to say the least. "We've talked about Nakos before, Grandfather, and I have no desire to visit the subject."

"Even if he stole something from our family, your Grace?"

"He what?" Tommen asked, surprised, but already suspicion was forming in the back of his mind. He hadn't realized it before, but his grandfather had a way about him that reminded Tommen of his mother's 'friend', Lady Mala. While not nearly as persuasive, Tywin was still every bit as cunning in his own right, and Tommen wasn't going to fall for his tricks so easily anymore.

"He stole the Valyrian greatsword that was in our possession." Tywin answered.

Margaery smirked, seeing through Tywin's attempt at word games. "You mean the one that formerly belonged to Eddard Stark." She stated, having read between the lines well enough. She was glad to see Tommen had realized the same thing, just slower than she had was all when their eyes met from across the room. "If that's the case, then you had no true claim on it in the first place."

"Spoils of war, Your Grace," Tywin was quick to say. "You would not deny treasure or valuables that were taken during combat from an enemy, would you?"

"Except the war didn't start until after the Starks raised their banners, when my brother had Eddard Stark executed." Tommen countered softly, even as his hands started to clench on the edge of his chair. Tywin's attempt to twist the truth to favor himself was all too apparent, now that he knew what to look for. Margaery had been teaching him how to disassemble a person's words to find the truth behind them. He was glad she had, because it helped him in the long run to be a better, wiser king than his father or brother had ever been. It also only proved Martin's own words, on how far the city had fallen into its corruption. It was….almost sad, to see his own grandfather try to pull the same games he had pulled on everyone else.

Tywin wasn't so amused by his grandson's quick observations, even if he was proud of the fact he had seen through the lie. "The point remains, your brother was a fool, but Ice was still in our possession until Nakos had it stolen or he did the deed himself. Either way, I would ask that you have him return what he has taken."

"Can you prove he stole it?" Margaery asked, knowing the answer to her question.

"No." Tywin replied softly, but his own hands had started to clench behind his back.

"Then I'm sorry to say, but unless you have irrefutable proof, we must decline your request, Lord Tywin. Our Houses are preparing for war, and we cannot risk our alliances over a single sword, no matter its value." Margaery replied as she stood to her feet and walked to Tommen's side before putting a hand on his shoulder. "Even if we weren't, I would still refuse your request. This is a new day, a new age, Lord Tywin, and we cannot squabble as we once did. Mephala proved that alone."

"Agreed. I'm sorry Grandfather, but she's right." Tommen said, having since relaxed his hold on his chair thanks to Margaery's close proximity. "But I will talk to Nakos if nothing else, and see what he has to say on the matter, but I will not hinder our alliance. This is not the time for our past feuds."

"Of course, your Grace." Tywin sighed, knowing when he was defeated. Just as he was about to leave however, something happened. There was a shift in the air, and a flash of heat as a….tear in the air appeared before a black, red veined gauntlet pushed through the breach that hung a foot off the floor. Tywin didn't wait for whatever was coming to arrive as he shouted for the Kingsguard as he pulled his own sword. With the breach between himself and Tommen and Margaery, he couldn't get them out of the room, but he could distract the creature if nothing else. "Stay back, Tommen! Protect yourselves!" Tywin shouted just as a wave of sulfur slammed into him when the armored beast pushed its way through the breach at last.

What stood before them was….monstrous in a way that rivaled the Spider Daedra. If Mephala's brood had been hideous, abominations of spider and women fused together at the waist, the demon before him was a twisted parody of a man in full armor, standing about seven feet tall. The creature's skin was ashen gray, with streaks of blood red crossing over his face. Tywin recognized the armor immediately as Daedric armor, as he had ordered Qyburn to smith several sets using the Daedra hearts they had been able to collect. The sword on its back was as long as Tywin was, yet the creature wielded it as if it were a butter knife. It was also familiar, just as the armor was to the elder Lannister.

"What do you want here?!" Tywin roared even as the demon chuckled darkly before taking a swing at him. The strength of the monster's swing had strong vibrations running up both his arms, but Tywin didn't bend. He was a lion, he bent for no man.

"My Prince has ordered the death of the rulers of this land, mortal!" The Dremora pointed its evil-looking sword at Tywin. "Mehrunes Dagon will ravage this land and all within it! Man's time has ended on this world! You shall all burn in the fires of Oblivion!"

"No, we shall not!" Tywin roared back as he slashed in retaliation, only to have his sword batted aside by the Dremora. The demon grinned wickedly as he spun with his greatsword, only to miss as Tywin took a step back and away from the monster's long reach. "You have walked into the Lion's den, demon!"

As if summoned by Tywin's challenge, several Kingsguards had flocked into the room, and when they saw the Dremora, one or two of them turned on their heels and ran. But several stayed, including Jaime Lannister.

"Ah, more playthings," the Dremora taunted. "Come then, and meet your death. Let us see if the mighty Kingsguard is as good as they claim, mortals!"

"Protect your King and Queen!" Jaime roared before running in first. He was the first to regret charging into the room as the Dremora bodily lifted him off the ground by his throat before tossing him away like a ragdoll into the far wall.

Meryn Trant was the next to charge at the demon, with two fellow Kingsguards. The Dremora simply batted them away until Meryn was left standing. Meryn slashed wildly with his sword and the Dremora laughed as he parried each blow. The demon, like his brethren, loved a challenge, as well as playing with their enemies, so he took his time and began to attack Meryn with ruthless precision, but purposefully not going for lethal strikes. He took Meryn apart piece by piece, leaving behind more cuts and bruises anytime he found an opening, which was every other swing since Trant was no true warrior.

He had had easy targets, men who had never fought with a blade for more than a few months, maybe a few years at most, but the Dremora had lived for years uncounted. And every one of those years had been filled with bloody conflict. Oblivion didn't cater to the weak, and Trant was finding this out the hard way as he was soon missing his sword hand when the Dremora finished toying with him and sent the length of his sword through Trant's abdomen and brought the sword up, cutting Trant in half, vertically, from waist to head. The two halves of Trant's body flopped a bit before he fell to the ground.

Jaime was just aware enough from his spot on the floor to see the man go down, and he was far from the only one as every member of the Kingsguard followed Trant, falling one by one to the demon's blade. Soon enough, only Tywin was left, and the Dremora was hardly winded. This was a fight that was lost before it began.

But the Dremora turned his attention to Tommen, a wicked smile on its face. "Shall we see if he really does shit gold as I've heard told often enough? I'm going to open him up from balls to brains, little mortal. Then I'm going to do the same to you, and your Tyrell slut."

"You will not harm them!" Tywin roared, even as his eyes swept over the carnage around the room, knowing he was going to be adding to the pile soon enough if he didn't end this demon's existence. Raising his sword high, Tywin brought it down hard, only to gasp when the Dremora shattered his blade when he brought his own up to block its passage. Before he could retreat or grab another sword, the Dremora lashed out with its free hand. Tywin didn't feel the monster's claws tear into his chest, wrap around his heart, and yank his hand back. Clutched in blood caked fingers, Tywin could only blink once as he stared at his own vital organ before he fell to the ground in a boneless heap just as the Dremora laughed and brought it to his mouth. Before he could tear into it, though, he felt a piercing blow in the middle of his head and an ebony blade appeared out from his mouth. With a scream, he fell to his knees and exploded in a wave of blue energy. When the spectral fire disappeared, taking the Dremora with it, Tommen was standing behind where the beast had been standing, Demon's Bane in his hands, just as Nakos and several Imperials ran into the room.

Seeing the absolute terror in Tommen's face and eyes, Nakos held up his hands as he slowly approached. "It's alright. Let go. Let go, Your Grace. The battle's over." He looked to Jaime and with a nod, asked him to go to his nephew… his son.

Jaime slowly approached, his hands up as well. When he got next to Tommen, he reached out with his left hand and gently took the sword from Tommen. Tommen allowed him to, and finally broke down, crying into the chest of his uncle… his father. Margaery was there a moment later, just as shaken, but she hid it well as she embraced Tommen from behind while Jaime held him close. Nakos met the man's gaze and nodded when he saw Jaime looking his way.