Highgarden 298 AC.

Jae.

To say Lord Mace knew how to throw a feast would be an understatement, if his mother and uncle had been eating like this every night he pitied them. The sheer amount of dishes was one thing, but the pomp and ceremony behind them was another, the funniest thing was those in the room weren't even his bannermen. The ravens had gone out and the call was made and within the next few weeks lords and retainers would arrive, Jae had insisted on them calling for only the most quickly available forces.

It would take moons for them to assemble the entire might of the Reach and this war would be over long before then if things went how he hoped. Mace had almost argued with him and Jae had withheld his smile when Olenna looked furious with her son, finally he had said with the dragons they'd not need the full might and Mace relented. He sat beside Margaery, her grandmother sitting to her left, on the other side his mother and Lady Alerie were in a deep discussion.

"Are you enjoying yourself Jae?" Margaery asked and he was glad she'd taken quickly to calling him by his name.

"I am Margaery, though I find some of the dishes most odd." he said looking at the swan.

"Is there one which you prefer?" she asked.

"I liked the the meat pie." he said having sent one down to one of the other tables where Margaery's cousin's sat.

Margaery called one of the servants over and whispered in her ear and a few minutes later the girl returned with a plate with a large slice of pie on it, Jae turned to her and smiled before eating it. He actually was pretty full and wasn't looking for more food, but since she'd gone to the trouble of getting it for him he struggled through it. He almost shuddered when he saw the sweets come, peach pie, strawberry tarts and he looked to see Sansa's eyes light up at the lemon cake.

He ate a little of each just to be polite but he was glad to see them gone, once they had been taken away he looked to see the minstrels set up and turned to Margaery who was looking at him eagerly.

"May I have the first dance Margaery?" he asked and she smiled brightly at him as he took her hand.

He could feel every eye in the hall on him and Margaery as they danced, glancing to the high table he saw his mother smile at him as did Lady Alerie. They were left to dance alone for the first song before others began to join them on the floor. Holding her in his arms he felt her shiver at first before she looked up to see him smiling at her and she relaxed. While they didn't dance too closely together, as he looked around the room he saw they were far closer than any of the others save for Garlan and his wife.

"You dance well Jae" she said.

"My mother insisted I learn, I didn't see the reasoning for it. Until now." he said smiling softly at her.

"What you said earlier about balls and tourneys, do you really think we would have been matched together had things turned out differently?" she asked curiously.

"I hope we would have." he said and she blushed.

They danced a couple of more dances before Garlan interrupted and Jae and he switched partners, Lady Leonette chuckled when she caught both he and Margaery glancing at each other.

"It seems I'm a poor substitute for who you really wish to dance with your grace." she said.

"My apologies my lady it is no fault of yours I swear."

"I understand, it's good to see you and my goodsister get along so."

"I am most happy for it my lady." he said smiling when he saw Margaery laugh at something Garlan said to her.

He asked Sansa to dance next and she seemed to be enjoying herself though every time she and Jeyne caught each other's eye her expression turned more to sadness. He then asked Jeyne to dance and as they were he once again caught her looking to Sansa with a dark look on her face.

"I understand things are difficult between you and my cousin." he said and looked directly at her when she went to speak "I cannot begin to imagine how you feel towards her, but you need to move past this."

"Have you moved past it your grace, are you not here seeking vengeance against those who killed your family?" she said bitterly.

"I am Jeyne, those who killed my family will pay and are also the same people who killed your father so yes I intend to bring them justice. I'm not asking you to forgive Sansa, I don't know if I could in your position, but you can't plot revenge or fall out further than you already have." he said and she looked at him angrily.

"Why not, after what she did." she said her voice rising and he moved her away from any prying ears.

"Your position doesn't allow it Jeyne." he said and felt her deflate against him.

"I..I."

"Do you wish to go back to Winterfell?" he asked and she shook her head "Would you prefer to stay here or come back to the Red Keep, perhaps be one of Margaery's ladies in waiting?"

"She'd not have me, I'm not a lady." Jeyne said sadly.

"If she would is it something you would like?"

"I don't know your grace, I don't know what's to become of me." she said and looked on the verge of tears.

"Jeyne look at me." he said and she raised her head her eyes glistening "Think on what you wish for your future, if it's to be a lady I'll make it so, if it's to serve as the queen's lady in waiting I'll speak to Margaery or should you wish to be my mother's lady in waiting that can be arranged. I'll not see you forgotten." he said and she hugged him tightly before running from the room.

He looked to the table to see Margaery and Olenna looking at him one with an annoyed and the other a confused look on their faces, he moved to speak to them when his mother walked towards him.

"What's wrong with Jeyne?"

"We spoke on Sansa and her father, she's hurt and worried on her future. I tried to make things better but perhaps she needs someone else to talk to."

"What exactly did you say to her?" his mother asked and he told her getting a soft smile from her before she motioned to Kalors and they walked from the room.

Jae walked to the high table seeing both Margaery and Olenna looking at him even more curiously now.

"Margaery can I have a moment with you and your grandmother, in private?" he asked and Olenna nodded while Margaery stood up.

She took his arm and led him to a small room, Olenna's two giant guards, Arthur and Barristan all following. Once inside he turned to them seeing both of them looking at him eagerly.

"Jeyne is or perhaps was is a better phrase Sansa's best friend, during their time in Kings Landing Cersei played on my cousin's wants and desires, made her believe she and the prince were looking out for her best interests. When my uncle decided to send her and Arya back North, Sansa went to the queen hoping she could speak sense to my uncle."

"She told her they were leaving?" Olenna asked.

"She was young and thought herself in love, I'm afraid my cousin's education was remiss." he said and Margaery nodded.

"And Jeyne?" Margaery asked and Jae saw a tiny bit of jealously in her eyes which both comforted and worried him.

"Jeyne's father was my uncle's steward, when the Lannisters came for them they killed the entire household, guards, servants, the septa and Jeyne's father it mattered not to them." Margaery gasped but Olenna just nodded.

"So Jeyne blames Sansa for his death?" Olenna asked.

"And was worried about her future, which I've taken steps to provide for."

"Steps?" Olenna said.

"I told her she could be one of Margaery's ladies in waiting, or my mothers or I'd make some arrangement for her." he said and Margaery smiled though Olenna did not.

"And that is all there is between you and the girl?" Olenna asked.

"Grandmother." Margaery said shocked.

"No it's fine Margaery your grandmother is looking out for you, I can understand that. Yes my lady that is all there is between me and Jeyne I swear it." he said and Olenna nodded.

"Then it shall be as you command your grace, if the girl wishes to be one of Margaery's ladies then I'll have no problem with it."

"I thank you my lady, there is one more thing which slipped my mind, Lady Roslin Frey and her brother are on their way here. To pass the bridge and take their forces I agreed to take the lad to squire and the lady to also be one of Margaery's ladies." he said and Olenna chuckled.

"At this rate your grace you'll be filling my granddaughters ranks quicker than I." she said and he laughed.

"Would it be acceptable for me to have a moment alone with Lady Margaery my lady?" he said and she smirked as she looked at him.

"A moment only your grace" Olenna said leaving the room.

Once she was gone he turned to Margaery taking her hands in his.

"I'm sorry for not telling you of this, I had no intent to keep anything from you, I just..."

"It quite all right I understand."

"I promise you what I told you earlier I meant every word of it, from this day to my last it will be you and you alone in my heart or in my thoughts." he said and she smiled taking her hand and removing the chain from inside her dress."

"Thank you for my gift." she said holding the pendant in her hand "Why did you hide it?"

"I was nervous, we had just met and had things not gone well, I wished you to have it still."

She moved closer to him, his arms going around her and he looked into her eyes seeking for and receiving permission. The kiss was soft and tender and it was only the knocking on the door which forced it to stop far too early, both of them blushing as they giggled before leaving the room. Arthur smirked at him as did Barristan, Olenna put a scowl on her face but he saw her smile as they walked back to the hall.

Kings Landing 298 AC.

Tyrion.

He had arrived yesterday and immediately found his father's concern to if anything be understated, the realm was preparing for war and Joffrey was having a ridiculous name day tourney. Which was only made worse by the fact he had decided have a knight executed for turning up drunk and late at a tourney of all things. Tyrion had smiled at his niece and nephew and immediately headed to the small council meeting.

Though considering it was him, Varys, Pycelle and that was it, small was certainly the truth of it, he had just been about to begin when Cersei and her idiot son had decided to make their appearance. Listening as the boy ranted and raved about what he'd do to the Starks and his uncles was bad enough, watching as Cersei looked on proudly even worse. In the end he'd accomplished nothing, Cersei drinking heavily at the thoughts of Jaime's imprisonment and Joffrey decrying his grandfather for his failures.

So now as he woke up he readied himself for the day ahead, first things first Bronn needed to solve the situation with the City Watch, Janos Slynt was both a coward and a problem and he needed neither. Then he needed to find out about the Reach, if they could bring the roses on board this war would end easily, should they join any of their enemies, it may end up his head on a spike along with his sisters and idiot nephew.

"What word?" he asked Bronn as he walked from his room, Shagga, Timmet and more of the clansmen following behind.

"You were right about Slynt, man's a coward and a thief, bad at one and far too good at the other." Bronn said and Tyrion chuckled.

"Have you begun recruiting the men?"

"No I've been busy wetting me cock, the men will come, It'll be done for when you need them."

"When we need them? my sister and the idiot king are not above going after me and those with me."

"Perhaps I need sell my sword to her then?" Bronn said only half joking.

"You're welcome to try but you'll find my sister doesn't like to pay what's owed."

"Aye you probably have the right of it, besides you may be an ugly fucker but you do pay the coin."

"A Lannister…"

"Don't fucking say it." Bronn said and Tyrion laughed.

They walked to the Maester's tower though it was Varys he came to see, unfortunately he didn't make it as they were diverted back to the small council room by a servant who came running towards him. Making his way to the room he wondered what had happened, hoping it was at least good news, he passed Pycelle in the hall the Maester shuffling and staggering as if anyone bought his act. When he reached the room he found Cersei sitting beside an almost giddy Joffrey, Varys sitting with his usual expression on his face.

"Lord Hand." Varys said as he took his seat, the smile he gave him then in complete contrast to the scowl on Cersei's face.

"Have you heard the news uncle, it seems the gods have seen fit to deal my traitorous uncle a quick death, mores the pity I had plans to face him myself." Joffrey said.

"Which uncle your grace?" he asked.

"Tell him." Joffrey said to Varys.

"Renly Baratheon has fallen my lord, it seems Stannis now controls Storm's End and his forces have pledged to him." Varys said.

"I want his head too, if I have to go to Storm's End and drag him out myself I will." Joffrey said laughing loudly.

"Of course your grace, though perhaps we'll be lucky and he'll come here, for I doubt he plans to stay at Storms End for long." Tyrion said and Joffrey smiled.

"Good, good, I'll look forward to taking his head myself, should he dare face me."

"He'll not dare my love, a stag is no match for a lion such as you." Cersei said and Joffrey smiled.

"Perhaps we had better organize our defenses your grace, should he attack we need to be ready?" Tyrion asked.

"Yes, yes, I'll have a feast tonight to show the realm what happens to those who oppose me." Joffrey said getting up from his seat to walk from the room.

"The defenses your grace?" Tyrion asked.

"You handle it." Joffrey said dismissively as he left.

"We are fucked." Tyrion said once he was gone and Cersei looked at him with disdain.

"This is good news, I'll not have you deny it, Joffrey is already showing these usurpers what will happen should they not stand down."

"Was it Joffrey who killed Renly, I must have missed that." he said smirking as he poured himself a glass of wine.

Cersei glared at him and thankfully for him looks couldn't kill, so he drank his wine and poured another glass.

"Why is this a problem?" she asked Varys ignoring him much to his delight.

"Lord Renly had no military experience my queen, Stannis does, him having the Stormlands and his own forces behind him makes him a far larger threat."

"Also with Renly dead he can concentrate on us dear sister."

"He'll never take the capital, father would stop him." she said haughtily in reply.

"Father has his own problems. I'm afraid on this we may be on our own, unless Littlefinger secures the Tyrell's."

"Those grasping roses, you and father wish to put Joffrey in their clutches, no I'll not have it." she said rising to her feet, he half expected her to stomp her foot and storm off as she was wont to do back in Casterly Rock.

"I'm afraid it's not up to you or me to decide." Tyrion said and watched as she stormed from the room.

"It seems the more things change the more they stay the same." Varys said with a sigh.

"Really and what does that mean my lord?"

"It means a mad king and a rebellion Lord Tyrion and we would be wise to remember what happened to the children that time." Varys said as he walked from the room.

Tyrion swallowed his wine, Varys was right last time it was the Targaryen children who fell, he would need to make plans to ensure it was not his niece and nephew this time, they deserved a far better fate.

In the end it took him more than a week to put things right, Slynt off to the wall and Myrcella sent to Dorne, while it pained him to do so he needed her away from the city. Tommen would be smuggled to Rosby should the need arise, as for Joffrey well not everyone should be saved, beside the fool was too arrogant to worry on his own fate. Bronn had been true to his word and his own men now numbered over five hundred, positioned well enough that he felt safe walking around the city.

As he stood looking out on the bay he smelt the perfume of Varys as he arrived, the eunuch turning out to be a far better ally than he had expected. Without him he'd never have found out about the wildfire, never have been able to put his own plans into place, gods only knew what Cersei would have done with it. The chain would be ready within the moon and he hoped he had enough time for it, without it they were done for, with it they had a chance, even if only a small one.

"Lord Hand."

"Varys."

"You've done a remarkable thing this last week, remarkable." Varys said.

"Would that it were enough, should he come we may not hold him."

"Oh he'll come of that I've no doubt, when though is the question." Varys said turning to him "That was a fine thing you did with Princess Myrcella."

"You should tell her mother that, I fear my sister and I shall never see eye to eye on this."

"The princess will be safe my lord, what care you how her mother feels?" Varys said and Tyrion laughed.

"True enough, besides as far as Cersei is concerned one good won't outweigh all the bad she's racked up in her head and lain at my feet."

"As you say."

"Any word from Littlefinger?"

"No my lord, he should have arrived by now though."

"And what of you Varys where will you be while the city strives to stay free."

"Where I'm supposed to my lord, ensuring my little birds are safe and well." Varys said and they turned to walk down the stairs.

What side the eunuch was truly on had always intrigued him, to call him a fiend would make you a fool and Tyrion was anything but, but he found he enjoyed his company. He enjoyed matching wits with those in Kings Landing, seeing Pycelle fall for his ruse, spiting his sister and nullifying his idiot nephew's worst tendencies. The game was one he enjoyed playing and in this game there really only was one rule, you win or you die.

Highgarden 298 AC.

Olenna.

They were breaking their fast when he walked in, walked, without a cane, without a limp and Olenna had found herself feeling more joyful than she could remember in a long time. Seeing the look on his face as he walked to the king and bent down to one knee, hearing Margaery's happy cry and Alerie's shout of Willas.

"Your grace, for what you'd done for me I cannot thank you enough, I have already pledged along with my family my fealty, I now pledge my friendship should you have use for it." Willas said.

"Arise please my lord, I welcome and am honored by it." Jae said and she saw Willas's true smile as the king held his hand out for him to take.

"My love, there is no pain, no discomfort?" Alerie asked and Willas smiled as he shook his head.

She watched as first Margaery, then Garlan and finally his mother and father hugged him, Mace almost crying like a fool though she couldn't fault him this one. She stood up herself and he walked to her hugging her and whispering he felt fine in her ear, making her smile and nod to the king. When he suggested they go for a ride she was glad the king and his mother decided to join him, Garlan too. Which left her alone with Lord Stark and his daughter and she pondered what to do about the girl.

A match between their two houses would be beneficial, the girl though young was certainly pretty and well mannered and also being the kings cousin it would tie their families even tighter. With Willas's injuries not an issue now that only made him an even bigger catch, but what Jae had said about the girl prayed on her mind. Naivety was something she had no problem with, but she needed to be surer than even the king felt that it was that and not stupidity that had led the girl astray.

"You are not of a mind to go riding my Lord?" she asked.

"No my lady, I find I've no desire for it." Lord Stark replied before getting up and begging her leave, she was left alone then with the girl and there would be no better chance to judge her she felt.

"What of you my dear, you had no wish to join them?"

"I did my lady, but I don't ride." Sansa said.

"Is it not something you learned or had you a wish to do so and just not been allowed?"

"No my lady, my sister Arya she liked to ride, I found it tedious. I much preferred to walk or ride in a carriage." the girl said smiling at her.

"I find then we are most alike Sansa, for I too never liked riding." she said softly almost a whisper and the girl smiled even brighter.

"It must have been wonderful with the roads up here to ride in carriages and travel in the warmth." Sansa said.

"It was, you didn't like traveling in the north?"

"It was cold and uncomfortable my lady, even the Kingsroad compared to here in the south was in much disrepair."

"Are you looking forward to going back home?" she asked and Sansa's smile faltered.

"I am my lady, to see my brothers and mother and to see my sister again, but I shall miss it here, I've enjoyed it very much."

"Well we must have you visit, for we'll be family soon." she said and he girl's smile was back on her face.

"Is the wedding to happen here my lady?" Sansa asked her voice full of eagerness.

"It is, within the moon, are you looking forward to it?"

"I am very much so, to see the king and queen marry it would be something i could remember for the rest of my life." she said almost dreamily.

"It doesn't bother you that your own marriage hasn't taken place?" she asked and watched as Sansa's features darkened.

"I've realized that my betrothed was not who he claimed to be my lady, it was a lesson learned most harshly."

"I am sorry for troubling you so Sansa, I have no doubt you'll find a husband to make all your dreams come true." she said and Sansa smiled beamingly at her before bidding her goodbye and almost skipping away.

She walked back to her solar in time to see Lomys turn to walk away, when he saw her the Maester came rushing to her carrying the scroll in his hand.

"From Storm's end my lady." he said and she opened it quickly.

His grace Stannis Baratheon, the first of his name, king of the Andals, Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm does hereby demand Lord Mace Tyrell to come bend the knee to the one true king. Failure to do so will be considered treason and is punishable by death.

Ser Davos Seaworth

Hand of the one true king.

She immediately sent for Mace and walked into her room, taking a seat she felt her breath come quickly, if Stannis was in Storm's End claiming to be king then Renly was either dead or imprisoned, so where was her grandson? What had become of Loras?. Mace arrived a few minutes later and she didn't even look at him as she handed him the scroll, she heard his gasp as he read it and felt him almost crash to the seat beside her.

"Loras." he said his voice shaky.

"We don't know anything of him Mace, he may be all right, Stannis obviously doesn't have him prisoner."

"He could be, he could.."

"No, my grandson will be returned to me." she said her voice leaving no room for doubt, though a part of her feared the worst.

By the time the time Margaery and the others arrived back an almost sense of despair had taken over Highgarden, Willas had spoken to his father and come to see her with Garlan almost immediately, while Margaery had thankfully spent her time with the king. She was sitting quietly in her solar when Margaery came in, the smile leaving her face when she saw the look on theirs.

"Grandmother, Willas, what's happened?" Margaery asked and when she told her she began to cry.

It was not more than a few moments later when the king came almost bursting into her room, when she saw him Margaery ran and he took her in his arms, holding her and whispering in her ear.

"How do you know Jae, for true he's unharmed?" she heard Margaery say while Jae just whispered more to her.

"Margaery, Jae?" she said looking to them both.

"Loras is well grandmother he rides home as we speak." she said her smile making even her tear streaked face seem happy.

"How, that's impossible how could you know this?" she asked her granddaughter and looked to Jae.

"My lady, it's true, I know it, he should arrive within the week." Jae said.

"But how, I just received the raven, who's your source for this Jae?"

"That I cannot say, but I swear it on my honor, Loras is unharmed and on his way here." Jae said and she could feel all the worry she'd had on receiving the raven begin to clear.

She looked to Jae who had his arm around Margaery his hand rubbing softly on her back, if it were another time she'd have made clear it was inappropriate for them to be touching so, but she could see how relaxed her rose was and she'd not deny her that. Willas and Garlan went to speak with their mother to alleviate her worries before they became too strong, leaving her alone with Margaery and Jae and she needed to know the how of it to put her completely at ease.

"Your grace I don't doubt your word, but could you offer some explanation as to how you know my grandson is safe?" she asked as she motioned for Jae and Margaery to sit, she smiled as once they'd done so he held onto her granddaughters hand.

"Olenna what do you know of wargs?" Jae asked and she looked at him confused, the word meant something but she couldn't place it.

"Nothing."

"A warg is able to see things through an animals eyes, Ghost, Brankardix, Syrax I can see what they see as they see it." he said and Margaery turned to him.

"How does that work Jae?"

She looked on as he closed his eyes for a moment, before he began to speak.

"Right now Brankardix is with his brother flying over the sea, Ghost is with Sansa and my mother and Syrax is flying over Ashford. Syrax was with me as I flew here but during the journey she flew south to the Stormlands. I've been checking in on her since then."

"You can just do that, close your eyes and see through theirs?" Margaery asked in wonder.

"I can, it's more complicated than that and I've been taught to do it since I was young but yes." he said and she nodded back to him.

"And Loras?" Olenna asked.

"He and the two knights he rides with have passed Summerhall and were approaching Ashford, I imagine they'll reach it today sometime."

"Then he'll most likely be accompanied by Lord Alyn back here." Margaery said.

"House Ashford's retainers have not yet left so I would assume so." Jae said and Olenna smiled.

"So this warging, can it be taught?" Olenna asked and Jae smirked.

"About as much as Dragonriding, it's in the blood if you have it then it can if not then I'm afraid not." he said.

After Jae and Margaery left she thanked the gods they'd been fortunate enough to reach a deal with him, had they done so with Renly or anyone else her House would surely fall. Bad enough to go up against a man with dragons but one who could use animals to scout for him, who could see things through his own eyes rather than need them interpreted, was far too dangerous a foe.

Dinner that night was a pleasant affair, she placed Willas next to Sansa and saw the two despite their age difference seemed to strike up a rapport, Jeyne seemed friendlier too, no doubt Jae's words having comforting her. Margaery and Jae spent most of the night speaking together, small laughs and whispers and occasional little touches when they thought they weren't being observed. She slept well and when she woke to break her fast she was surprised when Jae arrived to break his own his mood dark.

She'd not seen him agitated once since he'd arrived, not once had he seemed capable of being so and yet this morning he seemed angry over something, to everyone he was friendly enough on the face of it. But apart from Margaery he spoke little to any of them, she was wondering whether she should bring it up to him when news came of Littlefinger's arrival. Seeing the look on Jae's face she had no doubt he was the source of the king's anger and she was keen to find out the reason for it.

"Have him shown to the great hall, Mace you greet him and be friendly I shall be along in a moment." she said and Mace hurried off, Willas following she was glad to see.

"What would you have me do your grace?" she said turning to him.

"Speak to him my lady, put him at ease, I shall be along momentarily." he said and walked out with Arthur, his mother and uncle following, Gerold and Oswell alongside.

The Westerlands 298 AC.

Robb.

They had crossed into the west and were facing the prospect of dealing with the garrison of the Golden Tooth when word came from one of the outriders they'd taken prisoner that Ser Stafford was training a second army in Oxcross. Looking at it on the map Robb found himself torn, Jae's orders had been to make it look like they were invading the West not to actually invade but this changed things. Should this army form up then they could find themselves in a lot of trouble, with Tywin's main army and these reserves able to hit them from both sides.

He called a meeting and Roose Bolton, the Greatjon, Maege and Dacey and the Blackfish all arrived, each of them eager to offer their opinions. Lord Rickard and his sons stood watching eager for battle no doubt, the lord had also none too subtly spoken to him of his daughter Alys more than once. Ser Wylis and Ser Wendel too made their way and as with Rickard, Ser Wylis had mentioned Wynafred and Wylla too.

"His grace wishes for us to feint my lords, to make it look like we're attacking but not to actually attack, he doesn't wish us to lose men. However with news of this army being formed we have a decision to make, I'd like your thoughts."

"His grace made his plans clear to you my lord?" Roose asked his voice soft and expression blank.

"On this aye."

"Then we should stick to those plans, surely his grace has his own reasons behind not attacking this host." Roose said.

"Or he doesn't know of them?" Maege said and then looked to the map "To get to them we'd need to take the keep here, it's a hard task and we'll lose some men, but it can be done my lord."

"Aye, set us against these cowardly lions and we'll show them northern hospitality." the Greatjon said laughing loudly.

"My blade calls for blood for what the lions tried to do my lord." Rickard said looking to his sons.

"A siege is a bloody thing Lord Robb, but where you lead House Manderly will follow." Wylis said as Wendel nodded in agreement.

"Ser Brynden?" he asked and the Blackfish looked at him.

"Never leave an enemy at your back my lord. I understand his grace's plans somewhat but perhaps in order for them to work we'll need to dirty our blades, better it be for a worthy cause." the Blackfish said gruffly and he nodded.

"Very well my lords, prepare your men for tomorrow we attack the Golden Tooth." he said and began to go over his plans.

As much as he'd have liked to spend time with Dacey that night, with a battle on the morrow his guards were even more diligent so he drank some ale and went to bed early.

The trail was narrow and unguarded, he saw the keep in the distance far enough out of sight that he couldn't be seen. He followed it onward and after a while it widened out began to go down hill, moving quicker now he felt the excitement as he came out into the open space, the keep was nowhere in sight, he had passed unseen and he felt his master's gratitude. He heard the cracking of the branches and he was upon it instantly, the rabbit a fine reward for a job well done.

Robb woke up eager to begin, he called for his lords and told them the battle was off much to the Greatjon's disappointment, which he soon relieved though when he told them they'd be marching on to Oxcross. There was confusion but he told them to form up for the night and that they'd leave when it was dark as he'd figured out a way to bypass the Golden Tooth, some looked at him in disbelief but all followed the order.

"Are you sure of this Robb?" the Blackfish asked when they were alone.

"I am uncle, there's a trail we can get by it without needing to fight, these castles aren't our objective anyway, the army at Oxcross is and the sooner we get there the better."

"You have the right of it nephew." the Blackfish said.

At last light they left, Robb leading the way with Grey Wind by his side, the trail was exactly as he'd seen it and though narrow easily passable, by early the next morning his army was through. He saw the looks of respect on Maege's and the Greatjon's face, saw how proudly Dacey and his uncle looked at him, even Roose Bolton giving him a smiling nod. Robb looked down and whispered to Grey Wind "Well done my friend" as they began their march across the west.

He rode later that day with some of the Riverlords, they had moved slower than the northern forces with even their cavalry taking their time, so had missed the meeting to plan the future attack. Surprisingly though he found them in high spirits, seeing Jae's dragons, seeing his men stay behind to liberate their homes having filled them with hope.

"We shall arrive within two days my lord." Lord Jason said and Robb nodded at the lord of Seagard.

"Aye my lord, I know we were not to give battle but it seems too good an opportunity to be missed."

"That it does, but will his grace see it the same?" Ser Stevron asked.

"I believe he would Ser, any military man would see the soundness of Lord Robb's plan." Ser Hugo Vance said and Lord Bracken agreed.

"My cousin will know why we did what we did my lords, good Sers, I have no doubt of that and should their be any blame for it then it is mine and mine alone to take. The credit for it though I'll gladly share." Robb said to laughs and cheers.

Riverlands 298 AC.

Jon Connington.

He rode at the head of almost 8,000 men, over half of them mounted knights, Ser Richard had taken the rest to Pinkmaiden, Ser Marq alongside him eager to make the Lannisters pay for attacking his home. While the castle itself had been burned by the Mountain, it was still habitable, and a garrison had been left there. His own objective was Raventree Hall but he did send a force of 1,000 men along with Lord Bracken's bastard son to retake Stone Hedge.

"I long to take my home back my Lord as do my boys." Lord Tytos said riding beside him.

"And we shall my lord, his grace has commanded it and it shall be done."

"He's an interesting man the king, I'd not thought I'd see another dragon in my lifetime, let alone a northern one."

"He is the best of both his parents my lord, the very best." Jon said and Tyros smiled.

When they arrived he saw the Lannister lion hanging from Raventree Hall, saw the sheer damage they had wreaked across the land and it was hard to see the expression of pain on Lord Tytos's face and not feel something.

"His grace will ensure you have the support to rebuild my lord, you have my word on it." Jon said and Lucas and Brynden took their father away to pray.

They formed up their forces making it clear just how outnumbered the Lannisters were, while they had hostages inside he would offer safe passage back to the west for the men and that was the best offer they would get. They set up camp and prepared to ride forth to offer terms, the man who held the castle having turned out to be merely a captain of the guard, The number of men under him not clearly seen but given their leader he would doubt it more than a couple of hundred.

"My name is Captain Hamel." the tall young man said when they arrived to where he was.

"Of House Hamel?" Jon asked.

"My uncles house."

"As you can see lad you're far outnumbered and we will take the Keep back. I offer you and your men parlay, free passage through the Riverlands and back to your homes or I offer you death, the choice is yours." Jon said.

"I hold this keep in the name of my liege lord and my king it is only they who can command me." the man said his voice shaky.

"Aye that's true lad, but we're not commanding you, we're offering you a choice, but have no doubts one way or another we shall take the keep back tomorrow."

"I have prisoners." Captain Hamel said.

"And should you harm one hair on their heads I shall make it my mission to see a new song written, forget the Rains of Castamere, for generations lad they'll be singing of the fall of house Hamel." Jon said and heard the gasp from the man.

"My king will win this war my lord, do your worst but I have no fear of you or your army." Hamel said riding back to the keep.

"Bloody lions always far too proud of themselves." Tytos said and Jon laughed.

They rode back to the camp and ate well that night, Jon found himself sitting with Lord Tytos and his sons and with men from the company. He listened as the men told stories of raids in Volantis and battles against Dothraki screamers. He laughed as Tytos's sons looked on awed as they heard of the unsullied or of the dragons. As it got late Tytos came to speak to him worried of the fight that may come on the morrow.

"Do you think he'll accept the deal?" Tytos asked as Jon stood by a tree.

"I think the lad is proud Tytos, what that means is anyone's guess but seeing us about to attack pride can be a dangerous thing to rely on, it can make you feel a need to prove yourself or it can desert you, if we're lucky his will desert him."

"If we're not?" Tytos asked more worried now.

"You want to know something about the king Tytos, something I'll deny if you ever repeat but something I believe completely?"

"Yes."

"Rhaegar believed his son would be the prince that was promised, the song of ice and fire, while I loved my silver prince as much as any man could, on that I always found doubt, I found my belief would waver but not anymore."

"You believe the king some prophesied prince?" Tytos asked disbelievingly.

"No Tytos, I know he is." Jon said with a smile.

He woke and dressed tying his armor himself not for lack of a squire but out of force of habit, he broke his fast but ate lightly. He knew some men who went to battle with a full belly but he was never one of those, if you were to die, what matter it if you'd eaten well. Taking his horse he formed up, Tytos and his sons already waiting eager no doubt to retake their home. The army marched forward, the siege towers already built, the ladders at the ready and as he looked at the keep in the distance he waited.

"Looks like his pride held." he said and Tytos shook his head worriedly.

That was when he heard it, the cheers rising from the back of the ranks, turning he saw men looking to the air and as he looked to the sky the black wings were immediately clear. Rhaegon flew over them and towards the keep, his flames hitting a nearby tree burring it to ash as the dragon landed.

"He's going to burn the keep?" Lucas said horrified and Jon held his hand out to calm the boy down.

A moment later Rhaegon roared so loudly that Jon felt his king could hear it in Highgarden, the dragon turned his head to the keep roared once again and took to the air flying over Raventree Hall before flying back and landing somewhere behind their men. He had only just landed when Jon handed a white flag to one of the Blackwood brothers, pointing to his home.

"Ride on and tell the captain the offer still stands, ask him if his king controls dragons." Jon said as Tytos laughed.

Less than an hour later they were riding into Raventree Hall and as Jon looked to Tytos he could tell that he wasn't the only one who knew the truth of the king.

The Reach 298 AC.

Littlefinger.

It had taken him far longer to arrive here than he had hoped, which meant he was even more out of touch with things than he wished to be. As he saw Highgarden in the distance though he welcomed it, he was about to do a deal which was so easy and yet he was to be rewarded so well for it. Is this how these privileged Lords and Ladies accumulated so much power and wealth? While he had had to beg, borrow and steal for every scrap he got, was this the limits of their work? If so he was glad he was about to become one of them.

Lord of Harrenhal, a far larger title than he had started out with and while the keep was useless the lands could be quite lucrative and more importantly it gave him rank. Lord Baelish of the Fingers couldn't marry the Lady of the Vale but Lord Baelish of Harrenhal certainly could. Today Harrenhal, tomorrow the Vale and after those steps the top of the ladder wasn't that far away. That little boy that people thought so little of, that people laughed at, was well on his way to having the greatest laugh of all.

"My lord may I help you?" a servant asked as he stepped from the wheelhouse.

"I'm here to see Lord Mace and Lady Olenna on important business from the crown."

"Of course my lord?" the servant questioned.

"Lord Baelish the Master of Coin." he said relishing the look the man gave him as he called to some more servants to take his things.

He and his guards were escorted to the Great Hall and he was surprised to find Lord Mace and his heir already waiting there, what was more surprising was the lack of a cane in Willas's hand.

"Lord Mace, Lord Willas, are Lady Olenna and Lady Margaery not joining us?" he asked and Mace gave him his stupid smile.

"My mother and daughter shall be along in a moment Lord Baelish, can I offer you some refreshments?"

"I thank you my lord, it's been a long journey and his grace is eager to hear from me." he said smiling.

"You've come on orders of the king my lord?" Willas said and he nodded seeing his eyes light up.

"On a very important matter Lord Willas, one I've no doubt that House Tyrell will find much to their interest."

"Very intriguing my lord, can you not be a little more direct?" Willas asked a small smile on his face and he did his best not to smirk, these roses ever so predictable.

"I think it best we wait for Lady Olenna." he said and Willas gave him a nod.

As he sipped his wine and eat a little of the offered fruits he spoke to Mace about the war and the inevitable fall of the wolves, speaking on about how Renly and Stannis didn't have the men even if they joined up which they'd not do. He was surprised though that neither man gave back much information, Mace may be out of the loop on things but he expected that Willas was not. He rose when Olenna came into the room, her giant guards by her side and he looked back to see his own men vastly outnumbered by the Tyrell's guards.

"Lady Olenna a pleasure." he said a practiced smile on his face.

"Yes yes, sit I've not got all day." the Queen of Thorns said as she took her own seat.

"Lady Margaery not joining us?" he asked and saw the small smirk on Olenna's face.

"Why would my granddaughter be needed my lord?"

"What I've come to discuss does concern her my lady, but I'm sure you can well decide what's best for her future." he said and smiled.

"I'm very sure my lord that my granddaughter's future will be the one I've decided upon"

"To that end my lady, the king has asked me to bring the following offer to you?" he said and saw her move forward in her seat.

"And what is this offer?"

"In return for the fealty of House Tyrell, his grace offers a seat on his council and a betrothal between himself and Lady Margaery." he said surprised by the lack of reaction.

"A generous offer, but it's not just our fealty he requires is it, it's our men too, perhaps even our coin?" Olenna asked.

"I'm sure some of your coin would be required but it's a small price to pay for a crown is it not, as for your men, with your forces and his own his grace is sure we can end this rebellion before it has a chance to become more than a nuisance." he said with a small chuckle.

"What do you stand to benefit my lord?"

"I don't know what you mean my lady?"

"Oh really, lets cut the pretense Baelish what are you getting from this and who's end is it coming out of?" she said staring at him.

"A minor thing my lady, I'm to be named Lord of Harrenhal." he said and she nodded.

"You really are a grasper aren't you, I know people say that about my family, but compared to you we're merely novices, you've taken it to a whole different level. Ah Margaery thank you for joining us." she said and he turned to see Margaery walk in a large white dog walking alongside her.

"Lady Margaery you look even more beautiful than when last we met." he said and while he meant it he found her dark hair and brown eyes a pale imitation to the red and blue of his love's."

"I thank you my lord, Grandmother what were we discussing?" she said taking a seat.

"We were talking of your betrothed my dear." Olenna said and he smiled at her and then Margaery.

"So you've told him of the king?" Margaery said and he looked to them confused before seeing Margaery's smile and figuring she misspoke.

"I know King Joffrey well my lady."

"No my lord, she meant the king, not the usurper who sits his throne." Ser Garlan said as he walked in and as he turned to see him he watched on as his guards were disarmed quickly.

He turned to move to the Tyrell's to see what was going on only for the white dog, no that wasn't a dog, no dog had teeth that size he thought as it bared them at him.

"My lord, my lady?" he asked confused.

He saw her then but it couldn't be her she was younger, even prettier and then he saw the man with her and he felt his stomach turn. Sansa, Ned Stark, he was in serious trouble here, the next girl who entered though he felt even worse seeing, her dark brown hair and eyes couldn't hide the hateful way the steward's daughter looked at him.

After that it was ghost's from the past, Barristan the Bold in a white Cloak, Gerold Hightower and Oswell Whent and Ser Arthur Dayne and a large dark skinned man. He turned to look at how the Starks were looking at him, how Jeyne Poole was looking at him. But when he saw Lyanna Stark walk in, when he saw the boy beside her, his dark black clothing with it's red accents, his dragon brooch he knew he was fucked.

"My name is Jaehaerys Targaryen and you Lord Baelish have woken the dragon." the boy said and as he saw the look on the boys face he felt his bladder give.

A/N: As always thanks to those who've read and espeically those who've reviewed this story. Up Next the battle of Oxcross and Littlefinger faces justice. Loras arrives home and the Reach lords come to meet a king.

Guest: Considering he's been sent back from the gods yes indeed he is fulfilling some wishes.

I get you dislike the Reach but how is giving basically the same deal that Tywin did in canon pandering. As for them being more treacherous well than who? the Lannisters, the riverlands, Dorne? all of the kingdoms can be accused of being treacherous if anything what Jae is doing is tying them so tight they have no need to commit treachery.

Jae doesn't need them or anyone else to win the war, he needs them to hold the peace, to fight the next war, so he's going to pull them in tight, that's just good politics.

As for the swords, he's been given so many and so he gives them out, what's he supposed to do hold them back for a rainy day, perhaps just perhaps he knows exactly who he's given them too, i mean KG and here you know a great swordsman.

Clayvus: Thanks so much.

Princess: Really glad you liked it.

Xandoo7: Thanks my friend. That's exactly what he's trying to do, he doesn't really need anyone for now, he will for later so he's making it happen. Here Roose doesn't have the same incentive, he won't go against dragons and killing Robb means nothing with Ned alive. There is a reason he's not declared yet, as of now no one really knows he's part of the war, Stannis thinks he's fighting Tywin and since Robb's not declared himself king he's not his enemy yet either. Stannis deluded himself into thinking he wasn't a kinslayer.

Gouravsilentreader. Thanks so very much, really glad you liked it.

Infinity mask: Don't be surprised if Stannis doesn't let that out. It all depends on when they find out, by that time it may be too late. Here given the change in circumstances while he may plot, he won't go RW or attempt anything direct, he knows better.

Paulies: I agree to a point, but then they screwed over his arc and in the end he became pointless, hell when you actually look at his involvement in the battle (as pathetic as the long night battle was) he wasn't needed there, would have been interesting if say he saved Dany or something.

Biohazard: Thanks so much.

MsLady: I couldn't fit Littlefingers end in yet, one more chapter i swear. In canon i think Mel deluded herself that Stannis was right and Stannis needed that delusion, so i can't see a reason why he wouldn't fall for it again, here it's even worse as he's actually seen Jae's dragons in a vision.

LordViillareal: I considered changing it, but I really do believe it was more Loras than the Tyrell's who fueled Renly, I also think even had he stood down that Stannis would still have come for his men and given their relationship Renly wouldn't have relented. In Chapter 19 Jae speaks to Rhaegon when he returns from the north, there's an idea of what will happen with Arya there. Glad you liked the Ned/Lyanna bit, he's kinda been sidelined a bit but he will play a larger role soon.

Dunk: So glad you liked the Willas bit it makes sense they have someone do a role like that. Loras will be both angry and reckless when he returns. For Stannis it's the idea that not only has his brother tried to usurp him but his bannermen have basically deserted him and here he's actually seen the dragons in a vision, seen them fly so he's even more assured. Unfortunately one more week for Baelish, i felt he needed a trial etc and couldn't fit it in here.

Godoftheseas: So glad you liked the Jon/Marge we'll see more and the wedding will be soon. Loras is going to be emotionally all over the place.

Glasshopper; Thanks so much, i try and work on my punctuation but it's an ongoing thing.

Aussie: so glad you liked it.

Vwchick: I think just like in canon that's her problem, she really sees what she wishes, even had she known of Jon i think she may have logiced herself out of it. Loras may not get too much of a chance. Really glad your liking Jon/Marge and Olenna.

Xan Merrick: Thanks so much my friend. With Jae having spent so much time planning this, the lessons with Bloodraven, his mother, KG and Jon C, i think he'd understand the personalities of those he was about to deal with as it's so important to be able to predict what they do.

Knowing that he'd know the North needed to see him fight and Mace needed to feel appreciated. Even that Olenna would be impressed he was thinking so far ahead.

We'll see Littlefingers fate next week.