Chapter 6
Updated as of 11/19/2018
Once more thank you to Shrine Keeper of Rei Ayanami who has Beta this chapter. Your great thank you.
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- A day before Harvest Feast - Winterfell - 294AC -
On the ramparts of Winterfell Lelouch looks on as the ex-Lord Roose Bolton rides off with guards from his house towards the Wall. Many thoughts passed through his mind as he thinks of what could have been and what could still happen down the line. He has just let a very dangerous man live to see another day, a man who down the road could cause trouble for him and his family.
"Milord, do you think it wise to let Roose Bolton keep drawing breath," John Andre asks of his lord as he too watches Roose ride away.
"That is a good question John, and one I don't have an answer to...yet. Only time will tell if the man will be useful to me or not. Till then keep an eye on the Night's Watch," Lelouch orders him as he keeps looking on as Roose Bolton fades away over the hill.
"As you wish, Milord. May I ask Milord what you plan to do about the Lannisters?" John knows Lelouch will not let what they have tried to do stand but has of yet to say anything about the matter.
Looking at his Spy-master, Lelouch answers, "There is little we can do for the time being. Just make sure that each piece of steel, glass, and drink cost their Lords more than they are willing to pay. Also, do work on getting some of your people into his mines. Whether he knows it or not Tywin Lannister has declared war on us, and it is a war I plan to win."
"It will be done, Milord." He has a feeling that he knows what his lord is planning and if he is right it will take time to make sure it happens.
Looking down at Winter Town Lelouch smiles as he sees his people going about their days in joy. "Tell me John how is your sister Diana? Will we be seeing her at the feast tomorrow?"
"Sadly, no Milord. She is in the Reach selling or trading with the people there and is unwilling to leave till she gets done with the task she has been given." John smiles just at the thought of his baby sister.
Lelouch is smiling as well but not for the same reason. Shortly after he had hired John as his Spy-master, his sister had come to him demanding to be allowed to help her big brother. At first, Lelouch had said no, explaining to her what John would be doing was very dangerous and that he was only doing it for his family and payback against Lannister. There was also the fact that John would not be happy if he put his baby sister in danger. When Diana left Lelouch thought that would be the end of it only to be surprised when he saw her again, with John being dragged by the ear, and ordering her brother to tell him that she could help.
Well, he couldn't say no after seeing that now could he.
To say he was glad that he ended up letting her help her brother would be an understatement. She was a lovely and intelligent young lady back then who would become even more so as she grew to become a full-fledged woman. Long brown hair, an hourglass body with apple size breast and a firm butt, she was a vision to behold by all that gazed upon her. Add in that as a young girl she had dreamed of becoming a mummer and had her father pay for someone to teach her how to act. Well to say Diana was a truly dangerous woman would be putting it mildly. She could do and perform in any role that suited her purpose at any given time. In a male-dominated world that looked down on women, a woman like her was more valuable than gold, for all but a handful of people would underestimate her.
"How is her task going John," Lelouch asks of him.
"It is going well, Milord. The foolish traders she is dealing with are signing over greater and greater shares of their profits to her. Ha, she has them so wrapped around her finger that she can put them out of business at any time she likes." John can't keep the proud sound out of his voice at what his sister has done in the Reach.
"That is good John, very good but make sure to tell her not to go too far. The last thing we need is for the Queen of Thorns to find out that she is legally stealing from her people. I fear she would not live long if it were found out," Lelouch warns him.
Knowing what he means John takes it to heart. "I will make sure she is warned Milord, but I don't think she will need it. She is a smart girl."
"True," looking up at the sun Lelouch sees it's about time for the meeting to take place with the other Lords. "It's time John, let's go set the path of change in the North." Bowing to his Lord, John wordlessly follows him.
-Same time - Reach - 294AC -
Diana Andre was in an excellent mood today. Not only has she once more gotten a fat stupid merchant to sign over a good deal of their profits to her, but her own sales were doing well too. It's funny when she'd first started, she'd hated the thought of being part of the legal side of making money for her brother's and her Lord's spy ring. She thought it was a waste of both her talent and time but then her Lord reminded her that one of the most dangerous powers in the world was the Iron Bank. A bank that was not only very rich and powerful but was also completely legal. Gangs and thieves can steal a man's money, but a merchant or banker can steal a man's life the legal way.
All of these so-called powerful and wealthy merchants were all the same. They saw a women trader from the North who sold top quality goods from there, and because the North is known to be an honest to the bone place, they thought she would be easy to rip off. Fools all of them, each one she had dealings with would look to fuck her and ended up being fuck themselves. Fitting if you ask her.
On the other side of the market twin young girls of twelve walk with their handmaids down the market streets of Highgarden. The oldest of them Margaery Tyrell whose beauty was starting to come in after having to suffer being called pig face for so long, walked hand in hand with her younger sister. Her sister Euphemia Tyrell, unlike her older sister, was a beauty from the start, so great was it that even at such a young age men and women would stop what they were doing to take a moment to look at the vision in front of them. Like her sister, she has red hair, but unlike Margaery's, hers was as red as a rose and her eyes a beautiful shade of bluish violet that she kept from her past life.
Much like their looks the two could not be more different in personality as well. Margaery was bright and even at such a young age could manipulate people to her way of thinking. Her wish is to be the queen the Seven Kingdoms one day. She is all the things her grandmother Olenna Tyrell hoped she would be. On the other hand, Euphemia or Euphy, as those close to her called her, showed no interest in being queen. She was sweet, kind-hearted to all she met even if they were from the low born. Talented in the arts and she liked to use reason to turn others to her way of thinking. Her grandmother loved her just as much as Margaery but had long given up on changing her habits.
So different they were from each other that they would often fight and yell at each other, but at the end of the day, the two sisters could not love each other more. When one of their cousins would pick on Margaery for her looks and make her cry becomes of it, Euphy would stand up and tell them that her sister was more beautiful than they could ever hope to be. Later those same cousins would find themselves the victim of an accident that both sisters had a hand in.
"Sister I don't understand you. If you wish to change the kingdom so much then would it not be better to be queen," Margaery says to her little sister as they talk about her wish to change things for the betterment of the small folks' way of living.
"One does not need to be a queen to make a change dear sister. They only need talent, courage and the know how to make it happen," Euphemia says with a smile on her face.
"Sure, dear sister one does need talent and courage, but without the royal family to back that person change will not come. If you are a queen, you can convince the king to see your way." Feeling like she has made her point Margaery smiles.
"Only if the king is willing listen to you in the first place. What happens if you marry a king who wishes his queen to be silent at all times, what will you do then dear sister?" Euphemia's voice is full of pride as she points out facts that can't easily be denied.
Margaery does not answer back for her sister does have a point. Taking the time to think it over she asks her sister, "Okay sister I concede your point. However, that goes for all women that marry."
"True but don't forget our Grandmother, she chooses her husband," Euphy responses back.
Seeing an opening to tease her sister Margaery says, "You mean you would find a man you wish to marry and then fuck him so well he can't think about anything other than marrying you." The red face of her sister is too much for her and the handmaids to take and they bust out in giggles.
Giving her sister Margaery the evil eye she responses "You are such an impossible sister and crude," she turns and walks down the street.
"Yes-yes, I am crude, and you're a prude. So where are we going anyways, you dragged us to the market but didn't tell us why." Margaery has been wondering why they were here for some time now.
Euphemia feels her eye twitch a bit at her sister's little joke. "We dear sister are going to buy some glassware. I have heard that there is a trader from the North here today and they are the only ones that sell it in all of the kingdom."
Knowing her sister as well as she does Margaery knows that is not the only reason why they are really here. "You're not telling me the truth, my lovely sister. You want to go talk to this trader because you wish to ask about the Black Wolf."
Euphemia's back goes straight at being figured out, but she will not let her sister win just yet. "Whatever do you mean big sister? I only wish to buy a mirror or some glass cups. We are practically the only house that has none to show off or brag about."
"Sure, sister sure. Keep acting like you are not interested in the Stark heir, but we both know you are. Each time his name is brought up your back goes straight, and your ears perk up just like they are right now. Oh wait, does my sister have a thing for the Stark boy," Margaery laughs as her sister's face goes red.
"That is not it sister," Euphemia yells at her and starts to walk off.
It's true that she has no real feeling for someone she has never met before but still, the name Lelouch rings in her head. For as far back as she could remember she has had dreams of a life not her own. They are filled with the faces and names of people she does not know, but at the same time she feels as if she's known them all her life. Every time she tries to recall who they were, she comes up blank. They have eluded her like this until the moment her father mentioned the Stark heir's named was Lelouch.
Like a spark, two faces came to mind, Lelouch and Suzaku. In her dreams, the Euphemia in it was in love with both of these boys. Lelouch, she loved so much that as a child she would tell all who would listen to her that she would marry him one day even though he was her brother. Suzaku she loved because his ideals matched her own.
Both of them wished to create a better world but used completely different methods. Suzaku became a soldier and joined the forces of the very same corruption that caused the world to go wrong in the first place believing he could change it from within. However, Euphemia sensed that Suzaku was only doing this to make up for some evil act had committed in the past. It was self-serving at its best for in the end he showed he didn't care about anyone but himself and his own sense of justice. If you didn't agree with him, you were evil, and if you stood in his way, you were expendable. Not only that but if you were his ally, he would be more than happy to turn on you and stab you in the back if it suited his overall goal. She felt that went for her dream self as well.
Lelouch however started a rebellion to change the world knowing that it was the only way to kill off the corruption from the world. Sure, he would do anything and everything to make his vision of a better world for his sister and everyone else happen, but he would never backstab anyone that he saw as loyal to him.
How could her dream-self not see or understood what this Suzaku person was for so long? She can understand how her dream-self fell in love with him, being that they both shared the same ideals, but all he was doing was making himself feel better with no care if his goals were ever met. He was naïve, selfish, and overall a back-stabbing son of a bitch who didn't care for others at all.
Lelouch, on the other hand, was arrogant, ruthless, cunning, manipulating and more than willing to sacrifice any number of people for his goals but he took responsibility for the acts of evil he committed. Lelouch even killed her in this dream, and though it was an accident, he took responsibility for it. Suzaku on the other hand never looked to understand what happened and only looked to take revenge on Lelouch. Euphemia suspects that even if Suzaku knew the truth, it would not matter to him for he would still look for revenge no matter what. This from a guy who killed his father and pretended he did it for the greater good when in reality it was only for him. Fucking hypocrite he was.
She was so happy to find that at the end of each dream the other her no longer felt any love for Suzaku. The boy was just that a boy and he would never change the world for the better with or without her in his life.
With these thoughts passing she sees the trader from the North and walks up to her. "Excuse me are you the merchant of this stand?"
Hearing a beautiful voice Diana Andre turns around, "Yes Milady, Diana Andre at your service," she says as she bows to Euphemia.
"I wish to buy some glassware if you have any," Euphemia smiles at her nicely.
The way she speaks to her is not like now other noble lady's do, Diana thinks to herself before answering. "Of course, let me just check the back to see what I have."
Seeing her turn around Euphemia takes the time to look over some of the stuff shown on the table. They are all excellent items of steel and glass. It makes her wonder why the lady merchant needs to check the back. Seeing her sister walk up and looking at the stuff as well she asks her sister. "What's going on sister are these fine things not to your liking?"
"Not at all, they are all wonderfully made, but she said she had to check the back for some reason," Euphemia says to her.
"That is because all the items on the table are the lesser of the glass items, I have available. Seeing as my customer is from House Tyrell, I need to show my best products," Diana says with a broad smile.
"Pray tell how you know that we are from House Tyrell," Margaery asks, feeling on guard at how a woman from the North knows them when she has no recollection of meeting her before.
"Milady, I saw both of you at the last tourney, plus I am a merchant, so I know a bit about each house and its main family members. The Twin Roses of House Tyrell are famous in the Reach as you must know." This statement puts Margaery at ease somewhat for it is a good point. Any good merchant would know a bit about each house and how to deal with them to increase their businesses dealings. With that said the merchant sets a case on the table and opens it up to show a set of five glass cups, each with a different pattern of flowers on them.
"Oh my, they are charming," one of the handmaids says from behind the two sisters.
The two sisters can't help but agree with that. They are like nothing they have seen in glassware before. The glass cups look to be made from a single piece of glass. Looking at the detail put into each of them was terrific. "No wonder you wanted to show these off to us. They are amazing," Margaery says still looking at them with a bit of wonder on her face.
"Thank you, Milady. A craftsman made them at Winterfell who in turn sold them to my brother who gave them to me saying to look to sell them in the Reach where they would be appreciated for their flowered patterns," Diana responds to her with a big smile.
"Did the craftsman use the new technique that the heir of Winterfell came up with to make them," Euphemia asks with the hope that her sister does not catch on to her and start her teasing.
She is not that lucky however as her sister speaks up. "See I told you, girls, she only wanted to come here to ask about the Black Wolf. Euphemia is in love." The handmaids start to giggle once more.
Euphy's face goes red once more. "Oh, shut up, Sister," she almost yells at her.
Diana puts on a face of not knowing what they are talking about, to see where this is going. It works for Margaery seeing her confused face and clarifies for her. "You see my sister has had a thing for the young wolf of Winterfell ever since she heard about him from our Lord Father."
"Sister pleases, you're embarrassing me in front of Diana here," Euphy says looking to stop her sister.
Seeing a chance to make a friend or at least an acquaintance of one of the daughters of the head of the House Tyrell, Diana looks to tell her a bit of her Lord in hopes they will seek her out once more. "Oh, I see, well I am sorry to say I can't tell much about Lord Lelouch Milady. I have only ever met him once, and that was to get permission to sell Northern goods on behalf of my brother."
"That is fine my sister would take any information on the Black Wolf she can get. Is that not right my lovesick little sister?" Margaery keeps up her teasing of her sister to the point that Euphy looks to put her hand over her sister's mouth to shut her up.
"Then what would you like to know milady," Diana asks of her making it clear she is an open book on her Lord.
Blinking a bit at the question, Euphemia stands up straight and gives her sister the evil eye that promises pain if she says another word as she asks her questions to Diana. Not that it does any good seeing her sister with a big grin on her face even now. "Well, what is he like, you know, as a person?"
Thinking it over for a bit like she is looking to recall what Lelouch was like even though she'd seen him just a month ago, not that they needed to know that. She answers like she is talking about the past, "Well from the one time I met Lord Lelouch I can say he was a serious no-nonsense kind of person, but then that could be because he was asking me a lot of questions."
"Why would he need to ask you questions, Diana," Margaery questions her.
Thinking on how to answer without giving away too much she says, "Well I guess it was to see if I could be trusted or not. After all my brother is one of only a hand full of traders that is trusted to sell the Northern products at the price that is set by Lord Stark."
There is no need for them to ask more about this because they have both been told by their grandmother about the North's unwillingness to share the knowledge of their steel making with others. Without that knowledge, things like weapons and armor can only be obtained in the North, and the prices for them are so high that even their house and House Lannister can't buy much from them. To get passed that one would think that a House need only buy a lot of the steel tools that they sell so as to melt it down to make what they wanted, but once more the price is high for even those, and just a limit amount is traded in a year. So, little was traded that by the time more is ship out the old tools need to be replaced with newer ones making melting them down hard to do. A brilliant and cunning move their grandmother said and one that Lord Stark would not have thought of without some help.
The next question Euphemia wishes to ask is what he looks like so as to know if he looked anything like the Lelouch from her dreams, but she does not want to give her sister any more room for teasing, so she doesn't. Luckily for her, her sister is now interested in Lelouch. "Does he look like a serious person? You know in the face," Margaery asks Diana.
Seeing that she can get some payback at her sister she says, "Oh sister, are you interested in the Stark boy now. I thought you wished to be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, not the Lady of Winterfell."
Looking over at her sister seeing what she is looking to do she say back "Please sister like you're not wondering about his looks as well."
"Maybe dear sister but I am not the one that is jumping to find out so quirkily. You know it's not good to hide how you're feeling about someone, even if that someone is a person you never met before." Euphy's eyes light up with the joy of payback.
Narrowing her eyes at her sister but not willing to concede a loss she hits back. "Feeling for him dear sister, hardly, you're the only one here who could fall in love with someone you've never met."
"My, my, sister you sound a bit angry. What do you think girls, does the lady doth protest too much?" The others laugh at Margaery, her sister merely huffs and turns away. She had always hated when her sister said that because it still works even after all the times, she has used that odd saying.
Smiling even bigger she walks up to her sister and leans into her ear and says just loud enough for the others to hear. "Don't worry my dear baby sister if you love him so much as to get so upset at me for teasing you, I will back off, so you can have him."
Clenching her hands, Margaery falls deeper into her sister's trap. "You, dear sister, are the only one in love here and what do you mean baby sister I am the oldest one," she almost yells out at Euphy.
"Sure, sister dear whatever you need to tell yourself to feel better. Diana why don't you go ahead and tell my sister what she wishes to know so much but is looking to hide." Her sister's angry and somewhat red face tell Euphemia she has won this time around.
Once more seeing no reason to lie Diana tells them what they wish to know but first puts on an act like she is trying to remember something that happened long ago. "Last I saw, Lord Lelouch had short black hair, with a kind of feminine look to his face but not much and his eyes were as gray as the sky over all of the North. I would say he is very handsome to look upon Milady."
Both Margaery and Euphemia became lost in thought at trying to picture what Lelouch looks like from what Diana has told them. Looking to get closer to them seeing as how both seem interested in her young Lord, she speaks up one more. "I am about to go back North, Milady's, to pick up more product to sell. If you would like me to, I could ask my brother John when I see him about Lord Lelouch for you before I come back to the Reach."
"Does your brother know the Stark heir well Diana," Euphy asks her.
"Not really but he does see him more often than most seeing as he has to show the books on all sales made to Lord Lelouch," Diana says with a smile hoping they do not question any more on how her brother knows Lelouch.
"So, he would know a bit more personal information on the Black Wolf then?" Margaery asks this time.
"Maybe, I'm not too sure if they ever talk. I mean my brother is just a trader who sells on behalf of the North." It is a good lie for what noble would talk to a merchant to get to know them better. Hell, even these two were only talking to her because they wanted information on Lelouch.
"That would be wonderful if you could do this for us Diana and we thank you for it," Euphy smiles at her is such a way that it makes Diana's cheeks redden a bit just like all others who receive it do.
"No thanks needed Milady it would be an honor to help you in whichever way I can. Now about these glass cups? You still wish to buy them from me, I hope?" The smile on Diana's face is one that anyone who has made a deal with a merchant before has seen. The look that says I am about to make a big sale here.
Euphy had utterly forgotten about the glass products and can't help but look a bit lost. That makes Margaery laugh inside seeing as she too had forgotten about them and seeing that this woman was indeed a shrewd merchant for it would seem rude not to buy something knowing they'd had taken up so much of Diana's time with their questions. Time that could have been used in making a profit.
"Of-of course yes I would love to buy them. How much for the set," Asks Euphy as she does not wish to be rude to this kind woman seeing as she took the time to answer her questions.
"Well the going cost is 100 gold dragons, but for you Milady it will only be 75 gold dragons." Diana smiles seeing as it only cost 50 gold to buy them, but hey she is a trader and making the most money one can is the first rule.
Even though she is rich Euphy finds the price to be rather high, but once more her good-nature gets the best of her and she does not question the price. "Sure, here and thank you so much for all you help Diana."
"You're very welcome Milady." Her smile is so big that Euphy, Margaery, and even their handmaids know they just got charged for more than the real cost.
Walking off with the new glass cups in the case that Diana said that she would toss in for free Margaery says to her sister, "You do realize you just pay more for those cups then what they were really worth right?"
With her head down if defeat Euphy nods her head, "Yes, sister I do."
"You and your good nature sister, but then what a saleswoman she was. Now I see why she is allowed to work for her brother." It is impressive, to say the least seeing as women are generally not allowed to do this type of work. Margaery at first thought she was a friendly and kind woman who was just welling to talk to them for no real reason. That was till the talking was done and she reminded them of the glass cups from before. Yes, a true merchant indeed.
Across from them, Diana was having her own thoughts about her little meeting with the twins. "So those are the Twin Roses of the Reach. I better report this to my Lord and see how he would like me to play this when I get back."
-Winterfell's Great Hall - 294AC -
Once more, all the lords of the North were sitting down waiting for their Lord to start this grand meeting. Each of them wondering what is going to be talked about and how it would affect them and the North. With a raise of his hand, Ned stops all the whispering and talking going on around him. "My fellow Lords, first I would like to thank you all for coming here this day to attend this meeting. I am sure all of you are wondering why you are here and now that the unpleasant business with House Bolton is over, we can move on to why you all are here." Seeing that he has all the his bannerman's attention Ned keeps talking. "Over the last couple of years, the North has seen more prosperity then it has ever known. We have more food, better tools, stronger weapons, and sturdier armor than ever before."
"And better drinks too," Shouts out Greatjon as the takes a drink from a cup filled with Vodka as the other Lords bang their cups in agreement. Lelouch watches at his father's side and laughs a bit. His county men are too much sometimes.
Looking to gain back the attention of his follow Lords Ned raises his hand once more. Such is the respect that the Lords have for Ned that they immediately become quiet again. "All of this would not have been possible without your hard work and acceptance of my son's new inventions. However, I believe now it is time for us to do more."
Looking up to her Lord Lady Maege Mormont asks, "What do you mean Milord? As you said, the North is in a very prosperous time. What more can we do?"
"I thank you for asking that Lady Mormont. I leave it to my son Lelouch to tell you more," Ned looks to his son and motions for his son to speak.
Standing up Lelouch first looks to his father. "Thank you, father," he then turns to face his future vassals, seeing that they are looking at him waiting and wondering what it is he is about to say to them. It is no great shock seeing these men and women sitting at attention waiting without so much as a sound, after all everything they have now is thanks to his ideas. "Lords of the North, like my Father I would like to thank you for coming here to join us in this meeting. As my father and Lady Mormont said, the North is more prospers than ever before. So, with that in mind my Father, Maester Luwin and I have come up with plans to not only refortify the North but to enrich it even more."
The other lords start to talk amongst themselves till Lelouch raises his hand to silence them. "Before there are any questions, I would like to tell you of our ideas. First the refortifying of key points in the North such as Bear Island, The Gift, The Neck and along the western shores of our land." At his words, the Lords and their heirs of these lands raise their heads high to listen carefully. "Since the time before even the conquest of Aegon I Targaryen till now the houses of these lands have fought, bled and died protecting these lands. House Mormont and House Umber have been chief among those great houses that have bled for our safety. I think it's about time we help them out."
"Aye," comes the shout from the two houses as they bang their fists on the table in agreement with their young Lord. Both house's feeling that it is long overdue that they were recognized for what they have done and still do for the North.
"What is it you have in mind, my young Lord." Greatjon stands and asks of Lelouch sincerely wishing to know the answer.
"I am glad you asked that Lord Umber. After taking some time planning both my Father and I has agreed that we will be sending both fund and men to both houses to help rebuild the old forts and build new ones, as well as turning Bear Island into a military port with the aim of dealing with any Iron Born raiders that dare to attack our lands." Lelouch waits patiently for the questions to come after saying this.
The first question comes from the one who Lelouch knew would speak up first after his announcement to build a new port. "Milord, this would be just a military port and not one for working trade," ask Wyman Manderly, Lord of House Manderlyn the wealthiest house in the North.
His question is asked in such a way as to make it seem like he is not worried about a new port taking away from his earnings. It may fool some of the lesser minded Northern lords, but most knew why he asked that question. "No, Lord Manderly, this port will be used only for the building of ships and the training of men for the North's defense," Lelouch answers him in a flat tone that does not show how annoyed he is at the man for asking such a question.
It is Lady Mormont who asks the next question. "Then how is this fleet to be paid for Milord. House Mormont does not have the gold for it, even with the new wealth it has seen from the making of steel."
Lelouch does not answer this question for it is his Lord Father who does. "The plan is to have all the houses in the North pay a tax that will go into the building and manning of the fleet and not only that, it well covers the building and manning of the new forts around the Gift as well."
Once more the Lords start to talk loudly. Things are going just as Lelouch has expected and he smiles to himself as his Father looks on a bit worried that he won't get the support he needs to see it done. "Of course, each man will pay their fair share, one-tenth of the tax. Now I know some of you may think that is a lot but is it so much to pay when it comes to the safety of the North and its people."
At his words, the Lords grow quiet for none of them wish to be seen as uncaring or unwilling to help with the North's protection. "Can we agree on this then," Ned asks of his vassals, an echo of 'ayes' follow his question.
"Good, now son why don't you carry on and tell them of your plans on how to train this standing army," Ned says to his son.
"Gladly Father. Now seeing as this army will be made with the intent of protecting the North they must be trained to do so. It will not be an army of just some random small-folk armed with pikes in their hands. No, this will be one highly trained, heavily armed fighting force. To do this, I ask that, after the Harvest Feast, all the lords here come together to come up with a new strategy for fighting." The Lord's nod at this seeing it as a chance to do something great. Most of the men here knew what it is like to have untrained men fight for them which makes the thought of a fully trained army of men a very appealing idea. In truth, however, Lelouch does not need any help in what he wishes to teach the men of this new army, but he also knows the Lords would take it as an insult if he did not make them a part of this in some way. That was something he could not afford to let happen.
Hearing this, the Lords feel more willing to do this. To think that they would have a hand in some way of making an army so grand that if done right would go down in the pages of history is a beautiful thought. "Milord Stark I must ask on behalf of the other Lords here who would be in command of these men," ask one Rickard Karstark of House Karstark.
Ned looks at his distant kin and answers him, "In times of war they will answer to House Stark and House Stark alone, but during peacetime, such as now they will answer to whichever Lord whose land they are stationed on."
The answer satisfies most of the Lords in the hall, but others don't look so sure, from what Lelouch can tell it's the most loyal houses that are fine with it. House's like House Whitehill who are more faithful to the fallen House of Bolton, well they are the ones that don't seem so sure about it. Too bad for them they are outnumbered in that regard, so they can't say much about their worries. Seeing there are no more questions Lelouch moves on to the next topic of the meeting. "Moving on Milords now that we are all in agreement on this. The next task at hand is mining the hills and mountains around the North. Most of the coming years will be focused on the rebuilding and training of the new army but as we do that the other houses that are not in these areas will be focused on mining, farming, and logging to bring new wealth to the land. Of course, House Stark will help fund these efforts as well."
With this last great idea, the houses that were not set to see rebuilding happen are happy to find that they will be getting funds and help from their lord as well. Soon the room breaks out into a discussion on the plans. Like where and when to start. To say the room is filled with excitement at these new plans would be an understatement. It makes Lelouch smiles for all is going according to plan.
-Day of the Harvest Feast - Winterfell - 294AC-
All of Winterfell and Winter Town was alive with games, song, and dance. Wherever Sansa looks, she sees her home is more alive then she has ever known. The last Harvest Feast was nowhere near as joyful as this one. All the Lords of the North and their heirs where here for what her brother told her would be the biggest project he had yet taken on. That was saying something for already at just the age of 14 name-days her brother had done more in his life then even kings of the past had done. Once her dreams were filled with stories of gallant knights who rode into battle for the one, they loved, hoping that one day she would be those women in the stories. Finding her knight in shining armor or handsome prince that would fall in love with her at first sight and marry her, but her brother's lessons had put a stop to that. As her mother told her stories of love, her brother Lelouch taught her the history of days gone by and how cruel life can be. On most days she didn't like to think of the lessons he had taught her, but at the same time she was thankful for them, for now, her dream was to stand side by side with her brother and one day make him proud of her, maybe find her true love along the way as well.
For now, however, she had to set her dreams aside and get said brother out of his room before their mother throws a fit. Walking up to the door she bangs on it hard, "Brother it's me open up. You're late for the feast." Hearing no response to her calls, she bangs on it more. "Lelouch open this door. Mother is already mad with you for being late, and if you take any longer, she will only get madder." Still not hearing anything Sansa starts to get upset, "Fine you wish not to answer me then I will just let myself in." She reaches to the back of her hair and takes out the pins keeping it in place then starts to work on the lock. When she hears a click, she smiles and thinks to herself that Lelouch has forgotten one of his lessons to her was how to pick locks.
Opening the door, she walks in ready to yell at her brother only to find that he is not here. Seeing all the crates that are filled with books, paper sheets, and empty glass tubes she remembers her brother is moving to the once broke tower of the First Keep soon. Looking around, she takes in the smells of the room recalling the times she slept in here as a child as her brother worked on his projects. The walls that once had sheets of paper with different designs of what he was working on are now bare. It's kind of sad to think of the time that has passed by. Picking up a book, she opens it and starts to read on the making of cannons and black powder. To anyone but her and her two older brothers Robb and Jon, the book looks like just a lot of lines crossing each other at random points, but in truth, it is the language Lelouch made up that he calls Japanese. She can still recall those lessons and how hard it was to both learn and speak it. In truth, she was still not very good at it, but she was better than Robb or Jon something she enjoyed rubbing in their faces.
As she is reading the book, Lelouch shows up and walks behind her without her being aware. "I thought I told you not to go into my room without me, little sister."
Jumping in fright and crying out Sansa turns around to see her oldest brother standing there with a smile on his face. "Lulu you scared me. Where were you, Mother has been looking for you. The feast is going to start any minute now."
Not answering his sister, he looks at the door then back at her. "You know sister I was sure that door was locked when I left. I wonder how it opened."
Oh, gods not good not good at all. If there was one thing that her brother kept telling her, it's that if she is going to do something she shouldn't, then she shouldn't get caught, and seven Hells she was caught. The punishment for getting caught by her brother was to run around Winterfell for however long he thought it would take to just about kill you. She had to change the topic fast. "That's not important Lulu. What is important is the feast, and the fact mother is not too pleased with you right now for being late. So, come on let's go already."
"Hmmm no, I don't think so sister. After all what if someone took one of my precious books and started to read them without my say so, that could be bad. Is that not one of my books you have in your hands right now, did I say you could read it, my cute little sister." Lelouch loves to play this game with his sister for she always looks to find a way out of whatever trouble she is in. Be it fake crying for forgiveness, blaming others or just looking to change the topic.
Looking away from her brother's eyes she stutters out, "M-maybe it was Arya, you know how she is, always getting into things when your back is turned."
Moving his head to the side as if to think on this he nods his head. "Maybe your right, I mean I have started to teach her how to pick locks, and maybe you just found that book on the floor after she came in and knocked it over just wishing to put it back in its place." She nods her head quickly at this idea. "Well, then I guess I will find her and ask her if she came into my room. I mean she is still young and does not know any better, and I don't think she would lie to me. I hope it was her for if not then the person who broke in here will find their punishment far worse than normal."
Going white at his words for she knows that once found out just running around Winterfell till she could not stand would be a light punishment. If she does not admit to breaking in, she may have her spar with the boys in the yard or worse help Hodor in the stables. With a frown on her face, she comes clean, "It was me. I broke into your room brother." Her words come as a whisper and light tears in her eyes. The tears, however, are only for effect and the hope of pity from her brother. It does not work.
"Surely it was not my cute little sister who broke in. You would never do such a thing." He acts like he does not believe it, but Sansa does not believe his act and knows he is enjoying this. "Oh well, I guess we'll just have you help Hodor in the stables to teach you not to get found out next time."
Sansa's eyes open wide at this. "No brother can't I just run around the wall of Winterfell instead." She begs of him.
"What was that dear sister, you wish to run around the walls of Winterfell as well as help Hodor in the stables because you feel bad for getting caught. I must say I am proud of you sister." The evil smile on Lelouch's face makes her head fall, and she follows him to the great hall kicking herself for opening her mouth.
Hours pass in the great hall as the party keeps going. The lords and ladies eat, drink and dance enjoying the night. Small talk is made, jokes are told and at one point two Lords come to blows over something, or other until it is settled with a test of strength. At the head of the table, Ned sits and watches his people enjoy the feast, when he is not dancing with his wife Cat. Lelouch however just mostly watches on in silence. Content to watch the people of this land he has come to think of as his own and dare he say, love. At one point he even gets up to dance with his sister and some of the young ladies that are here tonight. Cat is ecstatic at seeing this for it is not every day that she sees her son takes part in stuff like this.
As the night starts to come to a close, a group of men and the castle's craftsmen wheel what looks like a mix between a massive wooden table and black box, but once they open the lid, it displays many strings and hammers inside. At one end they see many white teeth with smaller black ones on top of those. It is beautiful craftsmanship of wood with a black finish color to it. "Milords and Ladies, no doubt you are all wondering what this big chunk of wood is and to answer your questions it is a new musical instrument that with the help of the great craftsmen of Winterfell, Elton, helped build." The craftsman looks up at the Lords with pride in his eyes as he feels he has truly made something great for his young Lord. "It took a full year to make and learn how to play this instrument, and tonight I would like to play a bit of music for you all." Everyone in the room is quite as Lelouch grabs a chair and sits it down in front of the part of the instrument with the white and black teeth. (Play Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy)
The sound they heard coming for the strange wooden table is magical. Everyone in the room gets lost in this moment in time. Even the biggest, strongest and loudest of the Lords in the hall feel lost in the music they hear. Cat, Sansa and the other ladies start to shed tears at what they are hearing, and the Lords who have wives hold them with smiles on their faces. As for Ned himself, he holds Cat and his youngest daughter Arya in his arms as he listens on. 'If the sunrise had a sound, this would be it, and such things must be from the gods' everyone in the hall thinks at once.
- A week later - Winterfall stables - 294AC-
Sitting down watching Sansa clean the stables gives Lelouch a somewhat twisted sense of joy. "Come on sister move your ass. You still have to run your laps around Winterfell before the day is done."
"I fucking hate you, Lulu." Sansa cries out as she shoves some more shit into the wagon. Her dress is dirty, her hair is out of place, and she smells like shit. Sansa had begged her mother to get her out of this, but she just said that if Lelouch felt like she had to do this, then that was the end of it. She knew he paid her off with a promise to do something for her later.
"Yes-yes sister I love you too now get moving." Lelouch's smile let her know that he will sit here all day to make sure it gets done.
"You are too cruel brother." His brother Jon says as he walks up behind him with a smile on his face.
"Good morning baby brother how is it going." Lelouch always calls him and Robb that knowing it gets on their nerves to no end.
His eye twitching Jon takes deep breaths to calm himself down. "It's going well, brother. Father is waiting outside the room with Lady Mormont and Lord Manderly with their heirs. Brother are you sure we shouldn't have mention to the other lords what you have made before they had left?"
"I am sure Jon. If the other lords know about those things, they may try to push father to call for secession from the rest of the kingdom." Lelouch says as he looks on as his sister works.
"Surely, they would not go that far, brother. I mean sure there is no love between the North and the South, but do you think they would go that far if they found out about them." Jon questions in more worry then disbelief that it could happen.
"Indeed, Jon I do believe they would. You forget that during the conquest of the Seven Kingdoms many of the lords of the North didn't agree with Torrhen Stark's call to lay down their arms in surrender. A feeling that is still felt to this day. No, its best they find out about them when the time is right." Frowning at the truth of his words Lelouch can't help but think of how dumb the lords from then and even now are to feel that way about his ancestor. Torrhen was a wise man for what he did. Knowing that his army's loss was already written he made the difficult choice to lay down his arms and look for peace. A decision he would have made as well if he was his ancestor.
Jon can't disagree with his brother for he knew all too well how people have trouble letting go of the past. Even now some people still saw him as a bastard even after all this time that has passed. People can't help but hold on to such petty things or beliefs. "Hmm, I see you point Lelouch."
"Good, then we should go. I don't wish to keep father waiting long." Lelouch stands and turns around to walk away. Sansa is happy to see him go because now she can stop working and not worry about Lelouch stopping her. That thought is shattered as her brother stops and turns back around. "Oh, Hodor, before I forget, make sure my sister finishes helping you and then does her laps around Winterfell. If she complains or orders you to let her leave remember that I would hold you responsible and you would then share in her punishment." The smile on his lord's face makes Hodor nods his head quickly in fear. He may be simple-minded, but even he is not so stupid as to disobey Lelouch.
Sansa and Jon think as one "He is such an evil-evil brother."
-Outside the Cannon room of Winterfall-
Standing outside a sturdy double door made of iron with more than a couple of locks to keep it sealed were Lady Mormont and Lord Manderly. Both are wondering why they are here and why they were asked to stay behind when the other lords had already left. They knew it had to be of great importance or their lord would not have asked them to stay. Small talk is made with each other and Lord Stark as they wait for young Lelouch. After a bit more, time they see Lelouch walking up to them and bow to greet him, "Good morning milord."
Bowing a bit in respect to both of them, Lelouch answers them back, "Good morning milord and lady. I must say I am sorry to keep you waiting I had to teach one of my sisters a lesson in getting caught being somewhere she should not be."
"There is no need to apologize milord. It is good that you take the time to correct your sister's bad behaviors. Just like a good older brother should do." Lord Manderly says with a smile.
"Yes, a good thing indeed milord, after all, it is the job of the oldest brother to look after his young siblings." Lady Mormont feels genuinely impressed with the young wolf.
"Good big brother my ass he is just evil and gets enjoyment out of punishing his younger siblings." Both Jon and Ned thought to themselves but doesn't voice out loud. Jon because he does not wish to have to suffer for saying it and Ned because he knows his son would smile and pretend, he does not know what he is talking about.
"I am so happy both of you understand and forgive me. It is indeed hard to be the oldest and sometimes I wish my loving mother gave birth to Robb first so as to not be burden with such a great task as in making sure my siblings grow up to be wonderful men and women." Both the lord and lady fall for Lelouch's words, but his act didn't fool Ned or Jon.
"Son maybe we should move on and tell Lord Manderly and Lady Mormont why they are here." Ned has seen and been a part of his son's word games before, so he wants to move this along before they end up standing here till nightfall.
"Oh yes forgive me, father. Here is my key for the locks." The doors have three locks on them that take three different keys to open. It was why Jon was here for each one of his family has one key that unlocks one of the said locks. His father even took it a step farther when he made it that only the acting lord of Winterfell can open the door's main lock. All others even his children would be arrested for looking to do so. Lelouch was so proud that his father had thought of it.
Opening the doors, they make their way down a vast hall that leads underground. Both Lord Manderly and Lady Mormont feel a bit uncomfortable as they walk with them down this hall. To go to such steps to keep whatever it is their lord is hiding must be of the most significant importance indeed. They don't talk or ask questions knowing they will find out soon what this is all about. When they reach the end of the hallway, they lay eyes on what looks like giant metal rods and wonder the same thing that Ned did years back. "My loyal friends and vassals I am sure you are both asking yourself what these things are." Seeing both of them nodding their heads Ned goes on to explain. "These things are called cannons, and they are a new weapon my son Lelouch had made some time back."
It is Lady Mormont who asks the question both are thinking. "My lord, how can those things be call weapons? They look like just long pieces of metal with no blade on them. They even have holes deep down the middle of them."
"I am glad you ask milady for if you look under each cannon, you will see a stack of iron balls. Each one of these things can toss one of them over 1000 yards and turn wood into kindling and stone walls into nothing more than pieces of gravel on the ground." Ned's voice does not seem very happy at this telling them this. Even years later after the fact, he still wishes his son had never made these things.
The look of both fear and wonderment on their his vassals faces says it all. They don't even question their Lord's words because they know they can trust their Lord's words to be true. Lord Manderly speaks up first "Milord forgive me but with all this security and the fact that you didn't tell the other lords about this brings up the question why did you feel the need to tell us?"
Looking at his vassal, Ned answers him "Lord Manderly I felt the need to tell you because my son has plans for the fleet of ships that you and Lady Mormont will be making. Lelouch if you will."
They look to their young lord and wait for him to speak. "Right thank you, father. Milord and lady, first I wish to let you know that we didn't keep this secret from the other lords or you for that matter because we didn't trust you. We did it because we didn't trust the people around you such as your servants. After all, I think you could guess what would happen if houses like the Lannisters or the Tyrell were to find out about them and learn how to make their own."
Both of them nod their heads at this understanding perfectly what he means. "We understand milord but why tell us now? What plans do you have for the ships?" Lady Mormont asks Lelouch.
"The reason milady is because after talking with my father we have both realized that sooner or later the Iron Born will attack us again, and even with a fleet of our own we will still suffer heavy loses till the rest of the kingdom comes to our aid. Then there is the Lannister's themselves and Lord Tywin showing that he has no trouble making an enemy of us if it suits him to do so. I would not put it past the old lion to strike a deal with the Iron Born at some time or other to attack us. With the plans I have for the fleet I am hoping to make it all but impossible for that to become a problem." Lelouch hands over three sets of plans to each of them to look at.
Opening the first set of plans, they look at the design with the word frigate at the top; then they the next set with the word brig at the top of it. Each design is made to carry these cannons as their lord calls them and each design makes their eye open wide at the ships they would be making. It is the last design however that shocks them. The previous models were what they would have called beasts, but this design makes them seem small for what they see is a giant of a ship that is only called a ship of the line. The thing would be prepared to carry more than 100 of those cannons. "My lord even with all the gold in the North I don't think we could make too many of these ships of the line." Lord Manderly says somewhat lost in thought at how much just one ship of the line would cost.
"That is why we will only be making two of them Lord Manderly. One at Bear Island and the other at White Harbor. The rest of the fleet is to be made up of the other two." Lelouch says with a straight face making it clear what is to be done.
Looking at Lord Stark, he only nods at them to show they are to do as told by his son. "At you word milord." Both bow and start to take their leave.
As they walk off Ned adds one more thing. "Don't forget the building of the ships is to stay secret. My son and I trusted you because we know your houses are truly loyal to the Starks and the North."
At their Lord's words, they both stand a bit taller and prouder to have such trust from him. "Yes, milord."
-295AC out at sea-
Out on the sea with his brother Robb and Theon, Lelouch was standing at the bow of his ship The Black Pearl enjoying his day. His ship was the only Galleon built for the fleet and only because it was costlier than the cheaper frigate or brig. Its many sails and revolutionary design made it the fastest ship that was on the seas. No ship in the Seven Kingdoms could catch her and with 18 of her 32 twelve-pound cannons safely hidden on the ship. She would kill any fool that would dare to challenge her.
"I don't like this brother, that is all I am saying. Father is right this is a big gamble you're taking." Robb says with a frown on his face.
"Oh, come now baby brother you're thinking about this too much. Why don't you go help Theon with the ship's sails, at least he is making himself useful for once." Lelouch words to his brother are not mean or condescending. If they were Robb could forgive him, but the sound of confidence in his voice that all will go the way he wishes is pissing him off for it is confidence he has never had.
"And you worry too little, brother. Your own man Andre said the Martells still hate us for what happened to their sister. Things like that people do not forgive." Robbs words ring true, but Lelouch smiles on.
"No baby brother Ander said they hate the king and Lord Lannister. They have no ill will towards us and see us as much as a victim of the Mad King and his fool of an heir. The only bad blood between us is that we are still friends with King Robert but if all goes well, we can keep them from doing anything foolish to the king by way of being friends to us." What he does not say to Robb is that he genuinely does not feel the Martells will do anything at all anyways for the time being. They don't have the power to make such a play by themselves but then they are snakes, and like snakes, they will wait for the right time to make the kill. A time that if he played it right will happen when the king is already dead and to his benefit.
Before Robb can say anything back, Theon interrupts them. "What are you two talking about, can't you stop fighting and enjoy the sea like I am."
"I had thought that on a ship full of men you have trouble enjoying yourself like you always do. Well to each his own I will not judge you." He may not be the smartest person Lelouch has ever met, but it was clear Theon got what he was saying.
"That, that is not what I mean by enjoying milord." Theon's face is red with some anger at Lelouch for his joke because he has no comeback on hand.
Before a fight can start Robb speaks, "We were just talking Theon about how foolish this idea of going to Dorne is."
"Why is it foolish? I mean ya everyone knows there is no love between the king and them, but it's not like we killed their sister and her children." His matter of fact voice shows confidence like Lelouch but with more arrogance than his brother's cold confidence.
"You know Theon I always knew you were the brains between you and my brother." Lelouch says the shot to pick on his brother is just too much to pass up.
"That's right Lelouch, Robb is just the muscle and has no brains, but I am muscle with a brain and good looks." They both start to laugh at Robb.
His eye twitching Robb turns away says "You're both going to get me killed."
-Same time in Dome's Water Gardens - 295AC-
Reading a letter sent to his older brother from the North Prince Oberyn Martell The Red Viper has to hold back laughing at it. "Surely this is a jest brother? Sure, there are no real hard feelings between us but why would the North wish friendship with us now?"
"I can assure you brother this is no jest, and I don't know why they are seeking friendship now after all this time. They have nothing to gain by this seeing as they don't need to trade with us and we don't have anything they want." His brother Doran Martell the ruler of Dome says to him. Ever since the first letter from the North came five months ago, he had been thinking of every scenario and reason they would have for making this move. The only one he could come up with was that they hope by being on good terms with them the hated his family had for the king would be lessened somewhat or be controlled somehow. Such thinking was not like Lord Stark for even if he thought of such a move, he would have already known that it wouldn't work.
"Maybe they just wish to open up new trade with us and nothing more." One Ellara Sand says from Oberyn lap as she too reads the letter that is very vague in terms of detail.
"That is why I have invited them here Ellara." Doran knows this is an excellent opportunity to get them to at the very least talk over the possibilities of having them send their trade ships to them. The cost of all goods coming from the North was the highest for them out of all the other kingdoms seeing as they were the furthest from them and saw none of their ships come this far.
"You what brother? I will not accept them coming to our lands if they stay friends with that fat fuck Robert." Oberyn hisses out with his blood boiling.
Doran gives his brother a hard look that keeps him from going any farther with his rant. "Quite yourself brother, whether you like it are not they are coming here. This is a great opportunity to enrich our land. The wares coming from the North cost us more than any of the other lands due to the time it takes for them to get here and we are the lesser ones for it. The steel, glass, and the drink you like so much all cost more than double for us. If things go well with these talks, we can maybe change that for the betterment of our people."
Oberyn's rage has not gone down any at his brother's words, but even he knows there is nothing he can say to his brother to change his mind. Plus, Doran is right, and he knows it. This could be a golden opportunity for their people and who was he to keep it from them. "Who is it that they have sent. I doubt Lord Stark would come to Dome himself seeing as he is so close to the king."
"His heir Lelouch Stark, his twin Robb and his ward Theon Greyjoy." Flatly says Doran.
Ellara who was right now trying to calm down her lover as only she knew how turns towards Doran. "The one they call the Black Wolf is coming here. That is big news; I always wanted to meet the boy who has been on everyone's lips for so long."
"Indeed, he is Ellara. And he will be treated well for as long as he is here is that understood." The last part is directed more towards Oberyn then Ellara for he knows his brother can let his temper get the best of him.
Oberyn huffs as he is about to answer, but that is until he realizes something. "Wait a minute you wish to marry Arianne to the Stark heir, don't you?" He may not be the smartest between the two, but he is wiser than most give him credit for.
"Her or Shirley would work. The fact is young Lelouch from the time he was but a child just barely away from his mother's tit till now has almost single handily change the North from one of the poorest parts of the kingdom to now one of the richest and most powerful. That is something that we could use on our side as well. Who knows what he could do for Dome in a handful of years." Doran is somewhat happy that his brother picks up on that. For no doubt, Ellara has already seen this herself. Between the two of them, she was the smarter one.
Before Oberyn can go into a rage at this plan Ellara starts to giggle a bit with makes both men look at her, "Well you may be able to get Prince Trystane to marry one of the Stark girls, but Arianne will not be so easy to convince, and that goes even more so for Shirley." She keeps giggling at the thought of what Shirley may do if Oberyn agrees to marry her off without her having a say in it. While she may not be her child by blood, she loves Shirley just as much as any mother would and knows her temper can be just as bad as her father's.
Oberyn laughs at the thought of his only none bastard born daughter, and Doran feels a headache coming on. Shirley, the only true born child of his brother Oberyn and Hazel Dalt the women Doran made him marry. Hazel was a kind, loving woman but was a poor match for his overly passionate brother. There was no love between them when they married, but there was no dislike between them as well. Such was Hazel's kindness that she even welcomed Ellara with open arms and took care of Oberyn other children with nothing but love and care. Her generosity was never ending and always forgiving. Ellara loved her like a sister and could talk to her about anything. When she passed away giving birth to Shirley. Ellara cried for days and Oberyn drink himself into a deep depression for weeks on end once even saying to Doran that he never truly knew what he had till she was gone.
Shirley was much like her mother but at the same time showed her father's side as well. A mix of never-ending kindhearted love and a passionate love for life she was a girl that all enjoyed being around. Her beauty was such that only one other girl in the kingdom could match it. With long sunset colored hair, jade eyes and a figure already showing that of a woman. The only one to match her was the youngest Tyrell girl, or so Doran thought. Like her father she had a talent for the spear, she took risks by jumping of the highest points in Dorne to the sea below that she loved to swim in. Thank the Seven she didn't like to sleep with every man or women in sight like her father, but like him, she like both if the long looks she gives to others where anything to go by. Once when Ellara ask her why she does not just bed someone seeing as she is interested, Shirley just told her that only the person she truly loves would join her in bed. If they don't like it, they can talk to her spear.
Yes, Doran could feel a headache coming on now at the thought of what she would say or do.
-At in the pools of the Water Gardens-
If one were to walk in the pool the day Doran told his brother and his lover of the soon arriving North heir, they would be welcome to the sight of the young girls of house Martell at play. Well most of them anyway seeing as young Arianne was busy reading a book that she just got the day before. The sand snakes were playing with their sister Shirley splashing water at each other in a play fight. After a bit of this Shirley sees Arianne just sitting there not yet joining them and gets a funny idea that is sure to piss off her cousin. Using her arms to call her sisters over without saying anything, once they reach her, she whispers something to them which makes them giggle. Moving around their sister so Arianne can't see what is going on Shirley dives under the water and makes her way over to her cousin unseen.
Arianne who was so lost in her book that she didn't see what was going on in the pool just kept reading her book enjoying her day by the pool. It was such a beautiful day, and nothing could upset her day. Well, that was until a big splash of water hit her making her jump back and let out a yip dropping her now wet book along the way. "Shirley what in the seven hells!" She yells out as she doesn't even need to look to know who did that.
Laughing hard and loud Shirley has to take a bit to catch her breath to answer her. "Sorry, beloved cousin but you look so hot I just had to help you cool off." The laughter coming from her sisters behind Shirley fills the room along with hers.
Giving Shirley a heated glare Arianne yells at her, "Fuck you Shirley and look at what you did to my book. It's ruined now!"
"Oh, come on Arianne I was only playing. Look I am sorry, but I want you to come and join us." Shirley goes to the edge of the pool and lifts herself out of it.
Arianne hates this part for two reasons, and it's not because of the hug she is going to get from Shirley as a way of an apology. No, it's because one she is going to forgive her like she always does and two she can't help herself as she takes in her cousin's growing feminine features. The sparking of the water on her white skin, the way the cloth was clinging to her already more prominent chest, hips, and ass. By the Seven it's just not far, not far at all. Arianne had to wait till she was Shirley's age to grow into a beautiful woman, but Shirley was born beautiful. How she wished she could hate her cousin, but each time she felt like this Shirley would tell her how lovely she looked or how she was the most beautiful women she has ever seen. The honest and loving sound of her voice when she said this made her love Shirley to no end.
Hugging Arianne with all the love, she can put in, and she looks in her eye "Forgive me?"
Rolling her eyes at her cousin Arianne say, "Sure I forgive you but you're still buying me a new book."
"Deal now come and join us in the pool. We were just about to play a new game." Shirley claps her hands in joy.
Giving a huff Arianne say, "Fine why not. Not like I can keep reading now."
"Oh, give it a rest Arianne and strip and join us already." Obara Sand calls out from the pool.
"Shut it Obara" Arianne shout back at her other cousin. As she gets done shorting at her and letting her dress fall to the ground, she finds her eye twitching. "Shirley, what are you doing?"
"Hmm or well I thought they got bigger and wanted to check," Shirley says in a matter of fact voice.
As sweet as she was Shirley, was still her father's child and shows it. "Well, they have gotten bigger. Now get your hands off my breasts!" She yells at her and Shirley runs away by diving into the pool. No one knows why Shirley keeps groping the tits of all her female friends and family, but they know it's not met to be sexual. When they asked Shirley, she just looks puzzled at the question like she does not know why she does it herself. What is known is it pisses everyone off because she is bigger than any of them. "You're not getting away Shirley!" Arianne jumps in after her.
Arianne chases her around the pool for a time but never catches her. After she gives up, they all start to play in the pool like kids, just enjoying their time with each other. After a couple more, hours pass Ellaria comes to join them. She tells them about who is coming to visit them in a couple of short months from now.
"Wow, so the Black Wolf of the North is coming to Dome. I always wondered what this Lelouch person was like as to get that type of title. Maybe he is some great fighter." Obara says out loud for the others to hear.
Rolling her eyes, Arianne can't help but feel a bit annoyed at her cousin's ignorance. "Oh, by the gods Obara everyone knows he got that name because he always wears black. You need to pay more attention when others talk around you."
"Well sorry, I don't feel like being a little gossip like you, Arianne." She growls at Arianne.
Seeing a fight about to break out between them Ellaria moves to put a stop to it, "Now girls that is enough. There will be no fighting between you two especially over someone you two have never met."
This stops both of them seeing Ellaria point. That does not mean they will not fight after she is gone, however. "Mother, what is the Black Wolf like?" Elia questions her mother.
Looking at her daughter, Ellaria thinks over this a bit before she answers. "Well I have never met him myself, but they say he is very handsome." This gets some of the girls giggling. "They also say he is brilliant and very friendly but has an aloof personality."
"What?" Questions Elia not fully understanding what her mother has said.
Laughing a bit at this Ellaria understand her confusion for how can someone be both friendly and distant at the same time. "You just have to wait to see him."
The room fills with a conversation about their soon to be guest, but to the side, Shirley wonders if this person is the same Lulu from her dreams. Shirley was not one to question how she felt about anything, and so when she heard the name Lelouch all those years ago, her heartbeat skipped faster and knew this person was somehow connected to the dreams she had been having ever since she was a little girl. It was proof that her dreams where not dreams but memories of a past life. It would explain why she felt so strongly about someone she had never met. She would not call it love however for she was not that Shirley from her dreams and would not let a past life dictate hers. No, she would judge for herself how she felt about this boy when he came here. With her mind made up, she got a playful look on her face and dived back under the water.
"Shirly! I am going to get you for that!" Obara yells as she pulls the cloth coving her ass out of her ass cheeks.
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As always thanks for reading and reviews are welcome. Let's hope the next chapter does not take so long to do.