A New Regime

Tywin stood at the table of the small council next to the king ready to begin the latest small council meeting. Standing opposite the king was Ser Barristan Selmy. It had been 6 years since the rebellion ended, 6 years since he had regained his rightful place as Hand of the King. In the span of those 6 years they had all contributed in stabilizing House Baratheon's Rule.

When Tywin was Hand of the King under Aerys II Targaryen the crown's income drastically increased. Tywin's management coupled with the stinginess of the king left the coffers overflowing with gold. The revenue of the new regime had increased to ten times that of Aerys Targaryen thanks to the improvements of the new administration and the benefits of the summer years. Stannis proved to be as fond of spending money as his predecessor but unlike Aerys, he was putting the gold he did spend to proper use.

The Doors opened and the rest of the Small council poured in arriving on time as usual. The first ones in were the eldest members, The Masters of Laws and Coin. Both men proved to be stalwart, shrewd and prudent members of the council carefully managing their roles as Master of Laws and Master of Coin respectively.

Jon Arryn, Lord Paramount of the Vale was an amiable man that reminded Tywin of his own father Tytos. Yet unlike his father, Jon was careful in his decisions and did not shy away from taking a stand if the need arose his decision to rebel against the Mad King as proof of that. Loyal Reliable and possessing an air of wisdom, He seemed to be the right choice as Master of Laws and perhaps in another life, he would have made a decent Hand of the King.

Next to him was Hoster Tully Lord Paramount of the Trident and Tywin's co-father in law. Tywin had known Hoster for a long time and both were striving to make advantageous matches for their children. Like Tywin, Hoster was a proud and capable and ruthless lord as seen by the way he dealt with the riverlords that sided with the Targaryens. Hoster punished them all by putting several of their villages to the sword and confiscating much of their holdings and wealth. So both men desired to match their children together which started out with the promising Match between Lysa and Tychus. But after Tychus disappeared, Tywin offered up his second son to Lysa. Now their ambition was finally a reality and already their union was bearing fruit.

Ser Barristan Selmy, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was the only member remaining from Aerys II's original council. A man in his early fifties yet as deadly a warrior as he was when he first donned the white cloak. Tywin remembered all too well after all he was there. The ageing knight spoke only when spoken too yet Tywin could sense the hate in his eyes during their encounters. He remembered the Sack of Kings Landing and hated that he now had to work with the man responsible for it. Yet Ser Barristan had made his choice, honour and duty-bound him to obey his new king. The last one cost him his soul and Ser Barristan hoped he had made the right choice. Now he had the task of rebuilding the kingsguard from scratch. To replace the Kingsguard, Stannis tasked Barristan Selmy with filling the six empty positions. Four were eventually filled by Mandon Moore, Balon Swann and Richard Horpe.

Lord Wyman Manderly, the Master of Ships and also acted as a representative of the North's interests. A kind and jolly man quick to laugh, Wyman seemed like a fool to Tywin since he reminded him so much of his youngest brother Gerion. Yet thus far there have been no complaints from the King and the large man seemed to be doing his job of rebuilding the royal fleet well enough.

Next came Grand Maester Erreck, The death of Pycelle meant that not only did they lose a learned and capable man but Tywin had lost a man in the council. Still, Erreck seemed to be able and nearly as important loyal.

Finally came the Master of Whisperers. Though Tywin was glad not having to deal with that insufferable fool any longer he could not deny the art in the man's abilities. Marwyn now had the daunting task of rebuilding the intricate network the Spider once weaved. Even though the former Archmaester had control of Varys' former birds as well as making connections of his own, there was no way of knowing how much influence the spider still had in Westeros.

They headed for their respective seats but did not sit down until the king said otherwise. Only after they were all present and accounted for did Stannis raise his hand, "be seated.' As they sat there, Tywin contemplated his position in the new regime. On one hand, it was an immense relief to be working alongside competent minds compared to the lickspittles and sycophants that plagued the Mad King's Council. Together they had managed to heal most of the wounds the rebellion had inflicted upon the realm and brought peace and prosperity to Westeros.

Even more so was the King Himself. Tywin had not given it much thought when his son had recommended him for Cersei years ago claiming he would be an effective leader. Now Tywin realized that Tychus had an eye for merit. The new king took his position with utmost seriousness proved as diligent in his role of ruling as Tywin had been never failing to call daily meetings and always reviewing all matters after the fact before finalizing them.

Personally, the more time he spent with Stannis the more he learned how much they had in common. Both were considered mature and solemn during their respective childhoods and their experiences had hardened them to the world. They both resented the gods for the loss of a family member. For Tywin it was his wife Joanna and for Stannis it was his parents, Steffon and Cassana. Neither of them inspired love in those who followed them, only respect. They were serious men who rarely smiled and resented laughter, instead being merciless, unforgiving and efficient.

However, this was also a problem since with such able men, it made it difficult for him to promote house Lannister's interests. Interests that the king only advocated when he was convinced that they aligned with the realms. It didn't help that Stannis had a seemingly religious dedication to justice, in fact, he was as dedicated to justice as Tywin was to his legacy. This was proven when Stannis had over a thousand of Tywin's men executed when they were found guilty of multiple crimes such as rape or murder during the sack. He didn't even consider sending them to the wall.

"No one is above the law Lord Tywin," Stannis told him when he protested. "Whether highborn or lowborn everyone must pay for what they have done."

"Is this how you intend to repay those who fought for your family?"

Stannis looked at him, his hard eyes meeting Tywin's unflinching gaze. "If an army had sacked Lannisport, how would you wish me to deal with those who partook in it?" Stanis let the question hung in the air since both men knew what the answer would be. Looking at the King Tywin at times saw himself in him and felt like he had met his match. Such a clash of ideologies could prove disastrous should the two come to blows. This was evident after Stannis began cleansing the city, rounding up all the known criminals and dealing with them appropriately. Rapists and murderers were executed and thieves lost a hand. His brutal methods resulted in a marked drop in crime in the crownlands, a fact that the King intended to extend to the rest of westeros. He tried to outlaw prostitution but his counsellors persuaded him otherwise. Marwyn was especially keen on keeping them since brothels were a good source to obtain information. So a compromise was made. The Brothels would be allowed to remain but they would be taxed

Yet for all his strengths Tywin noticed that Stannis was lacking in one area, charm. Stannis Baratheon was by no means politically astute preferring to be blunt and to the point even if the point was insulting. He inspired no love in the people as his brother did. Tywin used this to his advantage by using his own political skills to help compensate the King's glaring weakness.

"Now that we are all gather let us begin," King Stannis began. "Lord Tywin."

The Hand was the first to speak, "your grace the sewage system in king's Landing is nearing completion, about eighty-percent of the city has access to it and id progress continues it should be done by next year."

Stannis nodded, "good, the sooner it is complete, the sooner we can start rebuilding Flee Bottom."

Since Stannis became king he had been using the crowns accumulated wealth to rebuilding the Capitol. Lord Tywin's sack of Kings Landing had left most of the city destroyed yet this actually worked to Stannis' advantage since he didn't have to tear down much for what he had planned for the city. In addition to rebuilding their homes, Stannis intended to add a feature to the city that it was in desperate need of, a sewer system. Every other city had one so it didn't seem right that in its 300-year history, not one king ever bothered to build one to clean the city. That was something the king intended to change

Stannis turned to his Master of Laws, "Lord Arryn?"

"Three outlaw bands have managed since the onset of the war. One in the North is called the Faded Band a group of Night's Watch deserters and Wildlings that made it passed the wall. The second is the New Kingswood Brotherhood in the Stormlands who claim to be men of the people. Lastly is a band of former sellswords called the Brotherhood of the Claw in the Riverlands. They've been extorting minor keeps and attacking supply caravans to sustain themselves. They've also established a smuggling network selling things from weapons to other stolen goods.

"Has anyone been killed so far," Stannis asked.

Jon shook his head, "a few dozen knights and several hundred men at arms, right now they are the largest outlaw bands around. They are constantly conscripting other brigands into their ranks and those who don't end up dead. Though they all seem to have a preference, the Brotherhood of the Claw seems to have a preference to harassing House Frey, The Faded Band wags a guerilla war against the Night's Watch and the New Kingswood Brotherhood usually sticks to the Kingswood and the Rainwood

"What is being done about this?" Tywin inquired.

We've doubled patrols along the road and are escorting Caravans from now on. But these bands are proving to be quite elusive always on the move. We've questioned the smallfolk but it seems that these bands learned from the First Kingswood Brotherhood.

"They seem to be highly organized for mere brigands," Lord Hoster noted.

Jon nodded, "I agree, whoever is leading them is highly knowledgable of the terrain."

"Do we know who's leading them," Stannis asked

Jon shook his head, "the only one we know is that the Faded band is led by one known as the Flown Crow so we know the leader is a Night's Watch ranger. Since Rangers disappear beyond the wall all the time so it is unclear who it is really."

"Double you efforts to finding these outlaws and dealing with them swiftly," Stannis declared. "Enlist the aid of commoners and lords alike and place bounties on their heads. I will not tolerate these degenerates scurry around my kingdom like so many cockroaches."

Jon Arryn Nodded, "tt will be done Your Grace."

Stannis now turned to the Master of Coin. Knowing he was to be addressed, Lord Hoster spoke up, "The reconstruction of the capital has left a gap in the coffers, though to upkeep the sewer we'll need to find people to go down there which is not a pleasant experience

Westeros is not short of people without work," Tywin spoke up, "I'm sure we can find people willing to do the labour for the right price."

"That would cost us extra Your grace."

"Can we afford it?"

"Yes, definitely, though the city would be finished sooner if we didn't bother with this sewer system, and less costly," Hoster remarked

"Kings Landing is the Capital of the Seven Kingdoms, I will not have it smelling like a pigsty," Stannis determined.

"Of course your grace," Hoster replied.

The King then turned to Jon, "Once the Sewers are complete, let it be known that anyone caught dumping their waste in the streets shall be fined 100 copper Stars," Stannis added to Jon."

Jon nodded, "of course your grace."

"Whispers from the Iron Islands your grace," The Master of Whisperers reported. "Much like ourselves, Lord Balon Greyjoy has been spending his rule building a fleet. Longships the size of galleys armed with scorpions and spitfires." This was indeed troubling news, The Ironborn were not known for their Loyalty and the idea of building warships was a great concern especially for those that lived on the eastern coast."

"How many of these warships does Lord Balon have?" Lord Wyman asked, worried.

"From what my spies tell me about 100 ships," Marwyn replied.

Write to Lord Balon and tell him and any action he takes against the Iron Throne will have severe consequences not only for him but for his people, Stannis growled

In the meantime Write to Highgarden and tell their fleet to be on alert. Lord Tywin inform your sons that they too should keep an eye on the Greyjoys."

"Do you suspect an attack?"

"Knowing the Ironborn it is a definite possibility," Stannis replied

"More news from the Stepstones your grace."

"The King in the Narrow Sea," Stannis guessed.

Marwyn nodded, "King..." He paused for a moment, "...Maegor continues to grow in power and conscripting more men into the BloodStars while his Trade Company is arm twisting more merchants that refuse to join them. Many merchants have lost their business and have come here seeking asylum."

"Your Grace," Ser Barristan began, "this man cannot possibly be a Blackfyre. By my own hand, their line died with Maelys the Monsterous.

"The male line died Ser Barristan," Grandmaester Erreck pointed out. But the Female line could have very well endured and that is what happened in regards to his wife's family. They are descendants of Maelys cousin Daemon by his only daughter."

"But what about Maegor," Tywin cut in, "is he a Blackfyre pretender."

Marwyn rubbed his chin, "yes and no Lord Tywin. From what my people can gather, it is said that he is a descendant of Aegor Bittersteel and Calla Blackfyre. His family went into hiding after he died."

"What do we know about this 'Maegor Blackfyre'."

"Not as much as we would like," Marwyn admitted. "From what I can gather he first rose to prominence in Meereen as a Pit Fighter. He is said to be a peerless warrior fighting in a hundred matches and remained undefeated. After winning his freedom, he joined up with a band of escaped slaves and made the journey to Braavos. Along the way he sacked Tolos and Mantarys, He later aided a dothraki Khal in defeating a rival and annihilated the Brave Companions while recruiting a few of them into his ranks. After seeing the slaves safely to Braavos he joined the Golden Company and eventually became it's General after the death of his predecessor.

"How did he come to rule Tyrosh?"

Lys, Tyrosh and Myr are constantly fighting each other for land and the Golden Company was hired by Lys' coin to fight them. These small wars usually occurred far from the cities but Maegor wanted to avenge their fallen commander to he launched a full-scale assault on the City with help from allies within the walls. He killed all the slavers and the business rivals of his allies allowing them to take over their assets."

"How did the other cities react to this?"

"Maegor formed a pact with Lys to appease them. Under this alliance, Tyrosh got the Stepstones while Lys gained the disputed lands from Myr."

'This Maegor Blackfyre must be dealt with," Tywin determined. "He is growing in power and it won't be long before he decides to set his sights on us."

The other councillors nodded but Jon seemed unsure, "is that wise Your grace? Starting a war only after we just recovered from one."

"Which is why we should strike while we have the element of surprise," Tywin replied, "Maegor may think that we are vulnerable by now and seek to take advantage of this opportunity."

Jon nodded, "forgive me, my lords, I don't mean to sound impudent, but do we know that conquering Westeros is his goal?"

"He is a Blackfyre," Ser Barristan pointed out. "His ancestor conquered the Stepstones with the intention of coming here."

"Yes he's built up an army and accumulated wealth but a successful invasion of Westeros would require some houses to join him. Has he reached out to any houses?"

Marwyn shook his head, "nothing outside trade negotiations," There are a few men within the golden company named Strickland, Peake, Mudd, Strong and Lothston though their relation to the actual house is dubious at best."

But he does have westerosi within his ranks, Stannis growled.'

"He does your grace, mainly hedge knights, outlaws, sellswords, and bastards but that seem to be the extent of it."

"Hardly a credible support network if one wants to win over any lords," Jon pointed out."

"If you wish to avoid war than what do you suggest I do," Stannis wondered.

"If I may your grace there is no shortage of bad blood between the Blackfyres and Targaryens. Perhaps we can use that to our advantage. We all know that there are still Targaryens out there and there are still those in Westeros that wish to restore them. Maegor Blackfyre could prove to be a useful ally."

"A truce between Baratheons and Blackfyres?" Stannis wondered, "and just how long do you think that will last?"

Ever since the rise of the Nomenar Isles there has been a marked drop in piracy near Westeros and no reports of slavers have been sighted. I fear that if we overthrow Maegor we would only be subjugating the slaves that have been liberated back into chains and leaving traders at the mercy of pirates once again.

This was an interesting point, misgivings aside there it seemed that Maegor's presence had brought stability to the area. Also despite having to pay higher taxes, most traders able to sail to and from the narrow sea without fear of pirates.

"Let's look at what he's done in the past few years. He's raised a fallen bank from the ground up, turned sellswords into a business and established a mercantile company. all for the sole purpose of making money. Given all this, it seems that Maegor is more businessman rather than a conqueror so it stands to reason that he would only conquer Westeros is he financially gained from it.

I suggest diplomacy try to negotiate a settlement between Westeros and Nomenar. However, we should also take necessary precautions in case he does indeed prove hostile.

Stannis turned to his Master of Ships, "Lord Wyman what is the progress on the reconstruction of the Royal Fleet

"Your Grace the Royal fleet now numbers 100 ships strong and counting rivalled only by the fleets of the Reach and Westerlands which are limited to 100 ships each in accordance with the terms of surrender."

"What of Gulltown and White Harbour?"

"Each now have 50 ships each while the riverlands have 10 at Seagard."

Stannis nodded, "combined that gives us a fleet twice the size of Nomenar's, so if they do try to sail against us we will be ready."

The councillors nodded and Stannis stood up, If there is nothing alse today my lords, then we shall adjourn for today. In the meantime. I will write to this Maegor Blackfyre to see if negotiations can be made."

Once the meetng was over Tywin left for the Tower of the Hand to deal with any remaining matters. Since the King took the most important matters himself Tywin's own load was considerably lighter. For Now Tywin lethimself relax a bit knowing that his family's position was secured for the moment. After Tking Draginstone King Stannis named Tywin's younger brother Tygette as it's new Lord. Stannis needed a strong able man to hold the fortress and Tygette jumped at the opportunity to get out of the shadow of his older brother

Furthermore, the relationship between his daughter and her husband had improved. In the beginning it was no secret that The King and Queen were constantly bickered due to their very different beliefs. From Politics to Raising their children. The relationship between Stannis and Cersei was a complex one. There was no love between them, due to Stannis inexperience with such emotions and Cersei's lingering feelings for Jaime. Cersei was determined with gaining more power and cementing it while Stannis was hellbent on duty and justice. His obsession with the truth made it difficult for people to lie to him which made deception all the more difficult.

But over time, growing respect was taking form. As a child, she was taught to be a certain kind of Lady, to be courteous, submissive and pleasing. However, she quickly realized that everything she was taught was next to useless with Stannis Baratheon. He was not one for courtesies especially false ones and he hated bootlicking as he called it. Because of this Cersei had to develop a whole new set of skills from scratch. She didn't want to admit it but Stannis greatly intimidated her, he reminded her so much of her father yet he manages to be so different.

Then their first Child was born, Cersei gave birth to a healthy black-haired boy they named Lyonel. Later on Cersei and Stannis would have four more children Shireen, Cassana, Edric and Tommen. All of whom had their father's black hair and blue eyes of different shades. However rocky Cersei and Stannis' relationship was stabilized by the birth of these children. Cersei continued to dote on them While Stannis wanted them to understand the harsh realities of life.

Another surprising thing was that Cersei expected the grim-faced Stannis to treat her as nothing more than a trophy wife. But he did nothing of the sort when Cersei had an opinion Stannis actually took the time to listen. In the time they spent together they talked about political issues, normally over a game of Cyvasse. Though Stannis usually had his mind made up, every now and then Cersei would come up with a very compelling argument they would come to a compromise. Until finally Stannis decided to give her a seat onnthe Small Council, She was baffled by this and spoke to him about it over a game one night.

"My father doesn't like the fact that you have me attend small council meetings," Cersei said.

"Your father's way of thinking has made him forget how important women are to ruling," Stannis replied. "It is widely known that your lady mother ruled over Tywin even though he ruled Westeros in all but name. House Tyrell it currently being run by Olenna Tyrell, She may be older than the rest but she has the sharpest mind in the Reach. Since she has taken over, the reach has prospered with incomes increased tenfold. Then there is Jaehaerys the Concilliator, the greatest of the Targaryen Kings, people tend to forget that his rule was reinforced by his wife Queen Alysanne."

"What does that have to do with me?" Cersei asked.

"You are the mother to the future heirs to the throne. A poor mother will forge a poor king.' He looked at her his blue eyes staring into her green. "You are prideful, arrogant, vain and pretentious, which is to be expected from a Lannister. Yet you are strong-willed, ambitious, cunning and deceptive. You have a long way to go, but I see the building blocks of a potentially dangerous woman."

"If I am so dangerous, then you should fear me." Cersei pointed out.

Stannis nodded, "I would not adopt your father's way of thinking if I were you. Your father wants to establish a dynasty that will last forever yet his methods are terribly short-sighted."

"My father believes in ruling through fear," Cersei objected. "He has done so all this time and now everyone fears House Lannister."

Stannis shook his head, "the people fear Tywin not his house, Tywin is a Lion, but his house is filled with cubs. When your father dies that fear will go away. "Fear is a great motivator," Stannis acknowledged, "but it can only go so far."

"Than what works better?" Cersei asked, "Love?"

Stannis shook his head, "love is worse. Your grandfather wanted to be loved as did Aenys Targaryen but their attempts only got them scorn in the end. Baelor was loved but his foolishness nearly alienated half the kingdom. If youtry to please everyone you will only find yourself angering everyone."

"Then what?" Cersei pressed.

"Justice," Stannis answered simply.

"Justice?" Cersei asked incredulously.

Stannis nodded, "A king need to be able to provide the ability to keep chaos at bay. You give the people that and they will follow. That is where true justice comes in. Justice keeps order, without it there is only Chaos, any who refuse to live by the law must die by the law. I will not forsake justice regardless about how people feel about it."
Cersei was stunned at Stannis' way of thinking, and was unsure how to respond.

"In a lion pride the male may rule but it is the lioness that does the true work." Stannis pointed out. "You have spent too long under the shadow of a Lion Cersei Lannister, It is time to stepped out and become the Lioness you were meant to be." He moved a light horse piece killing Cersei's king. With the game over he left Cersei with her thoughts.
As the years passed her council became more sound and reasonable so Stannis began to heed her more. Eventually, he gave her a voice in the council. Cersei felt her power slowly growing as her influence grew and felt herself becoming the queen she had dreamed of becoming.

Casterly Rock

Jaime had been acting lord of Casterly Rock for 6 years and he hated every moment of it. With Tychus gone Jaime now had to live up to his older brother's standards, commanding the same aspects and bearing the brunt of father's expectations and demands. A task Jaime now deemed impossible.
From the tedious meetings to the grievances of their bannermen, Jaime was unable to make sense of things like finances, trade, and harvest. The reason was simple, fighting he could easily understand, numbers he could not.

Jaime sighed, he just wasn't made for this, ruling the Rock. This was what Tychus was meant for, and he was certain that Tyrion could do it all better than him. The only good part about ruling was that he was able to spend more time with Tyrion. He also had Uncle Gerion and Aunt Genna to help him. Both sympathised with their nephew and did all they could to help him. Though Tywin still refused to see it, Jaime, Gerion and Genna began to see what Tychus had seen in Tyrion. Despite being a dwarf, Tyrion was exceptionally brilliant Genna even went as far to say that he may grow even more brilliant than Tychus. For this reason, Jaime was often seeking his advice with important matters.

Jaime wanted to curse Tychus for bringing this on him but then he remembered Kings Landing. When he ensured Jaime's name stayed clean. It was a price he had to pay and one he accepted reluctantly. He had a promise to keep with Tychus, because of this Jaime did everything he could to make Tyrions life as bearable as possible. Lysa couldn't really warm up to Tyrion much to Jaime's dismay, but she wasn't abusive towards him. Jaime suspected that she didn't want to upset Jaime so she usually tried to avoid him. On the other hand, their children seemed to enjoy his company, it was here that Tyrion seemed to be at his cheeriest. Gerion continued teaching Tyrion tumbling tricks due to his skill and with Tywin gone, most of the time they were given more freedom.

His thoughts turned to his wife Lysa. She was pretty enough with auburn hair, high breasts and a slender figure. But in Jaime's mind she paled in comparison to his golden sister. Of his siblings Jaime missed Cersei the most, her kisses, her voice, the tenderness of the bodies next to each other. These memories caused almost physical pain. While Lysa was gentle delicate and sweet, Cersei had been fire always taking charge when their older brother was not around.

Since their marraige, Lysa had given birth to three children, Golden-haired Joffrey and the red-haired twins Joanna and Celia. Lysa doted on her children, but despite the joy they gave her she could not help but worry.

Back in Riverrun, Lysa was in love with a young boy named Petyr Baelish who served as a ward for her father. She liked being close and took any opportunity to play with him and shared kisses often. When Tychus arrived as a new ward, all that ceased, Tychus was meant to be Lysa's betrothed, and she didn't want to anger him. But more so she didn't want him to hurt Petyr, he was small for a boy and Tychus towered over him. Tychus was not comely like Petyr but he was courteous and after all he was the heir to the Westerlands. It was like she imagined, her sister would become Lady of Winterfell and she would be the Lady of Casterly Rock.

When Tychus came of age and Lysa was sent to Casterly Rock to get use to her new home. In her time there she missed Petyr. It seemed like that dream would become reality now. Then Robert's Rebellion happened, Tychus left and never came back. With Tychus gone Tywin and her father arranged for her to marry Jaime.

She was slightly disappointed that she wouldn't be marrying the heir to Casterly Rock. But Jaime was far more comely and chivalrous. When she saw him on their wedding day, Tall, handsome and looking every inch the knight, she forgot all about Petyr and Tychus. Thus it became the happiest moment of her life. That was until Joffrey was born and Lysa believed that her life could not get any better. She may have loved Petyr once but now she dismissed that as infatuation, this was her real destiny and it was perfect, As Jaime watched Lysa play with their children he could not help but smile, it was one of the brightest spots in his time as regent. Little did Jaime know that he and Tyrion's rule over Casterly Rock would be put to the ultimate test.