Razorpaw of Destruction presents
The Hour of the Silent Wolf
…
King's Landing 283 A.C.
It was a sharp great morning of summer, the birds graced the Red Keep. For over sixty years I've never felt this beautiful summer not have been able to see the red keep ever since I had to give it a goodbye after I was with Bloodraven's Honor Guard. Poor beautiful Red Keep, you've been witness to so many tragedies, and my family. My poor family has been famished and left only in shambles after another Civil War. Yet this one caused by a Mad King, I came alongside Uelin, the Child of the FOrest of the Stark of Winterfell, a new one named Utumno was sent. The vessel we took from Castle Black to King's Landing was a Fast Vessel of the Forest Children, alongside my honor guard came Wun Wun, a good friend of the Starks. A Giant sent by Mag the Mighty as a favor asked by the Three-Eyed Raven himself to protect the Magnar of the North. Stane Skagstark lord of the Skagstark family of Skagos also came with us with a retinue of 25,000 Skagosi men whom were ready to die in battle for their Lord Stark. Being in the Night's Watch allowed me to receive tutelage by a Child of the Forest, in my years I've grown blind yet at the same time my warging powers allowed me to skinchange with a raven, that ever since then has been by my side and been my eyes.
I was received by Lord Eddard Stark; acting King of the Seven Kingdoms and Regent of my secret nephew Maegor II Targaryen, when I heard the state of the realm and what was to come by my body shivered. Another hour of the wolf will happen, and this one promises to be one more bloody than Cregan Stark's own. Lord Eddard has issued me with sending letters to Dragonstone, to convince the Targaryen Family and any remaining Loyalists to face a trial, a Northern Trial which if history has taught most end with people beheaded. To my Grand-niece I offered wise words of temperance and strength, I went out of my way to speak about my Great-Great-Grand-Nephew Maegor and the words that my own Lord Father Maekar told me days before his death.
Aemon I
A Targaryen alone in the World is a Terrible Thing.
Maester Aemon Targaryen was raised from his single rank of Maester of the Night's Watch to Grandmaester of the Red Keep. Being replaced from Pycelle who was Tywin Lannister's own man. He didn't had to have eyes to feel the bad stares many Lords directed to him, mostly the Stormlords who stared at him with disgust. Yet Eddard Stark was decisive.
The Stark Family are Friends of the Night's Watch, even of their Maester.
'Only a boy, and already living this hard fate of a divided kingdom.' Maester Aemon's thoughts went to his youngest family member and the only Prince of the Targaryen Family; on the Godswood of the Red Keep Maester Aemon and Eddard alongside the entirety of the Northmen only stared at the baptism of Prince Maegor performed by Uelin as she prayed and sand to the Old Gods and presented them the prince of Fire and Ice. Stark and Targaryen, two of the oldest bloodlines of westeros joining in one. The Pact of Ice And Fire, strangely has been fulfilled though in the other way around. Instead of being a princess offered to the starks, the Starks offered their princess to a Targaryen. The Lords of the Seven Kingdoms meanwhile were all assembling the court as Lady Maege Mormont, acting Hand prepared everything for what would be the trials after the rebellion. Rebellious Lords assembled and prepared to receive and call out their deserved spoils for aiding Lord Eddard; meanwhile the left loyalists in the world were being escorted to King's Landing by the Fleet of the Manderlys. In such fleet comes also the last of his family.
It was only a short time when a southern man is allowed to see the baptism of a Stark in the eyes of the Old Gods, it was quite the sight to see. When the solemn holy ceremony ended, Eddard Stark ordered things to be prepared, just as a Stark Soldier arrived.
"Lord Eddard, Lord Wylas Manderly arrived with the retinue of Dragonstone's Loyalists."
With a nod he gave ordered.
"Have the men apprehend Lord Velaryon. And escort the Targaryen Family to the Great Hall. Prepare it for the trial." All Northern Lords bowed and were gone, the only one left was Lady Maege Mormont whom asked out.
"Who will be first?" Lady Maege Mormont asked to which Lord Eddard Stark spoke sharply.
"Ser Jaime Lannister."
Eddard Stark spoke the name of the heir of the Old Lion of Casterly Rock, Tywin Lannister was not a man to be trifled with and easy to be slighted.
Cersei I
The Seven Kingdoms were at Open War. Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark both led a rebellion against the Targaryen Family, with the Demon of the Trident winning against Prince Rhaegar. And she, was then confined to Casterly Rock while her father and Uncles tried to get Jaime back. People knew Robert Baratheon, he was more the brawn type than the Brains. To many Lords he was the prime candidate to occupy the seat of the King, why was that? Simply, Robert Baratheon could easily be manipualted by anyone. Moreover the man had many bastards already around the realm, he as a man of women and drink. Which meant a man easily to be manipulated by any woman. Someone whom would allow the Lords to act however they desired with no amount of reprimand. And it would've been like that, her father planned it pristinely without a flaw. Her hand for marriage in exchange for Jaime. It was flawless and it would've worked, she even saw no flaw in her father's plan.
It was HER father's Plan.
Yet the God's got the last laugh and Robert Baratheon fell to Dornish spear venom and Rhaegar's blade. And now, the realm was deadly silent and anxious. Anticipating. Why? Because the unlikely rebel leader was the only one of the two to survive rumors went out by the time they arrived to King's Landing. People spoke of Giants, Sorcery near Godswood trees, a Child which appeared of nowhere, Kingsguards barred in cells, loyalists barred in cells, the leftover Targaryen Family being forced against their will back to King's Landing to face a trial for the crimes committed against House Stark. And Jaime was in the middle of it.
"You're going to do whatever it needs to be done to get Lord Stark to free your brother. Whatever he wants you shall give. Do your duty before the Tullys realize what they've given away."
The sound of a whetstone being so suddenly rubbed through the sharp edges of a sword could be heard in the Godswood of the Red Keep. An eerie silence shared only by the constant rustle of the trees echoed paired with the sound of the whetstone on the sword. Where many men would abuse the power of the Iron Throne to do whatever they desired, this man instead so patiently manages to simply use a whetstone on a sharpened sword. Sitting in between the big roots of a Wierwood Tree, the biggest around he didn't stopped his motions. She could see his head, of long light-brown with a long clean-shaven face which was empty of any expression and holding so much peace. So solemn in face. She felt disgusted at being used by her father, even if as a young lady she knew that one day she would've been bartered off to a marriage, she never realized that it would start this way.
"You look like a fish my uncle Gerion caught once."
Gray eyes stared at her green ones, sharply. Startled, he stopped his movements and checked her characteristics sharply. He had been sitting on the weirwood tree's roots to notice her. He gulped and cleared his throat.
He got up, storing the sword on the scabbard. "Lady Cersei." He daintily and gently took her right hand and kissed it.
He must've adressed her as Lord Tywin Lannister's eldest child. 'Just like evryone else.' She thought. Her father promised her she would be a queen, Cersei didn't knew if father would make well on his promise. Moreover when now the players in the game changed now so drastically, ever since that tourney. Now she was before the main player, the player whose game nobody knows, the player whose game promised the downfall of her father's dynasty and all the realm bowed to this man.
She played a waiting game and not for the first time she wished she'd been born a male. If she were a male she would've been the Heir to Casterly Rock, fighting alongside her father and Uncle Kevan, but she was a girl. Who was to be sold like horse to the highest bidder, or in this case. Placate the man whom occupies the seat of King from beheading her brother.
The news were like hot pie by the time many just woke up, the Hour of the Silent Wolf was going to start and the first one called was Jaime Lannister, in secrecy by many called as Kingslayer. If her father had ever a semblance of nervousness and anxious anticipation, it would be this. Her Uncle Kevan escorted her to the Sept of Baelor where her father, HER FATHER was PRAYING to the seven for Jaime getting out unscathed. That morning she was thinking of Jaime, her fingers slid inside of her opening imagining her brother's fingers and mouth inside her when her uncle Kevan massively embarassed told her that her father had summoned her.
His face didn't betray any emotions. She was used to men looking at her with desire almost from the moment they lie eyes upon her. Yet this man merely addressed her in a shy manner, never deviating to take looks at her body but instead looking deep into her eyes.
This is the man that holds the entirety of the Seven Kingdoms on his hand?
"Lord Stark, the south seems to go well with you." She taunted laying out a trap for him to take, to foolishly cling to that pride of a maiden complimenting him. If the North could embody a person, that would be Eddard Stark. Without being in war he wore his respective armor, and around his neck, a wolf-pelt with the wolf's head on the left shoulder, if history would give a description of what Cregan Stark looked like, it would be now him. Cregan Stark being only a little older than Eddard when he marched down to placate the Dance of Dragons.
"We're not the south my Lady."
A cold calculated and poker-faced rebuttal was not what she expected of him. By now a man would be boasting out his prowess in battle, stating tales of sword and shield on the enemies. Not being given a cold rebuttal that felt as if she was washed by the coldest of Northern blizzards. He remained at a healthy distance as grunted. This boy wasn't the realm's delight, for as the realm's delight died and from it stayed a Northern man. Her brother was in danger, and she's the only one that can help him.
"Many have been wondering for your positions in your council Lord Stark. You've yet to name a Justice of the King." She tried to get informtion and perhaps manage to seduce the man that might've been in charge of her brother's execution.
"We don't do that in the north my Lady. A ruler who hides behind paid executioners soon forgets what death is." Eddard spoke and she frowned, cornered against a wall that she cannot get out of. The Wolf had the Lion cornered, and it was a wolf with a pack of Stags, Falcons and Trouts. She approached further and broke the personal space, her body almost in intimate contact with his, arching her back to emphasize the size of her bosom.
"What is your price Lord Stark? For sparing my brother Jaime from your blade." Eddard Stark glanced at her, the Northern Lord was taller than her and between them was only silence as he stared down into her eyes. All she saw where those gray eyes, soft and yet a mystery to them. Who was this man that she can't break so? Who was this man to make her loose her wits so? How could this man do when many couldn't?
"What if I ask you for your maidenhead, my lady?"
She hesitated, once more. Of all the things she expected; she never did expect the thing that got her to almost loose her balance. Her maidenhead, valuable worth fields of gold and treasures, yet worthless to a Dragon. Worthless to a Dragon Prince.
"A Lion always pays its debts, Lord Stark." She expected a reaction, anything, excitement, his pupils changing yet all she saw where his focused eyes on hers as he looked lightly dazed and yet not. Eddard Stark stared at her deeply and continued. Slowly his lips curled up ever so tiny, almost imperceptible to eyes of others.
"Some would say that you've squandered a gift that by rights should've belonged to your future husband to a northernman."
"Some men are fools, and he's a better man than most men I've seen." Better than Prince Rhaegar.
"We shall see my Lady, we shall see." She frowned as Lord Stark left the Weirwood tree, she got no definitive reply and instead only got what was a semblance of her offer. She grumbled and stomped, as she went towards her Lord Father to tell him what happened. Was he interested in her? Was he going to spare Jaime?She would give anything to see him safe, if her Maidenhead and bearing a wolf-child from her womb, was the only price, she would damn have it.
Lion and Wolf, didn't made for a bad combination.
it didn't made Walking the red keep, she found not so far away her Uncle Kevan whom escorted her back to the Lannister Maison in King's LAnding. The only place the Sack didn't rot away. In her father's solar, he seemed to be carefully checking documents and seemed to give bags of golden dragons to a man to take away.
"So, did you managed to negotiate with Lord Stark?" Her father asked to which she frowned and bit her lip. She took a breath and spoke.
"He asked for my Maidenhead."
Her Uncle Kevan widened his eyes, no man would normally ever crassly and directly demand a woman's maidenhead. The south was used to courting and arranged marriages, not to some barbaric question out of nowhere. Yet, her father only snorted and his lips curled lightly. "You're dismissed."
"What am I to make of this father?" She would remain composed. Tywin Lannister after all didn't appreciate tantrums. And she was not a little girl anymore. She was a woman grown.
"Well, Lord Eddard Stark has said it. You're to marry Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North and until a true state is made, possible Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms." Tywin stood up. And she couldn't even if she asked. Winterfell, she remembered the direwolf sigil and the words. Winter is coming. The north, that was so far away, she had never been so far away. The northern kingdom was so foreign, so cold and strange to her.
"Father, surely a better match could be made. You promised me I would be queen." She said with a calm voice void of any feeling. Her father hated any displays of childish emotions as he called them.
"Alas I did child, but with the Targaryen still around and still nothing being clear that is the only thing I can reassure you of. You would've been married to Robert Baratheon, which already this is an improvement." Tywin's only sign of affection was a small squeeze in her right shoulder. "Cheer up, the North is the largest Kingdom in Westeros. You will be Lady of Winterfell and your children will be Wardens of the North and Lords of Winterfell. And she saw it as a punishment, she saw it as injustice more than anything else.
"I'm your only daughter and you sail me to the end of the world. Away from my home, to the of savages and wildlings." The man snorted.
"Spare me the mummer's spectacle. It'll be your hand that will release your foolish brother from his Kingsguard oath. Your union shall bring us prosperity. The westerlands and the North together, power is power. Do not forget it Cersei." as he turned around to pick a book from the shelves. She took it as a hint that she was dismissed.
"Get ready for the the meeting at the Great Hall. Kevan, made sure Genna gets aware that my daughter has to wear her best silks." His stern glance was enough to emphasize what was being played at.
Catelyn I
Her Father brought her out of the Riverlands, King's Landing is such a beautiful city. She had never had the pleasure to meet it or get acquainted with it until today. The seat of Targaryen Power over the seven kingdoms sat here. Catelyn Tully is confident, a confident woman in her beauty whom has learned under her septa and always followed dutifully to the Gods. She was arranged to be marriage with a beautiful Northern Prince, her beloved Brandon Stark. The first son of Lord Rickard Stark. The Wild Wolf of the North charmed her from the day she heard of him, she dedicated to dream her future with him, having his children and being Lady Of Winterfell. She could picture their child, a strong boy with her curls atop his head and charming as her beloved is. He was so charming and so handsome, yet the Gods didn't spared Brandon any mercy. For as when Princess Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna Stark he went to the south just before he married her and he was imprisoned. Later Lord Rickard Stark tried to free his son only to be burned and her beloved Brandon choked to death. She didn't had time to mourn for his death when war started, the realms quaked in war and her father told her that it was a possibility that she would marry Brandon's young brother Eddard. She didn't knew of him and for the short things Brandon said about him, it portrayed him as a distant long-faced man with a few smiled and most of the time serious. Yet quite charming if met well. Her heart sank but she accepted her duty. Yet her Lord Father, came back and stated that Eddard Stark placed all marriages on hold for the sake of bringing justice and instead her little sister Lysa would marry Lord Jon Arryn to secure the Rebel Alliance and march south. Eddard Stark never visited the Riverlands, and instead they marched off with Jon Arryn and met them nearby for the battles that would soon follow.
Everything was thrown away when her father sent a hasty letter to their uncle Brynden Tully the acting regent of The Riverlands to send her soon to King's Landing. Apparently Robert Baratheon died and Eddard Stark lead the last portion of the Rebellion and, as things are going. He would be crowned King of the Seven Kingdoms soon. And her father stated to her finally the motives of her coming.
Eddard is a good friend. He was played badly, originally I intended for you to be ruling lady of the North. The biggest kingdom in westeros, yet the Game has Changed my dear. Eddard Stark is the most powerful man in the seven kingdoms, he's been king for weeks and the Hour of the Silent Wolf is near. I'm sorry that Brandon died dear, but there won't be any better bachelor for my dear daughter than the strongest man in the seven kingdoms. With you as his possible Queen.
The red keep was massive as it was beautiful. Inspiring and yet also powerful, Brandon Stark she dreamed. Yes, as a girl of twelve name-days she dreamed of Winterfell and a happy life. Yet now, watching the beauty of the red keep, she couldn't help but imagine. Eddard Stark, from how he's portrayed she could only imagine him as the most famous of Stark lords. Cregan Stark. A stern and formidable northern lord and a formidable swordsman, and the more she thought about it. The more she realized that there was no better husband she could ever have. Brandon Stark was a maiden's dream come true, handsome, charming and ever so playful. Eddard Stark was a realized maiden's dream in the bloom of her life, an adult maiden's dream. A good man who would be a good lord and keep to her. She however pondered on what her father followed afterwards.
However my dear, be aware that you won't be the only one. The seven kingdoms know that Lord Eddard Stark is single and has no wife yet. Beware of the Lannister my dear, Lord Tywin Lannister's daughter is known to be a very beautiful maiden. All the gold of casterly rock liquefied on her hair, locks of shimmering gold to stun even the most kind of men. You hold a beauty to yourself too my dear, you have your mother's beauty, you're a Tully. It's your time to swim dear, swim and hunt a wolf. Whatever you must do to assure him do so my dear, I shall deal with the consequences and Lord Stark is an honorable man. He would never leave you.
Cersei Lannister.
She seethed, the Lannister were known for being clever and behind them was Lord Tywin Lannister one of the most powerful and richest Lords of the Seven Kingdoms. If from what she learned of Brandon could apply, Eddard doesn't cares about money, therefore she has the advantage of a fair field between them. As she walked around the guards she heard their whispers.
Did you hear? The Kingslayer will be the first one to be sentenced by the Wolf.
*Chuckles*
If what we hear about The Old Lion's daughter is true, then they might be offering her to the Wolf.
I saw her going to the Godswood today and some Lannister guards around.
She frowned, so they had their first meeting already. She smiled, she had hopes yet, she would get to meet him next after the Kingslayer is given proper judgment. As her father and some Riverlords sat, she sat by her father's side as Lords from all over the Seven Kingdoms arrived and they took seats, yet the Targaryen were not around in sight. As the herald announced more Lords and Ladies, soon the hall was whispering and many were speaking.
The herald then snared the hornet and announced as the gates of the Great Hall received more Lords.
"The Sworn Houses of the North. Lord Roose Bolton of Dreadfort, Lord Medger Cerwyn of Castle Cerwyn, Lord William Dustin of Barrowton, Lord Rickard Karstark of Karhold, Lord Donnel Locke of Oldcastle, Lord Wylis Manderly of White Harbor, Lady Maege Mormont of Bear Island, Lord Howland Reed of Greywater Watch, Torren Liddle of The Northern Mountains, Lord Theo Wull of the West Northern Mountains, Lord Stane Skagstark of Driftwood Hall, Lord Edwyle Goldstark of Stony Shore. Uelin, Child of the Forest in the care of House Stark." She widened her eyes at the mention of a child of the forest, as all the Lords passed by, the hall grew eerily silent, as a wrinkly Old Maester followed the procession without being announced Lords discussed silently as they made opinions on the Northmen. The gates were closed after the Lords were allowed inside.
The dark-haired armored woman whom is Lady Maege Mormont got up and spoke with the Herald whom straightened and soon things were once more a short while longer, the gates were reopened.
"Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, Protector of the Realm. Demon of the Bells, Friend of the Night's Watch." Emerging sharply, many Lords remained silent as she glanced at Eddard, he was slimmer than his elder brother, only by a minimal margin and he carried himself straight and walked forth to the throne. Many Lords saw how he easily sat, made himself comfortable and the throne dared to not even cut a strand of his hair. As he sat down, he spoke.
"Bring forth the first."
The herald nodded and soon the gates opened to revealed Stark Guards holding a shackled Ser Jaime Lannister. Many Lords whispered the Words of Kingslayer and Oathbreaker. The blond-haired male stood before the hall with an unreadable confident face.
"You have quite the audience, ain't it Stark?" She grunted in disgust, the lannisters take nothing seriously, and equally all lords were disgusted except the Lannister who stayed still.
Silence summoned the hall and Eddard Stark brought forth his speech.
"Ser Jaime Lannister, you stand accused for the next crimes; being the accomplice of King Aerys II on the murder of both Lord Rickard Stark, Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell and Brandon Stark Heir to Winterfell. You witnessed the burning of one of the Lords of the Seven Kingdoms and you watched the injustice being done. You are accused of failing your oath of being just and allowing an injustice being made by your King. Calling not even afterwards for it's brutality. You're also accused of violating the right of pit and gallows by inflicting the capital punishment of execution that was not in your rights to do so given your status as a Knight. Of these charges, how do you stand Ser Jaime?"
Many Lords gasped and whispered in between them. The Lannisters of course were sweating, Eddard stark carefully build his case and cornered the young Kingslayer before everyone. Everyone knows what happened with Lord Rickard Stark and poor Brandon. It is known by everyone that the Mad King's Kingsguard was present during the atrocious crime and no kingsguard said a single word. As for the second crime, even more cornered was Jaime Lannister. He took justice by himself by killing the mad king when it should've fallen on either a Lord or a King in the case of Eddard Stark who sits in the Iron Throne.
"Of the charges of accomplice, I stand Innocent. I was the youngest Kingsguard at the time and Ser Gerold Hightower my Lord Commander. We are there only to protect the King, we cannot judge or prevent him for doing his actions."
Eddard Stark nodded sternly and spoke further.
"And of the usurping of fuctions not yours?" He asked to him which caused him to stay silent.
"Burn them all." He repeated ominously as he stared shock.
"Mad King Aerys was announced of Rhaegar's death the morning after the Trident. Wisdom Rossart and his Pyromancers were already around the Keep mostly. He, He ordered for the Pyromancers to install wildfire caches below King's Landing. He…he believed that if he was to loose, he would take the realms apart with fire. When the news of my Father's army approaching, I pleaded the King to give up and ask for parley. But he denied it. Pycelle, convinced him to open the gates. Tywin is a good friend of the crown, the king said." He stared telling his tale, and many were silenced.
"he ordered to open the gates and the Lannister men started attacking the city. We had time, thus I pleaded King Aerys to raise the white flag. Bring me your father's head! He ordered me. As he turend to Rossart. Burn them. Burn them, burn them. Burn them in their homes, burn them in the streets, burn them in the sept, burn them as they escape. Burn them all! He decalred to Rossart and I…stabbed him. Then, when the king stared at me he stayed immobile." He spoke and closed his eyes and glanced to his hands.
"I think he never believed I would've betrayed him. I stabbed him in the back before he could say anything else." Tears cascaded down Ser Jaime's eyes as Lady Cersei Lannister embraced her brother, the Westermen were all shocked at hearing their Liege Lord son's tale. The halls were silent in horror at the last hours of the Mad King who fell to his own madness.
"Under the circumstances presented by your testimony, Ser Jaime Lannister. You're a free man. The Seven Kingdoms hold you not accountable of the crimes you committed, The Seven Kingdoms shall claim you as the Hero of King's Landing. You're free to do any oaths and vows you desire. Ser Jaime The Oathkeeper."
And Catelyn Stark was left breathless. No one raised a single word nor a single expression of defiance, all Lords were left speechless.
Eddard Stark IS a King.
And she would be thrilled to become his Queen.
Eddard Stark IV
After Ser Jaime's trial and without having any defiance, all the Lords agreed to comission the Alchemist's guild to take out the Wildfire Caches on King's Landing and as last sentence, the Guild shall be kicked off of King's Landing, where they shall find home in a place elsewhere. A decision Aemon told him was the wisest he has ever taken. Maegor was being taken care of by Uelin and Wylla, nobody said anything about the boy and he wasn't seen. Of course, the Targaryens had many questions and were being held mostly in a heavily-guarded pub. Aemon was being constantly harassed by Dowager Queen Rhaella Targaryen about the state of her Grandson and Heir of the Seven Kingdoms Maegor. And she had damn a right to be, yet that cannot happen yet. Not when there are many things to be clarified. In the Chambers of the Hand of the King, were now Uelin, Wylla, Maester Aemon, Maege Mormont, Howland Reed and Rickard Karstark.
"Ser Jaime Lannister proved that we cannot judge the Kingsguard for the crime of being witnesses of my family's deaths." He frowned and crossed his arms.
"Perhaps it's better if we leave it that way Ned. Some secrets are better kept as secrets. Moreover, you know what story the Kingsguard would tell you, and if they do it from their lips. The realm will go bonkers." Maege expressed in her colorful language which caused Rickard to chuckle and nod.
"I've got to agree with Maege there Ned. Out hands are tied down in that aspect. With the Kingsguard dismissed and Jaime pardoned. Leaves you only Pycelle, Varys and the Targaryens. Though I would doubt you would put the Royal Family on trial, knowing that they are now your family and by extent ours too." Eddard frowned and stared at the floor.
"The entirety of the Kingsguard will be released from their vows. I'd rather die than have any of them be around Maegor." He grunted and continued to glare at the floor in focus.
"You sure you want to do that? You know how the folks here play when things don't go their way. They might do anything to get rid of Maegor."
Once again Maege was the voice of reason and he frowned.
"The trial of the Kingsguard will be left pendant, they shall be for the moment released and comissioned to take care of the authorities in function; meaning Maegor and Myself. Now, I have a double edged sword here. The deaths of Elia Martell and Aegon Targaryen were brutal and unjustified. Ser Gregor Clegane escaped, but we can guess that he went uncontrollable during the sack." He frowned, he knew that to bring full justice he'll have to also prick on the Lannister and the thing he doesn't wants at the moment is for things to get rough.
"You can pin as an accomplice to Ser Gregor Clegane by allowing him to roam free-of-charge in the Red Keep. But that will also have to directly pin the crime on Ser Gregor Clegane, therefore that won't be good." He frowned and turned to Howland.
"Do you have anything on him Howland?" He shook his head.
"Only an association with a Pentoshi Magister. Aside from that, nothing." Eddard frowned, they covered their trails well, so very well.
"Varys will be Sent to the wall. Now, on Pycelle."
"Now that's different. I have letters here, letters which have dirt on everyone, yet there is one…a single letter. From Lyanna to Elia." Howland passed the letter to Eddard who opened it and read it. Each time heard it his heart broke and his hatred for Robert grew. To shame Lyanna in such a way was undeniable. Yet it speaks of another letter, one far worse.
"It says here there's a letter of Pycelle to a man named Petyr Baelish." This time Howland handed the letter once again and he opened it and read it. He frowned even more and his face went grim.
Petyr Baelish, whomever it was. Was a bastard and a cunt, he payed Pycelle to entice the Mad King to burn his father Rickard and his brother Brandon, his motives unknown. But he stated that he has a vendetta against House Stark, his house. Further payment will be given to him when the deed is done.
"Pycelle will be accused of breaking the King's Peace and causing the assassination of Rickard Stark and Brandon Stark under the Payment of an anonymous man who send him this letter." This caused Rickard to rise an eyebrow.
'Why not expose this Petyr fellow already, and kill two in one."
"The name stated on the Letter cannot guarantee the man's name is Betyr Baelish, it's too easy. We can however pin this on Pycelle and get rid of him."
"Ned, there's more on that Maester. We found his journals." He pushed forth and opened the pages.
"Here, it states the order he received from the Coclave of Maesters to start the end of the Targaryen Line ever since Aegon V. He…he planted wildfire in Summerhall to burn it. Oh my God." This caused Eddard to get up and glance in shock at the Journal's contents, he frowned. Eddard read further and further, and frowned once ended.
"Pycelle first. Send the orders to the men, let's continue. We have more time."
Emerging from his chair and walking the halls, descending the stairs, reaching the the Great Hall and being called by the herald once more, the Lords of Westeros were once again present and he sat in the Iron Throne. And just as he sat, he stared at the guards bringing forth the aged Maester.
"GrandMaester Pycelle you stand accuse for the following crimes; The Assassination of King Aegon V Targaryen, Prince Duncan Targaryen and Ser Duncan The Tal, by substituing the wildfire for a vlatile formula which caused the Tragedy of Summerhall. You stand accused for poisoning Queen Rhaella Targaryen to cause her multiple abortions during her years. Yet also stand accused of the assassination of Lady Joanna Lannister by administering her Venom during her pregnancy years to make her delivery prone to hemorrage, which would've also killed the baby inside her, such venom administered during her years in the Red Keep's Court." This caused ire in the eyes of the Westermen whom rose up and glared at the Maester in their employment. If Tywin Lannister's glare could kill, right now the man's glare would've wrought the Rains of Castamere upon the man. You also stand accused of Poisoning Princess Martell during her years in court causing her to deliver a sickly daughter Elia Martell. Whom, you also poisoned during her years as Princess to almost die delivering her children. And; you stand accused of being payed for disrupting the King's Peace. That meaning, you were paid to entice the mad king to burn Lord Rickard Stark and his heir Brandon Stark. You also feigned neglect and ignorance at the ravens send with the location of my sister Lyanna Stark. Do you deny it?" He asked calmly to the Maester whom looked crestfallen and shocked.
"I-l."
"Your Journal details your activities during the Reigns of King Aegon V, Jahaerys II and Aerys II. Where you detail the days, the times and the specific venoms you administered to each of the members in the Mad King's Court; three of which were the Lady Paramount of the Westerlands, The Princess of Dorne and The Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Here is also the letter of your contractor whom paid you to entice Aerys's madness to burn my Father and kill my brother. Your guilt is obvious Maester. Therefore you shall be given the King's Justice." He gave a nod to Lady Mage who stormed off and he rose off from the Iron Throne. In the Courtyard of the Red Keep, without that much of a ceremony, the rock was placed and he rose his sword.
"What are your last words Maester?" Eddard asked severely, he wasn't going through the large oaths, no King has been crowned, therefore he's still in his hour of justice.
"Mercy. Mercy my King. Please. I can serve you well."
The sound fo the blade falling upon the maester was decisive, on the stands Ser Jaime Lannister had a look of barely contained fury, Lady Cersei Lannister cried into her Father's chest as Lord Tywin looked severely upon the punishment brought to the Grandmaester.
"Send a Copy of Pycelle's Journal alongside his head to Dorne. Dorne deserves justice for the crimes done against their Princesses." Eddard walked out of the courtyard and went back to the Iron Throne, sitting on it and thinking deeply on what's to come. The morning has beenalready over and the noon was about to end to give to the day. People would be massively hungry already after two consecutive trials, each with a short recess. He wasn't merry but he turned to Rickard Karstark.
"Rickard, have some of the cooks of the army do a feast. Tell them to use whatever's available on our reserves, I'll appreciate anything." The northman laughed.
"Taking heads tends to make us hungry after all." Greatjon umber boomingly laughed and patted Rickard's back and both went towards the Kitchens and get the people there to work up on a feast. It's the best he could do after they've practically been tense the whole day. And the best is yet to come.
Thus the Hour of the Silent Wolf, was brought to a pause. For as the Silent Wolf had to eat and invited the Lords equally to eat.
Cersei II
Surprise.
All what she could feel was, surprise. Her dear mother, the mother who she misses and mourns so much. Was the silent victim of a gray-rat's murderous perversions. Her ears listened, each crime far wretched than the last, her mother's own suffering now had a name. And it made her heart clench and her very chest roar demanding justice. She cannot help but feel delight and hot between her legs each time she pictured the memory of the gentle soul she courted; a man who listened when someone spoke, who kissed her hand when he greeted her. That same man with no hesitation and mercilessly carried justice in the name of the realm and without a second thought, swung the sword himself. She felt thrilled, exhilarated; the power he had rolled off from him so naturally and all the Lords could only gulp at what they've seen.
Yes, they should fear. The realms tremble when beasts take over the throne. Lion or Wolf, when they take the throne raw power is all what leaks from the throne to the realms. By the time the couryard affair was gone and she had a minute to once more get a hold back of her own state. Her brother was still tearful and her father was still apalled at what had just happened. That damn Pycelle was their man, they trusted him and they were paid back with this betrayal. By the time they came back to the Great Hall, to see many tables were prepared and cooks served a feast. All the Lords of the Realm Feasted, talking about their keeps and their achievements in war. Some others more silent only took to eating and doing no else.
Her eyes tried to search for him but found him not there, her lips curled up.
What is the fear?
She teased in her thoughts and with a candid smile continued to eat.
By the third time dishes were served Eddard Stark arrived with some northmen by him, he sat down in the table and many Lords which continued to eat stared at the Stark Lord silent. She frowned, what was his game?
"I hereby announce that due to the nature of the Kingsguard's oath, the members of Aerys II's Kingsguard shall be given partial freedom and retake their duties and receive orders from me. With that said, please do enjoy the feast." He gestured forth and many Lords continued to eat, it was expected. She almost laughed, of course he wouldn't kill the best Sword's in the realm. Some of the men inthat Kingsguard were worth Lannister gold. Men like Ser Arthur Dayne or Ser Gerold Hightower were the Realm's best swords. Millions would be paid to have them contracted to any Lord, wasting them outside of the Red Keep was a foolish endeavor. As food came and went from the tables, no music was performed by minstrels not dancing allowed. She found the affair to be quite tense. Were these how Northern feasts were made? If that is the case, then truly life in the North is a hard one.
By the time the feast ended, and she unfocused from her food. The hairs on the back of her neck brittled, her eyes stared at the Tully trout casually having conversation with her man. As she meekly giggled and he chuckled scratching his head in shyness, the same one he showed when greeting her for the first time. She clutched her cup and realized something more severe.
I'm not the only one.
She wasn't the only one whom would try to take the side of the Honor-seeking, Ice-Blooded Lord Stark. The realms knew power and naturally Lords wanted a piece of that power, with Robert Baratheon gone all was now in the Stark's hands and it was bound to attract attention. She almost chuckled, so this was how the Hour of the Wolf goes. It was a northern game without the silly niceties of the court, if you were interested in someone. Go there and do it, don't use pretext such as dances or singing to do so. She read about the Dance of Dragons, her castle's Maester Creylen lectured her on the Civil War motives and what the aftermath was left in westeros. Yet, Cregan Stark being mentioned various times. No one ever told the story of the Dance of Dragons, only that Lord Cregan Stark marched south, beheaded people and took back a southern maiden to his castle. What was her name? It was a Blackwood woman for sure.
Alysanne Blackwood
She remembered the name so suddenly. She remembered a history book detailing a graph of Lady Alyssane courting the Old Wolf. This moment in time would make history, she didn't doubted. The moment where the Targaryen Royalty were openly held on trial for the crimes done against the Liege Lord of the North, no one has ever dared so much as to lift a single finger out of the authority of the king until they did so. And now, she was a player in what maybe in the future would be a Second Hour of the Wolf perhaps.
I shall win.
Turning to her father, she saw him gone. Jaime was talking with many knights and other sers of the Westerlands, finding herself neglected by her brother. 'Sitting here does nothing.' She got up and firmly went to Lord Stark, she would ge the point across. That he is only hers, that the Lion takes what it wants and likes not to see its property being taken by another.
Eddard Stark V
As he said his goodbyes to Catelyn, he could only mournfully glance to the floor. He didn't felt comfortable with the feasting, his long face expressed his mournful sadness well. As he took the path to the Maester's Room, he thought back on the conversation he had with Lady Catelyn. He spoke to her politely and gave his condolences for the loss of his elder brother Brandon. She was a strong woman, battering through the loss of her fiancee. The next hours of conversation were him speaking of his brother; adventures and silly stories which made her giggle and laugh.
He envied her.
If he could only have a short amount of the happiness she held enough to giggle, he would've been a different man. Instead he lost two siblings, only one was left and he was the only person that held the realm together from bleeding itself out. As he knocked the Rookery's room, he opened to see the elderly master tending to his ravens. The same ravens he kept in the Night's Watch, perched to his right shoulder was a raven, which spoke of the man's ability to skin change.
"Maester Aemon." He reverred to the elderly man.
"Lord Regent."
He bit his tongue, it was a crass affirmation by the man. The man was a Tragaryen at heart and knew the ways of the kingdom more than he ever could, he was aware of Maegor's existence therefore in all sense of the world he was now, a Regent. He stayed silent and pushed forth his orders.
"Maester Aemon, would it be too much to send a letter to my brother Benjen in Winterfell. I wish to know how he is; he must be told that I'm well and that Robert died. That I won't be able to return back to the north until I make sure the realm is pacified or at last less chaotic. I miss him." The maester offered some water and a seat, which the Lord Stark gladly took and he sat down.
"All men must rest Lord Stark." Maester Aemon chided and passed a water to the man whom drank it greedily and massaged his forehead.
"I don't know how my ancestor Cregan could do it."
This man made the Maester's lips curve up, and amusingly he spoke.
"Sometimes stories are exalted Lord Stark. Be reassured, you're making a difference for the realm with your actions."
The man nodded with a hooded appearance on his eyes and got up. Revering to the Maester before leaving, he desperately sought out the Godswood, it's tranquility and its sheer beauty, the silence and the peace. The realm was always chaotic, always a new atrocity and venomous attack done and revealed. He found himself missing the northern sincerity and bluntness, where people are prone to embrace each other and conciliate and not spit venom and bite each others out. He felt a pristine sincerity from Lady Catelyn whom courtly thanked his condolences, she was about to shift the conversation to him but he politely interrupted stating that he wanted to get in touch with his little brother Benjen in Winterfell. He couldn't bear his elder brother's former wife charming up to him, a pit of dread formed into his stomach as he thought the prospect of Hoster Tully pushing his daughter forward to him. The woman his brother courted and followed his duty for, he cannot do it. It was a dishonor to even attempt anything with the Lady, she was beautiful, demure and the embodiment of what any Lord would wish in a wife. Yet….
Lord Stark
He pondered on the title now bestowed upon him and the hell that he'll wrought upon the realm now that things have will turn sour. Varys had no dirt therefore he'll have to free him, but he'll be dismissed to Essos.
'What am I to do now?' The world stopped its beat to stare at him and see what he'll do next. He deeply frowned and held his ever characteristic long face, now he was the lone wolf.
"Will we meet always like this Lord Stark?" The exquisitely beautiful face of a girl with long blond locks blocking the orange full son above him took Ned by surprise. He was startled once again by Tywin Lannister's daughter, she was breathtakingly beautiful, a southern woman through and deep inside her eyes he could see a fire yet also a pristine sincerity. He could only lightly smile and look down, broken, hurt; in pieces. He chuckled dryly, bowing his head in his heads as he choked back a sob. The girl made a noise through her nose as she stared at the grieving ruler of the seven kingdoms. Many men speak of the glories of war and death, yet none speak of the mourning of those that go.
"Forgive me, my lady…It's just my title…" He mused and returned his gaze to her, her eyes watched with interest as she rose an eyebrow. The peaceful godswood gave him a feeling of such a peace.
"I've heard it already a thousand times…but I never thought that it would be me that people would be adressing." He snorted. "When they call me 'Lord Stark' and I…I call out for my father, or move to push Bran for his attention. But, uh, they…they're not here." He sighed sadly mourning the fact that his siblings weren't in the world anymore.
He felt a hand touch his shoulder, in a strange gesture of sympathy. Her green eyes studied him, in Cersei's other hand she held a wine skin and she offered him some. It hadn't been a secret what happened to his father or Brandon. It was the entire reason all this Hour of the Silent Wolf tirade people spoke about was happening. He, gave her a short nod and took the wine skin from her, their hands brushing slightly. For a moment, they paused and he stared. "Thank you…my Lady." He stated emptily, void of any feelings and empty in his heart and soul. He found his eyes lost in between the past and the future, with nowhere to go and forced to just act reactively upon the moment. He swigged, closing his eyes. He felt the burn on the way down, it was a good tingle and it seemed to settle his nerves and deepen his sadness. He sighed and opened the eyes watching the beautiful sunset already above them reflecting on the leaves of the Weirwood tree.
When he turned he found Cersei was still watching him, her eyes never left him. They seemed to sparkle with the sunset, as if pure wildfire shone into her eyes, her eyes were fixed on him and him alone. He gave a nervous smile and turned away from her piercing stare. Outside of the japes and the coldness he received her with, of the crass comment on her maidenhead to stray her away from being seduced to spare Lord Jaime and stain his vow of justice with dishonor. This was how he truly acted, he cannot keep up with her.
"Do I bother you, Lord Stark?" She asked in a sudden husky low tone. He turned back to her, Old Gods damn it. He's a mourning man, he lost his family; only his Nephew and young brother remain and here he was trying to resist the charms of the Old Lion's eldest daughter. "No, my lady. Just puzzle me."
He stared at her deeply once more. Studying her intentions, each movement and reaction. Her only reply was a tilt of her head with her lips curling up. "You surprise me, Lord Stark. Most, if not many men have claimed to know my sex. Like they know this wild Lion they hunt in their woods. Yet, you're the first man that admits the truth of the matter."
"Which is what?"
The teenaged girl got a sly grin. "You know nothing, Eddard Stark." She took the wine skin from him and drank. Once more the imposing Lord of the North got up and stared deeply at her eyes, face to face, the ice in his ice staring at her. His hooded gaze now into her eyes, half-lidded.
"You have me there…I understand how to move a formation of Knights on the battlefield, I can manage to orchestrate the necessary charges to fairly hand justice but not a woman's mood." He stared once more deep into those green eyes of hers, they were as green as the mountains of the Eyrie. There was a long comfortable silence between them under the weirwood tree; Wolf and Lioness under the eternal winds of the winter. As they both stood under the godswood, the beautiful sounds of nature peacefully around them, as the temperature slowly dropped yet he felt not bothered and Lady Lannister, didn't either. All while, he could see in the background Uelin dancing around the Hearth Tree to the Gods and praying. "Thank you." She stared deep into his eyes, her breathless whisper sending shivers into his spine.
"For what, my Lady?" He asked and her now bore a caring affectionate gaze.
"My mother, was the dearest person to me. House Lannister owes you much for bringing my Mother's assassin to justice my Lord."
She continued, staring even deeper and dazed into his eyes.
"And a lannister, always pays its debts."
He shook his head and spoke firmly. "The best and only safe road to honor, glory and true dignity is Justice my Lady."
His father's words rung deep into his heart as did Jon Arryn's, which got her to smile. "Honor can be a heavy armor, it can render someone's movements." He smiled at her counter, yes. He ackowledged sometimes honor cannot be used. Even less with these games the southern play, Maege was good in detecting the shit these one's tried to get him at. There was a reason why the crannogmen in the shadows listened well to each and every whisper the Lord's say.
"Aye my lady, life is filled with difficult decisions. Only winners are those who make them." He sharply bit back at her words, in perhaps a playful manner but yet also with a bit of seriousness. They were so near each other, he can feel her body heat already.
"Lord Stark." A sharp voice interrupted them both which caused them to turn, standing there with an poker-faced glance was the former hand of King Aerys during his saner years, the man whom could rule the Realm without effort. The most powerful man of the Seven Kingdoms, bar of course himself. The Old Lion of the West.
Lord Tywin Lannister.
"Lord Tywin Lannister." He turned around and directed his form towards the man whom spoke sharper.
"May I have a few minutes of your time." He asked politely and yet also firmly, his faze never leaving him, and his gaze never leaving the man. He stared at him coldly, judgmental. This man was a cold man whom wouldn't hesitate to murder children and women for the sake of obtaining power. He'll have to carefully walk around them.
"My Lady, I hope we may have another chance to talk. I, enjoyed our brief conversation." He kissed her hand and with that done, he followed Lord Tywin Lannister. His stark house guard followed him as did the Lannister house guard for Lord Tywin. The silent walk made him grate on his nerves, Howland Reed has told him multiple times since his prospect trial for Jaime Lannister that his Lord Father was a man obsessed with his line and making his son inherit. King Aerys had Ser Jaime as an hostage, an hostage that now was useless has approached him with the intentions to free Jaime and now Lord Tywin was around him, there was only one thing she could've want.
Marriage.
He sighed sadly and thought of Ashara Dayne, the girl he fell instantly in love with. Now a memory of the past, of a more peaceful past. Instead now he had to lead house stark into this crisis the kingdom's have sowed. That was a long time ago, and Winterfell needed an Heir, he cannot stay single any longer. Yet, his priorities were so set on a single thing right now and his principal goal.
Maegor
His nephew needed to secure his reign over the Seven Kingdoms, for his sister Lyanna he would have his nephew secured as the Heir of the Throne and protect him until he's of age to take it. By the time the streets were gone they arrived to a maison, where once inside they reached into Lord Tywin's solar, sitting down, he spoke.
"Please Lord Stark, sit and be comfortable."
Lord Tywin commended, strangely diplomatic.
"Thank you, Lord Lannister." He seated himself.
"Marbrand, bring us some wine. Arbor Gold." Tuwin said to his pag, he turn turned to him.
"On the behalf of house Lannister and the west. You, have our thanks for uncovering my Wife's murder, Lord Stark." He portrayed which he nodded and the man brought out the subject.
"Your feast was liked by most of our Lords, you have managed this Council well given your short age Lord Stark."
Eddard Stark resisted the urge to frown, the man was too cautious and yet also made anyone stand on edge, he drew things longer to bring out his intentions though.
"We both know the realm need this Lord Lannister. I apologize in advance for my forwardness Lord Lannister, but where I come from. We get to the point quickly, lest we freeze while exchanging words. There is a motive in every action we take my Lord." Eddard stark stated calmly, his features never faltering, he didn't had time.
"We both want the same things Lord Stark; allies."
"Why should I ally my house with you?"
This caused the man to reply sharply.
"I know what you want Lord Stark. You want the North to be recognized as the power it is. You want to help the North be stronger. I can help you."
Eddard Stark knew the power in the Iron Throne meant nothing if he had the realms against him at each decision he takes, right now he is under a false union with the Rebels but the paths might go stray if he doesn't gets a good ally. For Maegor.
For Lyanna.
"That depends."
Lord Tywin insisted on.
"On?"
"On whether the North benefits or not."
"So tell me." Lord Tywin said tersely. "What does the North need to benefit?"
He closed his eyes sharply and finally spoke sharply.
"House Lannisters support on every decision I make. A ten year no-interest loan from House Lannister to House Stark for the Rebuilding Sea Dragon Point."
"I see-." Lord Tywin started.
"A thirty-percent reduction in tariffs on northern ships entering Lannisport. The support all criminals of the Westerlands are handed to the Night's Watch. Also, an annual reduction tariff of Grains and agricultural goods to the north. "
"That is quite tough to manage."
The mention of a no-interest loan saw Lord Tywin tightly grasp on his goblet. His face was darkly colored.
Eddard smiled. You don't think I would be cheap, did you. Lord Lannister?
"All my male children being squired in the north and their only faith being the Old Gods. My heir and spare shall marry into a northern houses and only my heir may be the only one allowed to choose between the faith of the seven and the old gods. They also shall be squired, for a brief period of time, under you; to learn eventually what it means to be a Lord. And a keep in the westerlands for my Third Son."
Lord Tywin though stayed silent for a moment.
"Twenty-five percent reduction for the ships. A Thirty-five percent reduction tariff on grains and agricultural for the loan. You shall have it, but seven years."
Seven years was hard, but workable. All for the sake of his spare and his third having a keep.
"As for your third son, he shall be handed Tarbeck Hall. Yet, your spare's children will have to be married with a southern woman, whichever he likes. But she must be southern. And your heir's Grandson, shall be married with a southern lady."
Good, that sealed the deal then.
"All I want is to be allied." Lord Tywin reiterated. "The best way to be allies is through marriage.I have a daughter. Let us join our houses." He continued.
"A Lannister-Stark alliance would stand strong against many foes." This made him frown.
"My foes, or your Foes Lord Lannister?" He asked.
"Our foes." He said resolutely. This uneasy alliance was enough but to cause him a brief nod, for the sake of the realm he will have to tie the knot to Lady Cersei Lannister.
"Then I accept to such a match. But it shall only remain between us for now. From now on, we both walk the same path." He stated sharply and Lord Lannister agreed.
"A wise choice."
"Lord have news." At this Eddard sharpened his gaze towards the knight that came barging in.
"Marbrand! I'm busy. You can't just barge in here!" Tywin growled at the boy. "I'm sorry My Lord. But it's an important matter."
Tywin raised his brows and then beckoned the boy to come closer, as the lad did he bif and went to whisper into Lord Tywin's ear. He didn't like it at all.
"I apologize Lord Stark, I must attend to this, if you don't mind."
"It's been a pleasure Lord Tywin. May I ask then, when the ceremony shall happen?"
This caused Lord Tywin to stare back t him and remain appalled. He used it to his advantage.
"When the Hour ends and the Wolves howl, the Lion and the Wolf shall join; in the same place where the Children and the First Men made the pact for peace. After the Lords swear their allegiances, I shall marry the Lady Cersei in the Isle of Faces and in Casterly Rock's sept."
Once he walked the streets once more, Howland Reed rushed towards him, sweating and wheezing.
"Howland. What happened?" He asked to his bannerman of the Neck whom wheezed and firmly held his shoulders.
"Dornish, ships, In the bay my Lord."
His face sunk in shock.
And the Hour of the Wolf had an unexpected guest. The dornish viper grew curious of the Wolf; what was its motive? Why hold the dragon captive and not kill it? Why seek to conciliate with the viper. Thus, with interest, the snake arrived to the Wolf's court.
Mage Mormont I
On the Rookery of the Maester's Tower, Lady Maege Mormont, ruling Lady of Bear Island until Jorah is apt aged stared at her daughter's letter written from Winterfell. Apparently she's been alright and helping Benjen into leading the north and in his functions as Stark in Winterfell. Her duty was to keep the pup safe and give him some company, after all; the boy has lost two siblings and his third one now was dropped the responsibility of managing the chaotic realm after a bloody Civil War. Just as Cregan Stark had to take the reins, Eddard Stark, without being the heir, not knowing the notions of a lordship; had to play it by ear and manage the realm as best as he could. And already many of the Northern Lords felt an immense amount of respect for him. Because, by the Old Gods; their importance in the court was now a thousand times more than what they ever would've believed.
Rickard, nor Jon neither Howland or Wylis ever expected to be openly talked at by southern lords and asked about their lands and families. Some Lords even asked her with their flowery words if she was married, she had to laugh and let them with the shit on their mouths and have them hanging with the question. She was already a family woman, and she liked her men Northern.
You've selflessly sent your daughter to my little brother even when I didn't asked it for Lady Maege. I need a hand to manage this all; temporarily however. Changes are coming to House Stark, and it's time I start paying each of the families of my Lands back for the loyalty they've shown to me.
Eddard was decisive in the day before they arrived to the Capital, behind the eyes of any prying Lords she was handed the position of Hand. And a damn good hand she'll be. She wasn't above clobbering fools and assholes to get things rolling; while Rickard and Jon occupied themselves with the prisoners and protecting the Targs from being attacked or even approached at, Howland occupied himself with the shadows and hearing the whispers of the Lords and people in the city. Roose, Theo and Stane occupied themselves with keeping the pulse on their men and soldiers, solving any controversies on their lines.
Knocks were heard from the door and she rolled her eyes and allowed entrance.
"What is it?" She asked roughly, it was Wylis Manderly.
"Dornish ships nearing the bay."
She sharply got up and ordered the immediate summoning of her men, if Dorne came then they'll have to be prepared in case things get rough. "Have Howland get Eddard."
She threw her daughter's letter to the fire and walked out of the rookery, there was still Job to do.
On the way to the Docks, Eddard as already there with a stern face.
"With Dorne here, It'll be now seven kingdoms in one city."
Great Jon shuckled however.
"More people to drink with and beat!" He roared and she shook her head, sighing. It meant also potential problems. By the Old Gods, this has to be her worst day. But she won't change it for anything, it was about damn time the North was noticed. And her family shall do the same duty they've always done, be loyal to the King of the North, who is Stark.
"Let us get ready to receive the Dornish court into our lands." With no further ado the Dornish vessels arrived and her Stark Lord received a dark-haired man with a confident smirk, easily a dornish man, he ahd a heavy retinue around him, there was also a young girl, younger than her daughter perhaps for a few years at most, watching them all with interest.
"Lord Stark, I've heard takes of you."
"Prince Oberyn Nymeros Martell, welcome to King's Landing."
He received the Dornish Lord as silence was between them both finally.
"What a silent city, it almost looks as if death and a cold cunts have outnumbered the smallfolk." She snorted, something that many noticed, but Eddard looked still severe. The armed men were enough to combat against their own, at least the Northern forces, they outnumber them even, many of them poisoned.
"You're my guest in the Red Keep Prince Oberyn. I, I came late to the Red Keep when already the Lannister Forces sacked King's landing and princess Elia was wrapped in Lannister coats, it was Ser Gregor Clegane; who escaped from King's Landing afterwards, just as I had barely a hold on the realm and Storm's End was being sacked and Stannis. A young boy, was still being sieged by the Tyrell Loyalists, whom have also stabbed you in the back by not sending enough forces for the Trident. They never cared to let enough men in the Red Keep at all."
This made many of the Dornishmen cringe, the Reach and Dorne had never been good friends at all.
"Where is my niece?" Prince Oberyn snarled at Eddard whom nodded sharply and gestured to the red keep.
"The Targaryens are alive and well, protected by my men from any secret blades or poisons that might attack them. If you feel still paranoid, then you can spend your forces also guarding up the Targaryens. However the prisoners I took, including the Mad King's Small Council, I'm afraid that they shall all be beheaded. I hope these terms are good enough to establish guest right between Dorne and the North."
Oberyn sharply nodded and turned to the men, about to go however Eddard moved and faced the prince.
"I also want, to speak something very personal. Tywin Lannister is our common enemy; We cannot have him take the Throne. He…offered me marriage to his daughter, in exchange for his loyalty. THAT, doesn't means he's spared from the crime nor that he shall be forgiven Prince. Dorne is free to endeavor any vengeance against the Lannister family; but you shall leave Lady Cersei out from this. When this all ends, she shall be ruling Lady of the North with me. Dorne's vendetta isn't at her."
Her Lord's straight face upon the prince of dorne was decisive. This revealed to her quite a few things. That in the fight between the Tully and the Lannister for Ned's hand, the Lannister won. And that he Lord was willing to let Tywin and the West suffer, if he means to take his wife out of the fires that Dorne will bring to the Westerlands. The Dornish prince stared at Eddard eqully hard and spoke back.
"Unbowed, Unbent and Unbroken Lord Stark; you don't rule over Dorne. We shall decide whether we shall spare your blond tigress or not." The sinister smile of the dornish prince put all the northmen on edge, it was a direct threat against their future Liege Lady.
"If you excuse me Lord Stark, I have a niece I want to meet again."
Before Oberyn was gone, he continued.
"Prince Oberyn."
The man turned around and Eddard stated sharply.
"I wish to meet you on the Tower of the Hand when you're available. And once again, thank you for accepting guest right."
The dornish retinue turned and walked away, leaving Eddard to see the Blackwater bay from this distance.
"Notify the other Lords that Dorne is coming under flag of parley and that the last trial will be the one of the Targaryen Family and where the Lords shall bend the knee." He spoke and finally glared at Rickard.
"I want all the men there, all our men, Roose Bolton too. Place them amongst each retinue of lords, have them friendly talk but tell them, that under any circumstances any Lord raises their voice against. They shall be forced to bow under swordpoint."
Eddard VI
The Sunset was happening and Lords were getting tired already, though many were on edge now that the Martell sigil was on the halls too. Prince Oberyn Martell was there, and many didn't liked it, yet they had to be placated and once more the Herald announced it, Eddard Stark arrived and sat in the Iron Throne. The Lords of the realm and everyone was soon on edge with what is now to come. Afterwards the Herald snared the horn and announced.
"Lady Rhaella Targaryen, her son Viserys Targaryen and her granddaughter Rhaenys Targaryen. Along comes Ser Willem Darry, Ser Bonifer Hasty, Lord Lucerys Velarion of Driftmark and Lord Ardrian Celtigar of Claw Island. Wisdom Rossard, Lord Qarlton Chelsted, Symond Stauton, Varys and Ser Jon Connington of The Mad King's Small Council." The members of the Small Council came in chains while the other key loyalists came not in chains but still escorted by everyone. As Eddard sat in the Iron Throne and stared at them all in the eye.
"Viserys Targaryen and Rhaenys Targaryen are spared from this trial, on the fact of their age. Yet they shall remain by their Grandmother's side. Prince Oberyn, you may take Rhaenys away from this affair." No words were said anymore and Prince Oberyn got up and immediately with Rhaella's nod got a hold of Rhaenys and took her to Arianne's side, the Princess of Dorne started to play with her niece.
"Wisdom Rossart, you are charged with the crime of mass-assassination attempt on the people of Kingslanding. By allowing your organization to plant a total of 785 barrels of wildfire in the underground of King's Landing. Do you deny it?"
"No, my Lord."
"You are sentenced to the Sword Wisdom Rossart." He dismissed the man to the side to be handed the next.
"Lord Jon Connington, you are charged with the crime of being an accomplice to the mad king's murder of Lord Rickard Stark and his heir Brandon Stark. You knew that King Aerys was going to burn them. Do you deny it?"
"No, my Lord."
"You are sentenced to the King's Justice Lord Jon Connington."
"I plead for my case, my Lord. I swore my oath to Lady Rhaella."
This made Eddard coldly glare at the man, he closed his eyes and glared at Qarlton chelsted.
"Then Lord Qarlton Chelsted shall be executed for the crime of being an accomplice of the mass-murder attempt of the people of King's Landing. And you, former hand of King Aerys; shall loose your Left Hand for allowing the death of the Liege of the North and MY father to happen." He got them both away and and they were now to the side, so far the Lords remained aware of what was to come. Once the council was gone, Lord Eddard settled in the throne as he stared at Lady Rhaella. He frowned at what he could do.
Was he going to condemn them all to the sword.
He gasped and felt one of the throne's blades poking his back…threateningly. That notion won't work.
"The Mad King was a plight to westeros, your Lord Husband was the realm's nightmare. A maddened king births a troubled realm. Twice has the wretched tradition of marriage in the family caused your doom Lady Rhaella; first in the Dance of Dragons and then once more in our rebellion. Now; it is time for a new dynasty. A new king to rule the Seven Kingdoms; war has ended and it is time to heal the realm. We all have houses to go back to, families to watch over, things to do. Hopeful times of summer are coming my Lords; history has proven that, after the bloodiest wars come the prosperous times. Now, my Lords." Maester emon arrived with a child and Eddard held him in his arms, causing many whispers among the Lords.
"My sister was a Stark and she was the North's princess. At the time, I was unaware that my sister fell in love with Prince Rhaegar during the Tourney of Harrenhall. She married Prince Rhaegar in the Sept of Harrenhall and birthed a child during the War. A child that at the time I wasn't aware existed. If a southern blooded Dragon brought us all pain, anger and misery between each other. Then it's time for the North to take the reins of the realm, a northern King to rule the Kingdoms. Lyanna's son is the heir to the Iron Throne by the precedent left by King Jahaerys I. Therefore all the Lords of the realm shall pledge their loyalty to him, and I…shall be Lord Regent of the seven kingdoms until he's of apt age to rule."
The only ones to get up and roar were the Stormlands, but the Northern Blades between them were raised and the Stormlords were placated.
"Now, my Lords. Bend the knee swear fealty to king Maegor II and then we shall cover the topic of reparations."
With that in mind, each Lords of the Seven Kingdoms swore their fealty to the New King, a baby held in Lord Regent's arms.
First were the Westerlands under Tywin Lannister.
Then was the Stormlands under Stannis Baratheon.
Followed the Reach under Lord Mace Tyrell.
Followed were Lord Jon Arryn of the Eyrie.
And finally ending with the Riverlands with Lord Hoster Tully.
He then handed the child to Maester Aemon and he knelt before the boy. And he swore his oath of Loyalty to Maegor. Once up once more and turning to all the Lords.
"On a high-note what's left is to name the terms of reparation the Loyalists shall pay to the rebels. Note that you've bowed to a Stark-blooded Targaryen Prince therefore you still were defeated by the Rebels."
What followed afterwards was even more roars of Lords whom demanded other Lords for reparations of keeps, expansion of Lands, etc. So was he told.
He however was tense, as he tried to give the most fair conditions to each reparation. Yet he could already feel the realm fracturing. Jon Arryn had the Vale and would have the Riverlands through Lysa Tully.
'In an ideal world I would've trusted Jon with so much power, but the Eyrie was part of the rebellion and I'm sure the Eyrie would raise against Maegor if they want to and the Riverlands would be soon on us. While the Westerland army is good. I would sooner entrust a child to a pit vipers than to Lord Tywin.' He thought sharply and spoke out loud.
"Also, to placate any further rebellion or defiance and to secure Maegor's claim. Viserys Targaryen shall marry Lady Catelyn Tully and my brother Benjen shall be the Stark in Winterfell and find a suitable lady to marry with." With that effort, Lord Stark secures the mainland with The Riverlands and The Westerlands.'
Rhaenys Targaryen is the daughter of Rhaegar therefore part of the main line of the Targaren Family. Through her comes Dorne, and Dorne is a valuable ally, thus it cannot be easily handed to one of the Lords of the Seven Kingdoms.
When the affair was done; Lord Qarlton Chelsted and Wisdom Rossart lost their heads.
Once the Great Hall was alone, Lady Rhaella Targaryen and her family stood in the Throne Room as Eddard Held Maegor in his arms almost protectively, and sat in the Iron Throne.
"Lord Regent."
He turned to Lady Rhaella who seemed to now be soft-faced, sunset is about to fall and give in to the night.
"Lady Rhaella." He bowed as the baby started to cry once more and Wylla, the dornish milk-mother of Maegor had him soon in his arms breast-feeding him. Meanwhile Eddard held onto Ice; the legendary sword of the Night King, a reminder of the past and the heroes of the North.
"I thank you for sparing my family from the fate the US-." He glared at her, Robert might've usurped the Targaryen Throne, but he won't let so easily anyone insulting his friend.
"Robert, had for us."
Eddard felt troubled, for one he would've liked to condemn the Targaryen to worse fate, but he knew he couldn't or Jon would've been surrounded by his cousins of one side only. And that, he couldn't allow. For that reasoning, he spared the Targaryen and forced Queen Rhaella's line to forever be lost to the Riverlands. With that the issue of Catelyn was left and Hoster will have the marriage he desires. Far away from the Throne and from any aspirations anyone would ever desire to have.
"You're Maegor's last relatives, if he's going to be in this pit of vipers. It's better for all of us to remain together lest we are consumed by the world." Eddard realized and Rhaella wisely nodded and Rickard Karstark approached.
"Ned; some of the Mad King's Kingsguard want to renew their oaths to Lyanna's boy." With that said, Eddard nodded and had them come.
Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Arthur Dayne; three of seven, four to find.
"Stark!" A loud voice stated out loud to him and all turned to see the former Kingslayer now Hero of King's Landing, as he wheezed he faced Stark.
"I wish, I wish to give my Kingsguard oath to him."
Jaime Lannister stated out exasperated towards Eddard Stark, whom stared at him and nodded.
"You're a free man Ser Jaime Lannister. If you're to take your oaths; then you shall do so first a Knight's bows to be Maegor's sworn sword and a second vow to the Kingsguard. Let this be a new life for you Ser Jaime; all your prior oaths are eliminated and annuled, overridden by this one new." With a smile he nodded and knelt down, swearing his new two vows.
By the time they swore to the new King of Westeros. The Hour of the Silent Wolf Has ended, and a new period on the story of Westeros has started.
The Regency of the Wolf.