House Steambird of Westeros.
Hello everyone. Pretty sure you didn't expect a return, did ya? Anyways, as for the reason of my prolonged absence, the answer is college, covid pandemic, lazyness and procrastination. I simply lost the momentum I had and went away to refuel and refine my ideas (and also went into the rabbit hole of the Transformers fandom). Now though, I have many new ideas and structures to test and what better test ground than that of my westerosian fic? Specially considering the hype for the Targaryens is back because of House of the Dragon. (Even though I'm still salty about that cursed season 8)
Anyways, enjoy this chapter! I may get to roll along and make it a whole AU fic of the series!
Chronicle 5: The inevitable, part 1...
Sounds of wooden swords clashing on the muddy terrain as rain poured in alongside some shouts of effort and pain was all that was heard in the frontal courtyard of the Armory Tower, the tower where most of the weapons and equipment of the City Patrols were stored, repaired and forged. Because of this, most barracks and recruitment centers were built around it and right now, in one of the training circuits, the lord of Praefectus City, Wesley Steambird, was training personally with his son Jon while Lady Lyanna alongside Rosa and some of their personal guard spectated under the safe cover of a few tents...
Lyanna: - Remind me again why they decided to train under heavy rain and without armor? -
An old man that had Yi Ti characteristics alongside a beard tied in a single braid and short grey hair answered: - It's one of the old techniques of the Yi-Ti arts of Wind Slicing, my Lady. It ensures that the warrior learns the basics about footing in a way that it resembles that of an Akhashishi. -
Rosa: - A what now? -
Old mentor: - A red deer, young lady. Different to the ones the Baratheons have in their sigil as it is native from our homeland in the gloaming mountains. The terrain there is very steep like that of the Vale, yet more than one generation of people had seen those majestic animals travel through the dangerous mountains with breeze. -
Rosa: - Ooooh. But wouldn't that be unfair for Jon, sensei Wo'hiu? Father has more years of experience than him in this case. -
Wo'hiu: - It is, but life is not fair in many ways and adapting to counter that unfairness is part of the warrior path of the Wind Slicers. Also, take into account young lady that even those who are masters of their field... -
He stopped just when both father and son charged at each other with their wooden swords when both of them suddenly slipped. Wesley, having previous experience, rotated his body so that he crashed sideways on the mud, rolling a little before making a good recovery. Jon wasn't lucky in that part and face-planted in the mud.
Wo'hiu: - ... still continue to learn. -
Some of the guards chuckled alongside Rosa's laughter while Lyanna giggled a little...
Wesley: - Ugh, you good son? -
Jon pulled his mudded face out of the and spitted before answering: - Does this look good to you, father? -
Wesley: - Trust me... it can get worse. -
As if to emphasize that, lightning was seen and a thunder was heard before the rain poured down harder.
Jon: - Me and my big mouth... -
Wesley: - Come on, get up... -
He helped Jon stand up before both turning and bowing to Wo'hiu: - Sensei, we thank you for your time. Unfortunately, the session will have to be stopped for now. -
Wo'hiu hummed and soon left the yard, while some servants brought towels and umbrellas to cover the lord and his heir before everyone set back to the main tower but not before a servant came forward with a message: - My lord, the steward would like to have a word with you upon your return. -
Wesley: - Tell him that I will be with him once I had a quick bath before... -
He said that at the same time he was giving Lyanna 'the look' both of them had learned its meaning throughout their marriage... one that also some of the staff learnt as well.
Servant: - Of course my lord. - "Well, steward Johnson is gonna have to wait for a while..."
Some time later, after a quick "steamy" bath...
Steward Stuart Johnson was a humble man with humble beginnings. His family came from the Westerlands, migrating here for a chance of a job after being sacked from the Lannister mines after the ones they worked on collapsed. His grandfather was old and sick meaning he couldn't afford to work again so that responsability fell down on his father Walter. A young ambitious man, his father wasn't comforted with just being a miner, so he always used the rest of his salary to rent books and pay for advanced public lessons at the University of Enlightenment. It was there that he discovered he had a talent for numbers, administration and record-keeping which earned him a spot on the Steambird household as an assistant for the mayor of the town of the time. And apparently he did a good job at it because after the mayor's term ended, Walter was approached by Lord Valiant himself who offered him a spot on his household as his personal steward which he gladly accepted. It was thanks to his hard efforts and ambition to use his family's teachings and knowledge that Johnson soon saw himself going from living in a wooden apartment in his childhood to his own personal room inside the Main Tower. Even with the big upgrade in his life however, Walter learned to never took his hard-earned rewards for granted so he instilled in Stuart since childhood to make every single effort out of ambition always count and to always be aware of the consequences of each of his actions so that they don't took away what they gained. Stuart had taken those lessons to heart, specially after his father was diagnosed with "the seed of death" (cancer) in his lungs 10 years ago. Because of it, Wesley had granted him early retirement after hearing he would only live 5 years at best and soon assigned Stuart as his new steward. The first year of his career was hard, but he eventually got the hang of it and now he was proud of his performance so far.
However, there were sometimes when he wished he had the courage to scold his lord like his father did before him so that he could take his duties more seriously, like right now. He was waiting on the office solar for Wesley who haven't appeared in almost an hour after returning from the training, obviously taking his time with Lady Lyanna.
Stuart: "Honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that what I have is important for them, I would take my leave now and return tomorrow... but it has the stamp of the P.F. so I have to bear with it..."
Just then, the door finally opened and in went the Lord and Lady.
Stuart: - Let me guess, lost your way in the path of life again? -
Wesley: - You know me very well Stuart... too well sometimes. -
Stuart: - Let's cut to the chase, you have two letters my lord. One from Kingslanding and another one from the P.F. -
Both sat down before Weslet took the letter from the royal capital. As he went for the letter opener he asked...
Wesley: - Did you made sure that the second one had the seal of verification? -
Stuart: - Already checked the codes, it's a genuine one this time. -
Wesley: - Good... *sighs* let's see what Robert wants now... -
He opened the letter and started to read it. The more he read it however, the other two saw that he was putting an effort on a neutral face and that meant bad news...
Lyanna: - Is something wrong Wes? -
Wesley: - *Breathes in and out* Jon Arryn has died... -
Lyanna gasped while Stuart stood silent before saying: - May his soul find peace with the Seven. -
Lyanna: - Wes... I'm sorry. -
Wesley: - Don't be, it was bound to happen soon after Valerie reported his sickness. But that's not the only big thing... -
He then passed the note to her and as Lyanna read it, Stuart could see that in the middle of Wesley's neutral grim, a single tear found itself going down his cheek.
Stuart: "Even the most calm of all have a right to mourn and look weak after showing their strength for so long..."
Lyanna: - This is a joke, right? - She was looking a little agitated as she shoved the letter back to Wesley: - This has to be a joke! The Baratheon king is coming North?! -
Now that was a surprise for Stuart: "No wonder she looks agitated, the Steambirds and the Baratheons aren't exactly in the best of terms with each other. However, why would the King of the Six Kingdoms come to the North? The answer is probably on the second letter."
Wesley: - Lya, as much as it leaves me in a livid state to know that, we're only lords, not kings. Only your brother has the authority to reject a visit from him and even then, that would leave him and the North in a delicate situation with the South. Something we can't afford to happen... -
Lyanna: - *sighs* I know, but it is clear that he is gonna try to bring someone of us down South to basically do his job for him. -
Wesley: - At least it will give us an opportunity to seek how is the South faring these days in more detail. Now, Stuart, if you would please... -
At his signal, Stuart got up, walked towards the door and pulled one of the paintings near the doorframe off to reveal a hidden lever which he pulled. Noises of machinery were heard before the whole solar was covered with a new set of soundproof walls.
Lyanna: - It will always impress me how your ancestors managed to set this up when they were reconstructing the moat. -
Wesley: - Most of the credit goes to the engineers and steamworkers of that time and to the ones who still perform its maintenance today. Now, to more secretive matters. -
He finally opened the second letter with the P.F. initials and read it before speaking again: - Just as we suspected, Valerie has confirmed that Jon was murdered by poison on her investigation. She unfortunately doesn't know who was it but has a list of prime suspects. As for Robert's visit, you're right Lya. He is coming to ask for my services as his new hand. -
Lyanna slammed her hand on the table, gaining the grimace of both men while at the same time a bruise on her hand.
Lyanna: - Fucking perfect... just what I feared as always... -
Stuart: - As likely as it is, it isn't confirmed until your brother authorizes it my lady. -
Lyanna: - Oh please, it is all but confirmed. Ned is a softy when it comes to Robert. Hell, have you forgotten how he tried to help mend the rift between the two back at the tourney on Lannisport? -
Wesley: - Oh yes I do, it was funny to see how it backfired on him. At best it made us be on speakable terms with each other but that comradeship we had was gone since that day at Kings Landing. -
He still remembered that day, and it still filled him with shame and anger at witnessing what his friend had become. They departed in very tense terms and Wesley had made his mind that the Robert he once knew was gone. It was a different story for Ned however, whom was now stuck at being the moderator between his two friends; he actually made an effort to help them reconnect at the Lannisport tourney by "volunteering" (aka blackmailing) Wesley into the melee fight so the he and Robert could blew off some of the tension. It backfired because Robert didn't participate for once and instead sent Jaime Lannister to represent him and the Westerlands. Both made it to the finals and Wesley DOMINATED the fight cutting the proud lion's mane with such efficiency and elegancy that not even Tywin could be mad; everyone simply realized that Wesley was simply in another league in duels. That and he also confessed to Lyanna that he had a little grudge against the senior Lannister so he kind of overdid it.
Wesley: - Anyways, the point still stands: Robert's on his way here and we will swallow our prides and treat them as royal courtesy dictates. -
Lyanna sighed before saying: - Alright Wesley, but I can't promise you that I won't teach a lesson to those who dare mock our home. -
Wesley simply smiled and said: - Yet another reason I love you, just make sure you don't pick the Lannisters, those are mine to deal with. -
Lyanna smiled and giggled before Stuart coughed to call their attention: - As much as I respect your marriage, there's a time and place for that and not right in front of me. -
The couple simply blushed before Wesley said: - True, so Stuart, how many people is in Robert's entourage? -
Stuart: - According to both letters, he is bringing at least a hundred men my lord. I made the calculations and I estimate they will arrive here in a month. -
Wesley: - And what about the expenses to supply the whole convoy as we escort them through the North? -
Stuart: - Affordable, and as a matter of fact we got lucky. One of the storage silos is in need of maintenance and its contents are in danger of being spoiled. We can use those to supply the trip. -
Wesley: - Good, Lyanna, I need a list of elligible troops for the escort party. I want most of them to be rookies, this will give them some needed starter experience for their career. -
Lyanna: - You got it Wes. -
Wesley: - Thanks, now let's plan the itinerary and procedure. It's going to be a long month... -
A month + 1 week later...
The royal convoy was late, even with the upgraded 'Waterway' the famous bamboo road that went through the swamps of the Neck, as apparently Queen Cersei choose to bring luxury over practicality in the form of a wheelhouse... a very heavy wheelhouse. The party had to stop frecuently for repairs and the 'swamp walkers' assigned to escort them found it both amusing and bothersome. Once they were out of the Neck however, it was all smooth riding through the Northern Kingsroad...
Tyrion: - So, what should we expect about the "Gatehouse of the North" dear brother of mine? -
Tyrion Lannister, widely known as the "Imp", was a man of a great mind with a great curiosity and great motivation to learn. When he heard about the King's trip to the North, he immediatly knew he had to give it a shot. He had heard and read all sort of books about the kingdom, all of its legends, all of its myths, all of its culture, and yet he still had to admit that he was surprised of how much different it was from his home in the Westerlands. Just by travelling through the neck he got surprised to see actual floating houses that seemed to "glide" without difficulty through the murky waters with bamboo boards connecting each other, not to say that the 'swamp-walkers' used clothing that was 'exotic' and revealing for southerner standards (think about ninja/asian yukatas, peasant clothing stuff and the like). When he asked about it to some of the leaders of the little villages they all said that it was more convenient for life in the Neck. Oh, it did make some of the soldiers try to commit some illegal actions, key word "try", because those soon discovered that the women of the Neck were made of stern stuff and would INSTANTLY finish with their attempts before they could even start. And when they tried to convince the king to discipline the women, he instead warned everyone in the convoy that if they messed up again he would personally pull his warhammer out and make eunuchs out of the offenders. After that, both parties had put some distance between each other.
Jaime: - Apart from the many floating villages, not that much. Pretty sure that we will only see a lot of snow. -
Tyrion: - Come on, open your imagination a little! This is the same North that managed to push every single invasion back! The same North that defeated the Conqueror centuries ago! A kingdom like this MUST have something of worth... apart from the Wall of course. -
Jaime: - You may end up disappointed Tyrion. The North it's mostly a wasteland of ice and snow, only saved from the Targaryens thanks to the first Lord Steambird. -
Tyrion: - Ah yes, the "Steambird of History". Founder of house Steambird, whom had in 300 years succeeded in doing everything that the Targaryens, nay, the mayor houses of the South had failed at: they transformed alongside house Stark the North from being a 'backwater' kingdom into a powerhouse super-kingdom. You really think they wouldn't have something to show off to the world just in the same way we lions show off our gold? -
Jaime: - If they had something to show to everyone then why is it that we haven't heard of it? -
?: - Probably because of the history between us and the South? Everytime you guys had come up to the North, it has been always to cause trouble for us. -
Both turned towards the new voice, which belonged to a woman dressed in green swamp-walker clothing, wearing a mask of the same color, dark hair tied up in twintails, and almond-shaped golden eyes. She also had a peculiar set of weaponry and armor, with some plates that indicated her rank and also accentuated, in some way, the curves of her figure...
Tyrion: - I don't suppose we have met before? Because I'm pretty sure a lady like you would be hard to forget... -
?: - Save your flirts for another lady, lord dwarf. Name is Akira and I'm the captain of the swamp walkers that are escorting you right now. -
Tyrion: - Wow, now I know why they say that your people have more "ice in the words than in blood". -
Akira: - Unless you earn our respect, and I find quite amusing to see you giggling like a little child being taken to its first fair. Why the big interest on us though? -
Tyrion: - Let's see, a kingdom that managed to do what I just said, and also annoy the seven hells out of the Faith, the Citadel and Ironborn without repercussions. Oh, and sometimes the Iron Throne too. A land that it's so talked about yet we know so little of. How could I NOT be excited to see the unknown? -
Akira: - *Sighs* If only many more people down there had the same mentality as yours, maybe we wouldn't be so secretive... -
Before they could continue their talk, a horn was blown at the front.
Akira: - Ah, pardon me lords but they need me at the front. It seems the escort from Praefectus City is here... -
She then left, her horse galloping through the side of the road while the two Lannisters talked a little more...
Tyrion: - My scholar preferences aside, I still don't understand why our Grace choose to go through the Kingsroad while he could have taken the sea route towards White Harbor and go directly to Winterfell from there... going to Lord Steambird's household is asking for a clash between the two to happen. -
Jaime: - *smirking* You really think he would be bold enough to refuse what Robert demands? -
Tyrion: - He was bold enough to challenge him and father at Robert's rebellion and succeeded to save the Targaryen children. He was bold enough against the Ironborn when he pulled Harlaw from their grip and gave it to House Sun, in spite of every other southern house wanting a piece of it. He was bold enough to challenge you at the tourney in Lannisport, the home base of our family, in direct sight of father and made you look like a fool. If he can do so, he WILL. -
Jaime simply stayed silent, as the swamp-walkers returned to their homes while the convoy continued on towards Praefectus City...
Hours later, at the Household Tower...
Jon: - Are you sure about doing this Egg? You don't have to be present, father would understand. -
Every single important member of the household was now waiting for the arrival of the royal convoy, including Wesley's squire, Aegon 'Egg' Targaryen. In the time since Rhaeny's ascention as dragonrider, the whole Targaryen family moved out back towards Dragonstone, where they have been doing well for themselves. As such, when it came time for Aegon to foster, it was kind of obvious he would choose the Steambirds. Today though, it would prove to be one of the hardest days of his life. After all, he was meeting, face to face, with the man who had killed his father and the family that had tried to kill him when he was still in the crib. Wesley had told him he could skip the arrival ceremony but Aegon refused: he had to show he was different and that he was willing to let everything between house Baratheon and Targaryen become water under the bridge. That way, everyone would see that the Targaryens were ready to forgive and move on for a better future. That still didn't assure that the houses currently on power would offer the same courtesy though, so as a safety measure Elia sent Arthur Dayne to keep an eye on Egg 24/7, which the latter found reasonable.
Egg: - As sure as the Doom of Valyria. Me and Rhaenys have the responsability to restore our house and I have to play my part too. -
Yara: - Besides, I can also apply to that situation, I'm literally here as a hostage to keep the Ironborn in line. -
Jon: - To be fair, at this point the Ironborn aren't what they used to be. House Sun really knows how to keep them under a leash. -
In order to avoid foul play, house Sun has been performing intense commerce with the Jade empire, "confiscating" most of the Ironborn vessels that survived the war alongside making lots of pirate-hunting expeditions to pick off the rogues. However, because of the increase of goods and gold flowing through all of the islands, it left the natives content enough to avoid rebellions, with exception of some radical Ironborn. But even those had to be careful because if caught, the yitinians (didn't find a better name) were WAY MORE punishing than the northern law. Even so, it seemed to be working, as many Ironborn were actually starting to respect the yitinians and their culture, quite similar to theirs, and more and more of them started to join into their navy or marrying their girls. Wesley had predicted that if all of it went smoothly, in 3 generations the Ironborn would have completely transformed of their ways and the Iron Islands will finally prosper without the need of pillaging. But in order to achieve that, a change in leadership has to be done since Balon Greyjoy was a diehard Ironborn and Robert had made the foolish decision of letting him keep his rank. Whether it would be Asha or Theon the first ones to lead the change, it was still to be decided.
Yara: - Thanks for pointing that out dumbass. -
Jon: - My bad... but you know what my family says: "No challenge too difficult..." -
Yara and Egg: - "And no reward too expendable" -
Egg: - Seriously, how is it that your family has the best one-liners of all? -
Jon: - It's something we learn as we interact with commoners, high-borns and embassadors of many realms. My ancestors seemed to always keep notes of the coolest lines they've heard. Heck, I even saw my father pull up a note to write some Yi-Ti phrases for him. -
Yara: - You don't think you could tell us about some we could use for ourselves? -
Jon: - Maybe... for an "Iron price". -
Yara simply punched Jon on his shoulder while grinning as Egg chuckled. The moment was cut when a horn was heard from the other side of the Fever Channel that was soon answered by the Watchtower's horn. Soon enough, captain Alice walked towards Wesley and told him...
Alice: - My lord, the escort sent has returned alongside the royal convoy. -
Wesley: - Very well, tell the captain of the Street Garrison to clear the main avenue and keep a perimeter around it. No one is allowed to transit there until the King of the South reaches the Household Tower. And before you leave, Jon! -
Jon soon went towards him and bowed: - Father. -
Wesley: - It is time to see how much have you learned about highborn traditions. As my heir, it will be your duty to receive important delegations like this one either be by my name as long as I live, or by your name once my time is done. I want you to go with Alice to receive the king at the gatehouse. -
Jon bowed again and said: - Understood. I will not disappoint you father. -
Wesley smiled before answering: - Then time is of the essence, gather those whom you want on your welcoming commitee and ride. -
Jon bowed once more before going for his two previous friends as Alice called for some guards and servants to fetch for some horses. Lyanna was a little worried about what could happen...
Lyanna: - Do you think this is a good idea Wesley? -
Wesley: - It has to be done, Lya. Considering what we discussed many times since that letter arrived, it is time that Jon starts to act like the future Lord Steambird he will become. He will learn everything about the bloodline. -
Lyanna: - Including... the secret arts of your family? The ones you never achieved to learn? -
Wesley stared at the sky the moment Lya asked that question... it was to be his only shame. His father gave him a decision: foster and learn the ways of the South at the Vale, or use that time to stay in the North in a secret place to learn the secret arts of the Steambird bloodline. At that time, he was young, naive and a fool and selected the South over his duty as a Steambird. His father understood and promised that after his squiring he would teach him about it. He wouldn't, as the invitation to Harrenhal sealed his destiny and with it, the knowledge of the secret art.
Or so he thought. He later learned that while he fostered alongside Ned and Robert, Valiant decided to pass the knowledge to his sister Valerie. This time, he wouldn't commit the same mistake. He was too late to learn about them... but Jon wasn't. Arrengements were already being made between him and Valerie after receiving that letter.
Wesley: - Yes... he will learn to fly, for that is what our house is about. -
"Rising into skies unknown."
To be continued...
And that's a wrap for now! Next chapter will feature the anticipated interactions between the stags, the lions and the steambird-direwolf household! Until then, thanks for reading!
