THE WARDEN OF THE WEST

JAIME LANNISTER

As the eldest son of Lord Tywin Lannister, Lordship of Casterly Rock falls to Ser Jaime Lannister, along with all other titles. So Jaime is excused from the King's Guard. He pack his things to return to Casterly Rock, but first he will head for East Watch to speak with his father. As the servants take his personal things to the ship his sister Queen Cersei comes to see him. "Give father my love and this." She hands him a letter.

"I will." He wants to kiss her on the mouth, but he cannot and settles for a kiss on the hand. When Jaime arrives at the ship Tyrion is waiting. "All settled in?"

"Of course." He replies. The ship sets sail an hour later.

"Jaime I want to thank you for inviting me to come with you. I always wanted to see the wall."

"I know…I intend to name you Lord of Casterly Rock."

"Me?"

"I never wanted it. Tyrion you are the smartest man I know. If House Lannister is going to have a future…it will be you who leads it there."

Tyrion smiles, "Thank you, big brother. It means the world to me that you have so much faith in me."

Before he left King's Landing Jaime sent a Raven to Casterly Rock explaining everything. After a month at sea they finally reach East Watch. To the surprise of both Lannister brothers the castle is bustling with activity. Greenhouses had either been completed or under construction. Additions are being added to the Castle as well.

When Jaime and Tyrion enter the courtyard, they find their father helping to train new recruits. "Father."

"Jaime…what in the seven hells are you doing here?"

"Sandor Clegane delivered the Targaryen message."

Jaime, Tyrion and Tywin head to his room to speak in private, "How did Robert take the news?"

"Not well."

Tywin looks at Tyrion, "Hello father."

"Why are you here?"

"I came to see the wall actually and to support Jaime."

Jaime tries to convince his father to leave with him, but he will not listen. Jaime and Tyrion time their departure so that they could meet the ship at Shadow Tower on time. They stop at Castle Black to get fresh horses and supplies. "Jaime have you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"The Northern Lords and the Watch made peace with the Free Folk."

He grunts, "No shit. Did the Wildlings bend the knee?"

"Nope…a fair exchange of aid when the White Walkers attack…"

"White Walkers?"

Jaime was skeptical about the Walkers, but a united North presented a huge military problem for the rest of Westeros. Maybe even for the Targaryens, whenever they decide to go to war. They finally reach Shadow Tower, where the Lion's Mane is waiting for them. The two brothers board the ship and it sets sail. After a month at sea they reach Lannisport.

As they disembark, Kevan, Gerion, and Genna Lannister are waiting for them, along with the children and Genna's husband Emmon Frey. "Welcome home nephews." Kevan says. After the greetings they make their way to Casterly Rock. The family allows the two brothers to rest. They join the family for dinner.

"I…" He looks at Tyrion, "…We saw father at the wall. I tried to convince him to leave with us. He would not. He believes the Targaryens will take the Iron Throne. Our rule over the west is contingent on him staying at the wall. He has already taken his vows."

"Tywin taking the black is a huge loss to this family. Without him, people will test our power." Kevan says.

"You have so little faith in me Uncle. Let others doubt or test us at their own peril."

"You have never taken the heirship to Casterly Rock and the Wardenship seriously."

"You are right. That is why I will name Tyrion Lord of the Rock and Warden of the West."

The room goes quiet, "Thankyou brother."

"Surely you jest?" Emmon says speaking up.

Jaime smiles, "Emmon Frey…The river-rat who would be a lion. Lions are talking river-rat. Be quiet."

He stands up in a dramatic fashion, "How dare you!"

"Emmon sit down and shut up. Making Tyrion Lord of the Rock is an excellent idea. He is very smart and our enemies will underestimate him. This will give us an edge."

"I will fight this." Kevan vehemently says, "I will go before the King."

Tyrion wipes his mouth, "Uncle Kevan. Would support me if I said that I have a plan to remove the water from Castle Castamere and get all that gold and treasure?"

Kevan stares at him for a while, "How?" Tyrion, just smiles, "Alright nephew…If you could do what hundreds of Maesters could not. I will support you whole heartedly."

They make plans to invite the Lords of the West to the Rock and to attend the Wedding of Willas Tyrell to Allysane Lefford. Jaime goes to room and dresses for bed. When he turns around the Masked Dragon is there. "Ser Jaime …It was time for us to meet."

"I suppose so. Thank you for sparing my father."

"Thank you for stopping the Mad King."

"What are your plans for my sister and her children?"

"Your sister and your children have nothing to fear from me."

"I would like to pledge myself to you. Or whichever one of the Targaryens take the Iron Throne."

"What of Robert? Are you not sworn to him?"

"I am…but we both know that he will not be king for long. It has been my dream to serve a King worthy of my skill."

"My name is Jaehaerys Targaryen…Son of Prince Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark…The rightful King of the Andels and the First Men…Lord of the Seven Kingdoms."

Jaime takes a knee, "My King." Before leaving Jaehaerys gives Jaime a Valyrian sword. It has a Lion's head pummel and a full lion on each end of the crossguard. Their tails go up cupping the blade of the sword. The lions are made of gold and have rubies for eyes. A few days later the Lords of the West arrive at Casterly, but to their shock they must swear fealty to Tyrion Lannister.

"My Lords and ladies. Some of you may doubt my ability to rule and lead the West into the future. I assure you that my resolve is Iron clad…House Lannister will grow stronger under my leadership. And your Houses will rise to new heights with me."

TYRION

Tyrion names Kevan his Castellan, Gerion, is Lord Commander of the Western Army, Emmon is made Admiral of the Lannister Fleet and Genna is made acting Lady of Casterly Rock, until Tyrion finds a wife. Tyrion meets with his family to show them his ideas and designs to get the water out of Castamere.

"Uncle Gerrion…I sent a request to the King to have my cousin Joy legitimized as a Lannister. I have also sent for her mother Brittany to come here and live at the Rock."

Garrion smiles wiping a tear away, "Thank you…" He clears his throat, "…Thank you nephew."

"Well make an honest woman of her." The plans to attend the Tyrell wedding are finalized. Tyrion and Genna will go with the children, while Kevan remains behind to rule, Emmon and Gerion also remain to take care of family business.

JAIME

Jaime returns to Robert's service as a spy on behalf of the Masked Dragon. He is not surprised that Ser Barristan has sworn to Jaehaerys as well. Jaime had not told anyone about his plans and while Robert is pleased to have a great swordsman like Jaime back, his sister is less pleased that he is back and is more upset that he left Tyrion to rule the Rock.

"How could you…"

"I would be careful what you say dear sister…Tyrion controls your inheritance…It is not wise to disrespect the richest man in Westeros." She screams and walks away. She tried to get Robert to un-name Tyrion as Lord of Casterly Rock and warden of the west, but Robert wants to see how he handles it first.