A/N: I am here! Late as usual lol. This chapter isn't very long I just had zero motivation the past few days. But it is here. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 56: Reasons for Chaos

Tywin found himself frequently working late at his home office lately. It's not that work was particularly pressing. The Lannister company was as strong as ever. Certainly they weren't experiencing the same instability as the Starks right now. But the trial and the complex legal procedures surrounding it gave him a bit of extra work. He wanted to be sure this was all done properly. That Petyr Baelish was left no course for escape.

It wasn't that he believed the Starks would let him slip through the cracks. But Robb Stark had his hands full dealing with the Boltons and it was easy to make mistakes when handling too much. And Catelyn shouldn't have to deal with the Baelish trial. She already took his betrayal and his bullet. He wouldn't expect her to handle any of the rest of it.

"I can," she told him more than once. "You really don't have to do this."

"I know," he replied in a voice that broached no argument. "But I am."

She had smiled at that. An expression he never thought she'd direct at him. But Catelyn Stark had been full of surprises lately.

Besides the trial, there was the increasingly concerning Tyrell situation. Olenna Tyrell had made sure that her company was consistently making the best out of the chaotic situation. And now, the latest news suggested that the Tyrells and Baratheons grew closer to a merger any day now. They would call it a merger for the press at least. But Tywin knew it would be a takeover. Stannis might have had a chance of fending her off. Renly though? Not a chance in the seven hells.

And once it was official, the Tyrells would have so many companies under their belts, it would take quite a bit to fend them off. Tywin doubted they would hold long to their deals with the Lannister company. Or at the very least, they would pull back from them.

I'll simply have to show Olenna Tyrell that she should have kept me as an ally rather than an enemy, he thought.

A knock came at his door. He expected Cersei with the usual contracts when he bid them enter. Instead, it was Arya Stark who slipped through the door.

"I know it's late," she said. "Are you…occupied?"

"I usually am," Tywin said, but he still set down the papers.

"Is it something to do with the trial?" she asked.

"No. The Tyrells," Tywin said. "I'm handling all of our contracts with them personally right now, lest they try to sneak something in that we don't want."

"Cersei usually does contracts for you, doesn't she?" Arya asked.

"She does. But in some important cases, I double check her," Tywin said. "Can't be too careful."

Arya nodded once, drifting a bit closer to the desk. "Robb has been handling quite a few things personally lately too."

"I imagine so. What with the board in turmoil," Tywin said. "It will settle. Once the trial is over and done with."

"Will it ever be over and done with?" Arya asked.

"Eventually," Tywin said.

She sat in front of him at the desk. "So…are the Tyrells taking over the Baratheons? Is that the worry?"

She was sharp as always. They had discussed this possibility on the train to High Garden once. How long ago that now seemed.

"It seems that way," Tywin said. "It's expected. Olenna Tyrell has always known how to take advantage of a series of tragedies."

"She has." Arya tapped her fingers against the arms of the chair. "But…we don't think she had any connection to this? Baelish did mention the Faceless Men had other donors. Other people looking for their services."

"I have thought about it," Tywin said. "But it seems unlikely that Olenna Tyrell would make deals with a Braavosi group."

"Why?" Arya asked.

"It's simply…out of character for her," Tywin said. "She has some foreign connections. But all of them in countries that we fought with during the second Essosi war. Not our enemies."

"Hmm." Arya threaded her fingers together, appearing troubled. "Even so…if she takes over the Baratheons my family will be in more trouble than they already are."

"Yes," Tywin said. "To be frank, it won't be good for either of our families. But your mother is aware of the possibility."

"You told her?"

"I did."

She didn't need to know when or why just yet. For now, all of Catelyn's children seemed blissfully unaware of their relationship outside of business.

Arya was silent for a long moment before she said. "I want to help. My family I mean. I never had much of an interest in business. I always knew Robb would be involved. Maybe Sansa. Maybe even Bran. He's always been smart." She shrugged. "I didn't know if I'd be any good at it. But now…" She glanced up at him. "Tell the truth. If I were…theoretically…to join the family business, do you think I'd be any good at it?"

Tywin considered her for a moment. "Yes, as a matter of fact," he said. "I think you'd be quite good."

"Why?" Arya asked.

"Because you're sharp," he said. "You have an eye for detail. And your recent experiences have taught you how to see right through people. How to read the room. That's invaluable in this line of work."

Arya's mouth twitched. "Assassination and business are similar games, huh?"

"That they are," Tywin said. "Slightly less death of course."

"Given the number of dead CEOs in the past few years, I'm not sure about that," Arya said.

"True enough," Tywin said. "In any case, why are you asking me and not your brother?"

"I'm not sure." Arya rubbed her palms together. "You're good at this sort of thing. And I guess…talking business with you was the first time I ever considered it. First time I had considered the future in a long time actually." She shrugged. "I figure, if you say that I can do it, that means I can. You're usually right about that sort of thing."

"So I'm told." He leaned forward in his seat. "Of course if you do join your brother, you'll become my competitor."

"True." Arya grinned a little. "Don't worry. This is all hypothetical."

"I'm sure it is," Tywin said. "But I don't mind giving you a bit of advice."

"Because you think you could still beat me out?" Arya asked. "Or because you like me?"

Tywin's mouth twitched into a rare sort of smile. "Perhaps both."

Arya fell silent, as if surprised by his honesty. But she gave a smile as well, one full of pride. "I…probably should head home. I try not to stay out too late. Worries my mother."

"Always a good idea to avoid that," Tywin said. "But if you have more hypothetical questions…"

"Then I'll come to you." Arya smiled, nodding once. "Thanks."

He gave her a little nod and watched her duck out of the office.

In truth, Arya would be extremely dangerous in a business setting. She could go unnoticed and take the spotlight when needed. She was a talented actress and could change her persona to match whatever her opponent expected. A great many would make the mistake of underestimating her, but he was determined not to do the same.

Underestimating Starks was a trap he had learned to avoid.

The first few weeks back on the force were absolutely surreal to Jaime. Many of the other officers welcomed him back like a hero. Asked how he'd been. Asked how that hand was treating him. Jaime could brush off every single one of their comments because he was simply glad to be back. Any of their teasing or doubt didn't matter.

Barristan was starting him on simpler jobs. Information gathering mostly. Jaime understood why. Best to make sure the guy without a hand could handle the field before putting him into a confrontation. A hostage situation had taken his last hand and he only had one more to lose.

Brienne, however, was right at his side for every job. At first, Jaime wondered if she was being shackled to him because she had stood up for him. But she pushed that thought from his mind quickly.

"I asked to be your partner," she said. "We work well together."

"On and off duty, yeah," Jaime said with a little grin.

Her face flushed pink at the compliment and she rolled her eyes.

Brienne had more respect around the precinct than when Jaime had left. She had closed more cases and ended up involved in one of the biggest messes King's Landing had ever seen since she brought in Ramsay Snow. But there were still those that made comments about her. Thought themselves funny. Whenever Jaime heard them, he was sure to shut them down immediately.

"You respect Officer Tarth as long as I'm around. And if you don't…well, I don't need two hands to teach you a lesson."

Brienne insisted he didn't have to do any of that, but she was wrong. He used to participate in the insults. Encouraged them even with his laughter. He had to make up for that now. And what kind of man would he be if he let anyone talk shit about his girlfriend while he was nearby.

"Girlfriend?" Brienne had asked when he first said that in front of her. Her pale skin went tomato red.

"Yeah," Jaime said. "Unless you don't want to be."

"No, no. I do," Brienne said quickly. "Sorry. Still getting used to this…you liking me thing."

"I know. That's why I'm making a point to defend your honor. To help you get used to it."

"My hero."

Most of their jobs these days revolved around the ever growing presence of the drug 'Long Night'. The Watch had started really cracking down on it as cases of violent outbursts increased. Hospitals were having difficulty with the symptoms. It took a while to come down from them and withdrawal lasted much longer than typical drugs.

"We would have made more progress," Brienne said. "If the officers hadn't been so busy planting the drug on wildlings to make arrests and pretend to be doing their jobs."

"Well, it's because they can't arrest all the rich kids dipping into it," Jaime said. "Did we turn up anything from Baelish's little birds? I'm sure they're more willing to talk now that he's behind bars."

"I talked to some," she said. "They admitted that Baelish used to run the drug through some of his houses. But none of them know the kingpin behind it."

"More mysteries," Jaime said. "At least this one doesn't have his hand in the deaths of all those CEOs." He paused. "Maybe we should talk to Baelish."

"Hard to get to him right now," Brienne said. "Won't speak to anyone without a lawyer present."

"Then we'll let him have a lawyer present," Jaime said. "We're not looking for him to admit his involvement. Just his awareness of this guy. Baelish doesn't strike me as the loyal type."

"You'd have to get us a meeting," Brienne said.

Jaime gave her a little grin. "I'm a Lannister, Brienne. I can always get a meeting when I want it."

True to his word, he managed to get Baelish and his lawyers to agree to a meeting. Jaime guessed that his name had everything to do with it. Baelish knew well enough that his father was one of the ones driving him toward jail at the very moment. He also must know that there was no way for him to avoid it entirely. His only hope was to earn a lesser sentence. If Jaime offered him the possibility of that, he might talk.

Jaime had never spoken much with Petyr Baelish, but he was always around. First with Robert Baratheon, then with his own company. He was never a titan of the industry who got his face in the paper. But he was, none the less, involved in the innerworkings of King's Landing business. And his relative anonymity had allowed him to get away with quite a bit.

But sitting across from him that day…well, it was safe to say that the man was a human manifestation of a rat. His beady eyes and slimy smile. Jaime couldn't imagine him making a good case for his innocence on the stand.

"I'm glad you agreed to meet," Jaime said, taking a seat in front of the man.

"I was intrigued," Baelish said. "Didn't know that Jaime Lannister was back on the force."

"Freshly back on the force yes," Jaime said. "Of course, if Ramsay Snow had his way I wouldn't be, would I? An explosion of his almost took me out."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Baelish said. "But I'm in no way responsible for the actions of Ramsay Snow. We are not associated."

"No of course not," Jaime said. "Don't worry. I'm not here to trick you into admitting anything. The information I want is…tangential. Something for which you're not being prosecuted. Understand?"

"I see," Baelish said. "And what does this tangential information relate to?"

"Long Night," Brienne said from her place up against the wall. She was eyeing Baelish with an icy gaze that would have made most men shiver. He kept his pleasant smile.

"Ah yes. I've heard plenty of rumors about the drug," Baelish said. "But I had no dealings in it."

He lied very smoothly. But Jaime wasn't concerned with that.

"Of course not," he said. "Even if some of your…employees dealt in it. That's not your responsibility, is it?"

Baelish didn't reply. He knew better than to answer.

"But you are the sort of man that stays informed," Jaime said. "Spoke to many different kinds of people. You had eyes all over King's Landing. I'm sure you picked up on lots of rumors of where Long Night is coming from. Particularly the bad batches."

"Perhaps," Baelish said. "And what do I get for passing you these rumors."

"My father is one of the people leading the charge on your conviction," Jaime said. "He's mad about the explosion matter you see. And the matter of my nephew. It's hard to calm his temper sometimes, but I think I could ease it slightly."

The implication was clear. Brienne shifted, looking away. Even if it was a fake bribe, he didn't want to be explicit about it while she was around to hear.

"Your father's temper isn't easily tempered," Baelish said tightly. "I saw that clear enough."

"True," Jaime said. "But it can't hurt your chances, can it? I can also fan the flames of his temper if I'm so inclined."

Baelish's eyes narrowed, but Jaime did detect a hint of fear in his eyes. At last, the man sighed, folding his hands in front of him.

"What exactly do you want to know?"

"The taint to the Long Night product seems to be getting worse," Jaime said. "Is that intentional?"

"Some say yes," Baelish said. "And based on what I've heard, I'd be inclined to agree."

"Why?" Brienne asked. "What does he have to gain out of it?"

"It's a good question," Baelish said. "I'll ask one of my own. What's the profile of the ones that have been most effected by Long Night?"

"There is no profile," Brienne said. "Lower class. Middle class. Upper class. They've all been effected lately."

"Yes," Baelish said. "So it would seem, unlike some, he doesn't have a target."

"Unlike you, you mean?" Jaime asked.

"He doesn't have to answer that," one of the lawyers said.

"Right. Of course not," Jaime said. "If he doesn't have a target then why?"

"Perhaps he wants to create a bit of chaos," Baelish said.

"And take advantage of it," Brienne said.

"I didn't say that," Baelish said. "There are those who know how to make the best out of chaos yes. But some people…some people just want to watch it all fall to pieces. That's enough for them. Maybe he wants to see King's Landing in pieces"

"And that's what this man is doing?" Jaime asked.

"Allegedly," Baelish said. "Again. It's all based on hearsay. But I'd recommend putting more of the Watch's finest on the case. Because if you don't…well, I wouldn't be surprised if he's got bigger plans in mind."

Great, Jaime thought. Never a break is there?

Bran didn't want to drag his family into any more problems. Not after they had only just emerged from the war of this past year.

And yet…every time he glanced at the number sent to him courtesy of the spider, his fingers twitched.

Searching for knowledge—for the inner workings of King's Landing—had been his coping mechanism while adapting to life after the accident. Life after the death of his father and his sister's disappearance. He had a burning desire to have his finger on the pulse of everything going on in this city. It made him feel…vaster than the bedroom in which he spent so much time.

He wondered if the Spider felt the same way.

Still, if something was going on with Long Night and its mysterious manufacturer…it was best he know about it right? At least to keep his family out of the crossfire of any further troubles?

He picked up the piece of paper again. Picked up the phone and turned it in his hand. Then he called.

The phone rang four times before someone picked up. It was a woman's voice on the other line.

"Who is it?"

Bran let out a breath. "The Spider gave me your number."

"Did he?" the woman replied. "Well, isn't he a generous man."

"A generous man who wouldn't give me your number for no reason," Bran said. "You know something about Long Night."

"Accusing me of being a drug runner?"

"I didn't say that. Just that you know something."

"Uh huh." The woman paused. "You a cop?"

"No."

"That sounds like something a cop would say."

"Would you rather me say 'yes' then?"

The woman laughed from the other end. There was something familiar about her voice. She couldn't place it. "Maybe you're not a cop and maybe you are. I dunno why the Spider gave you this number. Probably because I could put you in touch with Mance."

"Mance?" Bran asked.

"Aye. The guy who knows the kingpin shipping Long Night," the woman said. "But Mance trusts me not to tell mysterious voices like you where to find him."

"Do you want proof I'm trustworthy?" Bran asked.

"Honestly, I'd rather not take the risk at all," the woman said. "It's cleaner for both of us if we back out now, ya know? You don't my name and I don't know yours."

It donned on Bran then. The familiarity of her voice. He'd only met her a few times before—with his cousin Jon. And he blurted out the name before he thought better of it. "Ygritte?"

She paused for a long time. And then the line went dead.

A/N: More Ygritte to come next time. Along with the general gathering of the storm :) Review, subscribe and I'll see you next time!