Rhaegar
Harrenhal 281 A.C
The Tourney was off to a blasting start, Rhaegar unhorsed Ser Maston Blount a Crownland knight. Followed by a Frey Knight one of the ones named Walder if his memory served him. So, after the tilts came the rest and the second round for the archery competition was underway. Not as popular among Lords the majority of them had chosen to retire to the Great Hall to eat drink and talk of the Tourney. Entering the Great Hall himself Rhaegar made his way to his next man on the List. The Trout of House Tully hung on a table where Lord Hoster Tully sat with his brother, though both men looked uninterested in each other's company. Ser Brynden Tully was a personal hero to Rhaegar if only because he was of the few men he got to speak to in his childhood. That didn't speak of the Ninepenny war with reverence and song. He found it stupid, as it was bloody pointless and glad it ended when it did. Before both men Rhaegar bowed and the Blackfish the infamous named he gained stood and made his excuses.
"Well I'm sure it's me the prince is looking for. I'm going to find a nice corner to piss in." The knight downed his wine cup and his brother grumbled at him as he left.
"Forgive him my prince, my brother makes it a habit to shame when he can" Lord Hoster grumbled Rhaegar smiled waving away the perceived offense.
"There is no offense my Lord your brother caused no offense" Rhaegar assured.
"If you say so my prince, now to what do I owe the honor?" Lord Hoster asked, staring at the older Lord Rhaegar gestured with his hand if they could leave the Great Hall to speak.
"Would you mind joining me out my Lord? I wish to speak of a private matter with you" Rhaegar said and the Lord of the Riverlands nodded standing. The two men walked off from the Great Hall to Rhaegars own tent outside. Robert was spending time with Lady Lyanna to which Rhaegar made a mental note to finally meet the rest of the Stark family. Ned was with Lady Ashara Dayne so their tent was alone with just two guards from Ned's house outside.
"We are not to be disturbed, if anyone besides Robert and Ned come. Turn them away" Rhaegar instructed and the two Duskendale knights nodded.
"Understood my prince" The man to the right agreed and Rhaegar led the Riverlord inside and they sat at his desk.
"Forgive the secrecy, my lord but I wanted out words to remain just that. Ours" Rhaegar began their little meeting.
"Is something the matter?" Lord Hoster asked settling in his seat and crossing one leg over the other. Rhaegar thought on his words carefully, Lord Hoster was known as a good Lord but also his job ruling the Riverlands made him a cautious and wary man. As he should history proved the Riverlands to be a bloody battlefield countless wars fought and decided on his lands. This meant his people were butchered, raped and, burnt. From the ancient Ironborn reavers to the Storm kings and in between. Their alliance was crucial to his plans of war the castle in the Rivelands would be his life line to his army.
"My Lord what do you think of my father?" Rhaegar's question caught the Lord offguard but he recuperated before answering.
"His rule has been marked by peace and prosperity for our kingdoms" a static answer but none the less true. So Rhaegar played his next card and used bit more honesty and bringing up the whispers in everyone's mouth.
"Yet it is not my father's rule that brought on such prosperity the small council can be credited to this. More as everyone whispers the rule of Lord Tywin" the Lord of the Riverlands hummed before responding.
"Nothing but gossip spread by the bored wives of lords. The king sits the Iron Throne Not Lord Tywin" Rhaegar measured the words carefully Hoster Tully was probing him to look for meaning in his words without revealing his own cards. Yet Rhaegar was not without his own tactics and talked of his daughter's marriages.
"Truth if there ever was one, but my father is not the least…happy of such talk. He has of late seen traitors wherever he looks." Rhaegar threaded his fingers together resting his elbows on his chair. "Your firstborn daughter is engaged to Brandon Stark a good man from when I met him" Rhaegar finished while Lord Tully mulled the words ands replied.
"Aye House Stark is a good an honorable house and my Cat is fond of Brandon Stark. I am sure you also know I have been speaking with Lord Arryn to marry her off to his heir Elbert Arryn of the Vale." Rhaegar smiled inwardly now he was getting somewhere.
"That is a powerful alliance indeed there is also Lord Rickard Stark marrying his daughter to my friend Robert. Four of the great seven houses tying each other as allies, that is very well done. But you must also understand how that looks to my father who sees traitors" a bit blunt but the point was received and the Lord of the Crossing played his own hand.
"House Tully owes its existence to House Targeryen, the alliances I make would be put after my alliance to the Iron Throne." No traitors here was the basic response Rhaegar got, more over loyalty to House Targeryen. That was good this could still play out on his favor.
"That here lies the problem why should my father believe you?" Rhaegar began pausing but not enough to give Lord Hoster a chance to reply. "He looks left and sees traitors then right more traitors. His Kingsguard swords are about the only people he still trusts" Rhaegar sighed leaning back into his chair he feigned weariness by rubbing his temple eyes closed sighing.
"Surely the King knows there is nothing to gain by betraying him? None of us have claim to the throne and certainly none of us even the Tyrells have a big enough army to take it by force" Lord Hoster spoke truth and his tone gave reason he was figuring out where this was going. So, ending all pretenses Rhaegar went straight for the kill.
"Aye so it is without armies that this must end, my father the gods forgive him has gone mad" Rhaegar looked to Lord Hoster his face like a castle gates shut offering no response.
"My father burns men alive in the throne room, for speaking treason in his ears. He had the tongue of Lord Tywins captain of the guard cut off" Rhaegar went on giving proof of his father's madness.
"This is very harrowing but what do you suggest be done about it? I will not raise the Riverlands against our king" Lord Hoster said firmly but Rhaegar still went on.
"I don't wish for war My Lord I wish for justice and to keep the kingdoms from tearing themselves apart from my father's actions" Rhaegar confirmed but he still needed the Riverlands if he were to march on Kings Landing. "I plan on assembling a great council, to deposed my father Lord Tywin will speak for us, as will Prince Doran Martell, Lord Steffon Baratheon and, Lord Jon Arryn" the Lord of the Riverlands didn't need to know only some of those promised military support.
"A great council…I can agree to that, but I am no fool no man willingly gives his crown especially if you claim your father lost to madness" Rhaegar thinned his lips already feeling where this was going.
"But I cannot raise an army against my king" Lord Hoster was a loyal man a good man.
"I would not ask you to but…if it is as you say The North will raise an army on our behalf" a bigger lie could not be told.
"If Lord Rickard marches against the Throne…I might need to reconsider our alliance" A threat? Perhaps that's more to gauge his reaction, The Riverlords lived by their alliances it was how they defended themselves from threats regardless of his answer the Lord of the Riverlands if Lord Rickard raised his army, the Riverlands would have to raise them or be caught in the middle of the fight.
"I would consider that unwise, the Riverlands will be part of the battlefield if the worst happens. Join us My Lord we must end this madness I know you by reputation to be a good and honest man. Not a man to stand by and let injustice be done" Rhaega responded.
"I cannot give you an answer right now, I can speak on your behalf at the council, but the Riverlords are loyal to the crown even if I call their banners I cannot say how many would answer the call" Lord Hoster said.
"I must speak with them it will take time but if you are serious on this. I must be assured of our allies" Rhaegar nodded grimly.
"I understand my Lord but please keep in mind my father could do something drastic we must be on alert." Lord Hoster nodded and stood both men shook hands and went their separate ways. It wasn't a yes but it wasn't no either so Rhaegar could only pray Lord Hoster saw things his way. Pouring himself some wine from their own stock Rhaegar drank the cup and thought how his comrades were doing.
Eddard
He wasn't the best when it came to dealing with Lords but it was family so their second try at convincing their father would have to do by convincing Brandon. His father as of late had begun give more and more responsibility to Brandon. So, if they could convince Brandon to commit the North they could do this, Lord Mace Tyrell sent no envoys or made and appearance. So, when the Great Council was called he would doubtlessly support King Arys. But it was fine they had the other houses even if Lord Hoster did not support them militarily they were set to deposed the King they just needed The North now.
"Brother! Come, come were having fun!" Brandon was drinking with servant girls who fawned over him. One on his lap while his hand squeezed her behind. Then one had her arms around his broad shoulders looked to him offering him a wink. She was pretty enough but never compared to his Lady love so Ned he was impervious to her charms.
"Where is Lyanna and Benjen?" Ned asked looking around for his siblings in the tent.
"Benjen is Lord Howland Reed one of our bannermen he came down from the neck and the two seem to have become friends" his brother shrugged smiling.
"As for Lyanna Robert had promised her to show her how to swing a sword so he's doing just that" Brandon explained.
"Brother, we must speak privately if you will" Ned said looking to his…companions.
"Oh, come on Ned it was a bloody long ride down and a man must relax" Ned thinned his lips and shook his head.
"Depending on you this should be quick, but we must be alone" Ned emphasized his words and his brother rolled his eyes dismissing the servant girls.
"Alright come on then come back to my tent later" He smacked the last one in the behind earning a few laughs from them.
"You are to be married brother you know that" Ned started and his brother grunted leaning back on his chair motioning for Ned to sit on the one next to him.
"I'm not married yet brother, neither are you" the implication was foolish, no woman could be compared to Ashara Dayne in his eyes.
"No but I am not a man to be led his cock" Brandon grunted at that crossing his arms.
"Forget it your as sour as ever I see" Brandon sighed and Ned moved on.
"Well brother on to more important matters. I need your help" Brandon sighed slacking on his chair looking up.
"This has to do with the prince, doesn't it?" Brandon knew it already, his father probably told him Ned would bring it up.
"Ned I am to be Lord of Winterfell we swore our oaths to a Targeryen king" Brandon asserted and despite the situation Ned was proud of his brother, he was wild and hungry for glory. But despite that his brother thought of the Nroth of his duty to his people.
"We are not breaking that oath Rhaegar is a Targeryen, he is a king we can follow, while King Arys is mad" Ned insisted leaning forward onto his seat.
"So you'll betray the man who gave you your lordship" Ned flinched physically at that this wasn't easy by the gods this wasn't easy. He owed his Lordship to King Arys, but enough was enough raping the queen, burning men alive and the cutting of the tongue Lord Tywin's captain of the Guard. It was getting out of hand the king was becoming crueler and his paranoia was causing undue tension in the capital.
"I know damn it I, know but enough is enough brother the king is mad. He burns people alive he sees traitors everywhere he looks!" Ned rubbed his temples and groaned he was bloody tired he finished another round of the melee today.
"Ned you're asking a lot of me from the North and father has already denied you. Why should it be different from me?" Brandon made a good point the North for the most part stayed away from politics of the south. But this concerned them all the king had to be stopped for the good of the realm. No matter how distant the north was Ned learned it was still part of the realm.
"Brother father will speak at the great council, that should be enough. War isn't something I want for the start of my rule" Brandon sighed sliding a hand over his hair but Ned needed the North.
"Brother I would not commit the North to something that wouldn't affected it. Tell me once this goes down and if the worst happens. Where do you think, the king will look to for more traitors?" Ned pointedly looked to his brother. "The king is mad and he will begin a witch hunt starting with the families of our supporters. I know I'm asking much of you Brandon. But I ask you as a brother help me end the madness" Brandon stood pacing to a nearby table to grab more wine.
"If we do this who else will stand by your side?" Brandon poured wine into his cup gazing at his reflection for a time, before drinking it.
"I got a few houses from the Crownlands, Dorne, The Westernlands and, House Baratheon" Ned informed and Brandon leaned on the table before responding to Ned.
"You don't have the support of the Vale?" Ned hummed shaking his head Jon was a good man but he was loyal to a fault.
"No, he will speak on our behalf he has assured us as much" Brandon scratched his beard with a groan.
"He is not blood I suppose even if he raised you it couldn't be expected. But I understand I will speak to father if the time comes you can count on the banners of the north to march with you brother" Ned smiled and Brandon returned the smile hugging his brother patting each other on the back.
"When is the council to be held?" Brandon asked as they parted and crossed his arms an easy smile on his face.
"By the end of this year, after the Tourney two months before the turn of the year we will send ravens to our supporters and call for a meeting." Brandon nodded and stretched yawning.
"Well brother the hour is late and I should rest…after I finish a previous appointment" Ned shook his head as he made his exit he decided to find Ashara to unwind the wedding was getting closer and the Tourney was heating up. When he exited the tent the sun was at its highest so his brother was just short of telling him to fuck off. The servant girls that were there entered one of them sliding a hand on his shoulder but he ignored it walking off to find his betrothed.
Robert
The fourth round of the melee was underway Looking to the Stands he found Rhaegar but Ned was missing. Probably still meeting with his brother, though on closer inspection he did find Lyanna and her brother Benjen. Catching her eye, she nodded his way with a friendly smile and Robert lifted his cloak or rather Lyanna's cloak her 'favor' he wore in her honor. She had rolled her eyes but with a smile from him and a wag of his eyebrows she allowed him the token. She noticed this and laughed shaking her head and Robert felt he was making progress, they talked bloody hell they talked and she didn't give him the cold shoulder. He showed her how to properly swing a sword she had a basic grasp of it. She practices with her brother Benjen in Winterfell's Godswood.
While the basic was there technique was none existent she beat her when he first tried to gauge her in mere seconds. She was sour about that but he assured her she simply needed better technique and she showed improvement right away. He taught her proper stances with a longsword, and how to swing it without showing her intent, as Robert told her he could see her attacks from Last Winter. His musings were interrupted when a horn sounded, the ready signal and he donned his antler helm. Robert picked up his Warhammer with no spikes as he wasn't out to kill a man. The competitors were Ser Addam Marbrand from the Westernlands one of Lord Crakehalls son's Ser Lyle Crakehall another Western man. Another knight Robert recognize was Ser Vardis Egen captain of Jon's Guard in the Vale. His presence here was certainly curious but the knight competing was sure to make for a good match.
Two hedge knights Robert didn't know as well competed before a knight he wasn't expecting came to the field. A Northman knight Ser Mark Ryswell of Ned's household he hadn't know him to compete. The final horn blew and everyone went to fighting position. Robert bellowed with a war cry and moved for Ser Lyle Crakehall who moved parrying Roberts first strike with his Warhammer. Throwing an uppercut, the knight staggered back. And Robert hooked his leg with his hammer bringing him to the ground and as soon as the match started the first knight was out of the count as the Storm Lord pointed his hammer at the fallen knight and stepped on his sword hand.
"Gah! I yield my lord, victory is yours" Robert smirked stepped off moving to the next knight Ser Vardis was fighting Ser Mark Ryswell. While Addam Marbrand. One of the hedge knights charged at Robert tossed his Warhammer in the air before meeting his opponent head catching the knight off guard he tossed him over his shoulder while the other knight came slashing down Robert's head. Robert parried the overhead strike smirking.
"Ah come on you hit like a limp breasted bitch!" the Storm Lord taunted the knight tried him again but Robert parried left and forced him to the side wrestling him with a push he staggered back. The other knight attacked Roberts right. Robert parried and the other knight decided to join him in an assault to the Storm Lord. Laughing like a man possessed Robert with surprising speed parried their strikes and found enough time to swing at his attackers keeping them apart. They parted and tried to surround him Robert licked his lips smiling as the two knights surrounded him. The two knights went for an above cut parried the first strike. The second hit across his back but he smacked the other attacker across the helm denting it and knocking him out. Turning his remaining opponent traded blows, he was better than his friend but when Robert forced a lock of his blade and hammer he pulled down and back pulling the sword away from his body and delivered a hit on his chest. Flat on his back his plate dented slightly the knight wheezed removing his helm gasping for breath. Looking for another opponent Robert saw Ser Vardis be brought down by Ser Addam Marbrand.
Ser Mark Ryswell, Ser Addam Marbrand and, Robert remained seizing each other up Ser Vardis looked winded either Ser Mark Ryswell gave him a fight or Ser Addam Marbrand did. Regardless Robert wanted more of a challenge.
"Come on I'll take you both on!" Robert smirked holding his Warhammer with both hands the two knights gave looks to each other before Ser Vardis stepped up.
"I would not dishonor my Lord with such tactics my Lord on your guard" Robert shrugged and charged Ser Vardis, using a long kite shield he parried Roberts hammer but the force forced him off balance. Ser Addam Marbrand put his sword point down into the Tourney ground both hands on the pommel as he waited for their match to end. Robert parried Ser Vardis attack and he smashed his shield against Robert who staggered back. Robert used his polearm to parry him to the left and used his polearm to the side of his helm. The Lord tumbled exposing his back but Robert kicked Ser Vardis to the ground and stepped on his back putting his hammer by his helm.
"I yield" he grunted and Robert stepped off to Ser Addam Marbrand he picked up his sword and nodded towards Robert. Robert again charged not feeling the least bit fatigued by the constant fighting and the two men traded steel. Each strike drove the Western knight back for a man his size Robert was surprisingly fast. His strikes while brute held skill and Ser Marbrand knew that already form his short fight with Ser Vardis if allowed Robert would wrestled his opponent down or overpower him with his strength. Keeping the sword close to his body he parried Robert's hammer strikes until the Storm Lord locked blades with his Warhammer. Quickly Robert hooked his hammer on the back of the knight's neck pulling and dropping him face first into the ground. Ser Marbrand rolled out of the way avoiding Roberts pinned move. Robert went for a swing to knock his opponent out but half-swording Ser Marbrand returned the favor pulling at Roberts weapon and disarmed him. Pulling back Robert barely missed a swing meant for his midsection. Before Robert tackled Ser Marbrand into the ground rolling off him and scrambled for a weapon. His opponent did the same when standing Robert held Ser Marbrands longsword and he his Warhammer.
Both looked to each other and a silent agreement passed between the two Robert tossed the sword and Ser Marbrand tossed the Warhammer at him. Weapons back in their rightful hands Robert attacked again this time more seriously. Both men fought with their best skill until Robert finally got the upper hand grabbing his Warhammer with both hands he hit Ser Marbrand on the helm counting a hit. Before a third to the chest and a strike with Roberts pummel ended the match in his favor.
"Aha! Good show Marbrand" Robert said offering his hand and the Western knight removed his helm grasping it with a nod.
"Aye well fought My Lord you hit like a bloody horse kick" Robert bellowed in laughter at that and threw an arm around Ser Marbrand and the whole of the arena cheered. While Ser Marbrand even after losing seemed very at ease with Roberts presence. Walking out of the arena Robert went straight to the stands to find his betrothed. He instead found Benjen and Ned looking somewhat confused, still in his armor Robert removed his helm and held it by the antlers.
"What's the matter where is Lyanna?" he asked and Ned shrugged.
"Come I saw her leave when Howland Reed didn't arrive on time." Ned explained and Robert let his shoulders sack she missed his victory sighing Robert moved aside to let Ned exit first and they searched for Lyanna to where their tent was. Near the walls of Harrenhal three young lads probably squires ran past them and they found Lyanna helping up Howland Reed. He stood up taking her hand and he thanked her in a soft voice.
"You are welcome you are my father's bannerman and those squires wouldn't know honor if it bit them in the arse" Lyanna growled and Robert saw the sword in her hand.
"I hope what I taught you came in handy" Robert said catching her attention. She was surprised before she blushed and the gods above it was the greatest thing he had seen in all the seven kingdoms.
"It helped though they themselves didn't even seem to know the right end to hold a sword" Robert chuckled at that before she eyed him clad in armor.
"Oh, Robert forgive me I missed your match" He waved it off the woman could chop his cock off and he'd probably forgive her.
"Bah it's alright plenty of other matches to see, but more so I hope this means you'll want more lessons?" Robert said hopeful to spend more time with her and to her credit she nodded smiling.
"I'd like that Robert very much so" Robert grinned and nodded towards her he then shook hands with Howland and he accompanied the Stark family to Harrenhal. Sitting in the great hall Robert with Ned and later on Rhaegar they talked briefly speaking about their meetings.
"How was your meeting with Lord Hoster?" Ned asked first drinking wine more so than he usally would Ashara sat next to him curious herself on their plotting it would seem.
"Fine enough he did not give me a straight answer but there is hope yet what of you Ned?" Rhaegar asked.
"My brother has committed the North to our cause" Ned smiled and the three did a small celebration about that.
"All in all, good job by all accounts, but if you excuse me I got find a hole to piss in" Robert said leaving them he walked out of the Great Hall the sun was dipping and on the main road with Orange dressing the background he saw a boxcart ride into the gates. Two riders' road at the front while two more were behind it. Finally, Robert moved aside to let the cart stop near him by the gates. Looking at the riders Robert found Arthur and Ser Barristan Selmy the back riders were Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Gerald Hightower, Robert felt his stomach drop Ser Gerald nodded to him and Robert had the sense to nod back but when the boxcart door was opened by the Kingsguard out stepped King Arys his long hair matted and dirty his beard as well dirty and his fingernails looked long and yellow. When he laid eyes on Robert he wondered which madness would show instead he nodded to him and stepped down just behind him came Ser Jaime Lannister and when he reached inside Princess Elia stepped from the boxcart.
"Ah Robert there you are" The king said seemingly forgetting they just saw each other.
"Your grace, we did not expect your presence" Robert said.
"Ah my useless son would have me miss this! No today is a special day Tywin is just a few moments ride away. But today will be a good day for us all" The king smirked his teeth suprisngly white compared to the rest of his unkempt look. Whatever the king was planning he only hoped Harrenhall didn't burn a second time this time with them inside it.
Ohhh Arys makes an appearance and Lyanna and Robert seem to be getting along! Things are getting more interesting by the minute as the Grand Tourney to end all Tourney's continues. I know I didn't get into the Joust this chapter but for you fans of the joust don't worry I'll have some jousting for you in the next chapter. Also the chapter after the next one will be the last Harrenhall chapter I have great plans ahead and I hope you guys enjoy them unfolding! On to the questions then.
Dr. Fossil: I know I know but again finding a beta is hard there hardly ever seems to be anyone willing! No one ever answers my ravens I'm afraid ;~;. So like I always say I always ask if anyone here wants to do it I'm happy to work with you on that!
Rihanon: As far as Rhaegar agreeing he for the most part resigned himself to the fate as he planned on gathering allies to depose his father. However, the quick acceptance here also is because remember Cersei found out about Rhaegars plot by accident so Rhaegar didn't really have much of a choice this time. He either agreed or declined and risk being exposed so he had to bite the bullet on this one.
I also hope this chapter gives you a little more of the politics you wanted I admit it's not my strongest suit but I try my best. To work with in the world laws and medieval know how.
Random person: Not really the way it sets up in the boooks is Rhaegar can't have another child with Elia but here things are a little different and because of Roberts much tamer person thanks to his relationhship with Ned and Rhaegar Lyanna is a bit more open minded. Keeping in mind Robert went to her with the right mindset thanks to Ned.
Supremus: Yes, they were pro-Rhaegar but to go to war? That is another matter entirely Jon will speak on their behalf but at the same time raising arms against his king would be breaking his oath to the iron throne. He can support Rhaegar politically but militarily he feels he is bound to the throne and as such Arys.
Weylandcorp: Tywin is too ambitions to allow this no if Rhaegar marries Cersei and Elia that's an insult to House Lannister and a bad move on Rhaegars part, I believe him wiser than that especially with all the changes in this story he isn't prophecy obsessed as in cannon. Here the immidate concern of his father being deposed is much more present.
Alright see you next chapter as always tell me your thoughts and concerns I love hearing from you all my lovely readers!