Why had he brought such a stupid idea up?

Eight words which were spinning in his head ever since both himself, Lady Olenna, a handful of guards, and two thousand Unsullied soldiers had left Dragonstone on one of the many Redwyne ships. For many years of his life, he would've rejoiced at being amongst schemers but with everything that had happened recently that was the last thing he wanted to be involved in. Yet his Queen had named him one of her primary advisors alongside Grey Worm, Koro who was considered the leader of the Dothraki, and that perfumed blue-haired Daario Naharis she had left to govern the Bay of Dragons. Why him? What had he done to garner such favour?

It was going to be a long journey. Word had gotten to them of Euron Greyjoy blockading the Blackwater which meant if they even attempted to get somewhat close to the coast once they were south they would be ambushed. Having no choice but to travel east towards the Stepstones and navigate their way through the few islands which were unoccupied and hoping that none of the pirates would raid their ship. At least if it did happen they would have a chance of getting out alive because Unsullied were legendary for their fighting abilities. Tales of the three thousand made its way to Westeros decades prior and it was one he loved learning about under Maester Creylen.

Was the man even still alive? It was a question he was going to get an answer to when they make their way to their final destination. Knowing his arrival was going to be the total opposite of welcome for killing his father. Truthfully, if Genna didn't immediately push him from the cliff it would be a miracle. There was nothing to hold her back now as her children had been murdered as had her husband, she was going to be wroth with emotions. Few people would go against a Lannister, but one would need to be truly stupid to go up against Genna Lannister. Even his father sometimes refused to continue an argument when she got involved which was saying something.

It took them nearing a week of navigation before the captain was confident that they were in clear waters and steered the ship closer to the coast but remaining far enough away as whispers had reached them just before leaving of Dorne. Of how many of the House's were refusing Ellaria as their leader and for good reason, but it was the ominous silence surrounding the Princess which worried him greatly. Arianne Martell was groomed from childhood to be the ruler of Dorne, and now her position had been usurped from under her feet in the Water Gardens of all places- it being seen as a place for people to meet up and being known for blood never having been spilt on the ground.

Yet now? Blood had been spilled. A lot of it. And it was something which had angered the southernmost Kingdom massively. Her Grace had sent numerous ravens to the House's which did not rise in support once Ellaria had done so, but no reply had come back from either. Not even Varys found anything out as the little time he had spent in Essos had allowed his birds to be turned or silenced. Only realising then just how useful his network was and why it had to remain the way it did. Slowly, it was building up again, but the Eunuch did state he doubted it would ever be as expansive as it had been before they had fled Kings Landing after he had pulled the trigger on the crossbow and watched the arrow embed deep into Tywin Lannister's heart.

This was going to be a tricky situation, and he cursed himself for suggesting it without thinking of the possible repercussions. Whilst it was obvious neither of his cousins would support Cersei, it was also obvious they would be incredibly hostile to him. Words Olenna had spoken to him ringing like a bell. So long as Tywin was around, no one would dare anger his own House. Yet now he was dead, the openings had been created. Openings he had caused. Now, he was trying to ally them with the House they had considered their rivals for decades which was not going to be taken well.

Janei or Devan? By succession, Janei was next in line. But everyone knew females were passed over in favour of males so she was unlikely. Which meant he had to convince Daven. He was of an age with himself, and he had numerous fond memories with said cousin. Yet he was brash, much brasher than even Genna was when she was angry. The only thing they could hope on was the fact that Cersei had killed both Cerenna and Myrielle- his younger sisters. House Lannister had three possible moves to make. Those being supporting the woman who killed three members of their own for refusing to go to her own trial, himself who had killed his father on the privy, or remain neutral.

The latter would be a massive blow to his Queen's cause. The Westerland's and the Reach had the largest army in Westeros other than the Vale which they were not getting as they had sworn for Jon Snow. That had been a surprise when Maester Pylos had told them of what had happened. Remembering the dour boy he travelled to the Wall with well alongside his albino direwolf aptly named Ghost for just how damned quiet it was. He hadn't seemed like much of a leader, but the stories which were seeping through the little network Varys had left proved otherwise. If they were true, he had taken over as commander during a massive battle with the Wildling's and had been treating with none other than Stannis Baratheon himself.

Not only this, but his estranged wife was with him.

He had not wanted to wed Sansa just as much as she had not wanted to wed him. He was seven and twenty when they wed, and she was four and ten. Not the worst age difference in Westeros by any means, but one that did not sit right with him. Everyone looked down on the meek redhead, but he was no fool, he could see she was simply sitting back and watching how everyone else handled the shit world they live in. Taking notes and becoming harder as time went on. The first time anyone might've spoken on how well she had adapted was during that cursed wedding. When his vile nephew hired other dwarves to create a play of the war that had plagued them. Being forced to watch as a mockery was made of her father and brother yet managing to keep a terrifyingly still face much like his sister did.

"What's got you so bothered? You look like you're trying to squeeze a shit out that's refusing to budge."

His eyes narrowed before turning to Lady Olenna. He should be used to her thorns by now, yet somehow she still surprised him often.

"Are your thorns always so sharp?"

"My thorns are only sharp if you are too weak to take them, Lord Tyrion."

His glare got worse at this comment before finally caving in, not wanting to get into that fight right now.

"What's bothering me, my Lady, is realising just how impulsive my words were and wishing I had thought better of them."

"You regret suggesting allying our House's? What took you so long to realise it wasn't going to work?"

What? Had she just said what he thought she did?

"We are literally travelling to Highgarden to speak to your grandchildren to see if either will wed my cousins to tie our House's together- "

"Oh don't play dumb with me. You know as well as I do it isn't going to work. Aye, it's a desirable offer, no one can deny that fact. Do you not find it strange how her Grace and the Lord Hand have asked you not to sit in any of the war councils this past sennight?"

Gods be damned, he had been played like a bloody fiddle. If the Queen of Thorns was bringing this up then it meant one of two things. Either he wasn't trusted in the councils for bias reasons as despite how much he despised Cersei- she was his sister. Daenerys had made it obvious she felt uneasy about it because he knew her better than anyone and his sister knew him too. Not as much as Jaime though. He had always loved Jaime when they were young and had been devastated when he was given the white cloak of the Kingsguard as it meant he had to leave Casterly Rock. It was a likely possibility. The other being they were keeping something from him. The other occupant pulling out a wooden box and removing the contents to see it was a board of Cyvasse. A game he loved and one they had played when there wasn't much to do on Dragonstone but wait on reports to arrive.

"We are going to Highgarden to rally those who didn't swear alongside mine own swearing. And then, we are going to sail with the remaining Redwyne ships to blockade Lannisport. Your brother is in the Riverland's with the Westerland's army. We are taking Casterly Rock in the Queen's name."

For a moment, the words went in one ear and out of the other. But the second they registered, he snapped his head up and looked directly at the elderly woman. Analysing her expression for any sign of a lie or a bluff yet he found none. Reaching over to take a swig of his watered wine which despite having drank it for months still tasted vile. But he promised his Queen he would remain somewhat sober when it came to any movements being made.

"You do realise Casterly Rock is impregnable?"

"Impregnable to be sacked, not impregnable to claim. There is a difference between the two, Lord Tyrion. If there is no army there and there is no army in the Westerland's other than a few stragglers, can it still stand?"

Seven hells, she was being serious. It would certainly make a statement, but what use was there in taking said castle? If they took it, Jaime would head straight back and would stop at nothing until it was theirs again. Not to mention Cersei, she would rant and rave and rage.

"What else have I not been made aware of in these meetings?"

His tongue was sharp now, feeling anger swell within at having been played so easily. If his younger self could see him now he would've laughed directly in his face. Kings Landing was a city full of snakes, but snakes can slither to new places. Tyrion watched as Olenna decided where to place her pieces on the board and he looked to it himself to decide. Keep his dragon and elephant near the front, middle, or back? Keep them together or keep them apart? Looking to the opposite side of the board to try and find out Olenna's plan before a move was made.

"Ellaria and her daughters are travelling back to Sunspear, intending to convert the Dornish House's which have not sworn to her to get more men to her Grace's side. Her Grace on the other hand has a long journey ahead of her alongside Ser Barristan. They're travelling to White Harbour."

"So she's finally agreed to meet her granduncle then? Or is it great granduncle?"

"Great granduncle. I would know considering the man was almost mine own uncle. I like Aemon, I just hope his wits haven't left him like his youth."

"From the little time I spent at the Wall, it doesn't appear it has left him, my Lady. I wasn't aware you were betrothed to one of his nephews?"

There was no lie in his words because that was something he did not know. Making his first move with a simple rabble to try and bait the Queen of Thorns.

"I was nine when my father agreed to the match with Queen Betha Blackwood. Whilst like many Valyrian's, Daeron was a fine specimen by anyone's standards, but I didn't care about that. I wanted more than a third son who wouldn't inherit anything. Queen Betha and King Aegon spun it that it was Daeron who broke the betrothal, but all parties involved were aware that was not the case."

"So you went after Luthor Tyrell."

"Aye, it is good to see your wits haven't fully left you."

The barb had a small pit of rage forming deep within his gut but he managed to keep it locked behind a schooled expression as he always did.

"Not that it mattered in the end. Daeron had eyes for Ser Jeremy Norridge and died beside him in battle. Luthor was a dim-witted full who was a fantastic bed partner alongside a desirable title. My son an idiot, my daughters with little to no ambition, and my grandchildren killed by Cersei."

"Not all of your grandchildren. You still have Willas and Garlan, alongside a handful of nieces and nephews."

The game was well and truly underway now. When he had moved his most valuable piece he knew nought. But soon it was becoming his most used one, taking many of Lady Olenna's pieces and working on cornering her to make her surrender. This was disturbed though as one of the guards came down below deck and stating there was something they needed to see. Frowning in confusion before getting up- cursing the pain in his stunted legs- and making his way above the deck. From the amount of sand there was, it was obvious they were still sailing around the coast of Dorne. But where exactly were they? This was answered soon enough as they passed a castle he had only ever seen drawings of- Starfall. The Seat of House Dayne, one of many that refused the call. Taking the looking glass and scanning for what was wrong. He got his answer soon enough. It was abandoned. Not a single soul was nearby nor were there any horses outside in the stables nor were there any guards on the battlements awaiting an attack. But one thing did stick out to him- a flag. One which immediately had his stomach tying in knots as he looked to Olenna worryingly.

Split in two, with two sigils painted on it. One of the direwolf of House Stark, and the other the sun and spear of House Martell.

"We need to turn back, get a message sent to Ellaria."

A part of him wanted to argue with Olenna on this, but she had a damned good point there. This was not good. If House Dayne had sworn for Jon Snow, did this mean the others had? Why would they do such a thing? Thinking long and hard on it before cursing aloud which caught a few people's attention.

"Princess Arianne is in the North."

The silence that followed these words was horrifying. Those who had any knowledge on politics immediately understanding what this meant. Of course Arianne would want revenge. Ellaria was certain she would accept keeping her title as ruler of Dorne, clearly she had not realised that like her father and uncle, she was a snake. Except now, she was a snake who was hunting for prey and seeking help to catch said prey. Moving to the captain and telling him to turn around but he refused, stating he was not going to refuse an order from her Grace. Then moving to the Unsullied commander that had come with them who had a similar response- completely devoted to their Queen. Thank, Tyrion, think. And then an idea struck him, turning to Olenna and asking the question.

"How far is the Arbor from Starfall, my Lady?"

"Three days providing the wind favours us, Lord Tyrion."

It would certainly be tricky. Asking how long after it was since Ellaria had left Dragonstone. There was a high chance she would no longer be in Sunspear by the time a raven reached her. But they had to try. They were heading there anyway to join forces with the remaining Redwyne's to prepare a blockade.

"I will send a raven to Janei and Daven, offer them to talk and mayhaps with luck we will be able to get the Westerland's without force."

A few of the Unsullied gave him a look at this but he paid them no mind. Neither taking it kindly that he was asking them to stall with an order from whom they saw as their saviour. Which she was, as if it weren't for her using trickery with Kraznys she never would've gotten the famed soldiers. In Essos tales were spun over her good deeds, but in Westeros, the only tale circulating was how she was forcefully taking the throne back. A dumb way to think on it, as Cersei had taken the throne for herself. Tyrion remembered well from the Battle of Blackwater; wildfire explosions did not have aftershocks. Thus leaving three options. Tommen was alive and was being kept back, he had been pushed from the tower, or he had fallen from the tower. Deep down, a part of him wished his nephew were still alive because if so Daenerys could offer to legitimise him in private to keep the Baratheon name alive to pacify his sister. Immediately snorting at the thought, there was no way Cersei would stand for such a thing.

Like Lady Olenna stated, it took them just shy of four days to dock on the Arbor. An island he himself had never visited but one she had grown up in as prior to wedding Luthor Tyrell she was a Redwyne. The sheer number of vineyards making his eyes bulge and causing his mouth to fill with saliva as he wanted to taste some of the wine they were famous for. Whilst many did arrive on Dragonstone, watered wine was not the same as regular wine, and he missed it greatly. Being greeted by Lord Paxter, Lady Olenna's nephew through blood and goodson by marriage- being twice related much like his own parents had been. The older man gave him a strange look but did not say anything, signalling them inside the large castle. Where were the ships? That was answered as they were directed to the opposite side of the castle where there was a small courtyard which overlooked a second harbour- one that easily had fifty ships in the docks ready to leave at a moments notice should the need arise.

"It has been a long time since we have seen one another, aunt."

"That it has Paxter, is my niece and grandnephews around?"

He shook his head to confirm they were not. Small talk was made between them before Lady Olenna gave him a look which didn't take a genius to figure out that she wanted to speak alone. A sour taste formed in his mouth at being left out of talks again but accepted it nonetheless. Instead deciding to use the time he now had to explore and to find the Maester to ask for some parchment to write a raven for Ellaria. How long he walked around for he knew nought, but he eventually came across the Maester and was led to his own quarters to be handed a plain scroll alongside a quill. What to write?

Warning Ellaria would likely be like warning Oberyn. Remembering him chastising the man before the dual which ended in his skull being cracked open like an egg for drinking prior. She had more than a hot temper, one he had been at the end of on many occasions and was only stopped when their Queen ordered them not to. If allies could not get along, it did not look good in gaining more allies. With Daenerys' reluctance to attack the capital immediately because there would be a mass loss of life, allies was what they needed. Varys had been working on getting some of his birds back in Kings Landing and neighbouring towns and villages, a few reports coming in. But due to a broken network according to him it was like piecing together a book with numerous pages torn from it.

It took a long time to write it, but eventually he was pleased with the result. Handing it to the Maester to read and when he gave him a look confirmed it was to be sent to one of their allies. Watching as it was sealed and taken to the rookery to be sent off. Once this was done, he wandered around and asked a servant if she was aware of the Lady's location. Being taken out to the courtyard where she was sitting with a woman who strikingly looked alike her deceased niece which meant one thing. This must be Mina Tyrell- Lady Olenna's eldest daughter. Both turned their heads towards him and with a simple nod confirmed they were inviting him to take a seat. A large plate of biscuits and cheeses alongside a jug of Arbor Gold in the centre.

"The Maester told us you send the raven."

"Aye, I did. The sooner we do so, the better. How did the talk with your dearest nephew go?"

"As well as can be expected. He has gone in search of his sons to ready the crew to get to the ships. Like you said, the sooner the better."

A small smile formed on his face, well played. There was no use in denying that. Quickly being caught up on the plan and much to his relief Lord Paxter agreeing to send a raven to Daven and Janei on his behalf. He hadn't dared to write it himself, knowing the second either of his cousins received it would tear it to shreds and refuse to answer. Disguising it instead by offering them discounted rates until the end of the war on their famous wine which was well loved in Lannisport and Casterly Rock.

They remained at the Arbor for four days total. From there, they had boarded their own ship once more and began heading further north up the coast. Breathing a sigh of relief as the sandy deserts of Dorne disappeared and were replaced by numerous fields confirming they were now out of harms way temporarily. Not that it lasted for long as a further four days later they were coming up to Lannisport. Spotting the mighty castle he had grown up in atop the massive cliff. Less than half of it being visible as much of it was built into the rock as well. Taking a deep breath as they rounded the corner wholly expecting to see the one hundred ships that were always situated here. But there was only two dozen. Confusion whirring in his mind as he looked in every crevice he knew of in case any were hiding. But no, there was definitely only two dozen.

"Where are the other ships?"

"They must be with my sister- "

"Does she not have Euron Greyjoy by her side with the Iron Fleet?"

"Less than half of the Iron Fleet. Yara and Theon stole their best ships when they fled the Kingsmoot."

There was no other explanation. Why else would seventy six ships just up and leave? Cursing silently to himself because now he had been made aware of the plan. Sack Casterly Rock, have either his cousins accept him back or name Daven as Warden of the West to get the Westerland's. Use the new ships to blockade the Blackwater and to destroy Euron. With Euron out of the way, Cersei will have lost her last big ally which would corner her. Leaving her no choice but to kneel or die. Mayhaps she had learned in the last few years. Whilst Tyrion had never gotten along with his father and they at best tolerated one another, Tywin did admit begrudgingly he was the smartest of the three.

"What do we do now, Lord Tyrion?"

He looked out as they turned the corner into the harbour, closing his eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"We either wait on my cousins, or we get inside through a passage only I know of."

No other words needed to be spoken. All taking a weapon of some kind and preparing to dock one of the ships just out of sight. Stepping down onto the stony beach and walking around the cliffs to where the small crack was which had a vile scent coming from it. A few of the men with him gagging loudly and trying to plug their noses with their clothing.

"Breathing through your mouth helps somewhat. Unfortunately, it gets worse."

A louder gag broke through but he spared no look towards whoever it was. Reaching up to plug his nose with his fingertips and walking into the crack, jumping onto the small ledge inside which prevented them from wading through a river of shit. From the amount of time he had spent in the capital, the small shouldn't affect him much. But gods, it did. It was putrid and felt like it was burning his lungs from the inside out. Holding his breath as long as he could each time as they pushed further into the rock. This passage was one he had commissioned. His father giving him work to do and by work giving him the most disgusting one of all. Only working it the way that he had so he could sneak whores in without detection. How naïve his younger self had been.

It felt like an age had passed before they came to a second crack and walking down it. Heading farther into the darkness and one which lay directly underneath the living quarters of Casterly Rock. It ending directly underneath his childhood bedroom. The smell slowly dissipating the further down they moved before it was clear enough that he no longer needed to plug his nose. The final crack showing itself where there was a staircase, moving up it and listening carefully once at the top in case anyone was inside the room in question. Only once he was certain did he open the door and walk inside.

What Tyrion expected to see was the opposite of what he did see. It looked exactly the same as the day he had left it. Cleaned obviously from the numerous servants, but nothing was out of place. Perhaps he wasn't as hated as he believed himself to be. Ordering the men to remain in the cave unless help was needed and cursing himself for stating Olenna should remain behind on the ship. He could really use her with getting through to his aunt. That was not going to be a good reunion at all, but it was one that was needed. Opening the opposite door and flagging down a servant whose eyes widened when she saw him, only being silenced by his quick thinking in covering her mouth.

"Can you get a message to my aunt and cousins to come down to the harbour?"

The girl nodded her head in fear, slowly removing his hand and watching as she ran down the corridor. Exiting his room into the cave and stating he would send a signal to the men when it was safe to seize the castle. Running onto the beach as fast as his stunted legs could move and meeting Lady Olenna stepping off of their ship.

"I told you to remain, my Lady- "

"Oh shut up, I'm not missing an opportunity to have an argument. It has gotten rather boring doing so with Ellaria, Yara, and yourself."

Tyrion shot her an unimpressed look at the retort but she said nothing else afterwards. Riders coming down the massive hill and knowing he had little time to prepare on what he was going to say. Feeling for the dagger underneath his leather jerkin in case things went sour. Something he was wholly expecting to happen. The riders stopping at the entrance to the harbour as many people dismounted and began walking their way. Immediately spotting cold eyes from none other than Genna Lannister.