I'm back, I'm not dead.
Once again sorry this took so long.
Explainy stuff down the bottom

Kingslanding, The Crownlands, Westeros

It was early morning. The sun had crept over the trees of the Kingswood around an hour ago and the legionary camp was buzzing with the usual activity. Hammer strikes rung in the air as the legion smiths busied themselves repairing the arms and armour of the various cohorts, along with the shouts and clash of steel of men practising in the yard inside the palisade. Inside Legate Rikke's tent Severus and Rikke we're going over the map of Westeros again, updating the various borders and notes on the Lord's since the time the map was made nearly a century before.

"Lord of Dorne and Sunspear" Severus read out from the book Neloth had managed to acquire for him from the city. "Doran of house Martell. Heir apparent, Trystan of house Martell." He glanced up as Rikke penned the names on the map. "Apparently they identify as princes due to marrying into the kingdoms rather than being conquered."

Rikke nodded slightly. "Dinontus will want to know that."

Severus sighed. "Yes, I expect he will." He looked back down to the book. "Lord of the Reach, Mace of house Tyrrel. Heir apparent, Loras of house Tyrrel."

"Least they have simple names." The Legate muttered as she continued to make notes before glancing at the entrance to the tent as the sound of hooves came from the outside. "What was the name of that Astapor noble again?"

"Erm..." Severus flicked through several pages. "Kraznys mo..." He stopped midway through as he heard the two sentries outside stand to attention.

Pushing the tent flaps aside the expeditions politician, Dinontus, entered. "We've got a problem." He said plainly before walking over to a table near Rikke's bed that housed a large jug of ale. Pouring himself a tankard and taking a long gulp he breathed out and looked at the other two, who were both looking at him. "Lord Eddard Stark's been arrested for treason. His whole household's been butchered."

Both Rikke and Severus looked at him in silence for what felt like a minute. "Treason?" Was all Severus managed.

"Aye." The Breton took another gulp. "After the King died the Hand marched into the throne room, demanded that the throne pass to Stannis Baratheon and ordered King Joffrey and the Queen arrested."

"And..." Rikke crossed her arms, seemingly recovered from the shock.

"And." Dinontus continued. "The Goldcloaks killed his household guard and took him prisoner. The King then ordered his daughters captured and the rest of his household killed."

Severus groaned and closed the book in his hands and set it down on the table. "And that leaves us where?"

"Without an ally inside the city." The Breton replied plainly before downing what was left of his drink. "The new King also demands you go to the Red Keep, and you alone."

"Why would he want that?" Rikke asked as she crossed her arms.

Guilliman sighed slightly. "He wants to speak to the leader of our little expedition."

"All right, I'll go." Severus announced before Rikke could speak again. "Dinontus, help the Legate with the map until I get back."

The Breton again sighed before nodding slightly and walking over to the table.

The Red Keep, The Crownlands, Westeros

Severus entered the great hall of the Red Keep, his armoured boots sending a ring out as he walked. Inside the Colovian saw there was a large gathering of nobles directly in front of the Iron Throne, upon which sat the new King, the blonde haired boy Joffrey. Alongside the king were the queen mother and the small council, minus King Robert's brother, odd he thought.

"Thane Semponius of Skyrim." A page called out, introducing him.

Stopping just ahead of the nobles Severus knelt down. "Your grace. You summoned me."

"I did, Ser." The king replied evenly, though there was a slight iciness to his voice. "Rise." Severus did so, resting a hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Do you know why you were summoned?" The queen asked, looking directly at him with a smirk.

"To speak with the leader of our expedition, your grace."

"You were associated with Lord Eddard Stark, a traitor." The old Grand Maestor wheezed beside the throne. "Why should we trust you and your men to remain outside this city?"

Severus glanced across those above him and ignored the hushed whispers of the nobles behind him. "My business with Lord Stark was only to secure permission for me and those with me to search this land for who we seek."

The King leaned forward. "And who is it you seek?"

"Dangerous men, I believe." Varys intoned from the back of the raised platform.

Joffrey glanced for a moment to his side before focusing back on Severus. "And these dangerous men require an army to be camped outside of my city?"

"An army that requires feeding at the Kingdoms expense." The middle aged councillor, who Dinontus had told him was a Petyr Baelish, added.

"We pay for our supplies with a fair price, as was agreed." Severus stated quickly, drawing a slight smirk from the Master of Coin. "And the people we are here for are more than just dangerous, your grace."

Joffrey leant back on the Iron Throne. "More than dangerous you say? What threat do they pose to my kingdom?"

Severus didn't reply for a moment, instead glancing around the throne room. Besides those behind him there were others standing in railed corridor to the side, amongst them were more nobles and one who looked out of a place. A girl, barely a teenager, with red hair and an empty expression. Looking back to the king he began to speak. "Your grace, if these individuals are not found and captured soon they could bring down your very kingdom."

"What treason is this?" The King asked, anger in his voice. "No one can destroy my kingdom, not while I rule." There were again more hushed whispers behind Severus.

Glancing at those surrounding the King again and down at the Kingsguard who stood on watch in front of him, only five he noted. "Your grace they can and will destroy the Seven Kingdoms given a chance."

The queen's smirk changed to a scowl. "Then what steps are you taking to find them?"

"Your grace, we have three Turmas of cavalry searching for them in the Kingdom. One has head north to the Wall where Lord Stark informed us one might be. The other two are searching the Crownlands, investigating villages and towns."

"Who gave your permission to send armed cavalry into my lands?" The King demanded.

"King Robert, your grace."

Joffrey scowled. "I am the King now, and I will not have armed foreigners going wherever they please searching for some criminals you couldn't keep in your own lands."

Severus looked directly at the king, eyes narrowing. Before he could reply though Varys spoke. "Perhaps your grace, it would be good to allow them to continue, these individuals could prove the threat they suggest they are."

The King again glanced at Varys and shifted on the Iron Throne. "And what do my other councillors advise?"

"I think it might be wiser..." The Grand Maestor spoke painfully slowly. "To permit them, your grace."

"They pay well for their time here, your grace." Baelish added, seemingly more than happy to support both sides of them being here.

Joffrey turned and looked to his mother for several moments, until she gave a very subtle nod. "A king will follow his council then. Ser Severus, you will be permitted to stay. But you will remain in the Red Keep, as responsible for your men."

Severus stared at the king for several moments before nodding. "Of course, your grace."

The king nodded slightly, a smirk spreading across his face. "Yes, you may leave. I'm sure we'll find some chambers suited for you."

Bowing his head slightly Severus glanced at those surrounding Joffrey before turning on his heels and leaving the great hall.

...

"Well..." Dinontus sighed as he paced Severus' new room. "It could've been far worse."

Severus nodded slightly as he lowered himself into a chair by the window. "Aye, it could've been." He looked around his newly acquired chambers, they weren't grand but neither were they poor, still bigger than his old bedroom in Breezehome before he built his own estate.

"I can see why the king wants you here in all honesty." Guilliman continued. "You're a useful hostage for them. Leader of the expedition and all." He looked pointedly at the chair opposite Severus for a moment.

Gesturing for the Breton to sit Severus rose a hand to his chin, stroking the short hairs that were growing there, he needed a shave. "I know. These anything like your chambers here?"

Dinontus sat down and shook his head. "Mine aren't exactly the most luxurious around. After all I'm just a foreign diplomat to them."

"Thought they'd take notice of a nobleman despite you not being from here."

"I'm only a minor noble, likely only on par with their knights." Guilliman explained, looking out the window at the admittedly stunning view of the bay. "And you're Thane to the most influential man in Skyrim."

"Jarl Balgruuf is just that, a Jarl." Severus stated firmly.

Guilliman nodded, but Severus swore he saw him smirk slightly, if for just only a moment. "Yes, he's just a Jarl. But he's the Jarl everyone says will succeed Empress Elisif should she die childless and before him."

The Colovian sighed. "I thought I made it clear on our journey here we would not have this conversation again."

"You did. But think about it from an outsiders perspective, not yours. You're the chief vassal of the man widely considered to be second only to the Empress. It's likely the Spider already knows more than that about you, like it or not you're part of the game now."

"The Spider? The game?" Severus shook his head. "What are you going on about?"

Dinontus smirked again, clearer this time. "Lord Varys is known as the Spider, effective little nickname of his. And as for the game. Well... In this keep sits the Iron Throne, a throne that commands seven old kingdoms and nine regions. A realm larger than the Empire of Tamriel even at the height of its glory. To these people, who sits on that throne is everything. The Queen even has a saying about it."

"And that is?"

Guilliman chuckled. "When you play the Game of Thrones, you either win or you die."

The Colovian shook his head slightly. "So she thinks that by the end of it only her and her son are going to be alive?"

"I believe that's what she wants to happen, yes." Dinontus nodded.

There was a short silence between the two before Severus spoke up again. "Any word from the Turmas?"

Guilliman nodded quickly. "Yes, we've received reports from Decanus Antonius' force that they've entered Crackclaw Point, see if the Clawmen tolerate our presence. A raven also arrived from Duskendale that Decanus Ragnar's men were received and that Lord Rykker expects compensation for their quarters while they search the town."

"Anything from the first expedition?"

"No..." The Breton shook his head. "Nothing since they were spotted at the Inn at the Crossroads."

Tywins' Camp, The Riverlands, Westeros

Idolaf followed Tyrion down the rows upon rows of red tents along with Shagga, Timett and Chella. Their journey through the mountains hadn't taken as long as he'd reckoned due the knowledge of the route the clansmen held. During the journey though there had been repeated attempts by a few of the tribesmen to steal some of the supplies the legionaries possessed, though every time they were driven off, if only barely.

Ahead of him, Tyrion walked to the largest tent and entered. Entering the tent after the three chiefs Idolaf saw two men, both older than himself. One was sitting and the other standing. "Tyrion." The standing one said with a surprised tone.

"Uncle." Tyrion nodded to him nonchalantly before giving another to the sitting man. "Father." So that must be the great Tywin Lannister, Idolaf thought. He had to admit he looked the part of High Lord, wouldn't look out of place on an throne.

"The rumours of your demise were unfounded." Lord Tywin noted.

"Sorry to disappoint you." Tyrion replied, looking slightly towards the floor.

Tywin stared at Tyrion for a few moments before looking up at Bronn, Idolaf and the three chieftains. "And who are these... companions, of yours?"

Tyrion breathed out for a moment before turning to those standing behind him. "This is Shagga, son of Dolf, chieftain of the Stone Crows. Timett, son of Timett, ruler of the Burned Men." He started with the two before gesturing to Chella. "This fair maid is Chella, daughter of Cheyt, leader of the Black Ears." The Dwarf then turned to Bronn. "And here we have Bronn, son of..."

"You wouldn't know him." Bronn shrugged to Tywin.

Rolling his eyes slightly Tyrion looked to Idolaf. "And finally this is Idolaf, son of Olfrid, Decanus of the Imperial Legion of Tamriel." Idolaf gave a slight nod. "May I present my Lord Father, Tywin, son of Tytos of House Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West. Kind of you to go to war for me." Tyrion added as he moved to sit down in front of Tywin and grab a hold onto a jug, likely of wine, before Tywin lifted the jug out of his reach with another scowl.

"You left us no choice. The honour of the house was at stake." Tywin said, not breaking the scowl. "Your brother would never have submitted to capture so meekly."

"We have our differences, Jaime and I." Tyrion replied calmly. "He's braver, I'm better looking."

"He's been covering himself in glory" Twyin informed the dwarf.

Beside the two Tyrion's uncle spoke up. "Jaime smashed the Riverlords at the Golden Tooth, and now lays siege to Riverrun, Catelyn Stark's homeland."

"And the Stark's Lord, Eddard?" Tyrion asked.

"Is our hostage." Tywin answered his son. "He will lead no armies from his dungeon cell"

This brought idolaf's attention, their journey North could prove difficult with the Stark's and Lannisters clawing at each other's necks after Idolaf had been seen publicly to have helped a Lannister.

"How did my sweet sister persuade the king to imprison his dear friend Ned?"

"Robert Baratheon is dead." Tywin replied lowly. "Joffrey rules in Kingslanding."

Tyrion looked up at his uncle for a moment before looking back to Tywin. "My sister rules you mean."

"Starks' son has called his banners." Tyrion's uncle explained. "He moves south with a strong host." So there really was going to be another war, Idolaf thought. Senseless waste.

"Green boy." Tywin scoffed. "One taste of battle and he'll run back to Winterfell with his tail between his legs."

Tyrion glanced out of the tent flap. "Maybe, though the boy does have a certain belligerence. You'd like him." Tywin narrowed his eyes for a moment before Tyrion continued. "While we're on the subject of war, I made promises to my friends here." He turned and gestured to Idolaf and the three clansmen. "And a Lannister always pays his debts. We shall require three thousand helms and shields, plus swords, pikes, gorges and maces. And a ship for my friend there." He gestured to Idolaf.

When Tyrion finished a messenger entered the tent and instantly went down to a knee. "If it please my Lord, Ser Addam bids me report that the Northmen have crossed the Neck."

Lord Tywin stood. "The wolf rushes into the lion's jaws, so be it. Kevan," He instructed his brother. "Command the drummers beat assembly." Kevan nodded and moved to leave the tent, gesturing the messenger follow him. "Send word to Jaime that I'm moving against Robb Stark."

Kevan nodded again. "At once my Lord." Before leaving the tent, followed by the messenger.

As the two men left the tent Lord Tywin moved down the line of those gathered, narrowing his eyes at Idolaf before moving the three chieftains. "It is said the men of the mountain clans are great warriors." He talked to Shagga. "Ride with me against my enemies and you will have all that my son promised you and more.

"Only if the halfman fights with us. Until we get the steel he pledged us, the little lion's life is ours." Shagga responded.

Tywin glanced down at Tyrion for a few moments before looking back to Shagga. "Very well. Tyrion..." He looked back to his son. "See to it your new comrades are housed."

The dwarf looked uneasy but nodded very slightly. "Yes, father." He pushed himself out of the chair and left the tent, gesturing for the others to follow him.

Idolaf also made to leave before Tywin looked at him. "Not you." The Lord ordered and the two men stood there for a moment as the others left the tent, Tyrion giving Idolaf a concerned look before finally leaving sight. "So, my son promised you a ship? Why?"

"Me and my men need to get the Wall. There's someone there we're hunting." The Nord replied.

Lord Tywin scoffed. "Whoever it is you're searching for, the Nightswatch has him now." He moved back to the table and studied the map again. "Now, arms and armour can be made quickly and cheaply for Tyrion's new rabble, they'll make a useful vanguard if nothing else. But a ship, the Lannister fleet is small enough already and to spare one for the voyage to the Wall and back would be folly in times like these."

"Your son promised us."

"A promise he did not have the resources nor capacity to keep." The older Lord snapped. "I'd heard of your little expedition in Kingslanding, and your encounter with my son in that inn along with Catelyn Stark. You went from his captors to his companions. As far as I'm concerned any debt House Lannister owes you and your men has been settled." He glanced up at Idolaf, who still towered over the Lannister patriarch. "Unless you ride with my forces against the Northmen we have nothing else to discuss on the matter. I will allow you to leave this camp unharmed if you refuse, but any other hospitality will not be afforded you."

Idolaf clenched a fist. "I will not risk my men dying in a war that is not theirs for a ship."

"Then you refuse, so be it." Tywin stated. "Get out of my encampment."

Idolaf glared at the westermen before turning and leaving the tent.

...

"Didn't go too well then?" Tyrion asked as he walked over after seeing Idolaf leave the tent.

Idolaf stopped in his tracks and turned to face the dwarf. "Your father refused us what you promised unless we side with him in this war."

"Ah..." Tyrion nodded slightly. "Thought that might happen. So, going to head north again?"

The Nord nodded. "I'm done being dragged around, making no progress."

Tyrion chuckled slightly. "Nords, never like being told what to do for long, do you?" He asked rhetorically. "Anyway, thought you might want this." He held out a parchment, which Idolaf took and began to unroll. "Map of Westeros, so you don't have to ask directions again."

Studying the map for a few moments Idolaf rolled it back up. "My thanks, Lannister, good luck in your war."

"I'll need it." Tyrion grimaced slightly. "Good journey, Battle-born." He held out a hand, which Idolaf shook before leaving to get back to his men.

Eadric Haraldsson - Hircine
Skjor - Hircine
Mystery person - Try guessing
Delvin Mallory - Nocturnal

Alright thanks for reading, as always feel free to leave a review, every last one helps.
After the somewhat mixed reception of the last chapter, decided we needed a bit of an insight with what's going on down in Kinglsanding and to get Idolaf back on track to actually doing his job.
Besides that thank you again for reading and the next chapter is already in the works so should be out soonish, maybe in a week or two.