Talk about a sudden turn in the tide of events. Jaime's in Mick's grasp, alright, and he doesn't seem to have a problem with Ethan, either. He's new to it, of course, and he's been under Cersei's influence for his entire life. That leaves him somewhat lacking in knowledge, but that will change quickly enough.

But this is about far more than just that. Jaime knows it, even if he doesn't say it. And when their stay at Krimson is coming to a close, he and the two other Kingsguard present are discussing in hushed whispers what should happen next.

Sebastian recovered quickly enough but has isolated himself for a while, probably out of shame. He's yet to apologize for his outburst, and while it would be the proper thing to do in the social context he feels he doesn't owe it. Mick pressed him, and was rude. Of course, he isn't dumb enough to go spouting off what happened. Not only would it make him seem prone to gossip, it would make him seem a liar, too. Weak, even. Unable to deal with his own troubles. It's a thin line he must balance, but at least he's doing it well.

Finally, though, Ethan arrives, speaking in hushed whispers once the door is closed.

"We'll leave soon, love." Krieg works on packing as well, although there isn't much to do. He just ensures nothing will be left behind by double-checking the entire room. "But Sebastian is so withdrawn I have no fucking clue what his mental state is."

"Not surprised. He went through a lot of trauma," good thing is he's keeping up the ruse. He has his things ready to go, although he's a bit annoyed it's taking so long. "I've seen what those illnesses do to people, E. S'not good, not when he's prone to attacking me again. Next time I probably wont just incapacitate him."

Is that a threat? It sounds like a threat.

"I think I might get myself a guard. Father likes to rent out knights, I could check into that," he likes the idea, and it'd be another person to manipulate. Mick is strong, but not enough to fight people bigger than Sebastian. Sometimes his poking angers the beasts. "At any rate, we should probably have Nathan deal with Castellanos when it'd decided what to do. Boy's good at talking to people, making friends. Maybe he can figure out what the fuck got into him."

"A guard is a good idea, love." Ethan moves over to give Mick a kiss to the forehead. "Go for it. But before we go, I have news to share." He stays near his husband and offers a surprise. "Lord Baelish is on his way. He has been for two days. When he arrives before we leave, we're dealing with Sebastian. The last piece is getting the Kingsguard on our side."
So that's what he's been up to. Scheming, indeed.

"Lord Baelish rules in Sebastian's stead and we declare him unfit. What do you say? Any holes in my plan?

Getting the Kingsguard wont be too hard. But Lord Baelish? Littlefinger? The whoremaster?

"If you're sure he's a good candidate, I don't have any problem. You're better than I at deciding that, I think. But I agree, Sebastian is unfit as ruler. I like it when you plan things," Mick leans in just a bit, even standing so he can get that closeness. "You thought of that all yourself? That's...I like it. I like smart plans from a smart man."

He accents it with his own little kiss before turning away. "What will we do with Sebastian? I don't see a need to keep him where...where the environment would stress him."

"Lord Baelish is smart. He's the most cunning man in the Kingdoms, and the next besides. You know that. Can we trust him forever? I doubt it. But for now, I can't think of anyone better for the position." A dangerous choice, indeed, but Ethan sees something in the man. Hopefully he isn't wrong.

"As for Castellanos, we'll take him into custody and bring him back with us. He'll be comfortable enough until a decision is made. This isn't an act of war if we have the Kingsguard on our side."

"Then we will follow your plan. I can inform Jay. I don't think he'll disagree if he's smart. And I know he's a very smart man."

There it is. Their "evil" plan come to light. Mick finishes whatever else is necessary, and then proceeds to let Ethan take the lead.

"Right then. We should make this quick. Keep it formal. I believe Jaime will have his men waiting and ready, and should ours. I don't see anyone opposing our decision. You ready?"

"I'm ready. Baelish is close. His Mockingbird is clear only a short way out. Within the next ten minutes, we can act. Stay safe, and let's take care of this. You get the Kingsguard ready. I'll need them to actually restrain him to begin with while I sentence." There's work to be done. Ethan slips away to prepare and leaves Mick to his administrations.

If all goes their way, House Castellanos will fall today, and House Baelish will rise in its stead. Talk about a topography change for this land.

Mick nods, heading off to retrieve Jaime and his men. Convincing isn't hard, they knew it would probably come to this.

The walk to Sebastian's holding area has Mick walking rather odd. There's a powerful stride to his step, like this is giving him a power trip having members of the Kingsguard trailing behind him. When he makes it by Ethan's side, Mick gives a nod to Jaime to order his men, knowing full well he needs to know he has the other man's support right now. Especially if Sebastian knows he's there. Mick hasn't exactly announced himself and he's not sure of the man's state.

Sebastian is sound of mind and body, and he's recovering with grace from the tragedy like the noble he is. He's proven himself time and time again, and this is no different. At least, he hopes so.

The guards outside his quarters are startled to see the approach of Krieg men, led by the Lord himself and the Kingsgaurds as well, with Mick close at hand. Jaime speaks, voice powerful and authoritative.

"In the name of the throne, step aside." The startled guards don't dare get in his way, as his hand is near his blade. The party marches through the door once it's opened, and they find Sebastian alone, writing a letter. He stares in wonder before standing, voice raising instantly.

"What is the meaning of this?" Sebastian is furious, but he's also startled. The two other Kingsguard move forward to grab his arms. He struggles in vain.

"Sebastian Castellanos, you are unfit to rule and are hereon stripped of your title and in the custody of Lord Ethan Krieg of the lowlands."
"WHAT?!"

"Take him to the ships."
"NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? KRIEG!" Sebastian struggles even as he's cuffed, panic and fear across his face.

"That's my Lord, to you." Ethan's tone is sharp. "Love, do you want to see him down to the docks?"

Footsteps in the hall, and those of a lone man with no guard at his side. Lord Petyr Baelish of the Vale, in all his glory, strides forward, the same smug little grin on his face as always and the Mockingbird pinned near his neck. A suitable replacement, if there's ever been one. Baelish speaks, greeting those before him with a habitual little bow and sweep of one hand.

"Lord Krieg. Thank you for this opportunity."

"Make me sure I made the right choice in the next few months."

He gives a look to Ethan before he gets their prisoner moving.

"Bring him to the docks and keep him chained. I don't want him to touch me. He's unstable enough," Mick makes it clear and waits for Jaime's men to follow suit. "Ser Lannister? With me, please. I need to talk to someone."

He can hear Sebastian's fussing, but he pays it no attention. Instead he seems focused on something else, waiting to hear the sound of Sebastian's cries to drown out before he makes his way to where he'll later meet Ethan. He looks troubled.

"Jay, are we doing the right thing?" the feigned concerned is followed by an anxious look to where Sebastian is being forced away. "Any advice would be appreciated."

Sebastian is horrified, scared, and obviously worried. He puts up a struggle, of course, and his words are anything but kind. His threats are empty, however, and there's nothing he can do to stop what's happening. His own men don't dare stand up against the forces acting, and those few that do end up dead. If this is to be a fall, then they'll bow to Baelish.

"Yes, serrah." Jaime steps off to follow Mick directly as asked, or maybe ordered. He listens to the other man and speaks when it's his turn to.

"Lord Baelish is a risky choice, but he's suited for this position. I know he's ambitious, and that's exactly why it concerns me. I know him well from my years serving the court, when he was Master of Coin. Surely you remember his rise from nowhere." Jaime is honest with Mick, and will be until told to step back into his place. "I have no comment to make regarding your husband's decisions."

"That's what concerns me. But I trust his judgement. And yours, when you speak it."

He's leading the knight to the docks, confident in his step although there is hesitation. When he arrives with Jaime at his side, he leaves him to do as he needs with Sebastian. Once everything is in order, he's already on his horse, needing the feel he gets from mounting the animal and waits for Ethan to arrive so they can leave. He doesn't bet on setting camp, not when they're heavily armed as they are. But that's Ethan's choice. For now, he waits on the clear to go.

Ethan arrives, now that everything is squared away. Castellanos banners are already falling. Baelish ones will rise in their wake, and before long the Krimson Isles will bow to a new master, perhaps permanently.

Jaime is attentive and doing his job well, although he definitely is akin to a dog. He took the oaths. He knew what it meant. He doesn't seem to mind, either. When it's time to board the ships, Ethan approaches Mick to lead him on board. He speaks and points as he does so.

"Sebastian is being held in cargo, although comfort, of our vessel. We'll ride straight back through to our lands and camp there before finishing our trip home tomorrow."

He's dismounted and following suit, never being one for boats. Odd, considering he lived in a port city.

"Good. He deserves to be treated well, after all that happened. And it might make him a bit more open to his...new arrangements. I hope this helps him with his sickness," he's going to keep that fresh in everyone's minds, that it's an illness of his mind, not Mick's provocation. "I look forward to returning home. I'm sick of this place."

"We'll take care of him. He won't suffer. There's no need for that. He doesn't deserve it, either. He'll be comfortable, but it will take some time for him to get used to it, of course." Ethan is fair in war and conflict, and he'll be just as much in this matter, too. He may be hot-headed, but he's no fool when it comes to how to handle political prisoners.

"Ser Jaime met a horrible fate when he was captured. We don't act like barbarians here. Not like those men of the north."

Soon enough, they're underway, and back towards the shores of Rawson land. Hopefully their passage back home will be uneventful and undisturbed.

It's rather uneventful. The arrival to Swansea is calm, there's no storm in the sky and the ports are open to everyone. There is a checkpoint, however, and Mick's surprised to see his father a part of it. Apparently news spreads quick between their lands.

Swansea is littered with fishermen and people about in the markets, a rather beautiful city that looks almost pristine in every way, shape, and form. Statues of former leaders of both Rawson and other names litter the docks, the final one being Mick's father.

Cargo is checked, the prisoner is brought forward to rest, and the crew is off to stretch their legs. Richard Rawson was an odd man, about as thin as Mick but more terrifying with his power. He was shorter by a few inches, but that didn't take away from the fact that here he was Lord and his word was to be obeyed.

"Meical." Fuck that name. Fuck it. "Lord Krieg. It's good to see you both," his distaste for Ethan has died over the years. Now he's pleasant, giving a welcoming vibe as he seemed to favor his son-in-law here. Not that Mick cared. His relationship with Richard was rocky at best. "I trust all went well in Krimson?"

"Lord Rawson. A pleasure to see you again, after so long." Ethan greets the man with a sincere smile, and for once, it isn't forced. "Well is...not the word I would choose. Unfortunate events led to harsh, quick action. But as for that, it went well enough. We were fortunate enough to have Ser Lannister aiding, along with more Kingsguard at his side." Ethan doesn't know about how Lord Rawson feels of the situation yet, so he's treading carefully.

"Lord Baelish is in charge of the Isles now. His experience will make him well-suited for the position, and we all know he's far more than a man of Westeros. His travels have had him connected to us for years."

"I wouldn't put too much trust in a man from Westeros. We all know how they can be," Mick almost argues, but keeps his mouth shut. His threesome partner is a Lannister, damn it! "But if you're sure he's the right man, then so be it. I assume you know what would be best. Even if you've chosen the wrong one before."

Woooow. Okay. Mick's fuming, but instead of doing anything a hand reaches just to touch Ethan's back, clearly not at all pleased to be here. He knows his father doesn't exactly approve of him, it was his fault Mick wasn't admitted to the universities in Krimson in the first place. And his attitude that had him sneak into Ethan's bedroom whenever they visited Krieg's lands.

"You may stay and rest as long as you like. I have business to attend to, but you are welcome to everything my home can offer. Good day."

And just like that, he's gone, and Mick's angrier than he's been in years. Good thing he just didn't say a thing.

"There's a reason I left with you," he grumbles, but he's forcing himself to stay calm. "We can find something to eat and then rest. There's more travel tomorrow but thankfully it wont be too far. I need to go home."

"He's not wrong to distrust a man from Westeros. They're self-serving, cutthroat, and hardly loyal. But just like with you, there's an exception to every familial stereotype." Ethan reaches to give Mick's hand a squeeze. "We might as well rest, since the offer has been extended. I'll pass word to our troops, but I'll have to warn Ser Lannister he should keep a low profile. I forgot how vehemently against Westeros folk your father is, and this city in general. I'd hate for him to get in a fight over something so meaningless." Ethan watches out for those who help him, and that much is well-known. He's loyal, almost to a fault, and he'll provide as he can, always.

Sebastian is quieter now, simply because this is mortifying. Jaime has no problems getting him squared away. The Lannister heeds Ethan's commands and gets everything set in motion for the rest of the day. Now, they can just make a one-day trip as the new dawn comes instead of worrying about a camp. It's nice to have such an offer made, regardless of any hard feelings.

"We're lucky your father likes me. I'm sorry he's so...negative towards you. Mine always liked me, and the rivalry with my brother was never a huge deal. I suppose Ser Jaime can relate to that. He's been something of a failure, or so he says." The knight fled here to avoid an arranged marriage, mostly out of spite. He might return some day, but for now he makes his father fume and sweat.

"You know this city better than me. Any idea where you wanna stay?"

"He's angry I turned out gay and uninterested in ruling his land," he's bisexual, but the joke stands. "I'm the only one of us who can pass on the name, but I've been sterile since I was young. So I don't understand his resentment. But he used to hate you. Before I met you he would go on and on about how horrible that Krieg boy is and how he'll poison his precious daughter. And he's mad he'll miss out on having the Rawson name on House Krieg. He'll get over it when he's dead."

He's resentful, but he wouldn't change his current situation for the world.

"I have a house here," of course he does. "We can stay there. maybe invite Jaime. It's nice. I haven't been since I was young. It's a family home we had before we took power, been with us for a long time," he leads the way, happy to be somewhere his father has no interest in and relax without someone trying to claw his eyes out.

The villa is small, but very, very lovely, going through years of renovations. When he's not here he leaves it in Jenna's care, mostly because he knows she wants nothing to do with it. It's spacious, and the lawn is decorated in a variety of colorful plants.

"It's smaller than our home, but it will do for tonight."

"The whole kingdom goes on and on about Krieg boys. That's hardly unique." Ethan's family has had a dynasty for centuries now, and they're proud of it. "Ever since trade with Westeros opened when we were still boys, though, I've made a name for myself. I know that. I think your father would have preferred my brother for Jenna. The tall, blond, handsome one. But he's younger, and I have the throne. My father died when I was so young that he didn't have time to think about it." He grins at the thought. "So I guess it worked out."

The villa is gorgeous, cozier than the large, spartan halls of home. Mick's grown accustomed to the harshness of Krieg's people, but this little vacation in a sunnier spot is nice for all of them.

Well, almost all of them. Ser Jaime approaches, bowing before he speaks.

"My Lord, where shall we keep Lord Sebastian this evening?" He still used a title. Then again, most would.

"We have prisons here but they're not suitable for him. I'm sure my father will give him a room somewhere, he's aware of the situation with him. Also we're in private quarters, Jay. You may drop the formalities."

He finds it funny, but he knows what Jaime does it despite their friendship. He appreciates it, though. Makes Mick feel important.

"Do you have a place to stay tonight, Jaime? You're free to stay around. There's a couch and an extra room, if you're wanting," he wont be looking for anything tonight, he's burnt out. Now he's just being nice. "You don't mind, do you, E?"

"Not at all." Ethan replies with a smile.

"Thank you, but I have duties to attend to, and I want to keep watch over Sebastian." Noble though that might sound, he feels it is his duty to continue watching over the man, title or not.

"That's fine. I hope you get some rest, though, Jaime." Ethan gives the knight permission to go with a wave of his hand. Soon, Mick and Ethan are alone again. Talk about a whirlwind series of events. "Speaking of which...my brother, courting your sister. How does your father feel about that? And does she actually like him?"

He's disappointed to watch Jaime leave, but he seems fine with it. He's not here to force him into anything, after all.

"Jenna doesn't like anyone. Though the idea of it feels...incestuous? Siblings marrying other siblings, s'quite odd. But Father seems in favor. She'll bear the name Krieg but she'll be able to give your people what I can't. And if she keeps our name, she can give us what we need as well. My father is even talking about remarrying to ensure the chance of another heir. It's all they care about. None of it is actually wanting someone because they love them. I lucked out, I suppose."

He's already stripping down and searching for his robes, not wanting to bother with his heavier garb for the rest of the day. "Besides, I got the prettier Krieg anyway. So what does it matter to me?"

"Mark's a good man. More like your people than mine. He even looks more like you, as well. If you didn't notice. His mother wasn't from our lands." He looks far more aryan, that's for sure. "He knows his children don't have a chance at power in our lands, and he knows my bloodline will be the one that continue. He very well may consent to letting his children take the Rawson name. I think it will work out well. He's more level-headed than me, too. It's a fine choice, I think, and it will bind our houses together for generations."

It really is a good move, and the idea of a shared Rawson/Krieg banner is not an unpleasant one at all.

"He fancies her, I think. He's only a year younger than me, you know. Just about. He's a bit jealous at how long it's taken to find a match, but I haven't been forcing him to look. If my father was alive, it would have happened faster."

"I hope so. It didn't take us long, but for him it's been years. And Jenna's been engaged to a few other suitors, it's just never worked out," Jenna is also several years younger than he is, he's surprised it never worked out with that Adcock guy. "I just hope it keeps my father off my back if it works out with them. There's not much a can exactly do."

He sighs, but at least he's comfortable. "I'll make something. You relax. He have more to do tomorrow. The faster we get to it, the happier I'll be."

"I'm sure someone will cook for us." Ethan snorts in laughter at the thought, but he won't stop Mick, if that's what the Welshman wants to do. "I appreciate it, though. I hope the rest of this journey goes smoothly. And that we end up back here for the wedding, should all go well. I know your father wants heirs badly. At least he doesn't have to worry about Jenna running off and taking the White, or the Black."

Ethan plops down on the bed and stays there, just letting out a soft groan. He's done for the day. So done.

"I bloody doubt that. I think Jenna is the only one of us actually wanting kids. She's weird, but I guess I can't fault her for wantin' a dream like that," especially when it means Mick doesn't have to try and get past his injury for an heir. Never forget that time his father locked him in a room with a whore on his birthday.

"Nope. I'm making something. I rarely get to cook. Let me have this one thing," good enough, he's set for the kitchen, knowing there wont be much but he can make something. There's a small kicthen, and soon he has a few things here or there made. Like last time, the writer is too lazy to make up a dish, so we'll just have to use our imaginations. When it's done, he heads to the bed, actually happy that they don't have people waiting on them and catering to their every need. He hands Ethan a plate, and starts eating himself, leaving the floor open for conversation.

"Thanks, Love." Ethan eats, cross-legged on the floor as per usual. It's a habit with him, but not one anybody ever bothers him about. He does it often even when tables are around. It's just one of his quirks, honestly.

"So...Sebastian. It will take him a while to be amiable towards us, to say the least." He eats as he talks, and he thinks in between. "It pains me, but we're going to have to lock him up tight for a while. I hope that doesn't hurt him further. That isn't my intention at all."

"We give him what he needs, accommodations, he should be fine. Get him a dog, even. Whatever to keep him comfortable. But we'll have to remind him he's a prisoner. He's forced to be whither he wants to or not. There's a new guardswoman we can assign to him. From where Jaime's from," or close enough. "We can assign her to watch over him until he assimilates and decides to calm down. I have plenty of faith in what we're doing."

He does sound confident. There's a couple bites at his food, but as usual he's not very hungry and just decides to give Ethan what's left when he's finished. "We treat him with kindness and it should guide him to us being in his favor."

"A dog?" Ethan snorts in laughter at the idea. "What, is a dog your way of making everything okay? I'm not opposed to it. A puppy would keep him occupied, to say the least. It's not a bad idea." He enjoys his food in silence for a little while. There's a lot of weight riding over both of their heads right now, and they both know it.

"That sounds like a fine plan to me. Hopefully it doesn't take too long. When he realizes he's got nowhere to return to, anyway, and no army at his back? I think he'll see reason. I hope so, anyway. He's smart."

"I like dogs. Everyone likes dogs. And I think he'll come around. I know a house we can give him, clothes, food on the daily. Make him fee like that awkward uncle no one likes. So long as he's comfortable, he'll calm down."

He seems confident in that. When he's satisfied, Mick draws himself up, and just throws himself back on the bed The sheets smell clean, his father must have known he's stay there and gotten it taken care of.

At least he cares a little.

"It'll be interesting to find out what happens, that's for sure."

"Okay. Dog. Safe place to stay. Sounds good." With that, Ethan flops onto bed beside Mick and gets comfortable. "Hey. I love you. You know that, right?" With a little smile, he plants a kiss on Mick's chin. "Goodnight."

Sebastian is not happy. He's heartbroken, furious, and more than a tad bit pissed off. Alone and in chains, the night passes slowly for him. He's plotting, and he's praying. He knows better than to try to run here. A surprise in the night, however. The door opens, and Jaime walks in.

"Lord Castellanos. I-"

"I don't want to hear it, Kingslayer. You turned your back on me, same as they all did."

"Namecalling doesn't change your situation. I'm here to try to help you. You just need to-"

"I don't need your help."

Jaime's silence is broken by the grin and little huff he gives with it before he speaks again.

"That's where you're wrong, my Lord. You need all the help you can get."