(Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire nor its characters. Those all belong to George R. R. Martin, aside from my OC.)
(Elia Martell POV, Firmridge)
The day had finally arrived. Servants moved near frantically as they prepared for the Great Council.
She was walking with Rhaelle, Rhae holding her hands while Dany lay in her mother's arms. No one outside of the House Mudd and Oberyn's close party was aware of their presence or in regards to her and Rhae their survival.
Erlend had planned to introduce her during the Great Council.
She pondered her meeting with Oberyn late last night, her brother worried about what Erlend intended to do to her and Rhaenys.
(Flashback; Entry)
No words were exchanged as both walked into the rooms.
Oberyn had wanted to have a private talk with her, far from prying eyes. She knew what he might want to talk about.
Seating themselves on the chairs, "Elia, are you alright?" He was the first to break the silence that had enveloped the room since they entered.
Elia rolled her eyes at his actions, as he did his best to keep her in his sight. Afraid that she would disappear if he averted his eyes for a second.
"I'm fine Oberyn." She confirmed, "How is Doran?" She asked, wanting to know more about her estranged brother.
"The Gout has left him in terrible shape, your 'supposed' death left him in bad shape," He responded somberly, there was an uneasy tilt to his tone, she could feel some guilt washing out of him. She'd need to look into that later.
"Rhaenys looked happy in his arms, far better than she ever did near the silver-haired cunt." He pointed out.
She could feel the confusion in his head, it was obvious to everyone that Erlend intended to conquer Westeros. Rhaenys would be a threat to his reign and Elia would've agreed had she not experienced what she had with him.
Erlend was an ambitious man, there was no denying it. But he cared greatly for his family and she knew for a fact that he considered Her and Rhae part of that family. Even the ever-so-distant Rhaella and Baby Dany were included as such.
She had nothing to fear from her lover, that she was sure of.
His expression changed, "Do you feel safe here?" He asked, looking apprehensive.
"Does the sun rise from the east?" She answered.
There was an incredulous look on his face at her response before it turned into a reminiscent smile. Oberyn understood the meaning, letting out a sigh of relief, the tension that had been in him since he entered the solar all but dissipating.
"No matter what, Dorne is always behind you, we will protect you and Rhaenys," Oberyn reassured her, despite knowing she was safe, he still worried for her. It warmed her heart, even though she was older, Oberyn had always tried his best to act as the older brother.
"I appreciate that Oberyn." She acknowledged his statement but knew it was unnecessary.
"Now then my Dear Sister, how was he bed." He teased much to her exasperation.
(Flashback; Exit)
Oberyn had teased her about her relationship with Erlend after that, Ellaria was of no help either. Her brother's paramour suggesting that she recommend them to her lover.
While Erlend might be interested in tasting Ellaria, she heavily doubted he'd be willing to try anything with Oberyn. Her man loved the female body too much to bother looking at the same sex.
…
Now she stood silent as she and Rhaella waited for the signal, requesting their presence.
To say she was nervous would be an understatement.
While there were still a few Targaryen loyalists here and there. Not to mention Dorne who would throw themselves behind her cause.
The same could not be said about the rest of the Lords, they did not want a Targaryen revival. The House of Dragons had completely shattered what level of faith remained thanks to her late father-in-law's actions.
Perhaps this was one of the reasons Oberyn hadn't bothered to push for Rhaeny's claim. Her brother while passionate, was not stupid. Pushing Rhaeny's claim would put her life in danger, something he wanted to avoid.
As the signal came, they entered the Hall, all eyes shifted towards them.
Rhaenys fidgeted at the sudden attention, clearly not liking it, yet she did her best to stand firm.
"What's she doing here?"
"I thought they were Dead."
"Fucking King Scab couldn't do one job right."
"Who's that in Queen Rhaella's arms?"
"Dornish Slut."
"..."
She could see the confused looks of many lords, as gasps and exclamation could be heard throughout the Great Hall.
There was a thunderous expression in many, particularly from the north. Benjen Stark for his part looked sour, though he made no move, as the rest of his Lords and Ladies began cussing and swearing.
Her People for their part looked pleasantly surprised by her appearance. Though they chose to remain where they were and not cause a fuss. Something she suspected Oberyn had a hand in.
…
Olenna Tyrell frowned at the appearance of the new threats to her house. The presence of their former Overlords unnerved her.
They would need a strong king to hold the shambles that was Westeros together, a strong and able-bodied one to rally behind, one her daughter would make a fantastic queen to, and Erlend Mudd was that King. The Dornish girl would have to go, she was a liability, and if the Dornish were of any indication, it was likely she had no good feelings for House Tyrell.
Mace Tyrell was sputtering in shock and disbelief, whilst his mother pursed her lips at their entry. No doubt some of her plans had been ruined by Elia and Rhaella's presence. Something she took delight in.
Stannis Baratheon's expression became grim at the appearance of the Targaryen remnants, he was willing to bow down to the Mudd Head, but would never agree to do so for the House that he held responsible for the death of his family and people. His wife gripped his hands, holding their son in her arms with visible worry.
Tyrion Lannister watched the spectacle occurring within the Great Hall with fascination. Instead of the snide comments and disgruntled looks, he used to receive, people were now looking at him with respect and deference, it was quite the change. Uncle Kevin had been unable to come, his health not allowing for it. Thus it was decided that Aunt Genna, Uncle Gerion, and Cersei would heed the summons with him.
Genna Lannister for her part simply raised an eyebrow, more focused on keeping the excited Lord of the Rock calm. Her niece on the other hand, well if looks could kill then Elia would be dead many times over. The Vapid bitch still holding a grudge against her.
Cersei Lannister's eyes wandered as she looked for one specific person, the man had brown hair and captivating chocolate eyes. She had caught sight of him in the corridors once, he wasn't inhumanely beautiful like Rhaeger or dashing like Jaime, but there was a rugged charm about him that intrigued her and seemed to pull her in. Aunt Genna said that she would be his queen, and she couldn't but anticipate what would come with their Union. That little monster could have the rock, she would be queen. Still, despite staring wherever she could for her future husband, he had yet to make his presence known in the Hall, but that didn't stop her from sending harsh looks at the Dornish harlot every once in a while.
…
Just as the murmurs and mutterings were beginning to pick up, a smartly looking man cleared his throat, the herald she realised. "Presenting Lord Erlend Mudd, Lord Paramount of the Rivers and the Hills, Lord Paramount of the Vale of Arryn, Lord of Firmridge, Lord of the Twilight Isles, Guardian of High Heart, and Lord Protector of the Narrow Sea." He announced.
The herald's voice boomed through the Great Hall, his words cut through the murmurs and curses that had dominated the Hall since their entrance.
She was amused by the ridiculous amount of titles Erlend held, a subtle jab at all the pomp most Lords insisted upon. Though by declaring himself Lord Paramount of the Rivers and the Hills and Lord Protector of the Narrow Sea, he'd effectively confirmed the dissolution of the Crownlands. Something that quite definitely worried the former Crownlords
Elia's heart skipped a beat as she lay her eyes on her lover in all his glory.
Erlend Mudd wore a red-brown tunic, with a breastplate that was decorated with a crown glistening with green emeralds. It was a mix of practicality and indulgence, on his side was the ancestral blade of House Mudd.
Ardent, a magical blade said to be made of a similar metal that Dawn was forged off. It was the very same blade that Aryan 'the Dragonslayer' was rumored to have used when he killed the last dragonlords and their feared mounts.
As he moved to the throne, his brown orbs met her own and for a moment she saw them soften. Her lover rarely showed any form of weakness in public, yet the fact that he was willing to do so here to reassure her, warmed her heart.
He looked like a King, though the lack of a crown made it feel like an incomplete tapestry.
The Conqueror reborn many called him, though she scoffed at such titles, he did not need to emulate anyone for he was more than impressive enough as himself.
The Great Hall quieted as her lover reminded them of the reason they were here in the first place.
He looked as a King should, as he sat on a throne made of dark stone, making for a rather imposing figure. A regal aura surrounded him, drawing all eyes towards him.
Inwardly Elia frowned in displeasure as observed the Golden Lioness, staring star-struck at Erlend. It was the same look she gave Rhaeger, though more intense.
Choosing to ignore the poisonous bitch for now, she and Rhaenys made their way to the seats next to Erlend. Rhaella followed behind, though more sedately, not wanting to disturb her daughter.
She noticed that the Household Guards quickly positioned themselves in a protective ring around them. Even the Dornish Lords had been seated close to the throne as a further measure of protection against any brave fool. They'd have to go through Mudd Loyalists and firey Dornishmen if they wanted to anywhere near her family.
Erlend sent a comforting look towards Rhaenys before turning to the herald and motioning him to begin. "You Stand in attendance of the Great Council of Firmridge under the purview of Lord Erlend Mudd. If you would Kindly declare your representatives for your Kingdom, do so now." said the Herald.
The rest of the Lords looked baffled at the Herald's words. Having assumed they would be able to jump right at the issue.
"..."
There was a look of discomfort on everyone's faces, with only the Erlend's primary vassals looking unsurprised by this, probably thanks to Lord Yohn and Lord Jason having already forwarned them.
The Vale and Riverlands under Erlend didn't need to declare a representative, though the other kingdoms would have to.
She noticed two admittedly beautiful redheads who like Cersei had their attention primarily on Erlend.
Catelyn and Lysa Tully she realised, the two other lovers Erlend had informed her about.
It was admittedly unnerving the way the younger Tully sister stared at Erlend, the sheer intensity and devotion she held for Erlend made the fire that ran through her brother and his lover pale in comparison.
Catelyn was far better controlled than her sister, there was no denying the affection in her eyes for Erlend. That was a look of a woman in love, a look she was more than familiar with, considering she held it herself.
The confusion wouldn't remain for long as a slight man among the Stormlords rose, he looked quite out of place among all the lords, though that didn't stop him from clearing his throat and catching everyone's attention. "Attending this Council on behalf of the Stormlands is Stannis Baratheon, Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and Lord Storm's End." He declared.
Stannis for his part merely nodded at the announcement, seeming relieved to get all over and done with.
It wouldn't take long for the followers of the other Great Lords to join in, first was Gerion Lannister, who announced his nephew's titles, followed by Rodrik Ryswell, Paxter Redwyne, and Harmen Uller who did the same.
The only Kingdom not in attendance was the Iron Islands, though no one seemed to care about them. She suspected that if they came anywhere near Erlend's domain, there was little chance they'd leave it alive.
Erlend stood up from his throne as his presence seemed to fill the room.
"Now, that we've gotten over with all the pomp, I have vital news that needs to be announced," Erlend stated, his voice carried through the whole Hall.
All of the Lords and Ladies present looked vigil, wondering what he would say.
It seemed the truth of the rebellion was finally going to be announced, something she both dreaded and hoped would occur. At least it would make sure some of the more ambitious Lords would stay their hands, as support for the House of the Dragon withered away.
Honestly, she would be happy to name Rhaenys a Martell and enjoy her life with Erlend, yet as usual the Game of Thrones would not let go of her that easily. A mockery that took the lives of both the victors and the defeated. While she knew her brother was regretful of what had occurred, it wouldn't surprise her that after a few years, his ambitions would rear their ugly head again.
No, Rhaenys would be far safer as Queen consort to the future King, she had faith that any son raised by Erlend would be leagues better than a Targaryen one.
"It pertains to the rebellion and the truth that had been shrouded from you." He continued.
Now he truly held everyone's attention, as all souls within this Hall looked at him, even the younger ones went silent as they all waited for what he had to say.
"It all starts with a Prince stumbling upon a supposed prophecy…".
"..."
