The days after the attack on Lannisport had passed by slowly, at least in Weiss' opinion. After the burst of adrenaline following the fight, everything seemed dull and boring. Sadly, Father and Mother turned protective, and rarely allowed Weiss to see the outside world without seven guards, at the minimum. Robart, well Ser Robart now that Father had knighted him, was placed in charge of her security after the death of Ser Tylan, at least until another sworn sword could be chosen. While Father was appreciative of the now Ser Robart Bronzehill of Lannisport for his role in 'saving' Weiss, he was far from being a skilled warrior, and as a Lannister, she needed to have the best protecting her, according to Father at least. It would take time before another could take Ser Tylan's place.
At least the gardens of the Gold Keep were beautiful, and remained untouched during the Ironborn raid. And the weather was perfect for a tea party and needlework outside. Even if she despised needlework, it was still better than just sitting around doing nothing.
"You have such lovely work, Lady Weiss." Alis gushed as she looked over at Weiss' piece, a white lion on a background of red. It was decent at best, yet the two ladies seemed to worship the very ground Weiss walked on, changed ever since the raid. She could understand why, intellectually, but it felt weird now, her friends were worshiping her, far more than they used to.
"Yours is much better." Weiss said with a smile, placing her needles and expensive twine to the side. She grabbed a lemon cake, and started to nibble at it despite the urge to stuff it all in her mouth at once. She was raised better, both in this world and in Remnant.
Alysanne took a small sip of her tea, exported from Yi Ti and considered one of the finest in the world. It was sweet, yet tangy with a slight touch of honey despite not a single drop being added as the leaves brewed. It was Weiss' favorite since it seemed that coffee didn't exist in this world. "Why a lion of white? And not gold?" She asked.
Weiss' smile didn't disappear, and grabbed a lock of her hair, as white as snow. "I may be a Lannister, but Velayron blood still runs through my veins." Plus, to be fair, gold everywhere would be boring fast.
The blood of Old Valyria, Weiss' ancestors had been dragon riders if the history books the maesters wrote were telling the truth. House Velayron had been one of House Targaryen's most ancient allies, with both families often marrying members to each other since before Aegon's Conquest. They had once been the richest house in all Seven Kingdoms, but had fallen on hard times. Grandfather, the late Lucerys Velayron, had been the Mad King's Master-of-Ships, until a freak storm smashed his ships on the rocks of Dragonstone near the end of Robert's Rebellion before Stannis Baratheon could. Weiss' uncle, Lord Monford Velayron, succeeded him as Lord of Driftmark and the Lord of Tides. She had another uncle, one that Mother rarely spoke of, one of Grandfather's bastards.
Aurane Waters was just a few years older than Weiss, about twelve years or so, and was still her uncle. That was a weird thing to think about.
"House Velayron has such a long history." Alis added. "Being a descendant of the Sea Snake and the Oakenfist! It must be quite an honor."
"And Lann the Clever." Weiss smirked, turning her gaze towards Casterly Rock, easily visible to the north of the Gold Keep. She was far down the line of succession for the mountain turned castle, but that wasn't something Weiss wished for. Weiss was content with the things she had, and from what she had heard, Lord Tywin as a father would've been terrible. She finished the lemon cake and grabbed another.
"Careful, my Lady. Eat too many of those and you'll be as fat as a cow." It wasn't Ser Robart who spoke up, he was still standing several feet away on the pathway, wearing his newly gifted armor. No, this voice was higher pitched, and sounded like an idiot.
"Robert." Alysanne narrowed her eyes as they turned to look at the newcomer. It was Robert Brax, the second son of Andros Brax the Lord of Hornvale, and her Father's squire. His family was one of Lord Tywin's principal bannermen, making his position as Father's squire a political move. "I don't believe you were invited to this lunch."
"Lady Lannister, Lady Lefford." Robert said in greeting as he formed a lazy grin. He ignored Alis, likely due to her lower status from a knightly house. That made Weiss angry, but she concealed it. Even if he was a second son, she shouldn't ruin any political movement her Father was involved in. "I am not here to keep you company, I have been ordered by Lord Lannister to escort Lady Weiss to his solar."
Weiss rolled her eyes and stuffed the rest of her lemon cake in her mouth to spite the squire. She spoke once she swallowed the sweet treat. "Please continue without me. I'll try to convince my Father to let us go hawking."
"How lovely!" Alis pressed her hands together, a large smile on her face. She was always easy to read, and smiling.
"Indeed." Alysanne agreed. Her Father, Lord Leo Lefford was already marching towards Lannisport with five hundred men and at least a hundred knights. From what Weiss had overheard in her Father's conversations with Mother, Lord Lefford had been enraged, being the first lord to raise his banners in the name of Lord Tywin, ready to cross the Sunset Sea once they had a fleet to transport their troops.
The two girls were doing their best to try and forget the events from six days ago, attempting to move on and act like nothing had happened. Weiss wasn't sure if they had opened their eyes during her fight with the four Ironborn, but if they had, they revealed nothing behind their polite smiles.
"Let us go, Robert." Weiss said simply, standing from her seat and handing her needlework supplies to a servant who approached the moment she stood up. It was weird having servants. Back in Remnant, all she had was Klein, and he was more than enough for her.
The Brax extended his elbow, a common courtesy, yet not without meaning. He was a second son, and would not inherit the Hornvale unless something would happen to his slightly older brother. His only chance to advance in life was to gain a knighthood and be a part of his brother's household, or be married off to another family. As the Heiress to Lannisport, and Father's only child so far, Weiss must've been an interesting target. Many houses would grovel at the chance to marry a Lannister, unless they were named Tyrion and born a dwarf like her distant cousin, the infamous Imp.
Weiss slid her arm into the opening as she allowed the squire to take the lead. She spotted Ser Robart moving to follow her out of the corner of her eye, leaving the other six guards to keep an eye on her two lady friends.
"You grow more beautiful with each passing day, my Lady." Robert said once they were out of earshot of Alis and Alysanne. His cheeks, still with baby fat, turned a slight shade of red. Oh great, another lovesick fool loving the ideal of Weiss Lannister, not who she actually was. At least this one wasn't blonde. It seemed commonplace here, but marrying a cousin was still disgusting to her.
"Would you still believe that when I grow fat from eating sweets?" Weiss responded dryly. She wasn't going to forgive him easily for that comment. Robert Brax was only a few years older than her, around the same age as her bastard uncle if she had to guess.
Robert cleared his throat and looked away awkwardly. "I, uh, meant no offense, my Lady. I was only concerned with your health."
What a lame excuse, but then again, he was a child. They exited the gardens, passing by two guards in full armor and armed with spears. Security around the Gold Keep had also been increased, with Father raising more guards and increasing the number of the City Watch. Fortunately, there was no shortage of candidates, either to avenge their losses, or just to protect what was theirs. With the war with the Iron Islands just starting, the countryside around Lannisport and Casterly Rock would be filled with tents and bannermen from all over the Westerlands, and possibly the Seven Kingdoms. She swore she could hear the merchants salivating from here, given all the new customers who were about to descend on them.
"My health is my own concern, and that of my family, Lord Brax." Weiss spoke firmly. Calling him 'Lord' was a subtle insult, one that likely flew over his head. "There is no need to fret."
Robert pursed his lips to speak, but decided against it in the end, responding only with a single nod. A girl she may be, with only seven namedays, but she was still a Lannister and the Heiress to Lannisport. Unless she was married or dealing with more powerful bannermen, her word would carry weight anywhere in the Westerlands.
They continued the rest of the walk to Father's solar in silence.
The door to Father's solar was guarded by another pair of guards, these ones knights in gleaming armor instead of normal men-at-arms. Their armor was covered by surcoats of golden lions on red, likely Lannys, Lantells, or Lannetts. Father was taking no chances, it seemed. Not that she could blame him.
Weiss released her arm from Robert's hold, placing both hands in front of her. "Thank you for your escort."
"It was my pleasure, Lady Weiss." The Brax boy flushed and bowed his head politely. Evidently he was hoping for something more. A kiss, perhaps?
Giving him a fake smile, Weiss turned to the knights that guarded her Father's solar. They allowed her to pass, knocking on the door and announcing her before she could even speak.
"Lady Weiss Lannister." One of them boomed. He had a sword strapped to his side, his hand casually resting on the pommel.
"Enter." She heard her Father's muffled voice, and the other knight instantly opened the door for her.
"Thank you." Weiss said to neither in particular. Their faces were hidden by their helms, so she couldn't tell if they were annoyed with her presence or actually smiling. Mind, it wouldn't have mattered, they had their duties, and she had hers.
Father was seated behind his desk, dressed in a fine doublet that was likely made out of silk and wearing several golden rings, he looked every bit a lord as his eyes remained focused on one of many letters on his desk. Mother was also present, seated in an expensive chair that must've been brought in earlier. She sat beside Father, in a beautiful green dress that was complemented by her Valyrian pale skin. Mother didn't look as tired as she had been several days ago, unlike Father who had dark bags under his eyes.
"Father, Mother." Weiss greeted with a proper bow. She had seen them earlier that morning when they broke their fast together, but their busy schedules kept them apart.
"Hello Sweetling." Mother said, she was slowly returning back to normal with every passing day. It felt nice having a proper mother figure, especially one who didn't reek of vodka and hang out in the garden all the time.
"Weiss." Father briefly looked up from a letter before returning his attention to it. The windows to his solar were open, revealing the magnificence that was Casterly Rock before it. Not that she could blame him, the view was fantastic and well worth every penny.
"You summoned me?" Weiss asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes-Yes." Father sighed as he placed the letter back onto his desk. "As my heir, it's time we keep you updated with some of the news that's been arriving by raven." He motioned towards the extra seat that sat in front of his desk. She took it, keeping her back straight and not allowing her back to touch the back of the chair. If she did then her legs would be dangling in the air even more.
"Thank you, Father." Weiss smiled sweetly. More responsibility should be fun, and help to alleviate some of her boredom now that Ser Tylan wasn't around to tell her stories. His funeral would be on the morrow, and Weiss was sure to attend.
Father nodded and grabbed a letter, one with a broken seal that she couldn't make out. "The Lord Hand has answered Lord Tywin's raven, in King Robert's name."
Ah, so King Robert would be deploying the Royal Fleet? The Westerlands had no shortage of soldiers, hedge knights were already arriving for a chance to win glory and gain the attention of lordly houses. Already she could see the foundations of the camps springing up around Lannisport, tents flying up as they were staked out.
"Lord Stannis Baratheon the Master-of-Ships has raised anchor with the Royal Fleet and has begun his journey to the Sunset Sea." Father said, skimming over the letter. Weiss had only heard whispers about the man, he was the most unpopular of the Baratheon brothers, and was her uncle Lord Monford's liege lord. "King Robert marches with five thousand men, drawn from the Crownlands and the Stormlands for Lannisport."
Oh, that was different. Why would King Robert come himself? Was it to defend his good-father, or did he have another motive? She didn't know much about their new king, who had overthrown the Targaryen dynasty when she was just a babe, but she had heard that he was a fierce warrior, and had a love of women. Obviously Yang would have loved the guy if she met him.
"The Lord Hand, Jon Arryn, has sent a call to all Seven Kingdoms to raise their banners, and marshal their ships to face this rebellion." Father continued speaking with a dour tone. "Lord Stark sent us a raven, he marches south with two thousand men, and from the Vale of Arryn, another three thousand under the command of Lord Yohn Royce."
That was at least ten thousand soldiers, not counting the banners from the Westerlands, and more would likely join on their march, minor lords, hedge knights and freeriders. Yet, their numbers would be useless if Lord Stannis fails to defeat the Iron Fleet at sea. It would be up to the Westerlands to feed them, unless they brought their own supply trains. And that would likely necessitate a deal with the Reach, who would charge them exorbitant prices for such a deal.
"Do you know what this means, Weiss?" Father asked, placing the letter down. Of course she did, she didn't need a grown woman's memories in her head to tell her the answer.
"It means our guest rooms are going to be full." Weiss answered with something a child would say, while also being very factually true. That earned her a light chuckle from Father.
"Clever girl." Father nodded. "You shall be assisting your Mother in accommodating our guest. King Robert and Lord Stark shall likely be staying in the rooms of Casterly Rock, our duty is to welcome those who would be staying in the Gold Keep."
"I shall do my best." Weiss bowed her head. If she did well, maybe she could get more responsibilities once the war ended. Father's hand hovered over another letter.
"We know you will, Sweetling." Mother smiled, her shoulders suddenly stiff. She eyed the last letter suspiciously. Was it a betrothal? Or something worse?
"This letter is from Lord Tywin." Father licked his lips, his green eyes briefly darting towards Mother. Was Lord Tywin curious about the reason why Weiss was able to kill those four men? "I have already spoken to him in person, but he still penned this command despite my protest."
Weiss took a deep breath.
"Lord Tywin does not believe that Lord Stannis and the Royal Fleet are capable of defeating the Ironborn at sea." Father started. "And as such, has come to an agreement with Paxter Redwyne, Lord of the Arbor."
Oh no, the Redwyne's had the largest fleet in all the Seven Kingdoms, only rivaled by the Royal Fleet and that of the Hightowers. Weiss had a lot of time to read up on powerful houses the past few days. Mother looked away, her small hands clenched into fist.
"You are to be betrothed to Lord Paxter's nephew, Stuar Redwyne, any children you bear shall carry the name of Lannister, unless a son should be born to me. In exchange, the Redwyne's shall join their strength with the Royal Fleet, under the command of the Master-of-Ships, Stannis Baratheon." Father continued, but Weiss had stopped paying attention. She had always known she would be married off, likely to an older man three or four times her age, which was disgusting, but she never had expected that so soon
Damn it! And what was Lord Tywin thinking? The entire realm knew that Lord Stannis hated Reachmen with a passion, everyone from the Wall to Dorne knew.
"And he wishes to see you in Casterly Rock, before the next moon." Father sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Our liege lord didn't mention why."
They did, Mother and Father just didn't want to admit it was because Weiss had killed those four men without an issue. Was he going to continue to question her on that? What was she going to do about it, in that case? Weiss had no idea. One thing she did know for certain, was that the future was going to be cloudy and dangerous.
There was a reason why lions had claws, and Weiss' were long and sharp.
A/N
There'll be a few more timeskips in the future, and as usual, we will try to use minor canon characters such as Robert Brax and Alysanne Lefford. I'm not great at creating OCs.
My RWBY merch from Roosterteeths last sale has started to arrive which has been a great inspiration booth. The Weiss tiki cup stares at me while I write.