The Thoughts of an Old Lion

Casterly Rock -289 AC

Tywin Lannister was on top of the world.

Standing on his balcony outside his solar on the top floor of Casterly Rock, he looked out over his domain.

The sun was beginning to set below the Sunset Sea, painting the sky as if a canvas with streaking rays of different shades of pink, orange and red trailing across the horizon. Lannisport buzzed below him, with ships constantly flowing into and out of the harbour, smoke trailing from the rooftops of dozens of blacksmiths. He could see dozens of tents either made or being put up for the tourney in the distance, some of the less important lords and knights would be sleeping in them.

From this height the people on the streets looked like ants under his gaze.

Tywin felt it was appropriate. As what were the smallfolk to a lion but ants?

Most of them were beneath his notice. They were just there. The ones he did take notice of either served him or were useful in some way. He didn't really pay them much mind in ordinary circumstances and he knew most of the time, majority of the smallfolk never thought much about who ruled them. Still, he knew all it would take was a command to bend them to his will. Such was the power of a Lion.

Even still, Tywin wasn't a fool, he knew enough ants could kill a lion. If you pushed them too much they would be liable to rebel. Then numbers alone could bring down even the mightiest of beasts.

Tywin knew when to push, when reminders of power needed to be shown. He also knew when rewards and gold were a better alternative. He perfected the art of ruling young. When he still had people above him in power, he watched as their mistakes made them tumble down. He watched and he learned.

Sparing one last glance for the view, Tywin turned and walked back into his solar and out the door. The guards that were stationed there fell into step behind him as he walked. Even in Casterly Rock, Tywin never let his guard down completely. He stopped by another guard stationed at a large oak door.

With a nod to the guard, the door was opened revealing a small room. Tywin entered with his guards before the door was closed. A rope was then pulled by the guard outside. Tywin knew it pulled a bell that was by the operators of the elevator. Signalling them when to lower it.

A few seconds later, Tywin felt as the floor began to creak as they descended down Casterly Rock. This was Tywins personal elevator, anyone else who had business with him in his personal solar would be forced to use the stairs. He had another area to receive guests and do actual business lower in Casterly Rock. That space was just his to enjoy and his to plan in. Sometimes when the occasion called for it, he would invite others. But they would have to take the stairs. Tywin sometimes felt amusement when he thought back to when his third born was forced to walk that distance with his stunted body.

The floor suddenly came to stop and the door he was facing opened. On the other side was another guard whose sole job was to guard this elevator. Tywin walked down the passage, around a few bends, down five flights of stairs, past the library, a few chambers for guests and a ballroom that wasn't being used to host guests for the tourney. That ballroom was in another part of the castle, more open to those who weren't Lannisters. Then he came to his destination.

He nodded to the guards who were outside the door who were quick to announce him and open the door swiftly and announce him. He entered into a room filled with blond. Almost his entire living family was seated together for the first time in years. If he were a more emotional man he might be filled with joy. As it was, Tywin felt slight pride.

Everyone rose for him as he entered and walked to his chair. Greetings leaving their lips. "Tywin." "Father." "Tywin." Multiple voices echoed at once. No matter their station or age. None of his family moved until he took his chair and spoke. "Sit."

They all did so.

Tywin looked at the spread before him. Lobsters, prawns , freshly caught fish of different types and varieties, muscles, bread, cheese, steak, chicken, fresh vegetables and some slices of peach and watermelon were laid out on the table. Along with a few pitchers of different wines for different appetites. All served on plates and in pitchers of solid gold. House Lannister was a house that never went without.

He tore his gaze from the spread and started examining his family. With the war with the Ironborn officially over, Tywin took the chance to throw a tourney in Lannisport to show House Lannisters power. Naturally such an occasion brought Lords and Ladies from all over the Seven Kingdoms.

His daughter and her children arrived the previous afternoon from Kings Landing along with Jon Arryn, in order to finalise the decisions made regarding the Iron Islands. There was a feast thrown in their honour the previous evening, which all the Lords and Ladies attended, so this was the first time he had a chance to speak to Cersei with even a token of privacy. As a Lannister.

She brought her son Joffrey and her newly born daughter Myrcella, who she was holding, to the dinner. Tywin hadn't had a chance to properly inspect his grandchildren since their arrival, he will use this dinner to do so. Hopefully Myrcella will grow up to be smarter and less…impulsive than her mother and Joffrey smarter and less of a drunk than his father.

On Cersei's left sat his son Jamie. Who had been given leave of his duties for the night. Tywin couldn't help but feel a slight ache when he looked at his son. He knew exactly what the feeling was.

Disappointment.

Jamie should be staying in Casterly Rock as his heir, he should be studying under Tywin learning all he needs to know. He should be getting married and having children to continue the Lannister line. He should be preparing to take over after Tywin has died. So that he can continue protecting the only thing that matters. The Lannister legacy.

Instead he was serving as a glorified servant to a whoremongering fool of a king.

It made Tywins blood boil slightly when he thought about it. Which just made the disappointment he felt sting even worse. He could easily get Jamie out of the Kingsguard. It wouldn't be difficult. The issue was his son would never accept leaving if given the option. He knows, Robert has given Jamie the choice before because of Tywin. It enraged him when Jamie refused to leave.

Next his gaze fell on the drunken monstrosity that was unfortunately his son. Tyrion was casually drinking a cup of wine and eating from the food available. He was the only one who didn't wait for Tywin before starting. He glared slightly at the dwarf before moving on. The less he has to look at Tyrion the better.

His ever faithful brother Kevin was sitting next to his sister Genna. Each of their children were with their respective spouses this evening. The only reason Joffrey and Myrcella were present was because Cersei threw a tantrum at being separated from them and Tywin felt the argument wasn't worth the effort, when there were more important things to discuss.

Next to them was his other more troublesome brother, Gerion, who spared Tywin a nod before following Tyrion's lead and beginning to eat. Tywin chose to ignore him, he learned it was pointless to argue with Gerion years ago.

Tywin grabbed a small clam, opening it and eating the centre. As he did so he could see majority of his family following his lead and start eating their own food. For a few minutes there was relative silence as everyone concentrated on eating their fill. It wasn't long though before it was broken.

Cersei had a cup of wine that she casually sipped from before speaking. "Father, I have heard all sorts of rumours about the war. Including hours of Roberts idiotic boasts the night before, but I cannot trust those rumours and boasts. Would you please tell me what happened?" She asked with the most innocent face she could muster.

Tywin wasn't fooled though. When you know who Cersei really is, you know she is up to something when she pretends to be innocent. He knows she is probably trying to get more detailed accounts of the war for any information she can use in one of her plots. She knows he will have the complete picture and not just pieces of it like others she would ask. Cersei has never been as smart or as subtle as she thinks she is. Despite that Tywin knows she can get the information from others and that there was only so much damage she could do. Tywin owns the court, not her. She just doesn't realise that fact. Or wilfully ignores it. So he decides to answer her. Besides it leads nicely about what he really wants to talk about.

"It wasn't much of a war." He explained. "Once everyone was warned of what Balon Greyjoy might do, most Houses on the shore prepared their defences. Except for the Reach. A large portion of Balons army was lost in the North, against Hadrian Stark. He lost more attacking the Reach, but managed to destroy the Redwyn Fleet as a consequence. This led to some raids in the Reach before the Hightowers mobilised. When they attacked Lannisport, I expected them and decimated most of the Ironborn forces at the cost of much of our fleet. From there, the war was basically over. The Greyjoys had lost majority of their men and their dominance at sea, as the Royal Fleet and Hightower Fleet were still undamaged. The Lannister Fleet would have been enough to ferry all our men after a few trips on its own. As even just the men of the West and Crownlands would easily be able to kill what pirates remain. The only reason that we waited for the rest of the forces was that the King wanted to make a statement…and to meet with Stark."

She laughed. "Balon Greyjoy was a fool. His pile of rocks didn't even put up a good fight."

Tywin nodded. "Yes, he was. He could have caused some chaos if he caught us unprepared but he would always ultimately lose any war through attrition. "

Tyrion made his voice known from further down the table. Tywin prevented himself from showing his irritation at hearing his voice. "Yes, yes, yes. We all know Balon Greyjoy was a fool who died a foolish death. I, for one, am much more interested in knowing what is going on in the North."

Cercei scoffed. "The North is a wasteland filled with savages. What could be so interesting about it?"

Tywin withheld the urge to glare at her. Cersei always thought she was smarter than she truly was. She doesn't take the time to look beyond the obvious, always jumping to the first conclusion and sticking with it no matter all evidence. As much as Tywin may hate him for what he is, he can at least acknowledge Tyrion has some intelligence.

Alas, Tywin learned a long time ago that trying to teach Cersei such lessons was a degree in futility. Tywin was saved from answering by Gerion, who spoke as he stabbed his fork in a piece of chicken. "The North has been making moves recently. Even I can see that, dear niece."

Cersei glowered. Tywin withheld the urge to sigh, his daughter was much too quick to take anything as a slight. Sometimes there was no slight intended in corrections. Alas Cersei never truly learnt how to distinguish true slights from perceived ones. "The North is a frozen wasteland. What does it matter what the Starks do up there? They will never be a true threat to House Lannister. We control the Iron Throne. "

Tyrion laughed and plucked a grape from a bowl. "Robert Baratheon sits the Iron Throne dear sister. Not House Lannister. We may have power over much of the realm, but the North has always belonged and will always belong to the Starks. House Lannister has no say up there. Even the King has limited power over the Northern Lords. The Lords of the North will always answer to House Stark first and the Iron Throne second. "

She sneered. "Those barbarians would never-"

"Tyrion is correct." How Tywin loathed that. The dwarf, among all his children, would be the best to take over House Lannister, if he wasn't a monstrosity. Tywin turned to his daughter and picked up a glass of Arbour Red.

He took a sip before speaking. "The North has been making moves. At first, I will admit I didn't pay too much attention to what was happening but then during the war something interesting happened, that made me pay closer attention."

Tywin paused and took another sip before continuing. "When we were discussing what would be done to punish Balon and what would be done with the Iron Islands as a result, at first the king was going to follow Lord Arryns advice and make Balon kneel and take his son for a ward but Lord Stark changed his mind. Eddard Stark argued for Balons execution, citing the fact Balon already ignored ravens warning him before the war started."

Jamie decided to cut in. "What does that matter? Stark has always been rigid."

Tywin pursed his lips. "The way it happened. Jon Arryn advised Robert to let Balon Greyjoy live if he bent the knee. Eddard Stark changed his mind. Then he convinced Robert to have Theon Greyjoy become my ward. While Asha Greyjoy becomes a ward of the Starks. Eddard Stark has never liked me. Everyone knows it. He is also a simple man who is easy to predict. I doubt it was his idea."

Tyrion frowned. "You believe it was Hadrian Starks idea."

Cercei frowned too. "Why would he do that? With the heir to the Iron Islands as our ward, the Iron Islands are in our control. "

Tywin drawled. "I believe that was half the point. In front of all the great lords of the realm, Stark stated that Robert should use the opportunity provided to try and change the culture of the islands away from raiding. Stark told the King that I was the only Lord on the Western Coast with both the competence and resources needed to tame the Iron Islands and start to bring them away from raiding, in a reasonable timeframe. So I should be left in charge of doing so and in control of the Islands until Theon comes of age"

Tywin paused to let his words sink in before continuing. "Robert ate it up, of course. He seemed happy at the idea of the Iron Islands being tamed in his reign, when the Targaryens couldn't do it in three centuries. The king then told me I had permission to do whatever I needed to, in order to bring lasting change in the culture of the islands while they are weak. So now Kevin is the new Warden of the Iron Islands until Theon comes of age." He finished while raising a glass to his brother who reciprocated the gesture.

Jamie smirked. "That's true though. Those foppy Reachmen don't have a chance of having a lasting impact on those Islands. They would lose control of them in the first moon. It seems to me like Hadrian Stark isn't as clever as they say. He's basically given House Lannister control of the Islands on a silver platter."

Tywin glowered at him. He still doesn't get it. Judging by the grimace on the dwarfs face, he is at least starting to pick up on the issue. He took a breath before explaining. "At first I didn't believe the rumours about Hadrian Stark either. Then the farmers tested his new farming methods and found it works. Better than expected, even. Hadrian Stark capitalised on that by getting new land from the Gift, so now the North is no longer as dependant on the South. He changed how books are kept to make sure he is unlikely to be cheated from the increased tax he will be getting. He is also starting a new city on the West coast, preparing for further trade. This means the North will only grow in population, wealth and power in the next few years, while southern kingdoms who rely on exporting food, will be weakened as food becomes cheaper and they lose income. All these facts tell me that Hadrian Stark is intelligent. It tells me he can and does plan for the future. The boy is only nine namedays old and he has done more to increase the Norths power and weaken their dependence on the South than most of his ancestors. He is no fool."

Tyrion laughed. "It's a poisoned chalice!"

Tywin nodded. "Indeed."

Then Tywin remained silent as he nursed another sip of his wine. Tyrion took the invitation to explain to his siblings, while Tywin lamented the fact that neither of the twins understood the situation yet. "Ironborn raids were always going to be a problem for the North. If they're trying to start a new city, the less raids the better. Hadrian Stark has pushed off the effort of curbing the Ironborn onto us. House Lannister will pay the expenses, House Lannister will have control of the islands and House Lannister will earn the enmity of the smallfolk on the Islands while House Stark reaps nearly as many benefits with none of the effort. To truly curb the Ironborn raiding and to change them for good, we will have to target the religion of the Drowned God. That will earn us the hatred of the smallfolk. We might have been given control by the King, but actually enforcing that control is easier said than done. The islands are notoriously difficult to control. This will be no small undertaking. We have Theon Greyjoy to raise, so theoretically we should be able to mold him and shape him. Making him and by extension the Iron Islands, allies to House Lannister for the next generation. Theon Greyjoy is old enough to remember his father though. There's just as good a chance he grows to resent us and does something foolish. Hadrian Stark has Asha Greyjoy. She would make a good hostage to make sure Theon and the Iron Islands don't attack the North and if Theon ever proves a detriment to the North, then Hadrian can always remove him for his sister. A women has never ruled the Islands but it is possible if she is the only Greyjoy left. Meaning the Iron Islands would be more allied to House Stark than House Lannister. He can even marry her if he wishes. He can swoop in and take the Iron Islands out right from under us after we put in so much effort there to change them. "

Tyrion took a deep gulp of wine. "The most genius part is, it looks like he is doing us a favour. Giving House Lannister influence on the islands. Most Houses will see this as the King granting us honour. If we do nothing and don't curb the raiding we look bad, if we refuse to take control of the islands we look weak, if we do our best to bring the Iron Islands under our banner, spending gold and men for that purpose, we can have our control of the Islands stripped from us and handed over to the North with one move. Having the North reap the rewards for our effort."

Tyrion raised a glass. "Truly, a masterful move."

Cersei looked outraged. "How dare those barbarians!? Hadrian Stark needs to be taught his place!"

"Don't!" Tywin snapped. When she flinched back, he took a deep breath before continuing. "We have to handle the situation delicately. The King holds more respect and affection for House Stark than he does for us. So we can't do anything overt. Not to mention the fact that this is just speculation of the worst case scenario. Hadrian Stark might have different reasons for his choices. I will have to find out more. For all we know, he is as honourable as his uncle and would never even think of removing Theon from power for his sister without proper justification. While there are options I have to remove the Starks, I don't believe they are necessary yet. Not when there is an easier and more profitable solution."

Cersei seemed to calm down. Jamie took the opportunity to speak. "What do you mean father? What solution?"

He took another sip of wine before continuing. "Myrcella will marry Hadrian Stark."

"What?!"Cersei screeched. "I will not have my daughter marry some barbarian!"

He glared but otherwise remained impassive. "You will do as you are told."

Tywin could see his daughter visibly seethe in her chair but otherwise she remained quiet. "There are few better choices for her husband. House Stark is one of the oldest and most storied Houses in Westeros. They have always been a strong military power. Now they are only going to get stronger. It is too late to change that fact. Now that they can grow their own food, the North will rise in power regardless of if the Starks are in charge. This way we can make sure House Lannister profits off of their growth and it gives us a strong alliance in the future. "

Of course his foolish daughter still failed to see his wisdom. "We should punish them for overreaching! Not reward them with a royal marriage! Myrcella was just born, I won't let you sell her off like cattle!"

Tywin resisted the urge to shout at the girl. She never listens! "How would we punish them? Most won't see this as the Starks overreaching. They will see it as House Lannister being rewarded. I can take subtle action against them, of course. If this hurt our reputation at all, I would. As it stands, having control over the islands is good for our reputation. We are the only House to have control over two kingdoms. Even if temporarily. Worst case scenario, an accident can be arranged for Asha Greyjoy if the islands start to slip from our grasp. In the meantime, there are many ways having control of the islands will benefit us. For now, I am going to have more spies placed in the North. I am going to watch and learn. The Starks have always only cared about the North. They generally want nothing to do with the South. I doubt Hadrian Stark is any different. The South killed his father, grandfather and aunt. I expect he will keep his sights firmly on the North. As long as he does so, he is no threat to House Lannister and will make a good ally once bound by marriage. If need be, Joffrey can even marry Sansa Stark in order to keep Hadrian Stark completely under control. If his gaze does wonder South, then he will be treated as a problem and taken care of."

Honestly why make enemies when it is not necessary. When having a strong ally would be so much better. Tywin is nothing if not pragmatic. Hadrian Starks ploy with the Ironborn was irritating but it does provide opportunities. He could even respect the move. It was impressive but it did show Hadrian Stark could be a threat. Once Hadrian Stark is married to Myrcella though, he would cease to be an issue.

He would let Hadrian get away with this manipulation, just this once, as it benefitted House Lannister. If it happens again though, he would use the Starks as a lesson for the rest of Westeros.

Next chapter 19 May 2023.

As always criticism is welcome as long as it's constructive.

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