Ned
Piles of dead men lay on the green grass with the looming stone estate behind them, draped in crimson red and dark green cloaks; the gold cloaks under the command of Eddard Karstark held the grounds of the estate. No wind kissed his cheeks and the banners of House Tyrell stood silent, as silent as the men that once defended her. Lord Eddard's voice echoed as he barked out commands. His gold cloaks were busy tending to the grounds security and escorting maesters and septons in to tend to the wounded. The scene of a fierce battle lay scattered throughout the ground. The main gate of pure bronze lay shattered when he rode through with Jory and the others. Pools of blood and the smell of death haunted him. Even from hundreds of yards before the gate, he smelled them. Death, it reeks of death. Oh, why Cat must it reek of death? Even under only the moonlight and the torches his men carried, Ned saw the carnage well enough.
Roses and Lions had spilled blood and from the bodies on the grounds, mainly those of Tyrell. Ned mused.
This was the estate for Lady Margaery and it seemed some great madness had seized Ser Kevan with his men, assaulting the walls. Declaring war on House Tyrell and with it the Lord of Storms End. Why? Ned wondered. With Robert gone, his queen was in no danger of being set aside. Did he attack for Lannister pride? Ned didn't think it likely. Ser Kevan seemed to be a reasonable and cautious man.
"Make way for the Lord Regent!" Jory called out in front of him. A title that made him grimace. Lord Hand, Lord Regent. Shall they try to stick a crown on my head and name me king? All he wished for was to see the grey walls of Winterfell, but it seemed he would never leave this foul city. Though mayhaps he would with a host of men at his back. I shall uphold a just peace.
And if the Lannisters had broken it, he would ride with the strength of Winterfell, Riverrun, Eyrie, Highgarden, and Storms End at his back and uproot the Old Lion from his den.
Ned dismounted, removing his riding gloves. "Lord Stark." Eddard Karstark said with a grim look of duty on his face. Blood splattered against the youth's surcoat with his sword coated in crimson red. "The battle is done, and we have whipped the lions, my lord. Caught them in the rear and buggered them until they were meowing." He sighed. "Lost a dozen good men, though."
In every battle Ned had fought, that seemed to be the case. It was not an easy thing to live with, but he nodded. "Captives?" He asked.
"Aye, Lord Stark, a few of the smart ones threw down their swords once the battle was lost. I figured you would wish to question them."
"Have they given a reason for the madness?"
The Karstark boy nodded. "They claim Ser Kevan was murdered and his son, driven mad by grief, blamed the roses." He admitted, "I slew the blond bastard, my lord. He threatened the southron woman."
Ned head hurt with the new pieces of the puzzle. Ser Kevan lay dead and so soon after the death of Ser Loras. Did the Tyrells order his slaying in retaliation? Dead Lannister. Dead Tyrells. Men of ambition. Men of dishonor. And looking around the fields, he saw the cost as his veins turned to ice and he hardened with the grim realization. "Is Lady Margaery alive?"
"Aye my lord." The boy winced. "Though badly maimed. Lord Renly left shortly before you arrived with her."
"You let him take her?" Jory asked, abashed, as the Karstark stiffened at the tone.
Ned raised his hands for peace between them. "You did the right thing, Eddard. It is not wise to come between a Baratheon and his betrothed." The last time a man stood in the way between a Baratheon and his love, Robert caved his chest in and left his corpse for the crows. Would Lord Renly do the same? Tear apart the realm for the Rose of Highgarden. Did the Gods enjoy their humors? A man that looks like Robert tears apart the Seven Kingdoms for his betrothed. What justice shall he seek? What justice could he grant him? Who was the wronged party? Ned wondered, not knowing the answer. It was a knot of dishonor he couldn't untangle. The Lannisters had broken the peace of the Iron Throne and as Regent of the Iron Throne he was honor bound to enforce it, but the murder of a high lord was a crime as well and only the Tyrells had proper cause to see the man dead. Or had another done the deed? Ned knew he wouldn't have the time to discover it. The Karstark boy offered to show him where it ended.
Together, they wandered inside the estate itself. More corpses littered the floors and staircase and the halls he wandered with his men. He made no passing comment as they approached the hallway outside of Lady Margaery's room, where her defenders had made their last stand. Three crimson cloaks lay unmoving around a corpse wearing plate armor enameled in yellow and covered in sunflowers. Ned stepped over him and gagged at the butchery before him. It was as brutal a scene as the sack of Kings Landing. Crimson cloaks wrapped around the shattered skulls of dead babes. Etched into his memory. The Lannisters had shown no mercy to the ladies-in-waiting. Limbs hacked off. Heads separated from necks. The work of butchers. He stepped into the room, almost slipping on the river of blood, and his eyes widened in recognition at one of them. I know those eyes. I've seen that face.
Eddard Karstark blinked, concerned when he bent down. "My lord?"
"I know those eyes." Ned said as he leaned down and brushed her hair from side to side. "She is off the North. Mira Forrester." A young girl slain so far from home. Lord Gregor's daughter didn't deserve such an end. She had dined with his family only a moon passed. A sweet innocent girl much like his Sansa. The innocent suffer at the hands of the ambitious and dishonorable. He closed her eyes and rose with a cold fury. Tyrells. Lannisters. Two sides of the same coin. Both were guilty. Ned saw. "She shall be buried in the north among her kin. This is no fitting place for her." Jory nodded dutifully.
"And what shall be done my lord?" Eddard Karstark asked, eyes hardened by the death of north woman.
"Justice." Ned vowed. "We shall have justice in Roberts name."
Outside of his solar, Alyn and Tomard looked grave with concern. Both of them were part of his wife's escort for the night. She had yet to return when he left to instigate word of the Lannister attack. Neither would meet him in the eye. "Milord." Alyn struggled to find the right word to say.
"My wife. Where is my wife?" Ned said.
"Inside." Tomard said. "We thought it-"
He brushed past the two of them and saw her wearing a bloodstained dress, and his heart dropped. "Cat?" He said, embracing her. "What has happened?"
She trembled. "Ned. Oh Ned." Cat moaned out incoherently as he held her. Her bright eyes were stormy with pain and worry and he pressed into her shoulder, turning it red.
For some time, he held her. She buried her face in his chest. "What happened Cat?" He whispered. "you must tell me. Our girls are they- "He couldn't finish the thought.
"They are fine Ned." Cat said, trying to steel herself. " They are fine, but Littlefinger is not. He-"
Ned pushed her away. "What has he done?" He growled. "I should have thrown him the cells the moment I could." That foul man saying such wicked things about his Cat. He had haunted them for long enough. I have allowed that man too much freedom for this murmur's farce. Lord Baelish was nothing more than diseased flesh that should have been cut off long ago. He infested House Arryn, whispering lies into his nephew's ears. He murdered Jon Arryn. I don't need a trial to know him guilty.
"You would be throwing a corpse in the cells." Cat replied cooly. "Littlefinger is dead."
Something lodged in his throat. "Oh, Cat, what have you done?" He brushed strands of her auburn hair to the side.
"It was not me Ned." She clutched him, her nails almost drawing blood. "It was Sansa's wolf Lady. Lady did this." Her eyes became as hard as stone, filled with the strength as deep as a river. "The boy I knew was dead, Ned. A monster wore his skin." Cat voiced flatly. "He was evil Ned, I know some vile plot was in his heart. He wished something with Sansa. His eyes spoke the truth."
"Sansa?" Ned asked, taken aback.
"Yes, Ned, our sweet daughter."
Ned whitened and stumbled to the desk, twisting away from her. "Fool," He shook his head. "What a fool I am." He was so focused on the realm. Robert's realm he missed the danger. It was a mistake for him to accept this duty. A mistake to follow Robert south. Her hand wrapped on top of his own, trying to relieve him of his self doubt. "The wolf will have to die." He swallowed at the dishonor. "He slew a lord without trial." Even Lord Baelish held the right to a lawful trial.
"You cannot." She said. "It is the symbol of your house. They are not like normal animals. There is intelligence." She struggled to find the words. "They protect our children, Ned. The Gods sent them, I know they did. You would lose their favor if you did this. Our daughters need to be protected."
Before he replied, Alyn entered. "My lord. Lord Arryn is insistent to meet with you. I've tried to-" He waved him to silence.
"It's well. Send him in."
Cat's hand rubbed his back, soothing his raging heart. "He knows." She told him. "He knows about his mother and Lord Baelish. Be gentle with him. He has been misled like all of us. Remember, he's only a boy that wishes to protect his mother." Ned promised her with a squeeze of his hand that he would do precisely that. He's Jons boy and he'll understand. He'll understand what has been done. Would he? Or would he seek harsh justice? There was little forgiveness in his heart. On the Trident, Jasper argued for King Robert to slay his own son to appease the slight against his honor. Against the Tyrells, he argued for harsh actions when they sought to replace the Lannister Queen with one of their own and Ned caught him smiling when he heard about Ser Loras end at the hands of the Mountain before offering his sympathy. His sympathy was genuine, but his initial reaction was as well. He's not his father. Yet, he did not abandon Jon when he could; he charged forward with all the gallantry of a knight to defend him because it was the right thing to do. The honorable thing. Jon Arryn would have been proud of him if he saw him. Still, Ned doubted the boy. He was so unlike Jon, it always surprised him when he saw hints of his foster father in him. When he entered the room, his nephew's jaw dropped to the floor at the sight of Cat. All of his courtesy forgotten as his eyes widened and he gazed at her bloodstained dress.
"If you excuse me, nephew, I have to clean myself."
Jasper Arryn offered a polite nod as he stood dazed.
"Take a seat, nephew."
"I'll stand, thank you." His nephew said curtly. "I have words I wish to share with you, but I wish to know what has befallen my aunt. Whose attacked House Stark? Give me a name and I shall defend you in word as well as deed." His voice shined spoke of his conviction and his honest intentions behind his vow.
Ned placed his hand on the lad's shoulder. "Lord Baelish is dead. He died resisting arrest at my command." He said, thinking of his wife and his daughters. What was one more lie to protect his family? "He was your banner. You deserve to know."
His nephew tensed, but said nothing in reply. "Now nep-"
He shrugged off his hand and glared with icy eyes. "Don't speak such falsehoods to me." He snapped, his cheeks reddening. "you would never have had your wife near a man you planned to arrest. Did Aunt Catelyn kill him? Is that the truth of the matter?"
Ned did not reply.
The boy scoffed. "By the Seven, she murdered him! For the words of my mother! A loyal man died needlessly!"
"Nephew," He said gently. "Lord Baelish is hardly a man worth such a reaction. I do not condone what happened, but he was no man of honor.
"The man was a lord and deserved a trial. I name this murder."
And Ned didn't disagree with that grim assessment.
"Nep-"
"Do not name me that." Jasper said. "I'm the Lord of the Eyrie and Warden of the East, not your nephew." Bitterness flowed from his mouth. "You've made that perfectly clear." He glowered, and Ned winced. That was never our intention… "If you had come to me with your suspicions, I would have listened." Jasper said. "But you chose a different path." He shook his head, chuckling. "You know I thought if there was ever a man who lived up to my father's words, it was you. When I picture how my father held court, it was your face I saw, but I was wrong. My father would be ashamed to see you now."
"Aye he would be." Ned agreed.
It calmed him down some as he gripped the bridge of his nose. "I wish not to separate with you over this."
"Then don't."
"I have terms." Jasper said. "You shall leave the investigation of my mother to myself and myself alone. It's a personal matter. An Arryn matter I shall handle without your interference or pressure and if she is guilty, I shall decide her sentence. I'm the head of House Arryn. I shall judge my mother for whatever crime she has committed." He paused, and Ned allowed him to continue. "Nestor Royce shall take the Office of Master of Coin and shall serve as long as your tenure as Regent remains."
"I have little disagreement over Royce, but Jon-"
"Was my father. Not yours. I shall judge my mother." His voice was pure steel.
Ned merely gazed at him with some pity. "She is your mother, lad. Can you truly act justly for your father?"
The fire burned out in his nephew's eyes. "I think so." He whispered with some doubt. "But she is my mother and I shall handle her. You have my word as an Arryn." It wasn't wise to trust Jon's justice to his son, but with the Tyrells and Lannisters at each other's throats, he had precious little choice. I'll have to hope he does the right thing.
"Very well." Ned said. "You have my support."
Jasper nodded. "Excellent. I shall condemn Lord Baelish as a crook and criminal with you in the morning. We shall avoid any mention of my aunt and his unlawful demise."
Ned blinked, astonished. "But you believe him a loyal banner you would betray Lord Baelish so?"
"I know he was." Jasper said with a deep bitterness. "but no one banner matters more than the alliance that protects us. Stark and Arryn must remain united. I will not have House Stark broiled in scandal over the murder of a lord. Especially a minor lord from the Fingers. As sad as it is, he isn't worth it. I shall condemn him. His final act of service to myself. "He declared. "My lords dislike him for rising beyond his station allowed. No one will speak against us. When you name him a scoundrel, especially with my voiced added in support. We cannot have us appearing divided these days. Duty to the Crown demands it of us." He offered his hand, following a lord's courtesy, and for a moment Ned hesitated in taking it. He speaks of dishonor and falsehoods. Betraying his man so willingly, but he claimed to do it to protect them. I know that feeling well… All too well. If only he could have found the words to talk with him, but the words never came and mayhaps never would. Forgive me Lyanna.
Ned shook his hand.
"Is there anything else you wish to tell me?" Jasper asked.
He thought about it and informed him of Ser Kevans death and the attack on Lady Margaery's estate. Ned observed his nephew. He didn't look surprised or bothered. "All the more reason for us to squash any divisions from reaching the sunlight." It was true, but yet the lack of surprise gnawed at him. Still, he had pushed his luck with him tonight. Cat would have my hide if I push him away ever further. And so Ned held his tongue as Jasper Arryn left with a lordly nod.
Renly
Lady Margaery would make an ugly wife. Renly thought as he stood by her bedside, looking every bit the concerned lord. Missing an ear and several fingers, his pretty bride to be had become an ugly swan. Still, she was a valuable ugly swan. The Lannisters attacked her. Not a man in the Great Halls could deny the crime committed. A lady of a Great House maimed by the Lannisters in a treacherous attack the Lannisters are known for. It went beyond the pale. She whimpered in pain as her eyes fluttered open. "Shh, rest my lady." He kissed her on the brow. "Maester Rolland, give my betrothed another dose of milk of the poppy."
The maester did as bid, and the tension in her arms eased as she returned to a peaceful sleep.
He stood up, aggrieved, gripping the bridge of his nose. "My lord, are you well?" Ser Guyard asked.
"Not until I have justice for my precious rose." He replied, thinking of Loras crushed by the Mountain.
Ser Guyard nodded. "Aye, my lord, a foul deed. We shall see the honor of House Baratheon is upheld."
Renly placed his hand on his shoulder. "Ser." He squeezed. "You have always served leally." It pleased him when Guyard smiled at the praise. "I need you to send for every Lord of the Stormlands that remains in the capital." Most of them had left after the Tourney of the Hand. A few had even elected to join his brother on his expedition, desiring glory and riches in the east, but he needed them to see Lannister brutality that had ripped the petals of his pretty rose. Honor and the eyes of fools will see them bound to him.
"As you wish, my lord. I shall see it done." Ser Guyard bowed his head and departed.
He left for his solar as he finished penning his letter for Lord Tyrell. The ink was barely dry as he read over it.
Lord Mace,
I find myself aggrieved to pen this letter, but a father deserves to know what has happened to his daughter. Lannister men under the command of the false knight Ser Lancel of House Lannister slew every Tyrell man tasked with guarding your golden rose under the delusion we are responsible for the death of Ser Kevan. By the Grace of the Seven, Lady Margaery survived until relief arrived to rescue her, but not without cost. I struggle to pen this, but Lannister steel has maimed Lady Margaery, robbing her of an ear and several fingers. This crime has affronted the honor of House Baratheon. I stand outraged along with every man of the Storm Lands at this dishonor. The true face of the Lannisters has revealed itself, and I fear only one course remains open to us. For the Old Lion will stir from his den and harass your lands as well. You must summon your banners. I shall do likewise and we shall pay back the Lannisters a thousand fold for this foul act of war.
Lord Renly of House Baratheon and Lord of Storms End.
It was satisfactory and would rouse Lord Tyrell to action in defense of his daughter. The man loves his children and will defend her virtue. With the Reach roused behind the Tyrells and soon his own lords as well, only the ever dogmatic Lord Stark needed to be convinced. If I secure his support, the entire realm will stand in opposition to House Lannister. And he would see it would be mainly men of the Riverlands, North, and Vale that died in the coming war. But first, Lord Stark had to be convinced.
The Lords of the Stormlands in the capital reacted just as he predicted they would when they filtered in to see the maimed lady. Hard looks. Tense shoulders. Bryce Caron, ever rash, went to the hilt of his sword and drew it. "you have my sword, my lord! Let us drench the land with Lannister dead!"
"Aye Lannister dead!" Ralph Buckler declared, pounding his surcoat with three brass buckles with a blue background. He was ever eager to please him.
Ser Balon Swann rubbed his chin deep in thought. "It is a foul crime, my liege. By the Seven I'm moved at your lady's plight, but should we not seek address from Lord Eddard Stark? He is a man of great honor and justice. Mayhaps he'll provide some to us?"
The more cautious and shrewd men nodded along, and Renly smiled. "Indeed!" He said. "Lord Stark was a friend of Robert. I know he shall see our cause is just and shall punish the Lannisters." He struck an agreement between them. They would seek the support of the Lord Regent before pressing ahead, but he was already going to do that, anyway. "My lords, we should let Lady Margaery rest. Let us leave her." After speaking with them for sometime japing and praising them, he bid them a farewell and retired to his quarters. He poured himself a fine glass of wine and drank. It made him think of Loras when he was whole. He thought I could make a wonderful king. That I was born for the role. And his beloved knight of flowers was right. A crown of gold was well suited for his brow. Loras saw it before anyone had noticed what kind of mark he could leave.
Morning came and Lord Stark had summoned a session of court to address the attack. Renly dressed in a dark green velvet doublet embroidered with golden stags with a golden cape draped over his shoulders. A fine outfit that made him look every inch a king. Lord Stark sat in his brother's seat as straight as an arrow on the monstrous throne of melted swords as if he were a king. Stoic, bland eyes watched them. Underneath the throne, a table stood reserved for the Small Council or what remained of it. Grand Maester Pycelle stroked his long, flowing beard ponderously. The eunuch Varys interlocked his hands as his eyes flickered between the Iron Throne and the new arrivals. However, strangely, Lord Baelish was not among them. Instead, it seemed Nestor Royce had seized the office over Littlefinger. I may have to seek him out. Secure the man's backing then. Littlefinger was ever a spiteful little man with some low cunning that could be used if offered enough.
He walked down the long carpet that led to the Iron Throne. Hushed whispers from the gallery followed him as the chamberlain called the session of court in order. "My lords. Lord Regent." Renly offered a polite nod. "I'm here to see justice is done. Justice for House Tyrell. Justice for the slight on the honor of the Stormlands and justice against House Lannister."
"My lord." Grand Maester Pycelle stammered. "The actions were those of Ser Lancel, and Ser Lancel alone. Not House Lannister, the boy was driven by the madness of grief."
Renly almost smiled. "And this is what such madness has wrought." He gave a dramatic flair of his arms and motioned for one of his knights to come forward carrying a jar of Lady Margaery's fingers and ear. "THIS IS WHAT HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM US! LET NO ONE DENY IT!" He held up the jar up high and men looked away with shame and disgust. He saw anger as well. One more crime that darkened the Lannister name. It silenced the Lannister lackey and Renly felt he was making progress with Lord Stark.
The doors flew open, and the murmuring increased as the Lannister Queen entered dressed in a mournful dress of black and Renly sneered at the sight of her. "My apologies for my tardiness," she said. "I was not informed of the time of court."
"Your grace," Lord Stark said. "I thought you would not attend."
She huffed. "I see Roberts brother is making an allegation against my father's house. I shall reply in kind. I accuse House Tyrell of the murder of my uncle Ser Kevan." The murmuring increased. "Poisoned at his own table."
Renly chuckled. "Shall you accuse them of nearly killing your daughter as your ill born son did? For the allegation is just as ridiculous as that."
Queen Cersei seethed. "I wish my cousin slew the harlot you call a lady. That was his only mistake! An ear? Nay, he should have taken her heart!"
"Listen to her vitriol!-"
"For trying to set me aside and see me replaced with the doting woman from Highgarden!"
Renly scoffed. "More and more lies. She condemns herself with her own words."
"You told me so with your own lips, my lord." Lord Stark said and lords and ladies gasped. Renly was stunned that he mentioned that so brazenly.
He stiffened. "You misremember my lord."
Lord Stark leered down at him. "Why should we suffer them? For the sake of honor and law? Traditions sake? Such notions should not constrain us. Those were your words to me." And the room quieted. Men that had once looked at him with sympathy turned to disdain and suspicion. The word of the Lord of Winterfell was well respected, especially amongst the Valeman.
"The Lannister Queen has spread lies into your ears, my lord." Renly replied. "I'll confess I'm disappointed."
"You dare impugned the word of Lord Stark!" the determined voice of Lord Arryn echoed as he joined him in front of the Iron throne. "A veteran of two wars and a trusted friend of our good king. His honor is beyond reproach. If he claims that's how it happened, then that's how it did." Lord Arryn, fully healed from the melee, stood tall and forceful with his bannerman listening to every word. A martial figure. Well respected by his men for his courage, but Renly considered him an irksome pest. "And I wish for an answer. Do you mock our traditions so freely?"
"That is a worthy notion, Lord Arryn. I'd like to know as well." Queen Cersei chimed.
Renly parried the attack swiftly. "Look at the company they keep. Lannisters have played you false." He placed his hand over his breast. "I am the wounded party. My betrothed has been maimed. Her entire escort put to the sword. Butchered like animals, and we have seen time and time again what the Lannisters will do to maintain her power."
"We stand not with Lannisters! The butchers of children and men without honor." Lord Arryn declared. "But we are loyal to the Crown. Are you Lord Renly? Your words make me wonder?"
It caused an outcry from the Lords of the Stormlands. "You dare accuse Lord Renly of disloyalty? He is the king's own brother." Ser Bryce Caron said.
"I find I'm asking questions as well." Lord Yohn Royce said. "I believe Lord Stark, I've never known him to lie over anything, and certainly nothing so serious a claim as this."
"Well, he speaks falsehoods!" Ser Guyard answered him. It was a hot day of summer and tempers were growing hot between his vassals and the Lords of the Vale and the Northman. Renly argued hotly with Lord Arryn, whose courtesy was thin as ice. Ser Tallhart had heated words with several knights of the Marshes. While the Lannister Queen smiled at their conflict.
Above them, a gruff voice cut through all of their conversations. "I EDDARD OF THE HOUSE STARK LORD OF WINTERFELL AND REGENT OF THE IRON THRONE BID YOU TO HEED MY WORD!" Silence was restored as they all turned to the Iron Throne and the simple dullard who found himself the center of all the power of the realm. Every ounce of power a king may hold at his grubby fingertips. Far too much for his limited ability. Renly thought. "I shall have justice for those slain. Alla Tyrell, Megga Tyrell, Elinor Tyrell, and Mira Forrester, and the wounds suffered by Lady Margaery." He gestured towards Ser Tallhart and his gold cloaks. "As such, I will confine her Grace in the Maidenvault per my command as regent until her role may be determined." The queen protested as they seized her and dragged her from the halls. "Every man that took part in the assault shall be given the choice of the block or the black." His gaze twisted to the Grand Maester whom looked close to pissing himself. "You shall pen a letter to Lord Tywin forbidding him from breaking the Kings Peace under the penalty of attainment and stripping of rank and title." He bobbled his aging head cowered. Lord Stark turned his grey eyes upon him. "I shall lead an investigation into the murder of Ser Kevan and shall punish his killers." He vowed as the men of honor around him nodded in agreement. "I forbid any further retaliations until I've finished my investigation. No more will I stand for dishonor and games of ambition as long as I'm regent. The Iron Throne shall be known for justice and you, Lord Renly." Lord Stark's voice became as sharp as ice. "I name you a man of ambition and dishonor beyond them all. I shall not suffer you in my council. I strip you of your Office as Master of Laws. A man who mocks laws and traditions cannot possibly enforce them faithfully."
Renly scoffed and was thankful when his lords looked outrage with his public rebuke. "Some notion of justice, you hold my lord." He said. I'll get precious little out of this room now. Only the Stormlands and the Reach would stand with them now. Instead of a grand alliance, it would only be two kingdoms against one. It would be a slightly more bloody affair, but numbers would bear out and they'll drown the Lannisters in blood. "I see we have little further to discuss. You may investigate if you wish Lord Stark, mayhaps you'll find the true killers, for it was not I, nor the Tyrells. But I shall seek a different sort of justice." And made his way for the doors as Stark men went to the hilts of their swords.
"Let him go." Lord Stark said tired. "He knows the costs."
You don't know the costs, my lord. Renly mused. The costs of sitting on the Iron Throne, or the game that needed to be played. The next day, he departed the capital with Lady Margaery and the cries of war would follow them.
Jasper
Dearest Myrcella, I find- Jasper crumbled the parchment and ripped it to shreds. Princess, I wish to help you, but I find I lack- He crumbled up the parchment as well and tossed it. His solar lay littered with the remains of letters and his hand cramped from writing so many, but his words never pleased him. Writing about the heart was not something he was accustomed too nonetheless how to comfort a woman of high birth. Comfort was not something he did well. Jasper snorted. I'm terrible at it. He did as he was trained and acted with his instincts and tried to kiss her, but she cried when he did so and ran away from him. Myrcella had not come to see him since. He had sent her gifts women should like to heal her fragile nature: chocolates, lemon cakes, white roses(her favorites) jewelry. He even secured an advanced tome of strategy for Cyvasse from the Grand Maester Pycelle. Jasper figured she would like it. She loved the game. But still she stayed away, and Jasper did not trust his tongue to heal this rift, but words escaped him on paper as well. Unlike the affairs of state he had finished those hours ago: letters for his wards, a letter for his grand uncle to prepare for the outbreak of war, the outlines of his speech to argue for his uncle Edmure Tully to be named Master of Laws. The Riverlords need to be better incorporated into the fold.
Jasper groaned. The softness in his chest was pathetic, but with the storm clouds of war on the horizon, he needed to make amends. Somehow he erred, and it was his fault it had to be. He always made a mess of everything. Though Lord Stark seemed confident that they could avoid it, but he considered it wishful thinking when he let Lord Renly go. Even if she tries to stay in the capital, I'm taking her with me. It was not safe for her to be in Kings Landing. The Eyrie would be better for her. Though he doubted either Tyrell or Lannister would march on the capital. It would guarantee the Crown would side against them.
A few days ago, he had sent a letter to the Tully's of Riverrun, bidding them to return to Riverrun with his mother. I'll speak with her at wars end. In Riverrun, she would cause him no grief, unlike Lord Stark. It still rubbed him raw the betrayal by his uncle and aunt. The death of Lord Baelish never should have occurred. I denounced him and called him a criminal guilt gnawed at his heart. Lord Baelish had always been a loyal advisor and had delivered him from a life of failure. And he betrayed leal service with condemnation. I've condemned the man to an eternity of playing the villain. When asked, he mocked and denounced him for the good of House Arryn.
I need to maintain the Arryn-Stark-Tully alliance. Lord Baelish would understand. Jasper chuckled weakly.
He had just started another attempt at a letter when his eyes grew heavy and he drifted off to sleep.
Jasper woke up to the sight of a long face and grey eyes of a Stark. He scowled. "How do you keep sneaking past my guards?" Jasper lifted his hand. "Actually, don't tell me I don't want to know." Only my savage of a cousin could find a way past them. Jasper knew.
"I'm busy." He used his lordly voice. "I have little time for the affairs of children." He was the Lord of the Eyrie and well beyond those games.
"You were sleeping."
"And now I'm awake." He didn't even bother hiding his annoyance. "you have eyes. You can see that well enough."
Cousin Arya scowled at him. "Don't be stupid Cousin Jasper! I simply wish to know if there will be war. Father will not tell me anything."
"That is your fathers choice."
"I want to know and you are family, so you have to tell me!" she declared, and Jasper gawked at her like she was the strangest creature in the world.
He swallowed something heavy in his throat. "Family?" He whispered, his eyes turning hard. "You forgive me?"
Cousin Arya nodded her little head and the biggest boyish grin formed on his face as he lunged for her as quick as a cat and twirled her around laughing. "By the Seven! You forgive me!" Winterfell was just a forgotten dream. It was finally behind him. She tried to squirm free, but he held her tightly as he laughed until his stomach ached.
"Put me down!" Cousin Arya demanded. "Put me down!" She commanded with a scowl, and Jasper did a bid, tousling her hair.
"My savage of a cousin." He chuckled. "Ever fierce. Must be the Stark blood." He sighed awkwardly. "Why do you wish to know about war?"
Cousin Arya crossed her arms. "I wish you to take me to squire. Father won't and I was always better at the bow than Bran and you've taken him!" She launched into her qualifications. Even mentioned something about some queer foreign style called water dancing. He wanted to laugh at the ridiculous request, but she was his cousin and he didn't wish to hurt her pride.
"You are quite brave, Arya." He admitted. "And more fierce than a girl has any right to be, but I cannot take you to, squire." She tried to bolt from him in fury, but he expected it and grabbed her. "Now, you listen to me Stark." He raised his voice. "Listen to me before you cast judgement. I can't take you to squire because I'm the Lord of the Eyrie and I must honor the traditions of my people." Her face scrunched up in annoyance. "If I took you to squire, they would think me a weak-willed boy bossed around by his cousins, and if they don't respect me, how can I help your father?" I agree with them, the battlefield is no place for a girl.
"It's not fair! I'm better than Bran!" Arya voiced with great heat.
He rubbed his chin as his grand uncle did when he raged and nodded along. "I don't know, cousin." He shrugged. "Most girls are not suited for such a role, but there have been a few exceptions I grant you. Mainly dragon riders, but Stark blood is a fierce thing. Mayhaps you could be an exception as well?"
"But you still won't take me?" She asked with a deep bitterness.
Jasper shook his head. "I agree with your father the battlefield is no place for a girl. Even one as brave as yourself." He saw a flash in her eyes that he knew all too well. Defiance. Disobedience. Recklessness. By the Seven, she would run off to do so. Promise me you'll look after my sisters, Arryn. Snow had asked him to look over them and he would not break his word. He barred her path to the door. "Now you'll promise me you'll heed your father's will on this matter. You will swear it on his life." A promise she would never break.
She tightened her jaw and shook her head in refusal.
It raised his temper. "You insufferable, stupid girl- "He paused. I've heard those words before.
"You insufferable stupid boy." Ser Brynden held him by the collar. "What were you thinking escaping from the Eyrie by yourself?"
"Don't you dare send me back! I'll do it again and again! You can't keep me there!" He snapped. "Take me to be your squire! Please! I can't fail!"
"Your father-"
"Will, let me rot with neglect. Don't send me back! Please Ser Brynden! I have to learn how to fight!" Tears streamed down his cheeks as he sobbed. "You are my only hope for honor."
Jasper softened. She's me. She wishes for honor to protect herself and her kin. Why did the Gods put such boyish thoughts in her mind? "Alright," He grumbled. "I'll help you." If she was like him, she would merely try again until she got herself hurt and he couldn't keep his eye out for her constantly.
Cousin Arya brightened. "This isn't some trick?"
"I can't help you cousin, but between the two of us, I'm sure we can think of someone who can."
"I thought you were busy."
"Never too busy for my irksome cousin." He shoved all the parchment and letters off his desk and winked.
Arya smirked and took a seat as they launched into it. She suggested Dorne, but he shot it down immediately. It would make no political sense. Fosterings and squires inspired alliances, and the Dornish were too far away to offer anything of note. Besides, they would not accept a Stark girl. They remain bitter over Princess Elia. Jasper imagined he would be, too. A noblewoman should not have died as she did. Nor her babes shattered against the walls. It was murder, but he supposed a murder avenged with the death of Ser Gregor. He couldn't think of a single vassal of his that would take a girl to squire. It couldn't be south of the Neck. She asked about the Blackfish. He shook his head. It has to be of the North, but his knowledge of Northern houses was lackluster. Northern savages didn't matter to him as much as those of the Vale or Riverlands. He would have little interactions with them. "What was the house with the bear? House Moreland?"
"House Mormont of Bear Island?" Cousin Arya said.
It sounded about right. "I've heard queer things about women dressed in chain mail. I think that is what you would look for, is it not?"
"The She Bears!" Arya said, and smacked her forehead with the palm of her hand. "How did I forget them?" It was queer imagining women in chain mail, but he knew in the stories there was Visenya, a renown warrior in her own right. She wielded the sword Dark Sister, but she had been a dragon and dragons don't follow the rules that govern the rest of man. Jasper couldn't imagine his young cousin as a fierce warrior, but at least on this Bear Island, they could keep an eye on her.
Jasper whispered the plot into her ear. By the end, Arya was grinning like a wolf. "That's perfect!" And she wrapped her arms fiercely around his neck. "I'll wear down father, I know he'll say yes."
He patted her awkwardly on the back. "If I'm being honest, cousin. I doubt even I will redden my sword with blood. The Tyrells and Lannisters will bash each other around, and we'll merely sweep up the remains." He saw it so clearly. It would assure house Arryns position without lifting a sword. "Nor do I think these She Bears, as you call them, would take you south. You would have received no training. Not enough for a campaign."
She scowled. "Whats the point then?" And crossed her arms petulantly. "I want to fight now."
"Harrenhal wasn't built in a day." It was destroyed in a day, though.
Jasper went to her level."Don't be so eager to seek battle, little one. There will always be someone better than you. Most lords and knights could learn from that lesson. Myself included."
"Like Jon?"
Jasper snorted. "Aye like Ser Jon."
He ruffled her hair. "I'll give you the same advice my ser told me. Fight to win. That's the only thing that matters. Use anything you have to your advantage. Be cruel. Be cunning." He poked her over her heart. "As long as you have a good cause worth fighting for. Otherwise, you'll become as dark as a villain. The very thing a knight is sworn to defeat."
"Your not stupid. Just young."
"I'm very stupid, Arya. When you get older, you learn you don't know as much as you thought." He stood up and smiled. "Let me walk you back to your quarters, Squire of Bear Island." He winked.
Her beam melted his weak heart. What a soft boy I am? He wondered if Ser Brynden would have approved of his conduct. He hoped so. As they walked, he asked her why his guards told him she chased cats.
Her reply made him laugh. Despite his bitterness towards her parents, he held nothing against his cousins. They were still his kin, and the laws of the realm demanded he defend them no matter the end.
Even wild Arya.
Authors Note: I swear next time I will be going to Dragonstone! And then after than we head off on round 2 of Interludes as we visit all the power centers and we should be seeing Joffrey soon and the Dornish hit squad aswell! As always I enjoy seeing reviews, I've recently uploaded this to a03 same name so if you wish a faster reply that would be your best bet! Won't lie, I was a bit inspired by the War for Jenkins Ear. I took that for some inspiration.
Doctor D: Yes, I love chaos too! It's a lot of fun
Darkwarrior44: Yeah, Lancel gets smacked around a lot in cannon and in most fics. Yep, Jasper is still rash and reckless, but he's trying to learn to be better. I'm glad you like Myrcella she is honestly one of my favorites to write and yeah Littlefinger is a guy that is a master of getting out of trouble, but sometimes even the best can control every variable. Littlefingers plan likely would have bought him some more time as he arranged the board, but a little wolf had a different plan. And yeah I'll eventually be going to Jamie I'm just worried about writing him cause he's one of my favorites, but I don't know if I'll get his voice quite right. Also thank you for commenting on a03, I haven't had as much sucuess on that platform, but it was good to see your comment! And aye Cersei certainly messed up as you can see here she just got placed in pretty much a nice jail cell.
Amok:Glad you enjoy it!
ATP: It'll not be an easy war thats for sure!
skippyfromtextsupport: I'm glad you like it so much, I try to do things differently(Why write the same canon story) and yep it was Eddard Karstark that killed Lancel. Hope you enjoy this one too!
saori231: Well, I can't please everyone, but unlike D&D there are consequences for her killing Kevan. Ned just imprisoned her pretty much and the Lannister position has just been completely destroyed and she's created a symbol in Margaery Tyrell as Tyrion would say. "This bit of theatre will haunt our family for a generation."
Freedmoon: As always I enjoy reading your reviews a part of me always feels bad it takes me this long to reply so I always try to finish yours last! If you ever make your way over to a03 I could reply to you comments faster! Yep, the Lannisters and the Tyrells have taken some serious abuse. Funnily, I had another potential option earlier on where I considered having Lancels fun ride occur right after the melee with the Lannisters and all the Lords of the West attacking the Reach encampent slaughtering any Reach lord they could, but I could never make it fit within the narative so I pushed it back, but by that point most of the Lords would have left so I changed it to an attack on Margaery's estate!
While Jasper/Myrcella are getting closer they still have a ways to go what happened at the dinner was very traumatic for Myrcella she murdered her grand uncle, and stood up to her mother both huge events and Jasper isn't the best as you'll see of how to comfort people. But yeah team Stark-Tully-Arryn is now fully in control, but there are some simmering tensions underneath the alliance. I think politically Jasper could work with the Lannisters(He proably favors them in the war over the Tyrells) Mainly cause they have a better blood line and despite the dishonor they are closely related to Myrcella so Jasper is more incclined to side with them, but at the end of the day the thing Jasper cares about is the Arryn position. He'll do what he can to ensure they wind up on top!
Ah, the battles, the battles. I'm very worried about them. They frightened me cause I have little understanding of medevial warfare, but I'll try my best and yeah Robert will be going to Essos(With someone else than you might think. I'll just leave it at that) But first up we have to get to Dragonstone! Funnily enough, I don't see Robert coming back unless Ned dies. He's going to be like. "Go get them Ned! Good luck tiger!" Cause he knows if he goes back, yeah for a little bit he's cracking skulls, but then Ned will guilt him to remain. He also has full confidence in his ability to win a war. "Ned? Ned could whip the Lions and Roses in his sleep. War will be over before I finish taking a piss!"
POV for the Westerlands...Good question, I have a few options. Daven Lannister, Tywin Lannister, or maybe Cersei if I end up sending her back to the Rock haven't decided on her faith.