Renly
Ropes chafed his skin.
He lay in his own shit and piss. The stench made bile come up his throat. The guards didn't bind his legs as they did his arms and chest. Why would they waste the rope on broken things? "You are more useful to me alive. So you shall live." Lord Tywin said to him when he woke from his attempted suicide. Bandages wrapped around his forehead for a minor bump. He had lost only a bit of blood. I fainted apparently from the sight of it. His captors didn't even let him the kindness of letting him feed himself. They shoved disgusting soup and hard bread down his throat as if he were some peasant. A cup of water. No wine. Renly missed the sweet arbor wine. He missed a lot of things. Expensive food and fine clothes with a lover sharing his bed.
How did it come to this? How did he lose so badly? When he marched out of Storms End with all the Stormlands behind him, Renly was certain they couldn't lose. The numbers were on our side. Lord Tywin should have been the one with broken legs, a useless limp cock, and eating hard bread while sleeping in his own shit. This should not have been my end. It's not worthy of me. Instead of sleeping in this disgusting cage. It should be in the royal bed. I could have worn a crown, just as Loras said. I was perfect for being king.
Men loved him, unlike dour, unrelenting Stannis. He wasn't a drunk like Robert. I should have set the Iron Throne. Renly wondered about his brothers. Robert was likely cock deep in some whore drunk out of his mind, and Stannis was probably grinding his teeth, mumbling about his duty. Neither of them cared a lick for him. Once Renly deluded himself that Stannis loved him, but then he received Storms End. I didn't ask for that Stannis. Why couldn't you see that? He gained a lordship, but lost his brother. Though it was for the best, he found he loved being the center of everything. What was the love of one brother compared to power and the love of thousands? And he had power as Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, Master of Laws and brother of the king.
I had the devotion of the most beautiful man in the Seven Kingdoms. Renly knew.
He dreamed of him and the memories they shared. Renly recalled the day they met. Even then, Loras had been beautiful and Renly saw how special he was. I knew he was going to be perfect. It was the only thing he clung to in his pit of despair. Memories of Loras. Sweet kisses he stole in broom closets. Poems they had read. Rides in the woods with just the two of them. In his memories, he was whole. Otherwise, he had nothing. No one loves or respects cripples. And he could sire no heir. His manhood did not rise, no matter how hard he tried. Even the touch of his hands did nothing. Did Varys ever miss his cock? Renly wondered of Roberts spymaster. Probably, why wouldn't he?
Today, at least he wasn't accosted by the small Lannister boy.
A bucket of water woke him with a jolt. "Wake up!" His ugly jailer said, laughing. "You have a visitor."
The small Lannister boy studied him with a thoughtful look. "No." Renly said. "I have nothing to say to you."
A thick spear slammed against the wooden bars of his cage. "Show the Heir of the Rock the proper respect!"
Once a jape would leave his tongue about the boy. Now he only stared with a dead expression. "Lord Renly." The Lannister boy said. "I only have a few questions."
"Fuck off." Renly replied, struggling against his restraints.
The boy jumped back before collecting himself as the jailor threatened to clobber him.
"My lord," He said. "There is no reason we can't be civilized about this. Don't you want some finer things? A cup of fine wine? A good steak?" He took one whiff. "A bath and fresh change of clothes mayhaps? You have seen better days, my lord." His stomach chose then to growl and Renly shifted in defeat. The boy smiled in victory before he even spoke.
"Excellent!" He exclaimed. "Now tell me what madness motivated you to break parley!"
"Why do you care?"
"I must learn from successful men and failures. I see no greater failure than yourself!" The Lannister boy told him cheerfully. "Now tell me why you did it."
Renly clenched his jaw before sighing. "He insulted my friend so I felt-"
"Not that." The boy replied. "How did you fail to notice Lord Tywin with more men than agreed?"
"I noticed. I just didn't care."
The boy nodded his head. "Arrogance was your downfall. You should have called it off the moment we did that." He said.
He asked more questions inquiring to his frame of mind and what motivated him as Renly impatience grew with the endless inquiries. "When will you give me what you promised me?" His voice snapped like a whip.
"Do you know who my father was?"
Renly didn't.
"I figured. It was Kevan Lannister." Renly recalled the man and held no love for him. He was an obstacle, nothing more to his happy ending. "I had to lie to my younger brother about how he died. The maester told me it was painful. I told my younger twin it was quick and painless. You've never had to tell such a lie. It tears at me, but I wish to spare them what pain I can. Did you really think I would help you?"
"You said-"
"I promised nothing." The boy chuckled. "I'm beginning to see why you were so easily defeated."
Renly raged against his restraints.
The boy came to the bars and wrapped his hands around them. "My father's final words to me were, Willem, watch over your siblings and your mother. He called me the man of the house in his absence and hugged me goodbye." The boy paused slightly, choked up, betraying his youth. "You think I would betray his memory by helping you? You're a great fool, Renly Baratheon." A small smile formed on Willem's face that looked eerie, similar to a lions grin.
"You promised Lannister."
Renly struggled more and more as the fury of the storm boiled over.
Willem leaned in and whispered. "You've helped me with my education. But I have also helped you in yours consider this a lesson in wisdom."
No fight came to him. Renly was tired and just wanted it to be over. He spat at him, striking the boy in the center of the face. Willem wiped it away. "Uncivilized." He shook his head. "Be thankful I'm not my grandfather, my lord. He would have had you beaten to an inch of your-" He paused as he chuckled. "Ah, I see what you wish. No, my lord, you are going to live." Renly flinched as the truth was spoken. "Good night Lord Renly, fair dreams."
And he had lived, if this could even be called that. It's the Seven Hells in life.
He leaned back, trying to get some sleep even in this awkward position. "Lord Renly." A voice called out to him. It was oddly familiar, like from some distant dream. "Lord Renly." It whispered again. Renly opened his eye and saw the large, grotesque figure leaning against the bars dressed in the Lannister crimson. He was ungodly tall. Maybe even taller than him when he was whole. "Tis me Brienne. We have little time until your guard returns." The shadowy figure said under the full moon. Renly squinted and his eyes widened.
"It is you."
How she had infiltrated the camp, he knew and cared not. It was deliverance from his nightmare. The command left his lips.
"Kill me Brienne. Kill me." Let me see Loras again. Make me beautiful again.
Brienne
"Kill me Brienne." Her lord told her, and it made her numb.
"My lord." She stiffened. "I cannot. I swore to keep you safe from all harm. I cannot do as you ask." She had traveled to save his life, not take it.
The man wore Renly's face and spoke with his voice, but he was not the same man as he once was. Life was stripped from his voice and his laughing eyes were dead. Renly was more corpse than man. "Soon I shall make my move I-"
"My legs." Renly mumbled. "Look at my legs."
Brienne did as bid and winced.
"The only escape for me is a swing of your sword." Renly said. "You must, my lady."
It was impossible. Her hands were heavy as stone. "I swore a vow. I love you as a knight does his liege. I could no sooner harm my father than you." It was more than that, but she had contented herself with dutiful service to her lord. Lord Renly had been among the only men who had been kind to her. Other men mocked her and called her mannish, while Renly had danced with her and made her feel special, like a beautiful maiden.
"You swore to obey me. You entered my service. I call you to fulfill your oaths." Every word cut into her. She plead with him to change his mind, to let her the honor of trying the escape and dying in the attempt if need be. Please let me try. But every word from his lips weakened her resolve. She gripped the hilt of her sword until her fingers went white as snow. "If you don't, my lady, I shall throw myself off the battlements of Storms End. Don't let men see me like this. Safeguard my honor." Her sword breathed once more. "Thank you Brienne, you are a true knight." Praise that would have meant the world only filled her with sadness. She obeyed. The sword plunged into his throat at an awkward angle through the wooden bars. Her lord gurgled on his blood. "Loras." Renly said, as his hands went limp.
Brienne had no time to mourn as she slipped away into the darkness. The camp was soon abuzz like a hornets nest with activity as she rode away with tears in her eyes.
Liegeslayer.
The thought tormented her as the darkness swallowed her whole, with only the moon and the stars as her guide.
The Old Lion
The lords of the west pressed in the halls of his father. Servants provided them drinks as musicians sang songs for their entertainment. It lifted spirits after losing their most valuable captive. No doubt they wondered how he would save them from the approaching armies. Still, men praised him with drunken toasts.
"Long live Lord Tywin!"
"The savior of the west!"
"He avenged the dutiful lion!"
"Seven Bless the Old Lion!"
"May the Gods bless Lord Willem as well! Son of Ser Kevan! Heir of the Rock!"
None of them mattered, as his mind was elsewhere. Tywin acknowledged them with only a slight dip of his head. The Rock had been under his authority for decades as he had charted out the future of House Lannister. His green eyes fell on Kevans son speaking with Stafford Lannister. It was not the legacy he wanted, but it was the only one afforded to him. A lesser man would have sighed, but he was a Lannister and that meant something. The Lannister named remained feared and thus respected. Even if Lord Renly was killed under my watch. He rectified that by brutalizing the corpse. The head he separated from the bodyand paraded it around the encampment. Lord Renly head didn't smile anymore. Tywin mused.
It was strange leaving his legacy in the hands of another. Every decision House Lannister made for decades, from marriages to high lords to even the mundane of selecting servants, had his hand in it. And House Lannister had risen high, his daughter a queen to a king, and grandchildren princes and princesses. Would it prove a house of cards that'll crumble upon departure? Tywin didn't know the answer, but the family legacy was best served by his departure.
Only the name lives on
Tywin stood up. "My lords." He spoke, and the halls quieted. Fools and clever men alike listened. A lion commanded respected. "The reputation of House Lannister has been defended. The honor of the west upheld with the blood of our enemies." He gazed at his vassals, whom he cowed into obedience. "My brother Kevan, a lion of the Rock, has been avenged! We have tasted victory and taught the realm never to step on our tails." Lords nodded in agreement. " Fools will claim we committed crimes, men like the Lord Regent, but we know better. I know better. Still, Lord Stark comes to afflict this false justice against us."
"We'll defeat them, my lord." Adam Marbrand said dutifully.
"We could." Tywin agreed. "At the cost of our lands and the sons of the west. A cost too high."
Lord Harys Swyft puffed up his chest like some peacock. "We shall pay anything for House Lannister!" Others drew swords and chanted his name, for he had led them to victory time and time again. It had won loyalty. I could never beat the entire realm.
Tywin raised a single hand to silence them.
They obeyed without question.
"A Lannister pays his debts." He told them. "From the Castamere to Bitterbridge, you have obeyed me. You have bled for House Lannister. I shall not stand for the west to burn. For our progress and prosperity to be wasted when the war is already won." He paused and for a moment felt a stab of pain at his following words. I still want to hold on. I'm the Lord of the Rock!
The Lannister name was above him and for the first time since Tyrions birth, he placed the family name above his personal desires. The desire to cling to his title and to claw anyone who dared to take it from him.
Tywin saw Genna give a slight supportive nod. "My lords to spare the West, I intend to take the black."
Stafford Lannister's jaw dropped.
Plates and goblets dropped, and everyone gawked at him like fools. Tywin stood tall among them. "You heard me right. I shall take the black." He motioned for Willem to join by his side. "My heir Willem shall succeed me of my titles. You shall follow him as you followed me. My sister Genna Lannister shall serve as regent until the boy is of age." No one corrected him of her true last name. Not even that weaselly husband of hers.
Tywin sat back down.
Lord Leo Lefford recovered first and drew his sword. A herculean task for the fat lord of the Golden Tooth. "Lord Willem! The Young Lion!" A few knights joined him in the cheer. "The Young Lion! The Young Lion! The Young Lion!" However, it was the boy's twin that cheered the loudest. Young Martyn. Others looked at him before speaking as if this was some clever trap. Tywin gave a single nod. Soon, every lord bellowed their allegiance and pledged themselves to him. Not a single lord spoke in protest for his other sons rights. Why would they? Tywin mused. No one would follow that lecherous little imp. A shadow fell over him as the sunlight dimmed. Its last rays blanketing his heir with warm embrace.
My time is at an end.
Tywin retired to his solar. A few final details had to be prepared before his abdication. A statue of himself needed to be commissioned for the Halls of Heroes. One last celebration needed to be thrown to honor his legacy. The Westerlands needed to remember this war was a victory and not a defeat. All of Lannisport would show up as he boarded the Lady Johanna to Eastwatch. I will not slip away from my city like some common thief.
A hero's departure is what he deserved.
The door slammed open, but Tywin didn't look up, still penning his letter, creating a marriage contract between House Lannister and House Lefford. It was only Genna a Lannister, no matter what the cloth her husband wrapped around her shoulders claimed. She was a heavy woman. Age had not been kind stripping her of her beauty, though not dulling her wit. "My lad-" The guard spluttered. "Lord Tywin asked-"
"Go stand outside the door and guard it quietly, as you were doing so nicely." Genna voiced with a smirk. "I need to speak with my brother."
Tywin still didn't look up
Genna poured herself a drink without asking. A familiarity few shared with him. "You know, I was very surprised you said the words. I thought you may back out."
He didn't reply to the statement. It was beneath a response.
"I've done as you commanded." Genna told him. "I secured the Rock for our nephew. The entire household lays behind him. Kevan was respected. Most men find it easy to serve his son."
"I know." Tywin said. "It's why I chose you as regent."
Genna sipped on the wine and watched him as he quilled away. "This must be hard on you. Jaime dead." Tywin placed his quill down and was careful not to snap it. She continued, undaunted. "Tyrion imprisoned. Cersei confessing to murdering Kevan before the entire realm." If Kevan had not spoken of her incompetence and willful defiance, he would have named it a lie. Murdering a fellow Lannister was unthinkable. Yet, her record in the capital was abysmal filled with petty and shortsighted goals. Tywin still found it hard to swallow his own flesh and blood could murder his brother. However, the claim Cersei was merely a pawn in the game of another player was very believable. She isn't as smart as she thinks herself to be.
Tywin stood up and turned to the balcony, arms behind him. "I can still unmake you, sister. I can choose another for a regent." A warning that would have made any toady splutter, but his sister was a lannister and made of sterner stuff.
"I've always given you honest counsel, Tywin. You appreciated it once." Once before you spoke that lie.
"Its irrelevant. I shall be gone. Make sure the boy doesn't ruin our house."
"I told Kevan once." Genna said. "Lancel was more like his grandfather Harys Swyft than a Lannister weak willed easily swayed by stronger men. Willem was most like him dutiful and thoughtful, Martyn was like Tygett quick to anger, and Janei was a sweet girl like Joy. He did not appreciate my words." She smiled. "Unlike you, he refused to speak with me for only two weeks. Not two years."
Tywin chuckled. "Sounds like him."
"I don't think you appreciate the threat, Tyrion shall poise." It was this belief that questioned his confidence he has in Gennas abilities. How could anyone possibly believe that little spiteful creature as anything save a mockery the gods put on the world to teach him humility? Yet, she dared to claim Tyrion was most like him and name him a threat. A pathetic, lecherous creature of low cunning. It was laughable. "He shall seek the Rock."
He scoffed. "Give him a whore, and that should satisfy him." He would likely marry this one aswell.
Genna frowned and sighed. "Don't worry, you may not see the threat he poises, but I do, and I have no intention of surrendering my regency for several years."
"You seek a marriage with your grandson and Kevans girl?" His sister was many things, but subtle was not one of them.
She smiled.
If Tywin had more time, he would create the next generation of alliances, but it would likely be unmade, anyway. "Make sure you bring a heavy cloak, Tywin. The wall is cold, brother."
A more sentimental man may have hugged his sister, or reassured her, but he only offered a single nod before waving his hand. "If that is all I have work to do."
Genna curtsied and left him.
Later that night Tywin left the comfort of his solar, walking into the dark earth with the flickering torches illuminating the way. Statues of Lannisters whom had done great deeds lived in these halls. Unlike other houses whom always buried its lord, the Lord of Casterly Rock could intern any Lannister that furthered the family legacy. His father, Lord Tytos, did not live among them, nor Tygett or Gerion. Soon Kevan would have his own statue, but they had already interned his bones. His bones had arrived from Kings Landing. Though it was not Kevan whom he came to visit. A single lion lily in his hand. Its thorns drew blood, but Tywin didn't care. He placed it at the base and caressed her stone cheek. The mason didn't get her likeness right.
"You look tired." A familiar voice sang to him.
Tywin gazed over at his wife leaning against the rock wall. A small smirk appeared on her face as she laughed. "I never imagined you in black, Tywin. It was never your color."
It was the byproduct of a tired mind. Joanna was dead.
He ignored the false ghost.
"Will you not speak to your wife?"
Tywin held his silence. It would leave him soon enough.
"Don't worry, I'll be here waiting when you return. I won't be waiting long." She whispered, and Tywin finally turned to face her. She was beautiful as the day they wed. Even in a pool of her own blood, she was beautiful. He had clutched her corpse as she left him, still convinced she was alive. How could she have died surrounded by the best maesters?
"This is not how it was supposed to go." Tywin admitted.
Joanna caressed his cheek, and he deluded himself it was real. "No, it wasn't." She agreed. "Though I know you shall make a dashing Lord Commander."
Tywin raised a slender brow.
"I know you." His wife sang to him. "By pen or steel, you'll claim the highest office as you always do."
He didn't answer her, but he smiled.
Three days later, Tywin rode through the streets of Lannisport on a white stallion with the deafening cries of smallfolk showering his procession with flowers. They wept for him as the silver cloaks of the Lannisport Watch kept the crowds back. It was the respect they owed a Lord of the Rock. Hundreds of knights and lords with their sons and daughters followed them to the docks as the bells of the Sept of Lannisport rang in the distance. The incense from the Septons as they said their prayers stung his eyes. Willem and Genna stood in front of him, along with all of his distant kin. They shared serious looks, and Tywin was thankful not to see anyone crying. Lannisters don't cry. Tywin nodded. The new Lord of Casterly Rock replied in kind. No more lessons needed to be given. The Rock is yours nephew. One hundred knights and men of arms boarded the ship behind him. Promises of gold to their families in return for taking the black with him. Tywin would not go without supporters with him.
Musicians played for him as he boarded the Lady Johanna the pride of the Lannister fleet. At first it was the Rains of Castamere, then the Downfall of the Dragon, before he heard the new song. The Prancing Stag.
When the prancing stag, and his herd of followers
Jaunted to the woods without respect, did the great lion awaken
With the whole forest in awe, they did quickly grovel
To spare themselves the great lion roar, at his paws they did fall
All beware the great lion hunt, for all can hear him roar!
All beware the great lion hunt, for his claws are sharp and can cut down all!
All beware the great lion hunt, for all can hear him roar!
All beware the great lion hunt, for his claws are sharp and can cut down all!
When the foolish stag thought he could fight his way out, did his prancing cease once for all!
For the great lion had showed him, that not only lions pay their debts, but take them from foolish stags!
All beware the great lion hunt, for all can hear him roar!
All beware the great lion hunt, for his claws are sharp and can cut down all!
All beware the great lion hunt, for all can hear him roar!
All beware the great lion hunt, for his claws are sharp and can cut down all!
When Tywin went to bed, he whistled it until sleep claimed him.
Tommen
Arya, you asked me well commanded me to write about the campaign and the battles. I think it would disappoint you. It's been very boring. We ride all day and then we set up camp. We have fought no battles save boredom. Only true fight I've seen was Bran angering a goose and fighting it. He's still a bit grumpy that I tackled him for it before he could beat it. It just didn't feel right to harm such a lowly creature. Every castle has offered us no fight. I'm probably alone in being happy about it. Bran and Adrian are disappointed with the lack of fighting. No doubt you would agree with them. Still, this land I shall one day rule is beautiful. I've met many squires and knights from the North to the Riverlands and I like to think I've made friends with many of them. Ser Arys claims I'm a natural with the sword, like my uncle Jaime just yesterday I bested Bran and Jon Waynwood together. Honestly, I hope I never have to use it. I don't want to kill anyone unless I have to. Enough of me! How fares Bear Island!? Are there actually bears on the island? Or is it shaped like a bear? Do they have pet bears as you have direwolves? Also, do you think you could one day ride a direwolf like a horse? Bran seems to think so, but I'm not convinced. I hope you've made great friends with your foster mates. Please, try not to chase the cats without giving them a meal or petting them afterwards! Oh, and tell Nymeria I said hello.
If we come to battle, I shall certainly write of every detail I see, but at this rate I think I shall be in the Vale in a couple of months.
And yes, as you said to me in the Eyrie. "Don't die, you stupid prince!" I shall try not to. I think you may experience more danger than I so don't die, you stupid Arya! I would say lady, but you claim not to be one.
-Tommen
He scanned over his work, looking for any errors or changes he wished to make as the tent flaps opened with Adrian and Brans dumb grinning faces peering in. "Come on Tommen! We are late for training and I don't want to run anymore laps. Jon is doing his best, stalling." Bran said.
"Oh!" Tommen said sheepishly. He had forgotten about it. "I'm done writing! We can still make it!"
"Writing who?" Adrian asked. "Your sister?"
Tommen had already finished his letter to Myrcella. She was with child, after all. I told her I would try to be a good uncle! He wasn't sure how it happened, but Lord Arryn promised he would understand when he was a bit older. Though Tommen knew he was thrilled about it. His voice told him as much and Tommen was excited too. Though Lord Arryn seemed less excited when his lords congratulated him on the cheerful news.
"I'm happy we are family!" Tommen flung his arms around him in a tight embrace. Jasper stiffened lightly before returning the gesture for once. Myrcella was far better at giving hugs. "I'm going to be an uncle!"
"You are." Lord Arryn admitted with a small smile. "It may get some getting used to for the both of us."
Tommen nodded. "I'll be a great uncle, I promise!"
Lord Arryn ruffled his hair. "I know you will be. You have a good heart." His voice remained soft as he bent down on one knee. "But I want you to remain focused on your studies and your training. Understood? Nothings changed between you and me. You are still my useless squire until I say otherwise." He winked.
"Yes, my lord." Tommen promised. "I swear it as a prince." A question still lay on his lips as he gazed with a puzzled expression. "But how did Myrcella get with child? I don't understand the process, really.."
He coughed. "Ah, yes. That is something you'll learn about when you get older. All you need to know is you have to treat you wife with kindness and respect that her rank deserves. It's proper form."
Tommen beamed. "Oh, just Arya! I promised her I would." A prince needed to keep his word.
Adrian howled with laughter as Bran mumbled for him to shut up. "What?" Tommen asked, puzzled. "Whats so funny?"
"Your trying to take both of Brans sisters, aren't you, you sly prince!"
"Shut up!" Bran reddened.
"Take them dancing?" Tommen asked.
Though Arya wasn't much of a dancer, and Lady Sansa didn't seem eager to dance with himself. Adrian made little sense.
Adrian laughed tears before puffing up his chest. "Take them like a man takes a woman!" Tommen blushed. It was too much for Bran who tried to tackle him, but Adrian merely smirked as he waited for him, and flipped him onto the grassy floor before sitting on him. "You Starks aren't so fierce on the ground." He teased. As Bran struggled fiercely, flailing his arms around.
The tent flaps opened up. "I can't stall much longer! Whats tak-" Jon understood with one look. "You two are idiots. Come on, let's go." Jon's words settled the conflict as they helped them up and made their way to their lesson. Jon kept Adrian at a safe distance from Bran. A common strategy when things boiled over. Tommen walked with Bran, who scowled at him with Ser Arys trailing them both.
"Bran, you know Adrian was just riling you up."
"I know," He grumbled. "But why are you writing to her? You don't write to Sansa."
Tommen sighed. "Lady Sansa never asked. I wish she did." I'm too much of a boy still for her. He grabbed Brans shoulder. "But you must believe me, Bran. I would never dishonor your family. You are my brother in all but blood." He was more his brother than Joffrey ever was. He never…Tommen refused to think of it. Joffrey was dead and could bother him no more.
"You swear it?"
Tommen promised. "Arya is just a good friend." She was the scariest girl he had ever met. Unafraid of a man of the kingsguard or even Joffrey, a true prince. She was brave and fierce like Bran and fun to be around with an easy smile. I'm not the Crown Prince to her, only Tommen. And he hoped they would always be great friends."Come on. We'll get back at Adrian during training." He grinned.
Bran smiled a wolfish grin. "He's going to be shitting himself then!"
Though as they mended the bend, it was a field of pure chaos with lords and knights rushing to the center of the camp. Tommen worried they could be under attack as Ser Arys mailed fist grabbed his shoulder and bade him to wait. The three of them shared looks and ideas of the cause. Adrian was certain it was some attack, but Bran and Jon thought it was some emergency war council. Though none of the outriders had reported any significant Lannister host. Still, their imaginations ran wild until Ser Arys returned to them. "What is it Ser Arys?" Adrian asked. "Lannisters?"
"In a way." Ser Arys replied. "A messenger arrived under the flag of truce. The Lord Regent has assembled a war council because of it."
Authors note: As I started to write the Ned portion I realized that it would make more narrative sense for the peace efforts and the poltiking between Arryns, Starks, and Lannisters to have it's own chapter. It would feel very crowded if we went from Renly's death to Tywins departure to Jasper, Ned, and Genna. So next up we'll see the process of a just peace being formed. It's a little funny though imagining Tywin as Lord Commander dealing with the White Walkers and Wildlings plus Maester Aemon. I also wish to thank TheAdvocate7 for providing like 90 percent of the song. It's far better than anything I could have written! As always I enjoy seeing reviews!
LeoRayndar: Does death count? It's funny though I had a reviewer mention Brienne killing Renly and I was like. "Damn how did he figure it out!"
Guest: I think Jasper is trying to being a politician/lordly and keep a solid front cause he knows the Riverlands-North-Vale bloc is very powerful unit and needs to be upheld at all costs. Jasper is mainly trying to protect his core interests. Albeit, their is also the fact Ned was Jon Arryns ward and Jasper does have some respect/bitterness for that. You are right, if Jasper didn't want to do something, he would dig his feet into the ground and say. "Not a chance." And lets be honest Ned isn't a politician.
I also agree with you that Jon A isn't how either Ned or Jasper recall him. Guy was a kind man and honorable to a degree, but he was also pragmatic and a politician willing to sacrfrice principle for peace/power. Though this had limits. He was the reason Robert never killed Dany/Viserys for years. Though he was also the guy who didn't press for justice for Elia kids and married Robert to Cersei. A smart political move, but not very honorable rewarding such butchery.
Guest: Well, I think the timeline makes pretty good sense. Loras dies in accident to the Mountain. Tyrells think Lannisters did it. They get plotting to get revenege. Baelish reaches out. Make a deal like in cannon. Plays a double agent with Cersei. Gets her what she needs to kill Kevan, but unkowingly lays the breadcrumbs to implicate her. It goes wrong with Jasper not dying and Lancel going on a sucide charge. Maims Marg. War of Margaerys Ear!
ATp: That might happen! we'll see!
Chris A: I understand Jasper can be difficult, but I don't think hes acting too unreasonable. In his honor culture, his dead fathers will and command was to protect the family legacy from tarnish. Jasper being a dutiful son is trying to honor that despite how he feels about his father. It also makes sense that Jasper coming from a damaged home is hopeful of trying to fix his broken family can't do that with a dead mother. Despite acting stern when he sent Lysa away deep down he just wants the love of his mother. Add in the fact, Robin in his mind has been his little brother his entire life is being called a bastard which does two things makes Jon A was cuckedhold and Harry would be his lawful heir. And Jasper hates Harry. You also see Jasper being a bit diplomatic here. He believes that his mother may have attacked Robb and is now willing for a trial for it. Attacking his kin in the Starks was a red line Lysa crossed. He didn't tolerate when Lysa tried killing Robin, and if she tried to kill Robb Jasper won't save her. Jasper is regretful for what happened. It's why he sent Lysa to Rivverun in the first place so she may get better, and so she wouldn't hurt anyone.
Glad you are enjoying the rest of the story! Hope you take care too!