A/N: EDIT: not a lot of feedback this time. That's a bit of a pity. I did my utmost to get this updated today, as promised, but it seems it was all for naught...T_T

Maybe weekly updates shouldn't be a thing after all...

Short chapter is short! Sorry about that. Life kicked me in the teeth, but I somehow managed to update this and "Bones" today.

No questions this time, we've got a lot of ground to cover! I wanted this to feel like a proper Game of Thrones episode! Hopefully I succeeded~!

Alright, I've kept you waiting long enough, methinks. Enough of this old man's rambling; you're here for a story. Hope you're prepared for the chaos to come. Once more, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one. Nope. They're simply tributes to legends far greater than I.

Lastly, a reminder to one and all. Naruto's Westerosi name remains Nathaniel.

Joanna prefers to call him Naruto, yet she's the only one who truly does.

Timeline is still a little skewed here, but hey, that makes things...fun.

References and verbatim from Game of Thrones below:

Tywin is, as ever, a delight to write.

"How large will he grow?"

Its anyone's guess, really. Just look at him."

...a most impressive creature. See to it that you don't lose him."

"I won't. Never again."

"Never again?"

"it's a long story."

"Humor me."

...no, I don't think I will."

~?

Here be Dragons

The gates of Casterly Rock remained closed to them.

Naruto was rather glad they did; he'd be a bit concerned if the guards let anyone claiming to be royalty waltz through.

Unfortunately that presented their little group with a bit of a conundrum. It had been years -nearly a decade!- since he'd last set foot in this place, and at present, the guards weren't terribly keen on obliging him. Not at all surprising, given he didn't look like the lord he'd been when he first left these gates.

At present, their little quartet was filthy from a long hard ride, covered in dirt, and in need of a good long bath. He was sure they smelled even worse.

Thanks to his disguise, he didn't much resemble Nathaniel Lannister at the moment. Nor did Lyanna look like herself. She had long since shed her unwieldy helmet and armor in favor of plain peasant garb and wrapped up her long dark hair behind a worn bandanna. Likewise few knew Nymeria -which was undoubtedly a good thing given her many faces- meaning she could hardly shed her disguise and reveal her true face before them as a Blackfyre. Not that she would, mind you. She'd only ever shown her true face to him and him alone.

The Hound alone was impossible to miss, but his face was supposed to be horribly burned which and only a select few knew he'd been healed, so of course, the guards thought Clegane was an impostor.

So, yes.

Much problems.

And they were all his.

"For the last time," he pinched the bridge of his nose in a vain attempt to stifle the rising urge to commit murder upon these loyal men of House Lannister, "We are expected here." he even took the risk of puling down his hood to reveal his dirty face and muddy hair in the vain hope he wouldn't have to blow his cover wide open. "If you'd just send someone to the keep and ask for Lord Tywin-

The Lannister guards remained stubborn, but the taller of the two made the mistake of opening his fool mouth. "Don't know no lord Tywin here. Shove off, boy."

Must. Not. Kill.

These were good men, loyal, too. Perhaps a bit too obtuse for his liking.

It had taken them the better part of a month to make it here, and the journey had taken its toll. He just wanted a nice long bath, somewhere safe to stow Kurama, and a nice long nap.

Alas, that didn't seem to be in the cards today.

"We're sodding hungry." Clegane growled, low and deep in his throat. "Let us in before I bash your brains out."

Nymeria clicked her tongue and laid a hand upon her belt-knife. "Not if a girl does stabs them first!"

Lyanna lifted her chin and held her tongue, bless her, yet her glare...well. Pure Stark, that one.

He hadn't wanted it to come to this, but if they had to force their way through-

"What is the meaning of this?"

The guards jolted and turned to face the gate, which promptly creaked open for the newcomer.

A grin split Naruto's face; because he knew that voice. Even after the better part of a decade it was intrinsically carved into his mind.

Tywin Lannister was much as he remembered, he didn't think much of anything could ever change his father. A bit leaner perhaps, a little less hair, but relatively unchanged. It was good to have a constant in life.

Father, meanwhile, recognized him at once. He could tell.

A single glance was all it took, a mere narrowing of the eyes conveyed words unspoken.

Even with the years that had passed, all the dirt on his face, and the mud to hide his golden hair, a father always knew his son.

Naturally, he couldn't acknowledge him here directly; if he did, gossip would flow freely and reach Lannisport by sundown. Why was Nathaniel Lannister sneaking home covered in mud? Why had he disguised himself? Who were his strange companions? Word would spread inevitably, it always did, there could be no helping that, but it was paramount that they control the flow of information as long as possible.

And so they perpetuated the charade.

"M-My lord." One of the guards tried to rally. "We weren't expecting you."

"Evidently not." he grunted. "Why have you not let these four in as I instructed?"

Silence reigned. Tywin scoffed into it.

"Are we so well-manned that we can afford to discard able young bodies and skilled laborers. Hmm?" he leaned forward, looming, causing the shorter of the two guards to flinch. "I thought not." He looked back to them, not quite able to hide his pride. "I imagine it was quite difficult well to travel so far, so quickly. Well done."

Naruto knelt, and the Hound and Nymeria with him, as would be expected of peasants.

Lyanna, proud, stubborn Lyanna was a heartbeat too slow.

The taller guard drew his blade and thrust it at her, trying to reclaim some small scrap of dignity. "Kneel, boy! Or I'll carve your lungs out!"

"You'll do no such thing." Tywin tutted, looking to Lyanna. "This one's a girl, you idiot."

She bowed her head in quiet acknowledgment, unable to hide a smile.

"Dressed as a boy, I see." Twyin considered her for a long moment, mildly amused by the charade. "Why?"

Lyanna played the part well, lifting her chin but a little. "Safer to travel this way, my lord."

"Smart." he turned a glare on the guards. "More than I can say for this lot. Come."

Without so much as another word, he turned, clasped both hands behind his back, and walked away. The command -invitation?- proved pointedly clear. Naruto sprang to his feet and followed after his father, Lyanna only a heartbeat behind, and the Hound and Nymeria closer closer still.

Kurama shifted restlessly in his pack, not best pleased with his new box.

"My apologies." Tywin murmured once he was certain they were out of earshot. "We cannot be too careful."

He shrugged a shoulder. "Loose lips sink ships."

"Indeed they do."

Wait, was that a hint of a smile upon Tywin's face just now? No, surely not. Had he imagined it?

Planting a hand between his back, his lord father guided him up to the sloping path to the castle and into the main keep proper. A few servants glanced their way, but none said a word. And why would they? They were well and truly loyal for the most part; none here would dare betray him to the Mad King.

Doubtlessly he'd learn of his return to Casterly Rock sooner or later ...but that didn't mean they had to make things easy for him now, did they?

In short order he was bustled into a side room, where a servant offered him a bucket of water and a clean cloth to wash his face and clean the mud from his hair. It was no bath, but it would suffice for now. He demanded the same treatment for the rest of his companions, to their great delight. Clean clothes were laid out for him and Lyanna -in the signature colors of House Lannister, naturally- an' in short order the two of them were soon dressed as befit their station once more.

Lady Stark looked rather nice in that red dress. Very nice indeed. He hoped she would wear the color more often.

He certainly didn't miss the way Lyanna looked over his rich golden tunic and matching trousers, either.

Thus refreshed -and with Kurama's box tucked securely in his pack- their little entourage emerged.

Tywin took a look at the two of them as they emerged and nodded.

It was just the once, and his words likewise. "Better."

More than enough.

Lyanna couldn't leave it at that, naturally. She flicked a strand of long dark hair over her ear, tilted her head, and placed one hand upon her hip to glare at the Lord of Casterly Rock. "Do I look like a boy now, Lord Tywin?"

Naruto snorted, unable to maintain his noble demeanor in the face of such a remark. Seemed she hadn't appreciated that charade at the gate after all.

Tywin took the taunt in good grace, never once smiling. "Not at all, Lady Stark."

She huffed, content with his meager praise.

Nymeria muttered something unflattering beneath her breath.

Tywin caught it and promptly pivoted to face her and Clegane alike. "You've both done well, keeping my son safe these last few years. I shall see you suitably rewarded for this."

The duo perked up. Of course they would. Lannisters always pay their debts.

Kurama thumped against his back, eager impatient to be free.

Father looked to him, noticing his shifting satchel. "You have it, then?"

He nodded once. "I do."

"Good."

Rather than lead them up, Tywin ushered the four of them down deep into the Rock. It took Naruto a moment to realize where they were going; and once he did, he felt a strange sort of nostalgia. Father was taking them down to the Stone Garden. He hadn't been in years, not since his...experience with Ellia Martell.

A strange pang of longing kicked at his jest, nearly causing him to miss a step. So too did he miss that clever girl...

Such wayward thoughts were almost immediately quelled as they reached their destination.

Someone was waiting for him there, one hand resting against the Heart Tree.

She turned to face them and much to his confusion, he found himself facing a noble young lady wearing a golden dress, though, he failed to recognize her. She wore a sword belt of some sort, with a short-sword sheathed within. Who was she? He was sure he would've recognized a ravishing beauty like this. Her piercing green eyes and long, flowing golden curls seemed rather familiar, but he couldn't quite place them for a moment.

One of his cousins?

No, he would remember someone like this. Who could this be?

He soon had his answer; the moment she laid on him, her eyes lit up and an expression of almost childlike joy across the face "Nathaniel!"

Naruto felt his jaw click open. He knew that voice! "Cersei?!"

His elder sister raced toward him, lifting her dress at the ankles to run. He barely had time to blink before she was upon him, all but flinging herself forward in her haste to embrace him. His mind blanked as she drew him close and fiercely kissed his forehead. Familial though the act was, he sputtered a bit, especially when her lips lingered. It had been years, he knew this, and yet even so he scarcely recognized the gorgeous young woman before him, holding him, crooning over him.

Tywin coughed into a fist. "That's quite enough."

Mollified somewhat, Cersei drew back, looking him over with wonder. "You've grown up, little brother. I barely recognize you."

He sputtered for a moment, then rallied, not as Naruto, but Nathaniel. "I could say the same of you, sister."

A pretty flush darkened her cheeks. "Have I...?"

"Ahem."

His sister pulled away, and turned a sharp smile on Lyanna, only now noticing the Stark girl. "And you must be Lyanna Stark."

"Indeed I am." smile was sharp as she stepped forward, taking his arm in hers. "I've heard all about you."

His sister's smile sharpened. "Only good things, I hope?"

Oh, dear...

But wait, if Cersei was here, then where was Mother-

Something -someone!- barreled down the stairs behind him, ripped him from Lyanna's grasp and dragged him into her bosom. "My dear boy!"

"Ack, Mother! I need to breathe!

Struggling was an act of futility where Joanna Lannister was concerned; he had even less of a chance escaping from her than he did Cersei. She hadn't seen him in years, small wonder she was so delighted to see him. In the end he ceased all resistance as he gave up, stood there, and took his lumps, answering her questions as they came with a rueful smile all the while.

"Yes, mother, I'm fine. Yes, that's Lady Stark. No, I didn't get into any trouble. Yes, I behaved-

A flicker of movement caught his eye, cutting him short.

Because there, half-hiding behind Joanna's skirts...

His eyes widened. "Is that who I think it is?"

Mother gestured. "Say hello, Tyrion."

Tyrion! It had been so long! He'd been a baby when he'd seem him last, now he was a boy! Hardly a dwarf at all, really. Seemed those chakra treatments had taken well to him. He might need to continue them in the near future but-no, no, no, this is your brother, Naruto! Stop staring and say hello!

"Hello, little brother." he crouched down to observe the timid boy. "I'm Nathaniel; you might remember me. I left shortly after you were born."

The boy blinked up at him. "...I remember."

Well, well, well! "He speaks!"

Lyanna looked on indulgently, her quarrel with Cersei momentarily forgotten. "He's such a darling boy, Lady Lannister."

"He is, isn't he?" Joanna preened, glancing sidelong at Tywin. "If only everyone thought so."

Tywin cleared his throat to escape his wife's wrath. "Let's see the dragon, shall we?"

Tyrion perked up. "You actually have one?!"

Now it was Naruto's turn to preen.

No point in putting it off, he supposed. Slinging off his pack, he knelt, retrieved Kurama's box from within the satchel. After a moment's thought he paused, fingers lingering over the locked latch. "You might want to stand back a bit...

Everyone -save Tywin- did as he asked.

Naruto the latch and flung the box open with a shout.

Let it not be said that the former biju didn't know how to make an entrance.

Kurama exploded forth in a burst of towering fury, hollering at the top of his lungs, and promptly alighted upon his outstretched arm. "Fear me mortals!"

It was everything he could've hoped for.

All the ladies absolutely gasped at the sight.

Naruto bit his tongue to stifle a burst of laughter.

Cersei and Joanna crowded in, the latter holding Tyrion close so that her small son might see the "chirpy" baby dragon. Naruto lowered his arm in response, allowing his little brother a better view. The moment he did, the youngest son of Tywin promptly reached out to touch him, bold as can be.

"Brave little one," Kurama rounded on him with a hiss. "You dare approach your DOOM-hrmm?" He paused, purring as the dwarf began to scratched his chin, eliciting a pleased noise from the reborn, tailed beast. Yes, that's the spot. No, a little higher, there we go... perfect!"

"Chirpy little fellow, isn't he?" Not one to be outdone, Cersei tentatively reached out to stroke his neck. "I suppose he doesn't lack for courage. Here, let me try."

"Careful!" Lyanna snapped at her. "You have to be gentle. He may be fierce, but he's a fragile little baby. Do it like this."

Kurama laid low and tried to hiss at her, only to dissolve into yet more purring. "Ahhhh, sweet bliss~!"

By the time Joanna began rubbing his belly, he gave up all pretense of resistance.

Tywin remained seemingly detached but closer inspection revealed a glimmer of awe in his eyes. "So it's true, then."

Naruto couldn't help but grinned at him. "Did you ever doubt me?"

His father didn't rise to the bait. He never did. "Why does he have nine tails?"

"I don't know." he lied effortlessly as his old friend preened like a peacock and let the ladies and Tyrion fuss over him. "I named him Kurama, by the way."

"How large do you believe he will grow?"

Should've expected that question. "Its anyone's guess, really. Just look at him."

...a most impressive creature. See to it that you don't lose him."

He shook his head. "I won't. Never again."

Tywin scrutinized him. "Never again?"

Oops. "That's a long story."

"You may humor me, if you wish."

...no," he decided, "I don't think I will."

Mother craned her neck back to look his way. "Can he breathe fire yet, son?"

"Almost." Naruto made a pinching motion between his thumb and forefinger. "We're working on it."

"And well that you should." Tywin stepped forward, raising his voice with the full weight and authority that was his command. "None of what you see here is to leave this chamber."

Cersei sulked. "But father-

"None of it." His countenance was carved from stone itself and his tone harsher still. "Aerys can no longer be trusted. Were he to learn of this he would demand we turn over this dragon and in less than a century, House Targaryen may well rule the skies once more. Even if we were to comply, he may well try to take our heads. It would mean war. Not just for us, but House Stark as well." his gaze burned into Lyanna, who, to her credit, returned it with equal fire. "Do you understand?"

Tyrion studied his shoes. "And if we lose this war."

"It would mean the end of House Lannister as we know it."

"Then we'd best not lose, father." He didn't miss the spark of defiance in his little brother's eye.

"Indeed." Neither did Tywin. He almost seemed surprised. Pleased, even. "We must make every preparation possible to ensure we are not caught unawares in the days to come."

"In that case...!" Cersei perked up. "I want to learn how to wield a sword properly!"

Joanna shook her head. "Dearest, that would be a poor idea-

Tywin sighed. "Granted."

"My love?!"

"Cersei will become even more of a target in the days to come." he took her by the hand when she looked fit to protest. "Best that she learn to protect herself sooner rather than later." His gaze strayed to Nymeria, who had both held her tongue and kept her distance. "You will see to it, girl."

...as a lord commands."

Cersei preened, having won a point in her favor. "I want Nathaniel to teach me."

Lyanna perked up, smile sharp. "I'd be delighted to do it myself."

Naruto wasn't that dense. "Best leave that with me.

"Boooo...

Tywin nodded once. "Then we are in agreement."

Naruto whistled, capturing Kurama's attention where he lay.

His old friend hopped onto his shoulder, spread his tiny wings, and roared triumphantly. "LET US BEGIN!"

A/N: Aaaaand scene! Have to cut things here, I've run out of time for the day and work beckons. I'm already going to be late at this rate. I'm sorry.

Next chapter has the true reunion you've all been clamoring for.

Hopefully you enjoyed this as much as I did writing it.

Well, should this remain a story? Would you like weekly updates? I've got five slots left. Or should it remain monthly? By all means, speak up.

As ever, the Embers rule remains: If people don't like this story? If they don't enjoy it? Well...I won't be able to continue it. That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days with two jobs; and basically, I don't have time off. Not anymore. My free time is limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like. Reviews keep me writing in these times, and keep the daily updates flowing. Silence...silence only hurts. I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.

So...in the immortal words of Atlas...

...Review...Would Ya Kindly? And of course, Enjoy the previews. Potential ones...

Previews are -mostly!- the same this time. Didn't want to spoil the upcoming chapters.

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

SPOILERS LAY AHEAD!

YE BE WARNED~!

(PREVIEWS)

Behold!" Nymeria held up her prize. "A girl brought it here from Winterfell!"

A direwolf pup, young, perhaps a year old or so enough to have been weaned.

His coat was a fine shade of black, his eyes a deep and piercing blue.

He's lovely! Can I keep him?"

Naruto frowned. "Casterly Rock is no place for a wolf pup."

I'll take good care of him!"

Lyanna...

Please! I've never asked you for anything!"

Naruto faltered, just a little.

Lyanna kept staring.

"Blast it all...fine! But he's your responsibility!"

"She," Nymeria coughed. "A girl checked."

Naruto blew out a sigh.

What was next, would Cersei find a look cub or something?

.

..

...best not tempt fate.

So many vows. They make you swear and swear. Defend the King, obey the King, obey your father, protect the innocent, defend the weak. But what if your father despises the King? What if the King massacres the innocent? It's too much. No matter what you do, you're forsaking one vow or another...

Lyanna tutted softly. "You foolish lion."

"This from the wolf who thumped three squires?" She thumped him over the head and he laughed. "Ow, ow! Hit me all you like, I regret nothing!"

Joanna sighed. "My dear, sweet boy. What did you do...?"

He laughed and fell into a chair. "What was necessary. You should've seen the look on his face, mum...

Rhaella hiccuped once, hand before her face to cover her mouth eyes shimmering with tears. "It really IS you...isn't it?"

he knelt, took her hand in his, and kissed it.

"I am, as always, your loyal servant."

Bloody tourneys. He hated them. Still, this was a sight better than jousting. He'd take what he could get in the melee.

Prince Rhaegar was...not as he expected. At least he seemed saner than his father. For now.

"May you fight well." the prince settled into a stance.

...same to you."

"Seven hells!" Robert guffawed. "How are you still standing after a blow like that! You must have a skull like iron!"

Naruto reeled on his feet. "Something like that...

"Gods, this calls for a feast!" He slung an arm around his shoulders. "To our new friendship! Don't sulk over there, Ned! You're coming too!"

He could feel HER staring holes in him as they japed.

Rober elbowed him, winking as he did. "The she-wolf's looking at you again, lad. Give 'er a kiss."

Naruto thumped him over the head. "You kiss her!"

"Me?! The Baratheon only laughed harder. "Not a chance! I'll not come between a wolf and her prey. Besides, I've got my eye on another...

...enter."

She was waiting by the bed, clad in nothing but a sheer silk gown.

EDIT: Hey, you made it! I do hope this chapter lived up to your expectations. By all means, feel free to let me know what you think!

Looking forward to reading your feedback/chatting with you when I get back from work!

Hope you have a great day!

R ! =D