:-[Chapter 33]-:
"Nothing's change, Princess." Rickard said kindly. "We do not refuse the marriage offer because my son is already married and quite happy from what I know. I am far too old for you and my son Eddard is too young for marriage before a couple of years. It isn't your fault, nor is Brandon's. It is the will of the Gods, and nothing else."
"He is right sister. You should enjoy your stay with the lovely Ashara here. I am sure our kind Lord Eddard Stark would be happy to guide you both?" Oberyn smirked to the blushing young man.
"Of course, Prince Oberyn. It would be my pleasure to do so if my lord permitted it." Eddard said, glancing at Harry who nodded immediately.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Cersei Lannister was alone inside her royal bedroom. It was the early morning, not that she slept even a little. The stress of the wedding was nearly making her losing her fabulous blonde hair. She was obligated to doing it all, as the imbecile baboon that were her servants, were unable to do a simple task. Was it that hard to make sure everything was absolutely perfect?
She knew her wedding would change the face of Westeros. An alliance between the Targaryens and the powerful Lannister were not something to be trifled with. She would make the perfect babies with the perfect man. She was after all, the perfect woman.
All of her life, she wanted to be Queen of Westeros, to have those inferior beings at her feet and doing everything her whims at any time. Now, she would finally have it all, especially if Jaime had the balls to ask for a kingsguard membership.
A soft knock on the door brought her out of her reverie.
"Lady Cersei, Lord Lannister is ordering you to get ready. He will be here shortly." the young maid said in a soft voice.
Tywin's daughter heard the step almost running from her door, not that she minded. The simpleton was so afraid of her she was starting to get annoying. Maybe she'll start some false rumours about her fate so that her next husband could burn her, she thought, slightly laughing at the thought.
Her ladies-in-waiting came in to help her get dressed. Bunch of harpies. They helped her put an absolutely gorgeous white dress, where her golden hair shined easily. She knew her eyes were striking to anyone who were lucking enough to see them. Cersei was convinced every lady in Harrenhal's Great Hall would feel jealousy and envy when they would look at her.
"Are you excited, Lady Cersei? You must be, His Grace is the Voice of the Seven!" gushed one of them, she couldn't remember.
"Yes, marrying the Voice of the Gods is certainly something to be talked over and over. I'm sure the bard and Maesters will talk about our union for eons." Cersei said, feeling important.
"Of course they will. The Most Faired of Them All marrying the most handsome man of Westeros? King Rhaegar had gone behind his father's back to marry Cersei and no one else. He knows her value when no other men can claim now." said a second lady.
"Yes, he does know a beautiful woman when he sees one. He was wise to come back on his father's atrocious decision."
"I for one, cannot wait to see the little Princes and Princesses you both will put into the world." the first one still gushed. "They will certainly be blessed by the Gods."
"Of that, I have no doubt." puffed Cersei in pride. She was absolutely convinced that she and Rhaegar would be the perfect parents to the perfect children.
Another knock of the door put Cersei out of her gossiping. This time, the knock was much firmer than the first. A knock that she knew all too well.
"Daughter, are you presentable?" the voice of Tywin said on the other said.
Cersei quickly pushed away her useless handmaiden to put the finishing touch on her.
"Yes, Father. You may enter."
As soon as she finished her last word, her father entered her bedroom, chasing the lady-in-waiting with only a look. He was dressed with red and gold clothes, adorning the Lion of House Lannister.
"I see you look presentable for your grand wedding, my daughter." approved Tywin, nodding in the process.
"Thank you, Father." Cersei gave her best false smile, the one she knew could won over any kind of man.
"I've come here to make sure you know what is going, Cersei. You are to marry the king, do you know how much power that give our House?"
"Yes, Father, I do."
"I doubt it. Being the Queen of Westeros is something far grander than you can possibly imagine. You will rule with the king. You are the result of years of planning. I trust you'll act accordingly and honor our House. Never forget that you are..."
"I am a Lannister, first and foremost. Everything we do is for the benefice of Casterly Rock." interrupted the future Queen.
"I see you've listened to my advices and my lessons. Good. Now, come. Let's go give House Lannister our due." Tywin said, offering his arm to his daughter to guide her toward her destiny.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Jaime Lannister was in the Great Hall, awaiting to see his beloved sister at her wedding. They had last moment together this very morning, when he offered to keep guard personally to watch her virtue. He was of course sad that they couldn't keep at it but he understood his responsibilities better now. After watching the depravation at the Burning of Duskendale by almost every kingdom, being a knight in the royal guard didn't interest him much anymore, even for Cersei.
Now that Rhaegar was becoming more crazier by the day, Jaime didn't really understand why his father still wanted with the throne. The Targaryens were a crazy bunch if he was being honest with himself. He didn't quite understand why Cersei did have to be married so young. They were only fifteen after all. But the young squire also knew that his father was much smarter than he was, so he must know things he himself didn't.
The young blond-haired man looked around the Great Hall, seeing the various Lords Paramount, major lords and minor lords. Even when he lived in King's Landing, he never saw that many people at the same time.
Music was heard to create a solemn atmosphere. Jaime knew Cersei was the one who wanted singers singing the praise of the Seven in the hope that Rhaegar like her more that way. There were servants up the balcony, ready to throw some petals when she'll arrive.
'Always one to show up others.' Jaime smirked to himself.
He saw Lord Mace Tyrell, the Lord Paramount of the Reach dressed like a peacock. Jaime disliked the man, like he knew his father dislike him also. He was pompous and arrogant to no end, always speaking about the beauty of Highgarden compare to other castles in Westeros. When his father learned about the Fat Flower's decision to not let Lord Randyl Tarly, he went into a massive rage.
Lord Hoster Tully was standing proudly at the forefront, speaking animatedly with Lord Jon Arryn of the Vale. Of what, Jaime did not know but it looked like it was about the wedding itself. His betrothed, Catelyn Tully, was beside her father and sister, Lysa Tully. They were both gushing like small little girls at everything beside them. Lord Brynden Tully, one of his personal heroes had been punt behind his nieces, where he was keeping a keen eye on everything.
His very soon-to-be good brother, Rhaegar Targaryen was standing at the top of the small platform, build especially for the event. Black and red banners were everywhere, adorning the wall and even the roof. Jaime thought himself lucky that the king had decided not to burn anyone during the ceremony because of quote, "the smell".
If the young man was being honest with himself, Rhaegar scared him. Even his father spoke less in his presence and the son could feel his father more tense when the king spoke. Even with Cersei begging him to ask of him to be a member of his kingsguard, he didn't want to. He found out that with the treachery of one of his idols, Ser Barristan Selmy, or the Bold, life within the Red Keep wasn't at all that glamourous. Treachery lied in every corner, especially since that bald eunuch became the Master of Whisperers years ago.
Jaime watched as the great hall's massive gate were opened by Ser Gerold Hightower, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. He was proudly escorting the soon-to-be Queen of Westeros and their lord father. The young squire only had eyes for his sister, however. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her dress, more so than this morning when he took it off of her. Her make up looked perfect on her. Soft white powder was put around her stunning green eyes, making them striking even more than usual. Her soft pink lips were perpetually in a state of smiling wide, letting her perfectly white teeth showed.
Their gaze crossed and Jaime could see on her beautiful face for a split moment her own smile failing. Trying to be the supportive brother that he was, the young Lannister Heir offer his own and nodded his head, for he knew he could not say not to his love forever. Soon after the wedding, he would ask to his father to come with him and not Lord Crakehall. Ne needed to create a name for himself and the war against the North was the perfect occasion. The northmen were hard warriors. Surely a knighthood and most importantly, Tywin's very respect to be earned.
:-[T.A.B]-:
:-[The next day] -:
Rhaegar was walking fast toward the meeting command room, the six members left of his kingsguard following him closely. The king had called a meeting with every single lord present in Harrenhal, even the simple town lord. All needed to be present for the official declaration of his crusade.
He did not care for his new wife, already waiting for him in their chamber. She was a political tool to secure the Westerlands, the Riverlands and the Reach into a massive alliance, nothing more, nothing less. The king has done his kingly duty during his wedding night in the hope that his seed would take root within her womb. Assuring his descendance was after all paramount for his plans about House Targaryen. Right now, she was under the supervision of her twin-brother, making sure she was safe during the meeting.
His Hand of the King, Jon Arryn of the Vale was presently getting everything ready for his arrival. The old fool had been easy to bring into the plan, with the false promise of guarantying the Starks safety if they chose to bend the knee again. But the monarch knew the old family would never betray their gods. It was only to bring the Knights of the Vale into the fray, nothing more.
The scarred king arrived at the meeting chamber, guarded by numerous knights from all Westeros. He didn't even say a word before the door was open for him immediately. When he entered, silence came in a moment. He could hear a fly flying. Mace Tyrell, the Lord of Highgarden, was the first one to broke the heavy silence.
"Your grace." he said, bowing in the process. "I sure hope the night was good for you and the Queen. We prayed all night that she gives you an Heir."
"Thank you, Lord Tyrell." Rhaegar said, his voice revealing no emotions. "Thank you all, my lord, to have this far to see my wedding with La...Queen Cersei. Now, matter of grave importance. The crusade against the North, the real reason we are all here, we all of our host form each loyal kingdom to the Crown."
Some lords in the crowd cheered when they heard loyal.
"The Lannister Fleet will stay in Lannisport, awaiting our arrival for the Iron Islands future invasion. The Royal Fleet is currently within the Stormlands control, to made sure the Dornish can't escape in any way."
Rhaegar could see the men become uncomfortable at his last comment. Squinting his eyes dangerously, the king looked at his Master of Whisperers, Lord Varys.
"What is there to know, Lord Varys? Why am I under the impression that I should know something when other knows it?"
Varys' face what like marble, showing nothing.
"Your grace, it seems that before leaving Storm's End, Lord Robert Baratheon has sent false orders to the Royal Fleet, letting pass many Dornish ships toward the North."
"And how many fucking Dornish has managed to pass the blocus freely?"
"If my little birds are right, around two thousand, your grace." Varys said, impassively.
"And where is that fucking traitor of Baratheon?" the king asked, enraged.
"No one knows your grace." started the Master of Whisperers, still calm as ever. "The young man has managed to travel secretly and his whereabouts are unknown, at the moment."
"Found out where he is, Lord Varys. We cannot have a southern heir location unknown. You best found out where he is, or you will not be found out either."
"Yes, your grace. I shall send more little birds in Westeros. I will found out where Robert Baratheon is."
Rhaegar only nodded before turning back to the other lords.
"This change nothing. Dorne shall fall after the North. If the Dornish wants to die before their time, it is up to them to decide how they die. Lord Velaryon."
After a small moment, a man managed to pass through the sea of men to the king.
"Yes, your grace?"
"You are now my Master of Ships. You shall lead the Royal Fleet until I arrived from my victory with the northerners."
"My deepest thanks, your grace. I shall go immediately with my men to take the lead from Lord Steffon Baratheon." puffed the man in great pride before taking his leave.
"Do so, Lord Velaryon. Now, we shall launch a full-blown offensive by land on the North. Those puny heathens shall feel the full might of the Seven."
Many reactions we seen in the chamber. Many knew it was futile to do so, especially if the rumours about Moat Cailin were true. Few other however, did not really understood the gravity of their situation. Like the Fat Flower of Highgarden, Mace Tyrell.
"A fantastic idea, your grace. These false rumours about magic in the North are fallacious at best. Songs for the bards and subject for the Maesters! Please, allow the forces of the Reach to be the first to assault the broken walls of Moat Cailin."
"I will allow it, Lord Tyrell. The Riverlands will follow with the Westerlands. The knigts of the Vales will then rode inside Moat Cailin and destroyed them. For those traitors in the Neck. I've been talking with the Gods recently. We shall burn the entire region to the ground. Rape the land itself. Kill every crannogmen you see. Old or young, men or women, it does not matter. Kill them all!"
:-[T.A.B]-:
Harry Winterstorm woke up with a jolt, his breath short. He was in his personal bedroom, atop the Direwolf Tower. Beside him, illuminated by the moon's light was his beautiful wife, Sura. She was still sleeping peacefully, hugging him in the process. The young wizard was able to slowly extirpated himself from her grasp without her waking up. He saw Hedwig, peacefully sleeping at the foot of the bed.
The lord of Moat Cailin quickly got dressed, as he saw that the sun was not even close to rise up in the sky. He knew he would not get any more sleep tonight, his heart was beating too fast. He did not like that dream. Once again, he would have to go to war but this time, war was coming to him, to his home. Dressed in his black breeches and shirt, Harry went to his desk and magickly lit a candle with blue fire.
Sitting at it, the young raven-haired man looked at his documents sprayed on his desk. Some were about his men, more and more numerous by the day. Others were about the weapons needed for the fight to come. Some demands from the Dornish like wine and mostly fur. He did not sense the person coming behind him.
"How can you work this much, my dear knight?" said a playful Sura continuing their years long banter.
"Fear, my lady." said Harry with utmost seriousness. "I fear the South will do much damage to our friend in the Neck before coming here."
"What don't you send a letter to Lord Reed? He will listen to you, especially if Lord Eddard help you." Sura said, convinced of her logic. "I am sure he will do what is best for his people. We all know the crannogmen can fight. But they are barely a people with a couple of hundred of fighters. They cannot fight this war alone. They need to come here, at Moat Cailin behind the safety of our high walls."
"You are right. I will ask Ned to compose a letter asking to Howland to retreat here and I will add the details of my dream, adding to the urgency of the situation. He will listen to us."
"Of course he will." Sura said, hugging him from behind. "Now, husband. Come back to bed, will you? It is far too cold without you there. If that help, I will even help Lord Eddard to write the letter. Maester Luwin taught me how to write."
"Aye, I remember. Good man this Luwin. I sadly don't think we will ever get a Maester here however, with this war and all. I feel like this war will change how Westeros function to its core. We need to be ready for its shift."
:-[T.A.B]-:
Two persons were hiding between the shelves of the library-in-making, inside the Direwolf Tower. For now, it was deserted, as no one had use for it at two in the morning. They have managed to skip every single guard within the tower to be alone together
"My wolf," a soft melodious voice said, in the darkness of the room. "We need to stop meeting like this."
"Are you unhappy, my star?" playfully answered the young man with her.
"By the Old Gods and the New, no." giggled the young woman. "I cannot risk with Princess Elia, I am her lady-in-waiting, did you forget?"
"How could I? I could never forget you, Lady Ashara. Ever since I have laid eyes upon you, you are the only one I can think off."
"Oh? Am I just a pretty thing for you, Lord Eddard?" Ashara said, lifting an eyebrow at her companion.
"By the Gods, no! Every chance that I get to know you, I cherish it. Every moment we get to spend together, I shall remember."
"Oh, my northern warrior is a would-be poet?"
They stayed silent for a moment, simply enjoying their presence. In a castle with so many people and serving such important people, Eddard and Ashara did not have that many chances to be alone. They were able to steal some glances here and there, some touch with their hands but nothing more. There was something however, something strong between the two of them. A pure attraction.
The grey-eyes man looked deep into the purple ones of Ashara. He lifts up his hand and cupped her beautiful face. He felt the young woman leaned into his touch, giving him butterflies in his stomach. Eddard smiled at her, making her smile at the same time.
"I shall ask for my father to send a raven to Lord Dayne so that we can marry as soon as possible." started the young man, after a moment. "Hopefully, your father..."
"Calm yourself, my wolf. Your father has said to Prince Oberyn that you are too young to marry yet. Maybe betrothed?"
"I am six and ten years of age..." started Eddard.
"As am I, Ned. Let us wait until our father thinks we are both ready for our union. The war weight heavy on us all, let us not make rash decision, okay?" Ashara asked.
"Anything you want, my love." Eddard said, before kissing her softly.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Thank you everyone for reading Chapter 33 of The adventure begins! Please let a review in the comment, letting me know what you think about my story or what you would like to see.
If you are interested in becoming an Alpha or Beta reader, contact me!
Criticism is always welcome as long as it is constructive.
To Blaze1992: Yes he was! Thanks for reading.
To BioHazard82: Thank you so much for the review!
TO Mark1: Indeed!
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To smokey054life1: I appreciate it! Thank you.