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"Speech"
'Thoughts'
Writing/Singing
"Foreign Language/Flashback"
-Scene Shift-
Chapter 15: The Twins
Things have been bitterly cheerful in Winterfell these past four days.
It was cheerful for Bran had awoken from his deep slumber. As for why it's bitter was because of how Bran woke up and what came after.
Robb was returning to Bran's chamber after taking care of the growing stable fire when he heard the cry for help. He didn't question what was happening, he only acted.
And upon his arrival, he was utterly shocked with what he witnessed.
A stranger lying on the ground dead with his throat torn out, his mother's hands were bloodied with a nasty cut and lying unconscious and his little brother wide awake and alarmed. Robb would've hugged Bran at that moment, but their mother needed to be attended to immediately.
For days, Lady Catelyn had been in a slumber because of what happened. And it seemed poetic with Brandon being by her bedside as a worried mess while their mother had slept.
It was just this morning did their mother finally awake.
When Robb came in to check up on them, he smiled upon seeing them embrace with tears pouring down their eyes.
With things taken care of, Robb had thought things would possibly go back to normal in Winterfell. He would perform his Lordly duties and help the people. Go out and assist on the patrols against the Heartless with Theon and several others. Bran would keep climbing his walls and towers… under better carefulness and guidance. And Rickon would just smash his walnuts day in and day out.
Yet his mother seemed to have him, Theon, Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik summoned in the Godswood. And by the look on her face, it seemed something rather dire and important.
Underneath the weirwood tree of Winterfell, Catelyn spoke to the four men in front of her.
"Who was he?" She inquired.
"No one knows his name, my Lady." Rodrik answered. "He was no man of Winterfell."
"Clearly."
"It's hard to tell where he came from and with how many strangers coming in and out of Winterfell's gates as of late."
Catelyn nodded. "Then I want people to be searched. I don't want my son, much less anyone else, hurt behind these walls again."
"I'll be sure to tell the new Captain of the Guard of this."
"We found where he slept." Robb stated. "He had ninety silver stags in a bag under straw by the stables."
Catelyn scoffed. "It's good to know my son's life was not sold cheaply. But why would he keep them there?"
Theon gave his thoughts. "I wager once doing the deed, he would rush out and help quench the fire before making it out of Winterfell."
She hummed a little. "Sounds reasonable enough. But why there?"
"He was hiding in the stables, my Lady." Theon informed. "You could smell it's stench on his corpse. We figured he was hiding in there and possibly wanted to burn any evidence of him living there."
Catelyn nodded as she clenched her fists out of instinct. When she did, she hissed a little.
Luwin noticed this. "How are your hands treating you, my Lady."
The wounds inflicted upon Lady Catelyn were bad as the blade the assailant used had cut deep towards the bone. Despite using what Potions they had in healing her hands, there was still a wide scar on the palms.
"They feel sore when I put pressure on the scarred area." She stated.
"Perhaps some ointments could help relieve you of some pain."
"Thank you, Maester. Now… What I am about to tell you must remain between us." She addressed them. "I don't think Bran fell from that tower. I think he was thrown."
The shock was plain on their faces.
"The boy was always sure-handed and footed before." Luwin muttered. "More so with Roxas' gift."
"Someone tried to kill him twice." Catelyn continued. "Why? Why murder an innocent child?"
"Why would you ask this, mother?" Robb inquired.
"Earlier I went to the Broken Tower." She informed her son. "Fresh eyes if you would. And a clearer head did me justice in finding something."
"Which is?"
"Evidence that someone was in there. I don't know of what went on in there, but Bran saw something he wasn't meant to see."
"Saw what, my Lady?" Theon asked.
"I don't know." She sighed, rubbing her eyes a little. "I had hoped Bran would've told me but what injury he had received from the fall made him no longer remember."
"I came to that conclusion as well." Luwin noted. "All he remembered prior to getting hurt was coming to the tower and starting climbing, nothing else."
This might not be the case. Luwin swore Bran was a little hesitant when informing him of what happened. It was as if he was afraid of speaking and he was blocking the memory. He wasn't going to pry, but let him slowly tell them when the time was right.
"But I would stake my life if the Lannisters are involved in this." Catelyn looked at the men before her with a sterner gaze. "My sister, Lysa, believes the Lannisters murdered her husband, Lord Arryn and late Hand of the King. This leaves much reason to suspect their loyalty to the Crown."
"We must have proof for these accusations." Rodrik stated.
"I have found a long hair of gold in the Broken Tower. I would've thought Princess Myrcella could be there, but she was with Sansa that day. Then I suspected her mother as I couldn't keep track of her whereabouts. The same could be said with her brother, Jamie, as he wasn't at the Hunt."
"That might not be enough." Robb informed. "I remember there were others in the royal party having long hairs of gold. Any of them could be behind this."
"Then what of the dagger." Theon brought up. "A fine blade like that will not have gone unnoticed."
The Master-at-Arms pulled out the weapon and presented it to the others. The dagger's curved handle was partially blackened with gold decorations. When withdrawing the blade from its sheath, they saw easily the recognizable ripples dancing across the surface.
"The blade is Valyrian steel, the handle dragonbone." Rodrik snapped the blade back in the sheath. "Someone gave it to him."
At this time, Robb gritted his teeth with bits of fury slowly burning in his eyes. "They come to our home and try to murder my brother? If it's war they want-"
"If it comes to that, you know I'll stand behind you." Theon said, earning a small nod in return.
Luwin looked bewildered at this. "What, is there going to be a battle in the Godswood? Huh?"
There probably will not. Not at this time, but perhaps in the future.
"Too easily words of war become acts of war. We don't know the truth yet." Luwin looked at the Lady of Winterfell. "Lord Stark must be told of this. I already sent a letter to him of young Brandon's awakening. I'll be sure to send another."
Catelyn interjected. "I don't trust a raven to carry these words."
Robb then stepped up. "Then I'll ride to King's Landing."
"No." She told him. "There must always be a Stark in Winterfell. I'll go myself."
"Mother, you can't." Spoke the acting Lord of Winterfell.
"I must."
"What about Bran and Rickon?" Her son argued.
She tightened her fists, biting back the pain which throbbed from the act. "I have done all I can to be with them this day and hopefully they'll understand once I leave. And as you reminded me, I should think about my other children. And I am. I need to see if my daughters -your sisters- are well and safe."
"But Roxas is there with them." Theon added in. "Surely he can keep them safe."
"I know, Theon, but I can't shake this feeling something is going to happen to them. I need to be there for them."
The others wanted to argue on this, but they saw Catelyn's mind was made up.
"I'll send Hal with a squad of guardsmen to escort you." Rodrik suggested.
Catelyn merely shook her head. "Too large a party attacks unwanted attention. I don't want the Lannisters to know I'm coming."
"Then let me accompany you, at least." The muttonchop man protested. "The Kingsroad can be a perilous place for a woman alone."
Lady Catelyn looked at Luwin, Robb and Theon who nodded as it was the right idea. She then gave the Master-at-Arms a thankful smile. "I welcome your company, Ser Rodrik, but we will not be taking the Kingsroad. We will follow the White Knife down to the sea and hire a ship at White Harbor. Strong horses and swift winds will hopefully bring us to King's Landing ahead of Ned and the Lannisters."
And then we shall see what we shall see.
-The Riverlands, The Twins-
After traveling through the cold and wind of the North and then the ever-present dangers of the Neck, it is refreshing to emerge into the lush green Riverlands.
A warmer climate, no doubt, compared to the Northern territories and something many prefer to live through. And yes there are the occasional cold days, but it was more tolerable to live in.
When traveling through the Kingsroad heading south, the mountains of the Vale appear in the far horizon; even for the briefest of hints. But when traveling a little bit westwards where the Kingsroad runs parallel and crosses through the mighty Green Fork River, which will run for miles on end.
At one point, you will come across the well known twin keeps of House Frey; the Twins.
"That is one very large toll bridge." Roxas noted, eyeing the twin keeps alongside Ned and Robert as Barristan and Jamie were hanging a safe distance behind the three.
It was a mighty structure, made with smooth grey rock with nearly identical large castles placed on either side of the river. A mighty bridge, wide enough for two wagons to pass side by side, connecting them both. The high curtain walls, deep moats and heavy gates to protect the approaches and keep out anyone else. And at the center of the bridge was the Water Tower where it serves two purposes: housing honored guests for the night, once paying their toll fee of course, and a final defense to the bridge itself.
"Aye, it is." Ned said softly. "Such a shame it can't be a normal bridge for all to use freely."
Roxas nodded as he reflected on the information given to him on this place.
Some Houses rise to power through strength. Others through favors. Others through wealth. House Frey gained its title through cunning.
Centuries ago, it's founder looked at a map and noticed how the Trident spears the Neck; cutting the North from the South. He soon realized that a river of gold would flow to the man who owned the right bridge across the water.
It took the Freys three generations to complete their forefather's vision. Commanding both road and river with arrow slits, murder holes and portcullises. For six hundred years, the Freys held the Twins after it was fully built and for six hundred years they have never exactly failed at their toll.
And their plan worked. The family grew rich and powerful in a short amount of time; exacting gold from lords, merchants and poor farmers. And apparently a good thing with how many Freys the bridge needs to support; from family members, servants and guards.
The current lord, Walder Frey, has seen over ninety years under his belt and sired nearly just the same amount of children; both true born and bastard. A shameful thing for any other lord, but Walder possesses no shame at all. It can be a dangerous thing for any other lord, but Walder has no concern for heirs or fear of their impatience.
Perhaps the old weasel, as many referred to him as, believes he'll outlast them all; given the infighting he encourages among them. And perhaps he will.
"Are you sure we have to go through here?" Roxas questioned.
Ned released a sigh. "If you don't mind wanting to ride three hundred extra miles, then this is the only means of speeding up our trip."
Robert then spoke beside them. "And I do not want to spend any more time on the road to get back home."
Roxas gave the Westerosi king a curious glance. "I thought you enjoyed the outdoors."
"Oh, I do. But the rest of my family doesn't." Robert rubbed his eyes from frustration. "Myrcella and Tommen tolerate it, which I'm thankful for, but my wife and heir don't. And I can only handle so many times their carriage and wheel house break down on the road and waste more time getting the bloody things fixed before I lose it."
Roxas didn't bother responding back to that.
"But, I don't know, can't you just ask to let us through? You're the king after all."
Robert barked out a laugh. "Oh I wish, lad. Oh how I bloody well wish."
Ned then spoke next. "Lord Walder doesn't care if you're a royal, a lord or even a commoner; everyone has to pay the price to cross his bridge. He makes no exceptions unless a well made deal is struck."
"...I can see that being a bit fair."
Robert scoffed. "Damn old weasel is more stingy about 'fair pricing' since he took the damn seat of the Crossings. He's not even fair with his own family; especially with people related to him through marriage. He'd rather take any deal and opportunity in order to gain more power and wealth."
"Okay I can maybe see why that's not fair at all. But can't you just force your way through."
"We could try, but the Twins are so damn fortified that it would be damn well hard to properly breach them. And they can just wait out the fight as long as possible. That's pretty much all they are bitterly damn well good for: survive through cowardness."
This merely confused the young lad, prompting Ned Stark to explain.
"When the Ironborn raised and ruled the Riverlands prior to Aegon's Conquest, the Freys hid in their castles. When the Targaryens and the Tully's swept the Ironborn back to the Iron Islands, the Freys hid in their castles. And when Catelyn's ancestor demanded their allegiance as King Aegon's newly named Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, the Freys bent the knee… from their castles."
"...I'm starting to see a pattern there."
"Hah!" Robert barked out. "Glad to see you're not blind on that, Roxas. Hells, it wasn't a surprise for any of us when Lord Hoster Tully, Cat's father, called for his banners when going up against Aerys. And of course, Walder didn't bother answering back. While the combined might of the Baratheons, Starks, Arryns and Tullys with their sworn Houses fought and bled for justice, House Frey hid in their bloody home and waited."
"Okay that's very rude." Roxas commented, making the two older men snort in their own respective manners. "But did they ever bother coming out?"
"They did," Ned began, "at the end of the Battle of the Trident; rendering aid to us once everything settled down."
"Why?"
"Because the damn old weasel wanted to see who was the victor; that's why." Robert growled. "I wouldn't be surprised if Rhaegar won, he would grant him and his family passage into the North… for a fair price. And all his excuse was waiting for his army to 'come of age', having fielded it out of his own fucking britches."
Roxas digested this bit of information and shook his head in disappointment. "I can see that working early in the war. But having that given so late into it… so many could've lived."
Ned nodded. "Your father had similar thoughts."
Robert added his thoughts in as well. "Aye and the war could've ended sooner with the Frey's help if they actually participated. Lord Hoster Tully ended up calling him 'the Late Walder Frey', to the other lords' amusement. A slight that pricks Lord Walder to this day."
"Well if he didn't want to be called that, he should've helped out far sooner than delaying." Commented the Keyblader.
The two older men chuckled a little.
"Even if he was late, Lord Walder was wise; even to this day." Ned stated. "There was no guarantee of victory, given the amount of power each side held. Ventus with us -the Rebels- and the Unversed being rumored of an odd alliance with the Loyalists; despite them being a third party and attacking everyone. If he sided with us and failed, the Freys would have lost the bridge his family was so proud of."
"More pride than honor." Robert added in. "Those should be the words of House Frey instead of We Stand Together."
Roxas can understand their frustration and the situation of the matter.
In war time, things were desperate and Houses were at risk of losing everything if they sided with one party over the other. Most did just that while the rest tried their best at staying neutral.
One such example was the Westerlands because Tywin Lannister ordered it so. And it was only after the Battle of the Trident did he side with the Rebels at the last surprising minute.
Roxas then noticed a pair of riders coming towards them with flags in their grasps. As they drew closer, he eventually saw the sigil of House Frey upon them; two castles with a small bridge connecting them.
The older men saw them as well with the king speaking out in frustration. "Was wondering when they'd finally show up."
"Might as well get this over with." Ned muttered out. "We'll be back as soon as possible. Hold the fort for us, please."
"Will do." Came Roxas' reply.
Ned snapped the reigns of his horse as he, Robert and the two Kingsguard members went off to meet the Late Walder Frey.
Normally with a small party crossing, one would just barter or just straight up pay the price at either side of the Twins. But with a significantly large one, representatives needed to come and meet the Frey lord and discuss the price of admission. And Ned wanted to speak on Robert's behalf, despite him being here beside him, given the Baratheon has no real form of formality.
Getting back to caravan, Roxas had to do now was basically wait for their return.
"I see they've already gone to chat with Lord Walder."
Roxas looked over and saw Cersei standing not far away from him. And some distance away was Ser Meryn Trant as he had to protect his queen.
"They have, your grace."
"You don't have to be so formal with me right now." Said the Lannister with a soft smile.
"You sure?" He saw her nod. "If you say so."
"Would you walk with me, please."
Seeing no harm, the greater Nobody complied with the request. And when walking beside her, the Westerosi queen gave a silent message to the Kingsguard member to go back to watch over her children.
Now normally, Cersei would be accompanied by at least one or two guards, even a Kingsguard such as her brother or another in her pockets like Meryn Trant for instance.
However with someone like Roxas, who's prowess only continues to be shown on top of reputation there are seldom choices when it comes to guarantee security. And Roxas was among them.
"So what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Nothing much. Just want to spend some time with you, getting to know you."
"Why?"
"You'll be living in the capital for the foreseeable future and I'd like to know more of the man who'll help protect it from those ghastly Heartless."
"Sure I guess." Roxas shrugged. "But, I'm not only going to be staying at the capital, you know?"
Cersei's eyes narrowed slightly, giving the young teen a side glance.
"Oh? And why is that?" She asked, trying to keep her tone even.
"I can't just leave the rest of the continent to fight all the Heartless by themselves." Roxas said as if it were the most obvious thing. "Sure I can help teach people how to fight off the usual Heartless and all, but I'm pretty sure there aren't a lot of people that could fight off some of the bigger ones."
"Bigger ones?"
"Yeah, they can get pretty gigantic, some larger than the Twins back there." Roxas said absentmindedly, gesturing his thumb behind them to said bridge towers.
Cersei's eyes widened at the mere thought of those shadowy beasts being able to reach such gargantuan size. Her eyes grew even more so when she processed the casual and slight dismissive tone in which Roxas spoke of when mentioning the bigger Heartless.
She had remembered witnessing the one Unversed at the size of Harrenhal, but Heartless can reach such sizes as well?
How is it that he doesn't find them frightful? To believe in himself to such a degree must truly speak levels upon his skills which also begs the question, how powerful is this boy truly?
Since Cersei's mind appeared occupied, Roxas took a momentary glance back at the twins with a frown.
"I wonder if negotiations will go well."
"They might." Said the queen. "Despite Lord Walder bartering pricing for our passage with Eddard and my husband, he has always been friendlier with Casterly Rock."
"How so?"
"Because one of his sons is married to Genna Lannister, my aunt."
This got a surprised look from him.
"Wait? You're related to them?"
"Through marriage, unfortunately. And so are many other Houses in the realm." Cersei had a bitter look on her face once saying this. "Many often seek any means in crossing this bridge. And some prices are quite unsavory. Offering a daughter to spend a night with Lord Walder has been the common one and often more than naught, a bastard has always been sired from such meetings. Asides from such occurrences, daughters have also been bartered to marry one of Walder's spawn for passage or gaining a foothold here. And vice versa."
"That's not pleasant at all. But what does this have to do with your aunt."
Cersei let out a tired sigh, looking towards the Twins with a sad look on her face.
"You should understand my aunt Genna has been a very loved member of our family. The only daughter of Tytos Lannister, my grandfather. She was very doted on and her brothers loved her well. And this was proven to be true when my father spoke against grandfather on the betrothal she had with Walder Frey's second son, Emmon, and it ended not long after."
"That sounds rather nice of him to do."
"It was and my aunt loved father for it." Some bitter, fond memories flooded Cersei's mind then after. "After my mother passed on from this world, aunt Genna had taken on the role of mother for Jamie and I. It wasn't the same, but we greatly appreciated it dearly."
Roxas nodded before remembering the details from earlier. "What I don't get is why she married into House Frey. I thought your father was against it."
"He was… but there was some disagreement between them years ago before the Tourney at Harrenhal." She informed, drawing in his curiosity. "No one knows what exactly went on. And I mean no one. Not the servants and not even any of the closest of family members. But the issue did not end well. For whatever happened in their fight resulted in Genna's old betrothal being renewed and was forced to wed Ser Emmon soon after."
"There seems to be a lot of that going around." Roxas muttered.
"What do you mean?" Cersei inquired.
"Nothing just…" Roxas paused in thought. "Just feels like a lot of information is missing half the time."
"Information regarding what exactly?" Cersei was now curious.
Roxas threw his hands up. "I don't know, it feels like it's just about everything. When I was reading about Westeros, half the time all I saw was the Maesters talking about "speculation" and such. I mean I get ancient history but recently? Got a headache just thinking about it."
Cersei was rather surprised by the rather small outburst, finding herself chuckling slightly at the teens little rant. He continued to surprise.
"But… I gotta know, going back to earlier." Roxas said. "Robert and Ned don't seem to like that Walder guy all that much. Is he really that bad?"
The queen hummed in thought, swaying herself as she considered her words.
"Just to let you know," Cersei began with a small smile, "almost all the realm despises Lord Frey."
"Really?"
"Of course. Many have sought to relieve him of his title as Lord of the Crossing. Either to one of his kin or to someone else. And my husband would be utmost glad to officiate the document to make it so." She let out a disappointed sigh. "Alas, one needs a better excuse rather than 'he's just an annoying old, stubborn man' or something along those lines."
Roxas nodded. "Yet Robert needs an actual reason to do so then out of pettiness."
"Precisely though as to why, I shall never understand it." Cersei with a bitter tone.
"What does that mean?"
"Robert has done many things in the past and present out of sheer boredom and pettiness." Cersei said with a sneering tone that surprised the Keyblade wielder.
"What?" Roxas was certainly put off by the queens sudden change in demeanor.
"I wasn't surprised when the Greyjoys rebelled, he was utterly focused in wanting to take it all down. He became active soon after, preparing for him clashing against the Ironborn. I haven't seen him more active ever since returning back from that particular war."
Cersei's face then became rather dour. "And to think he fought in a rebellion for the love of a woman he'd never have."
Roxas stared at Cersei, brows furrowed. He could sense a litany of emotions yet aside from rage and frustration, of all that he picked up on it was the disappointment in her eyes and tone.
"Lyanna Stark." Roxas murmured.
"Ah, you've learned of that ghost's name." Cersei scoffed. "Betrothed to a woman that was stolen away by the crown prince. Fought across the continent to get her back and instead got the Seven Kingdoms instead. Many have agreed that Robert is an excellent fighter, especially during times of war, but suffice to say, he's not a great king."
Roxas felt offended with how Cersei seemed to speak of Lyanna to some little degree. She was a nice woman, from what he was told. And a part of him felt much more than that.
Said part of him wanted to speak out on the topic, but the Nobody fought to keep it down.
"Sounds… complicated." Roxas said. "All this business of wars and betrothals really."
"Yes it is." Cersei turned to Roxas with a glint in her eyes. "I had always dreamed of being queen of Westeros at a young age, with my father promising me a betrothal to the crown prince."
"Aren't you queen now?"
"I am, but I originally hoped to wed Rhaegar." She informed him. "Father fought long and hard in making that happen. Yet King Aerys dismissed the proposals time and time again. If I had married to the crown back then, the realm could've prospered further with the royal dynasty becoming much more stronger. But Aerys was doing all this out of jealousy."
"Jealousy? What for?"
"Tywin Lannister had been praised time and time again for how he improved the continent. As time went on, Aerys grew resentful of his old friend and did everything he could to make his time as Hand much more difficult. And eventually, my father was dismissed from his title as Hand prior to the embers of the rebellion igniting."
"That doesn't sound fair at all."
"Nothing is ever fair, sadly."
The two kept on walking in silence. They basked a little in the calm nature around them as they rounded back to where the caravan was located.
"Have you ever thought of marriage, Roxas?" Cersei asked with a calm tone.
Roxas blinked at the question, finding himself in a rather unusual predicament. Marriage? He is familiar with the concept, a union of two people and such.
"Uh, no never." Roxas admitted.
"Truly?"
"Had other things to occupy my mind and life really." Roxas said sheepishly. Like finding out he was never meant to exist and was a puppet to grander schemes of others just as much as Xion was.
Cersei 'hmphed' with a small, amused smile. "I could believe that. You are so much like your father."
"I keep hearing that." Roxas remarked, grazing his hand through his blond locks.
Cersei had to blink for a moment, feeling a serious case of deja-vu with the scenario around them being replaced with festive cheers and tourney events going about.
"I recall a number of betrothals being prepared for him." Cersei stated. "Some even from my own father. Hells, most of Westeros considered him one of the most eligible bachelors to contend for."
"Then he disappeared." Roxas murmured.
Cersei inclined her head down. "Yes, he did. None had ever found out what became of him. Not even his closest friends that he made here."
Roxas thought back to Ned and Robert.
"What do you make of my daughter, Roxas?"
Roxas blinked slightly, the question throwing him off a bit but he responded well enough.
"She's a nice girl." He began. "Hopeful for the future. Cares for others. And a lot smarter than she lets on."
Cersei giggled into her hand. "Ah, that is the Lannister cunning and wits coming through. Even though our sigil is the lion, intelligence is a prized virtue in our House."
"Yeah, Tyrion is really smart too and Tommen sure is curious about everything."
Cersei bit back a scowl on the mention of her monster of a brother, merely fighting more to keep her pleased smile up.
Roxas then scowled. "Joffrey though? Needs a serious attitude check with how he acts sometimes."
"Oh?"
"He acts like the whole world is his to play with and he says some nasty things." Roxas said with a glaring anger. "Seriously, who does he think he is? Just cause he's a prince doesn't mean he has to act like an asshole."
Cersei was truly surprised at the bite in Roxas's words, never thinking that a young boy with his demeanor would say words like that.
And in an ironic fashion, though the son of Robert, Joffrey is not he had somehow taken to the Baratheon House words with great gusto. But more of a petty and whiny sort of rage.
Cersei was more than ready to bare her lioness fangs at any who dare harm her children, be it verbally or physically.
Yet with Roxas…
He who looked and acted so much like his father to the degree that she felt like she was experiencing the spring and summer of her youth once more? It was difficult to be aggressive with someone like him.
"I'll be sure to talk to my son about cleaning up his attitude." She said calmly. "He should act as a prince, not as what you described."
He smiled a little. "I appreciate it."
Once more, Cersei had to turn away to control her emotional turmoil.
'Seven Hells, have the Gods sent this boy to torment on what should have been mine.' Cersei's thoughts raged internally. 'I don't know what to properly do with him with how he acts.'
"Oh, looks like Ned and Robert are done."
Cersei looked over and saw what Roxas said to be true. Robert and his Hand, along with Ser Barristan and her brother Jamie, rode back from the Twins.
"Let us hope they have attained a proper price of payment rather than the usual." Cersei stated
"Just asking this but don't you have… whatever amount that could come up with the caravan?"
"Gods no. We would have to withdraw it from the treasury and send it to the Twins for our admittance." Cersei said in an aghast manner. "Both Robert and Father would sooner burn the Twins to the ground then such a notion."
"Huh… That seems a bit… extreme." Roxas said, walking alongside Cersei as they returned to the camp.
The two soon came back with Cersei breaking off to be with her children while Roxas went straight for the King and Hand who were standing at the entrance to the bridge.
"Hey guys. How were negotiations?" Roxas asked upon approach
"Same as always." Robert spat out. "At least they were quick about it this time around."
"How bad is it?"
"Nothing short of robbery." Robert growled. "Old bastard."
"There were some alternatives for a decreased price." Ned said.
"Like what?"
"Having some of his kin be squires or wards." Robert said. "I wasn't gonna have any of that."
"There were also marriage betrothals." Ned said with a voice that clearly vocalized his own disagreements on the matter.
The first time he did it, it was a verbal spat. Now though, Robert physically spat out a wad to indicate his own thoughts on the matter.
"Yeah… I remember Cersei talking about something like that earlier." Roxas mentioned. "But seriously, why would he want a betrothal as a payment for us crossing his bridge? Does he really want to spread influence like that?"
"Walder Frey is a conniving old prune that unfortunately still has his wits about him."
"Then what was the betrothal?"
"Having one of his sons marry my daughter." Robert growled out. "I'd rather raze the Twins to the ground than to see that happen."
"So then what are ya gonna do?" Roxas asked.
Robert sighed, hands on his hips.
"I didn't drink enough wine for this sort of thought." Robert muttered with an annoyed scoff. "Hefty sum of coin from the treasury as always."
"Geez, it can't be that ba-"
Roxas's senses went on high alert with his Keyblades flashing into his hands.
"We've got company!" Roxas yelled out for many to hear.
-Insert Kingdom Hearts 2: Sinister Shadows-
Around them, small orbs both near the ground and up in the air appeared and then replaced by multiple Soldiers and Surveillance Robots.
The Surveillance Robots were bronze-colored, funnel-shaped, mechanical Heartless with a diamond-shaped opening in it's front to expose it's glowing, yellow eyes. Two black, rectangular guns were mounted on either side of its body and said guns sported a silver, pyramidal spike on both ends. There is a silver ring which acts somewhat like a gyroscope hovering around it's base, despite not being connected to the Heartless. It had a silver spike on top of its head while it's signature emblem was just below the opening for its eyes.
"Ned, Robert, get back." Roxas commanded. "I'll take care of these guys."
"Seven Hells, are you jesting?!" Robert cried out, a manic gleam in the King's eyes. "I shall not let you fight these bastards alone."
And more seemed to arrive as other Heartless started coming out of the nearby forested areas. The guards of Lannisters and Baratheons had to scramble up to fight the Heartless yet the Northerners pulled out their blades that were coated with the Ironwood Resin and moved forward to fight as they had been taught.
"Robert." Ned said sharply. "We must regroup and form a defensive line with our men. Let Roxas handle these for the moment."
Robert grumbled as he was soon escorted by Ser Barristan and Jamie to safety.
Roxas quickly eyed the heartless that he faced, managing to count about three dozen for the time being but he knew more would show up. They always did.
Crouching low, Roxas sprung forth and glided above the ground with his Keyblade held back before horizontally slashing through several Soldiers running at him.
Throwing his left foot out to help him stop in mid lunge, he pivoted his body and spun rapidly to take out several more Soldiers.
His ears then picked up the familiar tell-tale signs of more portals appearing outside his range of vision, signifying more Heartless had shown up.
Tilting his head he saw more Soldiers now than before, running about and around him.
Getting back into his stance, Roxas's eyes darted around with his head turning to see which Heartless would make the first go at him.
His answer came in the form of two soldiers dashing at him.
Jumping into a flip, just as he was above the two, he swung his Keyblades in an upward diagonal fashion taking them out instantly. While still in the air, he right himself and struck a Surveillance Robot out with an overhead downward swing.
Landing, Roxas hissed and jolted as he felt a beam of energy strike him from behind.
Going into a roll, Roxas looked back and up to see a Surveillance Robot hovering overhead with a circle of hard light projectiles surrounding its small form. It fired off these projectiles at rapid speed with Roxas dodging and weaving towards it.
Just as it was about to fire upon him once more with its dual twin lasers, Roxas got behind it and jumped for it. Snagging it out of the air and holding it tightly, Roxas used his strength to thrust the Surveillance Robot around as it blasted it's fellow Heartless. Once it was over, he tossed it away before striking the mechanized Heartless down.
Roxas turned to face the next set of Heartless when he felt something whiz by his ear. He glanced behind him to see an arrow embedded into the ground, his head then snapping up to the ramparts of the Twins.
"Great, of course they'd be up there." Roxas muttered.
These new Heartless wore dark clothing with their emblem on their chest, curled toed shoes and twin tailed hats. Their white gloved hands pulled back on their bow strings in order to let loose a volley of arrows against them all before reloading from the quivers on their backs.
They were about to fire more arrows and though Roxas was ready to deflect them all, the presence of the other Heartless still around him forced him to turn away and face the Soldiers and Surveillance Robots nearby.
Back in the camps, Ned had taken most of the command responsibility seeing how he has had the most experience and knowledge in these enemies though Robert aided not wanting to sit this one out in the slightest. The two had once fought Unversed together, this time would be no different.
Roxas all the while continued to plow through the Heartless on the bridge, having to dodge reigning arrows all the while yet some managed to get some solid hits on him.
Those archer Heartless were proving to be more annoying then he had originally thought.
Slicing through another Soldier, Roxas turned up to face a Surveillance Robot when he noticed something. The Surveillance Robot hovered just in the same line of sight as to where Roxas could see the ramparts.
The same ramparts that suddenly were devoid of Heartless, with hearts flying up into the sky then disappearing a moment later.
Then, without warning a black blur crashed down into the center of the bridge with its impact creating a shockwave that destroyed some Heartless while sending a few others flying.
Roxas turned his gaze to whoever it was that arrived, noticing a particularly large weapon embedded into the bridge. The man stood up, pulling his sword out of the wood and held it by his side and surveyed the area.
The new arrival was an interesting fellow as he wore nothing but strange black clothing. It seemed appropriate to wear if he was in the North, but down here was out of the ordinary.
He wore a high collar richly dark indigo shirt, black pants and boots and a black cloth covering both his left arm and leg. There was a shoulder pauldron on his left shoulder and his chest is covered by two straps, both held in place by a badge with a wolf holding onto some sort of dangling ring; which matched an earring of similar design. He wore leather gloves with his right arm showing a black cloth reaching up to his elbow. And on his back lied a peculiar looking sword holster.
Speaking of sword, the one the arrival wielded was suffice to say… large. Larger than the size of the man itself. And if it was of any indication, it was also thick as there seemed to be some odd layering of several blades seemingly fused together.
And much like Roxas, the man was almost mistaken as a Lannister due to his wild, yet spikey golden blond hair. And his eyes seemed unnaturally blue. But if you were to look closer, there were flecks and an outline of the richest of greens.
"You… I know you."
The taller blond looked over to the Keyblader before wearing a questionable expression.
He recognized the black coat the younger boy wore, given he saw it back where he lived at before coming here. He recognized the weapons he bore as well.
But when looking at his face, one thing was spoken.
"Why do you look like Sora?"
Roxas practically choked when hearing this.
"Uh… er… that's a bit of a long story." Roxas stammered out. "Let's just say he and I are… related in a manner of speaking."
"Are you a member of that Organization XIII Sora mentioned?"
"...I defected… Cloud."
The swordsman from Radiant Gardens hummed in thought, his piercing blue eyes locked on with Roxas's own set with the two entering into a brief war of wills before Cloud nodded in acceptance.
"We'll need to talk after all this is done." Cloud said, hefting his blade and grasping its handle with both hands.
"Right. Names Roxas."
"Seems to me you already know my name." Cloud remarked.
"I'll explain later." Roxas quickly said. "Think you can handle these, Cloud?"
"Probably if more show up." Cloud stated, holding his Fusion Sword out at the ready. "Are all you Keyblade wielders so cocky?"
"When we're that damn good."
The corner of Cloud's lips twitched upward before dying down quickly.
Both were back to back for a brief moment until they launched themselves forward at the surrounding Heartless, cutting, slashing, slicing and dicing right through them.
The two pronged assault by the two seasoned warriors had taken out all the Heartless in a mere matter of minutes.
When everything seemed to settle down, an odd quake shook the bridge. Both sword wielders braced themselves as water exploded from down below. Gold objects shot out of the Green Fork River and sailed directly towards their direction.
Diving out of the way, Roxas and Cloud avoided the objects striking them down as they left cracks and indents into the toll bridge.
Getting back up, they saw the objects start to float and come together to form into a Heartless they were familiar with.
It resembled that of a Guard Armor with different pieces of armor being sentient in nature. Yet instead of the dark purples, blues and reds they were familiar with; this one was primarily gold in color with some orange and red with a blue chest plate in order to help highlight the Heartless emblem.
-Insert Final Fantasy 7 REMAKE: Those Who Fight Further-
"And now there's this guy." Cloud muttered, at the ready with his weapon as was Roxas.
"Here we go."
Right behind the two, a dark spark erupted into a black fire that formed a barrier, separating the two from all the others dealing with their own group of Heartless.
The Golden Guard Armor's entire body lurched forward as it began its attack on the two, its two legs stomping forward while releasing small shockwaves.
Roxas jumped up, Keyblades clashing with the Armor's golden arms that shot forward to meet him in midair.
Cloud swung his Fusion Sword with a spinning horizontal slash that knocked away the leg pieces that were stomping over at him. They flew through the air, clattering on the ground yet the main chest piece, head and arms remained "attached" together with Roxas smacking away the arms.
Cloud then struck upward, cleaving away the left arm before Roxas swatted the way the right.
The Golden Guard Armor responded instantaneously by rapidly spinning its body. What the two did not expect was the winds that it was kicking up would actually be able to inflict damage upon the two, knocking them away.
Skidding to a halt, both combatants righted themselves upon the bridge while witnessing the winds produced by the spinning chest piece suck its missing limbs back into place.
"Ok, looks like he won't be as easy of a cakewalk as we thought." Cloud stated, large sword resting on his shoulders.
"We'll need to take out the limbs first then." Roxas noted.
Seeing the Heartless' feet stomping across the bridge, Cloud stated the obvious. "The boots are the first to go."
The two blondes rushed forward and maneuvered away from the rapid stomp attacks. Each attacked a different armored boot whether it was hacking away on the surface to backing away and casting a variation of a Fire or Thunder spell. Soon enough, things became rinse and repeat for them.
Having to contend with the other parts of the body, Roxas dodge rolled out of the way from the arms that began spinning about in hopes of distancing itself from its attackers. Once more, the winds were whipped up though Roxas and Cloud were ready for it this time.
Instinctually, Roxas used the reversal technique to duck and weave through the blades of the winds and the metallic arms to get closer to his targeted boot whilst Cloud literally cut through the razor winds with his oversized blade, lunging and gliding forward at his own target.
Channeling power into his weapon, making it seem like it's surface was burning, Cloud spun in the air and sliced through his assigned boot in a corkscrew-like fashion before bringing his Fusion Sword down in a cleaving fashion. The large heated sword went through the armored boot and disbursed it into darkened vapors.
Roxas all the while surged forward into a whirling double bladed slash with his Keyblades glowing as the boot he cut through vanished.
With both of it's armored feet no longer present, the Golden Guard Armor did something rather out of the ordinary from the rest of it's type of Heartless.
The Armor held its hands up with its open palms being aimed at its opponents when small orbs of energy appeared in the center of its hands.
"Move!" Cloud shouted with him and Roxas leaping away as energy beams were fired at the two.
The attack missed them, yet it collided against the Water Tower situated in the middle of the Frey toll bridge. Large pieces of stone broke off and crumbled to the Green Fork River below. And by the end of this, almost a quarter of the tower remained.
"Oh that's not good." Roxas muttered.
"Not important right now."
"You say that now…"
"Come on, we've got a Heartless to take care of." Cloud had energy surging around him, calling upon his power. A burst of light followed by a small hop into the air lead to Cloud gliding right around the Guard Armor before flying forth and his sword smashing into the chest piece. The Gold Guard Armor flew through the air in a rag doll like manner.
It was for that bit of airtime did Roxas think his fighting companion had a singular leather wing attached to his back. But it could just be him.
As the central chest piece and helmet were being bombarded by Cloud's onslaught, the gauntlets were acting all on their own. The fingers on the left hand seemed quite erratic while the right bore signs of stress, wanting to unleash all the hatred it bore.
Both armors clenched their fists, darkness shrouding them when they reared back before launching at Cloud with a smoking stream of darkness left in their wakes. Cloud was so busy with his barrage, he didn't realize the two fists coming his way.
Roxas jumped to intercept and defend Cloud yet one of them adjusted its trajectory and went for the Keyblade wielder instead. Reacting fast, Roxas threw his Keyblades up in a defensive X-cross with the gauntlet crashing against the metal with Roxas flying down to the bridge and his feet practically cracking wood beneath him on impact as he held back the fist.
This loud clash distracted Cloud momentarily, he looked back which got him blindsided by the other gauntlet with it striking him away.
The Gauntlets returned back to the main armor, readying its next attack.
A large ball of dark energy formed in the animated gauntlet's palms before it was launched at the pair. They dodged the attack, but to their surprise it seemed to bounce off the bridge's surface and head straight towards the other gauntlet. It was flicked back and went back towards Cloud and Roxas. Both dodged again and the process seemed to repeat itself as the dark ball got faster and faster.
Deciding to hold his ground, Roxas brought his Keyblades in an X-cross formation to perform an intercepted block. He grunted out before exerting much strength to send the attack back at one of the gauntlets. It was unprepared for this, causing the attack to explode upon contact.
Smoke surrounded the one gauntlet before it blew away with it shaking all over to clear the air. It rocketed towards Roxas and slapped the Keyblader away from the bridge, leaving Cloud all by himself against them.
Wanting to return back, Roxas focused his vision on the animated gauntlets with a small aura surrounding him. He soon zoomed across the air, struck one of the Heartless hands and let loose a barrage of attacks.
What he hadn't expected was the chest piece and head of the Golden Guard Armor barreling right into him from behind with Roxas falling and tumbling hard onto the ground.
"Kid!" Cloud shouted out, glaring as he rushed at the Guard Armor that was hovering over the greater Nobody.
Power surging through him once power, Cloud let out a battle cry as he flew forward to deliver a powerful Cross-Slash that struck the chest piece hard. It was rattled greatly, yet the head reared back in a slingshot like fashion and rocketed forth at Cloud who barely got his large sword up in time to defend himself.
The impact of the head meeting the sword was still strong enough to send the swordsman back and away from the main body.
Meanwhile, Roxas shakily got back up though he only had Oblivion in hand as Oathkeeper was unfortunately knocked away from his hand. He could call it back easily but he hesitated momentarily.
Roxas needed an edge on this fight and what he currently had wasn't cutting it.
What he needed was to change things up.
Remembering the token he received from the Crypts of Winterfell, he quickly applied it onto his Oblivion Keyblade. Soon the dark weapon was switched out with a new one added into his arsenal.
The Keyblade present in his grasp was quite unique in its appearance as it vaguely looked like a shortened version of the Stark Valyrian steel greatsword, Ice. Yet the handle was replaced with a dark grey hexagon encircling guard around the leather covered handle. At the end of the rippling blade was the direwolf emblem of House Stark forming the weapon's teeth. The token was also that of House Stark's sigil. And coming off the blade itself was a cold mist interacting with the warmed air.
'Let's see what you can do… Winter's Howl.' He thought, charging forward and struck the armored Heartless with his new Keyblade alongside the recalled Oathkeeper.
Oathkeeper performed the usual amount of damage, yet his new weapon seemed to surprise him. In each occasion strike he successfully delivered, a layer of frost formed on the Heartless' metal surface. It would become enough with the frost spreading further out and slowing the opponent little by little.
Roxas exhaled, with his breath being visible signifying the cold that began radiating more and more as he struck the Heartless with his new Keyblade.
In response to his barrage, the Golden Guard Armors hand swatted at Roxas with it once more smacking Oathkeeper out of his hand. Said Keyblade disappeared in flecks of white lights soon after.
Glaring irritably, Roxas was getting annoyed entirely with this Heartless feeling power well within him which seemed to resonate with his new Keyblade.
It felt as though the new Keyblade was howling with the many seasons and years of winter embodying it to its core.
Winter's Howl is an apt name for his newest Keyblade.
Airborne, Roxas focused and aimed Winter's Howl at the Golden Guard Armor pieces. Flecks of icy light formed and condensed at the new Keyblade's tip before being unleashed for a Shotlock attack. The icy orb of light exploded with miniature direwolf heads sailed across the sky with howls filling the air before colliding against the large Heartless. Upon contact, a thick layer of ice formed around their opponent as it crashed onto the bridge's surface.
The Golden Guard Armor was stunned with Roxas sensing an opportunity to finish this off.
"Roxas!"
A sentiment which appeared to be shared by Cloud as he saw the swordsman rise up from the other side of the Guard Armor, his wing out and energy swirling around him.
Reeling Winter's Howl back, he chucked the Keyblade forward before running after it.
The Stark Direwolf teeth proceeded to come to life, growling and expanding rapidly before it burst into five separate pieces that reshaped itself in midair and flew right back into Roxas.
Two struck his legs and ankles with the metal molding itself into greaves and boots that shined with a pristine silver and white glows with the tips of his new boots having four wolf claws jutt out.
His hands and wrists were then encased with it forming into a pair of strong gauntlets that morphed around his hands with claws at his fingertips, sharing the same color of the boots.
The last piece shaped itself around Roxas's head with it forming into the helm of a slicker version of the snarling Direwolf of the Starks, the helmet fitting itself perfectly onto the Nobody's head.
'Well this is new.' Roxas internally mused, beginning to sprint faster with a trail of ice, frost and snow in his wake as all five of his new armament pieces radiated a brilliant white color which contrasted with Cloud's light and darkness.
That mattered little to the two as they both leapt forward at the Golden Guard Armor that had recovered in time to throw its hands up in defense.
Roxas and Clouds eyes' gleamed as the two utterly destroyed the two arms and went for the centerpiece and head.
Roxas's new claws sharpened, being encased in ice yet still being able to move freely. He growled, with it matching that of a Direwolf as he began to rapidly claw at the Guard Armor with his slashes and gashes leaving trails of ice upon the body.
As if heating the air, Cloud's Fusion Sword left a visible mark as he made a series of slashes. From a downward strike, an angled upward and one reflecting from the other side to form a highlighted glyph. With the Omnislash glyph finally made, the Golden Guard Armor was suddenly struck from all sides with deep gashes into it's metal hide.
This dual onslaught continued for far too long from the perspective of the Heartless, the rate of the two enemies making it impossible to concede and vanish.
Until, finally, the attacks stopped.
Cloud landed where Roxas had stood with his sword down to his side, facing the ground whilst Roxas skidded on all four limbs in a near wolf-like stance as he whirled about with his eyes trailed on the Guard Armor.
The Golden Guard Armor hovered there, unmoving until at last it crashed down to the ground with its head rolling away from the chest piece that began to glow at the emblem.
A bright flash later, and the two blonds were met with the familiar sight of a large glowing heart floating up into the air before disappearing.
Roxas sighed, standing up to his full height sharing a look of appreciation with Cloud as the larger swordsman strode over to him with his wing receding back into his body.
"Good look you got there." Cloud commented.
"Thanks." Roxas held up his gauntlets in slight awe. "I didn't know Keyblades could do something like this."
The odd Keyblade armor he bore was soon encompassed with a flash of light before it reformed back into the Stark-themed Keyblade in his grasp.
"This will take some getting used to." He thought out loud, inspecting his new Keyblade a bit more. Moreso wondering how that transformation even occured."
"So~" Cloud rested his large sword on his shoulder. "Who are you really?"
"Er… That's a bit of a complicated answer." Roxas admitted.
Before an in-depth conversation can take place between them, a loud series of steps came up towards them from one side of the bridge.
"Can we put a raincheck on that?" Asked the Keyblader, which the older blonde merely nodded.
"Roxas!" Ned Stark was leading the small group that was coming from the bridge entrance when he stopped before the two. "Are you… al… right?"
Ned paused with his eyes trailing onto the other tall blond standing beside Roxas with his eyes narrowed when he inhaled sharply feeling his heart stop.
"Ventus?" Ned asked in disbelief with Robert that had stood beside him sharply turning his head to his best friend. "Is.. that…"
"Huh?" Cloud tilted his head, looking to Roxas who shared his look. "Who are you talking about? Do we know each other?"
"B-but…."
"Wait a moment, Ned." Robert cut in. "He may look like him a lot but this ain't Ventus. Look at his hair, jawline and all. And where on Earth could he have gotten a sword that large?"
After taking a moment to look over Cloud more properly this time, Ned realized the King was right as this indeed wasn't the friend they once knew.
Roxas in the meantime took a second to look over Cloud and as he thought on it, he was rather surprised at how much of a resemblance he has with the Swordsman now that he thought about it.
"Begging your pardon, ser, but who might you be?" Ned inquired.
"Not from around here, that's for sure." Was Cloud's blunt comment. "But if you want my name, it's Cloud Strife."
Robert rose a quizzical brow when processing the name. "Cloud Strife? What a silly name that is. Did your mother name you Cloud so you may reach her expectations?"
The swordsman from Radiant Gardens narrowed his eyes on the Westerosi king.
"And what's your name supposed to be? Pork loins so you could feed your family during the Winter?" Cloud shot back.
Robert's nostrils flared with his face turning beat red while many openly gaped at the sheer audacity at the man's comments.
"What are you trying to say here, Strife?" Robert said in a low, menacing growl.
"That you're fat." Cloud dryly said, completely unintimidated by the King's piercing glare.
"Robert." Ned said cautiously, noticing the Baratheon begin to fume.
Just when they thought the King was about to explode, he instead burst out with a roaring laugh.
"Pork Loin?!" Robert repeated, bellowing with laughter. "I figured I had that coming after making that rude comment about your mother. I like this fellow."
Many starred with ever more opened mouthed gapes whilst Ned let out a tired sigh, yet even he could hardly contain his growing smirk opting to hide it behind his hand.
Roxas was a bit bewildered by the response yet Cloud smirked in amusement, shaking his head.
"Pathetic." Was all Cloud muttered out.
Soon a small army of Frey men arrived from the other side of the bridge. Each had their swords drawn, trying to be intimidating towards the two blond swordsmen.
"We will need you two to come with us." One of the Frey guards said, eyeing the large sword held by the taller blond with great trepidation.
Cloud was the one to voice the surrounding thought. "What for?"
-In the Twins' Eastern Keep-
"You have much to answer for." Growled the Lord of the Crossing, Walder Frey. A man who was in his nineties, but looked more like he was in his late sixties or early seventies.
Standing in the middle of the two floor great meeting hall of the Eastern Keep were Roxas, Cloud, Robert and Ned while Ser Barristan and Ser Jamie stood some feet back in order to protect their king, his Hand, the Keyblader and the new arrival. On each side of the room on it's base level sat many of Lord Walder's court, consisting of the more prominent members of his family line and of their spawn respectively; true born and bastard alike. Everyone else of his family was out and doing their duties on either chores or manning the patrols.
In how this section of the entire keep was designed and built, it was practically a throne room.
"I don't understand what you mean." Roxas innocently said.
Sitting on his carved great oak throne with his House sigil shaped into it's back, which was big enough for two people to sit in, the old weasel stared down at arguably the most powerful teenager in all the realm.
"Don't play dumb, boy. You broke my bridge." Was Lord Walder's response before eying Cloud. "You as well."
"What the hell did I do?" Cloud asked in a bored tone.
"Don't play coy with me, boy." Walder snapped, banging his fist on the table. "You assisted him, that's what."
"Assisted him in taking down the giant Heartless that would have leveled your keep?" Cloud asked condescendingly. "Yeah, that's a real crime I did there. Roxas, find me when this is over. I got no time to deal with this old prune."
"Uh…" Roxas watched Cloud watch out with some moving to block him yet they were all promptly shoved away with the flat side of Cloud's sword. "Right. Sure can do that… thing."
Robert leaned over to Ned and whispered. "Despite first impressions, I think I might like that Strife fellow."
Ned merely rolled his eyes in response.
"Fucking idiots." Walder cursed, barking out. "Well? What do you have to say for yourselves after damaging the ancient House Frey's prestigious bridge?"
"We were fighting a giant Heartless monster that would have destroyed your entire home and could have killed you all." Roxas argued back, feeling rather peeved at the old man's attitude. "These things are destructive, shit breaks sometimes."
"Ah~ But how was I too know that this wasn't some mere grand scheme of you luring these beasties at our doorsteps only for you to swoop in and play the hero?" Lord Frey sneered, demeanor mocking and condescending. "If you think you could accomplish that little spectacle and walk across this bridge without paying the full toll then you truly are as green as a boy as you look."
"You forget yourself, father." Came a voice from one side of the room.
"Who asked you?" Snapped Lord Walder towards one of his sons. "Are you Lord Frey? Last time I checked, you're not as I'm still alive. Now shut up."
"Father, please."
The old weasel looked to the other side of the room and snapped again. "And you shut up as well, bastard. Do I look like I need lessons in courtesy?"
Even though no one voiced it, everyone in the "throne room" thought yes.
"I would take great care with how you speak to Roxas." Ned stepped forward, sending out a cold glare at Walder that made the old Lord give pause. "We have already negotiated a price and term and this boy here went through great turmoil in keeping your home safe."
"Show some fucking gratitude, you old cunt." Robert grizzled out, sharing in Ned's opinion on the matter.
Walder bristled at these comments, with him simmering down for the briefest of moments.
As much as he wanted to shout back, here before him stood the two men who overthrew a 300 year old dynasty and a boy that had just defeated a towering monster he never would have thought to have seen in his long life. Huffing, Walder leaned back with his arms cross yet sneer remained firmly in place.
"Then it appears we are at an impasse, My King, Lord Hand." Walder remarked with a taunting leer. "You wish to cross my bridge yet it is damaged. As King and protector of the realm, I demand compensation and justice for this action."
Robert merely looked at the aged Lord of the Crossing like he was out of his mind.
"Compensation?" Robert repeated the word mockingly. "Don't you remember what fucking happened earlier? Roxas and this Strife fellow saved your damn home from becoming splinters and your very lives. That's payment enough, you greasy old fart."
Walder shifted his gaze from the Westerosi king before regarding the boy with a glare when his expression changed into a more sinister grin.
"Ah~ Then it appears I have been going about this all wrong." Walder said as if he had an epiphany.
This caused the three before him to stare in confusion.
"It is not you, my King, whom I should be demanding compensation for." Walder said simply. "It should be that young boy that shall be the one to pay for it himself."
This caught Ned and Robert off guard with Roxas giving off a flabbergasted look.
"What does that mean?" Roxas asked with a challenging tone.
"Nothing good," Ned muttered, "that's for sure."
"Why it's simple." Walder said with a broad, nasty smile. "I see now that you are quite the exceptional young man and will only grow in presence and influence if you perform these heroic actions," the manner in which Walder said this word made Robert hold back his urge to punch that old Cunt dead. "I'll wave the fee for you and everyone else with you to pass my bridge… if you marry one of my daughters or granddaughters."
Silence filled the room with Roxas blinking in surprise, Ned looking aghast, Barristan and Jamie being surprised and Robert-
"FUCK NO!" Robert bellowed in complete and utter rage startling Walder to the point that he nearly fell out of his chair. He startled everyone really.
Save for Ned. He was honestly surprised how he was still used to this even after not hearing it for nine years.
Right now though, the words of House Baratheon were well and present in the form of one Robert Baratheon as the King stormed up to Walder's table with the old man cowering back.
"He's not marrying one of your weasley spawn, Frey." Robert growled out. "You shall not deny him a greater joy to come."
Somehow, Walder managed to utter out. "And why is that?"
"By marrying my daughter, that's what!" Robert yelled. "He is betrothed to my dear Myrcella and he shall become a future prince!"
Once again, silence filled the chamber. Instead of directing attention towards Lord Walder, it was right at the Westerosi king.
It seemed like forever when this was spoken with the awkwardness being so thick one can practically cut it with a sword.
"WHAT?!" Roxas exploded out. "When the hell was this decided?!"
"On the road." Robert said as if it were the most casual thing in the world. "I knew that a boy like yourself Roxas would have betrothals thrown at you from every corner of the Seven Kingdoms. So I would give out a decree that would silence all who would attempt this matter."
For his part, Ned was saddened as things ended up this way. He had fought long and hard in order to change Sansa's betrothal from Joffrey to Roxas. Yet this took a drastic turn with the Keybearer becoming the subject of bachelorhood as he was put into the royal arrangement behind his back. No one else till now, except for himself, Robert and Cersei, knew of this bit of information.
Ned hoped to keep this silent a little longer, hoping to change the betrothal arrangements faster than anticipated.
Now?
'Robert.' The Hand and Warden thought with great frustration. 'Have you no idea what you have done? Sansa… I'm sorry.'
He knew his eldest daughter will be devastated once this reaches her ears. And what friendship she formed with the princess will no doubt become strained like their fathers.
Barristan looked towards his fellow Kingsguard member and couldn't help but flinch when seeing the odd mixture of emotions radiating off of him. From surprise, sadness, anger and many others that were hard to describe.
Robert rounded on Walder Frey once more, radiating unshakable and undisputable anger.
"This matter is done." Robert seethed. "We have given you your payments and Roxas has done your House and lands a great service with his Heroic Actions that assure the continuation of your lineage. Be thankful of that you fucking old bastard lest you face the King's Justice for breaking your word, oath and deal."
Without needing to say anymore words, Robert whirled round and promptly exited the room with Barristan following after him while leaving many within the hall rather shell shocked for a few seconds.
None more so than Roxas himself.
Ned sighed, placing a hand upon the silent Nobody and guiding him out of the hall with the boy still not recovering from the news.
Oh these next few days would be troublesome to say the least.
-End Chapter-
Winter's Howl Keyblade: received from Lyanna's grave at the Crypts of Winterfell.
Howling Wolf: Keyblade transformation takes inspiration from Beowulf Devil Arm from Devil May Cry series with ice related abilities.
Fangs of the Pack: Winter's Howl's Shotlock attack which several ethereal direwolf heads seek out any and all locked on opponents. They encase their target in ice to some degree.
Every other successful strike leads to frost build up on the enemy, slowing them down from the cold. Yet this might not occur if opponents have some forms of ice resistance.
AN:
This was quite good on the development.
And boy times lately have been stressful for everyone. So many people are stuck at home and hardly doing anything outside. Whether it's eating out properly, going to see movies or even going to a library of all places. Not to mention schools are essentially closed for the rest of the semester… except for online classes; which is really not all that great.
Free Man Writer: Yeah… it's crazy how as much as our jobs are annoying it's the only way we can get out of our houses and not go stir crazy. Lucky high schoolers and elementary school kids get to relax while college kids…. Not so much. But anyway, aside from that everyone else is home.
Jeb: And with various workplaces, everyone's hours and pay are affected, which freaking sucks. Hell I'm suffering it as well that despite me still working my normal… overtime hours, my wage is cut. Granted it's for a temporary time and it's quite understandable with the current pandemic across the globe.
FMW: So, other than all that dreary news so happy we finally got to Cloud's introduction chapter in the story. Him being missing from KH3 and most other Kingdom Hearts game and lore has been a huge missed opportunity as well as the other Final Fantasy elements and characters that were sorely and all but gone within KH3 as a whole save for the Keyblade War aftermath in the search for Sora (Spoilers). So yeah, lot of crazy shit to come guys.
Jeb: We'll get into how he got into Planetos in the first place very soon along with other discussions; given what we dropped at the end.
Anyways, be sure to review this story guys! Would like the criticisms. Please and thank you!
R&R
-Omake-
"Are you going to pay for the damages or not?"
Robert and Ned wanted to refute as they knew Roxas had no way of paying back such damages. He had no large treasury, to their knowledge, to help make that happen.
"Depends on how much we're talking about." Came Roxas' response to Lord Frey.
Before the old weasel could give an estimated amount, the Keybearer pulled out his Munny Pouch.
"You expect to believe you have all the coin I require on hand?"
The greater Nobody didn't say anything, merely unclasping the pouch's top and turning it upside down. Once shaking just a little bit, several coins started coming out.
From the outside of the Eastern Keep, several Frey guards were doing their patrol when they heard something loud coming from Lord Frey's "throne room". They were about to rush over to inspect when they saw something gold glittering coming out of the windows.
It was just an odd bit of imagination, it had to be.
When opening up the door to get inside, they were suddenly thrust back and buried in a large wave of gold dragon coins, silver stags and copper pennies.
Back inside of the "throne room", everyone scrambled towards the surface and breathed in a large intake of air.
Sitting on top of it all, Roxas gave Lord Frey a pleased look.
"Would this suffice?"