A/N: Please read this note, would you kindly? Bit of a longer one this time, but please bear with me.
EDIT: Made some minor tweaks and improvements during my break.
Here you go, massive chapter. *collapses from exhaustion*
I'm still sick, but still writing. Aches and shakes making my fingers tremble. Breathing's a bit better today...for the time being.
I did my best to make this particular update LONG AS BLOODY POSSIBLE, while lending it the air of game of thrones episode. Hopefully I succeeded. Now, then! Tywin Lannister is finally HERE and he absolutely dominates this chapter. I hope you're prepared; this chapter's absolutely massive and its got a bit of everything.
Lastly, well dang, last chapter was insanely popular. More than one hundred bloody reviews?! Didn't expect that.
If by some miracle this story actually makes it to four hundred fifty reviews this month -unlikely but possible given its April- I'll update early again. Until then, I've many other categories to update. Genshin, Demon Slayer, Elden Ring, RWBY, Arcane and the like. Slifer's dealing with some personal issues I'd rather not air here atm, Ronin's back but in recovery, and Dylan's working on Spider, while the Patient One is helping with Wordplay, which leaves me with up the bulk of the workload on other stories.
I also had an odd request the other day, someone asked me to take Twyin Lannister (adult) and put him RWBY. I'm mentioning it everything I post, to see what folks think of it it, even if I'm trying to resist that idea. It would be entertaining...hell, I could see him taking over the SDC before Jacques ever got his mitts on it. What would that make? LDC? Hmm...
So, onward, I suppose.
As my fifteen year anniversary on this site draws near, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.
Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. The recent earthquake in Turkey/Syria serves as a terrible example. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.
Only a few questions this time:
Q: Waitaminute...a red egg?! Is that egg who I think it is?! It IS a real egg, right? Did HE reincarnate, too?!
A: *zips lips*
Q: What's the final pairing?
A: At this point the pairing hotly contested. Some say yay for Cersei, some say nay. We're getting down to the wire!
Q: Hoping to see a more mellow Tywin since Joanna's still around.
A: Well, Tywin is still...Tywin, just not quite as monstrous. Heck, he still smiles.
Q: Will Robert still sit the throne by the end of this? Will we still have the Game of Thrones?
A: Now, now, that would be telling.
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; holidays are HERE 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.
Alright, I've kept you waiting long enough, methinks. Enough of this old man's rambling; you're here for a story, and a timeskip at that. Hope you're prepared.
Once more, I own nooooo references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one. Nope. They're simply tributes to legends far greater than I.
Once more, a reminder to one and all. Naruto's Westerosi name remains Nathaniel.
Joanna prefers to call him Naruto, but she's the only one who truly does.
Timeline is a little skewed here, but hey, that makes things...fun.
Minor verbatim from season four~!
"What have I told you? The lion does not concern himself with the opinions of the sheep."
"No? What of dragons, then? Does the lion concern himself with them? Or does he wait for an opportune moment to strike?"
"You're learning."
"Of course I am. I had a good teacher."
~Tywin and Naruto.
Protect the Family
The Martells came to Castery Rock soon after Tyrion's birth.
Oberyn Martell and his sister Elia Martell, to be precise. By the dazed look in their eyes Naruto knew it was their first time away from Dorne, and neither brother nor sister seemed overmuch fond of anything; not the food, not the weather, not their strange accents, nothing. Not even their own lord father who brought them here in the first place.
He couldn't blame them; the man had gone off do discuss business with Tywin and left the four of them here in the sitting room to "bond" as he put it.
Which left them at a bit of an impasse, you see. They were only children. No one knew what to do. Or say, for that matter...
.
..
...well, he did, but he'd prefer not to show his hand just yet.
In truth, he found himself empathizing with the plight of the wayward Martell siblings. They looked lost and wholly out of their depth. He'd never been to Dorne, but he expected his reaction would be much the same if he visited their kingdom. King's Landing was...crowded to be sure, yet it was nothing compared to the searing heat of the real South.
Jaime leaned over to whisper in his ear. "They certainly seem friendly."
He elbowed his older brother in the ribs. "Be nice. Where's Cersei?"
"With mother." came the sigh. "Where else would she be?"
Naruto winced despite his best efforts. Of course. Cersei disdained such matters. Anyone who isn't us is an enemy, as she was often so fond of saying. She'd only grown more terse these past few weeks. Joanna's survival had been a near thing during Tyrion's birth, and she'd has never truly gotten over that. Time mended all wounds, but for now her pain was still fresh. She would take awhile to adjust. Until then, he'd need to keep an eye on her...and Tyrion. He didn't think she might be that stupid, but her emotions always ran hot where family was concerned.
Which left him and Jamie to deal with this. So be it. If no one would make the first move, he supposed it fell to him.
"I'm gonna talk to them."
Jaime didn't bother to hide his grin. "Father won't like that.
Oh yes, he could imagine him saying something to that effect: "I didn't raise you to be this foolish."
Tywin Lannister was a force to be reckoned with; at home or abroad, even with his family. But what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. He caught the Martell siblings staring his way, plastered a winning smile across his face, and radiating confidence, walking their way. Jamie followed and let him do the talking, bless his soul.
"Welcome to the Rock." he offered his right hand. "I'm Nathaniel."
Oberyn and Elia exchanged a glance between themselves.
Naruto kept smiling.
These days it was all too easy to slip into the guise of "Nathaniel Lannister" rather than Naruto Uzumaki. Sometimes he made a game of it, seeing how long he could keep up the act and charm those around him. Oh, he loved his new family, make no mistake, but it was still a bit of a lurch sometimes when he thought of it.
The irony wasn't lost on him.
In his first life he'd been born to nothing. He'd clawed his way to the top with nothing but grit. Naruto Uzumaki became powerful, but he didn't have true power or influence until nearly the end. Now as Nathaniel Lannister, son of Tywin Lannister he had wealth, influence, power. Son to the second most powerful man in all of Westeros...while retaining nearly all of his abilities from his first life. The world was his oyster.
It wasn't quite the same. He missed Kurama, missed him more than words.
Surely he was out there somewhere in this brave new world. He had to be. And he would find him-
A stray breeze tugged at his face, drawing him back to the present. Someone had clasped his hand while he was lost in his head. Oberyn, no doubt. Tywin said was a bold one...
.
..
...it is a great a pleasure to finally meet you, my lord." A smooth voice captured his ears. "Father speaks highly of you."
Heat shot up Naruto's neck, burning into his cheeks.
That voice did not belong Oberyn!
Sure enough, glanced to the right and found Jamie had led him away, striking up a conversation with him. Traitor! He should've known. He didn't like talking to any girl that wasn't Cersei.
Inevitably, his gaze was drawn back to Elia Martell.
He'd once heard Joanna describe her as, and, he quoted: " a gentle, good, and gracious girl, but also frail, due to her delicate health. Kind and clever, with a sweet wit."
Looking at her now, he could see that much. She was a pretty girl. Bright bemused eyes beamed back at him from a dark face framed by curtains of ebony black curls. Her smile held none of Cersei's venom. And that pale yellow dress flattered her. More than that, she seemed...nice. Not timid, and quite willing to chew him out if he wronged her somehow.
Right, right. Protocol. He raised their hands, fingers still intertwined, and kissed her knuckles. "My lady."
"Oh?" Elia Martel did not titter and flush, but rather laughed and arched a dark brow at him. "Is that how you Westerlanders greet a Dornishwoman?"
"It is how a proper lord greets a beautiful lady, yes." he couldn't quite hide the wry smile behind his retort; less so when she snorted. Sassy girl. He liked her already.
"Hmmhmm." Oberyn's sister lowered her hand, but didn't let go of his and wound up tugging his arm down with hers in the process as her eyes flitted up to meet his. "We've heard curious things about you in the South, Nathaniel Lannister. You live up to your reputation, I'll give you that."
He squeezed her hand. "Walk with me?"
"I believe I shall." Elia accepted with good grace, allowing him to lead her, pausing only to crane her neck and look back. "Oberyn? Can I trust you to behave yourself while I'm gone?"
Her brother snorted. "I could say the same of you, dear sister."
She rolled her eyes.
"Do you have anything like the Water Gardens here?"
"Water gardens?" he chuckled softly as they walked. "Now, we don't have one of those, but we do have a Stone Garden.
The Dornishwoman blinked at him. "How can a garden be made of stone?"
Naruto chuckled a little at her innocence. "Let me show you."
Down through the Rock he led her, into the very bowels of the keep. Elia proved herself both an amiable and inquisitive guest; filling the silence between them with questions as they continued their descent. At times, it seemed she wanted to know everything; did they still have lions in the keep? Was Lann the Clever real? Had they found Brightroar, their ancestral Valyrian-steel blade yet? It made for good conversation and he reveled in the chance to talk with someone new for the first time in months.
In nearly no time at all they reached their destination.
"Here we are." Naruto swept an arm out before himself. Take a look.
The Stone Garden was a Godswood, nestled in a cave within the Rock. It contained a twisted old Weirwood, whose tangled roots have almost filled the cave, choking out all other growth. The face carved within had its eyes open, unlike some, and those eyes almost seemed to stare their way now, observing the two of them.
Elia clutched at his hand shivered a little. He didn't. He found the old tree comforting. It always felt like something was watching over him here. Protecting him. He liked to come to this place when he was alone. It brought him small semblance of peace when his heart was troubled. Sometimes Mother joined him. Cersei had on occasion, before Tyrion was born. She'd prayed for a sister.
Instead she got a deformed little brother that nearly killed her mother, a sibling she seemed to hate with all her heart.
"So that's a Weirwood tree...
He looked her way. "You don't have them in Dorne?"
"We do not. Father says they cannot grow in the hot climate."
"What brings you this far west? Not that I'm complaining, mind you...
"Father decided it was high time Oberyn and I saw the other six kingdoms." Elia flicked a strand of dark hair out her eyes. "Casterly Rock is merely the third one stop of many. We've already been to both Storm's End and Highgarden."
Realization broke like the dawn over the Narrow Sea. Traveling this far meant one of two things. Either their father genuinely wished for Elia and Oberyn to see the rest of the continent, or and this was far more likely, they were touring the keeps of each kingdom for a far simpler reason. To get a better look at the sons and daughters of Westeros. That meant marriage pacts, both for Oberyn and Elia alike. Was that why they were here? To find paramours?
...were they after Jaime?
It made a twisted sort of sense, really. Jamie was heir to Casterly Rock and future Warden of the West. Not him. Why would anyone care about him? A second son was only ever a spare, after all. He shook the ugly thought off and smiled at Elia. "And how do you like the Kingdoms so far?"
"In the case of Storm's End?" she made a face. "Wet. Highgarden was greener, but Oberyn and I were not accustomed to the climate."
A thought occurred to him. He pounced upon it. "Well, if you dislike them, I wouldn't recommend King's Landing, then."
The princess of Dorne tilted her head just so. "And why not?"
"It smells of shit and half a million many people crammed in a small place." he rolled his shoulders in a shrug. "To say nothing of the criminals. Its no place to start a family, let alone rase children."
Elia blanched. "I'll keep that in mind.
"It'll only get colder as you go North, you know."
That earned him a cross look. "We have not been to Winterfell, yet. I do not think we will be. There is nothing for us there but snow and ice."
Ah, yes. He'd heard tales of the illustrious Starks. Grim bunch, they were. Had to be up there. Those Northerners didn't have time to play the Game; there wasn't any time for it. They were far too focused on survival. He almost envied them at times. A life almost free from endless politicking and dickering about at court. It sounded far simpler than the life he currently led.
Another thought nagged at him. "Is that only reason you came here?"
"Well," Elia confessed, "We were hoping to see the Imp while we were here in the West."
His blood ran cold. "Imp...?"
"Everyone's raving about your little brother." She barreled on, heedless of his sudden stillness. "They say he's a monster, that he has claws and scales."
His face closed down, all traces of emotions draining away. "And what do you think?"
"That I wish to see for myself." she huffed.
Naruto opened his mouth to retort.
A whisper caressed his ear.
"Approach."
It felt like...how could he describe it? A gentle breeze, warm wind caressing his very soul. Both pleasant and unpleasant at the same time.
He spun, startled by the sudden voice. "Did you hear that?"
Elia frowned at him, utterly baffled. "I heard nothing."
He shook his head. "I thought I heard a voice...
"Do not ignore this, Son of Fire."
There it was again. Something tickled his senses.
Inexorably, his gaze was drawn to the Weirwood tree.
"Approach." the voice -or voices?- were all but a command now. "You are needed."
Absurd. Trees didn't whisper. They certainly didn't talk...did they?
He edged close to the Weirwood. touched a hand to the pale, scarred bark.
In an instant he found himself falling.
He opened his eyes and saw. It was like looking into a cracked mirror. He saw and heard countless things at once, flashes of things that were and was, events that should and should not be. And he heard three words.
"Burn them all."
Aerys Targaryen shrieked of traitors and and turncoats from the Iron Throne. A lion broke bread with a snake and wolf and a dragon while King's Landing erupted in a plume of wildfire. A scarlet dragon egg was pressed into someone's hands. A great shadow fell over the capital. Kurama's laughter rang in his head. He heard the last gasps of a dying woman, the awful ring of steel striking steel amidst the screams of dying men. The wail of terrified children. Saw a sword plunged through the mad king's chest. Another swept in from the side, took his head clean off at the shoulders and sent it spinning across the floor.
"Burn them all!"
Someone climbed over the Mad King's corpses, lowered themselves onto the Iron Throne and sat there. He couldn't see their face. It was like looking at a shadow; the more he tried to focus, the more it seemed to shift and writhe before his eyes. A crown was placed upon the shadows. head. Men and women knelt before him as one. Ice crept in from the North, inching toward the capital. Dead men marched on living. They were met by light and dragons. And there, rising above it all, those damnable three words haunted him still:
"BURN THEM ALL!
"Nathaniel!" Someone grabbed him by the shoulder and yanked. Hard. "Snap out of it!"
Reality snapped back like a rubber band. Naruto he noticed Jaime and Oberyn standing nearby with a distraught Elia. His brother was gripping his left arm, fingers biting down hard enough to cause pain. When had they caught up to them? And why did he look so pale?
"What's wrong?" he squinted their way, not understanding why they all looked so distressed. "Why the long faces?"
"You've been staring at the Weirwood for the last hour." Jaime released his arm, "Elia had to come find us. What's gotten into you?"
Had he? How did he explain what he'd just seen? Did he even dare speak of it? They'd think him mad. The world already had one madman too many. A cursory glance at Elia only made him all the more concerned. Her fan face looked pale indeed, her eyes terribly wide. She was holding his hand again, but she'd been holding his hand when he touched the tree, hadn't she? What had she seen?
What indeed?
...just daydreaming, I guess." he shook himself free, mustered a smile he didn't feel, and stifled a yawn with the back of his hand. "Probably trained a little too much last night. Must've dozed off on my feet."
"Yes!" Elia seized on the change of topic with gusto, grasping at it like the lifeline it was. Something had rattled her. He wonder what it was. "I hear you're quite skilled with the spear."
Jamie barked a laugh, all too eager to forget what he'd seen. "Skilled, she says. That's putting it mildly. He nearly took my hand off yesterday."
Kurama would have howled with laughter were he still within him. Naruto settled for his own, strained though it was.
"I'm good with daggers, too." His smile became a grin. "The sword as well."
"Is that so?" He must've caught Oberyn's attention now; because Elia's brother slung an arm around his shoulder and drew him his way with a sly smile all his own. "Care to prove it?"
Ahhh, now they were speaking the same language. He squared his shoulders and returned his grin tenfold. "Is that a challenge? Wouldn't want to hurt that pretty face of yours."
A hand settled on his shoulder. "Come now, you are the second son of your family, while I am merely the third of mine. I'm sure they won't mind."
He quirked a blond brow his way. "They might mind when I knock you on your arse."
This time, Jaime didn't bother to hide his laugh.
Most little lordlings or lady's would've given up the goose then and there; cut their losses and called it a day. Oberyn was not most. He was a Prince of Dorne, perhaps even heir to Sunspear someday if he played his cards right. Any prince-to-be would be trained in combat. They must be, if only to defend themselves. And if Oberyn was offering him a duel...who was he to refuse? Real men let their fists doing the talking; or their weapons, if they were particularly keen on them.
"You might not be so fortunate...
Elia clicked her tongue at him. "Oberyn!"
"What?" he tutted at her. "I merely wish to see if your dear lion has claws."
She scoffed. "He isn't my dear anything, little brother!"
"Then why are you still holding his hand, sister?"
Jaime chuckled. "He has you there."
Elia couldn't free her hand fast enough. Her face had gone an alarming shade of red. Naruto started laughing. It was easy to lose himself in the byplay, the back and forth. To forget what he'd seen when he touched the tree. But he couldn't. Not completely. He didn't think he ever could, no matter how much he might wish otherwise.
"Found you~!"
Cersei came rushing down the steps leading to the Stone Garden. She took one look at his distraught expression, realized something was wrong, and launched herself at him. Slim arms wrapped around his head and drew him close to her. For once, he found himself grateful for her presence. Her clinginess, even. Strange was it might sound, he wanted to be held by someone in this instant. Cersei recognized that somehow, that something was bothered him, and he allowed it. Even if she was his sister.
.
..
...that gratitude faded when he saw Cersei's expression. His sister was smirking at Elia, wearing that insufferable little -I know something that you don't- grin he'd come to despise over the ears. It soured any lingering semblance of peace he might have felt.
"Why are you all hiding down here in the depths?" she tutted at the Martells. "Don't you want to see our baby brother?"
"Of course we do, lady Lannister." Oberyn replied. "But we didn't know the way to the nursery.
"Well, now you shall." she released him, turned and beckoned as though she were the queen herself. "Come. This way."
Naruto exchanged an uneasy look with Jaime. His brother shrugged helplessly. What else could he do?
Up they went once more, retracing their steps, the journey made in silence. No one spoke. No one dared; if only because they dreaded what might lay in wait ahead.
Soon enough, Cersei led them to the nursery. Mercifully, Naruto found no blood within. He could hear Tyrion in his little crib.
He immediately noted Joanna's absence, however. "Where's mother?"
"With the Septa." she replied primly. "Praying."
His eyes narrowed. "What're you up to?"
"Nothing at all, brother of mine." she cooed. Still smiling she turned to face the Martell siblings, grasping at the veil over. "Look at him." she unveiled the crib. "Behold our monster."
"...!"
Oberyn and Elia peered at him.
The latter gasped...not in shock or horrow, but sympathy.
"That's not a monster. That's a baby." Oberyn leaned in to get a better look and frowned. "His head may be a bit large, his arms and legs are small, but he's not a monster."
In that instant Naruto knew he'd be lifelong friends with him; to the last of his days. If he'd called Tyrion a monster he would've decked him.
"It doesn't matter." Cersei sneered, heedless to their byplay. "He nearly killed my mother. Everyone says he will die soon. I hope they're right." she reached in and pinched his nose shut, drawing a distressed cry from the poor babe. "He shouldn't not have lived this long."
CRACK.
...why did his hand hurt so much?
Naruto looked down. Jaime gasped and he belatedly he saw why; his arm was extended, knuckles clenched into a fist. There was blood on his hands. He didn't remember moving. Just a flash of anger.
Cersei stumbled back, gaping girlishly at him as she clutched at her bloody nose. "Little brother...you...you hit me! How dare you?!"
Anger sparked again. His fist unclenched and his arm moved.
CRACK.
Cersei recoiled, now clutching at the throbbing red handprint he'd left upon her right cheek.
"How dare I? How dare you!" His words cracked out again like a whip. "I'll do worse than that if you touch Tyrion again!"
"Father will punish you!" she shrieked! "Just wait until I tell him!"
"Go ahead! See if I care! Spoiled sow!"
Out she stumbled; Jaimie chased after with a rueful sigh.
Naruto felt a brief bang of guilt and made to follow, if only for his brother's sake.
"My friend," Oberyn slung an arm around his shoulder, stopping him short. "I think you and I will get along famously."
Elia nodded her agreement and smiled sweetly at him. Naruto felt his heart skip a beat.
Oh, dear. He'd not planned for this.
(.0.0.0.)
Tywin stared at his son from behind his desk.
To his credit, Nathaniel didn't falter, nor had he protested when summoned. On the contrary, his second son impressed him. Rather than bow and beg for mercy as any normal child might when faced with the wrath of his father this surly boy raised his chin, set his face in a determined scowl, and matched him glare for glare...
...he'll need to watch that in the future. A tell like that gives him away
Nathaniel had a bad habit of doing such when threatened; squaring up his shoulders, planting his feet and standing his ground, no matter the odds. Doubtless he'd gotten that fro his mother. Joanna wasn't afraid to give him a piece of her ind if need be, and neither was he. For if his lady wife was the sort fight a dragon to protect her children, then Nathaniel would happily slay one to keep Casterly Rock safe. He was stubborn, with a good heart and the will to match.
It was going to get him killed one of these days.
But sitting here staring at one another wasn't going to get them anywhere.
Tywin steepled his fingers in the silence. "I understand you struck your sister."
...I did."
"May I ask why?"
Nathaniel clicked his tongue. "You know why. She was being a bitch."
"..."
"Well?" This time, Nathaniel broke the silence first. "What's it to be, then? Whipping? Flogging? Are you going to take two of my fingers?"
By the seven, the boy was all jagged edges when he wanted to be. At times like these, Nathanial seemed sharper beyond his years, an old man in a youngster's body. Nonsense, surely. Snarks and grumpkins, that sort of thing. He'd simply taken to his lessons better than most.
Nathaniel still didn't budge.
Tywin felt the ghost of a smile tug at the corner of his mouth. Nathaniel had a way of doing that to him; drawing a smirk out of him when few else could. But it didn't change what he'd done.
"Do you know why I'm angry?" he began to drum his fingers against the desk, from smallest to large, one after the other.
"Because I struck Cersei."
Tywin gave him a moment to think. And then, "No."
"No?" His boy blinked, not quite comprehending his statement.
"No." Tywin replied, drawing out the word. "You were well within your rights. I should have taken a firmer hand with her long ago. Your brother has been of no use on that front. With any luck you slapped some sense into her today."
"And if I haven't?
"Then you are free to take her to task again if she acts in such an unbecoming matter."
"Hmm." The boy's brow furrowed. "I might. Could make her a better person. But if you're not angry about that, then why am I here?"
Now was as good a time for a lesson as any. "Tell me, why do you believe you are here?"
Nathaniel squinted at him. Frowned now. "...because of the spectacle I made?"
"Good!" Tywin nearly leaped from his desk as he shouted the word. "You're finally asking the right questions. I am cross with you not because you struck your sister but because you did so before witnesses." A brief pause not to let the weight of his words sink. "You made us appear weak before the Martell children and although their father was thankfully not there to see, they've surely told him by now."
"She was pinching Tyrion's-
Tywin held up a hand to forestall an argument. "I am aware. Jaime told me. I didn't say your actions were unjustified. But you will not fight in public. Do you understand?"
Nathaniel hung his head and kicked at the floor. "...as you wish."
Blast. He couldn't stand to see the boy -the one he'd begun to pin his hopes on!- sulk like that. He tapped a finger against the desk.
"Come here."
His son obeyed.
"What do you see?"
Nathaniel glanced to the map sprawled across his desk. "Westeros. The Seven Kingdoms.
"And?"
A moment of silence. "Legacies. The future."
"Yes." he stabbed a finger down on Casterly Rock. "There's a reason the name Lannister is remembered, not that of the Casterlys. Its the family name that lives on. Not your brother's personal glory, not Cersei's deluded notions of power, but family. Family is important. It is all that lives on. It must."
"It will." Nathaniel looked to him.
"Will it?" Twyin spread his hands across the desk and leaned forward. "You brother wants to be a kingsguard with no idea of what that horrid position entails, your sister rails at anyone who dares to oppose her, all the while thinking herself more clever than anyone alive, and your...
"Tyrion is my brother." Nathaniel met his gaze evenly. "And your son."
That much he could not deny...no matter his deformity nor the danger he'd placed Joanna in. "He is my son...if he lives.
"You think he won't?"
He shrugged. "Dwarves have been known to die young. You know this."
"I do." Something dark passed through the boy's gaze. "And I'll be watching over him to make sure he does live. He's family."
"Hrrm." He understood that, at least. Perhaps there was hope for Nathaniel yet. Tywin took his hand from the map and brought it down on his son's shoulder. We must appear united. Always. Do you understand?
Nathaniel nodded.
"Someday you will marry and take a wife of your own." He paused, considered the matter for a moment, grappled with it, then spoke his heart's true desire. "When the day comes that you do, seek out a good match. Find a partner that pleases you, someone with whom you can spend the rest of your life with, as I have. That will make all the difference in the years to come. And should you father any bastards...
His boy stood a little straighter and clasped both hands behind his back. "I'll see them looked after.
"As you should. If your brother does become a Kingsguard, you will be named my heir. Do you understand what that means?"
Another nod. "I'll rule the Rock after you die."
"You just might." Gods be good, at least he'd been blessed with one child that listened! Which made it all the more important that he understand. "You possess gifts not seen since the doom of Valyria. I would have you keep them secret; and if you cannot manage that, use them sparingly.
Mulish defiance burned in the boy's gaze. "Mother would have died without them."
...I know." Tywin fought down a shudder at the ghastly image his mind conjured. To even dwell on such a thing...no. He dare not. "And I shall spend my entire life repaying the debt I owe you for her own. But you have enemies enough without making more. Pycelle already fears you, and he commands a great deal of influence among the maesters."
Here at last, a hint of Lannister anger burned through the boy's bright eyes. "Dodgy old coot. I don't trust him. He's not half as senile as he claims to be."
A cold joy awoke in Tywin's heart. "No, he is not. He remains loyal to the Lannisters, but you would do well to mind your food and drink."
"I will."
Silence stretched between them. Tywin let it linger for a moment longer, then chose another avenue of attack. "Elia Martell. What do you think of her?"
Nathaniel wasn't stupid; he caught on at once. He knew what he was getting at. "She's nice. Sweet, but clever, and not afraid to speak her mind."
Interesting. He'd scorned suitors before. What had changed? "You find her tolerable, then?
"We just met." Nathaniel retorted. "She's wild, free, and exciting."
"Your mother thinks she would be a good match for you."
Jamie would have argued. Cersei would've flew into a rage. Nathaniel did none of these things. He flushed yes, but he didn't burst into protests. He knew his duty to the family.
"I just met her today." he did not plea when he spoke, "She seems alright."
"And you may yet meet her again if the gods are good."
"Thought you didn't believe in the gods."
I didn't...until you were born."
Nathaniel didn't rise to the bait. He understood. Their house was strong, but their foothold was still precarious outside of Westeros. Even after he'd eradicated the Reynes and Tarbecks, many a noble lady had vied for his hand, for he was Hand of the King. Joanna had bested them all. He'd slighted many a lord and lady when he chose to marry within the family. Old grudges like that tended to fester, growing rotten over time. He'd had the chance to choose. His children might not so fortunate. Nathaniel aside, Jaimie and Cersei must marry for the sake of the family, for advantage. Even Tyrion, if he survived, would be expected to do such.
Speaking of advantage...
"You are still writing to the Queen, I trust?
Nathaniel slumped wherehe stood. "Uncle Kevan noticed, didn't he?"
"He might have."
Truth be told Tywin was inordinately grateful for his younger brother's keen eye. In the weeks following Tyrion's difficult birth, he'd not spoken with Nathaniel on the matter of his secret correspondence. There had been much to do, and as he was set to return to his duties in King's Landing soon-Aerys was demanding his return, practically howling for it, really-his mind was preoccupied with a great many tasks. But not Kevan. He hadn't failed to notice the ravens coming to and from the Rock.
A short while ago, he had told him to cease such frivolities.
But now...the realm was beginning to tip. Who could say which way it would fall?
Those "harmless" letters between him and Queen Rhaella might make all the difference in the years to come. And if there was a war...
A mad idea entered Tywin's mind. He did not dismiss it, but instead shelved it away for later use.
"If that's your one vice, then so be it." he rounded the desk and planted a hand on his shoulder. "But for gods sake, be careful and don't use your name when you write to her. Aerys would be all too happy to tear you away from Casterly Rock. From your mother and I."
Nathaniel wrinkled his nose. "Don't wanna be a kingsguard. Too many oaths."
Tywin arched a pale brow. "And if the King demands it?"
"I'll tell him exactly what I think of him."
Tywin actually laughed at that, a rare bark of genuine laughter that echoed through the keep. It surprised even him. He could imagine it now; Nathaniel already held a low opinion of Aerys, one they both shared.
For a single mad moment, he saw it in his mind's eye:
"Mad king indeed!" Nathaniel scoffed and spat at the feet of Aerys. "I've seen far worse things than you, Aerys Targaryen, horrors that would make you seem SANE! You won't take me. You can't. You're weak."
"Good!" he shook himself from the daydream and chuckled ruefully. Then, more softly now, "Good. "You've more sense in your head than Jaime. I'll say it again; you're blessed with abilities that few possess. You're blessed to belong to the most powerful family in the kingdoms. And you're still blessed with youth. And what are you going to do with these blessings, hmm?" he tilted his head to regard him, one lion to another. "Be a glorified bodyguard?
Nathaniel shook his head. "No. That's not me."
"Because you have ambition."
Another nod.
Tywin was seldom the sort to smile, save on rare occasions. He did so now. Ambition. Yes, that was the difference between Nathaniel and Jaime, between him and Cersei as well. Jaime wanted to swing a sword all his life because he was good at it. Nothing more. Cersei wanted to be his heir but that could not happen nor would it; because she was not always of sound mind.
Nathaniel wasn't satisfied with being the second son. He wanted to rise in the world. With talents like his, he would. He was a true lion and woe betide those who met his claws.
"Which is precisely why I need you to become the man you were always meant to be." Tywin squeezed his shoulder, and when that wasn't enough, drew him into a firm-if-brief embrace. Drawing back he gave his head a pat. "Not tomorrow, not next week, now. You must be prepared should the worst happen. Now, back to the matter of the Martell girl-
The door to his chambers swept open.
Joanna marched through, wearing a dangerous smile.
Oh, dear. Tywin knew that smile. He knew it far too well.
"Dear husband, surely you weren't discussing our son's future without me...were you?"
Tywin sank back into his seat. It was the wisest course of action, given her expression. "You were resting. I did not wish to disturb you."
"No, you simply decided to mention the Martell girl on a lark." she cast a glance to a bemused Nathaniel and unbent enough to kiss the boy's head. "Go check on your little brother, dear." she tousled his golden hair with one hand, smiling softly. "Your father and I have much to discuss."
Nathaniel needed no further prodding; he scampered out and slammed the door behind him.
Tywin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Was that necessary?"
"I deemed it so." Joanna sat upon the desk, and propped one leg up, exposing a pale thigh to his wanting eyes. "So yes. Quite necessary."
His throat went dry. Gods but she knew how to torment him. "How are you feeling?"
"Very much recovered, thanks to our son." She granted him a lascivious wink and realization dawned. "Exceptional, even. And lonely." her gaze pierced his. "You're leaving for King's Landing tomorrow." It was not a question. She always saw right through him.
"I am...and you wanted him out of the room."
"I did." she grinned. "Now then, will you be taking your trousers off, or shall I do it for you?"
Tywin stood. Joanna caught him halfway, crushing her mouth against his.
He swept an arm across the desk, clearing it, pressing her atop it.
Far be it from him to refuse his lady wife.
(.0.0.0.)
Naruto heard the noises behind the door and closed his ears to them.
On one hand he was hardly a stranger to that sort of thing in his first life. But still...these were his second parents. His new family. It was like imagining Minato and Kushina going at it.
His mind recoiled.
Ew. Eww. Ewww! Not thinking about that!
'They're gonna give me another sibling at this rate...and wouldn't that be amusing?'
It was a strange thing indeed to be the middle child of four, but he wasn't about to complain. He wouldn't mind another brother...or sister. Maybe another girl would keep Cersei sane. Or not. He really couldn't understand her sometimes. She'd shown a flash of kindness down in the Stone Garden, only to turn and be a vicious little witch minutes later.
He'd figure her out one of these days. But not today.
In the end he left his new parents to it and let his feet carry him back to Tyrion's nursery. By some stroke of luck or fate he didn't stumble into Cersei on the way. He expected the Septa was giving her a tongue lashing. Or maybe Jaime was...not, he decided. Not Jaime. He adored Cersei...and he didn't want to think of them right now.
Quick steps carried him to his little brother's cradle.
A pleased babble greeted his arrival. Good. He remembered him.
"Hey, little brother." He let the facade drop, just for him, and . "How are we doing?"
A tiny hand pawed at one of his fingers but couldn't quite reach with those stubby arms. His heart lurched and he reached in the rest of the way, allowing the infant to grasp his hand. For some reason he found himself fiercely protective of him, dwarf or no. He hadn't asked to be be born this way, just a he hadn't asked to be a jinchuuriki all those years ago. In a way, they were the same. Kurama would've scolded him for such soft sentiment, but there it was. Someone had to look out for the little guy.
Jaime should, but even if he wouldn't, he'd be here for him.
His gaze strayed back to Tyrion.
...Could he heal him? Fix his dwarfism? Did he dare try when he wasn't even a year old? Kurama had left him, but his healing talents remained. Shouldn't he use them? Was it not his duty to help those in need, whenever they may need it? He reached a hand toward Tyrion did, but winced at the last instant. Doing so when his little brother was so young might well kill him outright. It would entail breaking bones and all other manner of unpleasantness, building his body. But he could help him later in life, even if only meant a few inches at a time, he would.
"There, there. He stroked his head. "I won't let anyone hurt you.
The door creaked open behind him, then shut again.
He blew out a sigh. "Jaime, that better be you...
A knife slammed into his back.
The world lurched.
Naruto's sixth sense screamed, but he did not. Huh. Pain. He'd almost forgotten what it felt like after all this time. He could feel the blade buried to the hilt in his back, sliding against the muscle of his shoulder, but it all seemed dim, somehow. He'd taken worse wounds than this. This? It barely tickled.
He pivoted to face his attacker, a man clad in all black. Their face was strangely familiar.
"Hmm." he blew out a sigh. "Definitely not Jaime."
His attacker drew another knife and lunged.
Even in this weaker body of his, his reflexes and strength remained. He was no stranger to pain, and the dagger hadn't struck anything vital. He caught the hand trying to end his life by the wrist, stilling it an inch from his chest. At that angle it would have punched up into his ribs and pierced his heart.
In his grasp, that blade didn't budge an inch.
That vaguely familiar visage stared back at him, writ with confusion. Naruto squinted at it as he grappled with his attacker. Aha. He recognized that beard and those silver-grey eyes at long last. Marcus. One of the castle servants. He'd known the man for years. Why do this? It didn't make a lick of sense...nor did the faint the flicker of surprise in his eyes. They'd thought to kill him twice now, and both times, they'd failed. A spark of anger flitted through their gaze.
So he cut it out.
In a single seamless movement he reached up, grabbed the dagger still sheathed in his shoulder, and tore it free. Then he slashed it across their face.
That should've been the end of things. It wasn't.
The face of Marcus fell away beneath his borrowed blade as they sun away. Literally peeled back and struck the floor to reveal another; one he didn't know. That face stared at him impassively.
Naruto hissed out a breath. A Faceless Man? Were they here for Tyrion? No, that didn't make sense. Any common cutthroat could try to kill him.
So why send...oh.
Ohhh. He understood now.
They were here for him, weren't they?
Someone had put a price on his head. He almost felt flattered.
A wry laugh escaped him as sweat beaded his brow. "What's the going price for the son of Tywin Lannister these days?"
They didn't answer. Of course they didn't. He straightened up with a wince. Right, then. Faceless men often worked in pairs, so where was-
A shadow dropped from the ceiling.
He twisted aside at the last instant, grunting only a little as a sword kissed his right cheek, then snapped a kick into their ribs. His attacker hissed in pain and tumbled away, crashing into their comrade. The reprieve was brief, but he used it to his advantage and filled his lungs with air.
"GUARDS!" his voice boomed out. "Over here! Guards!
He looked back just in time to parry a dagger that would've taken his left eye. Sparks sprayed as steel struck steel. Over his shoulder he regarded the second attacker from before, a svelte woman even now rising from the floor. He didn't recognize her face. She hadn't killed one of the servants as her companion had. It changed nothing. Dead was dead. They would be soon.
"A boy is afraid." the girl intoned solemnly as she approached. "A boy only makes his death more painful by resisting.
Ah, this one was arrogant. He scoffed. Two could play that game. "A girl should be terrified."
She blinked. "Of whom? You?"
Yes.
Naruto didn't deign to say the word aloud. Why say anything to dead men and women? Pivoting, he parried a slash, ducked another, pulling upon the natural energy in the air as he did. He pulled hard. Blue orbs smoldered into gold, amber dust shimmering over his eyelids. Old, familiar strength rushed through him.
His next punch shattered ribs and flayed flesh. The first Faceless Man stumbled back, clutching at his bloody side.
A dagger swiped down on his arm and shattered.
"Do you have any idea who I am?" he twirled his borrowed dagger over his knuckles. "No, how could you? That's alright, you'll learn."
A single step put him between them. The world dissolved into a mad whirlwind of motion. He parried a dagger with a wrist, caught the woman's blade in his free fist and shattered it with a single squeeze. He snatched up one of the shards and punched backward, burying it in the belly of the first faceless man. It didn't go as deep as he would've liked. He felt his body growing sluggish. Poison. Of course they'd poisoned their blades. Poison hadn't killed him in the last life and it wouldn't kill him in this. It barely even slowed him down now.
An annoyed backhand drove the now-weaponless girl away, giving him time to round on her wounded companion.
They slashed at him. Weak. He slapped it aside.
'Now it ends.'
Naruto pounced on them and tackled them to the floor. He landed on their chest, all but mounting them, and grabbed their skull with both hands, plunged his fingers into their eyesockets. Hands scrabbled at his face, but he wouldn't be denied. From there he took a page from Gregor Clegane's book. He squeezed. The Faceless Man screamed and screamed and screamed...until his head burst like a ripe melon. Bloody viscera spattered his face.
Covered in it, he stood and turned to face the woman who yet remained.
She faltered. Huh. Faceless men didn't flinch. The girl must be new.
"What are you...?"
"To you? Death. Now run." He cast her dead comrade's blade down at her feet. "Tell all of Braavos what you saw here today. Go now, before I change my mind."
She stepped back, knelt, laid her dagger at his feet, and flung herself out the nearest window.
The door crashed open a heartbeat later. Gold eyes shimmered back into blue.
Adrenaline failed him and the poison caught up with him.
Naruto tried to take a step, only for his legs to buckle. Someone caught him before he could dash his head against the stones.
He looked up and saw Cersei's terrified face staring down at him. Oh. Someone had cut her cheek...
"Don't die!" She begged, shaking him hard. "Please! You can't die!"
'I'm not gonna die,' he tried to say, 'I'm just damn sleepy...
But words wouldn't come. He blacked out.
A/N: Aaaand scene.
Weren't expecting that, were you?
Time will tell if Cersei becomes a better person in this.
Oberyn outright states in season 4 that they visited the Rock after Tyrion was born.
Well, should this remain a story? Or should it fade back into oblivion?
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; holidays are HERE 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...
Here come the favorite characters we all know and love! But first!
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
SPOILERS LAY AHEAD!
YE BE WARNED~!
(Previews)
"Let me help."
Hope. How long had it been since she'd felt hope?
Queen Rhaella clutched the letter to her chest, exhaled quickly, and thew it into the fireplace. It smoldered and crackled there, burning away. With each passing moment she felt her heart hammer beneath her breast. She watched the flames, making sure every scrap of the scroll burned away to ash, until even that was gone. Only then did she dare breathe.
Aerys mustn't see. He must never know. If he did...just thinking about it
...with a soft, shuddering breath, she snatched up her quill and inkwell, alongside a piece of parchment.
Quickly. She had to write quickly and send a raven to Casterly Rock while her so-called "husband" was distracted.
Then she began to pen her reply.
Varys tutted softly. "Curious."
Perhaps this was a secret Aerys need not know.
"Would you mind kneeling for a second, Clegane?"
"Fuck kneeling." The Hound spat at his feet. "You ain't a king, little lord."
"And you're too damn tall, ya big bastard!" he wasn't prepared for the explosion of expletives that burst forth from Nathaniel Lannister. "I can't heal your bloody face with you towering over me like that! Now do you want me to fix what your brother did to ya or not?!"
Clegane looked past him.
His baby sister tapped her foot impatiently. "Just let him do it already! You'll feel much better!
Selene really was his one weakness. He thanked the gods every day for her survival.
"Oh, for crying out loud-Hurry up and kneel already, big brother!"
Sandor Clegane never knelt so fast in his bloody life.
EDIT: Did you know Sandor and Gregor had a sister?! I didn't, until someone told me. Its heavily implied that Gregor...did things to her and killed her in the books. Not bloody happening here...
A red priestess from Asshai wishes to speak with you, my lord."
The Lord of Winterfelll "And what brings you this far North?"
"Was hopin' to see the Wall."
...and you got into a tussle with Lyanna because...?"
"To be fair, I started it."
Her head snapped his way. Why was he lying for her?
Joanna tutted softly. "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...
"Is that your new squire, Tyrion?"
"Indeed he is!" His little brother raised his glass. "Say hello, Podrick."
A single punch folded the Mountain in half.
"See, that's the funny thing." An eerily calm voice hissed in his ear. "The big guy always underestimates the little guy. I'm betting everyone looks little to you, Ser Gregor. You've grown so used to smashing through all your enemies that you forgot something. There's always a bigger fish. Here." He threw his greatsword at his feet. "What are you waiting for? Pick it up."
The Mountain quivered.
"PICK IT UP."
Bronn was silent for a long moment. And then:
"Yer father's a right scary cunt sometimes, ya know that?"
"Don't let him catch you saying it."
"Aye, but I don't have any halls to weep over.
"Not yet. Stick with me and the world will be your oyster." Naruto spurred his horse on. "
Father hated him.
Tyrion was a smart lad; he realized this immutable truth by his seventh birthday. Father despised him, loathed his very existence, wished he'd never been born. He seldom smiled in his presence, and when he did it wasn't a kind one. Which meant Cersei hated him, too. Of course she did. He'd nearly killed their mother coing into this world. By contrast Jamie and Nathaniel were the truest of brothers and Joanna the best mother a son could ask for, even a dwarf. He was forced to grow quickly in mind, if not neccessarily body. He learned, oh yes, he learned. Cerseri was technically the eldest, despite being twins with Jamie, having been born minutes first. Yet as a woman, she could never inherit. Jamie was the heir to be sure, but that left Nathaniel as something of the odd man out. They got up to all manner of mischief together. It was today that
Tyrion learned.
Not that he had much choice in the matter mind you; it was either learn or die.
Father hated him, and Cersei wasn't much better.
He found solace only in his mother and his brothers.
At six years old e
Jaime wanted to be a Kingsguard. Cersei wanted to be queen.
Nathaniel...had more worldly ambitions.
As the second son,he was unlikely to ever inherit, which meant that, for the most part, his future was his own. At least it was until father found a suitable match for him. He wondered if it would be
He was still writing those letters to Kings Landing.
And wasn't that a mystery?
Her heard a commotion in the room ahead
"A dragon egg? Now wherever did you find that?"
"Merchant from across the Narrow Sea.
It looks like a stone to me." he knocked his knuckles against it. "Certainly sounds like one."
"Oh ye of little faith, Tyrion...
"I have plenty of faith." he scoffed. "Just as I have faith that merchant swindled you out of a great deal of gold. Its certainly very...red."
It certainly is."
"You do realize that, if by some miracle it actually hatches, you'll be expected to hand that hatchling over to the King."
Nathaniel scoffed.
"Fuck the king."
"Dangerous words. Aerys might not like them.
"Don't care what he likes." he set the egg down in the brazier. "This egg's special. It'll hatch. I just know it."
"And then what? You'll ride the beast into battle?"
Nathaniel walked away with a hum.
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&R! =D