A/N: Please read this note, would you kindly?
EDIT: Added some more bits during my break. Enjoooooy~!
Hope you're ready for this. Tywin is...rather intense in this chapter. Suppose that's putting it mildly, given what happened last chapter.
A man returns.
As promised, this story reached the threshold set by the last chapter, so here we are.
That said, this chapter's a bloody ambitious one. Don't think I've ever written one quite like it before.
If by some miracle this story actually makes it to SIX HUNDRED REVIEWS-possible, given its well over 500 already-I'll do my best to update early again. Until then, I'll be off updating other things.
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. 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 careful questions this time. Wouldn't do to spoil things.
Q: When do we get to see the other young lords and ladies of Westeros?
A: Funny you should say that...
Q:...I think we all know who sent those Faceless Men.
A: Do we?
Q: More Tywin! Its like stepping into the show!
A: You flatter me, but I've met others who write him better than I. Regardless, the world is about to learn why you DO NOT poke the Lion...
Q: The fallout from that attack...
A: Will be massive, yes. I don't think you're prepared for it.
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 still a little skewed here, but hey, that makes things...fun.
Apparently 'ol Tywin has other siblings beside Kevan~!
"When you strike at a Lion you must kill him. Immediately. In one blow.
For if you fail, if the lion thrives, if the pride somehow survives...
...then the rains shall weep over your halls...
...with not...a soul...
...to hear.
~A Warning.
Wrath of a Lion
In the days that followed, Naruto swam in and out of consciousness
This was not death; in truth he would've much rather preferred it to this hellish torment. This...this was much more annoying than simply being dead-he was aware of everything; every ache, every pain, every injury, but unable to move. What had a maester once called it? Lucid dreaming? Yes, that was it. The poison left him a prisoner in his own body. His blood felt like it was on fire. He would wake one moment them fall into slumber the next and when he did, his dreams were dark and filled with dreary, fevered things.
If he still had Kurama, he could've fought it off in a day. Now he had to beat it back the hard way.
He'd been foolish, lowering his guard like that in his own home. Never again.
And as he dreamed, he heard voices:
"It...is a miracle he still lives, my lord. The poison is a potent one." That was undoubtedly Pycelle speaking. "Most would have passed three days ago."
Three days?! Had he been asleep that long?!
"Curious that said poison is missing from your own stores." He knew Tywin's voice anywhere. "How inconvenient."
"My lord! I have always served the House of Lannister! Always!"
"So you say. Know this. If he dies...so do you."
No, no, no. Pycelle hadn't done this.
He had to tell them-warn them.
He lacked the strength to open his eyes, but he still had control of his arms and legs. It took a supreme effort of will on his part to move move the former, but move it he did, slapping a hand down on the bed. A harsh bang echoed through the room. He heard a sharp gasp behind it and imagined both men rounding on him.
Gods, his throat fell so dry. "Not dead yet."
Tywin was at his side in a flash. He felt the man grab his hand. "You must be strong. Who attacked you?"
No point in conserving energy. He used his to to gasp out two words. "Faceless men...
Tywin was silent for a terribly long time. And then: "How many?"
"Two." he rasped. "Killed one. Scared the other away."
"Preposterous." Pycelle's voice sputtered somewhere beside him. "How does one frighten a Faceless Man?"
"By killing them." Naruto hissed back. "The Martells...are they safe? Are they alright..."
...they are. They have returned to Dorne. Ellia left a left for you."
Good. He'd been the only target, then. That was a relief.
His lungs hurt so much. So very much.
"Need to rest now. Tired."
"Save your strength we'll speak more when you wake."
When. Not if. Even now Father acted like he could simply will death away.
Tywin -Father!- said something else. On the verge of sleeping, Naruto almost didn't hear him. Almost.
"Send the ravens."
Pycelle wheezed. "Is that wise...?"
"I will tell you what is wise. Do it. Now."
The ghost of a smile tugged at Naruto's face.
Ha! The wrath of of the lion had been unleashed.
He almost pitied whoever was responsible. Their death would be slow.
When the darkness of slumber came for him once again, this time, he went with it willingly.
(.0.0.0.)
"They attacked my son."
Four words. Four words and everyone seated at the high table before Tywin Lannister flinched. Four words, and yet they could not hope-couldn't possibly begin!-to describe the sheer breadth of rage that coursed through the Warden of the West in this moment. Ohhh, the rage. The hate. The wrath. He was well through the fire and the flames now and into ice. Frigid and cold, a blizzard to make even the fiercest storm in the North seem a mild breeze by comparison. His very blood felt arctic; it was a miracle his heart was still beating.
Who would do such a thing?
Who would DARE strike at him, at his children in the heart of his domain?
They'd targeted Nathaniel. Not him. Not Joanna. Not Jamie and Cersei, or even baby Tyrion in his crib. No, they'd gone for his son. His hope. His legacy.
Who.
Would.
DARE?!
Tywin could think of many possibilities, several of whom would want him dead. He had no shortage of enemies. But few possessed the mans or money to strike at Casterly Rock in such a manner. His son had killed one of his would-be killers before the poison hobbled him -how he took pride in that!- while the other appeared to have fled rather than fight him.
He did not dare leave the Rock until his recovery. Aerys could come crawling up here if he wanted him back.
Which, once again begged the question. Who had the funds? Who had the motivation? The Maesters of Old Twon were one such entity...but unlikely. They were not foolish enough to provoke him. Many a magister across the Narrow sea might command such wealth, but few would be foolish enough to provoke him. Which left...
Aerys.
Could it be possible? He almost didn't want to consider it, though it was quite likely. Who but a madman would do something so brash? He likely knew Nathaniel had...gifts. Perhaps he thought him a mage. Perhaps he was. Perhaps that was why he did it. Jealousy. Petty spite. Mindless base cruelty. He'd long lusted after Joanna and never quite forgiven her for spurning his affections. Who could say? Once upon a time, Aerys had been a good man, a decent man, a sane man. But that man was dead; and if not dead, dying a little more each day.
If it truly was Aerys, then the ghost of his memory wouldn't save him.
He would act, but he would do so careful. The so-called dragon would die a death of a thousand pinpricks.
The house that puts family first survives. And so Tywin did; he held the secret close, even as he acted to protect the family.
And so he summoned those of the family most trusted into this room, locked the doors and commanded both the Mountain and the Hound to stand guard outside. The brothers Clegane had standing orders to kill anyone who approached. That, at least, should keep word from reaching the Spider's ears...for a time.
Varys would learn of this eventually of course; a gathering like this was impossible to miss.
Joanna stood beside him, rocking a restless Tyrion in her arms. A fretful Cersei and Jamie sat together close by, exchanging anxious glances. Even his own siblings were in attendance. Loyal and faithful Kevan, his gaze sharp as ever. Restless Tygett, and ever-japing Gerion. Genna fretted over the twins, whispering soothing words to them to keep them from tears. Tywin...appreciated her efforts, though he refused to say it aloud. He couldn't comfort them yet. Not yet. Not until this matter was dealt with.
His siblings...differed on their course of action.
Kevan wanted to call the banners.
Genna demanded proof before they acted.
Tygett advocated telling the realm of this attack -if not the culprit- the better to protect their families.
Gerion...was silent. Almost eerily so. No jokes from his younger brother today. There was a dark, haunted look in his eyes. He said not a word.
"You know why you are here." Tywin looked upon them all, commanding their attention with but a glance. "If another house can strike at one of our own with impunity, we are no longer a house to be respected, or feared. I'm in this world a little while longer to defend the Lannisters, to defend my blood, your blood, and I will NOT stand idly by and let shadows in the dark strike at us. Nor will any of you. This is what we will do...
He detailed his plans to them further, speaking long and at length. His family listened. Not a soul objected.
"Now, all of you out." A pause followed as he looked to one of them in particular. "Not you."
Jamie paused at the door.
(.0.0.0.)
Father was furious.
One look was all it took. Jamie had never seen him quite like this before; it terrified him. None of that icy fury was sent his way and yet he quivered beneath it all the same. He'd always seemed so unshakable; immovable like Casterly Rock itself. But his father was not a rock. He was a lion. And he had his claws.
Today, he was reminded.
Mother paused to kiss his forehead before she left the room. Uncle Kevan clasped his shoulder and shooed Cersei out with his aunt and uncles. He barely had time to share a look with her then she was gone. All the while, Father stared at him. He didn't say a word...until the door closed.
Jamie had thought himself prepared. When he finally spoke, he wasn't.
"Come here." Tywin beckoned. "We have work to do."
He stepped closer. "...and what work is that?"
"Vengeance." His father's face was grim. "Tell me, what would you do to protect your brother?"
As if he need ask such a thing! "I'd do anything. You know that."
Father tilted his head. "Anything, you say...?"
(.0.0.0.)
Tyrion was crying.
The poor babe hadn't stopped crying since they'd left the room.
"There there, sweetling." Joanna crooned, rocking him in hr arms. "Have faith. Your brother will be fine...
He had to live. He must. He was her boy, her golden boy, her miracle child.
If he died the world would hear the lioness roar.
She would burn Braavos to the ground.
(.0.0.0.)
Her little brother wouldn't wake up.
No matter what Pycelle did. No matter what he tried.
Nathaniel resisted all treatment. He lay in his bed, still and pale, barely breathing.
Looking upon him now, Cersei felt her heart clench. She had never feared death before today, never once thought it might come for her and hers. She'd always thought herself untouchable. Invincible. Death was for the common folk. Disease for peasants. Poison for fools who dared to rise against House Lannister.
Never once had she thought the latter would strike here. But it had.
Death had visited Casterly Rock and it wanted Nathaniel.
So very badly.
She knelt by his side, clasped her hands, and closed her eyes.
"Let him live." She prayed to the gods as she'd never prayed before. "Let him live, and I promise I'll change. I swear I'll be a better sister. A better person. I swear it. By the old gods and the new...
.
..
...
...even...even to Tyrion." the words tasted like ash in her mouth; Cersei choked them down all the same. "I promise, I promise, I promise. "She didn't know if she could keep that promise, or if the gods would even listen to her bargain. But if meant her brother, her perfect golden little brother who had toddled after her from the moment he could walk, would live. She would gladly give her all. "Let him live and I'll give you everything. All that I am." she squeezed her shut eyes tight, trying to will her prayer into existence. "Every bit of it. Please, please, please...
She wasn't the only one praying.
But how could she possibly know such?
Nearly a world away, a queen was praying for entirely different reasons.
(.0.0.0.)
Hope.
How long had it been since she'd felt hope?
Queen Rhaella clutched the letter to her chest, exhaled quickly, and dared to look at it again.
His latest reply was simple. Three little words written in a loose scrawl.
"Let me help."
The queen knew had long wondered at the identity of her writing paramour, although the letter bore no signature and proper seal upon the wax. She'd been exchanging many such letters with him-she assumed it was a he based on his penmanship- these past few moons. This particular reply was, by far, the most provocative. She knew what he was implying. What he was suggesting. What he wanted to do.
Kill the king.
Such thoughts were treason. The darkest of such.
Perhaps it had been a mistake to write to respond to that first fateful letter.
But she was so lonely! She had no friends here save the maester, the one who helped her ferry these letters in the first place.
Sometimes she wondered who her secret paramour was. She knew he was from the West, from Casterly Rock, but that was all. He was certainly bold enough in his letters to her. Few dared speak ill of the Mad King these days; those who had often lost their tongues or found themselves dipped into wildfire. An awful fate, both of those. She knew Aerys would inflict far worse upon her if he ever learned the truth.
...but surely talking to a stranger was no sin?
Her face flushed. It was a sin. The darkest of sins. She didn't care.
She wanted to be free! She wanted to be loved! She wanted more than this gilded cage!
Steeling herself, she crumpled up the scroll in her fist and flung it into the fireplace, just as she had each and every one that came before. One could not leave even the slightest scrap behind for Aerys to find. It smoldered and crackled there under her gaze, burning away. With each passing moment she felt her heart hammer beneath her breast. She watched the flames, making sure every scrap of precious paper 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 made her shiver.
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. He was busy burning someone at the moment. Rhaella could hear their screams from here. She didn't want to know who; if only because she knew what always came after, what ALWAYS came after.
Gritting her teeth she went t work and began to pen her reply.
It might take days, weeks, even months for an answer.
But she dared to pray...and hope.
(.0.0.0.)
"Curious."
Varys tutted softly.
Perhaps this was a secret Aerys need not know.
(.0.0.0.)
The Mad King cackled at the smoldering corpse before him, oblivious to the schemes swirling around his head.
Ah, wildfire, the sweetest of all fires.
His enemies would burn.
(.0.0.0.)
News of the vicious attack spread across the whole of Westeros.
Lords and Ladies one and all heard the words.
They kept their children close.
(.0.0.0.)
"You will not leave the keep today, Lyanna."
"But why not, Father?!"
"No buts! That goes double for your brothers!"
His surly girl stomped outside, swearing like a sailor under her breath.
Rickard Stark, Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell, bowed his head toward the table and heaved a sigh.
She would hate him today, but understand tomorrow.
This was for the best.
(.0.0.0.)
Ellia cast a wistful glance to the horizon.
Nathaniel mustn't die. He must not.
She'd be terribly cross if he did.
(.0.0.0.)
"The answer is no, Robert. You and your brothers will not go outside, not today."
"Piss on that, old man! You've kept us in the keep for days!"
"One more word and I'll cuff you.
The young lord grit his teeth.
...fine, father."
(.0.0.0.)
Prince Rhaegar attacked the practice dummy with a snarl.
If he hit it hard enough, he could forget his father's laughter.
He hated being confined to the Red Keep. Loathed it.
He wanted to be out there. With the people.
He was a Dragon.
(.0.0.0.)
Naruto fell.
His mind plummeted through space and time and sky and earth as he slept, falling, falling, falling.
He saw many things. Armies marching. Fire. Blood. A raven with three eyes flew beside him.
There in the sky, blotting out the sun, a flock -a swarm!- of crying dragons.
"Wake up." the three-eyed raven intoned. "You must wake up."
He'd heard that voice before. From the tree. Hadn't he...?
And then a most pleasant coolness settled over him.
It felt like someone had draped a blanket of coolest snow over his skin to soothe his boiling blood. His strength, already on the verge of recovering, rushed back in. He forced himself to focus, drawing on the natural energy in the air. Entering sage mode was second nature to him now, even moreso while he lay still. His recovery accelerated tenfold and he found the strength to sit up.
"A boy lives."
Golden eyes snapped open.
Someone sat at his bedside. He squinted, blinking at her, trying to focus his blurry vision.
It was the same faceless woman from before. No, he realized; not a woman but a girl, maybe a year or two older than him.
His temper sparked. Back to try again, was she? She opened her mouth to speak-but he didn't give her the chance. He surged upright, grabbed her by the throat with both hands and slammed her down, all but pinning her to the bed. She didn't resist in the least; when her hands rose her left was empty, while her right held a small bottle. The now-empty vial clattered out of her hand and struck the floor, shattering softly.
"A girl is unarmed!" she gasped, face paling . "A girl helped you!"
He could taste something in his mouth, faintly sweet. Had she forced him to drink whatever was in that vial?
"Why are you here...?"
"To help."She looked at him with her dark eyes. "The poison was potent. Most would have perished in less than a day. You slept for a fortnight but did not die. So a girl gave you the antidote. Now a boy has recovered far sooner than he would have alone."
His fingers slackened around her throat, but he still didn't let her up.
"Why? his brow furrowed as he sat up. "I killed your friend."
"A boy killed no one."
He scoffed. "Pretty sure I killed someone."
"No," She shook her head, as much as his grip would allow. "You killed no one. A man who discarded his name."
"That still doesn't explain why you helped me."
She stared at him for a long moment. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft, nearly reverent. "Our god wears many faces. Yours is one of them. You are Death made flesh."
He reeled back, incredulous. "You think I'm a god?"
"A girl saw what a girl saw." she lowered her arms. "And a girl saw much. Your eyes changed. You possess power that Men do not. Blades shatter on your flesh and in your fists. You slew a man twice your size, crushed his head like a grape. Poison cannot kill you, only make you sleep. If that is not a God, then what is?"
Slowly, reluctantly he released her. "And who are you?"
She stiffened where she lay. "A girl has no name. A girl would be your sword. Your shadow. Your shield."
He sensed nothing but honest from her. Honesty and fear. Outright terror, really. Did she think he would hunt her down? Finish the job?
No, better than that, with her alive, he'd have a witness. He needed that. More than that, he needed allies. The attack in the nursery had made things abundantly clear. He was strong in this second life, possessing nearly all of his abilities from the last, but he could be taken by surprise. Alone, he could only do so much. But with allies by his side, friends...weapons...
.
..
...he could always kill this one later.
"If you're going to serve me you'll need a name...
The girl stared up at him and said nothing; she made not a sound.
Naruto knew that look. He blew out a sigh and let her sit up. "...you're going to make me pick out one, aren't you?"
The tiniest ghost of a smile traced her face as she did so. "A girl would not mind...
That accent. He could finally place it now. "You're Westerosi. From the east."
She nodded. "A girl lived in Flea Bottom once, when she had a name."
The hair on the back of his neck rose. There was something about the way she said those words...
"Am I looking at your real face right now?"
She shook her head. "You are not."
"Show me."
The Faceless Girl was silent for an agonizingly long moment. Then, slowly, she reached up to her face with both hands, hooking her fingers behind her ears. As he looked she peeled it backward, parting it as one might carve an onion. It was a strangely fascinating, horrifying thing to watch. Her face came away...and her dark hair with it. Silver-blond tresses tumbled down her back and grey-violet eyes blinked back at him, set within a lean face marred by an ugly scar cutting leftwise across the length of her brow before curving down into the bridge of her nose. It was a miracle she hadn't lost an eye.
Nevertheless, he knew what she was, if not who.
He was looking at a Targaryen bastard.
This one was a Blackfyre.
Not a pure blood, that much was infinitely clear, but someone who had the blood of the dragon in her veins all the same. He could tell by looking at her.
Which once more begged the question: "Who are you?"
"No one."
Stubborn. "Lets try again. Who. Are you."
"No one." she flinched a little this time. He didn't miss it.
"I'm going to ask you one more time." his voice dropped a growl. "Lie to me again, and I'll finish what I started. Who. Are. You?"
"A girl does not know!" She flung up her arms in a rare fit of pique, face twisting in distress. "A girl never had one!" her hands flailed at him, slapping at his chest. He barely felt it. "She was always called it or this, or bitch, or that! No names for her, never names! She never had one!
Sympathy tugged at his hardened heart. Pit softened it. "You don't even know your name?"
Another shake of her head. "A girl tried to ask once. She was given this". She touched a finger to her face and the pink scar there. She did not ask again."
Then he'd give her a name. One sprang to him out the darkness of his mind. "Nymeria. How's that sound?"
"Nymeria." The young Blackfyre said the word slowly, rolling it over her tongue as though tasting it. "A boy has a foul sense of humor.
"I'm a Lannister." a rusty chuckle stole out of him, despite his best efforts. "What did you expect?"
"A girl," she paused swallowed and took a moment to comport herself. "No, I, accept this name." she bowed her head and quite suddenly there was a dagger in her hands. "My blade is yours." Where she'd gotten it from, he knew not, only that she was now laying it in his lap. "I will serve. From this day until my last. Valar Morghulis."
"Valar Dohaeris." he found himself muttering back out of habit, if nothing else. He knew what the words meant.
The tiniest smile touched her scarred face. "But you are more than a man."
Fair. "Do you know who hired you to kill me?"
"I-A girl does not." Clearly she was going to struggle with that terminology a bit. "A great amount of money was given."
"How much?"
"Enough for two." She held up a pair of fingers, forming a v-shape with them. "And so two were sent. You were to be a girl's test." her face pinched in pain at the memory. "A girl failed. A girl expected to die...but you showed mercy...
Naruto grimaced. "I did, didn't?"
He hadn't been thinking straight at the time, he'd just wanted her gone.
Funny how a seemingly inconsequential choice like that came back not to bite him, but to aid him...
"A girl took your message back to the House of the Undying as demanded." the little Blackfyre barreled on. "A girl said we were foolish to attack you...among other things...and was cast out for her words. She is no longer welcome in the House of the Undying, or Braavos." those bright eyes centered on him. "It was her home for some time. Now it is no longer. And so a girl came here."
No wonder she'd tied herself to him. The Faceless Men would be after her now, too. She wished to live.
There was no duplicity in her voice, no negative intent he could sense.
He found himself patting her head. "Well, in that case-
The door creaked open across the room.
Cersei emerged, carrying a tray of food. He could see -and smell!- a bowl of soup atop it.
Naruto perked
She took one look at him and froze, going still as stone. She didn't even seem to see Nymeria sitting next to him. She only had eyes for him.
The tray clattered to the floor, spilling broth everywhere as she covered her mouth. "They answered my prayers...
Naruto blinked, not quite comprehending. "They who?"
His sister didn't answer; she just jumped him.
(.0.0.0.)
Tywin actually flinched when Cersei dragged him into his chambers.
One had to know him to see it, to know what to look for; but it was there. His father's eyes didn't so much widen as they did bulge; the writing quill in his hand snapping clean in half as his right hand jerked to the side, coincidentally striking the ink well which spilled and ruined whatever letter he'd been penning.
"You're awake." he shook his ink spattered hand out recovered quickly, but Naruto didn't miss the rattle in his voice. "You've been asleep for some time."
"I gathered that. Where's Jaime?"
Cersei made a pained noise. "Hunting with uncle Kevan.
"Your mother is sleeping." Tywin continued before he could think to ask of her. "I'll wake her shortly. How are you?"
"Well, oddly enough." Nymeria's antidote, coupled with all the natural energy he'd drawn in, ha done much to alleviate his aches and pains.
"Good." straight to business then. "The future of our family with be determined in coming months, if not years. Do you remember anything of your attackers?"
Naruto allowed himself a nod and said what he knew. Nymeria stiffened a little at his side.
"Do you understand why you were targeted?" Tywin asked.
...I have a suspicion."
"There are precious few in this world who could command enough wealth to hire a Faceless Man, let alone two at once." Tywin must've given the matter some thought, because he didn't object at all when Cersei clung on to his arm. "One would be the Maesters of Oldtown. Another would be the magisters across the Narrow Sea. Lord Varys assures me that while they are terribly interested in you, they do not wish you dead.
A blond brow rose. "And you trust him?"
Tywin made a rare noise of approval. "I trust him to act in a certain capacity. The man loathes magic, but he would not act in such a feckless fashion toward one who hasn't threatened him. He is nothing if not honest in that regard. Think then who could command such wealth; who has a grudge against the Lannisters, who would stand to benefit from your death?
He was being led to an answer. "The king. But why?
"My...friendship with Aerys", Tywin looked away with a grimace, "if you can call it such, has been deteriorating for some time now. And speaking of dragons." He looked to Nymeria. "I understand we have you to thank for my son's survival."
Nymeria shrugged one shoulder. "A boy would have awoken sooner or later. A girl merely expedited his recovery."
...you are one of the Faceless."
"Was." she scowled. "No longer.
Cersei glowered at her. "How easily you turn your coat."
Naruto pinched her just above the ribs. Rather than retort, she bowed her head.
...odd, that. Why was she behaving?
"You chose to back the winning side." Tywin's words drew him back to reality. "I can respect that." He looked to him. "And you trust her?"
He could feel Nymeria's gaze on him, pleading. It occured to him that he could have her killed in this moment. She wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
Decency won out. "She didn't have to come back here. I'd still be in a bed if she hadn't.
"Fair," Tywin allowed. "A former faceless girl might be useful."
Nymeria bridled. "I serve only one."
Tywin took her defiance in stride. "Aid us and I shall see you rewarded beyond your wildest dreams. But back to the matter of Jamie." Once more, Naruto found himself the object of that piercing stare. "There is something you must be made aware of, boy. Much has happened while you were asleep."
He couldn't help but gulp at that. "Such as...?
Tywin didn't mince words. "Your brother has rescinded his rights to Casterly Rock. He wishes to join Aerys Kingsguard as soon as possible."
Cersei gripped his arm tighter. Now Naruto understood the reason for her silence. Her grief.
It felt like the floor fell out from under his feet. "You can't be serious."
"I am." Tywin met his gaze evenly. "You are now my heir."
A/N: Another ripple, another change...
Plots within plots. All is not as it seems.
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...
Previews are the same this time. Didn't want to spoil the upcoming chapter.
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
SPOILERS LAY AHEAD!
YE BE WARNED~!
(Previews)
Naruto read Ellia's note.
His brow shot up into his hair.
"Clever girl, he muttered. "Very clever girl...
A man in a tree.
Why? Was was he looking at a man in a tree.
...you are dreaming." the man looked at him. You were not mean to be here. Your presence has changed things. Slow some events. Accelerated others. There is much to do. The name Lannister is not enough. You must gather allies. Shout at the man with the burned face, but be gentle with the one who is faceless. Find the fox."
Darkness swarmed in.
"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, so much so that he reeled back on one foot. "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.
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. By contrast Jamie and Cersei and Nathaniel were the truest of siblings and Joanna the best mother a son could ask for, even a dwarf.
He was forced to grow quickly in mind, if not necessarily 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