when you play the game of thrones you win or you die
Years have passed since King Tommen's reign over the Seven Kingdoms, and with those years things haven't changed. Much.
King Jon Hightower managed to regain the treasury from being in debt, that alone took many years. The Late King Tommen
was the last of his pure name, he left no heirs and married no woman. His brothers were struck down in a rebellion in
the Free Cities, his father had long passed.
So who gained the Iron Throne? Whose rightful place was to be seated in a thousand swords? No one knew, and no one still knows.
The High lords of Westeros meet each moon cycle to talk about things that have gone amiss in their Homelands, and to hear
the people of King's Landing. But how much longer will this go on? Time grows short for the Kingdom, for a storm is brewing.
Who will reign over the once mighty Kingdom?
The news of Lord Baratheon's death was quite shocking to say in the least. It was true that Bryen had never really been close to the late Lord Baratheon, but he had been close to the new Lord Baratheon ever since they were children. Now was the time to help his friend in his time of need, and make their bond stronger/
'We should adjourn immediately to allow young Baratheon's return to Storm's End that he might call in his banners and receive their oaths of fealty.'
This news was not all that shocking compared to the last bit of news that was shared just moments ago. The trip to Storm's End would not be an easy one for the young Baratheon if word spread that he was the new Lord, since many people would probably try to take his life along the way to claim Storm's End for themselves.
. 'My Lord Hand, I'll take my leave now. Lord Stark, when you have seen to your friend I would speak with you further, if it please you.'
What would Lord Lannister want to speak with me about? The thought seemed out of place. Of course, he would not reject the Lord due to curiosity and not wanting to the Lord of Casterly Rock to be cross with him. "Of course, Lord Lannister. Where would you like to speak with me at, my chambers or yours?" Bryen Stark hardly waited for an answer before he pushed his chair back and stood up, signaling that he was done with the meeting.
'There is only one form of diplomacy that these ironmen understand and that is conducted at the tip of a sword. Talk with them if you will, they will be neither intimidated nor deterred. I, for my part, will not sit idly by while the ironborn burn my hold and slaughter my people, all while you cower beneath Storm's End and call it justice!'
Lord Lannister seemed to be getting very undone by the suggestion of diplomacy. Of course, Bryen knew where his concerns were coming from. Deep Motte had before been ransacked by the ironmen during the previous wars, proving that it was all to easy for their fleets to get into the North. Not only was Deep Motte at threat, but so was Torrhen's Square, and ultimately Winterfell. Time was a sensitive thing when it comes to war and peace, and the ironmen only know how to keep peace when they have been put into their place. "Lord Lannister, I know you are upset over these things that may happen, and we are not asking you to abandon your people. We are simply asking you to prepare yourself if the diplomacy doesn't work out. " Bryen tried to keep his voice smooth and calm, although he too was worried that the ironmen would not listen to their words.
. 'My apologies... to you all. You must understand though young Baratheon that the nature of politics is not so simplistic as the nature of good and evil. It will deceive you in to believing that you are saving lives even as you destroy them. My father taught you this, did he not? In any case, you might say that this is true of me, but it is no less the case for you and Lord Stark.'
It was true that Bryen had been a page and squire under the late Lord Tyren Lannister, some even believe that Bryen's name was derived from his. He knew the lord well, and thought of him almost as another father just as Ian Baratheon should have. "Since Lord Baratheon could not be here himself, he instead sent his son who has had no play in politics yet. Why now, would he send someone so naive in these matters, to a meeting that is so very important, why would he send someone like that to represent Storm's End? It seems to me that he doesn't take this very seriously at all." It was something that Bryen just couldn't over look. It seemed suspicious of the Lord not to show up at a meeting that discussed the matters of the Ironborn unless he too planned a surprise attack. 'Very well, we shall send Lord Greyjoy an ultimatum, but should he not give up hostages and hand over a portion of his fleet then it must be war.'
[/i]
"Thank you, Lord Lannister for your compromise. Send a raven if you encounter any troubles with the ironmen, as I will try to send you aide as quickly as possible. I would hope that you would do the same for me." with that said, Winter rose to his feet, his chest was at the table's top, showing his massive size. The Stark's prided themselves with their direwolves, as it was tradition for the Head of House Stark to have a wolf companion, one that was like a second being of himself.[/blockquote][/blockquote]
The meeting was really beginng to become an annoyance when the last of the complaints had been heard. That was when the Hand of the King came into the Great Hall. He was a fragile looking old man, relying heavily on a walking stick to support his weight. He had run his course, it was time for a new Hand along with a new King. Bryen had been studying everyone's faced all through the council, and nearly everyone looked bored to death by the complaints, but as soon as the Hand appeared the whole room had livened up from talk of a tourney. Why is Lord Tytus speaking for the Hand? He may be old, but he is not dead... Bryen couldn't shake the thought from his mind.
'My Lords, Ladies, my Lord Hand... it is well known to you no doubt that House Greyjoy has a storied past of disquiet and rebellion. In times of crisis and need it has always been the way of the ironborn to return to their Old Way and attempt secession from the Seven Kingdoms. It is therefore the view of the Hand and of myself that a punitive expedition should be fielded by all the Great Houses and their bannermen, to strike pre-emptively against the Iron Islands, to subdue the Lords, make hostages of their Heirs and burn their fleets at harbour.'
Of course, an attack on the Greyjoy's fleet. I thought the last war had put them in their place, but perhaps he is right. The Ironborn do tend to go back to their Old Way once the Iron Throne becomes available...I still feel like we should wait though. The lord looked around the room once again as he heard at the gasps. Winter's fur began to bristle under the palm of his hand, obviously the direwolf did not like the talk of attacks. Attacks after all, often to lead to war.
'This proposal amounts to a declaration of war and we therefore seek your counsel on the matter.'
[/i]
That was what Bryen had been waiting on, of course after he'd scared all the ladies and frightened the lords he would ask if they wanted to do it or not. "If you know well enough that this strike will lead to war, why not go about it a different way? I do remember being told that would lands could not survive the bloodshed from another war so soon. We should try to talk to the Greyjoys, wait to see if they make a move first. I do not doubt that they will, so I will keep my bannermen at Deep Motte and White Harbor on guard at all times." Bryen made sure not to lose eye contact with Tytus as he spoke before finally looking at the Hand as if to say,What now?[/blockquote][/blockquote]
Bryen watched as the other Lord knelt in front of the Iron Throne before walking to the small table. King Tommen was dead, there was no need to try and show off how much he loved the King in front of an audience of two. Tytus Lannister, the man who grew under the King himself.. It was no surprise that the smallfolk of King's Landing already loved Tytus, he was one of them in a manner of speaking. While the wolf pup grew up among Lions, the lion cub grew up among the fawns. If it were to the people of the capitol, Tytus Lannister would be the new Protector of the Realm.
'In the name of King Tommen Baratheon, the fourth of his name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. I, Tytus of the House Lannister, do call this gathering of Lords to convene.'"
So, we're already back in the game of thrones, and others seem to be being more persistent than others. The first move had already been made when the old man Hand of the King called the Lords to court, if anything it was for everyone to see the competition. ...however, if it comes to that, I'll need all the help that I can get. Bryen looked hard at the man sitting at the head of the table, with his golden blond hair, a trait of the Lannisters, he looked very much like his father had. Bryen had grown up under the care of the late Lord Tyren Lannister to make sure that there would be no misdeeds from the North to the West.
'Have you any objections?'
[/i]
There was no point in objecting now, seeing how it didn't look as if anyone else might show up. "No, Lord Lannister. Let us begin." Bryen beackoned for the guards to begin letting the smallfolk make their pleas to the acting court. It was the least he could do to try and show that he too, was a competitor. Poor Ian Baratheon, his first time acting as a temporary Lord and he's already been thrown into the Game itself. "Let us here what you have to say." the young lord said smoothly to the first man to walk through the doors.[/blockquote][/blockquote]
"Lets both hope that war is the least likely scenario..."
[/b]
So war is on your mind too, old friend? If it comes to that, I wonder whose side you'll be on... It was all too common for friends to turn their backs on each other when war was to be had. "I would hope that is what everyone else thinks also, else wise the realm will bleed." At those words Winter gazed over at Ian, his red old eyes looking into him as if asking the question of where his loyalty lies.
"I'm not sure we should wait much longer for the other Lords, what do you say?" It was best to give Ian Baratheon some power at least, even if he did seem to be a greenboy in the political matters. On the battlefield though, he was fierce, at least that's what Lord Baratheon would have everyone believe.[/blockquote][/blockquote]
"I'm not really sure whether he felt this meeting was important or not. Either way I'm in no real mood to wait for the other Lords and Ladies to grace us with their presence."
Lord Bryen listened with content to with what his old friend had been saying, he knew exacly how Ian felt. The other Lords and Ladies of the great houses should have been here by now, since this meeting was rather imporant to the smallfolk of King's Landing. It was their duties as Lords to try and solve this matter of being Kingless as civially as possible, and if that meant acting as King's to the people of King's Landing, then so be it.
"So do you have any clue exactly what this meeting is about? I wasn't really brieded and I'm not entirely sure whether or not my father had any idea?"
It seems that Lord Baratheon didn't feel the need to tell his acting replacement what he was to do here after all...maybe he is just trying to prepare his son for his fututre, whatever it may hold. "As it happens, I do know what this meeting is about. As you know know, King Tommen has recently passed on and the Hand of the King is in no shape to rule the realm. On top of all of this commotion, King Tommen never married, nor did he see fit to sire any bastards that we can find. So the Lords and Ladies of the Great Houses took it upon themselves to hold a meeting at the Great Hall in King's Landing to hear what the smallfolk have to say, whether it be a complaint or asking for coin. For now, we all act as King and Queen of Westeros. We do our duties together and we do them well." Because if we don't, I fear we may have another war on our hands and the realm with bleed if that happens. The young lord thought to himself. He sighed and shifted his weight to the other side of the chair, if they waited much longer the people would get restless, however, if they proceeded then the other Lords and Ladies might take it as a threat.
The Great Hall was unusually quiet other than the sounds of Winter's breath. The young lord looked down at the massive direwolf that never left his side, the Starks learned their lesson about keeping the wolves close after the Red Wedding at the Twins. That was all in the past now, though and there were more pressing matters to attend to. Bryen looked at the giant doors of the Great Hall before he noticed someone walking through them, finally someone else had arrived. "So you're Lord Baratheon now? I hadn't heard anything of your father's passing." His voice carried across the room. The man who had entered the hall was none other than his long lost friend, Ian Baratheon of Storm's End. They had been wards together under Lord Lannister, and that was where their friendship had begun, at least thats what Bryen wanted to believe. "You'll have to wait patiently now for the rest of the Lord's and Lady's to return. I've been doing so for nearly half an hour already. At least I've got winter to keep me company." He looked at Winter, who looked back with his red eyes. They were the eyes of the Old Gods, the Northeren Gods.
Dawn had just broken through the dark night skies before Bryen Stark was awoken with a start. Slowly his heart beat began to slow back to its normal pace as he realized where he was. Unlike Winterfell, the Red Keep's walls did not have warm spring water flowing through them making the castle seem much harsher than it was. There was a stillness too the room, until Winter stirred next to the bed. Having the large direwolf near the young lord made him feel much safer in the Red Keep, without a King ruling the realm everyone was left in danger. "I require a warm bath and fresh clothing." He spoke with a light voice to the serving maids, as to not frighten them. A quiet "yes m'lord" was heard from two different maidens as the scampered off. Quickly Lord Stark rose and put on a grey and white woolen robe to warm himself until the maids returned with with the warm tub. Not long after the lord had put his robe on one of the serving girls came with his bath. "You have my leave to go, I can scrub my own back." Bryen hardly waited for the girl to shut the door before he slipped down in the warm water. It felt good against his skin, and soothed his aching muscles. He hadn't had time to bathe last night after he arrived at the castle since it was already so late, the voyage from Winterfell to King's Landing was no easy one. Bryen decided to wear a grey tunic along with a grey and white cloak with the white direwolf sigil of House Stark embroidered on the back. "I should be heading to the meeting now." Large doors opened up to the throne room room where the Iron Throne watched over the table for the small council to meet. Lately the people of the Kingdom had been coming to petition the Lords of the Eight great Houses of Westeros. "Well it seems like I'm the first one to show up, I suppose I'll just wait here." Bryen took his seat near the end of the table, and his direwolf Winter took a seat next to him.
The day was beginning to end, at least the day of playing King was. Nearly all that would be seen today had shown up. All the sudden Brandon heard the doors open, although who walked through was not who he expected. Walking toward him was the Lord Tyrell, Lord Leo Tyrell to be sure. "Leo! It's been far too long since I've last seen you. You look well, and very well rested." A boyish grin spread across his face.
"We were just taking care of business here, I assumed you had decided not to come." Really he wasn't sure what Leo Tyrell was doing, but apparently he had overslept, or so he said. Perhaps he was at a brothel, or maybe he really had overslept. Either way it was none of Brandon's real concern. The young lord felt Winter's ears twitch under his palm at the sight of the other lord.
"Well then, if you do not mind we need to finish up this business." he said with a hint of a smile. So that I can get out of here and have a bit of fun with the Lady of the Vale. such a wicked thought could only cause him to smirk as the next commoner of King's Landing entered the room.
Brandon felt himself go stiff as he noticed the flush of pink come to Lady Gracelin's face. Of course, he would have her tonight, if she was willing. Perhaps he would get her with child, unless she were to drink her moon tea. There was also the possibility of joining the Vale and Winterfell, though one of them would have to rule from the north, and the other from the east involuntarily separating them both for periods of time.
"It'was that womin down the way. She's always lookin' pearin' with those glassy lil' eyes!" he accused angrily pointing an arthritic finger out the door. "I wan 'er arrested."
[/i]
Of course, this was what it came down too, someone wanting another arrested. "We will compensate you for your loses, since you are uncertain of this woman and if she did commit a crime. She will be questioned. Until then, you may have 3 golden dragons, that should be more than enough for your chickens. Guards, send in the next lad, and find that woman and have her questioned. Do not harm her." This was easy as pie. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]
"it would need to be preformed with the utmost secrecy."
[/i]
A chill went down the young lord spine. Did he want that, really want that? Of course he did. A wicked smirk caught on his face as he leaned over to the lady, his scruffy face hardly touching hers as he whispered in her ear "Why, of course my lady. Secrets are always made in the Red Keep." Before he pulled away to sit back in his chair, the lord gently tugged on Gracelin's earlobe.
"Well my lord, I believe the others late or not coming at all."
"You are right in that, looks like we'll have to do this alone. It is not all that hard, I promise." quickly he recomposed himself. "The Council will see the requester, bring in the first one." Lord Brandon said to the guard. A man could get used to this. Winter rubbed his head under Brandon's palm, wanting affection.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]
Brandon watched at Lady Graclin stuck her palm up, smart woman. "Yes, my lady. Of course you may pet him." Bran eyed his wolf, with a certainty that the only way Winter would attack would be if his master was in trouble. He could sit and stare at the beast all day long, though he had business to attend to.
"Thank you, for your understanding"
"It's my pleasure, my lady. I wouldn't be to wuick to send off mine own son during these times either, if I had a son..." There it was again, the talk of a heir. Especially times in times like this, when any day war could break out. He could not leave Winterfell without a Lord as King Tommen left all of Westeros without a King. Maybe I should sire a bastard, just in case... He shut the thought out as quickly as it came.
"Three Kings for one Queen, what will the common folk think. must I take you all to wed and bed then? It would be a cramped bed indeed."
"Aye, now theres a thought. Or maybe you only need to bed one of them." A sheepish grin spread across his face, as he hinted toward Lady Gracelin. Of course, if she said yes he would try with her once the meeting in the Hall was over, if she said no he would merely say he was jesting. Either way, he would have a better friend or possibly a heir. Still grinning the young lord ran his hands through his hair, thoroughly ruffling it up.
The woman's voice was like a song upon Brandon's ears when she spoke of Winter. "Why, I fear for others safety as I said before. And it is good for him to explore and know his surroundings, he comes and goes as he pleases." which was true, Brandon allowed the wolf to roam all over the Red Keep, though he did not let him into King's Landing on his own. A soft tap-tap of paw pads hitting the cold floor rang in the hall, As if the direwolf knew that his master was talking about him he appeared next to Brandon's side.
He already stood at Bran's hip in height, and wore a grey mask around his piercing yellow eyes. Along his back shades of grey merged with a white bottom. "And here he is, loyal as ever. I could trust this wolf with my life." The young lord smiled fondly at his companion.
"My lord, the world needs bastards the same as it does high lords, their reason is simply harder to tell."
The lord studied the lady's words. Of course she was right, but he just couldn't find a way to simply say that he wanted a trueborn son before he had a bastard. But as things were looking, that may never happen. He hadn't had much luck in finding a lady that suited himself much at all.
Bran smiled at the Lady of the Vale as he felt her touch, it had been so long since he had had someone touch him. "Those are kind words, my lady. I will not rush you on your decision, as it will affect us both greatly." Honestly, he was in no rush to take on a child. At least her whelp wasn't a babe at the breast.
"In this meeting, what do you think shall be discussed?"
[/i]
"Hmm. Mostly its common folk coming into claim that someone stole a sheep, or a small purse of coppers. Petty things that they could have taken care of themselves, really. But they need someone to lead them, so here we are, all acting as King and Queen." [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]
"I believe you would, but who shall protect you? and I doubt I shall ever need such protection. Unless, you see me as a little bird ripe for being stolen."
[/i]
Grinning the young lord answered, "Why, Winter would. He knows when I am in trouble. The only reason he is not here with me now is for the...safety of everyone's heart." That was only slightly true, yes Winter had frightened many people with his shear size. But the tales of the Red Wedding, of Robb Stark and his direwolf Grey Wind being slaughtered with under the roof of a friend, that was the tale that haunted him the most. He did not want such a thing to happen to Winter. If he died, he wanted his wolf to live on.
Reaching up, he softly touched the direwolf broach that pinned his cloak to himself. Gracelin's remark about children caught his attention once more. "Aye, I suppose that is true. But I can say that with the women I have bedded, I haven't sired a bastard, and I try not too." That was simply how Brandon was brought up, to only have trueborn children, that siring a bastard was almost dishonorable. The Tully words would almost work for him, Family. Duty. Honor.
"I have thought of you, who else to teach my son honor and strength. I need someone to make a lord of him at least until I find another husband."[/i]
The words took him by surprise, although he could guess why she would want to send her child away. "Why, my lady I would be honored to take your son on as my ward." A warm smile crept across his lips, if he took on her son as a ward, well...if bad went to worse, that would guarantee that the Vale and the Eerie would be on his side.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]
Brandon noticed Gracelin's face brighten and a smile krept onto his face. "Why, of course I want to be King. But by others account, I would not be fit for the role since I am not seasoned by battle. I could be though..." his voice trailed off. He wanted to be King of Westeros, who wouldn't want that?
"Ah, yes. The Mountain was a brute, no horse could hold his weight, and his skill with a lance was terrible. He was nearly an unstoppable man. His brother though, he was fierce and fearsome. At least, that is the tale that is told to scare children. Don't worry, my lady, if there ever a monster as treacherous as the Hound I would protect you." A grin spread across his face once more.
"An heir? Are you lonely my lord? A young strong man like you, I cannot imagine you have a night alone."
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"My lady, you wound me. I would never sire a bastard. A woman should only be taken to bed with the intent to marry." The young lord tried to make his face look hurt, though he did not succeed. Lady Arryn's giggle was a sweet sound upon his ears in this cold room. The fact was, that he had gotten lonely in his big castle in Winterfell. Brandon was brought back from his thoughts of Winterfell when he heard Gracelin talking of her son. "Are you offering you only son up as a ward to Winterfell, my lady?" a puzzled look crossed his face. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]
