The Death of Kings: Gameplay Thread (Turn 4)

[Swedge]

The Army of King Jaehaerys shall send Lord Lyonel Corbray south to Highgarden to take part in this council as a representative for the Vale. My deepest apologies for not being able to attend in person, I hope you will be able to treat Lord Corbray with the same respect you would treat any Lord.

To peaceful negotiation,

Jon Arryn, Lord of the Vale

[windjammer]

The Army of King Jaehaerys shall send Lord Lyonel Corbray south to Highgarden to take part in this council as a representative for the Vale. My deepest apologies for not being able to attend in person, I hope you will be able to treat Lord Corbray with the same respect you would treat any Lord.

To peaceful negotiation,

Jon Arryn, Lord of the Vale

Shall I assume Lord Corbray will represent the Jaeharys faction?

[YPestis25]

Benjen

White Harbor was the only real town north of the Neck, and Benjen Stark could only be thankful that the slaughter of the Ironborn had not reached it. In the overcast sky, above the Wolf’s Den and New Castle the Manderly Merman and the Stark Direwolf fluttered proudly, in defiance of the Kraken which had broken on its battlements just weeks before. Still there was much work to be done.

Benjen paced through the fast-growing camp which had sprouted up around the port. What had started as a motley collection of structures had rapidly expanded to encompass much of the city walls. He had never expected war to come to the North, at least not like this. But if the Ironborn wanted a war, it was a war they’d get. As he approached the center of the camp, the smell of mud, feces, and sweat grew stronger, gradually enveloping the salty smell typical of White Harbor. It appeared as if this glorified raid had awoken something in the North. From Last Hearth to Stony Shore men were gathering. Umber, Karstark, Bolton and all the rest were rallying to defend their homeland. If they would not leave, the Greyjoys would be forced backed into the sea.

Benjen’s tent was crowded with the sons, brothers, and uncles of the Great Lords who had ridden South to fight. The Smalljon, barely a man, but already towering over nearly everyone in the tent was in the midst of some story, which commanded most of the room. Still, when Benjen walked in, most of the tent fell silent. Having led the defense of White Harbor and halted the Greyjoy advance, he was the senior commander in the room, and after a brief deliberation their course was decided.

That evening, Benjen, atop the walls of White Harbor addressed his men.
-We did not ask for this attack-Benjen began, his voice rising-They came not for honor, not for family, but for blood and gold.-
-Aye!-The men below answered.
-Let’s remind these Greyjoy Squids what it means to attack the North.-
-Aye!-The men below again answered, growing louder.
-The North does not easily forget, and winter is coming for each and every Greyjoy still in the North! They came for blood and gold, and I assure you, they will get blood.-
And the host began to march.

[Swedge]

The Army of King Jaehaerys shall send Lord Lyonel Corbray south to Highgarden to take part in this council as a representative for the Vale. My deepest apologies for not being able to attend in person, I hope you will be able to treat Lord Corbray with the same respect you would treat any Lord.

To peaceful negotiation,

Jon Arryn, Lord of the Vale

Shall I assume Lord Corbray will represent the Jaeharys faction?

You may, my Lord.

[windjammer]

The Army of King Jaehaerys shall send Lord Lyonel Corbray south to Highgarden to take part in this council as a representative for the Vale. My deepest apologies for not being able to attend in person, I hope you will be able to treat Lord Corbray with the same respect you would treat any Lord.

To peaceful negotiation,

Jon Arryn, Lord of the Vale

Shall I assume Lord Corbray will represent the Jaeharys faction?

You may, my Lord.

Duly noted.

[Swedge]

To The Lords Attending The Highgarden Council,

The Lords of the Vale, Riverlands and The North ask those attending these talks to order their armies to remain passive while discussion is held. As a sign of good faith, the armies of King Jaehaerys shall not aggress any Loyalist forces. If we wish for peace, we must be ready to uphold it.

Jon Arryn, Lord of The Vale

[Lumine]

THE OLD BAT

Watching so many lords argue so passionately over who would sit on the Iron Throne, Lord Walter Whent of Harrenhal wondered about how responsible he was for the scenario that was unfolding between his eyes. Days of debates had taken place across the enormous halls of Highgarden as several houses negotiated a settlement to reunite the so called “loyalist” cause, deeply divided after the deaths of King Aerys and Prince Rhaegar. Whent himself had declined to speak, heaving realized soon after arriving to the mighty Tyrell force that anything he might say would be misconstrued on account of that tense context. He was on the whole unsure if he was one of the most responsible people for that senseless, bloody war, but it certainly felt that like he would have much to answer for before the Seven once his time came.

-Brother, we must talk. –

Oswell had come to him first, supposedly on a family visit to Harrenhal. His motives, as Walter learned soon enough, were less noble in nature. That there was great divide in the court as those who admired and followed Rhaegar battled the supporters of Aerys was common knowledge, but he had not yet ascertained how far the Crown Prince was willing to go. Considering the amount of funding that was promised to Walter in exchange for hosting that damned, ridiculously expensive tournament, the answer had been clear. Even those who held deep suspicions about the tournament – such as Aerys’s more paranoid courtiers -  had taken it almost for granted Walter had been nothing but a front, and an irrelevant one at that. But the proud Riverlord, despite knowing himself not to be the sharpest mind in the realm, knew how to ponder on the consequences. So many lords in a single, innocent gathering. So many dreams…

All shattered. Aerys, of course, had the brilliant idea to come and magnify the attention on the tourney tenfold – for as far as he knew, it was only a prelude at first -. Had the Gods decided to punish Walter for having dared to dream on receiving just rewards had Rhaegar taken the throne? Was his ambition, which he so desperately tried to shield, the cause of his ruin? Some offense he must have given, for everything that could have gone wrong at the tournament promptly did so. That whole nonsense of the mysterious Knight that had unnecessarily antagonized the King, the continued humiliation of Lord Tywin – at a high price for House Targaryen -, and above all, that stupid girl. That girl, Gods damned her, who stormed and captured the Prince’s heart, and in so doing ruined every plan, every calculation by ever lord at Harrenhal.

Had he not hosted the tournament…  had he chosen to support Rhaegar before the Trident… had the Prince come to him instead of running away to Dorne…

-Therefore, my lords, the one and only prince who could unite these Seven Kingdoms is no other than Jaehaerys, Third of His Name! – Lord Tully proclaimed –
-No other prince can unite the land! – Corbray followed -

He had to admit, he’d underestimated Lord Tully. Years of little contact with his liege lord and his direct line to the Prince had inflated lord Walter’s sense of importance, and in so doing dulled the importance he gave to following the Tullys’s commands. He’d nominally followed Lord Hoster into war as Riverrun sided with the Rebellion, and the wily Trout had proven himself of some brilliant maneuverings. Marriage matches with Starks and Arryns, victory in battle, and now this unexpected maneuvers at Highgarden. The chosen lord to represent the Rebels had been Corbray – a curious choice, having been a stalwart loyalist before defecting -, and he had seemingly not proven impressing enough.

No, Lord Tully had decided he himself had to make a dramatic entrance, and two hundred riders had marched south with their lord as Walter learned his presence was requested as well. He seemed well aware of the doubts the Old Bat was having about his choice of loyalties, for Hoster had spoken to him constantly and eloquently about the course of action to follow. And while he wasn’t particularly convinced of the merits of propping up the son of… that woman, he had found some additional appreciation for Hoster. Lord Tully had certainly not disappointed, constantly arguing in Jaeharerys’s favor as a unity candidate of sorts, while at the same time rebranding the whole Rebellion as a cause against Aerys alone. Some Reachlords had listened with great interest when Hoster, at the most dramatic point of his oratory, had cleverly argued that with the King dead all of them were loyalists now.

-You are a persistent man, Lord Hoster, and you have my sincere respect for that. – Prince Doran answered back – But no son of Lyanna Stark deserves to sit on that mighty throne. –
-But is he not a legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen, my lord? – Hoster replied – Is he not a prince, born to sit the throne and bring peace to the land? -
-You read omens most interestingly, my lord. – The Lord Reaper of Pyke laughed – In being born, your little prince is already cause for the deaths of thousands. Maegor the Cruel would be proud! -

As some of the loyalists laughed, shouted and roared with their approval, Walter gave a look of disgust at Quellon Greyjoy. He had arrived at the castle alongside his impressive personal guard far before both Riverlords could show up, and he seemed to enjoy great favor among many loyalists as well. The idea of associating himself with such a bandit, particularly one which sacked the North so mercilessly, did not appeal to Walter. Not even if he had a mighty fleet at his disposal.

-Furthermore, his lordship appears to be misinformed. – And then Quellon displayed an almost cruel smile – An agreement has already been reached.

Walter looked at him in disbelief, and shared an alarmed look with Hoster. An arrangement? What sort of an arrangement? How could it be? Lady Olenna smiled in satisfaction, and soon one of the many Tyrell cousins – one with a large booming voice – stood up to read a proclamation. Word by word Walter witnessed both fascinated and concerned how the real purpose of these negotiations lay bare to him and everyone else to see. Having been so close to suicidal war, Targaryens, Tyrells, Martells and that Greyjoy snake had all arranged matters among themselves, and in so doing the Loyalist ranks were reformed in a single blow. Rhaenys was to be queen, in equal standing with Viserys. Rhaella was to rule, Tyrell to govern. And Martells and Greyjoys would dominate the Small Council.

Their purpose, as the herald announced, was renewed. And with the satisfied expressions of so many who had seemingly known of this all long, there were little grounds for doubt. They were being mocked in a farce of a council, decided in private conversation and not in the grandiose and utterly pointless speeches of the last few days. Lord Hoster, as honor demanded, denouncing the arrangement and the exclusion of the rebel lords. But the damage was done, and that very night the Rivelords and Corbray were forced to ride north and back home.

Walter could hear the laughter miles away from Highgarden. And he wondered once again if he was being punished by the Gods.

[Lumine]

JAIME

For about the tenth time that night – or so it seemed, for he had lost track of time – Ser Jaime cursed a lot of people he thought responsible for his current predicament. Aerys above all, the accursed madman who had plunged the realm into chaos. The Eunuch as well, as his scheming had made it impossible to guard and protect Elia and her children. And his own father, for having made things worse due to his attack on the capital. He had spent weeks now as a prisoner in the Red Keep – thankfully, not in the black cells – and the lack of anything to occupy his mind on had forced to be alone with his thoughts, a prospect Jaime didn’t necessarily relish. For all the fond memories of Cersei that brought a temporarily smile into his face, there was the memory of his failure and the sheer, unrelenting humiliation that it had meant.

-We shall talk when I return. – He repeated, bitterly mimicking Rhaegar’s voice –

He had begged to go with the Prince, but Rhaegar had rejected him. He’d entrusted him with the King, and with the care of Elia and her children. Rhaegar said farewell with promises of changes to come, promises which young Ser Jaime had dared to believe in for a moment despite his disaster for court politics. The prince had left, and left the knight alone in that damned, forsaken city, alone with an insane monarch as two armies hacked each other to pieces in the Trident. He did not remember whether the tears or his bloody punch at a wall had come first when learning of the news, but he remembered all too well informing Princess Elia of what had taken place. Of how pale she had turned, of how her eyes had changed, of how… of how ashamed he felt at having left the Prince ride to his death while he was stuck there.

-The King summons you.  – Those were Rossart’s words – He is to visit the Alchemist’s Guild. –

He remembered it as well as he remembered the smell of lord Chelsted charred corpse, burnt at the orders of the King for daring to disobey him. It had been cause for disbelief at first, for Jaime could not believe a Hand as weak and sycophantic would have ever found the courage to stand up to Aerys. But he understood why he did it, once he saw the hundreds of wildfire pots stored by those merchants of death. No man with a shade of pride, no matter how spineless, could stand for that. And he hadn’t. The thoughts pained him as he remembered it in flashes, cutting down Rossart first and then seeing the candle fall to the cellar. Mere instinct formed him to run and jump, and bruised and blackened as he had ended up it was nothing compared to those who had ceased existing in the spot of hellfire which had been the Alchemist’s Guild.

Kingslayer…

-No. – He said quietly -

Kingslayer…

-No! – He shouted in anger –

Kingslayer…

-NO! – He cried in despair –

He had to take responsibility somehow, and he had. He was too young, too shocked to his very core at the action he so desperately tried to hide to play the game and take command. But a knight could always keep guard for those he swore to protect, and that he would do for the rest of his days. Day and night he kept watch for Elia, for Aegon and Rhaenys, and resolved to keep them safe not only from any harm, but from that damned eunuch. He feared – gods, how he feared – Varys to know the truth, and only Elia’s determination to keep him around – did she know as well? – had spared him a summon from the Master of Whisperers. That is, until Varys had proved unable to fight back against the Queen’s grave vengeance. Several idiots calling themselves knights had tried to take on Jaime to get to Elia, and he had made them pay dearly. More than a dozen he’d slain before the first punch smashed his face, and he was beaten into submission.

Was he going insane? He had begun to question it over the past few days. Thoughts and memories did not leave his head alone for a second, and not knowing what was of Elia, of the children, of Tyrion, Cersei and his father drove him towards despair. He cursed himself again for his weakness in the face of humiliation, for his pride had caused him nothing but pain.

-Gods, what can I do? – He asked the silent, obscure room –

The first loud noise he ignored as a coincidence. The second drew his attention and made him stand up. The third confirmed that a sword battle was taking place across those corridors in the Red Keep, and his mind began to race. A rescue attempt? Has father stormed the capital? He stood close to the door in case someone entered the room, covered by darkness as he grabbed the closest thing he could find for protection. The sound of weapons grew louder and was followed by screams of pain, and soon the sound of bodies dropping on the floor revealed him that the guards were being slain. The sound of keys was heard afterwards, and with a loud thud the door opened wide to reveal a group of hooded men with swords and daggers.

-And who might you be, disturbing my sleep? – Jaime asked -
-I am glad to see in good spirits, Ser Jaime. – The voice with the scent of lilacs spoke – We will be in need of that energy tonight. –
-Varys? – Jaime felt confused – What on earth are you doing here? –
-Saving the realm, Ser Jaime. – Varys discovered his face and made a near sinister smile – Someone must. –

Sword in hand Jaime followed Varys and his men – many of them children judging from their height – across the corridors, several slain guards on the floor. Varys was quick to note his intentions were of a subtler approach, but ruined by the increasingly heavy guard at the palace. As he noted with a hint of irony, the Dragoness truly did not want a soul to move there. The sound of fighting echoed across the corridors as it became clear the Queen’s guards were on the move to contain the invaders, and soon Jaime, Varys and the others reached a heavily protected room. Jaime himself slew two guards – almost getting himself killed in the process, for he hadn’t trained in weeks -, and the young hooded figures bypassed the door’s lock with shocking speed.

A young woman inside the room was slain before Jaime could say a word, and soon a small figure moved in the bed. It was little Rhaenys, scared out of her mind until she saw Jaime approach her.

-Ser… Ser Jaime! – She shouted, and extended his arms towards the knight –
-Princess! – Jaime grabbed the girl, and held her tight for a moment – Worry not, princess, we’re here to rescue you. –
-I want to see my mother. – Rhaenys said, looking somewhat relieved –
-And to see her we go. –

The group left the room and found the way they had come in filled with dozens of royal guards, who were cutting down several of Varys’s men. The Eunuch frantically shouted for them to go the other way and towards Elia, but before they could reach the Dowager Princess’s room a group of crossbowmen were already set in the corridor leading to the room. Fully intending to charge, Ser Jaime prepared to leave the princess on the floor, but a deadly set of arrows killed half the surviving group. Cursing his luck Jaime grabbed Rhaenys once again and followed Varys to one of the secret corridors, making a private room to rescue Elia later regardless of the cost. They all ran across different corridors, constantly changing doors and route to evade the guards as Varys’s surviving men were all cut down or got lost in the road.

After some unbearably tense moments and constantly climbing down several sets of stairs both men showed up at a cave of sorts, the Red Keep seen far above their heads. Jaime and Varys were both covered in blood – although not seriously wounded – and Rhaenys was crying, just a couple of young boys left of Varys’s entourage for that daring mission. Jaime and Rhaenys followed the group to a skiff that was tied to the shore, and cutting the ropes they all got into position. Soon the boat was pushed to sea, and they breathed a sigh of relief as they started to row.

Little Rhaenys stopped crying after some time, and promptly fell asleep on the knight. Jaime, still somewhat stunned by the fact that he was free once again, made a solemn vow here and there. He was going to protect the princess to his final breath. No one, not Varys nor his father, would dissuade him otherwise.

[Lumine]

CERSEI

-I command you to whip her, and whip her good! – She shouted in her most demanding voice –
-But, lady Cersei…! – The guard dared to protest –
-Quiet! – She slapped him, and pointed once again at the crying servant – Cersei Lannister gave you a command, and you will obey! –

The red-faced guard stood up straight, and promptly punched the servant girl in the face. A few of her teeth fell to the ground in a small river of blood, and another guard helped him take the crying, slender figure towards the corridor and into the courtyard. Cersei took a spot in the internal walls, and watched with interest as they dragged the girl and tied her to the post. One of them grabbed the whip after some hesitation, and commanded solely by Cersei’s fierce look they began to deliver blow after blow to the back of their new victim, who – at Cersei’s satisfaction – would simply not stop crying as red lines took over her once pale skin, as blood ran towards the ground and both guards started to sweat due to the effort of cracking the whip. Finally, bored with the spectacle, Cersei commanded them to stop with a nod.

That would show her, she thought. Lady of the Rock, and with her ability to command so increased by the departure of her father and her uncle Gerion – and with uncle Kevan too busy to keep an eye on her -, Cersei was determined to see some changes through to her own satisfaction and content. One of them was having that imprudent child punished, publicly so for daring to express fear at her father’s campaign in the capital, and privately so for being so sympathetic to her brother. She may have been forced to respect the fact that that hated monstrosity breathed still after so many years, but she would not stand for any show of unnecessarily support for the boy – how it rankled to even acknowledge him as one – that she could immediately prevent.

Taking a last, satisfactory look at the humiliated, broken girl, she returned to a walk across the corridors with her companions. She was doing a conscious effort to even ignored their presence, mired as she was on the thoughts that consumed her mind and drew such anger from her. How had things gone so wrong? How could she, daughter of the most powerful man in Westeros, the most beautiful, most desirable woman as well, be bested by a horse-faced northerner? Convinced as she was that Prince Rhaegar would end up looking at her even after his marriage to that Dornish waif, his death had been an utter shock to Cersei, and the seeming end to her dreams of the crown. All because of that stupid Stag and his stupid hammer. Why couldn’t men like Robert Baratheon get drunk and then killed by their own stupidity? He was dead, but he had taken Cersei’s prince – and her hope for a crown – with her.

All she had left where three princes, all of them children who not only would never replace Jaime, but she could not even marry. And Jaime… Jaime was the worst part of all. Captured by the Dragoness, that woman of whom Cersei had thought nothing of while at court. So meek, so subservient, so enslaved at the whims of the Mad King… And she’d proven strong enough to muster an army, crown her son and capture the capital. Even while raging for Jaime’s capture and absence, there was a time of two where Cersei would be perilously close to confessing some admiration for what Rhaella had been able to do. And if that broken, unremarkable woman had caused so much trouble for so many clever lords, she could certainly do even more.

If only she had the crown, and the power…

-Lady Cersei, it’s your uncle. – One of the girls remarked –

Cersei made the slightest of bows as Kevan Lannister entered the corridor, in full armor and surrounded by some knights. Niece and uncle stopped for a moment and acknowledged each other with a nod of the head.

-Niece. –
-Uncle. –
-Why is there another girl half-whipped to death in the courtyard? –
-Another scheming, unreliable servant, uncle. – Cersei did not finch – They spread lies about father and some supposed defeats. We cannot have this in our own home. –
-I see. – Kevan looked tired, and somewhat uneasy – On any further occasion you will come to me or one of the knights first. –
-Is a soft touch what father commanded, uncle? –

Kevan stood there, silent, and Cersei wondered for a moment if her uncle would ever muster the courage to actually talk back to her. Amusingly for Cersei, he did not, but her smile was soon wiped from her face.

-We need to talk, niece. – And he waved at the knights and ladies – Alone. –

What is this? She wondered, her mind racing to make sense of what uncle Kevan might be wanting to say. Has something happened to Jaime…?

-We’re under attack across the Westerlands. – Kevan said bluntly, Cersei opening her eyes – It’s the damned Ironborn, sacking the coastline and sailing into Lannisport. –
-But surely! Surely there’re not stupid enough to think they can defeat House Lannister, uncle. –
-They certain think they can, and with our garrisons depleted, they stand a chance. – Kevan paused for a moment – I leave for Lannisport to organize the defenses, and I need you to act responsibly. –
-What do you mean? – She asked, returning to a defensive stance –
-Cersei, I do not have time for games. – Her uncle sounded impatient – I don’t want more whippings or scandals, nor a word to reach the servants or the ladies. Your father would want you to behave more subtly given the circumstances. –

Cersei cursed Kevan in her own thoughts, but finally gave a half-hearted response and got her uncle to leave with his knights. She’d say anything to get him out and have another obstacle less inside Casterly Rock, and worried as she felt for a moment, it seemed obvious that Kevan and her father’s bannermen would push the Greyjoys back into the sea. What are squids after all, compared to the might of a lion? Kevan left that same afternoon with several knights and marched towards Lannisport, and the self-satisfied Cersei took to her window as she tried to see what was taking place. It took a few hours for the large flames coming out of Lannisport to rise towards the skies, and a couple extra for the Greyjoy armada to appear outside Casterly Rock and cut off their access to the sea.

-Have we made contact with my uncle? – She demanded as some knights reentered the fortress –
-No, my lady. He is still missing, and Greyjoy units are on the way. –
-Impossible! – She shouted – Where in the seven hells are our troops? –
-Defeated, scattered, dead. – One of the wounded knights replied – It’s a disaster. –

Their words were soon confirmed as thousands of men carrying the Greyjoy banner appeared outside Casterly Rock, and promptly overwhelmed and killed all the sentinels outside the castle. Cersei ordered the gates immediately shut and locked despite condemning a couple dozen guards to their grisly deaths, and climbed towards the highest tower in the castle to appreciate how terrible the situation was. Several Greyjoy vessels cut off any sea access, and the fierce Ironborn warriors – thousands of them – closed any access to the castle and made preparations to storm the gates. They were utterly surrounded. Cersei shook with fear and, sure that no one could see her, fell to her knees. Why were they all failing her? Father, Kevan and Jaime, all gone, missing perhaps, and she was left alone in that castle with half the Lannister wealth and that monstrous excuse of a brother.

It took a while for her to recover some composure, and finally resolve to climb back the stairs. She immediately ran across a group of knights, most of them shouting nervously and with fear in their eyes. The sole exception was Ser Ilyn Payne, standing beside the group with an annoyed look on his gaunt face.

-We cannot find Lord Kevan! –
-It’s a catastrophe! No one is in charge! –
-What are we supposed to do? –

Cersei felt her blood boil. These were the men that would keep her and Casterly Rock safe?

-Enough! That’s enough! – She shouted, grabbing the attention of those present – You are supposed to be knights, start acting like them! As daughter of Tywin Lannister I am the Lady of Casterly Rock, and I will take command! –

The knights looked at her with an incredulous expression, not expecting the harsh words – or the ambitions – of the young Lioness. Cersei even wondered for a moment if they would listen to her, until Ser Ilyn Payne was the first to kneel. All the others, cowed by the gesture, promptly bowed as well.

And despite the intense fear of death, Cersei Lannister allowed herself a little smile.

[Lumine]

“Oh, piteous spectable! Oh, bloody times!
While Lions and Dragons war and battle for their dens,
The poor harmless lambs abide their enmity.
Weep, wretched, sinful men, I'll aid tear for tear;
And let our hearts and eyes, like this civil war,
Be blind with tears, and submerged in grief.”

(Spoken by a Septon in Oldtown,
Upon learning of the battle of Blackwater Rush)

Late 283 AL: Aftermath:

Whent and Dayne, only one of both brave knights survives

The Hunt for the Wolf:

In rapidly marching south to retrieve his sister and his nephew, Lord Stark had scored a substantial coup by putting little Jaehaerys under his care and winning over two Kingsguards for the cause of the Prince. However, he had also exposed himself as grave danger, as upon reaching Summerhall with his group no less than four different lords plotted to assault his small force and capture him and the small prince. The first to strike were the Ironborn, a select group of warriors sent by Euron Greyjoy striking the group at night and being repelled after a fierce fight by the Sword of the Morning.

At attempt to establish whether Starfall would be a safer spot was cut shut as Lord Stark raced north, hoping to reach his forces as soon as possible. Unfortunately for him, Tywin Lannister assigned Lord Marbrand and a large cavalry force to ambush the Starks, and while the subsequent ambush did not capture Stark or Jaehaerys, it left most of the group dead and unable to cross towards the Riverlands. Attempting to return south towards Starfall led to tragedy as a Dornish army stormed Summerhall with the mission to capture the group as well, resulting in the heroic death of Ser Oswell Whent.

Pushed and without a place to go, an attempt to move deeper into the Stormlands forced the final trap. The Stormlords, under the command of Lord Estermont, had prepared for the capture and arrest of Lord Stark, and their searching parties overwhelmed the escaping forces in an ambush, The chaos led to Lord Stark and Ser Arthur Dayne fighting side by side, and despite slaying near two-dozen men they were forced to surrender at sword point. The victory of the Stormlords, however, was not complete, for Lady Ashara and the baby Jaehaerys disappeared during the ensuing struggle.

Stark and Dayne were then taken to the camp outside Storm’s End, where the intention of Lord Estermont to bring them to trial for a betrayal of the Stormlands became apparent. While Ser Arthur immediately demanded a trial by combat, it is unknown what Lord Stark will do.

War in the Stormlands:

Having successfully gathered the forces of the Stormlords in the Kingswood as well as the person of Lord Renly, Lord Estermont showed enough skill to have him be declared regent for the young boy, although Renly was not proclaimed king or crowned at the moment. The surviving lords made a point of signing a strongly worded declaration, pointing out that as “Lords Declarant”, they would fight for the safety of Renly and the Stormlands. The news, combined with the Tyrell withdrawal from the Stormlands following separate dealings with the Greyjoys and Estermont, drew joy from the ravaged land and cemented Lord Estermont’s prestige, which he used to gain the support of the majority of the region.

Ironborn Raids: At the captured fortress and after a deal with the Tyrells, Euron Greyjoy promptly declared himself Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, receiving key reinforcements as over thirty ships sailed into the now free Shipbreaker Bay. Holding onto the key fortress Euron led daring raids in the coasts again Baratheon loyalists, inflicting significant damage and at the same time drawing large anger against the Ironborn as violent, hated invaders. Losing some men in the hunt for Lord Eddard and Lord Renly, Euron holed himself up at Storm’s End as the Stormlanders approached the castle.
 
Siege of Storm’s End: Lord Estermont, having increased the size of his army by recruiting as many men as possible, marched on Storm’s End with the might of the Stormlords behind him. Alas, while he vastly outnumbered Euron his first assault was a failure, and forced the situation into a siege of Storm’s End. While the new Regent has thus contained further Ironborn expansion in the region, Storm’s End remains open via sea as Euron can have himself sent as many supplies as he wishes, which would make a siege last years in the worst case as the Stormlords do not possess anything resembling a fleet.

The Council of Highgarden:

Events were moving fast among the key alliances battling for the throne. Now released from his humiliating captivity, Lord Tyrell became instrumental in getting the divided Loyalist forces to agree to a council of sorts at Highgarden, occasion to which some Rebels were also invited. With Lady Olenna, Prince Doran and Lord Quellon taking personal part in the proceedings, other noteworthy participants were Lord Velaryon on behalf of Queen Rhaella, and Lords Tully, Corbray and Whent for the Rebels. Despite passionate, skilled interventions by Lord Tully on behalf of Jaehaerys, it soon became apparent that the Loyalists had already signed a compromise behind the back of the Rebel representatives, turning the Council into a political farce of sorts.

As Lord Tully and his allies left Highgarden in despair, the compromise was announced and the strength of the loyalists multiplied with a single stroke. Viserys and Rhaenys Targaryens would rule as King and Queen Regnant of equal power, guided by Rhaella as Queen Regent, Lord Tyrell as Hand, and Lord Tarly, Lord Greyjoy and Prince Oberyn to support the Realm from the Small Council, joining several of Rhaella’s stalwart loyalists. The Targaryen caused somewhat united at last, but that unity was to be tested on the battlefield very soon.

Flight of the Spider:

Seemingly safe at Sunspear after delivering Prince Aegon to House Martell, Lord Varys appeared to have been outmaneuvered due to the events at Highgarden. Seemingly excluded from the historic compromise, watched over by Dornish spies at Sunspear, Lord Varys plotted a rather unexpected move given the circumstances. Winning over an immense source of wealth to fund his purposes, the Spider recruited a group of young thiefs and former Goldcloaks, and leaving Sunspear he smuggled himself into King’s Landing in the fastest skiff he could find. Infiltrating the Red Keep at night and despite being discovered, the Spider managed to release Ser Jaime from captivity and alongside the knight rescue the Princess Rhaenys, missing their chance to reach Elia as soldiers flooded the castle. Sustaining heavy losses Varys, Jaime and a couple of men spirited the Princess away in a skiff as they disappeared into the seas, giving the Eunuch a decisive political weapon for his use.

[Lumine]

Lannister and Golden Company troops meet

Ironborn Invasions

Substantially increasing his political cloud with a daring landing in Highgarden and getting himself appointed to the Loyalist Small Council, Lord Reaper Quellon Greyjoy continued his rise. Despite a secret attempt to bring a negotiated end to the war in the North having failed, he and his captains plotted another stunning offensive, with unsuspected results in the shifting balance of the war for the Iron Throne.

Reconquest of Moat Cailin: Having failed to send ships via land to the Bite and with a different strategic imperative in mind, Balon Greyjoy left a small garrison in the fortress and sailed south. Lord Benjen Stark, reorganizing the defenses of the south, reassembled his forces and staged a successful feint on Moat Cailin with the help of the Crannogmen and House Reed, enabling his forces to assault the fortress in a weakened state. Despite substantial casualties, the combined attack made it impossible for most of the Ironborn garrison to retreat, and Moat Cailin was successfully recaptured by the Starks.

Assault on Lannisport: Reorganizing the Ironborn forces, Quellon gave the greenlight for an attack on the Westerlands at their most weakened state, and Balon and Victarion sailed towards the rich region. Their first struggle was against the Lannister fleet at Lannisport, which after a tough battle was finally bottled up in the harbor and sunk for the most part. Balon himself led the landings into the city and fought Lord Kevan, who had arrived from Casterly Rock to contain the Ironborn. Overwhelming the City Watch and murdering Kevan in single combat, Balon proceeded to sack Lannisport and send inmense wealth back to Pyke.

Siege of Casterly Rock: As smaller units under Victarion tried to raid the coast and burn as much as possible (being repelled at some points by local lords), the main Greyjoy force move towards Casterly Rock as the Westerlands were depleted of men, and almost succeeded in forcing their way in. Decisive action by Lady Cersei and the castle’s garrison held off the Ironborn despite the land and naval blockade, preventing Balon from winning the biggest price despite the precarious situation of the famous fortress.

The Rebels Reorganize

One of the biggest drawbacks of the past events for the Rebellion was the apparent death of their main cause, Robert, Rhaegar and Aerys being all dead. With Jaehaerys Targaryen as a new hope despite the misgivings on many to support another Targaryen, a new purpose for the Rebels was starting to be rebuilt by the actions of several key lords. In the Riverlands, Lord Tully was able to hang onto the loyalty of House Whent for the time being, and while an attempt to get the Freys to return to the fold let do no overt declarations of loyalty, Lord Frey took his forces back to The Twins and enclosed himself in his fortress before troops sent by House Arryn could block access to his lands (an act which may have some decisive consequences depending on how the Freys react).

Lord Arryn also made important moves regarding foreign support, seeing several representatives from Braavos met with some of his bannermen at Gulltown in a productive meeting. While full support from the  mighty Republic remains a matter of speculation, it is believed several guilds and perhaps even the Iron Bank will substantially expand their support for the cause of the Rebels over the coming months. Equally decisive was the announcement of House Dayne that they recognized Jaehaerys as King, becoming the first Dornish House to formally break with House Martell. It was perhaps these news that became a decisive factor in Lady Ashara's decision, for the young and brave lady managed to board and ship and land at Gulltown with the baby Jaehaerys in her arms, having survived the Stormlander ambush and subsequent escape out of an immense will to survive.

Having his new King besides him, Lord Arryn's previous orders for an immediate coronation were followed to the letter. Jaehaerys III Targaryen was now crowned, and Lord Arryn was his Regent.

Crownlands Campaign:

With Queen Rhaella holed up in King's Landing and ensuring the capital was tightly defended under the careful watch of Lord Commander Bonifer Hasty, Lord Tywin Lannister moved fast to seize the moment and strike a decisive victory before it was too late. This included raising as many men as possible from the Westerlands to march to his camp outside the capital, and more decisively, an immense investment by House Lannister to hire the famous Golden Company. As he prepared for his forces to gather, Tywin commanded Marbrand to seize Lord Stark and Prince Jaehaerys to strike a key blow, but Lord Stark slipped back into the Stormlands just as bad news arrived at the frontlines: the Loyalists had decided to mobilize.

The March on King's Landing: With the Loyalists at Highgarden having combined their forces, Lord Tywin recieved the unpleasant news that most of the Loyalist Army in the Riverlands marched towards him, which combined to the forces of Rhaella inside the capital and the armies of House Tyrell, moving from the Stormlands. The Golden Company, in the meantime, had landed in the Stormlands with its hired sellsails posing as merchants, and the mercenaries began a forced march to meet with Lord Tywin. Despite the intention of the Lannisters to skirmish and avoid a large battle, the arrival of the large Loyalist formations forced them into a battle.

Battle of Blackwater Rush: The combined armies met near the Blackwater Rush, with Lord Tywin and his roughly 24,000 Westerlands troops fighting over 60,000 Loyalists of different armies, a number difference which made this battle one of the largest recorded in Westeros, and which put Tywin at a disadvantage. A very skilled commanded, Tywin fought well and made good use of the river, drawing and stopping several enemy charges successfully before exhaustion set in, wave after wave of enemy troops increasingly crippling his forces. The Lannister armies were on the verge of collapse when the Golden Company arrived, cutting a bloody path across the Reach forces to reach Tywin and stage a calculated retreat. As Lord Tywin and his new combined army retreated back to the Deep Den and into the Westerlands, thousands of corpses lay dead on the ground, food for crows.

[Lumine]

Weddings, births and deaths:

Deaths: Kevan Lannister, Oswell Whent.
Weddings: None.
Births: Jeyne Westerling, Robb Stark.

Military and Political Situation:

Rhaella Targaryen:
-Army of King's Landing: 11,000 strong, outside King's Landing.
-Army of Barristan Selmy: 4,200 strong, outside King's Landing.
-Army of the Trident: 15,300 strong, at the Trident.
-City Watch of King's Landing: 2,000 strong, in King's Landing.
-Garrison of Dragonstone: 1,000 strong.
-Targaryen Royal Fleet: 170 ships, in King's Landing.
-Targaryen Expeditionary Fleet: 30 ships, in Volantis.
(Can recruit 6,000 men, 3,000 immediately)

Tywin Lannister:
-Army of Tywin Lannister: 20,200 strong, at the Deep Den.
-Golden Company: 9,500 strong, at the Deep Den.
-Garrison of the Golden Tooth: 500 strong.
-Garrison of Casterly Rock: 400 strong.
-Lannister Fleet: 15 surviving ships, scattered.
(Can recruit 18,000 men, 8,000 immediately)

House Tyrell:
(Not accounting for units like the Oldtown City Watch)
-Army of Mace Tyrell: 34,000 strong, outside King's Landing.
-Army of the Reach: 25,000 strong, in Highgarden.
-Garrison of Highgarden: 5,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Mander: 40 ships, near Highgarden.
-Redwyne Fleet: 198 ships, outside King's Landing. 
-Hightower Fleet: 30 ships, in Oldtown.
-Shield Islands Fleet: 30 ships, at the Shield Islands.
(Can recruit 25,000 men from the Reach, 10,000 immediately)

House Stark:
-Garrison of Winterfell: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Moat Cailin: 500 strong.
-Garrison of White Harbor: 1,500 strong.
-Garrison of Cerwyn: 500 strong.
-Garrison of Torrhen's Square: 500 strong.
-Northern Lords: 3,000 strong, manning several castles.
-Army of Wyman Manderly: 9,400 strong, at the Bloody Gate.
-Army of Benjen Stark: 9,300 strong, at Moat Cailin
 (Can recruit 14,000 men from the North, 5,000 immediately)

Hoster Tully:
-Garrison of Riverrun: 1,000 strong.
-Army of the Blackfish: 7,000 strong, at Fairmarket.
-Army of the Riverlands: 9,100 strong, at the Bloody Gate.
(Can recruit 13,000 men from the Riverlands, 6,000 immediately)

Quellon Greyjoy:
Garrison of Pyke: 1,000 strong.
Balon's Fleet: 345 ships, 22,000 men, outside Casterly Rock.
Euron's Fleet: 32 ships, 1,700 men, in Storm's End.
(Can recruit 11,000 men from the Iron Islands, 5,000 immediately)
(Can call up to 200 reaving ships, 100 immediately)

Jon Arryn:
Garrison of the Eyrie: 500 strong.
Garrison of the Bloody Gate: 1,000 strong.
Gulltown Fleet: 20 ships, in Gulltown.
Army of Jon Arryn: 21,800 strong, at the Bloody Gate.
Army of the Riverlands; 2,000 strong, close to The Twins.
(Can recruit 10,000 men from the Vale of Arryn, 5,000 immediately)

Doran Martell:
Garrison of Sunspear: 1,000 strong.
Army of Sunspear: 10,000 strong, outside Summerhall.
Army of Lewyn Martell: 7,000 strong, outside King's Landing.
(Can recruit 15,000 men from Dorne, 5,000 immediately)

Eldon Estermont:
-Stormlander Army: 10,500 strong, outside Storm's End.
(Can recruit 7,000 men, 4,000 immediately)

[DKrol]

A Proclamation from King's Landing

To all who hear this proclaim, greetings.

By the authority of House Targaryen, the oldest and most noble of Houses, which has safely and steadily ruled the Seven Kingdoms for three hundred years, Her Grace the Queen Regent has decreed that:

Her Grace, acting on behalf of His Grace Viserys the Third of His Name, has appointed the honorable Lord Mace Tyrell as Hand of the King and grant him all the styles and comforts belonging to the office.

Her Grace, acting on behalf of His Grace Viserys the Third of His Name, has appointed the honorable Prince Oberyn Martell as Master of Coin and grant him all the styles and comforts belonging to the office.

Her Grace, acting on behalf of His Grace Viserys the Third of His Name, has appointed the honorable Lord Randyll Tarly as Advisor to the Small Council and grant him all the styles and comforts belonging to the office.

Her Grace, acting on behalf of His Grace Viserys the Third of His Name, has appointed the honorable Lord Quellon Greyjoy as Advisor to the Small Council and grant him all the styles and comforts belonging to the office.

May the gods keep the King!

- Rhaella of the House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.

[Dereich]

The Old Maester

 

Maester Cressen prepared himself. He was old, yes, but he must not show it. He would need to be strong in the days to come. Strong for his last charge, for poor Renly who was now alone in the world. If only for his sake, the Maester told himself, he would stay firm. Maester Cressen entered the crowded hall.

Bronzegate was the only castle with a great hall large enough to accommodate the crowd who had come to see the trial, he had been told. The safety of the castle, far from the ocean and the grasping reach of the Greyjoys, remained unspoken. Whatever the reason, it was certainly true that the size of the hall was important. It seemed to the Maester as if every lord, lady, and knight in the realm was packed into this room, and he knew well that even more had been denied entry for refusing to surrender their weapons or for being un-trusted strangers. Trust was not a virtue much held by the Storm lords at the moment.   

Maester Cressen cleared his throat and spoke up as loudly as he could. "Noble men and women of the Stormlands, I bid you rise for Lord Renly of the House Baratheon, rightful lord of the Stormlands and other territories and for his assembled Storm lords." It had been a compromise, a poorly received one at that. To crown Renly would be to commit suicide. But to abandon his claim? After Robert's brief, glorious campaign and Stannis's poor, deluded heroism, after the death of thousands of men and dozens of Baratheon bannermen? To abandon the claim would be another kind of suicide, one that no one was ready to try.

The Storm lords filed in, taking up positions on the hastily extended dais, with Estermont and Renly dressed as gaudily as a seven year old could be, adorned with gold and onyx. Anything, it seemed, to remind those present that Renly was of the same house as Robert and of the centuries-old rulers of the Stormlands. Estermont, almost almost forgettable beside his dazzling nephew, was conspicuous only in the Goldencup fastened to his lapel. All the Stormlords were displaying the flower somewhere. It had been one of Estermont's "little symbols" which he had been so obsessed with since assuming the Regency. The prominent empty chair on the dais bearing the symbol of House Selmy was another. As was the ridiculous "Declaration of the Storm Lords" where in all had promised to pledge their lives to defend Renly and the Stormlands and the parades marching young Renly through every town and city safe enough to have them. The Maester assumed that he himself was yet another symbol, another connection to better days gone past. That was the only reason Estermont had secured his release. That connection wasn't helping him now. He couldn't help but notice the angry glares coming from certain lords. They knew what he had promised.

Estermont's symbols weren't enough. The Storm lords were angry. Angry at the Targaryens, angry at the Rebels, angry at the Seven. Angry that within weeks they had changed from victorious leaders of a great cause to an abandoned and isolated remnant, unable to even protect their own lands, let alone fight in others. Conspiracies and rumors were spreading like wildfire. Lord Errol was telling any who would listen that Hoster Tully had been plotting to betray them since the day the Trident had ended. Lord Dondarrion speculated the Starks and Targaryns had pre-planned the whole war. Even worse, Lord Trant's young nephew Ser Meryn was swearing that he had seen the Valemen withdraw and let Robert be killed. Cressen had done all he could to stop the rumors from spreading, but at times it felt like only blood would stop the paranoia. Soon, that might be the case. Estermont had brought them their prey. The young "king" had escaped, but few seemed to care. Stark had answers. Stark was theirs. 

Under heavy guard, the young Warden of the North was brought before the dais under heavy guard, resplendent in armor and furs. That, too, was one of Estermont's touches, one Cressen himself had suggested. The Storm Lords wanted respect; maybe a Great Lord in his prime, bowing before them would be enough to satiate them. Estermont spoke: "Lord Eddard of House Stark, you stand accused of betraying Robert Baratheon, whom you swore to serve as your king. You also stand accused of betraying Stannis Baratheon, whose claim is established through Robert. Further charges of plotting and coordinating an assault on the army of the Stormlands following the death of King Robert have also been raised. The only appropriate punishment for Treason is death. Should you plea not guilty, Maester Cressen has agreed to act on your behalf. How do you plead?" The hall was silent. Every ear strained, waiting for Lord Stark to speak. Lord Stark was spoke, defiant. "I have done nothing wrong. Have your trial."

Maester Cressen squeezed his chain and stepped forward. He would be strong, for Renly. He would free Lord Stark from the Stormlords.

[Lumine]

End of 283 AL: Turn Three:

Cast:

The Targaryen Loyalists:

Rhaella Targaryen, Queen Regent to Viserys III (Dkrol)
Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and Hand of the King (Windjammer)
Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne (Mycool)
Quellon Greyjoy, Lord of Pyke and Royal Adviser (Bacon King)
Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper, Master of Coin (Dr_Novella)

The Rebel Lords:

Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Regent to Jaehaerys III (Swedge)
Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell (YPestis)
Hoster Tully, Lord of the Riverlands (Badgate)

The Lords of Westeros:

Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock (Leonardo the Red)
Eldon Estermont, Lord of Estermont, Lord Regent of the Stormlands (Dereich)
Varys, Exiled Spymaster (Garlan Gunter)

General View:

The war for the royal succession suffers new twists, the Loyalist cause once again united after a Council in Highgarden, giving House Targaryen the upper hand in the ongoing war. Lord Stark is captured by the Stormlords, but little Jaehaerys rests in the capable hands of Lord Regent Arryn. Varys kidnaps a princess and enacts his vanishing act. And Tywin Lannister, betrayed and isolated, fights against the Loyalists to defend his ancestral home...

Player Crisis:

Rhaella Targaryen:
-Prestige: 9/10 (Earned renown after holding KL)
-Gold: 550,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 8/10 (Cemented after Highgarden)

-The Loyalist cause stands united once again, and King's Landing has been freed from an enemy siege. On the other hand, the Rebels still possess significant forces and currently hold Jaehaerys, and while defeated, Tywin Lannister remains a fierce, dangerous threat. How is the war to proceed?

-While you have significant popularity in King's Landing, worrying signs appear as heralds, agents and performers sign the praises of young Jaehaerys as a Promised Prince of sorts, and others waste no time in undermining or damaging your reputation with innuendo about a supposed role in the death of Aerys. Can you avoid losing the love of the crowds?

-After a daring raid into the Red Keep Varys has escaped with Rhaenys and Ser Jaime Lannister, removing a crucial leverage with Lord Tywin. Furthermore, in bypassing the Royal Fleet he has disappeared into the sea. How will you handle the proven danger posed by the Spider?

 Mace Tyrell:
-Prestige: 4/10 (Hand of the King, unites the Royalists)
-Gold: 2,750,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Tyrell,

-Following your dramatic capture and liberation House Tyrell has helped united the Loyalists, and inflict a key blow against Tywin Lannister. How that you are Hand of the King, will you head to King's Landing to help govern the realm? And if you, what are your intentions for Westeros?

-With the Reach armies being crucial in defeating the Lannisters, your forces are now decisive for continued Loyalist success. Will you invade the Westerlands, despite the danger of confronting the Golden Company? If not, where shall your armies move?

-Lord Hightower writes from Oldtown with a dilemma at hand: following the continued news of bloodshed and war some Septons have started to loudly denounce the war and take a position highly critical of the Faith, leading to some tension. Lord Hightower wonders whether these Septons should be repressed immediately, or allowed to voice their controversial opinions.

Doran Martell:
-Prestige: 7/10
-Gold: 760,000 GD  
-Legitimacy: 9/10

Prince Doran,

-With the Loyalists united once again, questions arise as to whether you plan to move to King's Landing to oversee Dornish interests, or whether Prince Oberyn will be sent there as soon as possible. Also controversial is what is to happen with Elia and Prince Aegon, should both of them live in King's Landing? Should they reside on Sunspear?

-Varys has escaped your vigilance and staged a stunning raid into King's Landing, taking your niece Rhaenys (the new Queen Regnant) with him and disappearing. This loss is most detrimental not only to your family, but to the power sharing arrangement with Rhaella. What will you do?

-House Yronwood has accepted the guardianship of Quentyn Martell and stayed loyal, but House Dayne has forsaken the Loyalist cause to declare for Jaehaerys Targaryen. With Ser Arthur a prisoner in the Stormlands and Lady Ashara a guest of Lord Arryn, Lord Dayne fortifies Starfall in open defiance. How will you handle House Dayne?

Varys:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 600,000 GD  

Lord Varys,

-Having succeeding in your raid, Ser Jaime Lannister, Princess Rhaenys and two surviving young thieves stand with you in your skiff, having avoided the Royal Fleet. The most urgent question (particularly as Ser Jaime is unaware of current events) is where your new party should sail to. Where shall you go?

-Despite losing the trust of most Lords in Westeros, your latest moves have secured a significant amount of wealth current in your power, which could be put to some interesting uses. Will you be using this newfound wealth for your own advantage?

Quellon Greyjoy:
-Prestige: 9/10  
-Gold: 1,020,000 GD (wealth expanded after Westerlands raids)
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Greyjoy,

-Having secured Lannisport and large amounts of wealth from the Westerlands, the campaign is still far from over. Lord Tywin has been pushed by the Loyalists back into his home, and having the Golden Company with him a fierce battle can be expected. There is also Casterly Rock to consider, where Lady Cersei sits with a small garrison determined to fight until the end.

-Despite the success in the Westerlands, Moat Cailin has been lost to the Northerners and Euron is besieged at Storm's End, although having free access to the sea. How will you handle the now secondary Stormlands and North theates?

-You are now a Royal Advisor in the Small Council, office which marks a remarkable political rise for the Ironborn in Westeros. On the other hand, it is a significant question whether you will sail or ride to King's Landing and actually take the office, aiding in the governance of the Realm. Will you go to King's Landing?

[Lumine]

Jon Arryn:
-Prestige: 9/10 (now Lord Regent to Jaehaerys)
-Gold: 560,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Arryn,

-Upon the arrival of Lady Dayne and the baby Jaehaerys, you now hold the King in your hands and enjoy the advantage of the Regency being granted to you by the Lords in the Rebel Army. However, you must now decide the exact nature of your rule. Will you just be Regent? Take the Handship as well? Declare yourself a Protector of the Realm?

-The meeting at Gulltown with Braavosi representatives and Lord Royce is a success, with Braavos being interested in supporting and potentially bankrolling your cause. However, they require a specific proposal (or proposals) in order to make that support a reality. What do you have to say to Braavos?

-The Loyalists are now locked in a fierce struggle against House Lannister, opening a double opportunity in either gaining Lord Tywin as a potential ally or using the opportunity to free the Riverlands from Targaryen control. What will you do, Lord Arryn?

Ned Stark:
-Prestige: 4/10 (Despite victory at Moat Cailin, is now under trial)
-Gold: 280,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 10/10
 
Lord Stark,

-Ashara and Jaehaerys escaped, but you and Ser Arthur now stand trial before the Stormlords, a trial which may well cost you your life should it be handled the wrong way. Ser Arthur has asked for a trial by combat and its determined to follow that route, but what will you do to survive this trial?

-Benjen has defeated the small Ironborn garrison at Moat Cailin, and now only limited areas remain under overall Ironborn control. Can the Greyjoys be pushed out for good from the North?

-Your son and heir is now born at Riverrun, Lady Catelyn suffering no major complications. Some have taken to calling the boy "Robb" to honor Robert Baratheon, but a raven from Catelyn (along with her inmense worries for your safety) explains he hasn't been formally named yet. What name will you choose for your heir?[/justify]

Hoster Tully:
-Prestige: 3/10 (Humilliation at Highgarden)
-Gold: 680,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 9/10

Lord Tully,

-Your trip to Highgarden has bolstered your relationship to the skeptical Lord Whent, and prevented a defection of Harrenhal to the Loyalists. On the other hand, your intervention ends in a humilliation as the Loyalist lords had made an agreement behind closed doors. As you return to the Riverlands Lord Arryn has recovered the King and become his Regent, how will you react to these developments?

-While Brynden wasn't able to recieve any show of loyalty from Lord Walder, the Freys nonetheless took no hostile action and retreated in good order to The Twins. However, battle almost broke out as Arryn forces almost prevented them from returing to their fortress. Can you find a suitable solution to end any strife with the Freys for good?

-The Loyalists have retreated most of their forces from the Riverlands, in what signals a unique opportunity to free your lands while the Lannisters hold the enemy attention. Can you liberate the Riverlands from the enemy?[/justify]

Tywin Lannister:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 2,000,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Tywin,

-Betrayed by the Dragoness, your armies retreat in good order despite defeat after being joined by the Golden Company. The Westerlands are in danger as the Greyjoys burn Lannisport and siege Cersei at Casterly Rock, and with thousands of loyalists standing in the Crownlands. Yet House Lannister should never be underestimated, nor should your winning ruthlessness. How will you move from here?

-The loss of your brother Kevan is a particularly painful one, which sends shock across the family. However, some good news appear as it is revealed Ser Jaime has escaped from King's Landing, although he is currently impossible to reach. Can you find Jaime in time, and persuade him to return to the defense of his House?

-Past investments have drained the current gold reserves of House Lannister, although of course there is still much gold to be found in your mines and particularly at Casterly Rock. Will begun mining more gold to fund your war effort, and can you keep the mines free to do so?

Eldon Estermont:
-Prestige: 6/10 (Lord Regent)
-Gold: 220,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 8/10 (Accepted by most Houses)

Lord Estermont,

-Eddard Stark and Arthur Dayne are your prisoners, now subject to trial by the Stormlords. While it is unknown what Stark will do to defend himself, Ser Arthur has demanded a trial by combat (which he is entitled to by virtue of his blood). With the concept of facing the Sword of the Morning being a dangerous one, who will be your champion to face the mighty Kingsguard?

-With the withdrawal of the Tyrells and the advance of your forces most of the Stormlands are liberated, but Euron Greyjoy holds Storm's End and with the seas controlled by his forces he can ensure the continuous supply of his forces. Furthermore, the Martells have marched their army into Summerhall searching for Lord Stark, in what can be seen as a hostile act. What will you do?

-Upon some intense work, some of the less ravaged parts of the Stormlands are in a position to sell food for a hefty profit, although it remains to be seen who will be the buyer. Who do you plan to sell this food to?

[Lumine]

Oberyn Martell:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 600,000 GD 

Prince Oberyn,

-Your return to Dorne has been badly recieved by the Yronwoods, who have nonetheless been placated by Doran's offers. With your presence in Dorne having some controversy of its own, will you sail or march elsewhere? To the battlefields in the Westerlands? To King's Landing, for the sake of Elia?

-Through intrigue and skill Varys has taken your beloved niece Rhaenys from the Red Keep, and sailed off to the unknown. The loss of her child is sure to cause Elia much distress, and there is to be wondered what exactly are Varys's plans for the little Princess. Can you get her back?

-Due to the new arrangement born in Highgarden, you have been appointed the Master of Coin, prestigious office which is nonetheless a complex one due to the war and the chaotic state of the Royal Finances. How will you approach your new role? And will you do so from King's Landing, as all Masters of Coin have done?[/justify]

[DKrol]

A Proclamation from King's Landing

To all who hear this proclaim, greetings.

By the authority of House Targaryen, the oldest and most noble of Houses, which has safely and steadily ruled the Seven Kingdoms for three hundred years, Her Grace the Queen Regent has decreed that:

Her Grace, about to be relieved of the final child of the late King Aerys, Second of His Name, is prepared to take a second husband and invites proposals from all the noble and loyal houses of the realm. The suitor must be a man of good moral character and significant standing in the realm, and must profess his good and true loyalty to His Grace the King, Viserys Third of His Name, and Her Grace the Queen, Rhaenys. The suitor must also have coffers to pay a dowry to the Royal Treasury in exchange for the honour of marrying into the Royal family.

May the gods keep the King!

- Rhaella of the House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.

[YPestis25]

Lord Eddard Stark Takes The Stand

My lords, I had hoped to return to the Stormlands under better circumstances. Unfortunately, I stand here under the current conditions. You are all honorable men, and I trust in each and everyone of you to conduct this trial in a fair manner. With that said, I must unequivocally repeat that I am not guilty of the charges which have been brought against me.

My lords, I loved Robert as a brother, you all know that. I would never have betrayed that man. I fought beside Robert on the Trident, and his death nearly shattered me. I went to war for Robert and Lyanna, and my loyalty to them was undying. Please tell me, what evidence do you have of this treason, and if there is none, I would wish these charges dismissed at once. One only need look to my family, who have already taken to calling my first born son Robb, to understand my devotion to Robert Baratheon. I wish I was there with Robert when he fought Rhaegar so that he was still with us, and I still greave for the loss of your Lord, and our King.

I will however, concede that the matter of the late Lord Stannis Baratheon and the events which took place immediately following Robert’s death do bear some explanation. When word arrived that my sister had lawfully wed Rhaegar and had given birth to a legitimate son, our alliance was faced with a quandary. Should we support Stannis, as dictated by Robert’s claim, or should we support my nephew, as the one Targaryen far removed from Aerys’ crimes. My lords, this decision did not come easily to either of us, least of all Lord Stannis. We tried in vain to convince Lord Stannis to back Jaehaerys, but to no avail. Stannis, right or wrong wished to maintain his claim to the Iron Throne.

And tell me my lords, what would you have done in such a situation? If we rushed south to relieve the siege of the Baratheon seat, our armies would have been smashed between the Tyrell and Martell forces, leading to the destruction of not just Lord Stannis, but of myself, Lord Tully, and Lord Arryn. Furthermore, should we have recognized Stannis as the rightful ruler of Westeros, and he had perished in Storm’s End anyhow, the rebellion would have been crushed, and we would have been trapped under the tyranny of those we swore to overthrow. My lords, we were tasked with an impossible situation, a situation which we negotiated with Lord Stannis in good faith.

However, as much as it pains me to divulge this, Lord Stannis did not negotiate in good faith with us. As it became clear that it was not feasible for us to relieve him or to recognize him as King, he even began plotting with the Greyjoys! Yes, those Greyjoys which sacked the North, and profane the rightful seat of House Baratheon with their presence. I have a copy of the letter dispatch to Lord Quellon here on my person. (I’ll send this to Dereich directly, but the gist is the same as what I said.) And now tell me, how should we have reacted on this news? Rush south to relieve the man who was now actively working against us? Turn and attack Lord Stannis? And yet we did neither.

Lord Arryn, Lord Tully and I determined that those Stormlanders who were remaining at the Trident should have the option to go home, and in fact they began on that journey as you all know. It was only the arrival of the Freys, who had unknowingly declared for Stannis that caused the situation to devolve into chaos and bloodshed, and for that I am deeply sorry. But despite the bloodshed and ill will generated by that pointless battle, and as a demonstration of our commitment to Stormlander lives, Lord Arryn has even allowed the Stormlanders who were taken captive in that tragic battle to sail home via Gulltown. If we had truly plotted the demise of the Stormlands, would we have released our captives? Would we have let the Baratheon army march home? No more Stormlanders needed to have died at the Trident, and better planning could have averted their deaths. But, mistakes in planning are not cause for treason.

My lords, I understand your anger, your sadness, and your rage at the course this war has taken, and there is nothing I can do to assuage that other than apologize for whatever role I played in causing it, however I did not commit treason.

[DKrol]

Rhaella

Princess. The Queen. The Lady of Dragonstone. The Dowager Queen. The Queen Regent. The Dragoness. All these monickers had been applied to Rhaella over her adult life, much of it spent in a loveless, violent marriage to her despicable brother, Aerys. Now she was free. Now she was able to live her life by her own rules, by her own desires.

Rhaella looked out over the Red Keep from her chambers and ran her hand over the stomach, now well rounded with child. Please, let this one be good. Over the course of 10 pregnancies, only two sons had made it into the world. One, Rhaegar, has betrayed her love and betrayed the Iron Throne in his desire to find true love. It's hard to blame him, Rhaella thought as she looked across a courtyard and saw the Commander of the Gold Cloaks, Ser Bonifer Hasty, hustling about, the desires of the heart are powerful. She took another forlorn glance as Ser Bonifer before turning inwards. But the realm must come first.

The other son, Viserys, sat quietly drawing at his mother's desk. Rhaella walked over and stroked his fine silver hair, looking down at his drawing - a purple dragon on a golden sky. The Queen Regent could only chuckle, the boy was certainly a Targaryen. While she had, at one time, been fearful of the effect of Aerys on the young boy, since the Mad King's death those fears had largely disappeared. The boy hardly knew his father, spending much of the time with me in Maegor's Holdfast. Rhaella had done her best to keep the boy away from Aerys and ensured that none ever spoke of the King's madness around the boy. Still, there were moments of worry. Viserys would be playing with the other noble lads and go too far. An extra slap with a wooden sword. A shove during a game of tag. A holler at a joke gone wrong.

The Queen's hand drifted back down to her swelling stomach. Soon the child would be born. But into what kind of world? the Queen found herself wondering. Her first son had torn the Kingdom apart and spurred years of war and suffering. Her second son was teniously sitting on the Iron Throne while they chased off lions, stags, and a bastard wolf-dragon mix. Rhaella found herself wondering daily just how secure the young King really was, with the Spider still crawling about and armies occupying all corners of the realm. At least he's with me; the safest place for a child is always with his mother. With his Dornish cousins at Court, the noble Tyrells and the fierce Greyjoys as well, Rhaella was confident that, as long as he was in her sight, he was safe. As safe as one can be in these times of discord.

A knock at the door brought Rhaella back to the present.

- Enter. - The Queen commanded. In walked Ser Barristan Selmy, clad in the white armour of the Kingsguard. - Ah, Ser Barristan! -

- My Lady - The noble knight bowed deeply in respect, only rising when Rhaella placed her hand on his shoulder. Rhaella had always had a special place in her heart for Barristan. Her grandfather had made him a knight of the realm and her father had elevated him to the Kingsguard. Even during her husband's worst fits of rage, Ser Barristan was a constant companion to the Queen. His loyalty during the war had endeared him even more.

- I suppose you're ready to be off then, Ser Barristan? - The Queen led the knight to a small bench at the end of her bed.

- Aye, Your Grace. The men are fed and the horses saddled. All that remains is a prayer from the septon and we'll be going. -

- I am confident in you. You tore through half the Gold Company and then ended the Blackfyre Rebellion singlehandly. You, personally you, rescued my late ... husband from Duskendale when others wouldn't act. One more battle, in the name of justice. - Rhaella looked over at the young King, who had crawled into her bed and fallen asleep. In the name of Viserys.

- I am not the lad I once was, Your Grace. I am an old man now. - Ser Barristan sighed. - Loyal as ever, aye, but old and tired. -

- You have the Seven on your side, Ser Barristan. - Rhaella took his hands into hers and held them as they spoke - These hands have saved many lives and dispensed justice many times. I am confident they have it in them. -

Barristan sat, silently, for a moment before answering. - I am still a capable knight, riding in tourneys and unseating men far younger and far stronger. But as a warrior in single combat? I shudder to think. -

- Ser Barristan, you've served my House for four generations. As a young knight under my grandfather, King Aegon V. As a fresh Kingsguard, under my father, King Jaeherys II. As a seasoned warrior under my husband. And now as a capable general under my son, King Viserys III. - Rhaella smiled softly at the knight - But more importantly as a friend, to me. -

A commotion in the court yard below signaled the time to move was upon them. None would dare disturb the Queen in her chambers, but their impatience was known from the ruckus out the window. Rhaella took Ser Barristan by the hand and led him to her desk. She reached into a drawer and took out something small, pressing it into her knight's hand.

- Ser Barristan, take this with you. Keep it on you. It will give you strength when you need it most. - Rhaella opened Ser Barristan's hands and showed him the coin. It was a small piece of gold, embossed with a three headed dragon on one side and a dragon's breath flower on the other, Rhaella's personal symbol. - A small token, aye, but a reminder of what you're fighting for. House Targaryen, the Iron Throne ... and me. -

- My Queen, many thanks. I shall carry it on me from this day forth. -

The pair moved towards the door, as questions of Ser Barristan's absence began to drift up through the window. I'm heavy with child, Rhaella thought, What's the worst that we could be doing? Nonetheless, it was best not to give the enemies of the Queen any fodder. With a kiss on the cheek, Rhaella sent Ser Barristan on his way.

As Viserys began to stir in bed, Rhaella moved back to her window. The assembled men below, she knew, would keep Ser Barristan safe on the journey. She knew it an odd request, for Ser Barristan to represent the King's Justice at the trial of Ser Arthur Dayne at the hands of Lord Estermont, but Ser Barristan was a noble man, bound by the duties of his office. If any man were to take up the sword in single combat against one of his sworn brothers, especially one so bound to chivalry and order as Ser Arthur, it would be Ser Barristan.

A cheer went up as Ser Barristan emerged from the Red Keep into the courtyard. Rhaella smiled with the knowledge that the men of the realm still recognized the might of his sword and his wit. With a few intoned words from the Queen's personal septon, the party was off. Rhaella watched as they turned and made their way through the gates and checkpoints of the Red Keep and King's Landing. Ser Barristan made one final turn back to his Queen and smiled.

And then he was off. Rhaella could only hope to see him again.

[leonardothered]

A DECLARATION FROM THE ROCK:

Let it be known throughout the realm that Cersei Lannister and Edmure Tully are to be wed at Riverrun for all the realm to see, and Tywin Lannister announces his support for the true king Jaeherys Targaryen III.

xLord Tywin Lannister,
Shield of Lannisport,
Lord of Casterly Rock,
Warden of the West


===

It is said in all the winesinks and potshops that when Tywin was told the news of Rhaella's search for a husband and her demand for sizable dowry, Tywin gave an unsmiling guffaw before saddling up for the march, remarking "Never before has a whore's price been so high; never has there been one who asked so much for so little"

As the Lord of Casterly Rock was leading an army at the time these claims are disputed, but they remain said nonetheless.

[Lumine]

VICTARION

-We ought to sack, pillage and burn this godforsaken castle! – Balon shouted in anger -
-Yes, brother. – Victarion replied – Every last one of them should pay. –

Both brothers were about as angry as they had ever been, furious both for the humiliation they had suffered at the hands of that arrogant, insufferable lion and his daughter, and furious at the unacceptable state of his father. Victarion still bore the scars in hands and chest following his decision to start climbing Casterly Rock himself along with the best climbers of the fleet, and he bore the anger of having come so close to taking the castle were it not for the Lioness. Almost drowning upon the fall had not improved his mood during the battle either, and no amount of golden haired weaklings he slaughtered afterward without batting an eye had given him any respite. And then, the cavalry charge and those fierce long-nosed creatures had just been the climax of an accursed campaign. Father may had told him he could call himself Lord of the Westerlands upon victory, but having failed to pay the iron price for it making such a claim would be madness.

Worse still, they were still covered in blood, smoke and sweat as the raven had approached the fleet, and upon reading the dark words Balon had strangled the raven in anger – and perhaps, to hide the news – and ordered an immediate trip to Highgarden, the lions be damned. Victarion almost pondered on telling his brother those were not father’s orders, but Balon always knew what he was doing and Victarion felt no need to contradict his brother. If the lions got off free from much deserved punishment this time, then the roses would have to pay the price for allowing Lord Quellon to suffer such harm. For indeed the sight that had welcomed them as they had arrived on Highgarden had been so infuriating for the sons of Quellon Greyjoy that they had seriously pondered on setting the castle aflame and taking the whole group of young, tender Tyrell cousins as salt wives.

-Break his final leg. - Balon ordered –

Victarion promply grabbed the young septon’s leg, and making a sudden, forceful move he smashed his leg into the ground. His victim, near insane by virtue of the pain and the bizarre delusions he seemed to be in because of it, left another of his brief, agonized screams as the leg shattered and the bones broke out. Victarion didn’t have a particular interest in torture, but seeing as the would be assassin would not speak the truth – for if he had not broken after what they had done to their manhood, he simply would not break at all -, it felt necessary to give him some retribution after what he had done to father. Somehow that young, fanatical septon had found out when Lord Quellon was most vulnerable, and rushed at him with a short knife that he used to stab him repeatedly. When the guards had grabbed the assassin Lord Quellon was on the ground, bleeding and disfigured after the loss of an eye.

Such news had brought them all the way to Highgarden in haste, and they would not leave an attack on their father unpunished.

-Long… long… long live the Seven! – Shouted the Septon –
-Good for you. – Victarion approached him – You’re about to meet them. -

Victarion broke the remaining fingers in haste as the screams grew louder, and for a moment the torture halted as both brothers looked at the fanatic in front of them. It was clear they would not get anything out of him any longer, not after what they had already tried. It took some additional time for Balon to ponder on a suitable method, until Victarion helpfully pulled a large barrel with salt water into the dark, awful cell. With the nod of his brother, Victarion grabbed the head of the septon and promptly showed him into the barrel, doing his best to keep him still. It took some time for the Septon to die, and once he stopped kicking the young Greyjoy shoved the body inside the barrel. He submerged his hands, and promptly washed his face as the bloodstained water spread across the floor. Balon rushed out of the room to see his father, and Victarion silently followed suit, pushing out any Tyrell messenger or guard that tried to approach them.

-Lord Balon, I’m afraid he is getting wors… - Said the aged maester before being pushed aside by Victarion -

A large, corpulent man despite his age, the Lord Reaper was moving and jolting in sheer pain across his bed, his bandages loosening and the sheets turning dark red from the blood as the deeply terrified maesters tried to keep him still. The most grievous wounds crossed Quellon’s chest and now disfigured face, and it was only because of the Lord Reaper’s strength and fortitude that he remained alive and struggling. Victarion hated the sight. He hated to see his father weak because of one of those weak septons. He hated the castle, so perfumed it was a wonder any man could stand life in it. He hated the roses, effeminate and stupid, and he even hated the color of the Mander, unnaturally blue when compared to the true waters in Pyke, grey and green. His father had decided to play the game of those southrons, and there he was, half dead for his troubles.

He wanted none of it. He cared not for those meaningless titles his father wanted to collect from the southrons, or for that council of lords that talked and did nothing. They should have fought this war like men, and not withdraw and split theirs forces across the sea. They should have, he was sure of it, and Balon would have fought it better. But there they stood. And as he was looking at his father, Victarion finally realized how foul the smell in the room was, lost as he was in thinking whether he’d drown the Queen of Thorns or whether he’d throw her off the walls.

-My lords… - The old maester had managed to stand up again –
-You. Speak. – Victarion commanded –
-It’s… it’s poison. –
-What do you mean it’s poison? – Balon approached the maester -
-It must have been before we took over… - The maester quivered in fear – It’s… it’s… -

Widow’s Blood. Victarion let the words sink in for a moment. Out of all the poisons to be used, someone had given father the Widow’s Blood. Unable to relieve himself, the Lord Reaper would bloat and poison himself. He began to shake with rage, sure as he was that there was no end to father that could be more humiliating. Whoever had done this would pay not only in blood, but in whatever he happened to hold dear. Lord Quellon – who had opened his eyes – tried to speak to his children, but with his mouth full of blood it proved impossible. The Greyjoy lord continued to move and shiver in pain and agony, and then a Tyrell messenger made his appearance.

-My lords, we’ve found a suspicious group outside the castle. – He announced – A knight among them. They may be related to the attempt on your lord father’s life. –
-This knight. – Victarion grabbed his axe – Give him his name. –

The man hesitated for a moment.

-They believe he’s a stormlander knight. Ser Meryn Trant, I was told. –

Victarion thought for a moment on what to do. He would follow the command of his brother, but one thing was certain. He would work slowly and painfully on that dishonorable, cowardly knight.

[Lumine]

ASHARA II:

Lady Ashara, I’ve wondered for the longest time whether to write this letter or not…

The letter had arrived to the Eyrie, sealed and mysterious, and delivered to Ashara along with those bittersweet news which nonetheless were a relief of sorts for the young lady. For days she had despaired at the thought of Ned and Arthur being at the cruel mercy of the Stormlords, despaired at the thought of the heads of the men she loved the most separated from their bodies with little to no ceremony.

I am to fight your brother Ser Arthur, my fellow Kingsguard in single combat, and his skill is one I have respected for years…

It had come to a trial by combat by one of them. Ned, she’d learn from the ravens, had been so close to being sentenced to death by the angered, proud lords that he had demanded a trial by combat at the last minute, his champion yet to be determined. Arthur, in typical fashion, had declined what he thought to be a false justice, and delivered himself and his life to the skill of Dawn. As fate would have, in the cruelest fashion, he had been forced to face Ser Barristan Selmy himself at the dueling forests of Felwood.

If I do not survive this encounter then this letter will arrive to you, for I cannot leave this world without…

The legend was spreading already, even as Ashara was just beginning to mourn again. For an hour both knights dueled in a dance of death, the best swordsmen in Westeros fighting for survival and for the codes they believed him. Having fought shoulder to shoulder as fellow brothers of the Kingsguard, the realities of that damned, endless war had forced them to fight each other to the death, with no other alternative left to them. And for an hour they had fought, sparing no effort or energy as men watched in silence, knowing full well the significance of what they were witnessing.

Might you have looked at me, my lady? Had you known? Was I always too late?

Ashara thought of that dance in Harrenhal, and the guilt began to rise. She’d danced with the knight, with the Dornish prince and the Griffin lord Rhaegar held as a friend, and then she had shared that magic, unique dance with Ned… She’d only seen Ser Barristan’s natural courtesy and kindness, but thought nothing of it. Had his eyes tried to tell her something? Had he wanted to speak? To shout at the top of his longs? Would she had been queen of love and beauty if Ser Barristan had won? Would she had received the crown instead of Lyanna, and spare the realm much pain?

Alas, for all my battles I was too much of a coward to speak out…

And what about the court? She had been at court for a couple of years with Elia, and for all those years Barristan had always been there, a dutiful, loyal, courteous protector. Had he admired her in secret since the start? Had she really never noticed the hidden, burning devotion of that knight? Whenever she had walked by, greeted him, talked to him… How could she not know? Just what could she have done…?

It matters not, for these words are those of a dead man…

For an hour they fought, Arthur and Barristan, and in their dance a legend was born. They fought by swinging their swords, throwing punches, pushing through with every single ounce of their bodies. And they spoke not a word. Not a taunt, or a threat, or words of regret. A silence of words, interrupted only by the violent swings of the swords, for no man witnessing the fight of titans would even dare to speak. And it was Dawn that had won the encounter. Valyrian steel was always sharper, and when the final, tortured and exhausted swing from Arthur had sliced his opponent’s sword in half, it also opened Ser Barristan’s throat as well. It was said, without the slightest hint at shame, that none of those battle hardened men had seen Ser Arthur Dayne cry before.

But know, my lady, please know, that Barristan Selmy loved you with all of his heart.

The wind moved the tears in Ashara’s face across one side, and the lady closed his eyes. The beautiful sight from the Eyrie, that most magical of castles, filled her with conflicting thoughts. Her brother lived to fight another day and might yet come to her one day, and she would not have to bear the sight of her mother’s pain. And the price of it had been poor, noble Ser Barristan, the bravest of knights, who had never mustered the courage to speak to her. Ashara knew his brother to be a near unparalleled knight, but deep in her soul she knew it could be argued the winner of the duel was not the man who had survived. Arthur had Dawn, Barristan had…

Barristan had… to contemplate killing the brother of her love, and thus fulfill his oath of loyalty.

-Curse you! Curse you, Rhaella! –

Knowing herself to be alone as she looked at the void from her balcony, she shouted and raged against the Dragon Queen, that woman she had once pitied as the victim of Aerys’s cruelty and whims. Why? Just why did it have to be Ser Barristan? Why not Darry, Throne or any other knight? How could she not know even Barristan Selmy could lose that accursed, ill-fated duel?

A faint cry was heard back in the room, and Ashara was jolted back to reality. Her King needed her. Slowly she stood by, memories of Ser Barristan – now having an entirely different meaning - flowing with each step as she approached the cradle in which Jaehaerys Targaryen lay crying. Having saved the boy from the vengeance of the Stormlords she had only thought of bringing him to Lord Arryn, that old man Ned seemed to consider a second father. And Lord Arryn had been courteous enough, taking the time to leave her in charge of the boy – along with others – before riding into battle as the new, wise and distinguished Lord Protector of the Realm.

She bore no ill-will towards Lord Arryn, but wondered about his role in nursing the boy in whose origins lay the entire war. Rhaegar and Lyanna, now reunited in death, might have found it a curious quirk of fate she was now nursing and caring for their little prince. But what would Elia think of it? What would all of those she had known at court, now spread all over Westeros, think of it? Was she now a loyalist to this little boy? Was she there out of duty to a boy with no parents? Or was it out of love and devotion to Ned, whom she could never claim as hers? He had a son and heir now, fathered by that trout Ashara could not deny hating in her sleep.

The sense of being lost, the despair at not knowing of the future, the guilt of having stood by, the pain of the war… it was enough to make her look at that void outside her balcony with unclear intentions in mind. And yet she had to live. For little Jaehaerys, for Ned, for Arthur, for her family back at Starfall… and for Ser Barristan too, whose devotion she could not reciprocate… but honor it she could.

Ashara held the baby close to her arms, and soon the black-haired prince began to sleep in complete, tranquil peace. She sat, and began to feel the weight on her eyes as well. She was so tired, so exhausted… and she wanted to cry, only to notice no more tears would come from her eyes. For the first time in the horrible months of that endless war, Ashara Dayne failed to cry in despair at the thought of tragedy, and the knowledge that her innocence and youth was gone at last.

Just before entering her sleep, she wondered to herself if she finally had run out of tears to shed.

[Lumine]

TYRION:

Never allowed to leave Casterly Rock in the span of his brief – only nine years old – life, Tyrion Lannister was very much enjoying the sight of Riverrun. It was not comparable to Casterly Rock and Lannisport, but with one covered in blood and the other burnt to the ground the quiet, peaceful nature that zone of the Riverlands – yet to be engulfed in war – was one the little boy could appreciate and be thankful for. He had nightmares at every point of the long trip to the seat of House Tully, and still shuddered to think of some of the worst moments of that awful, haunting and scary siege.

-The Tully lad looks happy. – One of the young westerner nobles said –
-I’d be happy if I was in his place as well. – His friend took a large gulp of wine – I don’t think lady Cersei has ever looked more ravishing. –

And sure enough, young Edmure Tully – barely a man – seemed like a boy pleased with life. Tyrion had been quick to discover his future brother-in-law had quite the temper and looked too young compared to what they had told him, but the boy looked pleased with the unexpected marriage match. It still puzzled Tyrion why Cersei would be marrying the young Tully heir considering how much she’d boasted that she’d be Queen, but the boy knew better than to even mention it aloud. Cersei’s actions during the Ironborn assault seemed to have earned her more respect and her voice was even more commanding now, and Tyrion dared not face the consequences of openly upsetting his hated sister once again.

Still, he could not help it but to show his feelings and give his sister an ugly look here and there, such as the day in which they’d arrived at Riverrun and Cersei had tried to have his brother enter the castle through a different gate. She had taunted him after striking him, taking advantage of uncle Tygett having gone ahead of the group.

-Still mad for that silly servant girl, brother? – She had shown a horrible smile to him – So unlike a Lion to care about rabble of that sort. –

Ally. Her name was Ally, you… you monster. She was kind and sweet, and though a servant she was more of a sister than you could ever be. And you had her half-whipped to death… perhaps she would have run faster during she assault were it not for her horrible wounds, perhaps, perhaps… Tyrion forced himself to stop thinking of it, desperate not to remember that horrible sight as Cersei and he had descended into the mountain, the Ironborn that had managed to climb claiming heads and limbs left and right, Ally’s head included. Gods, he’d been so scared… the horrible screams of horror and pain, his desperate attempts at keeping up with Cersei despite his small, deformed legs not answering well to his commands.

-Hurry up, you little monster! You won’t get me killed here! –

And when they’d been alone for a moment, the screams in the background as they entered one of the countless caves inside Casterly Rock, Tyrion realized he was alone with her sister for the first time in months. Cersei realized it too, for despite her attention to the sounds she’d approached the boy with a menacing look, and then she’d given a hard look at the well close to them. Tyrion had tried to leave the cave, but Cersei barked him to stay there. He began to plead, not knowing what his sister had in mind, and then to stutter, and then to take several steps back until falling to the floor. And when he had raised his head, Cersei was right besides him, kneeling and giving him a look of utter disgust, of the rejection only Cersei could show in such wounding fashion.
-You’re lucky father ordered to bring you along. – She said, the smile gone from her face - We could have left you behind, and allow the Ironborn to do what the Gods should have done years ago. I could drown you in that little well, and nothing of importance would be lost. –

Dwarf… monster… kinslayer… abomination… demon…

It was a few hours until father’s army had smashed the Ironborn back into the sea, and the riders with the banner of the Lion entered Casterly Rock to kill any surviving enemy and free their ruling family. Tyrion, half scared to death and scarred by the haunting image of Ally’s severed head, the horrified look of a servant whose only crime had been to show him some kindness. Why was he so hated thus? Why would Cersei be celebrated for her harsh words and cruelty? Why would she be hailed as a Lioness, father giving her the apparent look of pride he would never show to Tyrion? He was smarter than his sister, he was sure of it. He was going to be the High Septon one day, for he had already accepted he’d never be a knight. He could do his part for his family… so why wouldn’t they realize he was there?

-I take you for my lady and wife… -

Edmure, a bit drunk by having drank more than usual before the ceremony, still managed to cover the vows in a satisfactory manner. Cersei pronounced hers without much emphasis on the words, and Tyrion began to wonder if her sister was not starting to hate her new husband as well. He started to feel sorry for the young man until a realization dawned on him. His little mind had not considered it, but being heir to Riverrun meant that Edmure would reside on that castle, and his wife with him… and… and… Tyrion would be free? His mind raced and his heart accelerated, fear of his sister having prevented him to consider something so obvious before. At last! At last! The Gods had seemed to finally hear one of Tyrion’s prayers, and the boy felt grateful that someone had finally listened to him. Cersei would stay in that beautiful castle and Tyrion would get to return home, and perhaps, just perhaps, he would enjoy some peace… Oh, if only Jaime could return as well!

Having lost some interest in the ceremony Tyrion let his mind wander away, feeling content for the first time in a while and daring to daydream – despite his fear – that perhaps things would change for him. Perhaps his thoughts of becoming High Septon were not as strange as it once seemed, if the Gods were answering a prayer as fervent as his. For a moment he even forgot he was a dwarf, and allowed himself a little smile as everybody in the hall laughed and cheered and drank. Eventually he tired out, feeling exhausted from the relief of thinking of his sister being gone at last. Carefully he approached his uncle Tygett, and upon confirming he would not be interrupting him – for he was usually kinder than most to Tyrion – he came to him.

-Uncle… May I go to sleep? –
-So early? – Tygett gave him a surprised look – Well… I suppose it can be a little late for a boy your age. I’ll take to your room. –
-Thank you, uncle Tygett! –

But before his uncle rose from the table, Tyrion noticed Edmure Tully walking by, seemingly to approach his bride. He felt it necessary to at least warn the poor boy.

-Lord Edmure? – Tyrion grabbed Edmure’s clothing to catch his eye –
-Huh? – Young Edmure looked at him, half-drunk -  Oh. What is it, little Lord? –
-Please be careful with my sister. – Tyrion’s face betrayed no expression –
-Oh, don’t worry, little lord… - Edmure smiled – I’ll be gentle with Lady Cersei. –
-No, my Lord. – His small head shacked – I mean take care of yourself. –

Tyrion promptly walked away as Edmure Tully looked confused and intrigued, and taking Tygett hand nephew and uncle began the long walk towards Tyrion’s room. He wanted to read that book about dragons before going to sleep, and perhaps to dream of dragons once again…

[Lumine]

“May the Seven punish you, I say,
High Septon, you shameless, barefaced liar,
you mouthpiece of demons, who dares to spit out,
before the Seven, before the realm and all the world,
your proclamation, your words of corruption!
The Faith may never find its peace in the will of the Seven,
If the Most Devout are not at once called to order."

(Spoken by a Septon Janse, at Gulltown)

End of 283 AL: Aftermath:

The Trial by Combat that stunned Westeros

War in the Westerlands:

Easily the most crucial battlefield at the moment, the threat of the Loyalist forces had the potential to bring House Lannister down despite the large forces still marshaled by Lord Tywin Lannister, particularly as the key seat of Casterly Rock faced the imminent threat of invasion. Events unfolded in dramatic fashion:

Loyalist Invasion of the West: Setting up both her forces in King's Landing and the Loyalist Army in the Riverlands, Rhaella Targaryen plotted an ambitious offensive against the Lannisters, ordering a pincer movement by Lords Rykker and Darry to capture the Deep Den and inflict Lord Tywin a harsh defeat. Following some efficient movements the Loyalist forces overwhelmed the Westerlander forces and managed to capture the important castle, taking control of the Gold Road. However, Lord Tywin was not there.

Battle of Casterly Rock: The conflict between Lannisters and Greyjoys came to a decisive end at Casterly Rock, with Lord Tywin making a dash to his ancestral seat before losing it and setting up a careful war plan to defeat the invaders. Balon and Victarion Greyjoy coordinated for an assault of the fortress, Victarion himself leading a group of Ironborn to climb and capture the Rock against the fiery defense led by Cersei Lannister, who raged to prevent the garrison from collapsing. Cersei and her men managed to hold out just enough, as the Lannister and Golden Company cavalry (armed with Elephants) attacked the Ironborn and pushed them against another Lannister infantry host in a pincer movement.

The battle itself proved a disaster for the Ironborn despite their brave fighting, losing hundreds of fighters as their fleet was forced to withdraw back to sea. The Lannisters had recaptured Casterly Rock and Lannisport as the Ironborn withdrew from their landing zones, but the Greyjoys had managed to take away the wealth they had already stolen, a significant compensation for defeat. They plans to move forward, however, ended up broken when a raven reached Balon and Victarion with fateful news.

Death of the Lord Reaper:

Lord Quellon Greyjoy, having achieved enormous success in his past offensives and now a member of the Royal Council, prepared to leave Highgarden after the council to sail to King's Landing. His efforts were cruelly interrupted as a fanatical Septon ambushed him when he was at his most vulnerable, stabbing him several times while claiming Lord Greyjoy to be a heretic deserving of death. Lord Greyjoy survived for a few days in harsh, horrible pain before Maesters discovered he had been poisoned while on his bed with Widow's Blood, a horrible poison which shut down parts of his body. Lord Greyjoy bloated and essentially poisoned himself in a horrible death, which finally came to an end when the mighty Lord Reaper stopped breathing.

Balon and Victarion Greyjoy sailed to Highgarden ignoring their father's orders, almost causing a violent fight to break out upon seeing their father. They tortured the Septon and then drowned him without getting anything substantial out of the would-be assassin, and when they learned a group of suspicious Stormlanders - led by Ser Meryn Trant - had been seen outside Highgarden, they captured the entire group and proceeded to - slowly and in a most gruesome fashion - torture Ser Meryn in a unspeakable fashion for several days all the way to his death. Ser Meryn only admitted to have been sent to Highgarden by Lord Estermont, but this was enough for both brothers to accuse the Stormlander Regent of being behind this conspiracy.

Furthermore, they and several Ironborn have started to denounce the Tyrell court at Highgarden for having a spy or an accomplice on this assasination, citing the poisoning of their father as a sign that an assassin is still inside Highgarden.

The Trials of Stark and Dayne:

After much debate and considerations to be had, the trial of Lord Eddard Stark and Ser Arthur Dayne began in the main camp of the Stormlords, some of the more respected and influential ones presiding over as judges. With most accounts describing the trail as reasonably fair and open, it seemed Lord Stark was given ample time to explain himself and did a seemingly effective defence, which resulted in open chaos when the northerner asserted the late Stannis Baratheon had negotiated with the Greyjoys before his death. The news brought shockwaves across the trial and the Stormlord camp, with many outright refusing to believe Lord Stark and questioning his honesty, and other- more ambitious minded men – openly asking what Lord Estermont knew of it.

It soon became clear that for all of Lord Stark’s explanations most of the Stormlords were convinced of the betrayal of their past allies, and the proclamation of Jaehaerys Targaryen as King – with Lord Arryn as Lord Protector – confirmed their apparent prejudices. All but certain to be handed a death sentence, Lord Stark dramatically asked for a trial by combat, his opponent to be determined by Lord Estermont. Ser Arthur Dayne, on the other hand, was to face a surprising opponent in Ser Barristan Selmy at Felwood – opening questions and criticism as to Lord Estermont’s apparent collaboration with Rhaella -, a historic trial by combat that took over an hour and the sheer exhaustion of both men to be resolved.

Younger and armed with Dawn, Ser Arthur finally bested his comrade and killed Ser Barristan in single combat, clearing himself up of any charges and winning his freedom. The news spread across the Kingdoms with tales of bravery on behalf of both famous knights, and as an immediate consecuence House Selmy has denounced Rhaella and broken its ties to the crown, claiming Ser Barristan had no business being sent to kill Ser Arthur.

War in the Stormlands:

While the attention of the Stormlords was mostly focused on the trial of Eddard Stark, the ongoing war for the Stormlands wasn't left aside. The Stormlords got an important respite as the Dornish forces returned back into Dorne to siege Starfall, removing what might have been an important threat. The unexpected assassination of Quellon Greyjoy - which many have blamed on Lord Estermont - also prevented the Greyjoys from following their initial plan, leaving Euron Greyjoy isolated for the time being and putting all focus on the siege of Storm's End.
 
Siege of Storm’s End: Having made up his mind to weaken the enemy through intrigue, Lord Estermont pushed hard for the use of propaganda to try and persuade any Stormlanders inside Storm's End to revolt. Following much efforts they finally did, attempting to seize the castle at night with the rather pompous name of "Sons of the Stag". Whilst their uprising did led to some Ironborn casualties, Euron Greyjoy was more than prepared for the revolt, and smashed it in brutal fashion. With most of the surviving Stormlanders hanged from the walls, the Ironborn garrison did face trouble as Lord Estermont managed to persuade some pirate captains to launch well-paid raids into the Greyjoy supply lines, reducing the stream of supplies into the castle and putting Euron at a hard stop should he not recieve more reinforcements.

The War in Dorne:

With Prince Oberyn departing from the capital, Prince Doran took immediate steps to cement his hold over Dorne, put into question by the defection of House Dayne to the rebel cause. With the Dornish forces withdrawn from the Stormlands and new armies drawn up to guard the border, the situation developed in unexpected fashion.

Siege of Starfall: Seeking to punish Lord Dayne and his family over their support for the Rebels and Lord Protector Arryn, the main Dornish host returned from the Stormlands and promptly invaded the lands of House Dayne, defeating the enemy forces in combat - nightfall preventing a Dayne rout - and pushing them all the way to the impressive castle of Starfall. There the Daynes have settled for what promises to be a long siege, well supplied and armed despite the difference in numbers.

Assault on Sunspear: In one of his most daring moves yet, the Spider crafted a web of intrigue which saw the use of funds to hire the prestigious Second Sons, as well as pirate sellswords led by the young, daring captain Salladhor Saan. This invading force prepared a surprise assault, and the 4,000 sellswords attacked the castle by surprise in a bloody struggle. Captain of the Guards Aero Hotah was killed in battle after bravely trying to save his liege, leading to Prince Doran and Lady Mellario being dragged in chains as prisoners. However, attempts to capture Aegon Targaryen and Arianne Martell were frustrated by the bravery of Lord Commander Gerold Hightower, who saved both in a daring escape as the sellswords withdrew after heavy casualties, Sunspear engulfed in flames.

The Faith in Question:

At King's Landing, Lord Hand Tyrell and Queen Rhaella were busy trying to bring a new ally on side: the High Septon. Following extensive negotiations - and, as it was alleged later, a large bribe - the High Septon not only embraced the cause of Viserys Targaryen and had him crowned and blessed by the Faith on a key ceremony in the capital, but proclaimed the Faith to have but one King in Viserys, ordering all Septons to declare for the King and trying to marshal the resources of the Faith to aid the Loyalists. The results were, to say the least, explosive.

Whereas many Septons in the Loyalists areas embraced the cause of the King, and much doubt was sown on Rebel held areas as Septons followed the High Septon's command - lowering the morale of several Rebel soldiers and lords -, there were many others who refused to follow the command, describing it variously as corrupt, injust or even tyrannical. The main hotbeds of resistance proved to be Oldtown, increasingly engulfed in tension as a group of Septons continue to take to the streets to denounce the Faith's corruption, and Gulltown, were a Septon Janse has won great popularity with the crowds denouncing the High Septon and the Most Devout as rotten.

Tales and Rumours in Westeros:

A factor not be neglected in the course of the war has been that of propaganda, which many have promoted most heavily. On the Loyalist side, Queen Rhaella aptly has led efforts to promote pro-Targaryen works of art, and in arresting many dissenters in King's Landing she has cemented her hold on the capital in terms of popularity and control, even if there's still significant groups who still disapprove of her. Other loyalist lords have tried to spread rumors as well, with a particularly effective one describing Jaehaerys being the actual son of Eddard Stark and Ashara Dayne, and a remarkably failed one trying to tie Lord Arryn to a supposed attempt to bring the Dothraki into Westeros. On the other side, a persistent campaign to ruin Rhaella's reputation has been attempted to with great success across some parts of Westeros, hurting her reputation on some key regions and Houses.

For many, it is becoming increasingly confusing what to believe and what not to.

The Lord Protector and the Rebels assemble:

Having recieved a respite and with Lord Protector Arryn's authority more and more stable among the Rebel coalition, important moves were undertaken to match the Loyalist superiority following the Council at Highgarden, significantly bolstering the power of the Rebel lords. After negotiations with House Frey, Lord Walder Frey was at least persuaded to finally declare for Jaehaerys Targaryen, hosting Lord Benjen Stark at The Twins and arranging a match (the wedding to be hosted at Lord Benjen's return) with Walder's daughter Morya Frey, a fifteen year old girl, which allowed The Twins to be reopened for the Rebels and for the Frey host to march south with Benjen.

House Lannister, isolated and in danger following their failure to capture King's Landing and due to the Ironborn invasion, was a crucial target of diplomacy which led to a key alliance. Both the Rebels and the Lannisters needing each other, their union instantly bolstered the power and standing of the Rebel coalition, and following Lord Tywin's crucial victory at Casterly Rock, Lord Tygett Lannister brought the young Cersei and Tyrion Lannister to Riverrun ahead of Tywin's army. There a wedding was hosted to cement the new ties of the Loyalist lords, with Edmure Tully, heir to Riverrun, marrying Lady Cersei.

Also crucial was the success of Lord Arryn's long term negotiations with the Iron Bank and with Braavos, as most of the Free City's institutions recognized Jaehaerys Targaryen as King and promised both a fleet and a sellsword army, to be delivered soon. Bolstered by these gains, the Rebels then began their new military operations to start fighting back against the Loyalist lords.

The Rebel Offensive:

With Lord Benjen Stark bringing a large and combined Northern and Frey army, House Tully commanded Ser Bryden Tully to meet the youngest wolf with his own Riverlander host, forming the first of three Rebel armies in the Riverlands. The second host was a smaller Riverlander one led by Lord Tully himself, setting up camp near the Golden Tooth. And the third was formed by remnants of the Rebel Army and the Vale forces of Lord Protector Arryn, which left the Eyrie to start the march south:

March of the Blackfish: The combined army of the Blackfish and Lord Benjen (his second in command) fought their way with limited skirmishes, finding to their great advantage that the Loyalist Army had been withdrawn to fight in the Westerlands. What followed was a rapid liberation of Loyalist-held territory, and while some of it still bitterly hostile, the influence of House Whent allowed for their lands to embrace the Rebels more openly as Harrenhall was taken and returned to lord Whent. The Blackfish then marched to Lord Harroway's Town, joining the Lord Protector.

March of the Protector: Lord Protector Arryn marched his main host to Lord Harroway's Town, capturing the important town after delivering a harsh defeat to the remaining Martell forces in the area, cementing Rebel control over the Trident.  Lord Manderly and the Northern forces were sent against Darry, smashing their way across the Loyalist towns and fields before finding themselves sieging Castle Darry itself - which refused to surrender -. With Lord Arryn seeing a combination of Rebel forces, he and his allies have secured the Trident and much of the Riverlands, pushing the Loyalist Riverlanders to a critical situation and combining a force of over 60,000 men.

Assault on Dragonstone: Seeking the initiative on another front, 4,000 Arryn troops and the Gulltown Fleet prepared for a daring raid into Dragonstone, seeking to capture the island for their cause. Their efforts, however, crashed against the might of the Targaryen Royal Fleet, many of their units on the hunt for Varys in the area. The ensuing naval battle saw the Gulltown Fleet all but destroyed as hundreds of Rebel soldiers drowned at sea, an important victory for House Targaryen.

Rising unrest in the Reach:

Apparently sensing some degree of confusion or potential for chaos in the Reach, it appears other Lords have tried to capitalize by fostering dissent and reason across the powerful Loyalist region. Mysterious, unidentified agents have spread misinformation about the Queen and Lord Tyrell, joined on this task by dissent Septons denouncing the High Septon with the result of growing uncertainity inside several towns, castle and areas of the Reach. This is combined with the rising troubles at Oldtown, and most concerningly, by a curious tale which has reached Highgarden.

It seems that a large group of musicians and mummers - thought to be in the hundreds - have flooded the lands of House Florent and pursued the currently landless House Merryweathers, singing songs and tales denouncing Lord Tyrell as a tyrant and championing both the love of Rhaegar and Lyanna, and Jaehaerys as being the rightful king, stirring up confusion and tales of supposed treachery. Houses Florent and Merryweather have written to Lord Tyrell himself proclaiming their continued loyalty, but are they sincere?