299AC - Lannister Camp - Crossroads, RiverLands - Seat of Power: Joffrey I Baratheon
The battle at the Golden Tooth has been a success and Jaime, encouraged by his victory has headed straight for the Riverrun. While the Lion was not the best strategist, he did have an immense number of soldiers that easily overpowered the unprepared and scattered Lords of the RiverLands.
At the same time, the couple of Lion and Dragon moved from the other side. They passed into RiverLand territory and attacked smaller cities, ensuring the multiple Lords that pledged loyalty to the Tullys; would not be able to gather their banners and assist when Jaime would siege the Castle.
They planned to remain there and be ready to ambush the Northerners when they arrived. For Eddard Stark had been taken prisoner, labelled as a Traitor now that Joffrey was King and that move had caused as it was expected; a war.
The North would try to gather banners and ride, Robb Stark on the lead but mostly controlled by the leaders of the other houses; who were far older than him. Visenya knew he would eventually come to the rescue of the Tullys since he could not go against King's Landing; not yet at least.
Now, they simply had to keep weakening the Riverlords and cover ground; being better prepared against him when he would arrive.
It was an effective strategy of divide and conquer, and the two genius tacticians behind it were pleased with how things were going. Their latest stop was at the Inn in the Crossroads, the very same place from where Tyrion had been abducted.
Tywin had the Innkeeper murdered, considering her as part of the attack and had let his men take over it; increasing their provisions with those stored at the cellars of the Inn.
After that was done, the camp settled around it; red tents spreading across the land as 30.000 men were stationed and awaited orders. Yet, many turned and looked at the newcomers that stood out against them.
Tyrion, now free, was marching among the tents with his latest companions behind him. One was a sword for hire and the other three were Clan Leaders, for the dwarf had surprisingly gathered and united the wild clans of the RiverLands under his command. With 300 in total, he actually felt proud and he knew it would make at least a good impression on his father than showing up empty-handed.
After all, he was his son in many ways; no matter how often Tywin chose to ignore it.
The Imp glanced at his companions, seeing that they were impressed by the endless tents, the soldiers and the sight of armour and swords all around them. It was a true show of the Lannister power and he was pleased, for he knew it would be easier to control them if they understood just how powerful his family was.
He eventually reached the tent, being far bigger compared to the others with two Lannister guards stationed outside. Tyrion recognised them, being in the service of his parents for many years.
At first, he wished to go alone inside but the clansmen did not allow him; still mistrusting him. Thus, he had to take a deep breath and March into the tent; after reassuring the guards that his companions were no threats.
Climbing up a few steps, he entered the spacious tent.
A long table had been placed, a map spreading across it with tokens marking different houses, armies and so on. One would also notice a few golden goblets positioned around the table, all belonging to the three main individuals in the tent.
His father, Tywin Lannister, sat on a chair and was looking at the map. He did not wear his armour but had a short bronze breastplate above his black leather jacket with a Lion on it; to symbolize his status.
By his right was his loyal wife and Tyrion's good-mother. Unlike her Lord Husband, she was in full Lannister armour or at least her version of it. Thinner and lighter than the usual one, it was modelled after her Targaryen armour in design to allow a bigger flexibility of movements; fitting with her usual fighting style. She looked younger than she was, her exotic features making many see that she was not local and that her white hair was truly not from age. Her white hair was as per usual loose, with only a few strands having been braided like a crown on top of her head.
Oh, how many times did Tyrion see that picture? His good-mother discussed battle plans with his father like two great generals, not once caring that she was a woman or a former royalty. In the end, she was a warrior and that was what made many men both fear and respect her.
By Tywin's right side, was his brother Kevan. He had also aged, sometimes making Tyrion wonder if he was secretly older than his brother. Dressed in full armour, he was busy pointing something at the map as the three of them were discussing in a lowered tone; fully focused on the topic.
However, the sound of steps and Tyrion's entrance made them glance towards him.
"Tyrion" Kevan exclaimed first, surprised to see him standing and not alone or even wounded.
"Uncle, Father, Good-mother" he greeted his family, seeing how unimpressed Tywin was and the small moment of relief in Visenya's eyes.
Of course, she would be the only one to truly miss me, he thought.
"The rumours of your demise were unfounded," Tywin said, irking his son who tried to remain standing and not look away from his displeased stare.
"Sorry to disappoint you...." he said, although it was clear he did not truly mean it but it was his usual way to hide just how much his father's words stabbed him in the heart.
After all those years, one would think he would be used to it but there was always a new way to feel the disappointment and the rejection from the man that was responsible for his creation.
Tywin glanced at his son's latest companions, clearly irritated by their presence. They looked like savages in his eyes, dirty and uncivilised. He also did not take it kindly how the men kept staring at Visenya in silence.
He was a man himself and he knew what they were thinking or what that look meant. At that moment, it was the look that made the patience of the Old Lion run thin. However, a subtle push of a knee against his under the table; reminded him not to overdo it.
For all this time Visenya had been quiet, she had been studying the odd companions and Tyrion; the latter mostly for any signs of injuries. She saw how the only woman glared at her through her dark bangs, the men looking at her differently. She never bothered in the past and she was not going to do now, with all the power she commanded and barely having to lift a finger. However, she did know of her husband and a glance at his irritated face said enough.
So, she had subtly and secretly bumped her knee against his; to remind him not to act recklessly. He was a serious man, smart and knew how to control himself but there were two things easily triggering him.
One was someone showing him disrespect or openly mocking him like Tyrion bringing those 'savages' into the tent. Two, when any man dared to lay eyes on his wife; no matter the intentions.
Sensing the tension rising, she chose to interfere.
"Tyrion, who are these...companions of yours?" she finally asked, changing the subject.
The dwarf understood what she was doing and he played along.
"This is Shagga, Son of Dolf, Chieftain of the Stone Crows." He started, trying to ignore the stare-down between him and his father. "Timett, Son of...Timett, ruler of the Burned Men." Another staredown among the males. "This fair maid is Chella, daughter of Cheyk, leader of the Black Ears and here we have Bronn, son of..."
Suddenly, the sword-for-hire interrupted. "You wouldn't know him." He commented.
A small pause existed amongst everyone as Tywin kept staring down at each of his son's companions, mostly the men; who had finally diverted their attention from his wife to him. Good.
Kevan looked uncertain at the whole scene and closed his eyes exasperatedly. Even Visenya seemed unable to think of something, for this situation was odd and rather tricky. She remained silent, studying those companions but often stealing glances at Tywin; checking his reactions.
Tyrion, realizing no one was going to say anything; continued with the introductions.
"May I present My Lord Father: Tywin, son of Tytos, of House Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West" he started and then glanced at Visenya. "His Lady Wife and my Good-Mother: Visenya II Lannister nee Targaryen, daughter of Deceased King Jaehaerys II of House Targaryen; Lady of Casterly and the Last Dragon of Westeros"
Visenya held back any expressions at her full title, since being called the Last Dragon was not something she enjoyed being reminded of.
Although not fully true, since Daenerys was alive in the East; many people still did not know of their existence.
There was another pause, a silent exchange between the tribesmen. Being a Lannister was one thing but being a Targaryen was a completely other thing, for even those in the mountains knew of the Dragon family that spread fire and blood throughout their ruling.
Tyrion felt the need to roll his eyes, clearly being put to work here.
Sometimes, he felt the need to just voice out his thoughts or ask someone else to take his place. Yet, at that moment, there were not many options left.
"Kind of you to go to war for me, although I do wonder which one of the two had the idea first," he said, glancing between his parents.
He knew that Tywin would not really go to war for him specifically, too embarrassed to even call him his own son sometimes. He would, however, grab the chance to spread his empire and grow the prowess of his House.
Visenya, on the other hand, was the most willing to start a war or at least do something specifically because she cared for Tyrion.
To battle the awkwardness and also his thirst for some good wine, the dwarf reached for the glasses on the table, but his father snatched it away; putting it out of his son's reach.
"You left us no choice" the Old Lion replied, embarrassed by the situation but did not show it. " The honour of the House was at stake" he did not hide his disgust. "Your brother would never have submitted to capture so meekly...."
"We have our differences, Jaime and l. He's braver. I'm better looking." Tyrion said, trying to hide his irritation at being compared to his 'perfect' older brother.
Honestly, why did their father have to make everything a competition between his children? Especially, between his three sons.
"He has been covering himself in glory!" Tywin informed him, his patience running thin.
"Tyrion" Visenya's voice was heard. Her tone was calmer, far more composed but there was this coldness behind it as it was expected of her in that moment. "Jaime is leading a big amount of our army as we speak. He has already taken care of the Riverlords at the Golden Tooth, and now lays siege to Riverrun, Caitlyn Stark's homeland" she explained and she could see the gears in his head turning; as he got a good idea of their plan.
"And the Starks? Lord Eddard?" he could not help but ask, since it would make no sense for so many successful attacks against the Riverlords and not once interference from the just King of the North.
"Our hostage" she replied to him. "He will lead no armies from his dungeon cell since you were thinking about it"
Tywin smirked, faintly amused at how easily Visenya could understand his thinking; proof that over the years she was still as sharp as ever. Plus, it was easing things that she would answer his questions since he was not in the mood to explain his plans or anything for that matter.
He had a war to win and right now, Tyrion was wasting time.
"How did my sweet sister persuade the King to imprison his dear friend Ned?" Tyrion asked sarcastically.
"Robert Baratheon is dead. Joffrey rules in King's Landing." Tywin finally said, clearly to him now that his 'son' was not informed on the latest things that had taken place.
Indeed he was not aware, for the shock was evident on his face. He even had to look at his good-mother and uncle to confirm it was true and his father was not in the mood for some twisted joke mood.
"My sister rules, you mean....?"
"Stark's son has called his banners. He moves south with a strong host." Kevan added, speaking after so long of watching in silence.
Yet, his older brother dismissed the topic. "A green boy. One taste of battle and he'll run back to Winterfell with his tail between his legs."
"Maybe....though the boy does have a certain belligerence. You'd like him." Tyrion said, earning a silent glare from his father and an arched eyebrow from Visenya. "While we're on the subject of war, I made promises to my friends here, and a Lannister always pays his debts. We shall require 3,000 helms and shields, plus swords, pikes, gorgets, maces..."
The list was something that truly was testing Tywin's patience and his relatives were certain he would react. Thankfully, this ridiculous list of ransom was interrupted when a messenger rushed into the tent.
Immediately, the young man got on one knee in front of Tywin. "If it please, my lord and lady, Ser Addam bids me report that the Northmen have crossed the Neck"
Kevan was surprised and stared at Visenya.
"Blast it, you were right" he muttered as the woman had a look of victory on her face while her Lord husband smirked with pride.
The Dragoness leaned back on the chair.
"And the wolf rushes into the lion's jaws. The young Stark boy makes it too easy" she commented.
She had spent hours studying the letters of Trystan on his impressions of the Stark Children. She spent even more time above maps as she planned the routes they would take and what message they should give, to trick their opponents into a trap.
Tywin suddenly stood up and turned to face his brother.
"Kevan, command the drummers' beat assembly. And send word to Jaime that I am moving against Robb Stark."
His brother gave a small bow with his head.
"At once, my lord, my lady."
As he left, Visenya stood up as well and watched while her Lord Husband approached the hill tribesmen before standing directly in front of Shagga.
At the same time, Tyrion eyed the jug of wine and while his father was not looking, Visenya gently passed it over the table to be within his reach.
"It is said that the men of the Mountain clans are great warriors. Ride with me against my enemies and you shall have all my son promised you and more." Tywin told him.
"We already are to be paid what was promised" he argued back, clearly testing the Old Lion's patience.
Once again, it was the Dragoness who made a move as she walked around the table and headed their way.
"Of course. You can be paid and return to your lands. After all, even the bravest of Lannister soldiers fear to face the Northerners. Logically, you are as well"
The bait was set and Shagga wasted no time falling for it, faster than any naive fish in the water.
"The Burned Men fear nothing"
Visenya smirked faintly as she stood next to her husband. He sent her a warning glance but she barely paid it mind as she entered a staring competition with Shagga.
"Then, I believe we have an agreement? You prove how mighty the Burned Men and the Tribes are and you also get paid what was promised. Then, no one will ever date to question your fearsome reputation"
The honey-coated words were spoken so freely, so easily as if she was talking to a mere child. They passed through the thick skulls of the tribesmen, who fell for them with relative ease.
He seemed pleased, trying to stare her down but she was not one to be easily intimidated. He did, though, feel the sharp glare of Tywin coming from the side due to the tribesman's close proximity to his wife.
"On one condition, the half-man fights with us. Until we hold the steel he pledged us, the little lion's life is ours."
This caused Tyrion to glance over at the hill tribesmen nervously. He then made the mistake of looking at his parents, mostly his father and saw the silent Lion glare he knew too well.
Startled, he turned to look forward again and said nothing else.
"It is a deal then" Tywin said, surprising his son; partially.
"Let us prepare. We have a war to win" he told Visenya and motioned with his head for her to leave first, with him moving to her right and acting as a moving barrier between her and the tribesmen.
He led her towards the exit of the tent since they had to check the men and he did wish to be away from the disappointment of son he had.
A few steps away from the tent and she stopped hiding her smirk, her shoulder gently touching his. As they walked, men stood up and saluted or bowed to them.
"Have I mentioned how I enjoy when you get jealous?" she told him, glancing at him.
He was not as amused or pleased with how lightly she took the situation.
"It is not about jealousy but respect. You are Lady Lannister and my wife, those men heard it but they wouldn't care for titles. They are men and you are an exotic-looking woman in their eyes" he corrected her.
"And you did not hide your reaction either" she commented.
"But either way I did enjoy the moment of seeing you losing your composure. It is a rare sight"
He scoffed.
"l do not lose my composure and I did not have you for someone enjoying men clashing for your attention and beauty"
She rolled her eyes but kept her smirk.
"Only when my Lord Husband is one of them" she mused, sending him a sneaky smirk that he saw but chose not to comment on it; used to this by now.
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AUTHORS NOTE
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