GOT/ASOIAF: A Game Of Ice And Fire

On my way out of the Twins, I've stationed Bryden Tully and Bronn to aid Cleos and the other Freys dedicated to serving my Royal Legion from the Water Tower.

I found it the perfect opportunity to sneakily add Cleos Frey into my Party of Companions, since henceforth, whatever progress he made before anyone from the Riverlands will positively impact my Legions morale.

Tasked Cleos with seeking to gain the support of both Brackens and Blackwoods, since their feud was put to a momentary hold due to the Weirwood tree from Raventree Hall being mysteriously restored to full health.

Meanwhile I would persuade Lord Mallister to help nourish my Royal Legion's foothold on the Riverlands, helping fund the efforts to renovate the Water Tower to match the other two twin towers.

They would also do well to not openly defy the Tully's authority over their Kingdom yet, which meant their role as keepers of peace and order was paramount in maintaining the appearances.

But with time, it was inevitable that people would start to notice how influential my Royal Legion was really becoming.

Luckily for now, most lords still believed that their countrymen would remain loyal to them in the case a civil war ever came to pass.

However, as the years went by with my Legionnaires helping to feed and protect the people from harsh winters and dangerous bandits, such notions of patriotism should be shifted to the sentiment of embracing the realm as a whole.

In any case, my seventh name day was a minor inconvenience to my plans.

I had to play along with the idea that my Royal Legion was mostly concerned with lowly bandits and in aiding the small folk with surviving the cold seasons.

But I was also on a tight schedule in regards to reaching and influencing some people on the Iron Islands before winter came and the window of opportunity was lost forever.

So I decided to spend a few days throwing a big party and publicly celebrate my birthday on my next stop at Seagard.

Having sent a raven beforehand to Gerion, requesting that he bring along everything a royal festivity would require on his ship, the 'Laughing Lion'.

The people were hungry for more than just food, they craved distraction, so I opted for killing two birds with one stone.

Fortunately, being the son of Robert Baratheon came with the peculiar perk of people never batting an eye if I ever requested that a tourney was organized in my name.

Lord Jason Mallister certainly wouldn't mind since I revealed that I would afford all the major expenses with my own money.

Sadly, it wouldn't compare with my sixth name day at King's Landing, where I won both the archery and melee contest while also getting intimate with a Dornish Princess.

Speaking of which, I wonder how she was doing.

Laying with as many men and women as she could?

Already beginning to suspect her father planned to deny her birthright?

Perhaps she's still surprised that I was actually capable of performing real magic. .

Regardless…

Our paths were bound to cross again in the future.

Opportunely, Tyrion and Gerion were very creative with ways of enticing the masses, so I wasn't bothered with those types of matters.

I was really considering having both my aliases as Ser Knight and Ranger make a return, but ultimately decided against it in order to favor my companions and display them as fine examples of what my Royal Legion was growing into.

Tyrion, who I've tasked with training Samwell's aim and fitness in my absence, competed in the archery contest and won using the special made crossbow I made for him.

A pity there wasn't anything like an acrobatic or riding dispute added to the marksmanship trial, since having him almost bullseye all of the targets wasn't giving him the proper challenge he needed.

To his credit, the small Lannister certainly felt more comfortable amongst actual fighters, due to him knowing that he could actually take most of them in a duel, if not more by fighting dirty.

Jaime would definitely have a hard time believing the rumors being spread about his little brother's performance.

Since Daven wasn't a knight yet, I've allowed him to compete in the melee dispute and display for all to see the superior skill of my first Battle Master.

He certainly had a certain inspiring presence in the way he fought, surpassing any other fighter that dared face him.

His skill with the sword and shield were also very impressive, in particular how he easily managed to bash helmets off and disarm his opponents with his shield while landing critical strikes and precise parryings with his arming sword.

The heir of Lannisport was definitely earning glory and fame to his name, which made him even more useful to me.

As soon as I had him anointed as a Knight, I will have Lancel become his page and eventually squire, instead of humiliating the poor lad with serving my father.

As for Sandor, my Sworn Shield and Paladin for Vengeance, he completely wiped the floor with all the knights he faced in the joust.

We both knew that if he and his brother ever came to trade blows, the Hound would be victorious over the mountain in most of their encounters.

Besides, I'd also have a lot to gain if my Sworn Shield suddenly became the best knight Westeros had to offer.

And the Hound was just bȧrėly twenty years old, who knows how far he will progress by the time he reaches Barristan' age.

I've yet to reveal to them that they could survive most fatal wounds, at least if their Health Bars weren't completely empty, because I believed it would embed bad habits of being careless into them.

But I digress…

The festivities were really a breath of fresh air to the Legionnaires who had marched and served for almost a year now.

Had the foresight of at least inviting my Grandfather for the occasion, since for all effects and purposes I was supposed to the ward he was molding to become like him.

But only he knew he was in no position to tell me what to do.

And as with all the good things, my seventh name day party had come to an end by the third day of my stay at Seagard.

The morale of my men was as high as it could have been for now, and Lord Mallister had already sent several of his best workers to aid the renovation and improvement of Water Tower at the Twins.

'I must tell you, dear nephew, your name day's parties are always the best.' Tyrion told me through my Message cantrip before trying the flute I've gifted him. 'The only bad part though is finding an appropriate gift to present you with. Instead, you are always the one handing out peculiar presents.'

'I think of it more as an investment.' I smiled at his confused look. 'If you learn how to play it well, I will be graced with good music alongside good fellowship.'

'Ah, is that what we are now?' Tyrion smiled recalling my tales.

'Absolutely, we are bound as the champions of the Seven.' I nodded affirmatively. 'Though I will also have to hand out a few tasks for you two to complete for me.'

'You speak as if we will be separating, my prince.' Questioned Daven while sharpening an arrow, having heard our conversation thanks to how far I've evolved my Message Cantrip.

The reach got smaller if used like this, but the benefits literally spoke for themselves.

'Only momentarily.' I suddenly informed my three companions. 'At least until I return from my journey to the Iron Islands.'

'But my prince…' Daven stored the arrow away in his inferior Inventory and turned to face me. 'Is that really prudent given what you've told us in regards to their future rebellion?'

Raising an eyebrow I stared at him for a brief moment and he quickly expressed regret.

'Forgive me for doubting your judgment, my prince. It wasn't my intention to offend you in any way.' Daven apologized with a bow.

'You haven't offended me in any way, Daven.' Raising a hand I put him at ease.

'So, what will you have us do while you and Clegane are away?' Tyrion questioned while Sandor took a large bite off the chicken pie I've cooked for him.

'I need you to gain the support of the Westerland houses to subsidize our headquarters at Lannisport. Seek out a list of relevant individuals like Forley Prester, Addam Marbrand, Lyle Crakehall and Harwyn Plumm. With sufficient persuasion, I believe they can be a great addition to my Legion.' I told Tyrion. 'Also, sent orders to Lord Lefford for locating and building outposts in a narrow goat path that compromises the westerlands' border defenses, to Lord Farman to send a few of his ships to patrol our shores during the winter, to Lord Brax to provide us with some good horses and knights, to Lord Sarsfield to send us some of his best archers that can be put to good use and Lord Kenning to send immediate report if any Ironborn longship is sighted.'

'It won't be easy, but I will manage.' Tyrion reassured me, his expression showing how serious he was about all of this. 'I believe you will also be leaving both Pia and that Tarly boy. Don't worry, I will have them secure at Casterly Rock.'

'Excellent.' I turned to face Daven. 'As for you, I need you to inform Tygett to call back all of my Legionnaires patrolling the Westerlands, so we can maintain our forces ready during the winter in case the Ironborn got stupid enough to rebel this early. Take all the provisions and capable men my uncle will be acquiring for us and start integrating it to reinforce Lannisport. Remember, my visions told me that they will first strike by setting my Grandfather's fleet aflame during the night, so stay vigilant if anything diverges from that.'

'Understood.' Daven nodded 'I've been looking forward to bringing a few changes to my family's city.'

'So…' Sandor finally joined our conversation. '…will it be just the two of us sailing around those Iron ċunts' territory?'

'Actually, I've called a few friends to join us.' I told him.

'Friends? Who?' Sandor asked, confused.

"Greetings my friends, it's so good to see you're all safe and sound. Especially you, my prince." Spoke Syrio Forel, still beaming with the same confidence he had when we met years ago, followed by his noticeable braavosi accent.

"Syrio, it's so good to see you too." I replied to his greetings, ignoring Sandor's grumpy face while Tyrion and Daven followed my example.

"Ha! So we join again, after another one of your big and extravagant name day parties." Thoros loudly barged in with a beer jug in hand. "I've got some wild tales to share with you all."

While Tyrion and Daven greeted them back, I noticed Clegane rolling his eyes and resuming to eat his meal.

What an antisocial moron.

Following the two Essosi men were Lothor Brune and Jalabhar Xho, displaying a few new scars over their bodies, but still looking healthy enough.

"Salutations to all of you." Spoke the Summer Islander, now looking much like a skilled warrior than an exiled prince.

"It's been a busy year, I'm pleased we all survived." The Stormlander freerider also joined in, speaking more than I was used to hearing from him.

"Likewise." I replied back to all of them. "We were talking about our plans for the future. Join us."

—————————————————————

ASHA GREYJOY'S POV

I could bȧrėly get a hold of my excitement.

In a few months, the Iron Islands will finally be able to proudly claim its independence from the greenlanders.

Once the dragonlords subjugated my people, out of practicality we remained loyal even after the last dragon drew its last breath.

And even now, as the rebel stag lord claims ownership of the Iron Throne, my people remain to themselves instead of reminding the greenlanders of the dread they once felt due to our raids.

But that humiliation will finally come to a glorious end.

My father, Balon Greyjoy, was the only one brave enough to defy the rebel stag lord claiming to be king of the Seven kingdoms.

My older brothers, Rodrik and Maron, told me that our father wisely noticed that the Seven Kingdoms weren't united anymore, which made it the best opportunity for a strike.

As our longships began to once again raid any city or town stupid enough to be set close to the seas, the rebel stag lord will notice how weak his authority over the other kingdoms really is.

As the greenlanders fight amongst themselves, we will simply have to reap the benefits by paying the iron price.

However, the only reason my father hadn't declared independence yet was due to this accursed winter the Starks have always boasted about.

Not that it will deter my people from raiding their shores, it's just that it made war preparations a hell of a bitch harder to make progress while the cold and starvation became a frequent issue.

Besides, it would be the best strategy to first hit the greenlanders while they were still recovering from the cold season themselves, and by the time cold returns we will have Targaryen Loyalists and Rebels once again fighting against one another.

After the Seven Kingdoms is once again thrown into chaos, I will have another matter to deal with.

The Faith of the Drowned god was becoming a nuisance to my way of living.

Most of my fellow Ironborn people, safe for my crew, didn't approve of my boldness to seek more than what I'm supposed to.

I've heard some Lords warning me that I should know my place and marry a reaving lord, sire him brave soldiers and take care of his castle.

But I say they can go fuċk themselves.

I'm Asha Greyjoy, daughter of Balon Greyjoy, and captain of the 'Black Wind'.

I'm a warrior of the sea.

And I will take what I want and destroy what I don't.

End of the story.

—————————————————————

It was finally time for me to board my first boat, so I made sure everything was ready before sailing off Seaguard.

However, before I joined the small battalion of men clambered on board that would accompany me on my journey, it was probably worth taking a last moment to consider the history of this place, for it was inextricably linked with my destination.

This town, the seat of House Malister, was built (or at least fortified) to protect the Riverlands from raids by the Iron Islanders.

I haven't given much thought to the Ironborn so far in my travels despite their looming rebellion only haven't taken place yet due to the winter severely slowing down their war efforts, but everywhere down the west coast of Westeros for millennia people have looked warily out into the sunset sea, scanning for the distinctive sails of the Iron Islanders longboats.

I'm sure I will have plenty of time to get into their culture more as I explore the Islands, but as far as towns and villages like this were concerned, the Ironborn were raiders and pillagers who appeared with no warning, took what they wanted and destroyed what they didn't.

They were feared for a very good reason.

Here the need for early warning of such an attack led to the wonderfully named Booming Tower of Seagard, a watch tower with a massive bronze bell that sounded whenever Ironborn longships were sighted.

It was the cue for the people of Seagard to flee to the safety of the castle, and for the small fleet which was docked here to take to the water and face up against the fearsome raiders.

Although this was one of the closer ports to the Iron Islands, journeys from here to there were still rare.

House Malister, the rulers of Seagard, were notoriously suspicious of the Iron Islanders.

Not unreasonably, in my opinion, given their history.

So trade between the kingdoms wasn't exactly booming.

But I shall proceed nonetheless, taking provisions for what seemed to be a week's journey thanks to the weather my Thaumaturgy foresaw.

Taking a boat was currently the only way to get to the Iron Islands, but my time at sea will also be a useful reminder that although I might be going to what was considered to be the home of the Ironborn, they perceived more the sea and their boats as their home.

The sea was at the heart of their religion, their lifestyle and their self-identity.

And as Gerion's 'Laughing Lion' set out into the deep waters of Ironman's Bay, it was easy to understand why, westwards beyond the islands was who knows what.

Some say the sea just kept on going, others that there was another continent just beyond our reach.

If so, no one had ever been there and returned to tell of it.

The waters around the 'Laughing Lion' teemed with life, Gerion Lannister (the captain of this ship) let down a net drag behind us as we sailed and when the crew hauled it back on board there were a dozen or more different kinds of fish in it.

Cod, skate, monkfish, mackerel and many more the crew couldn't even name.

And finally, a few days into my journey, we saw one of the fabled Ironborn longships.

The Black Wind.

It cut through the water at twice the speed we did, its rectangular sail catching the wind.

It was thinner than I had expected, longer and leaner, with a shallow draft that allowed it to land directly on beaches or anywhere really, and travel up rivers just a meter deep.

Its double prow allowed it to change direction completely with no fuss and oars could be used when the wind was light.

In short, it was an ideal fast, versatile and maneuverable ship.

Soon enough, the captain of this longship announced its authority over this waters, stating that they were boarding our humble vessel to make sure we weren't a threat to the people of the Iron Islands.

From the brief exchange at a distance it seemed even this early that Asha Greyjoy had already started to make a name for herself.

As the 'Black Wind' approached us, I could see the faces of the Ironborn peering out at us, weather beaten and hardened.

I could feel the crew of my ship tensing, praying under their breath that the longship would do as it claimed without causing any incident.

At least the few companions I had from my Royal Legion weren't blatantly cringing at the prospect of facing some Ironborn.

Seven Hells, Thoros was almost hoping we were being boarded by pirates claiming to be Ironborn soldiers.

They say here that every captain was a king aboard his own ship, and so the islands were known (if only to the Islanders themselves) as the land of a thousand kings.

Although still in her fifteen, Asha Greyjoy was long legged and much leaner than the man she sailed with, although still more robust than most Andal and Rhoynar girls her age.

With dark eyes and black hair cut short, her face was thin, with a big, sharp nose, wind-chafed skin and a wicked smile.

My Observe and foreknowledge told me that Asha was a wild and headstrong young woman, raised by her mother to be bold.

She possessed a sharp wit, and had no problem with holding her own against men, both in a verbal battle and in a physical fight.

Let's see…what else…

She also enjoyed ale and wine.

Defying the classical gender roles of Westerosi culture, Asha was appalled early on by the idea of becoming a lord's wife.

Even though her older two brothers were still alive and her younger brother was still living with them, Asha's father Balon already saw her as potential reaver material, treating her like he would his older sons.

Asha's attire included a brown quilted tunic, breeches of black and green wool, a studded belt and salt-stained high leather boots.

She occasionally loves to wear a sleeveless leather jerkin half-unlaced, and also owns a green leather jerkin covered with overlapping plates of steel.

Asha preferred throwing axes, which she had been practicing with since she was just a little girl, but she also kept a dirk with her, just in case.

Interestingly enough, she was not completely devoted to the Drowned God, since his law spoke against her doing what she liked most.

However, she kept it mostly to herself.

As she got aboard Gerion's ship, she had a boldness to the way she walked; part saunter, part sway.

"State your business, westlander." Asha commanded Gerion Lannister.

—————————————————————

ASHA GREYJOY'S POV

Of all things I have expected to be doing today, boarding a greenlander ship to make sure they weren't a threat was certainly not one of them.

Worst of all, the ship sailed with the Lannister flag.

Did the lord of the Rock have a spy informing him of our plans?

It doesn't matter, it was too late for anyone to stop us.

The best they could hope for was to not be caught completely by surprise once our longships reached their shores ready for battle.

Our own spies told us that the greenlander lords were more worried about punishing lowly bandits and sharing provisions for the harsh winters.

Regardless, as I boarded the greenlander ship, two things caught my attention.

First being the stupid abundance of the gold and silver engraved everywhere on this ship.

It was as if they were begging to be raided.

And the second being the terrified looks some of the crewmen on this ship were sending towards me and my men.

The ones that didn't I suppose were responsible for guarding the crew in case they were attacked.

But I've never seen armor like the ones they were equipped with.

"Who's the captain of this ship?" I finally asked with a grin after sighting a regular sailor squirm meekly.

My father's rebellion might end up earlier than I had anticipated.

Heh.

"That will be me, my lady." A blond and handsome man announced, surprisingly showing more calmness than his own men. "Gerion Lannister, at your service."

"I'm not your lady, greenlander." Me and my men snickered at his antics before approaching the Lannister captain.

To his credit, instead of becoming intimidated by a girl a head shorter than him, his eyes darted cautiously towards the weapons on me.

"State your business, Lannister." I commanded, still trying to intimidate him while also being careful to not escalate things and ruin years of preparation.

"I'm merely seeking to sell and trade my goods. You see, I've been sailing all around Westeros making business. From food to clothes, provisions to equipment, and even the occasional rare materials." The Lannister captain told me. "Me and my men have just left Seagard and were on our way towards Harlaw, before you boarded us."

Raising an eyebrow, I glanced around once again to have a better read on the mood of this ship's crew.

Most of them indeed didn't seem like a crew of warriors, and the luxurious ship was indeed filled with crates and barrels.

To my shock, I eventually met the gaze of one of the most peculiar young men that I've ever seen, as he was being guarded by a very tall man with half his face burned.

The young man had two peculiar traits on him, immediate one being his alluring pair of eyes of different colors, purple and blue, while the other being his mismatched hair of black and silver.

To call him pretty would be a massive understatement.

At first I reasoned that he could have been a bed slave being tarde from Lys, but the people of the continent were mostly against the practice of slavery, not to mention how well dressed and guarded the young lad was.

If only I could make him my salt husband, I think I could make him smile more in my bed.

Then again, soon enough I might have my chance, I just need to get past that ugly bastard guarding him and claim him as mine.

"You there…" I called the young man, having grown tired of guessing who he was. "Who are you?"

The young man immediately behaved just like the Lannister captain did, though his giant bodyguard immediately snarled in response while grasping his weapon.

Followed by what remained of proper fighters in this vessel.

The mood of the ship changed for a brief moment, as I suddenly felt threatened at the same place I had just witnessed someone wincing meekly at my sight a few seconds before.

But before my men stepped forward to defend me, the young man I had just called raised a hand and everything returned to normal.

"My apologies." The young man said with a confident yet cold expression. "My name is Durrandon Baratheon, Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms."

This time my men were the one shaming their captain by actually gasping at the boy's words.

"M-my prince."

Bloody hell?!

Not sure what the hell happened, but before I noticed I was already kneeling before him and calling him 'my prince'.

"Tell me, is there a reason for you and your men to be securing the borders of your kingdom?" The one named Durrandon asked with his expression betraying no emotion.

What should I say?

Fuck.

Shit.

Fricking Asshole.

What is the son of the rebel stag lord doing here?

Wasn't he supposed to be just a kid? Then why is he so big!

My younger brother appeared to be a scrawny child next to him.

Hell, he was already around my height!

And… for fuċk's sake… stop thinking about his size.

*Snap!

"Wha-what the fuċk?!" I asked after being suddenly spooked by the young prince snapping his fingers before me.

"I asked if there's a valid reason for this security check? Are the Iron Islands under attack, Lady Greyjoy?" He questioned.

"No, it's just that… wait, you know my name?" I replied while noticing the unexpected revelation.

"Of course I do, Lady Greyjoy. The flag on your ship made it an easy guess." The prince's expression remained cold and his stare sharp as he spoke again. "If there's no particular reason for this blockage, I would appreciate it if you allowed us to continue on our way."

The way this greenlander prince worded his sentences was something I've never heard before.

Though opinions always differed on whether I was an actual lady, I was Asha of House Greyjoy and daughter of Balon Greyjoy… no amount of sweet words should turn me into a shy maid.

However, right at this moment, I was unable to make a single one of my sarcastic quips and snide remarks.

The best I could do right now was give my best intimidating face to make him see I was no pushover.

But the only thing I got from the exotic prince was an amused smile.

That smug fuċker!

"Captain, I believe we should let them go." Earl Harlaw, my confidant man who must have noticed I was about to do something I would regret later, spoke. "Their intentions here have already been identified."

Looking around, I noticed both parties were expecting a fight to come to pass.

But I knew better.

"Agreed." I turned towards the eye-catching prince and said. "You are free to return to your business."

Walking away back to my ship, I had to grind my teeth at the notion that some of my men were thinking less of me after this encounter.

The only redeeming outcome for this encounter would be to target this golden ship during my father's rebellion.

This prince doesn't know yet, but this isn't over yet.

—————————————————————

So the little Kraken believed she could take me as an object.

Heh.

How pathetic and simple minded of her.

Anyhow…

The 'Black Wind' moved away from us, leaving the 'Laughing Lion' to the wind and the ever-present salty spray of seawater whipping around us.

This was of course how the first Iron Islanders must have come here, First Men on boats from the mainland settling on these rocky isles.

The priests of the drowned god of course told a different tale, preaching stories of men emerging from under the sea.

However they got here, their separation from the mainland had led to a very different set of values and a way of living.

But finally, Gerion informed me that land was finally in sight.

Harlaw, the second largest and most densely populated of the islands.

It was ruled over by House Harlaw who showed their power by having five different keeps dotted across the island.

Three were bȧrėly worth mentioning.

Grey Garden, the Tower of Glimmering and Harridan Hill were all worthy structures ruled by relatives or cadet branches of the Harlaws, but there was nothing particularly noteworthy about them.

The fourth, Harlaw Hall, used to be the seat

of house Harlaw, but it was old, prone to flooding and continued in use mostly as a nod to the past.

But the fifth castle, Ten Towers, was definitely worth a visit, and this was where I was heading now as the 'Laughing Lion' moored along the long stone keep.

It was the newest castle on these islands, having been built when Theomore Harlaw blamed Harlaw Hall's dampness for the deaths of three of his children, and rather than attempt to rebuild that instead built an entirely new castle.

Although as my retinue and I entered its courts, it did feel more like ten castles squashed together than one castle.

There was no internal consistency of design, which was to say that the Ten Towers were all

different.

The Book Tower for example was octagonal, squat, broad and made from black stone.

Others, like the Widow's Tower, were tall, thin and round.

Still, others were square, made from the lighter colored stone and all of these were joined together by a confusion of bridges and walkways.

It was disconcerting indeed for the visitor who didn't know their way around, so Lord Harlaw's servants informed me that he awaited me on the nearest one.

Though the first place I managed to have a good look on my way towards the Lord of the castle was the main hall, with the seat of House Harlaw.

It was, I will admit, not the grandest or the most brightly decorated of all the high halls I have visited, but it was impressive enough for one of the most powerful houses on the Iron Islands.

The only thing of real note here was just above the throne, or high seat.

Two huge silver sides were hung on the wall,

glinting in the evening sun streaming through the windows.

A reminder of house Harlaws' scythe sigil.

It was indeed a curious sigil for a seafaring family, but perhaps it was a reminder that this bȧrė island was once lush and forested until all was chopped down in the pursuit of building more boats and gaining more wealth.

Now it was more famed for mining and the rather shaggy-haired ponies that served as the main form of transport.

It was not glamorous or refined, but perhaps the scythe was a fair reflection of this house and Island.

By now, the joy of being inside after days at sea was felt amongst some of my men, especially Sandor.

And to their surprise, though perhaps it shouldn't have been given that this was after all named the Book Tower, we found ourselves in a roomy, well-stocked library with floor-to-ceiling shelves heavy with books and parchments.

And I think I saw the swish of a septons cassock over there, which perhaps could come as a surprise to those expecting only the worship of the Drowned God here.

In fact, there were a sizable number of adherents to the faith of the Seven on these islands, a relic of the Andal invasion.

The followers of the old way might be the majority, but this was not a religious monopoly.

And none other illustrated it better than Lord Rodrick Harlaw himself.

An average-looking man, Lord Harlaw had brown hair and eyes with a short neat beard that was grey.

On a second note, Lord Harlaw also was in possession of a Myrish lens that ȧssisted him with his vision.

The cautious Rodrik clearly enjoyed reading, given how he kept actual Septons to help care for his book.

My Observe skill informed me that Lord Rodrik was seldom seen without a book in hand, be it in the privy, on the deck of his Sea Song, or whilst holding an audience.

His taste for books and proximity with the Faith of the Seven was exactly what I had planned to persuade him into becoming an ally.

Besides, Lord Rodrik Harlaw was perhaps the only Ironborn sane enough to recognize the stupidity in Balon Greyjoy's plan of rebellion.

Though he failed in advising Lord Greyjoy to forget about his dream of having the Iron Islands independent from the Iron Throne, it still showed he wasn't a coward.

I began our meeting by presenting him with a small collection of books I've managed to personally write about my fictional tales and songs, alongside some rare copies of the Archmaesters works in the Citadel.

The Ironborn Lord was immediately intrigued by my gift, clearly having not expected that a Crown Prince would so blatantly attempt to gain his favor, while still showing fascination for what I managed to get for him.

Signaling for us to be left alone after the guests rights were invoked, he finally began.

"My prince, what an unexpected surprise." Lord Harlaw received me with more hospitality than I had been expecting, though the awkwardness still betrayed he was aware of the looming rebellion.

"Forgive my boldness, Lord Harlaw, but I don't believe there's any other type of surprise." I replied with a cordial smile.

"Ah, you are completely right." He said in a friendly manner. "So, to what do I owe the pŀėȧsurė of your visit?"

"In all honesty, I've just recently become aware of the fact that if I want to one day become a great ruler, I must know the lands that I will be ruling over." I revealed it to him, subtly hinting that I knew of the plans for rebellion. "And you seemed the most reasonable Lord for me to begin this endeavor."

"Is that so? I must confess I don't know how to respond to such high praise." Rodrik Harlaw's smile was now a little more tense than before.

"I wouldn't worry about it that much, there isn't much that goes without my Grandfather knowing for long. A reputation as respectable as yours would definitely not be any different. Especially when you are the voice of reason amongst your radical peers." I said, mentioning Tywin Lannister in order to make it more believable that despite my age, my words carried meaning behind them.

"I like to believe I'm a sensible man." Rodrik remarked.

"I'm glad to hear it. You see, I was initially inclined to approach the current Lord Greyjoy and resume the effort his late father was putting into integrating the Iron Islands with the continent." I added. "But something tells me he's currently busy with his preparations for the approaching winter."

Rodrik Harlaw cringed ever so slightly, so I walked towards him without showing fear or doubt.

Snapping my fingers, Shadow came out of my own shadow.

With wide eyes, the Ironborn Lord stared as my Wild Companion morphed into its larger and natural armored form, her slit eyes promising to slit his throat if he dared call for help.

"I would like to know if your house, Lord Harlaw, would be interested in looking towards the future instead of the past." I broke him out of his shock and stared him in the eyes, mimicking Shadow's eyes with a little use of Thaumaturgy. "I'm sure it will be a mutually beneficial business."

"I-indeed, I'm of the same mind." Lord Harlaw nodded and we continued to discuss a few matters in private.

"Perhaps we might even get this bȧrė Island of yours fertile once again. After all, conquest Is your harvest, isn't it?" I reasoned.

"I'm not entirely sure how that can be achieved, but I certainly am open to it." Rodrik Harlaw gave a weak smile, although he showed signs of being calmer than before.

"Excellent. The Seven will reward you for your cooperativeness." I grinned before beginning to spin words laced with magic, saying the right thing at the right time while wording my suggestions in a way that made it sound reasonable.

And although it might appear to be overkill, Shadow also helped me with charming the man before me.

"You would do well to contact Lord Blacktyde and support the deal I offer him." I told him. "Oh, Gerion Lannister has some provisions to help your house endure the approaching winter."

"Yes." Rodrik immediately replied, betraying no duplicity. "Of course I will."

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(03/01/2022)

*Hope this chapter is of your liking.

Anything you wish to ask or suggest, feel free to do so.

Check out my auxiliary chapter if you still haven't.

Thanks as always for your attention and please be safe.

Any problems with my writing, just point them out and I will correct them as soon as possible.