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The Wedding Guests

-West. The North. winterfell

-Winter Rose Glassware-

For as long as she could remember Cersei had been brought up with various things. The first is that the Lannister house is above all things. There is no house that she could compare with them. Her father had shown her a long time ago that only family was important and that others were enemies. That is why she knew that when it came to everyday life, the enemies were all those who could be considered a danger and a threat to the family legacy and for the first time in her life she was seeing a real threat to the family if I had to be frank which was beyond strange

When his father told him that they were going to the North for Lord Stark's wedding, he complained. His reasons? First, she wanted above all else to be queen once and for all. She was the most beautiful woman in the seven kingdoms. Her golden blonde hair. Her eyes emerald green. Her body was hourglass figure. She had it all. There was nothing and no one better than her. And despite all of her attempts to do so, the prince had wholeheartedly refused to marry her of all things. That was not only an insult to her as a woman of House Lannister but also as a woman herself. He made her feel bad. And she hated him with passion and reality

On the other hand, when her father told her that he would come, she knew that something had happened. She didn't realize it until she saw the Twin Wolves where the moat used to be. The twin castles had a different structure more similar to the Valyrian. Spherical walls that surrounded them in plain white which was surprising. Inside the walls were many structures. It was not too difficult to know that they were homes and also taverns of all kinds as well as places to eat. And in the center two large towers that loomed like the so-called Valyrian towers only wider and larger. No one knew why they were inspired but they were terrifying

Each wall had ten defensive towers designed to hold a considerable number of soldiers than could be seen. It was like seeing a restructuring of what was a great fortress. Of course the big bridge that was there preventing any boat from passing also showed that it was a good system. He had seen ships come and go from west to east and vice versa. Whoever became lord of this place would get rich from his position if you stopped to think about it. But that was only the beginning of the new fear of him as they then walked north with his escort. He never thought that the north, despite its cold, could really be so unique and it was a bad thought in his mind.

They found out that there were many more constructions. They saw Cerwyn castle that used to be, according to their uncle Gerion, a small structure, now it was a large castle shape embedded in the mountain wall and as if that were not enough there were about ten different levels with a small city that was built right on the top. river and from what she could see was basically a small port. This surprised her in many ways since she did not know that there were more cities in the north. But the city, although they passed it closely and remained, was very impressed, which was already very bad news since the wolves were supposed to be late. But nothing could prepare her for the jewel of the North

Wintertown was a large spherical city instead of the rectangular one of King's Landing. Another big difference in this regard with the other big city is the number of towers that were on the wall. And that was not all because there was a second wall that is higher than the first with the same number of towers. The walls were made of a black stone that looked like marble. So smooth and unique but at the same time he wasn't idiot enough to say that the wall would be as hard if not more than granite. The doors the same. Between each defensive wall was a pit so of course she was sure that an attack would at best be a complete waste of time.

Then he saw the city and yes. The city was perhaps twice the size of the kingdom's capital which was amazing to know. As if that wasn't enough, at least in his mind, all the houses were pretty well made. At first he thought they were made of wood and he went to mock until he saw one under construction and realized that they were made of stone and then covered with wood. As if that wasn't enough they had glass windows which made her even more jealous if she could tell. Before going to stay in the imposing Stark fortress that she had been led to understand was in the center of the great city, she went to what was rumored to be the main glassworks

The Winter Rose clearly offered a great deal of glassware. From what I could see. There was everything and what was worse in his mind is that they offered what was said to be the custom creation brand. For the first time in a long time Cersei felt jealous. How had House Stark of all things managed to build a powerful force to be reckoned with like this? Why had no other kingdom benefited? She thought that she could say something about this. Let it be known but well if they had it it was hard to see anything more could be done about it in the seven kingdoms

''You have to admit that House Stark had to have a stroke of luck to end up the way it is. Not only the two castles that are the defense line of the North but on top of that they have so many advanced castles. Cerwyn Castle would make some of our castles look insignificant at best and the less said about this place the better.'' Jaime already liked the place. He didn't smell like King's Landing which was good and if that wasn't enough he saw something more important: order. He did not see people in the streets asking for help or alms or anything. Obviously the Starks had a job for everyone and what is more important they knew how to do things well.

''It's not that good. Just the glassware I've seen in the store may be enough to cause serious trouble for the other kingdoms. If they sell it across the seven kingdoms every house will want theirs. And from what I saw the custom orders are top notch.'' Cersei couldn't believe what she had actually seen. She was of the opinion that the North had been lucky. But she was sure that if House Lannister did well they would have these crystal masters after all. Who would rather work in the north than the south? That was one thing that she had very much on her mind.

''Don't think about what you have in your head cousin. Trying to convince any of these people to go south would be a complete shit storm. The North will not treat their workers like complete crap while if I may say so your father will steadfastly and confidently screw up their lives in every way to make it clear that they are beneath him.'' Cerenna looked with interest at everything that was there. What else could it not be about? The South had always disdained the North. It seemed that they were not only wrong but also in deep trouble. Very funny from his point of view and at the same time with potential

''I can't believe in any way that you're happy about this. The North may now have a lot of money but how could they keep workers in what is the North when the South can clearly offer them better working conditions?'' Of course with better working conditions he only meant heat. The northern lands provided certain things like the lord would not crush them and would keep most of the money. Nor would he be on his neck or anything like that. But hey, Cersei was a believer that the Lannister house could get a lot out of it and it was just a matter of hooking people in the best possible way. Cerenna's taunt I do not expect

''You are obviously blind, do you really think that the people in the North would leave their kingdom in favor of another? But even more a kingdom in which they would have a rope around their neck and in which if they were not careful they would be doomed before they knew it? You can tell a lot about the northerners, I wanted cousin, but none of them is the least bit stupid and believe me when I say that there is a better chance that they will stay here than travel to the south where they will be tortured for their secrets.'' Cersei was myopic. She seemed to think that people would bow to them because of her name. House Stark were not one to bow down unless for a reason. Why would their loyalists? she was completely stupid

''But couldn't they work better in the south? That is to say, in our lands they would have the resources of the Lannister house and well, the father always rewards those who are loyal to him. Jaime couldn't understand why they refused. His father could be a bit of a tyrant but he rewarded those who were loyal to his. However, he could see the look of a person who was clearly trying to contain an amused laugh from his cousin. It was no secret that his cousin did not have the best opinion of her father, something more than frowned upon by most of the family. Judging by the amused look he knew he had said something very silly to her.

''Cousin at the time these people went south. Give the secrets to an lrd. And if they hoped to win gold all they would gain is a sword to the heart and their carcasses be for the animals do you really think your father or any lord would ever tolerate a man who betrayed his lord for the promise of gold?' '. Cerenna had to question Jaime's upbringing if she was unable to figure out such a simple plan if she had to say so herself. She felt that it was typical of a blind person or at least with too much sense of chivalry which was completely idiotic. If this was the future of house lannister they were screwed big time

''Then the reason why none of these men and women will go south is that they know they will be betrayed by the lords of the south. He talks about the very bad publicity they have from the gentlemen of the south, which I don't think is entirely true.'' Cersei scoffed a bit but she caught the look of the woman from the shop. She, that woman, was not afraid of him. If it weren't for the warning that starting any fight guaranteed her execution that meant she could have ordered some of the men of House Lannister to do something to her. Make no mistake, she did not do it out of concern for them but for her since she knew that her father would not be happy about it if she did something like that.

''Well, Cersei, look at the history of not only the seven kingdoms, but also look at the history of each of the families of the South with the North and you will realize a little that the North has no choice but to send fuck the southerners. There are no other options on the matter if I may say so.'' She was serious about it. There was nothing more that could be done about it. The South had earned its reputation with the North by its actions and therefore that meant in a nutshell that they could not hope to change it overnight. It would take years before the north would trust the south (and hariric would make sure it never did).

''Well shit. But anyway, do you think the father will want to open business with the North about this? He obviously offers the opportunity to do business for what is the purchase of unique items. Not only the glass, which is of the highest quality, but I've seen more things since we arrived in the city.'' Jaime del Norte's opinion was growing. He didn't help that he saw the North City guards. They were clearly very well built and had their heads on their shoulders if he had to say so. Needless to say, if he could tell, Lord Stark had done a great job with them.

''It's very possible. But if he expects the North to bow to him as the hand of the king and the lord of the west will quickly learn that he is beyond wrong and that it would be in his best interest not to seek trouble with them.'' Cerenna was arguably one of the best minds born into the Lannister house. She was a believer that the Lannister house, although powerful, had to start using their heads more about it than just making progress without more of all things. A very serious problem for House Lannister, if she had to say so, is that many believed they were invincible and this would not work with House Stark, at least not in her opinion.

''It would be in your best interest. If I have to say it, it would be sad to start fighting over stupid things. A voice sounded at that moment called the attention of all the Lannisters. There was a young man with brown skin and platinum hair and violet eyes. It was like mixing a Dornish with a Valyrian which they had to admit looked good. This was Dareon Rogare. Although he was decently dressed in leather pants and boots he looked dressed in what was a leather jacket and underneath a vest with a shirt that seemed to keep him warm. Instead of wearing animal skins. If the Lannisters had to be honest it was a completely different dress code than what they would have expected from the North in any case.

"It is very rude to interfere in the conversations of those who are above your position." Cersei wasted no time looking down at him as if she believed she was in a superior position. The man just gave him a look. But it was not the look of a concerned person. It was the look of a person that could be easily translated as saying that it was more difficult to put fear into their bodies than they thought and that the position alone was not enough to give them any kind of problem. Cersei looked annoyed at this treatment and she shot a look at a pair of guards who moved towards her swords as if trying to be scary.

''And it's stupid that you think you're important. You're just your father's daughter. At that moment your only value is as merchandise, neither more nor less. Learn to behave in the lands of another lord, especially one who feels that the South is full of vipers whose heads must be cut off and then the bodies set on fire just in case.'' Dareon scoffed, clearly not too impressed by the girl. Why should he be? From what the girl could tell she had a right to be that was full to the brim. She didn't feel like she was too much of a concern anyway. At least not for him of course, and besides, she was here on behalf of Lord Stark.

''Sorry for my cousin. She has a lot of pride in the house which I'm not saying is bad but I think she should have been able to easily see that she is in the presence of someone who has obviously been sent by Lord Stark. You just have to look at the looks people give you.'' You didn't have to be an idiot to notice how people looked at you. Although there was a sense of trust and from some people who gave him looks or closer to what was respect, there were also those who gave him fearful looks in some way. Almost as if they feared what this man was capable of or his reputation unless it was important.

''You seem to have good eyes at least. It's true. I am here on behalf of Lord Stark. He has finished his business talks with your uncle Lord Gerion Lannister and expected to be introduced where you are to stay and where your men will take his place. He also wants to show and get a guide so that he can better show you what the city is if you have any interest in it. Dareon could practically see the scowl in the girl's eyes. The young man had a look of curiosity. It was her older cousin who seemed to be more attentive almost like her studying him. How fun she is she obviously had a fucking brain and more importantly she knew how to play all of this

''Lord Stark must trust you then and judging by the looks everyone is giving you I don't have to be a fucking genius to know that you are basically the one in charge of something of great value. We will follow you so there is nothing to worry about.'' He could see his guards tense up. Cerenna kept an eye on the man who just nodded and started to move. And then he noticed the guards that, unlike being ostentatious as the Lannisters with their red and gold armor or those of King's Landing with their golden capes, these were very different in the way they moved and also the way they moved. they were dressed in dark gray uniforms and although well armed in no way conspicuous

''You'd better not stare at them too much. The Winter Guard are serious about what they do and all of them have been trained to be good at their jobs. If you look at them too much, they may put in their reports that there are some gossipers and that will scar you for life. Dareon laughed. The guards had been trained to be professional and efficient. His salary was decent and everyone had been made to sign a contract. In exchange for being guards they had a roof, three meals and a salary that was quite decent. Unbeknownst to anyone also the contract made sure they weren't corrupted. It was an excellent way to ensure that the defense of the main city of the North was clearly the most secure.

''They look good. imposing. Pretty decent figures. The clothing surprises me, although of course it is much better if I have to say so. A short sword and a knife from what I can tell. They don't wear clothes that make it difficult for them to fight and hate everything, they seem to observe everything in detail.'' The guards did not wear cloaks like many other guards did. The armor seemed to consist of gray armor that protected with plates and what appeared to be mail armor but instead of wearing a hood they wore a unique helm. If she had to say so, they also seemed more intimidating than any other gentleman she had ever seen.

''The guard represents one thing and it is only one: order. They are there to assure everyone that they are in every sense of the word the defense of the city, and above all else they are intent on making sure the North knows that Lord Stark takes any visit very seriously. I don't want to imagine annoying faces due to lack of efficiency or worse professionalism. It wouldn't end well, really." Professional soldiers had to behave as such. They were hard trained. That is why the North could say Dareon could be the most powerful kingdom. It didn't help that instead of spending what they had on frivolities the North used it to ensure their protection (it didn't help either Hariric's magic placed in the mines that guaranteed the north didn't run out of resources)

''You Norteños are doing well. I hope you don't mind me doing a little more traveling. This city is much bigger than any other. And it doesn't look like just a center of commerce if I have to say so.'' Cerenna knew that anyone with half a brain would know that she was fishing for information at that moment. She wasn't blind, let alone an idiot of all things. She knew and had a clear idea that the man who was with her did not have a blind and foolish mentality. She knew that they were watching him closely. He was very smart if she could contribute. Better than any in the south

''If you are interested this is the commercial sector as my lord calls it. It is where most of the products made by the different guilds of House Stark are sold. Not just glass. Dressmakers. Goldsmiths. Anything you can think of. There are also artists and tapestry masters. If you want to see something like that this is the ideal place if I may say so.'' Dareon had fun. The girl was clearly sensible if he/she had to say so. She didn't seem like a brainless idiot but she was obviously a person with two fingers of intelligence and observation skills. She practically saw the jealousy in the younger one than she could tell which meant a potential idiot girl she believed she could yell at and demand things.

''Wait a minute, are you saying that the city is divided into sectors? If so, how many sectors are there in the city? What's in them? Why do it like this?'' Jaime was curious at what he was seeing. Frankly the city was much better than the capital. He not only didn't smell like shit if he had to say so but he could also honestly say that this was a thousand times better place than the South was in the aesthetic sense of the city. For heaven's sake the houses were fine but he could also see other structures and there were even trees in the city which gave him a more unique feeling. He could see Lord Stark proud of his handiwork.

''patience young lannister. You're right. The city is divided into four sectors: commercial, residence, leisure and work. Each of these sectors meets a requirement. Except for the work sector, you can go anywhere, but well, you seem like a young man who likes action, so I recommend that you go to the leisure sector. There are fighting grounds where young men can fight and display their sword skills before members of the north who can correct their skills if they see flaws in them.'' Hariric had commented that it was very possible that someone like the Lannister would find the place of entertainment very decent at least in the area of ​​​​fights and training. There was so much more to do but it always tasted better

''I find it hard to believe that there is anything better than the Norteños out there. We southerners are always fighting in tournaments honing our skills actually which gives us a considerable amount of experience.'' Cersei sneered at Dareon believing that she had finally found a soft spot to her surprise he just chuckled as if she thought it was funny. She didn't like being laughed at in the slightest. Hell she didn't like that she acted like she was a girl since she was the daughter of Tywin lannister. He just gave her one final look and to her surprise Cerenna was also laughing at her which was pissing her off.

''young Cersei let me say this so you know it well. There are three ways to gain experience. One is in combat. Another is surviving. And another is observing. We Norteños, even I, who am not of Northern blood, believe that with these methods we earn more and learn more. There's a reason you won't see a Norteño jousting: because they're not really valuable in battle.'' Dareon scoffed in amusement. The young girl thought so highly of herself. It would be funny if it wasn't sad in her mind. The girl had no idea in the slightest how wrong she was with her way of thinking. She had no idea how wrong her way of seeing her world was. A shame

''Cersei before you say more remember that this is the North. Here they struggle to survive every day. They have the pirates who attack both from the west and from the east. The savages in the North. And bandits everywhere. So you better be careful what you say lest it really upset the wrong person.'' Cerenna scoffed. From the appearance of the guard alone she could tell that the Starks were making sure to produce a professional, capable, efficient, and well-minded army. Not the best combination to face for its efficiency on the battlefield. If an army from the south faced this they would lose by a lot

''Thank you for your kind words. Anyway we are coming. I would like you to notice Winterfell. The northern seat of power''. And with that they arrived. Dareon smiled at the looks of each one of those who were with him. Even the Lannister guards were surprised by not only the structure but how imposing it was. He fixed on the girl and quickly realized that she was jealous. That didn't bode well if he had to say so. Still if he tried anything he would learn the hard way that there were scarier people playing the great game if he had to say so. People who can make your life very bitter if you give them the chance like a certain Stark

-North Spas-

All her life Catlyn Tully had been given simple words. She had been raised to be a wife and mother. To raise her children in the expected way. Respect the faith of the seven. Follow the family code. This kind of things. Another thing they had made clear to her was that the Norteños were nothing but barbarians in the best of her ways and that they didn't deserve that much respect. That was something taught to her by the septa that she had little trust in the Northerners (it didn't help that the Northerners didn't bow to their faith in any way of course) and so she had been very taken aback when her father declared that they had she would marry one of Lord Stark's sons which was obviously not in her plans but she accepted as a good daughter

He had spied on his father wanting to know about the Starks. She was curious. It was a few days ago that she saw a meeting of her father and uncle. Her father was a politician. He's not a military man of any kind. Her uncle on the other hand was a military man and was known to be an accomplished commander who was very capable. When her father spoke it was shouting with her uncle since he said in a few words: you are a fool if you think you can break north. She didn't know why her uncle said such things. The north was uncivilized. It was almost in a nutshell compared to every other house in the south if she had to believe every word.

His uncle had made one thing clear: no offense to the Starks. She was surprised by this. Her uncle was a respectable man who was clearly capable of speaking the truth. Her uncle did not mince words when it came to saying things. That's why when they were on their way to the North and the two of them were alone, she told him one thing and that was that if she married a Stark, she should take into account that she was in the North. Not in the South. That offending a Stark was the worst and most stupid thing. She had of course questioned why and she quickly knew why and if she had to be frank it filled her with a certain amount of fear.

His uncle was known as a mediator between the river houses. He was in charge of maintaining a firm balance and peace between each house. That's why he was highly respected there. When his uncle went to solve a problem, he returned to Riverrun very upset. It turns out that his father had let Walder Frey attack people around the neck with impunity. He had even called it something like blood payment. He couldn't believe it. That's why his uncle returned marked as an assault by the Freys with fifteen hundred men had met with the result of each one dead and each Frey his head cut off and sent to the Frey home. His uncle had later found out the truth

Rickard Stark who had already left his position said that his son had given one order and only one. If a single Frey or soldier of the rivers put a foot on the neck the orders were to kill them all and then begin a complete massacre of every lord and heir of the Rivers. When she heard that she was shocked. Why do such a thing? Her uncle then told her that if there was one thing the Starks were known for, it was protecting what was theirs. The North was his. No one could take it away. And that if anyone tried it would easily have consequences beyond dire. Something that terrified her to this day if she had to be blunt

When she found out that she had to marry a Stark, she knew immediately why her uncle claimed to break the North. Her father wanted to use his offspring in some way to bring the North under control. Remembering her uncle's explanation and how the North was clearly so capable of killing every living thing that threatened it, he came to a conclusion. Duty to family dictated that he do what was necessary to protect the family. Her honor as a woman was absolute and she was clear about it. She would not let her father in his political ambitions of any kind come to unleash an all-out war that she, from what her uncle said, could not win in any way, which surprised her a lot.

A part of her wanted to tell her uncle that there was nothing to worry about. Why should they be worried? They could call support from houses like Arryn and Lannister. She was sure that they would help them. But she later realized that the battles would be brutal and people would die in her kingdom. Although she could be a proud defender of the faith of the seven, at the end of the day she was intelligent enough to know that the war would not end well and that if what her uncle said was true, the Stark would not care about women, men, children or the elderly. They would all die under her hand if they attacked him for any reason.

So here it was. He had witnessed the Twin Wolves and he knew that the North now had a more solid defense than ever. The main city of the North was a unique marvel. They were more advanced than anyone in the south. He saw how everyone was treated. He saw people who were obviously from the south. His accents made it clear. And despite everything they were treated with more respect than the vast majority. He saw obvious lords from the emblems they wore who acted with more tact and kindness than someone from the south. That surprised her. And she understood even more what the Starks wanted to defend. That is why she deduced that a plan of her father's would be flawed in the best of cases if they were successful.

Next to him were two people. On one side of her was her sister Lysa Tully who was simply a great friend to her. As her eldest it had been her duty to help her but she knew he had a certain resentment with her because in her words he was better than her. She found him silly. The family had to support each other. But here she could frankly see one thing and one thing only, and that is that even she could be considered less. She saw women being in different places. Help. They weren't just in the job expected of a woman. If they brought a Septa of all things she had no doubt that she would have a very full head of anger at the attitude of these people.

Another person who was nearby was Petyr Baelish. He was like a brother to her. Petyr wasn't your typical man if he had to say so. He was a more accomplished man at work than being a warrior. He was loyal to her and a good man. She could practically see him devouring everything she saw. What she didn't see was the jealousy in her friend's eyes that she was watching everything with a critical eye while at the same time she thought he wasn't seen. Catlyn was looking all fascinated while Lysa was just looking at Petyr like a lovesick maiden at best which meant next to nothing at any other point. Anyway, everyone still agreed on something

''You have to recognize that the North is not even remotely the place that was said. They called it the most backward kingdom of all and yet here it is. The cleanest city. Soil that instead of being earth is stone ready and well made without any damage to it. It frankly makes you wonder how much they spend on this.'' Petyr looked at everything with jealousy and anger. He had heard of Catlyn's planned future wedding. They were about to marry her off to one of her Stark sons. Not the important one but with a second. If he already felt bad that they were saying to marry her to a pathetic northerner, the fact that they said to marry her to a second of hers infuriated him in many ways.

''I have to agree. The North has flourished a lot. I've heard that the current Lord Stark is responsible in a nutshell for all the upgrades. That he and nothing more than he is actually the one who has driven the north to change course and become the powerful kingdom that is being formed here and now. Catlyn had been paying attention to a lot of things people were saying. How many thanked Lord Stark of all things and how they spoke of Hariric as some kind of god. Although she made them feel bad because of her way of seeing the world, she could recognize it since these people were grateful to someone who gave them a lot of good.

''Tch for a nest of dogs things are fine but if they had helped the other kingdoms instead of keeping their secrets the way they are doing I'm sure any southern kingdom would have surpassed them by now in all fields or skills''. Lyssa scoffed at the North. She saw them as wild. Despite being better dressed and despite the better city they had. In her mind they were no better than dogs. Of course she was very careful to speak softly. This was her chance to get rid of Cat which would be good for her own plans. She couldn't allow the Norteños to be upset with her for her own words.

''I'm not so sure. The North has flourished on its own without the help of any southern lords and more importantly they have built themselves up while at the same time I can honestly say that the North does not share good just because of how they view the south of all things''. Catlyn had heard enough people on the street to thank the old gods and some from the south talking about how lucky and lucky they all were that the North ignored them for the south's actions against them when its time has come. It was simply something she hadn't expected in the slightest or from any aspect of the North.

''I think you exaggerate Cat. The South is possibly more benevolent than the people of the North. I have heard stories of the warriors of the north. Strong, fierce and merciless, why else would a kingdom like this not just accept chivalry and think so highly of themselves if you have to believe it?'' Petyr looked with disgust at everything around him. He didn't like how the woman he loved was looking at everything around her as if it were interesting. He shouldn't feel this way. However, it was like that and she observed everything with a critical eye and treasuring things. She didn't like him and she felt that there could be a lot of trouble on her doorstep in the worst possible way.

''Don't know. Look and you have heard as well as I how some people talk about the south. As they mention the kingdoms as if they did not take them into account. As the noble lords trampled them somehow. And yet here they are happy to have made their home. They may not have the faith of the seven but they seem happier here than in their old home.'' Catlyn could see people. She had a gift for listening. And she could practically see how every single person here treasured the Starks as true rulers. That didn't speak well of the South if she had to say so. What exactly did she say of the magnanimous lords of the South who bent over backwards to feed and help them? she didn't say anything nice

''Maybe they think so now but wait until Winter comes and then they'll race back to what the South is and its quality. Quite frankly abandoning the South for the North of all things. Look, there are people who do silly things, but well, you know what they say about little ones. They are not endowed with the intelligence base that we gentlemen have''. Lysa teased the little ones. She found it fascinating to be able to do it. But she noticed that some people gave her looks. I dont like him. She was the daughter of an important lord while they were just simple people which infuriated her in the worst possible way. She wanted to say something else but her sister just looked at her

''I highly doubt that if someone as smart as Lord Stark built all this and made sure to give the people of the North opportunities, he wouldn't have somehow built it to make sure by all means that the North would be able to survive the winter. . I highly doubt it's going to be that easy sister''. She sincerely doubted it. Catlyn could tell that judging by the way Lord Stark was acting she seemed too much like a man who reasoned and planned his every step. A retailer. Honestly in her mind she felt that playing against someone like that would be a waste of time. A good man despite his cruelty and brutality when treating his enemies

''Well, however, he has spent the money he had on stupid things. Why build that canal and those two cities called Twin Wolves when he only had to build the moat once more to make it a true impregnable fortress? Has no sense. Obviously Lord Stark wanted to show off.'' And what's worse is that he got it. The two Valyrian-looking cities and other architecture bothered him greatly. Also as an economist he could see the bright future of that channel allowing the West and the East to connect. Tyrell and Lannister ships would travel on them and so would whatever else bloody Stark had planned. He didn't like this, it made him look like an idiot.

''Once again you seem to be fixating on what you think you see Petyr. I think Lord Stark built that for a good reason. And don't tell me it's not a brilliant plan because by making this channel now that one location will benefit from all the trade that was going to the North. I frankly see whoever settles there getting stronger and becoming a person of great value to the Starks.'' Catlyn could practically see the hand of a person managing and creating that in order to strengthen themselves financially. She would also allow a better defense since according to her history lessons before the Moat was possible to conquer by sea. She now she was not in any way if she had to make an opinion

''Tch anyway, how are you feeling sis? I know father wants you to marry his brother Eddard. What an insult. You are the daughter of a great house and you are being punished to marry a second son. Frankly I find it more than insulting sister''. Lysa enjoyed rubbing her sister's face in how bad things were for her. She frankly felt good about herself. It was said that she was about to marry into the Arryn family. She didn't know who but what she did know is that she would be a lady of the kingdom while her sister would stay in the lurch. It was pretty good if she had to be frank and more importantly it would be beneficial to her at the end of the day.

''Don't know. But the guy has already warned me exactly what happens to think very carefully about my actions when dealing with the Starks. That they are in no way allowing stupid behavior. It seems that the uncle met Lord Rickard and left a very strong impression on him.'' His uncle was a great knight recognized by the seven kingdoms for his not only military skills but also for his ability to read people. That their uncle of all people was issuing a warning was bad enough really and could mean in a nutshell that they should be very careful with any decision they made regarding the North.

''I keep finding it idiotic that they force you to marry a second child. Which will happen to you to be neither more nor less than a simple lady from the north. Better to stay as a lady from the south than to become a lady from the north, I say''. Petyr, of course, what she did not say is that he would become her husband. At least that was the idea. Much to her chagrin, Catlyn glanced around her as if she was trying to imply that basically everything he had said was a lie. She made a face. She couldn't agree more. Only the cities that he had seen already had something far superior to any city in the south: that they did not reek of horse shit.

''Petyr is my duty. If I want to ensure that the North and the Riverlands have a good deal and at the same time stop being at each other's throats I have to do what is necessary for them. As a member of House Tully it is my duty and nothing more than my duty to ensure by all means that the alliance is strong.'' Catlyn could see the annoyance in her friend's eyes but what could be done? There was nothing else that could be done. It was for the good of not only the rivers but possibly his family. That and she felt it was safer to do this. Better to marry someone from the north seeing all the benefits they had with them in reality

''That says more about you than most southern ladies. I've heard that most southern girls are stupid pups who think gentlemen are the most important thing in the world.'' A voice came out surprising the three. When they turned around they found a young man of no more than fifteen years old with decent clothes if they had to say so. He wasn't dressed like a gentleman from the south, but what was clear is that he did dress better than most people. The young man approached and earned an immediate look from Petyr. It was pretty obvious that Petyr didn't like him. Although the young man was not a monster of muscles, he looked better than the lanky and the most important thing was his presence. The guards in the area relaxed in his presence.

"I don't know who you are but I thought at least the Norteños would have some respect for private conversations of all things." Petyr looked at the newcomer and realized that he was going to hate him. Good physical shape. Good face but a bit more serious than expected from a young man. Yet at the same time he lacked that typical lordly arrogance which made him attractive to the ladies since he didn't seem one to throw himself into shit. Frankly this was bad. But if he was a young man sent by Lord Stark to see them or at least have them clearly, it meant in a few words that he was carefully observing each movement.

''I wasn't really watching what was going on. I was just passing through the area because I have orders. However, I would recommend that you be careful with the way you speak. Even the little people that come from the south have a very bad mood when people talk bad about the Starks since many consider their good fortune thanks to them. The young man looked so calm as he spoke of the Starks that he was obviously as if he was close to them. Also the way I spoke made Petyr feel bad because he dismissed him like it was nothing. Lysa immediately got angry when she saw the crush on her badly. And Catlyn looked curiously at the young man as if trying to understand him better or at least to know more.

''I would be very careful how you talk to us. We are the daughters of lord Hoster Tully the lord of the Rivers while here with us is our friend and educated by our lord father Petyr baelish. If you don't want it to look bad on your behalf, you'd better be careful how you talk to us.'' Lysa raised her head as if she thought looking at him that way would scare him or something. However, the young man only looked at her for a moment as if he found her amusing. She was annoying and she was about to say some more threat when the next words were heard from the young man.

''Here in the North, they don't usually pay much attention to the demands of just anyone. You have to prove your words with deeds. Lord Stark has grown so tired of accusations and lawsuits from different lords across the north about complaints that he even went so far as to investigate a truth serum just to find out when someone was lying or something of the sort. The young man enjoyed the gaze of the three. One was surprised that she was the older sister. On the other hand was the boy who looked clearly annoyed by what he was saying. The girl on the other hand looked clearly furious. Not that she could be too bothered by what people thought anyway or at least that they believed it to be true.

'' Vile lies. If such a serum were true, the word would have already spread throughout the seven kingdoms. Your lord would need help from the maesters just to be able to create and invent that serum as you call it and it's pretty obvious the maesters would have made it run around like it was the most important thing in the world.'' Lysa couldn't believe what she was hearing. Had the North really created a serum? If so, it would be a danger to anyone who was placed in a bad light. How many secrets would Lord Stark know for just that? It was quite annoying but honestly she had a hard time believing it because she didn't feel that the Starks were so high up knowing the truth and the maesters would have let every lord know.

''That's an idiotic thought. The North is rumored to be discussing casting out and expelling the maesters. It was discovered that some maesters had tried to sell confidential information to southern houses so of course I don't see why our lord and lord would tolerate rats like that in our lands. It's the sensible thing to do anyway.'' The young man scoffed. When he discovered himself he understood why his sister had built Isengard. Not only to be the center of education for every member of the nobility and teach trades to the little people which he found important. Frankly, the maesters had brought it on themselves with their treasonous actions.

The three of the rivers couldn't believe what they were hearing. An entire kingdom was about to expel the masters? That would immediately make each lord of the seven kingdoms look at the maesters differently, although of course some would argue that the maesters were doing their duty to the kingdoms just to make sure it was known how the North was progressing of all things. . However, I raise other, very different questions. To begin with, how would the future lords be educated? How will the lords stay sane? That was important to know in any case. However, they had to think about it at another time since there were things to do, such as knowing who the young man in front of them was.

''He has not yet told us why he is here of all things and what he is looking for with us. It's not that I'm going to say anything bad, but I highly doubt that a Northerner would just get into conversations from the South without a compelling reason.'' Catlyn had to find a way to save face for her. It had become clear that this man was not here to be friendly with the families of the south and what is more important, he had possibly heard them talk about how they did things and much more about the opinion that his two close ones to the north had. They had to get out of here ASAP if she was to say so or at least see it resolved in a beneficial way.

''Ah yes I'm here because it's good to be a bride, apparently he's finished accommodating the people who are his guard and I ask Lord Stark for help finding you. He told me exactly where you were and he sent me so he can help you get back and settle in the Winterfell fortress so if you'll excuse me we have to go back home.'' The young man began to move and then the three young men noticed that he was surrounded by soldiers. That meant two things. The first is that it could possibly be a person of high position placed by Lord Stark or worse and that they could have caused a big problem... a relative of Lord Stark himself who had been insulted before by both Petyr and Lysa

''Excuse me, you know who we are, however we don't know who you are since you haven't introduced yourself. It's traditional to introduce yourself before starting any conversation anyway.'' Petyr tried to save face. But when the young man turned goodbye to the funny but serious smile. Now his eyes promised winter and death. This made Baelish feel very bad that he was not used to looks like that from anyone. Devils he had seen tournaments and not even the participants of these could in any way be balanced to what he was seeing at that moment. He almost felt as if certain death was about to hit him and what's worse it was slowly eating away at his being.

''I suppose that is normal even though you are in the land my ancestors fought and killed to unite. The Lord Eddard Starks of House Stark. Future lord and lord of the Twin Wolves and brother of Hariric Stark lord of Winterfell. We are going now. My brother has called and frankly I don't feel like explaining why I'm delayed in the slightest just by two idiots who seem to think they can talk about the North without knowing it. Forgive my rudeness Lady Catlyn but her companions clearly deserve some harsh discipline. With her words spoken, ned began to move forward. When his sister told him to go see them, it was so he could get an idea of ​​them. He never thought he would see two assholes that big with egos and arrogance to match.

-Winterfell. Lord's room-

Hariric had had a very exhausting couple of weeks. He first he had to go to the fucking capital. He decided to send more agents… just in case. He knew it was only a matter of time before some asshole from the south told the king (because demanding would end up dead) for the North to hand over his secrets to which he would flat out refuse. They were yours. When the North needed food, didn't they exploit it? When the north needed help the savages came to his aid? The answer is no. Help from the south had never arrived. Food had been expensive. So if they wanted to fuck him they would learn the hard way what a bad idea it was to fuck a wolf especially one who knew very well how to fuck them.

The king was unstable. During his time in the afterlife he had met many crazy people. Interestingly Tom marvolo Riddle was of a type of insanity caused by soul magic. Soul magic was possibly one of the most difficult Taboos to touch in Hariric's mind. Bringing up that topic was not only idiotic at best but also risky. An example were those who used the three curses. The first one gave you a taste for control and if you didn't feel in control you went crazy. The other one drove you crazy to feel what the desire to make suffer was. And the last one drove you crazy because of the hate you felt. Soul magic could only be touched on rare occasions and had to be tightly controlled.

Aerys was the typical example of someone going crazy from some kind of brain degeneration. He would like to know why. He had inquired about the king. He curiously he had found out that at first he showed promise. He seemed that he would become a good king. Except for the little problems in the form of his love for being recognized and loved above all and wanting to bring glory to the Targaryen house, he didn't see so many problems. Hariric had come across many such people actually. They weren't that much of a problem. But the thing began to eat him

If he was back in his old world he would suspect magic. One of the most used tactics to destroy an enemy was to isolate it. Completely destroy his command structure. Destroy his allies. And isolate him so thoroughly that no one would know he was screwed. Aerys had started out as a decent king with two very powerful allies. Steffon Baratheon was a loyal man according to the information from him that he was extremely loyal to the family. Tywin Lannister was in his day a good ally of the king considering him a friend. And then he got screwed. Obviously something had been shattering the king's trust in everyone and his mother. And then Varys arrived, which was in Hariric's mind one of the biggest problems

Hariric felt that trusting a spy network in the hands of someone you don't know and don't have a strong relationship with is stupid. There was a reason why he trusted Shelia. It wasn't just for the reason that she and her brother held him in high esteem. Hariric had trained Shelia in magic and he knew that she had a good idea of ​​how powerful she was (and she still fell short) and had given her ways to win. In fact, he already had a good idea of ​​how to reward Dareon and Tykren. Each of them was going to receive a handsome reward for being the loyal friends that they were. But that let Shelia know that she didn't want to just marry some lord from the north.

It's not that Shelia wasn't comfortable with the northern lords. Hell she had connected with many and they were friends. But Shelia had one thing clear and that is that she wanted above all else a husband who could follow her as she said so kindly. She couldn't blame her for wanting something because heck he was in a similar way himself. Why would you want a weaker partner? A union must not only be of equals but also of people with capable minds and a brain to use. Shelia was skilled with a sword, magic, and mind. The number of capable people in two of the three fields was rather low if you had to think about it.

However hariric averted his gaze to a part. On one side was Ashara (she liked that name more than Nymphadora) who was reading her own reports from her. Can you imagine the look on her face when she arrived and told her that she wanted to found a bank? That surprised him more than a little for a moment. He couldn't blame her. Ashara knew that Money had to be well managed and a Bank was better than just having it. He also wanted to have a good control of the money because hariric was clear that if a single lord turned into an idiot who spends and ruins, he would get rid of the bastard faster than anyone can even think about it or what it takes to draw a sword

However, his thought was more of a small black wolf with red markings on his face and side. On a perch was Hedwigg who was looking amused at the little wolf and then there was Ophis who was also looking amused at the little wolf of all things. Why were they looking at the wolf? He might have to do with said wolf biting a figure made by himself in the form of some nobles. Hey the animal needed a toy and he had to admit that he found the idea funny just imagining the face of every southern lord of seeing some of the leaders being eaten of all things by an animal they considered inferior and Ashara found it hysterical

''You know I wouldn't want to see the face of someone like the king of seeing an action figure of his being eaten by a wolf of all things. He might be idiot enough to order him killed. Ashara scoffed. She knew that the only reason Hariric didn't truly rule Westeros is that the North was already enough. Who wants to deal with every idiot at court anyway, plus every demanding and demanding noble? Of course you could be like the king and all but hariric took too much pride in doing the job well. He could say much worse he did his job well above all

''Not my problem. Also, I think the funniest thing would be to tell him that my wolf needed a toy to chew on and I found that he was the best possible victim. Sacrificing himself in the name of the kingdoms might just turn out to be the best thing to ever happen to him." Hariric just sneered about it in amusement. However, despite how fun it would be to see the people of the south, he knew very well the consequences and preferred to deal with the headaches of the north. At least here if he ended up exterminating three families no one would tell him it was for a bad reason anyway. No one had love for Bolton, Hornwood, or the Ryswells either. Their ways of being so idiotic were not liked by anyone

''Yeah. However, you know as well as I that when the dear king feels that it is time, he will want to know why you have not shared the new grace of benefits with the other kingdoms. Glass. The new drinks. All that. He will want to know what is your reason for not sharing it with all the houses if you know what I mean dear husband. She practically knew Hariric's answer. She could only imagine it. A part of her was excited by the idea that she would put people in her shoes. The war was bad. People died. But she, like Hariric, were Black. They were people who thrived on war and watching their enemies squirm. And what's worse she knew that Nemesis's pull on her husband was demanding it somehow.

''There will come a day when the king calls me and tells me to explain why all the kingdoms are complaining that they do not receive the same benefits. That they don't know the same secrets as the north. That the north has founded its own city of knowledge and education. And my answer will be the one they will have to accept either by hook or by crook. I am a Stark. If I have been able to discover it and I am supposedly a savage, get your asses off and do the same''. Hariric growled. Someone tell him about all the things that could screw up his life, just calling a king like little kids bothered him. If they wanted a fight they would have it and lose of that I had no doubt

''And on that day every house will take up arms against you. At the moment they will try to steal the secrets of the north. When that fails they will ask for the king's help. He is crazy hariric. Very unstable. In ways that I think you should more or less know that no house wants it focused on them.'' Of course she knew that Hariric would not hesitate to drop one of his fire bombs on King's Landing if the King bothered him or much worse a plague. Something made to destroy people. She knew her husband. She didn't care about her casualties. What she cared about was that people knew not to fuck with him. As Vlad the Impaler once said: impale a whole town and the next one doesn't fuck with you

''I won't get that far. If there is a need, the north will only claim independence. Between the western and eastern fleets we have enough firepower to attack their fleets and also their coasts. Then if you add to that obviously our defenses on the ground we have advantages that they won't be able to count on. That and the wolves of War are our weapons to deal with them.'' Hariric of course knew that if the thing was forced he would have to unleash a lot of firepower but he wasn't afraid to do it either way. And if someone became his enemy, he would ensure by all means that they pay in blood for their actions.

''You've been preparing. You knew the Targaryens would be a nuisance one day, but are you really looking for independence? I know you well husband. I know your way of thinking. Act. I know that you will not make any movement that has as an effect more loss than benefit and independence will be a very big loss. Hariric had never acted foolishly. He knew that he was at the end of the day a man that every step he took, made and made was so calculated that some would say that he knew how people would act against him in some way. There was a reason why she fell in love with him. The way he destroyed his enemies with a single move. His character, although affectionate, is also ruthless and dominant. Hariric would not be defeated

''Please as if you were going to leave the North weak against shoddy kingdoms that believe that innovating is wrong. Look at the free cities. Each of them represents a problem and a danger. Each of them has great potential. And yet instead of emulating them and trying to strengthen the kingdoms in this regard and make them stronger, each ruler prefers to live a mediocre life. I dislike''. Hariric did not hide his contempt when someone did something that pissed him off, in this case being the action of the lords who, instead of seeking to flourish their kingdoms, preferred to remain stagnant. He did not like him in the slightest and that is why he had sought to make the North strong above all else.

''No. No way would you hariric Stark let the North be weak. You are a Black from the beginning to the end. How are you doing by the way? I know that the blood of nemesis dictates that you execute those who have offended you and seeing that you have taken the Stark as yours, I suppose that there are many enemies to destroy''. Ashara approached her soon to be husband to her (again) and placed herself on her lap enjoying her body and magic. There was something in which she would always find the best. There was no better way to describe it if she had to be blunt. She at the same time she knew that it was a more than magnificent feeling to have

''I'm going…more or less well. I've managed to get the targets to be selected. The Targaryens are a worrying part. So are the Lannisters, but in the case of the latter, a small punishing blow will suffice. The tyrells and tully have it really screwed up because I think they are going to literally become my bitches. And the less said of Arryn the better.'' With the Targaryens it was simple. He was not offended by the conquest. He was passing. No. What offended him was the betrayal of the pact. How the Targaryens had allied themselves with House Stark and then spat in their faces. The Targaryen house would have to suffer a terrible fate at his hand so that the blood of his nemesis would feel appeased, which was too bad if he had to say so.

''I shouldn't have questioned it. House Arryn…between everything they've done and all the killing and harassment there was also the point that House Arryn tried to make your brother their slave. You are going to destroy them. I don't need to be a psychic to see it. She is in your eyes. As clear as day itself. You will tear them to pieces. You will destroy them. I can't say that he feels mercy of any kind. Ashara did not wince. If there was one thing she knew, it was that Hariric had always controlled her nemesis blood very well. Possibly the Black with more control of her. Yet at the same time she could tell that she agreed with her actions and it was justified.

''If it wasn't because I agree with it, believe me, I'm very tempted to let him guide me. But the last time I let my Nemesis blood get out of control, innocent people ended up up to their necks in shit. I will not tolerate it in the slightest. Though I won't be the one to say a little revenge isn't in order.'' The nemesis blood was the Black curse. It gave those who owned it the ability to pay and reward. It was a form of magical binding. It made the Blacks reward according to a person's actions and punish accordingly. It wasn't the best of memories if he had to say so himself

''It's not important anyway. The important thing is that you are not losing it. You must prepare for the future. Anyway, I would like to talk about more things. I'm kind of beyond grateful for the way things are and I wish I could enjoy some time without blood and death if possible.'' Ashara hugged her husband. She could understand her gift telling her what she had to do. It was pretty obvious if she had to say it. But at the same time she could say that her husband, although happy with it, could honestly say, she was very close to losing him. Her husband was being pushed around. As if someone had done something terrible against the family and he didn't know it in the slightest.

''We will not have war. Not unless it's necessary. I refuse to go down in war without a reason. Although diplomacy is not the best, I have always been a believer that one man is better to die than hundreds, especially if those hundreds are from our side. I don't like wasting lives on our side.'' Even though Hariric was a war mage, he didn't want to say that he liked the idea of ​​his people dying in the slightest. Although he knew the truth and his wife knew it too. He could see it in her eyes. They pretty much knew that whether they liked it or not they would have to go to war

''war is bullshit but we'll ignore it. I have a much more pleasant idea of ​​what to do.'' Before Hariric could say anything she began to kiss him passionately. Soon her bodies, despite being dressed, were almost fused. Hariric began to channel her magic into her wife and made her feel more alive. The moan that escaped her lips was an indication of how strong her magic was. In response Ashara let her own power reach her husband's entire body. They were so affected that the atmosphere was becoming saturated when a knock was made on the door which could have almost led to the death of someone

´´Lord Stark Lord Gerion Lannister is here to have dialogues according to him. Apparently he had already reported this actually``. The guard (a poor brave soul really) had no idea what had been going on though he did know that despite not being married both man and woman were as good as married really. He still had a duty (and he was starting to curse someone for what they had done to make him the one to do this) anyway to report it. He could hear the furniture which he wanted to say that they were in another intense moment. He prayed that he wouldn't be punished for it. Curiously Gerion lannister was actually giving him an amused look.

Gerion Lannister was a man who could only be described in one way. He was big. And he was in good shape. But there was a light in his gaze. Unlike his brother, he was known to be a cold pool except for his loved ones. Yet this man in such good shape that he also seemed nice hid a very Lanister mentality. Gerion was the kindest of his brothers, it is no less true. He too, along with his brother Tygett, was the one in the best shape of them. But despite everything the Lannister personality was very firm in him. So Hariric just gave him a look that would scare anyone. Just to earn a full face laugh from the man

''I must say that when they told me about the new Lord Stark I wanted to meet you very much. It's not very common that someone can lead my older brother by the nose. Surprising and scaring my brother is hard, do you by any chance have something to drink to celebrate with it? It's just a momentous moment if I have to say so.'' Gerion was not lying. He could love his brother but seeing him surprised and a little scared was always good if he had to be honest. Added to that was the fact that anything having fun was okay. Lord Stark obviously hadn't expected the attitude from him. Not that he cared too much. He knew he was good at surprising people if he had to say it.

''…I guess it's true what they say that you can't get a good image of a person until you've met them. There on that shelf. There are three different drinks. Pick one and I'll pick another.'' Hariric got up and took his own Scotch from him. This was Fire Whiskey. Just as he traded in Winter Vodka (much stronger than regular vodka with a hint of cold to it), Summer Rum (it was a stronger rum but with a homey feel) and other drinks. They weren't quite as magical but stronger than the muggle versions of him. He saw the Lannister look before reaching for some Vodka. That actually amused him and he sat down with Ashara to get his own drink in too Vodka.

''Oh I like it. A new drink. When I heard that the North was in the trade of new drinks I was very surprised if I have to say so. I can already tell that the people of the green pastures will not do well at all. It's not that it's too big a problem in my mind right now…to the new experiences.'' And with that he took a swallow of his drink. She was surprised. The drink was quite strong with a hint of crisp if he had to say so and a hint of lemon (another benefit of Hariric's was that he added a slight hint of lime in the process) which suited him very well. Judging by how good the Stark looked he was having another very strong drink and his wife was enjoying the same drink as him which meant that he was feeling the same as him at this point.

''I see you've enjoyed it. Well I know this is going to be very straight to the point and I know you southerners really like to play around with nice words by testing each other out but I'd like to go fast. You are here for something special and I would like to know what you are looking for more or less. I don't like wasting time in the slightest.'' Hariric smiled when he saw the Lannister nod. He also saw him enjoying the drink he was having. He could see the taste in it if he had to say so. So it wasn't so bad if you stopped to think about it

''Ah such a decent conversation. We are not in politics but in commerce so I understand that you want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Ok let's start with the basics and simple. It turns out that I have seen the list of products that the North sells to Braavos to sell to all of Essos. By the way very smart. By selling only to one city and from there selling it to the others, no one noticed your movement. Very clever''. I knew how to say it. Lord Stark would have made a lot more money going from city to city and instead sold it all in bravos for less money and in return he wasn't found to be very smart if Gerion himself had to actually say so.

''I like to think of myself as a sensible guy. I knew that the moment the south found out about my products you would start poking your nose into it trying to find out how it's done. Thanks but no thanks. I suppose you want to do business for the sale of the products in the West or at least have an idea more or less of how the system works, right?''. Hariric could see Gerion Lannister as a potential player from what he could actually tell. Gerion was a smart person in economics. Two fingers of front when it comes to actually acting. And what is more important, a more accessible personality than his brother's. He was the carrot. Tywin was the stick or at least he could actually tell

''hahaha well thought out. Yeah. I would like to open business with the North and know what are the products that the North offers to sell so that in this way I can offer it to my brother and he decides if they do business and in this way we all win if you stop it to actually think. Gerion could tell that Lord Stark was no fool. She was studying him closely to find out exactly which foot he limped on. Very smart. More importantly he saw Lady Ashara look amused. So it was she who decided to respond right then and there (any other member of her family would be infuriated by her meddling in the matter).

''Business is always a welcome thing Lord Gerion. And my budding husband knows he has to work at it. However, we are also aware that you cannot expect to buy without further ado. Gotta win…a bit of incentive if you know what I mean. That is why I think it will be convenient if my husband agrees to send a package of products to see what the North has to offer to the South. A first impression if we are to call it that''. Ashara entered her player mode. She could easily see Gerion's mind working as fast as he could. The man wanted to make sense of this and at the same time know as much as possible about how things could be affected.

''That would be nice but is the range of products from the north so wide? I am aware that the north brings what is completely new drinks and spices of various kinds to Essos. But I didn't know there were other products that the North was working on making if I may say so.'' Gerion knew this was interesting. The woman before her was already well aware of House Stark business. That spoke of two things. Either she had complete loyalty vested in House Stark more than in the birth houses or she had Lord Stark in his pocket. And from what she could tell she hadn't the foggiest idea about it what was annoying to him.

''It is true that the North offers these resources, but there is more. Much more. According to what my husband has shown me, there are a number of products in glass artifacts. We also have silk if my husband is right. That and we also have much more. You'll have to bring in an expert trader to really take a look at the commercial sector and you might even have to take a look at Black Wolf Port and Whiteport as well.'' Ashara had to admit that she found the Lannister man amusing. Very funny. She had hoped she wasn't too outmatched. She now realized how wrong she was at that moment if she had to say what was good for her and her family.

''It's amazing. Let me be the first to congratulate you on the progress of her house. Clearly House Stark has been welcomed with an heir like the lordly husband of hers to be. I am very sure about that but why would I have to go to these two ports? Wouldn't it all be visible from right here?'' Gerion hadn't counted on this in the slightest. If he had to say it, he had a feeling that things were going to get bad, not the next thing. It is one thing to produce a few products in large quantities. But it's quite another to sell multiple types of products that can have an effect on the entire realm as well of course. Tywin would not be happy at all and he could see it

''Well I don't have all the information. I just came to the family and my lord husband is teaching me the ropes as he likes to expose it anyway. But according to him, it is neither more nor less than the issue that the Stark house cannot sell together with its vassals all its products in a single port. He has to distribute them. In one port you will find products from the West and in another from the East. Hence also the construction of the channel allowing a connection between both ports and if necessary``. Ashara could see the clearly surprised look on the Lannister lord's face that she was beyond just accepting it. it was funny from his point of view

''Lord Lannister when you go out you have nothing to worry about I have arranged a caravan with a small amount of products and at the same time you will have a list of everything offered not only by House Stark but every house in the North. Not only in terms of valuables and drink but food and some other resources if I may say so.'' Hariric could see the Lannister's mind working overtime. He clearly thought about what he was about to do or at least thought about what he wanted to accomplish. He couldn't blame him in any way. House Lannisters now realized how outmatched he was on this case if he had to say so and how they had to turn the tide.

''Thank you Lord Stark. I'm sure my brother would take it well to know all this. He better go. Could you ask one of his men to look for the children who came with me? I think it's more convenient if I may say so Lord Stark''. Gerion was not happy. He knew Tywin well enough to know that he would not take this well and would seek any possible advantage including trying to rob him of the north. He shook his head. Although Lord Strk could try to pretend it he could tell that he would not tolerate such an attitude from his brother in the slightest and that if he even thought of trying he was screwed in the worst possible way with regard to life. it was not good news

''Of course. When you get out tell one of my guards to talk to one of my friends called Dareon. Tell him the names of the children you are looking for and believe me he will find them. If you need to discuss any further matters or have dialogues regarding trade, I just want you to know that House Stark is more than willing to have conversations.'' Hariric could see the Lannister nod before getting up and leaving. However hariric knew better. He knew that the man was already thinking of all the possible scenarios that he could carry out his brother. Not that it was that much of a problem in his mind if he had to say it himself because he didn't see it as such.

''…you know Tywin lannister won't sit still. The very way of saying we are producing viable, high-quality goods will make him want to move against the North. I'm more than sure that he might actually try to do some idiocy like try to create marriage contracts and then use the wives to try to get something out of it. Ashara scoffed. Tywin lannister was a good player of the so called game but he was so predictable. He easy to read. Easy to see. No matter how hard she tried and certainly in her mind it didn't matter how much she believed it wasn't like that he would be an easy man to deal with when the time comes or at least that's what she thought of course although she could see Hariric agreeing.

''By the time Gerion sets foot on the lands of Westerland with all the new resources tywin will already be planning. He will seek to create marriage contracts. One fact is that he thinks that with his position as the king's hand he can practically force marriages thinking that there is no one who will oppose him. He has forgotten the first lesson of any attempt to make a show of power and strength. A lesson his grandfather Arcthurus taught him well enough: only do it when you're sure you're going to win. And as much as Tywin thought he could win he knew better than he didn't have as big a chance. Tywin was strong but not invincible by any means.

''Everything looks like it's going to get fun''