hfdn4

El Torneo de Harrenhall

-West. River Lands. Harrenhall-

Rhaegar Targaryen admired the work. Harrenhall. Possibly one if not the most impressive castle built in the south. And it was nothing but ruins. All courtesy of the dragonlord who was his ancestor. If there was anything true for Rhaegar Targaryen it is that he saw the past more often than his own father, which was possibly the reason why he was aware that the Targaryen dynasty was in serious trouble of late. A Dynasty that had to be saved if he wanted the order that was established as well as the great threat that was on the horizon to be dealt with accurately. Couldn't miss. Such was the weight of being the prince in reality but a look down at his hip

Blackfyre. His family sword. A bastard sword of Valyrian steel. The sword that marked an entire dynasty actually. She had been missing ever since Aegon the Fourth proved an incompetent king. No one knew where he was. However that had changed. Courtesy of the Stark house. Lord Hariric Stark had appeared on the day of his wedding with Elia Martell and brought him the most coveted gift along with the dragons. His father's joy was complete on that day when he claimed that House Stark had done his house a great service. He knew better than that. He knew that Lord Hariric was only doing that so that he would say that House Stark remained loyal to House Targaryens and that it was better not to tighten the rope as he was doing.

For four years a lot of effect had been seen in what was the kingdoms. The Riverlands saw an increase in the power of the Mallisters. The only reason the Tully house was still actually the Ruler of Rivers house was because of the dragons, no more and no less. He frankly he was happy with it. But he knew that the Mallister house continued and continued to grow. They now had their own port city which although the smallest of all cities that didn't mean shit when it came to the wealth it brought to the region. Slowly getting stronger and more powerful. The Mallister house did not stop its growth and according to his data it was only a matter of time before completely eclipsing his lords

However, of all the kingdoms, it was the Domain in which things looked the worst. The Dominion realm was watching the tension grow. Before Dorne had to buy food from her. Now the Dominion only sold his food to the house of the Stormlands and the crownlands which was a substantial casualty. As if that wasn't enough. It was seeing an imbalance of power in the way that the hightower house grew more and more in power seeing that they were in a nutshell the ones who did all the trade with the North

The domain was one of his most valuable allies for what was the maintenance of order in the seven kingdoms. His large army gave them a great advantage. However, with the way things were, it got bad. And as if that wasn't bad enough, at least in his mind, of course, there was the fact that things weren't looking up, since the humiliation of the faith and the masters in these four years had meant in a nutshell that the kingdom was being outshone The North had become a true power that dwarfed the kingdoms only thanks to the actions of the new Lord Stark who was obviously working on strengthening his kingdom as much as possible.

From the reports of merchants, the North had a total of four cities with all of them exceeding the number of three hundred thousand inhabitants. The city of Black Wolf port, which was basically the western fortress aimed at protecting the kingdom from attacks from that coast as well as from western trade. The city of White Port under the command of the manderly who did the same with the eastern coast. The city of the Twin Wolves that was located in the old cailin moat that were two small cities that controlled the so-called Winter Cannal. And finally Winter City the seat of power of House Stark. Four cities that increased the wealth of the North. He not for the first time cursed the actions of his ancestor since the tax laws of the north were only to pay taxes according to the trade they earned and that was bad.

His men had confirmed that the North was mining gold and silver. He didn't know how many which was a problem but the mines were a source of wealth they couldn't just touch. As for trade, the North not only traded with what was the Lands of West but Essos and also with the farthest east. The wealth they earned dwarfed the houses. And it had been confirmed that they had created their own Bank: The Winter Wolf Bank. Because House Stark offered a sixty percent equity in the construction of the bank, he had the name and House Stark basically controlled it with an iron fist.

Of course the North paid the proper taxes. One and a half million gold dragons. But seeing all the trade from the North he felt great pain. In a single year according to his data and without counting the mines because he did not know that it came from there, the North earned an average of six million gold dragons among all its houses. With half of that money being only produced by House Stark. That was bad. House Stark had grown to become the richest house in the seven kingdoms if he had to say so himself.

Not for the first time, he cursed the fact that his mother hadn't been able to have more daughters. If he had known sooner he would have married his sister to Lord Hariric Stark just to keep the North more tied down and thus be able to control it through Valyrian blood. But he also grimaced. The north had been greatly offended. There was no kingdom to the south that had not offended House Stark in some way. There was no kingdom that he had not tried to make them submissive. And they had all failed big time if he had to say so himself. And that meant that contrary to his father's belief, it was the North and not Dorne that was the kingdom that was separated from the crown.

The new wealth of House Stark meant in a nutshell that they were stronger. Their little need to buy food meant in a nutshell that they no longer had southern needs. He winced at that. One point that was bad. House Targaryens had exploited that to their advantage many times to harm House Stark. However, the fact was that House Stark had remained strong and powerful despite this and now they were attacking the main ones who had been responsible for their suffering: the Tullys. He couldn't blame them. House Stark had one thing clear: they did not forgive offenses. And now the Tully house was suffering for it in a big way indeed.

Sighing, he thought of his wife Elia. He knew that possibly the Starks had seen it coming but he had used Ashara Dayne's friendship with House Martell to basically force the North to come South. The Norteños didn't give a shit about the so-called power-measuring contests in the different tournaments. That was something else. The Olympic Games. A more varied competition and in the minds of many much higher. The only reason it wasn't done in the south was…that they were more difficult. House Stark brought the idea to light and each of his vassals had agreed and that had given birth to a competition once a year to see who is better in certain fields.

Anyway, here he was, and a part of him had a certain feeling to reunite with House Stark. He wouldn't admit it but he was afraid to talk to House Stark since he had no idea about Hariric. Unlike other gentlemen, he had not gotten an idea of ​​him. He did not come to the south to try to make the crown well-liked. or nothing. In fact, he felt that the only way to threaten him is with taxes or trade demands that had been made, but he felt that if he said such a thing to Lord Sark, he would only say that the North would not accept and seeing the current situation, he could do something with it. that he did not even want to deal with: the independence of the North. It certainly wasn't something he wanted to even think about.

''my lord it has been confirmed that your father is about to arrive. I regret to inform you then that the chances of reuniting the other lords will be more than difficult.'' Ser Arthur Dayne bowed to his lord who had been plotting to meet with multiple lords for what was plotting a tactic against his father to get him expelled from the iron throne which was, from his point of view, an absolute necessity in order to install a fair rule. of the seven kingdoms At least that was Arthur's mentality of course. That was the plan he had at that point as well. It was not the best of ideas but it could be done correctly in reality

''It seems that my father's paranoia has made him come out so he can see me and keep an eye on me. It's frankly a very unpleasant idea not to be able to move with the freedom that I'm supposed to have but frankly that doesn't prevent another one of my goals.'' Rhaegar sighed. His plans to power and be able to move against his own father had gone awry and he knew the one responsible, Varys, why would he give him information? If he truly wanted the best for the seven kingdoms then he should know better than anyone that his father had to go. He was a complete threat because he knew that as long as his father lived it was too possible at least in his mind that the kingdom would go to disaster.

''You mean meeting with Lord Stark? My lord…I would not like to see you do it. My father has tried to exploit the marriage in a few ways and they have all blown up in his face. Lord Hariric is not one to be ruled by anything or anyone.'' Arthur didn't want to see his lord end up badly just because he wanted to somehow get Lord Stark on his side. From the impression that Lord Hariric Stark had, he was not one to accept that nothing or nobody told him what to do. If you wanted something from him, you should give something just as valuable, at least that was what his father had shown him since he had tried to exploit his sister in some way. He flinched because his sister Allyria had let him know how bad he was.

''There are times when you must do what is necessary for the kingdom my friend. I sincerely hope that Lord Stark will cooperate. As things are, the North is not only the most powerful kingdom. But also the most separated of the seven kingdoms. The myopia of those before me has caused this''. House Targaryens' problem was that they had ignored too much of the North. They thought that because they surrendered they were weak. But Rhaegar knew better. They did not surrender out of weakness but to protect their people. What good was a kingdom without anyone? It stood to reason that at least House Stark was intelligent.

''but my lord. You can't just expect him to comply. You have managed to come that is true. But that is one thing and another is to expect Lord Stark to bow down to any request. Lord Stark will ask for something in return and he won't possibly make the same mistake he did in the dance of dragons. Arthur knew very well what dance was. The dance ended by the intervention of the Starks. In exchange, a pact was promised that was not only later thrown away but ignored and insulted. House Stark would remember that with great power. Possibly that is why the current lord did not want anything to do with them.

''I'm sure Lord Stark will be willing to accept any price Arthur gives him. I am his prince after all. However, I am also aware that as things stand, House Stark cannot be left out.'' That was the good thing about royal guards, Rhaegar thought. It didn't matter if they didn't agree. His oaths bound him and his family. In short they were nothing more than tools. He would not deny that Arthur's words were true. But one thing is that he cared. And honestly he didn't care too much what House Stark thought. They were going to accept it whether they wanted it or not actually because it was for the good of the known world.

''My Sir. You have said it yourself. Lord Stark is distancing his kingdom from the other seven kingdoms. It is better to tread very carefully and not make demands that may end up causing the Starks to separate from the realm entirely.'' Arthur was more worried about his sister. He was sure many expected her to kill her husband. But from what he told her, his younger sister Ashara was delighted with hariric. A man who treated her with respect. That he respected her decisions and that he was excellent with her. Not the best of combinations for anyone who would expect her to betray her husband. Especially if there is shit like this involved caused by the people of the south

''I don't need to do anything Arthur. The North is enjoying many advantages. The discovery of completely new things. But none of them have been shared with the other kingdoms. They are taking advantage of others. As the future king I have to see to it for the other kingdoms…unless Lord Stark willingly agrees to understand and understand me''. And even despite this, he would not accept that House Stark has such absolute control of things. A house so powerful that the other kingdoms depended on it. That was a big no. He had two children. His daughter would marry his son while his son would marry the girl. Binding itself to House Stark and completely subduing it

''My Sir. I am your loyal servant. Which is why I must tell you right away what a bad idea that plan is. Hariric Stark will not accept demands of any kind. He will not accept that you tell him in the slightest what he has to do or stop doing my lord. You would need a way to convince him and you won't do so well, my lord.'' Arthur didn't think he could convince Hariric Stark. Not because of his sister's words. You could work with him. But you couldn't convince him. You couldn't move it. You couldn't subdue it. And even less if you did not have the means for them that unfortunately the houses of the south lack it anyway. at least that's what he thought

''I think Lord Stark will understand better than anyone what it's like to work with the crown against it anyway, Arthur. Please go. I want to be alone at this very moment. There are things I want to think about.'' Rhaegar turned around and didn't even spare his protector a glance who just nodded in agreement before getting to her feet and walking away. Rhaegar honestly felt that this man although a good and loyal subordinate was very blind. He was a prince. And it was his dynasty that had created this glorious kingdom. Although he could understand working with people when he said something should be done without more or at least that's what he would say about it.

''You have such a loyal knight my lord. I must be the first to say that he must be honestly fair with you, my lord. However, there is no concern about it.'' A woman with red hair and a jewel on her chest appeared. This was Melissandre de Ashai one of the most powerful priestesses of the red god faith. She was here on an important mission. She had approached the prince a year ago for the fact of favoring him in some way. The prince had initially suspected her, but she was loyal and helped a lot to control the court, which was more than some might think, which is why she was close to her.

''is unable to see the big picture actually melissandre. He is unable to realize that there is more to talk about than just keeping a kingdom satisfied. The North may be the most powerful kingdom now. But that does not mean that it is not part of the kingdoms and that therefore it must obey the will of its future king. Rhaegar only spoke quietly. He knew that Melissandre was not wanted in the seven kingdoms. Hell he had to keep her a secret and protected since many thought she was trying to corrupt him somehow. Idiots. She was only telling him sure ways to guarantee the power of the seven kingdoms and guarantee their absolute survival which was much more than anyone could imagine.

''as you say my lord. He is a humble gentleman. A good one full of honor and skills. But he is not a king. A king must always think of the best for his people regardless of what others may believe or regardless of what others want. Such is the difficult task of government.'' Melissandre told him what she knew the man wanted to hear. It was just easy for her. A man like Rhahegar targaryen believed or at least thought of things his way and believed that this was in his destiny. She didn't cheat on him. She was in her destiny. What he didn't know of course is where his destiny of all things was taking him.

''The North has grown so strong and powerful. I could have left them alone. He actually could have let them be free. But the North must understand that they are part of the seven kingdoms. And that they must above all fulfill their duty to the kingdom. That's why even if I dislike it, you have to do certain things that, although unpleasant, are necessary. Rhaegar was clear on that. The North was too powerful as a kingdom. So yes. However he still needed them so he had the firm intention of taking advantage of them. Also, what was Hariric Stark supposed to say? What refused to support his support for what it was to expel his father? He could not. Because he he he knew how to present things in the best way to people

''As you say, my lord, the North is a powerful kingdom. Volantis. The other free cities. Everybody knows. Everyone knows of the power of the North. So if you do this you are strengthening your whole kingdom instead of just one part. The many outweigh the few. This has always been the way things work my lord.'' Melissandre of course would not tell the prince that this was being launched according to his own plans. In the North is where the greatest offense against the faith of his lord was located at this time. So many false believers. They had to be treated. This faith of the seven was weak. Due to the actions of their so-called heralds they were nothing. But the faith of the old gods was much stronger and had to be dealt with.

''That's one thing you're actually right about. The force is not based on a single kingdom. If all the kingdoms are balanced and strong that means that all the kingdoms will be capable of the same. Kingdoms must grow strong.'' Rhaegar was just thinking about his plans for what was basically being able to expand the influence of the Targaryen house. All of that would be good in his mind. If the Targaryen house had control of all these businesses, all the kingdoms would be strengthened instead of just one. However, he could tell that it would be incredibly difficult to get such an action.

''My lord, I must recommend caution to you, however. Be very careful with the threat from the North. An existing threat. His lord will not accept your wishes. He'll possibly even try to stop you. You must stop him before he becomes a threat of some kind to you.'' Melissandre only knew that if the Old Gods were very strong they would possibly raise a champion so that she could beat all of them and thus be able to fight her threat of them following the true faith. So he had to warn her that possibly the best thing she could do was to have whatever measure was under her belt to be able to fight off the enemy threats of the true faith. She would not tolerate a champion arriving before her master.

''That would be treason. I highly doubt the North wants to be accused of treason out of hand. all the kingdoms would be in it. Everyone wants to put the North in its place. So I have no doubt that they will do everything possible to avoid such a scenario.'' If Hariric Stark was as smart as he made him see, Arthur didn't believe or at least didn't think he would stand up for what it was like to turn every lord against him. None would reject out of hand what was the opportunity to put the North in its place. Good thing he knew. The arrogance of the southern kingdoms had been trampled too much in reality and he knew that each southern kingdom would seek a way to see revenge against those who had insulted them.

''sorry. Your wisdom is true. The North will never dare to rise up against the crown. Not with so many enemies that he's somehow waiting for his chance to hurt them. But it never hurts to be ready my lord. To expect the unexpected''. Melissandre nodded to herself knowing that her words had very surely reached her lord. Of that she had no doubt really. Hell she was sure the lord of the north would be making her move when they decide to make their own. Although it would also be possible better to eliminate it. His children would be used to increase his power. Yeah. It would be glorious in Melissandre's mind. Through the wooden house the fire would burn more powerful than ever and that would be for the best.

''please leave me alone melissandre. I want to think about a couple of things in the meantime. I need to know more or less how to deal with Lord Stark when he meets me. Right now he is with my wife who wanted to meet the children of her friend. Honestly this was because of my plans but my wife hasn't given me a chance.'' With his request given he watched as the red woman left and his thoughts went to a house that he never expected to be a bother. For the song of ice and fire to exist he would make sure. Only then would the world be safe. Besides… did he really want a kingdom like the North in the hands of something other than his blood? It's a pity but hariric Stark and all those who could be a threat ... will die

-Camp Lannister side-

Tywin Lannister was sitting calmly. Normally as the king's hand would not move from what was the capital unless there was an absolute necessity. In fact he had been about to say that he was not coming to what this tournament was. But then the word reached him that House Stark was going to be present. That opened his eyes in so many ways. In the time that he had focused on the Stark house, it turns out that said house has not gone south to a single tournament. They did not consider them valuable. They didn't think of it as something worth fucking dealing with. However they had decided to come here. With no spies in the North he couldn't know the reason

While I was thinking about it, I was also thinking about several things. The North is growing for wealth. From the reports that he had in taxes only from trade he earned a million and a half dragons a year which was a very strong amount with only his kingdom close to producing the same amount but he did it through mining which of course was a Well, I had a deadline. And when I talk about raising taxes in the North it turned out that everyone was against it. There was no need to raise taxes. The treasury was full. And the North offered excellent prices for its products. If they raised taxes, the North would raise prices just like that

Then there was that he had learned from Varys that the North had numerous gold and silver mines. That made him stop short. mines. Like the plural. They possibly had as many as the lands of the West seeing their size. That brought him great anger. Because of course that did not come out in the accounts. And then he discovered that in exchange for being part of the seven kingdoms Aegon the conqueror only placed that the North should pay taxes according to trade. After seeing that law he was stunned. As the king's hand he could change certain laws. But this was a primal law which meant untouchable

The North enjoyed at this time what was more wealth than its land. Every family allied with House Stark was flourishing. His commercial spies had told him about projects. Winterfell and Wintercity were huge and majestic. Same with Twin Wolves and Black wolf Port. But many fortresses were also being rebuilt and small cities were being made in them. Not monstrous but decent size. The North was growing and that meant many things. On the one hand, a larger labor force and a larger military force. The mere idea of ​​it filled his blood with anger for such superiority to be putting himself in the hands of another house

Tywin was also not happy because from his reports little by little more and more lords were creating small cities that were fortress cities. Nothing compared to the big cities but even stronger. That wasn't supposed to happen and he found out that it was the Stark family that was helping with it. Of course this only further indebted the houses with respect to House Stark. A good plan actually but he couldn't help but shudder at what could be the cause and reason why House Stark was doing this of all things. He didn't seem to be good for the Western Lands if he said so himself.

Since the bloody wedding up north she had made a lot of different moves. The first of course was to make sure that the western lands had a good contract. However he was surprised. The contract was iron as steel itself and made things very clear. They could only buy for the western lands and not for anyone else. Of course it did not prevent him from buying in the name of the Lannister house and then selling it to his bannermen at a higher price. But still the North was taking monstrous amounts of gold so naturally he had started trying to think of a way to get the money out of the North somehow or at least get the business out of it. Unfortunately that was not easy to do.

To begin with, from what his observers had been able to learn, the Norteño method was divided into three parts: product, handling, and shipping. The product was basically the production of the raw material. In other words, the production of what is necessary for each necessary element of commerce. He didn't know what, but he did know that the flagship houses were the ones that produced the product, which meant in a nutshell that the flagship houses earned money from the Stark house that used the product to obtain the merchandise and then sent it in three ways. One was the west coast. Another eastern one. And another in caravans. In short, the North had created a structured chain to make sure that the products are efficient and beneficial and in no way be able to steal the techniques for their production.

Of course, the North not only offered what was the production of liquors, glass, perfumes, makeup and silk. No. The North offered diverse and varied foods. He didn't know how but Hariric Stark had somehow managed to produce or at least increase the food production of his kingdom a lot, which meant in a nutshell that now they didn't need to buy food from the south. That meant that it was a certain goodbye to what was the sale of food. Not that the Lannister house had anything to it but the Tullys had lost a massive food purchase because of this something that had weakened them.

While thinking about it, he had also learned about the constitution. Tywin was surprised when Lord Stark, taking advantage of it, asked the royal house as a favor to make a list of laws in the North. None that was a threat to the crown. This constitution was solid and basically built a structure in which the nobles were seen as people who served the North and not their own interests. In fact, one of the most outstanding things in the constitution is that you were responsible for your actions before the northern courts and that if you did, you should suffer the punishment expected for your actions. Hariric Stark also included certain laws that protected the little ones from the abuse of many. And what is more important: the punishment for treason

Tywin had to admit that the constitution was solid and hard. He didn't like the mere idea of ​​a series of laws like this because in addition to hurting him, he also hurt his plans for the North. He had sincerely convinced his brothers to get married and in this way have children and strong positions to later marry them and take control of the North. Marriages worked in the South. Why not in the North? Until he saw the constitution and realized that if he wanted his ambitions to be fulfilled, House Stark had to be exterminated. Especially since according to what they told him, although his brothers weren't that smart, they weren't far behind either.

While Tywin was thinking about it, his brother Kevan walked through the door of his shop. His sister was stationed at Casterly Rock to ensure the smooth running of the land. Tygett was finally putting the Castamere mines into operation and his brother Gerion had full command of the Lannister navy, power was absolute to him. but the North was a more serious threat than he could imagine. He had to be reassured and subdued somehow so that he wouldn't be a threat to house Lannister which was slowly becoming unfortunately for house Lannister in reality though he didn't think it would be for a while (much wrong).

As he thought about it he also realized that if someone could make the king of the North look like a threat that someone would truly gain a lot of power. Only the king could mess with the North. But with the north retrieving the valuable sword of house targaryens as well as the north being responsible for what was a lot of aid to house targaryens in the form of gifts that came to the capital from time to time he knew that would be impossible. However, he knew that in time the north would tire. His agents had made it clear to him that the lords would not tolerate now that they were stronger what it was that the North was subjugated to what was the Targaryen dynasty.

''Bringing Cersei and Jaime to this tournament on your side is not the most sensible idea, brother. Cersei has already started insulting the majority. She hides him behind a facade but the roses have seen through it. And if the roses can see if the Stark sees her he will be able to understand that they are a bitch behind them. Kevan didn't have a very strong opinion of his nephews. Cersei was conceited in the extreme with a firm belief that she was above everyone else just because of her birth family. On many occasions he has heard her refer to others as sheep while she is a lioness. Although she could understand that her house was powerful, they were not so insurmountable and he could see how the North was benefiting from it.

''She is here so that she can be offered to the prince. While it is true that our friend pycelle has thus far been able to prevent Elia Martell from having a single child with Rhaegar just having that girl named Rhaenys as long as she doesn't have a child will be great for all of us. Pycelle was a powerful agent and ally of House Lannister at court. It had been Tywin who had launched said man's career in the citadel and subsequently recruited into his service. He was one hundred percent sure that he was loyal to him only because of fear and gold. He agreed with them however that Elia Martell was an unacceptable person.

''What has you convinced brother that the king would accept? In other words, the last time you offered him your daughter's hand in marriage, he flatly refused, saying that as his vassal he would never marry his son to your daughter. What makes you think that will convince him of that? some way? ''. Kevan had to admit that his brother's doubts about this plan, being insignificant, convinced him but at the same time made him question what his brother could have in the king that made him believe that he could be convinced to what it is to marry his son with his daughter. But Tywin just smiled

''I don't have to convince Aerys. His madness makes him unacceptable. No. I have to convince Rhaegar. And he's interested in getting allies to remove his father from the throne which means I just have to sell him the idea of ​​an alliance with my daughter's offer to marry him. Convincing a madman of something was possibly an impossible task. Aerys was blind in his mind. No. If he really wanted to move he had to convince Rhaegar. And he needed powerful allies for it. As his hand had a lot of power actually which meant in a nutshell that he would be able to convince him that his backing was necessary. Rhaegar would only be a puppet king while he actually ruled the seven kingdoms.

''The prince is seriously desperate. He knows that the damage he is doing to his good father's house is something that cannot be repaired just like that unless he does something incredibly capable himself. I guess what I should say brother is that he is good that you thought about it ahead of time. Kevan couldn't help but sneer at what the prince's mistake was. If he himself had to say it, it was the fault of the Targaryen house, neither more nor less, the rulers should be more competent. At least that was the belief of the second son of the Lannister house. But he knew that even that wouldn't be enough for the future.

''With Rhaegar targaryen desperate as he is he has no choice but to actually do this. It doesn't matter what he believes. What he thinks Not what he wants. He has to ally himself with the maximum number of the great houses. He certainly has Dorne. But he will need a lot more strength if he really wants a smooth change of government without serious damage to the lands. Tywin had calculated everything perfectly. He had been able to see him for what he was. He had a smile just thinking about it. It didn't really matter what anyone believed or really thought because he knew that the future of the Lannister house was high thanks to the stupidity of what was the house itself full of madness

''Brother, what prevents me from going to the other houses? Tully will not hesitate to jump at the opportunity to see her position further strengthened. With the Mallisters surely becoming a threat against their government due to their newfound wealth, that means the Tullys will be looking for allies. The Arryns are out for their so-called devotion to honor. But the Baratheon are related to them. And the Tyrells are just as freeloaders.'' Kevan felt that he should be the one to tell his brother like it was. In addition to them there were other houses that could be a serious threat to what was in his interest to ally the Lannister house and put it on top anyway.

''It's not that bad. Tully House will not hesitate. But she is alone in these times. They will not want to oppose us in any way for fear of the consequences of doing so. I also can't see house baratheon supporting them because Robert Baratheon…is a fool. And as for the Tyrells, they are losing their power very quickly. There are only two houses that are valuable.'' Tywin had already made a full assessment of things. Robert Baratheon of his spies blamed the Targaryen house for the death of his parents. As for the Tyrells, because their wine was not selling as much anymore, they had lost a lot of wealth. And with Dorne no longer buying them food, they lost another decent amount of money, which also hurt them of course.

''That only leaves two houses: Stark and Lannister. The Lannister house would seek to take advantage of us by placing Cersei as queen immediately by annulling her marriage to Elia Martell after her inauguration. But would the Starks align with the house targaryen brother? Harirc Stark is not a fool of any kind.'' The concern was justified in Kevan's mind. Hariric Stark didn't sound like one of the many idiots out there in the realms. He would possibly look for an opportunity to take advantage of all things to be able to make the North stronger. At least that's what he would do anyway and he could see that his sister considered it too.

''They will not. The Starkk house does not want to have anything to do with southern politics, make an alliance with the Targaryen house? With the number of times that said house has spit on House Stark, I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if House Stark sends him to hell. Stupid of the wolves. An advantage that we can take advantage of for ourselves.'' For once the politics of the Targaryen house had worked out for him. With all the shitty decisions of the house targaryen against the house Stark it was logical to say that the house Stark would not be among those who would help without charging an arm and a leg for the favor. very good for him

''I guess we can be lucky that House Targaryens have had such a love for insulting House Stark in so many different ways. But brother I have a question. I know you plan once to make Cersei queen move against the North. How do you know that would work anyway?'' It was a healthy fear in Kevan's mind. The fear was the result of neither more nor less than the fact that the North would not simply bow down. Honestly he knew or at least he could see the North reject any demand made of them out of hand. It was not the best thing and honestly there is no law that obliges the North to make concessions of any kind

''With Cersei as the new queen and waiting for her child to come from her and with me as King's hand Rhaegar will be forced to relent on certain demands. It doesn't help that I've heard that the prince himself can't stand all the power the North wields. He wants that power to be divided among the other kingdoms so that in this way there is a more solid and strong balance in the kingdom. Tywin mocked the future king's myopia. Did he really see it that way? Each kingdom wanted to strengthen itself to its own level in reality and become more powerful and capable above all else. He wouldn't be in the least surprised if he had to say so that the prince himself finally gave in to other ideals.

''That boy is an idiot then if I have to say so brother. But while we may certainly have power over the brother king, we won't be able to do half the things that are done in the north. Demanding them will not end well either. The North has been seeking independence for some time and without dragons it is very possible that they will achieve it, brother. Kevan decided to point out his brother's weakness in all of this. The weak point that the North was the kingdom that he not only desired but longed for what it was like to be separated from the other kingdoms. It wasn't the best of news. And if they were pressured, Hariric Stark wouldn't be one to just give in. Especially with the fact that he had already been nice enough.

''That would imply that Hariric Stark should know better than anyone the consequences of his actions. If I have to say it, I have serious doubts about it. That man, although intelligent, seems to me more like a puppy than a true wolf. I have no doubt that if we all press together he will break before the might of all the realms. In his mind he would never understand why Hariric Stark returned the ancestral sword of the Targaryen house. Not because he made the gifts he did to the Targaryen house from time to time. He was just showing weakness. I never consider what they could be: plans. Tywin Lannister believed that giving in to anything only showed weakness and nothing more than a point of weakness and Stark had only done that.

''But brother, what if by pushing too hard for this House Stark decides they've had enough? As far as we know Hariric Stark has only done what he has done to try to smooth things over and stay true to his word. But at the end of the day he may just be trying to smooth over the tension. The demands of lords of the south. Of the masters Of faith. The North had silenced them with small gifts. Jewelry. Glass. The sword. However, possibly House Stark was just trying to stay loyal to his pledge of allegiance, no more, no less. But if they were pushed too hard it was possible at least in their minds of course that House Stark would decide they've had enough of it.

''it's a posibility. However, that is an angle that we can exploit against House Stark. An angle that the Starks with how idiotic they were have inadvertently left the opening. The wrath of the standard bearers of him. House Stark will obviously be compromised by their bannermen and that will hurt House Stark." Tywin just laughed coldly at the idea. That the Stark house in its attempt to placate the Targaryen house had pissed off their bannermen. It was a possibility. It would be to his best wish to send people out to feel the way. Especially umber and other houses like that that were the same anyway. What better way to destroy the North than from within?

''I agree. House Stark trying to somehow satisfy the Targaryens will not have done them any favors with their allies. I guess we'll see a changing of the guard soon, will you support Bolton won't you brother?'' It was no secret that House Bolton had always wanted to oust House Stark from power. He never understood why House Stark didn't exterminate them when they had the chance. Keeping an existing threat in your realm is only something that can be taken advantage of by your enemies. At least that was the idea that Kevan himself had. That his brother just nodded in agreement with him. Neither of them shed a tear for the death of the reyne house

''House Sark made a big mistake allowing them. But of course they wanted to distance themselves from their reputation as kings of winter. Seeing more civilized. It doesn't matter. Your shortcoming is our gain. Whether House Stark likes it or not, their time as lords of the north is over." In Tywin's mind he believed it was a simple plan to execute and even simple to do. After all, what could the North do to stop it? However, it was better to be very careful. He was easily aware of when someone was a threat and House Stark possibly if they didn't fall it was very possible that he was behind them with blood for the mere fact of having come against them. And he didn't think the king would help him unless he promised Rhaegar good help with no strings attached.

''Brother I'll leave you alone then. I'd better go attend to your children. Jaime can easily get into trouble and Cersei can accidentally insult a person with her sharp tongue. With a single gesture, Kevan was gone. At no time did I consider that what he was saying or doing was wrong. For him, House Stark was a threat to House Lanister and should be treated for it. Yet he, too, did not believe that he had to fear retaliation of any kind courtesy of House Stark. After all he didn't believe that the wolves would sink to murder and sabotage. If it weren't for how wrong Kevan was, he would know that the coming years would not be good for his house.

Tywin sighed. His children could be great disappointments. Cersei with her attitude. No subtlety. Without hiding her opinions and thoughts. Believing above. Her son, Jaime, a fearless fool. Idiot. Fear was a surefire way to ensure that you wouldn't be eaten from the inside out in any way. Her thoughts turned entirely to other matters actually. How to convince the crown prince. In the same way, he never considered that what he was about to do could hit him in the face. Tywin Lanister thought he was above others and he believed it was the best. Tywin did not have the remotest idea that it was his actions and decisions that would lead to the final destruction of the Lannister house.

-Camp Tyrell-

Where in the Lannister camp you could see a great deal of control and discipline with soldiers everywhere in the Tyrell camp you could see a considerable amount of people activity. Gentlemen dressing to look handsome. People who looked like flowers. There is no mistake. Some of these flowers concealed thorns from all things. These flowers were essentially the people who really mattered in what was the power of House Tyrell. And among these many people, two people could be singled out. One was Olenna Tyrell. The other person was Leyton. Both older. Both above the expected age. And yet the two of them were arguably the greatest political power in the domain lands.

Olenna was not a happy woman. Far from it. Four years. Four years in which House Tyrell's position had fallen brutally, which was saying something. House Tyrell's biggest source of business was its food production. That along with the sale of wines. And four years ago that changed. A part of her seriously cursed herself for the situation she was in. She had tried to act like a tough bitch against Stark and ended up biting him on the ass. Stark wasn't afraid of him. He didn't respect her. In her mind she was just another lady from the south who only ruled because she was so much smarter.

A large part of her hated House Stark. Wine and other beverages from the North were bought by everyone in the seven kingdoms and only Dornish wine was still in high demand. El Dorado del Albor had lost a lot. She herself had tasted the wines. L red, rosé and winter white. This is what the northern wines were called. And they were far superior to what she had tasted. Her wine of worse quality was still much better than hers. And if that wasn't enough Lord Stark also produced all these powerful liquors that earned their place among the people. She wasn't happy to be outdone

Another loss was neither more nor less than what it was to sell food to Dorne. Due to his unique climate growing food was not easy and the Dominion had obviously taken advantage of it. But thanks to Lord Stark, this had also ended, giving House Martell even stronger power over his domain by offering them ways to grow food in large quantities. The alliance of Dorne and the North was strong and she hated that she had let that grow of all things. She despised how House Stark flourished helping her greatest enemy. Right now between that and of course further improvements Dorne was seeing a population increase. Not anywhere near the size of the north but still pretty decent in size

Olenna also had a strong hatred for all the benefits that House Stark had. The riches. Her spies in the capital reported that they gave a million and a half gold dragons in taxes, how many houses were capable of such a thing? Ha. It was a fucking fucking joke in her mind. And from what she knew that was a sales business. Not what their land produced for them. She so she had hatched several plans at the time of her to be able to harm House Stark. All of them were requests to the king that she reasoned were more than well thought out. Unfortunately for her it was as if House Stark just saw it coming and were able to act on it.

Olenna was furious and for solid reasons too because every plan undermined her respect. Her son, her idiot, doesn't stop doing stupid things. And to top it all off her best spies in the North were gone. The teachers expelled. What a joke. However she found out about the founding of Isengard. An entire city of one hundred thousand inhabitants destined solely for what was the power of information. It was also the main center of education for the different guilds of the North. She would have laughed if it weren't for the fact that the North had hospitals, jewelers, pottery workers and much more who had their upbringing from the place. Place that she made see the order of the masters as more or less idiots which infuriated her

Olenna settled down with a glass of wine that was from the North and sighed in anger. Beside her was Leyton. He had come with her for the same thing. She had heard a rumor that the North, especially House Stark, was coming to the tournament. That was something she hadn't expected. For the past four years, no Northerner had been heard from in a tournament. It was discovered that it was due to what the northern competition was: the Olympics. More diverse. Wider. More spectacular they called it. She herself had to know how true that was if she was to be frank. However, she sincerely doubted that anything the North did would be superior to them.

And even though Leyton was getting a profit boost for being the gateway to northern produce he was infuriated by ridicule how else could you call the North of all things making so many things possible while they the southern home with the widest knowledge were left as worthless idiots? She could understand if she had to be blunt that Leyton or she was happy about it. She could understand that the man wanted nothing more than revenge. So just like she was planning. Much better than the vast majority of idiots with delusions of grandeur. Hence they were here. In order to get an idea of ​​the real threat to them

For Leyton things were just a shame. It was common knowledge that the hihgtower house supported the citadel. In other words, he supported and endorsed his research or rather his intention to have accumulated knowledge as if they were rats trying to have everything. In a few words, Leyton was a man who was very clear about things and that is that the Isengard Foundation was making the members of the Master's Order look like idiots. But it was not simply because of its foundation. No. It was much more if he had to say it himself. It was the fact that it had been founded in the North and that it was in a few words from the dogs

House Hightower would never forgive Cregan Stark's actions during the dance with dragons. If there was one thing he knew it was that he would never forget the actions of the damn wolf that he thought of all the things he could just order his house around. It made him very angry. A house that was nothing dared to compare itself to one of the most powerful houses in the domain. The mere audacity if he had to say it himself. So of course anything that meant harm to them was fine only for the North to harm all of them. With the master order losing credibility they themselves were losing credibility. Gods knew how much he'd screamed for the maesters to somehow find out the secrets behind every northern invention.

Print. A useful instrument that allowed to make several books a day. Thanks to that the number of members of the guilds were higher. The microscope. Capable of making it possible to know the smallest of themselves. The new medicines designed by the North that were acquired in each kingdom and that had a massive purchase. No matter how it looked in Leyton's mind the man felt that the North was humiliating them in every possible way and he felt like he wanted retribution for his actions. He wanted revenge for the humiliation courtesy of the North. However that did not seem feasible so far in reality. Hell the North had even found a way to make better ships than he could tell.

And of course then there was the problem of faith. Ever since the North had begun a curious economic rise, faith had been obsessed with putting it in fucking control. Olenna got a huge headache just from it as she felt faith was trying to bite too much into reality. It was such a headache that he himself had to say it was something she would prefer to avoid by all means. Olena agreed. Faith was being more of a plague than a help especially with his complaints about what they were supposed to do. Not for the first time the faith of the seven was cursed for their preconceived ideas anyway

''Okay, let's try to take advantage of Stark's presence here. Fortunately they never found out that the idiot Gormon acted in the name of what was the Dominion. It's lucky the idiot died lest he get us in serious trouble.'' A maester caught trying to kill Lord Stark. Yeah. That wouldn't have ended well if she had to say so herself. Olenna thanked the gods that Gormon not only wasn't able to do what he planned but he died soon after. There was no sign of foul play which was excellent news but she could only fear what would have happened if the Stark had found out about the idiot maester's plans.

''kinda can't be blamed on them for how desperate they've actually become if you think about it. Although resort to trying to kill a lord. If it became known that the citadel has such an initiative, the citadel and my house would completely lose face in reality." He was not only happy about Gormon's death but he was pleased that he hadn't taken them with him. Quite frankly sheer idiocy that was done courtesy of the man himself. Try to poison the groom and blame the bride. The citadel could have the strangest ideas if he had to say so himself. At least the North hadn't found out about it.

''That fool would have destroyed the order and basically implied that the order is a cesspool of shit that no one can trust. Fortunately he is dead. I hope you take a closer look at that bloody madhouse. I don't want the Dominion to get into any more serious trouble than we have in leyton. As it is, the Domain has lost a lot of wealth.'' Olenna felt no mercy for the death of her brother-in-law. If the man thought he was perfectly fine with his damn plan anyway then he deserved what he'd brought himself if she had to say so herself. It was better than what she would have done to him if she'd had a measly chance.

''You won't see me blaming you for taking action Olenna. I agree. I will not stand for the order in any way sinking the entire Dominion in the process just because they are being so intimidated by this Isengard city university. Although understandable. It's lucky the North tells us to fuck off''. The North refused to share his secrets which was unfair if you stopped to think about it. However isengard flourished with all their research and development in the different fields they were in and thanks to them they had a large number of workers from many fields actually. It was because of that city that the North was able to have a level of economy like the one it had

''the fact that a place as backward as the North was able to bring this up. All these inventions and developments is something you should be very ashamed of. How is it possible that this has not been discovered by the citadel?'' The North was taking an advantage in the medical field and in producing skilled workers that was in the older woman's mind simply unfair if she had to be blunt. The North was surpassing them in many ways and that didn't really make her happy at all and she wanted it to stop by all means. It was fucking embarrassing and I was making them joke too

''Investigation takes time. I don't know how the North is capable of everything, but from what I understand, everything is courtesy of that damn Stark. Hariric Stark. He is the main driving force that he has made the North from an ice wasteland to the kingdom that is now advancing with great strides. Leyton did not hide his disgust for what the Stark was. He didn't hide the anger he felt at being humiliated in such a way. If he had to be blunt he would put the problems of his day on that man. He felt that Hariric Stark was the biggest and most to blame for all the problems that had ended up hitting houses like his. He was just how he saw him

''Well, it's better that those damn rats hurry up. The medicines of the North? It's something all the damn lords and ladies buy. The healers of the seven kingdoms. You must have seen how only that point considerably increases the economy of the North. If we could get hold of that, we'd take the business of the entire South away from him.'' It wouldn't be difficult either. No one loved the North in the South anyway so it wouldn't be hard at all, at least in his mind, to see the North lose all its business in the South. At least that's what she believed anyway. Of course she wasn't willing to gamble but it was better to be the winner in this case. And taking away a business from the North would be the best thing to do

''it's not an easy task as i said olenna. This takes time. And in addition to that, we would need the elements that make the North the one that is producing all its medical elements and much more. That alone makes it very difficult to achieve because House Stark has a tight grip on everything they do as I think you should know by now from your own attempts actually." Leyton sent his own gaze to the woman who could not hide that she had tried to steal the secrets of glass and make better wine. Not to mention the secrets of how to make silk and much more

''Good. I look forward to meeting with the Stark boy and negotiating a couple of marriage contracts. His younger siblings are still untethered and frankly it would be an insult that he couldn't afford to turn down one of the great houses in the slightest anyway. Olenna knew that very well. The plan that was made among the Andalos in the past. Why waste soldiers when a mother is capable of convincing and moving her children in the direction that suits them? With the husbands being busy in what was neither more nor less than the management of their lands, the wives had to take charge of the education of the young minds

''Stark is not like others. He will not give in to what is a demand from anyone. We might think that we have everything in our hands but in reality the good could be denied in this regard. I could not just say no but articulate that it's a very bad union on that.'' Leyton knew that the Norteños were not like the others. If you could tell them that they had to do something they would just respond by saying that they would do whatever they wanted. He frankly felt that it was one of his worst qualities. They did not understand what it was to respect people. Nor is it that he was thinking that he could be wrong in the way they think or at least in what they should do

''Lord Stark is no stupid leyton. He is more than aware of the power game that is going on in the entire world. He knows that he plain and simple he can't afford to deny or even say that he can't make some kind of demand. Olenna flatly refused. Hariric Stark could be smart and capable. But his brothers don't. It would be possible to manipulate them and through them the lands of the North could be opened to the rest of the kingdoms but especially to hers, which was what interested her most of course. She would not deny that it would be a difficult decision but she was very convinced that it was possible to achieve with a little brain and cunning.

''It's just my personal opinion. However, you should also know that there is a very good reason why the Northerners refused and could even reject any marriage alliance. We from the south venerate the seven and in recent years the faith has not made friends with the Northerners.'' Leyton bit back a groan at how idiotic the members of the faith were. Incapable of realizing their big mistakes. Just thinking about what they themselves could get in the process. Faith had only made an enemy within the Stark house if he had to make a comment. The Norteños did not take well when no one told them how they should live and do things.

''That will be a big problem. The faith would expect us to slowly help convert the North in some way to what the faith of the seven is. And no northern lord would accept a person who tries to do that. Many years. Very bad blood actually. It's not too hard to see that that's going to be an issue to deal with in that regard.'' Olenna now she had to admit that there was a problem in the process. A problem with the way the faith had no friends within the North. They had no allies because the faith had a way of being that had only hurt their reputation. And the North with especially a Stark in command would never really let them have a measly drop of power there.

''And if you refuse to support and back the faith in what is the North with your future daughter or whatever becomes the new lady of Winterfell and lady of the north believe me the faith in the south will make your life what more miserable than they are capable of. They're that nasty really." Leyton did not hide the grimace from him about what the faith of the seven was. They were a problem to settle this issue if he himself had to say something. No matter how he might think it and no matter how he tried to reason it the North would not bow to an encroaching faith and turn against the threat with all their might.

''We can always target the children. The daughter would make an excellent Hostage if I have to say so. The girl could be used to motivate House Stark to more than agree with some of our decisions. They will know that something can always happen to their children if they are not careful.'' Some would say that olenna was a cold bitch. The simple idea of ​​threatening children. Although she could not reach the son, she could seek a commitment for the daughter. Well at least that's what she thought. Of course she was a believer that she could do it but that the North with all her honor would never think of doing such a thing. I never consider that if she opened a door it was very possible that a monster would enter through it somehow

''I would recommend against that. And in many ways. If Lord Stark has given me an impression, it is to take care of his family. If you threaten him or his family in any way I'm afraid it might be bad for the Dominion. And I honestly think you know from history how bad it was to ultimately piss off House Stark." Wolves had a reputation. They didn't start problems but damn if they settled them. Of course before the wolves had more men. Now the other kingdoms had evolved...at least he thought so until the current damned Lord Stark arrived. He felt a certain fear if he had to say it himself because of the threat

''tch like I'm afraid of what a fucking dog might think. I will not deny that he is intelligent. He has known how to properly exploit the resources of his land which makes him a good ruler. But I'm very hesitant to be afraid of a guy like him.'' Olenna had no respect for the boy that she didn't understand or know what the seven kingdoms power game was like. To her he was a boy without the knowledge she would expect from someone in her position anyway. At least that's what she thought of course. And it's not like there's anyone who's against her or at least not in favor of helping her. They all wanted to tear him down

''The North has been unconquerable for thousands of years. Only the dragons gave Olenna a chance. Now the North has a powerful economy. It has a more or less structure. And if this guy is so smart he's probably done something about the army. He will not be able to against the seven kingdoms. But I think I don't have to say who the king prefers at the moment.'' Leyton didn't have to say it. With returning the fucking sword of the Targaryen house, the fact was that the king had a good eye on the Stark house. Gifts from him from time to time also meant that House Stark was in his good graces as much as it hurt to admit it which was a passing thing at the moment.

''Then we will be careful. Plus we can always be cunning. If the girl is forced to marry there is nothing they can do about it. I sincerely believe that Stark himself refused to marry his daughter in his own kingdom. No. We will be waiting patiently and when the opportunity comes we will strike.'' Olenna could honestly say that the plan was the simplest she had ever come up with and at the same time she was sure that it had the best chance of success. It was only necessary to eliminate what were every possible proposal of marriage which would make the South could get in the middle of all the politics without existing of the North

Olenna didn't consider that the opponent before her was more than he seemed. She never considered the possibility that this same man was aware of the possible plans she might have in mind for her family. No. Olenna Tyrell was convinced that the current lord of House Stark was certainly intelligent without the knowledge capable of giving him an advantage over the other kingdoms. This would be what would bite him in the ass. But that was in the future. However, she had many reasons for this fear. Her position in her kingdom was weakening by the day. With each day that the North looked stronger and more powerful, the South was more eager to sink its teeth into her and they blamed her family for it. it was not good news

-Camp Stark-

Elia Martell watched with a smile as her little girl was enjoying a truly peaceful time. In her mind her daughter had been miserable. A father who barely paid attention to him. An abusive grandfather who wouldn't hesitate to hurt her. A grandmother too weak. There was just her in a snake pit who wouldn't hesitate to hurt her daughter in any way. She not for the first time she cursed her mother and her brother for this. Marry her to such a bad situation. Not to mention that she felt insecure about being in the capital for a long time due to the more than bad amount of problems there.

Tywin lannistter was a true tyrant who did not hesitate to sacrifice people just for his ambitions. He had watched as Tywin used his position as hand of the king with the king's sorry state to expand the operations and profits of House Lannister. Tywin was a bastard in her mind who only looked down on her. She knew why since he was furious at the fact that it was her and not her daughter who was married to the king. Hell she would kill any number of ways to get away from this situation but she knew if she lost her throne her daughter would be killed somehow by the different factions out there and even Dorne didn't make her feel safe.

Some would think she was being paranoid but she wasn't. She knew that her brother Doran had his eyes on the iron throne. The multiple reason. She wanted to be the power behind the throne. And she knew from some friends in Dorne that her brother Doran was not happy with all the power of House Stark since he felt jealous. A full shudder of fear for a moment just thinking that her brother because of the greed she felt for her could start something stupid against a family that just wanted to be left alone anyway. At least that was the opinion she had of the Starks. Leave them to her ball and there is not a problem. Get his attention and you're screwed.

Elia smiled at her daughter who was playing with Cregan and belladonna. The three children were lying next to fenrir who was obviously amused by her master's hatchlings from what she could tell. From the top of a pole was Hedwig with an always focused gaze and she could see Ophis on Ashara's shoulders who, like her, was calmly observing the three small children. Ashara had seen a lot since she left Dorne and if she had to be honest she did see herself as better in life than her being a princess. She could tell that she felt a bit envious because of that but it wasn't her friend's fault.

When her husband told Ashara that they were invited to the Harrenhall Tournament that was sponsored by the crown prince himself, the first thing she thought was that it was a trap. Northerners did not go to social events in the South. They completely avoided the so-called tournaments of the south seeing them as little more than pointless fights in their minds and frankly after watching the Winter games she had to say that she agreed. Her husband knew how to do more things than the southerners at least in her mind. This had also gained much more of a reputation among the southerners seeing that she herself was not pushing for the time wasters that were the tournaments. She frankly she wasn't thrilled

It was a trap because maybe one of the bastards who wanted to lay a hand on her husband and his children might try to kill him that way. However, Harirc told her that it was an attempt by the prince to get to know them, which only made her feel less comfortable. In the mind of her and Shelia's reports the prince was not a person he wanted to meet. For four years he had been looking for ways to take knowledge from the north and give it to the other kingdoms to make what he called a balance of what the south was or at least try to reinforce the south. She felt that it was possibly the stupidest idea of ​​a man to think of it.

As if that wasn't bad enough at least in her mind anyway was the fact that Olenna Tyrell and Tywin Lannister were in the same place as her. If there were two people she'd rather not see even in jest, it was those two conspirators. Tywin Lannister was in a few words a man who wanted neither more nor less in the same presence as his children. Her husband may not have a problem with finishing houses. But he would never kill children. There was a line she would never draw with Tywin, that line didn't exist. For him he was either in his camp or against him and if you were against him he had to die somehow to make sure they never turned against him

Olenna Tyrell was a masterclass manipulator who thought she could get away with anything. Intelligent. cunning Cruel. Everything that was the representation of the poisoned flower that when it cuts you kills you. At least that was the opinion she had anyway. So being in the same zone as her on ground that she had no way of controlling was a big no in her mind. Unfortunately they were in the typical situation where they could not choose what it was to stay in a safer place. Because if they chose him anyway it was clear that she would have said they could all go to hell with this fucking tournament.

''I don't need to be a fortune teller to be able to say that you don't feel comfortable with this tournament. You are not the only one. I think it's stupid of Rhagegar to do this tournament especially when there's more to worry about if I have to be honest.'' Elia made no secret of the disdain she actually felt for the tournament. He felt that Rhaegar should be more concerned with things like trying to control the different southern lords who kept pestering him about everything. His father proved to be as insane as ever and leaving things to Tywin was possibly the biggest recipe for disaster from the Dornish woman's point of view. At least that's how she saw it

''Your husband is trying to get to my husband somehow. I know that he invited us in an attempt to further strengthen the ties between the different kingdoms but frankly and honestly I feel that it is a waste of time especially with the amount of complaints that arrive and nobody does shit to put an end to them'' . Ashara was not happy with what was the loss of time and resources or at least what it was like to have to read letter after letter about the good it would do to the Stark house to share secrets and other things. Honestly she herself was annoyed by the volume of letters and her husband was really starting to lose patience about it.

''Rhaegar is more focused on other points like trying to captivate people and get people to follow him and believe that house targaryen despite occasionally having one lousy ruler after others who can be trusted to maintain order in the kingdoms''. Elia could tell from the look on her friend's face that she wasn't impressed in the least. She couldn't blame her either. Just imagine what was stark in the north where the word of a Stark was absolute will above all things. She frankly didn't feel any sympathy anyway for what was a waste of time and stupidity. At least that's what she thought. And she very much agreed

''Every month we receive letters. Del Dominio asking us for the secrets of improving winemaking in order to demonstrate the quality of Dominio wine. They are willing to better marriage alliances than we deserve. My husband is getting more annoyed every day by what he is starting to call a waste of daily time.'' Every time he received a letter, Harry felt annoyed because they were often a waste of time. Offers. Petitions. More and more. All of them destined with the intention that the North feels grateful in the words of the southerners of a marriage. Always asking for his daughter. She shuddered at how close she had once seen the anger in her husband's eyes.

''well it is normal that they are complaining if I have to say it. That is to say in a few words you have taken all the money that is worth from them. Frankly if I have to say it I would be upset too if they took my money and made me look like less than trash.'' Elia couldn't help but feel a bit of a certain sadistic joy for what it was like to screw up the so-called kingdom of food in a big way. She felt very satisfied for what it was like to see them in such bad shape and in reality she had had more than one glass of wine in honor of House Stark for screwing up House Tyrell in a big way, which, like Tully, were only small pieces that rose up. be cunning motherfuckers actually

''It's not my fault. If my husband has figured out everything it takes to actually be able to steal his business then they should stop having their fucking asses sit around and start working the shit out somehow. Frankly, just the idea that they don't know how to think makes me believe that.'' Ashara enjoyed her vodka with ice and lime. They always carried one of her Frost Box with them. It was honestly the greatest invention she could ever think of and she was bringing considerable wealth to the Mormont house because of it. Not to mention that they were her shipbuilding point in the west, there were also those that produced ice of all things

''Actually, I have to agree with that. Do you know that Oby is wondering if he can send his daughters to Isengard? Of course my brother refuses to let his daughter out of his sight but Oby believes in seeing the world and says that if someone has learned as much as your husband has then he could be a good help to his daughters. She knew that her brother Oberyn was still not happy with actually being in charge of Bloodrock. He could be in charge of a major gold mine for Dorne and all but her brother was clear that being overworked was a big no in her mind. At least that's how he saw it anyway.

''You'd have to ask Harry. While he won't be against Oberyn per se and all you should know is that he's very protective of what's his and I don't think he'll take it too well anyway if someone tells him to let anyone in on what's his. his city''. Not to mention that he was aware that girls could practically be spies. She loved Dorne. But she loved Harry more and frankly northern security was far superior to any southern kingdom if she had to say so herself so protecting the secrets of the north was more of a chance for them than anyone else really.

''The truth, Ashara, is that I myself find that I would like Rhaenys to go to Isengard to learn. Not just because she is my daughter and I want the best. Pycelle doesn't inspire me with the best of assurances being a Lannister man and all. In addition to that, there was also the factor that I want my daughter out of the capital.'' Elia didn't mince words. She seriously, she could understand that people want to be very controlling of education but she felt or at least believed that her daughter would have a much better or at least much less turbulent life in the North than in the capital. She also didn't help how her daughter looked next to her new friends actually.

''I don't have the remotest idea about that. You know how my husband feels about your husband. The fact that he's trying to find all these wonderful ways to find weaknesses in the North, your husband hasn't made much of a friend to me with his foolish decisions. By decisions he meant the more than twenty times he had suggested smart tax increases. It didn't happen because well the North wouldn't take it well but she knew better. Her husband was beyond enraged at Rhaegar for thinking that he could somehow put a heavy tax burden on the North to hurt them anyway.

''If you expect me to actually agree with his actions, you're wrong. Rhaegar is quite the idiot if I have to say so myself. The way he seems to think he has a say in a realm he's been so insulted over is a massive mistake if I have to say so myself. Rhaegar should really know better if I have to say it.'' The problem here is that Rhaegar thought the North had nothing more to say. That he did not have a ruler capable of hurting him in retaliation but she knew better. If Ashara had fallen so hard for Hariric Stark it meant that she had a dark side about to be unleashed on all of them somehow. It was that bad for the people around them

''Believe me, he's holding back. It doesn't help that a lot of his bannermen are trying to put some pressure on him to send the dragons to hell. Honestly the number of times I've seen him in the last four years deal with pointless complaints I think if you were Lady Melania you would have actually been in an accident by now.'' The flag bearers were idiots. Fortunately the future generation, although not as intelligent as it should be, were well aware of what a bad idea it was to fuck with Hariric Stark of all things. So of course she knew that they would think twice before screwing with him in any way.

It was also around this time that Harry arrived. He had been away because apparently there had been trouble. A group of Frey had disturbed one of his bannermen. In response, he had ordered the Freys to be followed and when they were unseen they would break their legs and arms and leave them with something in their boas so they would not be able to scream and into the water. Brutal? Yeah. But the fucking weasels were very wide. No one would miss seven of them. And if they believed that they could of all things mess with a member who was under Northern protection, it meant in a few words that they did not respect him in any way. Better give an example of them

While he was away he spoke to his Wolf Wardens. Five. Three men and two women. One of the men, a redhead named Emerick, wanted his approval to participate in what was the melee tournament. Harry was just amused by the idea. Emerick had a muscular build with a height of six feet. He was incredibly fast. His weapons were two axes that he carried with him. The man was a northerner through and through. He liked to fight. He liked to fuck. And he didn't like being told shit about things. The only reason he respected him is because he had bested him in hand-to-hand combat, demonstrating his sheer strength in the process and earning his eternal loyalty.

Emerick wasn't the only one who wanted to participate. Another was Artemis who was a Valyrian woman that he had saved from what was slavery. She was an archer with extensive gifts and capabilities that made her in the minds of many possibly one of the best archers in the North. When she saved her from her slavery, she swore undying fealty to him in exchange for small concessions. He made her part of her guard because in addition to her fucking accurate aim she was also incredibly skilled with two short swords that he made for her in the style of her elven swords. However he still believed that there was too much chance that if someone tried to fuck with her he would end up dead at best because of her precision. She wanted to demonstrate her talent as an archer.

Finally there were those who wanted to participate in the tumult. Two of them actually. On the one hand, Lianshi, who was a former slave of Yi ti. Her weapon of her choice was a han dynasty sword. Next on the other hand was a Dornish man named Dameon Sand of House Dayne who had silver hair with a black streak down his right side and a claw tattoo on his right eye that marked him as a former slave. The two of them wanted to participate in the group match. So after being able to order them and more now I could tell them that they might be perfectly able to participate while the last member of the team that was a Valyrian was also perfectly free.

''I see that the little ones are not giving you any problems. Tell me, husband, is there something that happened that should be considered a potential threat at the moment?'' She smiled as she saw her Bastet familiar approach her husband's side. She had sent it with hers because if she was blunt she knew her husband would try to cover up her veiled threats. If he thought he was the only person he was capable of dealing with the crap thrown at her she was one hundred percent sure he was wrong. She, although she also knew that he would consider her in many ways and much more if she had to be frank. But hey, she only let her relative get closer

''The Freys were just being themselves. They are still upset with us. With the removal of the need to buy food from the Tullys they have lost much of their wealth. Apparently they thought they could take it out on one of my bannermen. I made it clear to them that such a decision is very bad for their health.'' Harry just shrugged. He could see Elia amused. Although someone in his old life would have ridden a chicken for what was the death of several people in a society like this was simpler. In fact the only reason she hadn't complained to his lord is that if he did he would march into that fortress and kill every last one of them if given the chance.

''Someday I'll have to find out exactly what's going on in their heads so I'll be able to tell what they're thinking anyway. Frankly I will never understand how a house like this continues to exist. I think I speak for many who should have been treated by now.'' She would never understand how House Tully had let a house like the Freys hold power the way they were. From his point of view he felt that they were long overdue for being cut off. However Ashara was satisfied with what her husband's decision was. Nothing to put yourself in trouble and shit. That easy

''Let me know if you find out anything about stupidity. I honestly think it's the only thing that can get people to their deaths with a great deal of speed. I honestly still believe that it is like an epidemic that is spreading throughout the kingdoms.'' And she meant it very seriously. Human stupidity was like an epidemic. You had to nip it in the bud if you wanted to make sure by all means that it didn't infect anyone in any way. At least that's what he thought anyway. Seeing the previous world of him, he had many ideas of how bad stupidity could get if he didn't contain it somehow, at least in his mind.

Yeah. That was the husband of her friend... this tournament promised to be entertaining