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Discussions in the Tournament

- Poniente. Tierra de los Rios. Harrenhall-

-Festivities shop-

It could be said in many ways but hariric had to question why they had come of all things to this southern tournament. Yeah. They had been invited but this had proven to be a waste of time. The wolf guard he brought with him demonstrated superiority in hand-to-hand combat (the fact that the mountain was defeated was a serious reason), in group combat (where the royal guard was outmatched once again) and finally in archery. Needless to say, they were being looked at with complete amazement and more importantly some had tried to argue against it because they had fought women to which hariric only scoffed.

' That means that a woman from the north is worth more than the best men from the south, doesn't it?' It could be said in many ways but Hariric Stark had been more than willing in every way to make fun of people. He knew that the king was a complete wild card that could have gone either way. But the man had only smiled and stated that this showed that the best champions in the South had to try harder. He had no illusions. The guy was crazy and the only reason he was allowing it is because he was having fun at everyone else's expense. It wasn't important though, at least not in Hariric's mind. There were more things to deal with

It had been three days of having to put up with this damn shit. From having to put up with these people doing their complete shit. Making demands and making demands of some kind. But he doesn't care. He was there and he was letting his children enjoy him. There had been only one kidnapping attempt and he had made sure that he handled himself cleanly and quietly. He intended to punish the house at another time that he thought he could hire mere idiots to take his children. He would be exemplary and he would make sure people knew better. But the good thing about this is that his children were enjoying a good time with little Rhaenys which was good since in his opinion the girl deserved a little care.

You didn't have to be a genius to see the worry in Elia's eyes. The beautiful Dornish woman was scared to death of her daughter. Not that he blamed her for it. The chances of her daughter being kidnapped or even killed in what was the capital were high and he would be a poor idiot if he didn't take steps to see that sorted out. But the fear was there. He wasn't surprised that Ashara had been with her. Say what you want about his wife but she had a knack for empathizing and settling down with people. It was something that amused him. He was scary. He scared. And his wife attracted them. Poor suckers. It was a snake waiting to sink its fangs

In the time they had been here only low-ranking lords had approached them. Nothing of the great lords but in Hariric's mind that was not so troublesome or annoying. The great lords seemed to be gravitating around the prince. Trying to win his favor. He didn't see it as a bad idea at all. It was the sensible thing to do. Try to get close to the crown prince to increase his power, perhaps in the hope of being able to use the prince's influence to increase his prestige? He had seen houses from the rivers and also houses from the Domain that were approaching him, although the latter would be doing so on the orders of Olenna Tyrell.

From the lands of the storm he observed that there was a small group that was approaching the prince led by what seemed to be a fucking fan. However, the others present were close to Robert which made him nauseated. They seemed to think that Robert was the best of the best, really? What kind of fucking upbringing did they value in the south that they basically thought an alcoholic and whore was best for their kingdom? The fact that the guy just seemed to think that he was going to end up marrying his sister was enough to make him feel like nothing more than ripping someone's head off, damn the consequences.

Until now he had gone to any lengths to break up that damned marriage. She had made it known of Robert's bad reputation but even in his own kingdom (which he was going to change with a very strong hand if necessary) they seemed to think that he was just a normal man. She wouldn't deny that she wanted a firm and powerful man for her sister but she and Tykren were very close and you didn't have to be a genius to know that they were together emotionally (and neither his father nor his mother nor him gave a shit if she took him). to bed dammit) and seeing his plans for tykren he thought that it was not a bad idea for his sister to drag him in a wedding since it would guarantee another territory with Stark blood

If it was any of the big jerks here or even Tywin or Olenna they would have thought that marrying their sister to Robert would mean being able to bring the stormlands under control, but why the hell would they want to send their sister into territory where she would be seen? as little more than a broodmare? No. Hell no. If he was in the North anyone would think twice before trying to fuck with him. Especially with all the raw power he was bringing to the North. No one would be such an idiot (unfortunately there still would be) to think that it would be a good idea to try to fuck him somehow.

People weren't that stupid. They could think about it and the truth is that he knew that there were those who were at least capable of not being fooled in some sense. Knowing that touching her sister is the same as death. Fortunately or unfortunately the chances of people falling for that were very high. The chances of people not thinking were very high. Ah pride the keyword. Honor what would lead them to think that I would never act in a certain way. The southern lords were idiots in his mind and could end up stepping where he thought would piss him off big time. So yes. He was more than determined to stop them before they ended up doing more than normal damage (just to avoid the headache they would bring with it).

While he was quietly drinking the winter wine (which he brought with him) he could see many lords looking at him. He didn't dress like them. He wore a suit. That he could say the clothes fit well and made all the lords of the south look like idiots. In fact, he had seen more than one gentleman look at him with envy for his elegance while he saw more than one of these so-called prim southern women look at him with desire. Thanks but no thanks. Even if he ended up inviting another woman into his bed, it would only be if Ashara agreed. She was her wife and he would never disrespect her in any way being a jerk that he thinks fucking another woman while married is normal

He would not deny that there were beautiful women from different kingdoms. But just one cursory look into her mind told her all she needed to know. These women wanted him for his power and for screwing Ashara up a bit. Apparently they were jealous that despite having twins, his wife still had a body that many women would kill for and that she had all the men crazy. They were a bit like a bunch of envious bitches and they wanted to hurt his wife so she wasn't even close to her. Besides, he would never sleep with one of these women knowing that Shelia would possibly be mad with anger if he knew that he preferred one of these girls over her. She had made it clear that he was the only man worth

Curiously, his thoughts went outside when he saw how people made space. Tywin lannister. The power behind the crown. The man who essentially gave the orders and made the impossible possible. Yeah. This man was approaching him. And he could basically feel everything screaming in the man. He was a man cold as ice. Loveless. Only one emotion: hunger. Power hungry. He would not be satisfied until he had everything he wanted and seeing that the North had left him in a very bad position now he only wanted to see how he could sink his teeth into the North.

''Lord Stark I can see that the party is not to your liking. He leads me to wonder why you wouldn't be comfortable with a party as remarkable as this. Our host hasn't wasted any kind of profit to make this an important party.'' Tywin looked at the young man before him. For a while I considered Hariric Stark as a green youth from whom everything he had created could be taken away. These past few years he had learned the hard way that he wasn't like that. Each and every attempt to steal the secrets of the North had ended in utter failure and any spy was found and mercilessly executed.

''Lord Lannister. It's not that. I just think that there are more things to spend the money on. Investments that could be useful. Jobs that could increase income. People should use gold wisely not waste it in attempts to attract other people's attention.'' The Olympic games in the north were made through money that was obtained through taxes but instead of forcing the lords to give it, it was obtained through intelligent investments. A single gold coin had to produce a minimum of five in that way the games did not consume the money that the kingdom had to do their jobs and their possible investments. That's what Lord Stark thought of all this.

''I suppose it would. But most of the money for this tournament comes from neither more nor less than what is essentially the money of the crown. I honestly don't know what Prince Rhaegar was thinking when he thought it was a great idea to use the crown's money in something like a tournament. Tywin didn't have big expenses and that was good. It wasn't like Aegon's situation on the fourth. No. But even in spite of this, the money that entered the royal treasury should be used more wisely and not be wasted in any way, let alone trying to sweeten things. What is worse. Fifty thousand gold dragons were now in the possession of House Stark which was stupid (not counting the money won in the gambling houses).

''I still think that money could be spent more wisely on things that are more important and, if I may say so, useful. The capital still smells like shit. You need a proper system to dispose of sewage and instead of hiring someone to do the job here we are throwing a pointless party for what is arrogant shit to show off.'' No. In Hariric's mind the very idea of ​​having money and spending it senselessly reminded him too much of Malfoy. How many parties did stupid people throw in their interest to attract people's attention? Ha. People come to you when you have power and resources. Parties are just an attempt to captivate people

''I suppose I'll have to concede there, Lord Stark. However, I find it hard to believe that the North does not have its own festivals. A kingdom without festivities is too boring. I find it hard to believe that you don't involve money from the north for what is essentially a unique event.'' Tywin was obviously insulting Lord Stark, what better way than to let him know how useless he was in his land? No festivities? What could the north of all things hope to produce? Granted, the Lord Stark was able to bring some remarkable things to light, but despite this, Hariric Stark must not have had the resources to do anything exciting.

''actually we have. They are called the Olympic Games. They are held once a year to give participants time to prepare and train. A competition in which participants are required to compete in various competitions: javelin throwing, archery, unarmed combat, sword fighting, horse racing, jousting competition, and shot put. Each competition tests those chosen by the lord of each land. And in terms of money, I use the money from a designated investment to pay for the tournament once a year.'' Hariric had been able to see where Tywin wanted to go. Make him look like he had nothing to show off. How ridiculous and stupid if he had to say it. But he would let it be as it was

''I see. I suppose then, Lord Stark, that you are luckier than you thought. And I suppose that this also explains why there haven't been any northerners coming to tournaments in the south in recent times. I would have thought that the northerners would have looked for any way to increase their reputation.'' That was something Tywin couldn't understand. Why hadn't the Northerners come to the south trying to look better and much more before the lords of the south? He would have given her a chance to judge them and see if there was a chance she'd sink her claws into any of them anyway. That was the plan he had for the northerners

''go south for what exactly? to be insulted by the fact that we follow a different religion? to be insulted for the reason that some think they are more special than others? to have to put up with nasty comments about the land we live on? I'm sorry to say, Lord Tywin, but the time when northerners simply accepted blows from southerners is long gone." The truth is that some gentlemen with less brain than he would like had wanted neither more nor less than to go to the south to demonstrate their superiority. It was just a little message made from him that made all of them think twice.

''There is more than you can imagine. Isn't it in your interest to increase the prestige of House Stark? What about any other ambitions? Increasing the status of House Stark could only be achieved by means such as making alliances with southern lords and also making marriage agreements.'' Tywin could see Hariric Stark as someone who wanted to keep the North out of touch with the South, meaning that no Southerner would in any way try to lay a hand on his resources. He could applaud it. He himself agreed with said way of thinking and it was quite a clever method if he had to say it but he didn't have the staying power for it.

''I will not deny that I have ambitions Lord Lannister. I will not deny that I want more than anything for the North to flourish and move forward. But I think there are fatal flaws in the South that I'd rather not have than deal with a stick. One of them being that love of politics that if I have to be honest has done nothing but bring trouble to House Stark.'' Southern politics shouldn't take place in the North. Did you want to play your precious game? Well, let them do it. But don't shit and shit in their domains because this was their territory more than anything and it would be a difficult one that would allow any lord of the south to have a say in northern affairs.

''I suppose you would see it that way. Truth be told politics is possibly one of the hardest issues. There are times when I envy you Northerners. How many times in the north have there been circumstances in which a vassal has become treasonous or excessively ambitious for plans they had in mind?''. He wasn't sorry for what he did. He wasn't sorry he had killed the Reynes, though now he had some concern for the survival of one of them. No. What he despised in that kind of situation was the waste of time and resources he had to do for the sake of controlling things. Say what you want he wasn't grateful for that in any way

''we have our own negative points lord lannister. The North is not perfect. Far from it. But I can assure you that at least the northern lords know better than to waste time trying to settle scores or whatever. Not when we should be preoccupied with more important things.'' Even despite the improvements that Hariric made to the north, many lords continued with the same thing, seeking to first ensure the well-being of their house before thinking about advancing some kind of plan or something like that. Obviously there were certain problems with certain houses that had too much arrogance like karstark or gods forbid houses like Bolton that thought they could do their shit without him knowing what they were doing.

''However, there is not the same problem that I have. Or that any other lord has. The ambition. The desires to come out better off. Desires to usurp the position. You should already know. The rebellion in the western lands cost me a great vassal. Yes they could be rebellious but they were useful. His rebellion took a serious toll on me. I can't stand it at all. And at the same time I envy how the houses of the north stick together.'' Although he knew the truth. That Bolton, Ryswell and Hornwood were waiting to betray him. Just for the right price. That was good news. He didn't know if he would give himself a chance but having allies and friends within this place could be the most beneficial for all of them.

''Unity is strength Lord Lannister. But I know he's not here just to talk to me. Was there something of interest that he wanted from me? It will be a bit of a pleasure to see if there is any way to help him in every way if possible.'' Hariric knew what he wanted. He wanted to place one of his household members in marriage with Ned and then get rid of him, his wife, and his children. Then this girl would maneuver Ned and slowly everything in the North would be under the control of the Lannister house. It goes without saying that he found the mere idea that this was going to happen amusing him. Especially since he knew ways to bind and control people very well.

''I was wondering if it would be possible to enter into negotiations for the possible marriage of your younger brother. Eddard Stark. He is a young man who is already of marriageable age, so I thought it would be a good idea to look for a possible marriage partner and I have several members in my house. Tywin knew what he looked like. Hariric Stark was forced whether he liked it or not to think about it due to the fact that he was down to business with not only another great lord but also the one who was the hand of the king. Needless to say, there was no chance that he would refuse without harming a possible future win-win situation.

''I have been receiving many marriage proposals from my brother. In fact, my mother has complained that there are so many that she doesn't think there is time to read them all. Fortunately we have been able to dismiss quite a few of them as being insulting.'' Some houses like the Freys had possibly made one of the most insulting proposals of all time. Needless to say, they had been completely rejected because of how bad things were. In Hariric's mind, if the Freys thought they could get away with it, they would be learning the hard way that such a mistake could cost them more than life itself. However, there were other houses that were even more insulting.

''understandable. He is your little brother. Many hope they will be able to expand his sphere of influence all the way to main House Stark by getting their hands on him. I have a marriage proposal in mind that I am sure Lord Stark will satisfy." Tywin was well aware of the proposals. His spies informed him of all the houses that had tried to win over the wolf lord with a marriage and he knew that one of the most offensive houses of all were the freys. How was he supposed to protect his sister when those assholes from Shit they didn't stop picking on everyone they thought might be easy targets? Tywin knew that eventually someone would say enough was enough and then House Frey would surely cease to exist.

''is as you say lord Lannister. Many hope to fall into my good graces or to increase their influence in some way by having the backing of House Stark. I have to wonder where the ideas come from. If you have the marriage proposal at hand I will not hesitate to learn from her and it is very possible that she will take it into consideration for my brother. It was a big lie. Although he did not have a problem with marrying a vassal to an outside house, his brother would marry someone who promises more than economic or political power but someone who offers a chance to stabilize his bloodline in some way. That was his goal in mind.

''I have a copy of the contract. I am surprised that it has not reached you, but if what you say is true that you have hundreds of proposals, I can see with total certainty that you will not be able to make use of said information immediately. Marriage petitions can really take up a lot of time.'' Tywin knew that someone like Lord Stark had to not only be reading and studying every proposal but also literally throwing them out. Only those that were not a threat would be considered in any way. Luckily for him, his own proposal was not as threatening as he might actually seem, although of course he just wanted this man to lower his guard, obviously since he had more things on his mind.

''There is too much work to do and little time. At most I can read one or two proposals, then take a look at the houses in question and decide if it is a good idea or if it is stupid. I do it with my parents and ned himself so obviously it's better to take it easy. If you give me the offer right now I can study it directly and seeing that it is with a house like Lannister it is obvious that things will be ahead of the other houses''. Hariric could only reason that no house could somehow try to comment on the level of the other houses. The Lannister house was the power of the south. In addition to having the support of a solid army, they had a more or less decent economy.

''Thank you for considering things. I should better go. I have to make sure my heir doesn't do anything stupid. He is a good boy but he does a lot of dumb things. Tywin did not expect anything else and left without giving him a chance. A smile threatening to appear on his face. He now knew that things were on his side for sure. It didn't matter how it looked or how it was planned, Lord Stark would have to accept a girl from the Lannister house. Who else could compete with her? Possibly house tyrell but none of them were that influential on the matter. So with that he moved without thinking that nothing would be wrong

Hariric saw the lord of the western lands leave and looked at him. He sincerely wanted to tell her to fuck off but his mother and father (as well as his black ancestors) had taught him that good manners was something. It is true that Grandfather Arcthurus would have insulted him in seven different ways, that Aunt Cassiopea would have possibly cursed him a couple of times and, well, the rest of the family would have only made sure that the man ended…badly. But his grandmother Melania taught him that it was manners that made a person stand out as little more than civilized or an animal. And not. Hariric Stark would not be allowed to be an animal

The more she studied Lord Tywin, the more she realized that things were wildly exaggerated. True, he had received many contracts for his brother. His parents had laughed since as lord of the Stark house he received all the damn things. The reminder of how Walder Frey said that he would kindly provide a real woman infuriated him. The weasel had done nothing but bother him and he was very tempted that an accident occurred in his house that would end up with the dead man and all his family as well. If possible he would like it done quickly. But for the moment he was not to move. No. He had to wait for the ideal opportunity.

However, his thoughts were affected by another presence. This time Jon Arryn began to walk on his path. The lord of the valley was dressed in more or less decent clothes and the guy even seemed nice. But he could tell that the guy was beyond upset. Recent times had not been good for him. Not having power over ned and of course the north coming out more powerful than he expected he didn't like. He was on the list of people he wanted to see suffer in any way just because he thought he could get away with his own agenda in all of this. However, although there was nothing else to do than cut off his head, he controlled himself.

''Lord Stark let me say that it is a real pleasure to see you of all things in matters like this. Truth be told, I didn't expect you to waste your time on things like the southern tournaments.'' Jon had not achieved anything in the north for a long time. Every attempt to get a spy failed. Sabotage attempts were stopped. And the consequences were unpleasant. After the mountain lords began to be armed, he decided that it was best to immediately cease interest in the North. Armed clans were a real problem that should not be allowed. Things were getting very ugly in the valley and he didn't want it at all.

''I'm not one of those who likes being in the south. I feel like it's a waste of time to be here watching people play that they know what battle and war is when there are more serious and important things in our kingdoms like making sure things are more than stable. It is the priority of every lord at least in my mind. Hariric didn't even want to have to deal with this man. This creep he thought he could infiltrate families and make them dance to his own tune. If it weren't because for some fucking reason something was protecting him a long time ago, Jon Arryn would have had a good accident that would have ended his life. But something was keeping the Arryn family safe. Something of a magical nature

''You should give the South more chances, Lord Stark. There are so many things that can be learned. And you yourself have shown it. He spent time in the citadel and when he returned he did the impossible. He raised his kingdom in inexplicable ways making him what he is today. I think opening the gates of his kingdom would be the best thing to do anyway. Jon knew it. He knew that the north was very closed. So airtight. So impassable. If the North was kept closed as it was it would be difficult if not impossible to allow spies and other people of more obscure professions to enter the kingdom in question.

''I prefer things as they are. We are still accepting people from the realms. You cannot even imagine the number of people who come to the North looking for a better possibility. We receive hundreds per month. It's a pretty decent amount. And apparently their life expectancy is very low.'' Every month a minimum of three hundred people entered. poor. helpless. Traders looking for a new opportunity. All of them were interested in the opportunity and after making sure that none of them had bad intentions towards the North and their ruling houses they let them enter. It is interesting how many expected evil treatment from the lords judging by how they are treated in the south. When they arrived they had expectations.

''Yeah. I have to admit it. Things must be bad. Although of course all cities have their population problems. You cannot offer work to everyone and I think it is a good deed of you, Lord Stark, to open up the opportunities. But tell me, is it true that you go especially to orphanages and offer opportunities to all these people? Aren't there fights for the faith?'' Jon had to know. Because he had thought that with the change of people many would try to follow the faith of the seven. To make everyone follow the true faith. Hariric raised an eyebrow at that as if what he was saying didn't really come to mind.

''Do you realize that many people see the faith of the seven as oppressors, right? Faith is curious. Only those who come from noble families reach high and powerful ranks. They live comfortably earning money at the expense of the so-called rituals and in due time they take care in every way that any attempt to earn a living is seen in a less than adequate light.'' Curiously, many of the doctors and nurses he had from the north were people who had been persecuted in the south for practicing medicine without being teachers. As if it took a grumpy old bloody man for them to have any kind of authority in a field. And the good of the faith members call them whatever

''I'm sure that's an exaggeration at best, Lord Stark. I can understand that people have trouble understanding and even seeing things in the same way but in the end faith is important. It must be taken into account and approved in many ways because it is faith more than anything that ensures that people have faith in tomorrow.'' Jon scoffed. The faith of the first men were nothing more than pagans and nothing less. A waste of time. While he understood that many septons took advantage of their power and used their positions to get away with it, he knew that the true protectors of the faith tried to do the right thing by spreading it.

''I have no problem with faith. But the only area where we let faith have any authority was in Whiteport because it's our first city. And when they settled in the Twin Wolves they also tried to do the same. I have no problem with any faith. But for them to try to shove it down my throat pisses me off in many ways.'' The problem he had with the faith of the seven (and the reason why they were expelled from all the cities) was the less than clever attempts to make the faith a valuable and above all paramount commodity among the people of the north.

''I see. The truth is that it is a pity. Anyway, Lord Stark, there's something else I'd like to talk about. You see you have two brothers who are basically still unmarried and I was wondering if you would be willing to formalize alliances with house tully by marrying both of your brothers to Hoster's daughters.'' Jon had expected many things. He knew that Hariric Stark would be in need of allies. With all the resources he had at hand it was pretty obvious if you stop to think that he would need any and all ways to secure that power in the north and that's what the allies were for, allying with the Tullys? They were a weak house but with them came the valley and thanks to their education also storm lands

''…you must think highly of yourself. First you arranged for my brother to be raised in your kingdom with the excuse of uniting our kingdoms after the bad blood between us. Then you had the nerve to team up to promise my sister to that useless piece of shit who thinks whoring is the best thing to do. And now you have the damn face to come before me and tell me that you want to marry my brothers to those two girls.'' Hariric could feel it. Nemesis was screaming. He demanded retribution. This bastard had crossed the line in the worst way imaginable.

''Lord Stark, I am only interested in creating a powerful alliance between the North and various kingdoms. He also has to agree that both girls are of very high status blood and thus he will agree with me that they might be the best choices as wives for his brothers.'' Jon didn't know what to think. He knew that Hariric Stark must be spiteful but he also knew that he must know that he was between a rock and a hard place. Each kingdom wanted what the north had. Having support and allies in the south would be the best way to make sure nobody thought shit.

''My brothers will marry women who can bring more than being broodmares. Why would I marry my brothers to Catlyn Tully and Lyssa Tully huh? What do you have to contribute? Please tell me Lord Arryn, what do they bring to the bargaining table to cause my brothers to choose them as future wives?'' He might seem exaggerated but honestly of all the options that could be the possible life partners of his brothers the Tully girls were at the bottom of the bottom of the link of possible partners. That was how bad the chances were for them. Judging was not what Lord Arryn wanted to hear at all.

''Lord Stark. I never thought I would see such a lack of appreciation. Lord Tully is a good man who represents one of the greatest families in this great kingdom. His daughters are two young women who will bring about an alliance between both kingdoms. You should even consider it as a more than viable option.'' Jon couldn't believe Lord Stark's words (even though they were true, that is, the girls brought nothing more than being mothers and that was all) about how he wanted to create the strongest bonds between both kingdoms. That they were part of a larger plan was not an issue in his mind. No. He had more ideas to do on this case and wanted to see it work somehow.

''let me put it then in a way that I think is convenient for everyone to know. You want me to marry my brother Eddard to Catlyn, who would be, in a few words, the lady of the passage from east to west by sea through the channel. On the other hand, you want me to marry Lyssa to my brother Benjen when you have to take into account that he is essentially the future lord of the western zone. All this when nothing is contributed to this possible marriage alliance. How stupid you have to believe me to even think about that. It could be his Nemesis blood. Or it could just be that he was so tired of this jerk's crap that he thought he had what it took to sell his family like cattle anyway.

''I don't think you're going to find any more suitable potential match for your brothers. You are insulting House Tully, one of the great houses of Westeros. Is it really worth antagonizing the riverlands just because you think that both girls have nothing to bring when it is possible that there are more things that could giving birth?''. Jon couldn't believe it. The plan was not happening. Of course he could go to the king but he was sure that judging by how upset Stark looked the chances of him pulling through weren't all that good. And with not only him but tywin and the other players now interested in the north he knew that any demand would go up in smoke.

''It's not about looking for a partner who is of the same class. It's about finding partners who will contribute something. I want partners for my siblings that challenge them intellectually. However, from what I've heard, Lyssa Tully is obsessed with a certain Petyr Baelish, getting to sleep with him. And catlyn believes that a woman's place is only as a mere shadow. That may be in the south but in the north we look for royal couples who are as strong as the rulers.'' The very idea that they somehow thought those two girls could somehow be a suitable match for their brothers filled him with just annoyance.

Jon was silent. What way did he refute that? Damn. Truth be told it didn't matter which way they could be seen because Hariric Stark was only thinking of the best for his family. A strong wife for a strong wolf. Most of the houses would be discarded. In most of the South, wives were expected to be submissive. Capable women hid to avoid being used as bargaining chips or thrown out of their families for what was essentially serving as profit. It didn't matter which way Jon looked at it Arryn realized that for that alone she couldn't find a match capable enough for Stark's siblings. Tully girls wouldn't abide by the rule

''Now if you'll excuse me, I want to enjoy my time in peace. I can understand Lord Arryn that he wants to build alliances with the north. I do not blame him. But if he expects me to let in two girls who would bring nothing but headaches to the entire North then he'll be in trouble.'' With that said Hariric took his drinks which were a good spiced rum and walked away from Jon Arryn as he didn't want to have to deal with the man who seemed to think that for some strange reason that should be enough for him. He didn't want to have to keep hearing about how he wanted to marry off his brothers to ignorant girls. At least if the Lannisters weren't potentially spies he could tell they brought with them at least some brains.

Hariric was all over the store. Numerous small gentlemen came looking for a way to acquire the different products from the north with the intention of making it cheaper. They promised marriages and other things. I politely decline for his brothers but mention that many of his banner heirs had unmarried children like Gan jon and a few others. Except perhaps Dareon and Tykren, the truth is that everyone else would be fair game as long as they continue to comply with the rules of the north. Curiously, there were a couple of girls who would be an excellent option since these men wanted to get rid of them for being headaches. Jon would especially be okay with one of them for being a fighting woman who wouldn't accept a man just thinking she was all over him.

Meanwhile there were also people coming up to him thanking him for such an impressive tournament. It had been a less than fair surprise that the elite Wolf Guards had outclassed everyone including the likes of Gregor Clegane and the royal guards. Many saw northern men and women differently. He knew that some looked badly thinking that women only had a place in the home, but he could be even less interested than normal if he had to say what his opinion was. A woman had two arms, two legs, and a brain. If she wanted to do the same job as a man she could damn the fucking consequences

''I have to say it Lord Stark. You have brought many changes that are more than interesting to the kingdom. I must admit I'm very impressed.'' Rhaegar approached Hariric Stark with interest. He was close to Melissandre that she was watching everything. He didn't trust Stark. Something in him did not like and Melissandre confirmed that he had magic in his being. So it stands to reason that he wanted to make sure that he wasn't a threat of any kind to his future plans. But Hariric Stark looked so in control his eyes didn't give away anything about it but Rhaegar was capable enough to see the look of someone stalking you at all times.

''I would like to say that I learned but the question you would have to ask yourself my prince is if a person from the north has been able to make all the advances that have been made then why the so-called scholars from the south have not been able to do the same? same? You should ask yourself questions. You can't imagine how great it would be to see your advanced schedules''. Hariric felt nothing good about the prince. He couldn't get into his mind. In the case of Aerys, he didn't want to do it because if he was frank, his madness didn't attract him in the slightest. But in Rhaegar's case it's like there was a defense in his mind and that's why he stayed away from him.

''ah curiosity has always been one of the things that have caught my attention. How much can we do? How much can we solve? Look at you Lord Stark. Single-handedly he has been able to bring prosperity to the north. He has been able to turn the so-called backward kingdom into the most advanced. If only there were more people like that in the realms we would be in a golden age of growth. Rhaegar hid his jealousy with a polite smile. Why was he jealous? Because the man before him had turned a mighty kingdom out of a thing that was destined to be nothing. I annoy him. And even more things bothered him, like Hariric Stark refusing to share his progress with the other kingdoms.

''I think that if instead of holding knowledge tight as if it were the virginity of a daughter of a noble house, she really tried by all means to make the knowledge used, she would discover everything that I have done. It's not personal, but if the South continues on that path, don't expect the North to come to your rescue.'' Hariric might not have access to his mind but his emotions sang. It was obvious that the man before him was furious at the northern advances. And that he too felt threatened judging by the sliver of worry which was enough to tell him that he had things on his mind.

''ah I wish there were more people like you Lord Stark. Unfortunately things are far from being that easy. I didn't come here to talk about it anyway. I came here Lord Stark because I am interested in making arrangements for the North to open its doors to the South.'' Rhaegar said it in a calm voice but there was a tone. An indication that it was not a request but a demand. Most lords would have bowed. Perhaps Tywin would have thought so, but hariric? He just looked at him for a moment. It was a single look that he could tell very easily that he was not shocked by his words. That was annoying. Why wasn't Hariric Stark afraid of him like the other lords?

''Do you want me to share with the South the knowledge that I have been able to obtain? Good that. Learn before making a claim that you must have something just as valuable. Nothing personal Prince Rhaegar but the south owes him to the north. Pay off that debt and maybe even consider it.'' The audacity of the prince. command him. Hariric had to force himself not to load magic into his right hand and blow his head off or cut him off or even slowly melt him. He was so fucking tempted to hurt the southern prince. The southern prince seemed annoyed by his words but he could care less if he had to be frank whatever was going through the prince's head since it wasn't his problem.

''Lord Stark must agree that with the power that each kingdom has, it is in a serious debt to the North. That in itself is bad. It affects the balance of power between the kingdoms. He also does not count the fact that the North seems to refuse full integration into the Kingdom. It's a little hard for me to trust the north these days.'' Rhaegar wasn't going to make it clearer. He saw the North exploit the situation and knew that if he didn't do something the North would grow more and more independent in the end deciding he wanted nothing to do with the South which was a big no. The north was part of the seven kingdoms and they had to do their part like the rest of the kingdoms

''The crown still owes a debt to the North: a wife of Valyrian blood in exchange for the support of House Stark during the dance with dragons. Tell me prince Rhaegar for more than a century the crown has not recognized that debt and now you want to further increase the debt by demanding that the north offer its resources in exchange for nothing, is the crown wanting to insult House Stark even more than it intended? have you done yet?''. Hariric didn't say so, but the threat was direct. If the prince continued on the path he was on he would make sure the south suffered a lot. Judging by the prince's look, he was not satisfied with what he was saying to himself.

''Lord Stark I can understand your annoyance. I know that my ancestors have done great damage to House Stark in more ways than one and for that I apologize. He has my word that every possible measure will be taken to right the wrongs done to House Stark.'' Which was a lie. Why should he care? He had his plans made. It is true that if he could get Hariric Stark to open up he wouldn't have to resort to his most aggressive plan but if Hariric Stark didn't comply he had no choice in this case but to do what he thought was right for the kingdom. . Things were that simple. What did one matter when the other kingdoms were strengthening only one? At the rate things were going, House Stark would be richer than anything. And that's not counting their mines and everything. Soon there would be no powerhouse capable of matching them

''I don't care what Prince Rhaegar thinks. I'm not going to start handing over the secrets of the north. He can think what he wants and he can even think the way he wants but what is from the north stays in the north there is no change in those things. Hariric felt that the man before him had to have a bloody agenda of some kind. A plan. He didn't care because all he cared about was that he wanted to get away from him. He didn't want anything to do with him as it would be a complete waste of time. With that said Hariric walked away from him while turning his back on him. Perhaps if he hadn't turned his back on him he would have caught Rhaegar's glare and might have been suspicious, but Hariric in no way believed the prince would dare do anything against him.

Rhaegar looked at the receding figure and growled. Kidnapping Lyanna Stark had now become a top priority. If he really wanted to have control of the north, it would be through his son. Some would say that what he was thinking was the act of an unpleasant type of person but to Rhaegar Targaryen the only thing that mattered at that very moment was that things had to be done. He needed balance in the realms. Due to the loss of the dragons a true balance of power was needed and the North was throwing it down something that he was not going to allow in any way. He would have to meet with Bolton but he was sure that this man would agree…for a price.

Melissandre meanwhile looked at everything with a smile. The land of the North is the only one that still harbored active gods at that time. By striking down their defenders and placing their lord's son in said lands they would have the power to make a real move in said dream. From the fire witch's point of view it was all a complete victory for her. She never thought about the consequences. She never thought that this could be a pantheon war. The only thing that mattered to her is that she would be useful to her master.

-Con Down-

Ned was in trouble if he had to say so. He was with Robert and he was in possibly one of the worst situations of all time. Why would he say that? Because he was having to endure how Robert had a woman on his lap while he groped her. And the worst thing was the cheeky laugh from the woman while he thought she was nice, really? His brother had to be making real efforts not to kill Robert if this is what he was doing so often.

Not that it mattered too much. She knew his brother well enough to know that hariric had already decided that his sister would not marry Robert baratheon, damn the consequences. I didn't give a shit what anyone said. If you stopped to think about it, it was an exaggerated measure, but Ned could say an absolute truth about his brother and that is that in no way was he going to allow him to end up in a shitty marriage where she would be nothing more than the lady of a house while her husband did shit and fucked every woman he caught. No. His brother was not going to allow that and he supposed that he had plans to force Robert to relent immediately at the wedding or else he would go into full force as the destruction of the entire family (just in case Stannis tried to marry Stannis as well). his sister)

His brother had taught him long ago that the concept of exaggeration was a massive mistake. There is no exaggeration. If your enemy is serious you must deal with him with everything you have. You have to attack with cavalry, run over it with infantry, rain arrows down on it, and of course drop as much wildfire as necessary just to make sure you either end up in fucking trouble at that point. He had to admit that his brother was very serious about what it was to do things. Not that he could blame him for it either since he himself had to admit how true he was.

But he had to make an effort to appear friendly. He certainly could make a real effort to look like the enemy. He certainly could have tried to teach Robert that what he was doing was wrong. But every attempt to move Robert out of his way ended badly. Robert believed that with position came power and that made him indisputable in every sense of the word. That meant in a nutshell that he didn't have any problems. So, naturally, Robert thought that he could treat his sister like that. The man understood nothing of political repercussions or extreme situations. It didn't matter which way he might think of it but it seemed his good fellow Baratheon wasn't able to understand how up to his neck in shit he could be if he didn't do things right. what a big idiot

Of course you could say that it had a lot to do with the education given by Jon Arryn. There wasn't a better way to put it than the fact that Jon Arryn hadn't been interested in reigning over Robert's impulses. Like he thought they'd fade over time or something. As his brother says, you have to hit the iron when it's hot. When he is an infant of all things is when the best impression is made. An example was the same. He had grown with the strength of his brother before him. He had wanted to be like the one struck by his effort. He helped his father put a real guardian on top of him which was beneficial if he had to say so.

But things were far from being so simple. Ned knew that Robert would not give up his sister for a couple of reasons. The first of these reasons is that Robert was obsessed with lyanna for some meaningless reason if he had to be the one to say so. The truth is that if Ned had to be honest he was very concerned about Robert's brutal obsession with his sister as if he thought she would be the woman of his dreams somehow. Honestly in Ned's mind it was stupid because Lyanna was many things but a southern woman wasn't one of them.

As if that wasn't bad enough Robert seemed to have an obsession with beating his brother. As if a single action by itself was capable of making his sister regress in some way or mark a great milestone. He seemed to think somehow that his brother was this big mountain and he wanted to take something away from her. Ned shuddered. His brother's way was simple in thinking that when something was his, anyone who even dared to think of laying a hand on it must die an agonizing death at the very least. His brother found no pleasure in suffering but in punishment

As if that wasn't bad enough in his mind he knew that this whole idea was just an attempt to use his sister as a hostage as if they somehow thought they would be able to make his sister the ultimate tool to get their hands on. personal agendas. If he had to be totally blunt he found it stupid because he knew his sister would rather die than be used by anyone and he could easily see her run away or whatever to get rid of it (and he also saw his brother helping her escape alone for how good it would be for her)

''You know Ned I have to give it to your brother. We will never like each other but truth be told these drinks he makes are exceptional if I have to be honest. I don't think there's anyone who can even match up to this alcohol that he makes. Robert had a jug of mead in his hand at the time. Mead came from Dustin's land and was a highly recommended and drunk drink. Along with the other drinks that were made, it could be said that mead had reached the attention of everyone in the seven kingdoms. Although there were many other drinks, the truth is that Robert was in love with all the alcohol that he could actually drink. Much better than just wine

''I'm sure my brother and several of the northern lords will be pleased to hear that you like the drinks we make. However, do you really have to be doing what you're doing right now? And then you wonder why my brother doesn't like you at all.'' Ned knew that it was a difficult task if not almost impossible to tell Robert how he should do things. He knew it was stupid and meaningless but it's what he had to do at this moment. Robert just chuckled for a moment before taking a long gulp from his mug as he looked in the direction of where his brother was more or less.

''ahh I never think I would get along with your brother. I think he's got this bad impression of me somehow and thinks I'm not a good person at all. Complete stupidity. He's biased against me obviously and I think he might even be very jealous of me.'' The last thing I finished with a laugh thinking about how funny he had to be. A part of him couldn't help but think about how unique he had to be to him anyway or at least think about how things were. In his humble opinion Hariric Stark was a big idiot who was incapable of understanding how important it was to live life anyway and just needed his eyes opened more than a little.

''My brother has always had his reasons for acting the way Robert does. And frankly I don't think you've given him the best impression with your actions. If anything, all you do is make him think badly and worse of you with every encounter you have.'' The good news is that to date Robert had not attempted to sleep with any of his brother's friends' daughters or fiancées. If he found out that Robert even thought of such a thing, the chances would never be on his side because his sister would have him killed in the most brutal way possible as a message not to tolerate (look, there are noble idiots like Robert baratheon )

''Yeah. Those reasons are that he seems to have a little less than fondness for us southerners. Your brother has a bad opinion of us for some reason and I wonder what could be the reason or the reason why this man wants us? Maybe it's him because he feels threatened in some way?'' Robert couldn't help but say what was going through his head as he took another drink of alcohol. Truth be told, he made sense in his mind. Hariric Stark was afraid of the southerners. To make him look like a big jerk. Hey, I didn't blame him. If he appeared someone capable of eclipsing everything he is capable of doing, he too would feel threatened in some ways.

''believe me when I say this Robert. There are many things that my brother can see but I can assure you that the southerners are not exactly a threat to him. I don't think I have witnessed anything or anyone that is capable of giving my brother a fear of any kind. You don't give the taya unfortunately. No offense''. Ned knew the truth. They were the ways of the south. Pointless spending of money. The stab wounds and being unable to work for a better future. The inability to seek the advancement of everyone and focus on the self was something that bothered his brother a lot, making him think that southerners were incapable of understanding, understanding and working together. He didn't want to imagine how bad things could get if they kept bothering him in any way.

''Well that's stupid. Your brother isn't exactly the smartest guy. After all he went to the citadel to learn. If he was able to pull all the crap he's been pulling to move the North forward then I'm more than sure we too would be more than capable of doing the same as him. If only those damn bastard rats would put a little effort into what they have to do damn it.'' It was Robert's opinion that if the maesters put more effort into investigating then they would have everything the north had. He had been to Wintercity and Twin Wolves City and in his opinion if the North was able to do it they too

''as I think I would kindly say to my brother I will only agree with what you say once you do. Saying one thing is very simple but doing it is something else. Put their asses to work and then I'll agree with you Robert that you could possibly live up to my brother's words.'' And he knew it wouldn't happen. The maesters were not interested in the advance for some reason. Since isengard was founded more things had been discovered. Much of it was impressive and important. They ranged from jobs that made life better to curative measures and even new subjects to teach.

''Well, your brother will have to get used to the idea. I'm going to marry your sister no matter how much it bothers that man.'' Robert grunted before getting up and taking the woman he had with him at the time. Robert would never admit it to Ned but the idea of ​​being able to step on Hariric Stark's toes would be more than a big reason for what it was like to marry Lyanna Stark. The fact that the girl seemed wild and untamed was enough in his mind to tell him of all things that she would be good enough for him anyway. At least that's how he thought

Ned was not very happy at the time. Robert's idiocy was gigantic. Just yelling what he was going to do was only pissing off his brother no more no less and it would only be a matter of time before Hariric struck with the hammer. She sighed as he returned to his cold drink and settled down. He hoped they would leave him alone. He had enough with the amount of work that his brother gave him. But his hopes evaporated when he felt a presence heading towards him. With a single movement of his head he took in who he was and realized that he was Hoster Tully. He wanted to moan. Here he really hoped he wouldn't have to put up with any more shit today and here came the so-called lord of the fishes to talk to him.

''oh young Eddard. Just the person he wanted to talk to about all things. Glad to be able to catch you before you go or anything. I have to say you're a hard young man to find when you want but I'm glad I found you''. Hoster put on the kindest smile he knew and felt capable of while at the same time looking at his target. It didn't matter what Hariric Stark thought. If he convinced Ned Stark that it was a great idea to marry one of his daughters to him then it would be a victory in itself. Young Eddard wasn't as bright as his brother anyway and was much more interested in getting along with the South.

''Lord Tully. It's nice to see it. I have to say that I did not expect him to come to this tournament. With the latest complications in recent times that he has had the river lands he almost would have thought that he would be doing more than just coming to party. Ned eyed the man suspiciously. Something that his brother made clear to him is of interest to everyone and his mother in his person, so of course only an idiot would trust the man he had in front of him. It didn't take a genius to know that Hoster was looking for possibly anything and hoping to somehow get his hands on it. It bothered him a lot but he was going to put up with it because it was for the sake of being able to tell the intentions of the people who were close to him.

''Oh yeah. Things with the Freys aren't settling down in the slightest. I can assure you young Eddard that it has been my intention to make them understand that they should not in any way continue with his intentions and that above all they should let their games be sent to their necks. Hoster spoke in a serious voice and was internally cursing the house frey. What the hell did those gigantic idiots miss in the damn North? Well, he could know that it was more than anything the idiots thinking that they could just do whatever they wanted. That damned house had too much of a sense of self if he had to say so.

''I am not the one to be convinced by Lord Tully. It is my brother who must make sure that he is convinced that things can calm down more or less. No matter what is said, my brother protects his subordinates and if his bannermen continue with what they are doing there is a very good chance that he will end up attacking with a little more than viciousness. Ned scoffed at the idea. House Frey only rose to power because of what was essentially the strategic position of their bridge. If they kept bothering his brother, he knew very well that his brother would not rest or submit to anything until they completely crushed the frey house just as a message

''I'm sure you could talk to your brother about it a bit and convince him that it's House Tully's intention to calm down House Frey. They are at the end of the day standard bearers of the riverlands so I'm sure you should be able to understand that things can calm down if only the necessary opportunity is offered''. Hoster cursed even more. For what reason? Because if he wanted this man to side with him for his plans, he had to turn him against his brother. But it seemed that his brother was more than anything in agreement with him. The brother had it completely earned which was against his intentions

''no matter what Lord Tully may want. Do not get wrong. I understand and even understand better than anyone else that you want things to calm down and the situation between the Tully house and the Stark house to calm down. But that will only happen if the freys stop acting big and powerful. Or when his brother gets tired and sends them all flying through the air. She had no illusions about his brother. He knew him well enough to know that his sister wouldn't hold back or wait in the slightest until it was time to shut them all up somehow. At least that's what he thought

''of course. You have my word that I will put the Freys in their place. But now I would like to discuss one more serious thing. You see, you are a good young man who is entering the age of marriage. And I have a wonderful daughter who would make a more than magnificent wife. My dear Catlyn is a fascinating and impressive girl. I'm sure she would be a more than worthy wife for you.'' Hoster smiled a wide grin and thought he had what he needed. But Eddard seemed not quite into it. He actually took a drink from his glass (and how envious he was that the Stark house had glass goblets) and then looked at him with those intense gray eyes that he had

''Lord Tully is not yet too old to marry me and truth be told if I decide to marry him and whom there will be many things to consider. His daughter may be a fine lady. But in the north he is looking for something more than a lady. Ned tasted good. His brother had married a woman he considered his equal and opposite. Where Hariric was the sword, Ashara was the dagger. Where hariric was steel she was silk. It was what he was looking for. A couple that would complete it and therefore create the perfect unity between the two of them and considerably strengthen their position

''complete nonsense if you will allow me to say so. All a lord needs is a woman to bear him a good bunch of children and help warm the bed at night as well as help with certain chores around the castle, why else would you want a woman anyway?'' . Hoster couldn't conceive of a woman for anything else. What else were they used to maintain order in the house, to serve as women to bring in the new generation and obviously to be bed companions? From his point of view the idea of ​​them serving any other way seemed completely idiotic and pointless if he had to be honest but it didn't seem like the smart thing to say in front of Eddard.

''My mother is my father's partner and has been his heart since they were married. For my brother Ashara she is the partner who has helped him in more ways than one to ensure that things work in the North. She is more than a lady. She rides a horse, wields a spear, and on top of all that she's a skilled politician who knows ways to balance things out. She that she should be the companion of every lord. Ned was very upset by the very suggestion that the woman could only be tools and that's it. He had nothing but contempt for people who were unable to see women for what they were. That is to say, the companions who made the life of the man complete in the same way that men should complete the lives of women.

Hoster was silent. What was he supposed to say to that? His daughters were perfect puppets. More than great girls to be used to extend their power as things have always been in the south. From the way Eddard Stark said it, he could already be very clear that they would not have any space in the North. That they would not blossom to see their influence grow. Of course he knew that with momentum and action things could change but then Eddard gave him a look that perfectly conveyed how he felt about his ideas.

''whoever I marry will be a woman who is capable of equaling me. A woman who will be my companion. Have a good party Lord Tully. I have more things to discuss.'' And with that Ned got rid of another heavy