(Casterly Rock, Lannisport, The Westerlands, The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, Westeros, GoT Universe)
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(Lucion Lannister POV)
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Lucion took his place at his father's left as was his position as Heir of Casterly Rock. Mother stood to Tywin's right, with Aunt Genna and Uncle Kevan beside her. Uncles Gerion and Tygett stood behind Jaime and Cersei who were next to him.
The gates opened and a procession of Dornish Knights rode in carrying long spears, a Carriage followed shortly afterwards and it was a beautiful piece of expert craftsmanship Lucion noted. The ornamentation was done by an expert, and every piece that was on the carriage bore the signs of a team of experts. Lucion found himself appreciating that, in the West things like this were done by experts, but few showed the level of care or attention to detail as what Lucion was seeing before him.
The first to exit the Carriage was an old woman with olive skin, though it was worth noting that she appeared more weathered than old/
''Lord Tywin, Lady Joanna, it has been too long.'' The woman said.
''Indeed it has, Princess Loreza. I trust your journey was not an unpleasant one?'' His father asks.
''Eventful.'' The Princess settles for, before turning to speak to his mother. ''How many years has it been? Five? Ten?'' She asks.
''A little closer to eleven. Last time we saw each other…It would have been just before I got pregnant with Lucion.'' His mother corrects.
''So it was, and speaking of children, allow me to introduce you to mine, Oberyn, Elia.'' Loreza calls, and Aethan immediately notes the beauty of Elia Martell, though he cares little for it.
Lyanna is to be his bride.
Not some Frail sun-kissed Spear.
Oberyn on the other hand, has Lucion's full attention. The Red Viper of Dorne had always been a favorite character of his.
''You must be weary from your journey, Lucion, show the Prince and Princess to their chambers, Kevan will see to it your men find lodgings, and Joanna and I will escort you to your rooms.'' Tywin orders.
''At once Father.'' Lucion acknowledges, extending his offered arm to Princess Elia, and sharing a small nod with Prince Oberyn.
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Lucion was walking Elia and Oberyn to the wing of Casterly Rock they'd be staying in when Oberyn spoke up.
''I hear you've a new brother? I would very much like to see him.'' Says Oberyn.
''Not now, I'll take you to him after I've seen you to your rooms, not before.'' Lucion tells Oberyn firmly.
''As you say.'' Oberyn says.
The trip continues in silence for the remainder of the short trip.
''Prince Oberyn, your rooms are here, Princess Elia you are at the end of the hall on the left. Enjoy yourselves, you are in the Hall of Kings.'' Says Lucion.
''Meaning what exactly?'' Asks Princess Elia for the first time speaking up.
''This has always been my favourite part of Casterly Rock. It was here where the Kings and Queens of House Casterly lived in ages past. When my ancestor, Lann the Clever did whatever he did, he kept this part of the Rock carefully maintained. Over the ages, House Lannister forgot about this part of the Castle and its storied History. When I discovered its true history, I turned it into my little place of solitude. The servants know not to bother me unless it's important, and I've informed them that you'll be staying here. Coincidentally, your mother and father are roomed directly above us.'' Lucion informs them.
''Thank you, Lord Lucion.'' Princess Elia tells him.
''I'll be back in an hour to take you to Tyrion. Word of warning, if you say anything remotely bad about him…and guest right or no, I will end you.'' Lucion says hotly. ''See you in an hour. I'll have the servants bring you some things.'' He adds as an afterthought before he departs, he should go and see his father. Father wasn't even supposed to be here, he must have arrived shortly after Lucion left.
Which means his father will undoubtedly have some things to discuss with him. Lucion expected his father wished to hear a report of what he'd been up to in the last year in his capacity as the acting Lord of Casterly Rock among other things. It was worth noting that although he was the acting Lord of Casterly Rock his Uncles and Aunt were more in charge than he was. But having said that however, Lucion did have some degree of autonomy, such as the reconstruction of Tarbeck Hall and the rebuilding of Castamere.
On the subject of Castamere and Tarbeck Hall, the two were largely intact. Well not Tarbeck Hall obviously, but the Castle was torn down to its foundations, not torn down past the foundations. So the original foundations were still relatively intact, and Lucion was excited by the prospect of designing and constructing a new Castle for himself. Tarbeck Hall would keep its name, as would Castamere, House Lannister knew a thing or two about symbols. There was a reason Casterly Rock was not renamed Lannister Rock after the destruction of House Casterly. What would it say about House Lannister that a generation ago, Tywin destroyed Houses Reyne and Tarbeck and ruined their castles, yet a generation later his son and heir rebuilt them and made them profitable again and the castles retained their names? It would be seen for what it was: a message. Lucion wouldn't consider renaming the castles in any shape or form.
The rebuilding of Tarbeck Hall hadn't started yet, but the reconstruction of Castamere had progressed quite smoothly. Lucion had focused on transforming some of the land into pastures for cattle and horses. As for parts of the Castle itself, it wasn't easy, but it had been largely intact. The biggest issue lay in draining the mines and tunnels of water, and ensuring that the foundations were still structurally sound. But they'd succeeded and Lucion had - with each of his uncle's approval - ordered the castle's foundations reinforced just to be safe. Aside from that one of the first things to be rebuilt was the barracks and then the armoury. Lucion then placed a relatively small force of about three thousand and seven hundred and fifty men in the castle to act as a temporary garrison, they would also use the outposts being constructed throughout the former Reyne Territory as waystations and places to hole up and resupply.
''Time to see what will happen.'' Lucion mutters as he knocks on the door to his father's solar and awaits permission to enter…
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(POV Shift: Tywin Lannister)
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Tywin was reviewing the back-and-forth messages between House Stark and Joanna. In recent years House Stark's fortunes had begun to rise, which is why Tywin was angling with twelve thousand Gold Dragons, and Lucion would get his horse flesh. In the interest of fairness, Tywin would be willing to negotiate down to no less than eight thousand Gold Dragons, but he'd still try to get ten or twelve if only to ensure his House maintained its reputation for tough negotiations.
They wouldn't just marry for Horse Flesh, that's just stupid, and keeping an eye on taxes gave him a suitable idea of what to try for in the form of a of dowry. Besides, as reputable as the North's Garrons were, it would take at least a decade for a proper horse breeding program to bear fruit.
The sound of knuckles on his solar door snaps his attention to the door.
''Enter.'' Tywin calls and he is satisfied that Lucion has called upon him so quickly because this confirms Kevan's reports on Lucion. Kevan had been his loyal man for years and had been reporting on Lucion's behaviour for the duration of Joanna's pregnancy. Kevan spoke of Lucion as a diligent and temperate child, much the same as Lord Rickard Stark's own reports the last few years.
''Father, I put the Prince and Princess in the Casterly Wing, two doors down from my private rooms, and directly below the Princess and Prince-Consort.'' Says Lucion.
''Have a seat.'' Tywin says, gesturing before him. ''No, not there, sit here.'' Tywin says gesturing to the seat to his right. Lucion gives him a strange look, but takes the seat.
''The Martell's came here seeking either a bride for Prince Oberyn or husband for Princess Elia. They want you for Princess Elia.'' Says Tywin, and Lucion's reaction is telling…he's annoyed.
''No.'' Is all his son says.
''I don't see that you have a choice in the matter, the Martell's are arguably a more profitable alliance than House Stark.'' Says Tywin, trying to further gauge the reaction of his son.
''Maybe, but Elia Martell - beautiful as she is - is frail. Lyanna is robust and strong. I can get maybe two children out of Elia. Lyanna? I can secure the succession easily.'' Says Lucion.
''Hmm, and what would you do if we were to force you to marry Elia.'' Says Tywin, and Lucion starts to laugh.
''I'd wait till you were dead to start with. I'm not an idiot father, I'm not going to tell you shit about what I would do. Besides, my first thought has a massive loophole for you to exploit.'' Says Lucion, and Tywin forces himself not to smile.
Lucion was learning it seems.
''And what thought was that?'' Tywin asks.
''Taking the black, but you could just have the King shatter my oath.'' Says Lucion.
''Why are you so against marrying Elia? It's a worthy match and the dowry would be far more worthy of us than anything House Stark could give us.'' Says Tywin.
''You're looking at it from a political benefits point of view. House Stark is the oldest House in Westeros. The North can raise between forty-five and sixty thousand men in the span of a few months and they - like us - were one of the three houses that once upon a time were Kings in their own right. Moreover, the second son Eddard is close friends with Robert Baratheon, Prince Rhaegar's Cousin and is seen as a son by Jon Arryn. Additionally, Lord Rickard's eldest son Brandon is betrothed to Catelyn Tully. If Cersei marries Prince Rhaegar and I marry Lyanna that's all but three of the nine regions of westeros behind a Lannister Queen. And if Jaime marries Elia that leaves only House Tyrell and the Iron Islands as potential enemies.'' Lucion argues, and Tywin will admit that he can see the benefits.
But…Lucion is forgetting a simple truth. What's stopping Jamie from marrying Lyanna Stark instead?
''And what's stopping me from offering Jaime to Lyanna Stark instead?
''Common sense. You won't do it because of this simple truth.'' Before Tywin can respond to that, Lucion's hand is on his head and his eye roll back inside of his head as Tywin is assaulted by memories not his own.
He sees himself being shot on the privy, he sees the grown up forms of Jaime and Cersei coupling, then he sees an army of dead men marching on the Wall and breathing it.
''How Long?'' Tyson asks. ''How long do with have?'' Tyson clarifies.
''Twenty Years at least, as for Jaimie and Cersei it's mostly Cersei's fault.'' Lucion says, and Tywin pours himself a glass of Arbor Red before pouring a second one and handing it to Lucion.
''And you've just been sitting on this?'' Tywin asks.
''Not just me. Mother knew some of it. As my abilities stand I'm only able to use memory transfer plus fire manipulation right now. But I can also communicate with animals and the Green Men answer to me.'' Says Lucion, before taking a sip and sighing. ''Cersei will never be Queen father, and in a few years Jaime will be a Kingsguard Knight. I've been doing what little I could to avert that dark ending. But I can only do so much.'' says Lucion.
''I think you and I must have a long conversation Lucion. The Gods favour you it's true, how else would you be able to command fire or produce Brightroar? But these memories you've given me? My death? Incest in our family? The dead?'' Tyson says. ''I'm not entirely sure I believe you, but…I'm terrified by the part of me that actually believes you.'' Tyson answered honestly.
''Let's talk Father, just not so soon. Let's wait a day for our guests to settle in.'' Says Lucion. ''Also gives your mind a chance to fully adapt to the new memories.'' Lucion adds before standing up and leaving.
Tywin doesn't stop him, because letting him have some time to adjust to what he had seen was a sound enough idea. And frankly Tywin was more than a little grateful for the solitude.
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(POV Shift: Lucion Lannister)
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It was very risky giving his father a transfer of memories like that. In fact the risks actually outweighed the rewards.
However, Tywin was a pragmatist and Lucion knew that just having his mother believe him wouldn't be enough to be able to do what he needed to do in this next few years. The defiance of Duskendale and the Tourney's of Lannisport and Harrenhall were what Lucion called Fixed-Points in the Timeline. They absolutely had to happen or else everything else went tits up. Another thing that had to happen was Jaime joining the Kingsguard. Which is another reason why Lucion planned to instil in his brother the belief that for a Knight or second son there was no greater honour than being appointed to the Kingsguard.
It was an unfortunate bit of work, but it was necessary. Only the King was able to break a betrothal pact. It was within his rights, and Lucion planned to join Barristan in rescuing King Aerys at Duskendale, it would be there that he would give the King some side talk about not always trusting his own father's plans, and his worries for Jaime not being able to achieve his dream of being a Kingsguard Knight. He'd also profess his sympathies for Aerys family. Jaime marrying Elia meant that the only princess in Westeros would not join House Targaryen like it should be.
It was a sick job to have to do, but Lucion had learned about fixed points in his training with Bloodraven, certain things had to happen. How it happened didn't necessarily matter too much, but just so long as they did.
Which brought Lucion to Tyrion's quarters, he was about to enter, when he had to quickly hide in an alcove, watching Prince Oberyn and Princess Elia depart. Suspicious, Lucion drew his stiletto, and carefully approached the door. Opening it quietly, Lucion was surprised to see his sister holding Tyrion.
Surprised…and worried.
''I don't know if I'll ever be able to love you…but I promise to try Tyrion.'' He hears Cersei say, and Lucion just watches her for a little bit after that, never entering.
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(POV Shift: Tywin Lannister)
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It had been a day since the Martells of Dorne had arrived at Casterly Rock, and after breakfast, Tywin had secluded himself in his solar with Lucion. Lucion had told him in detail what had supposed to have happened. How his birth was an anomaly as the God's called it, a random occurrence. How the only children he was meant to have were Jaime, Cersei, and Tyrion. But because of his birth the God's saw fit to offer him visions of the future and certain gifts.
But this wasn't just fanciful thought, Tywin knew that, but that didn't exactly make it any easier to swallow. It alarmed and concerned Tywin that such a weight had been placed on his ten name days old son, that his mind was that of an adult instead of the child by all sense it should be. But this did explain a number of Lucion's actions in the past. His ability to slip from the castle and traverse long swaths of territory into the North, and his various mannerisms and activities.
But one thing still bothered the aged Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West.
''You say Jaime must be betrothed to Elia Martell, but that he also must be in the Kingsguard? Why?'' Tywin asks his eldest son.
''Aerys death and the way he dies? It's not necessarily a fixed point, but it is a very murky one. What is absolute paramount, is that Aerys must die by the hands of someone with Lannister Blood. Jaime is better placed than anyone to accomplish that as a member of the Kingsguard, but he can never know this. It's also doubly important we don't act on the relationship until after the Death of Aerys.'' Says Lucion.
''And Prince Rhaegar causes a rebellion?'' Tywin asks, if only for clarification.
''Perhaps not intentionally, but yes. Cersei's marriage to the would be king in the original timeline was a happy one right up until the bedding ceremony when the King said another woman's name in her ear as he put his dick inside my sister. That's what drove her into Jaime's arms again. Which makes these next few years crucial father. Aerys will begin to combat and provocate you at every turn, and when Lord Darklyn requests what he will, you must decline it. When he offers reconciliation if Aerys comes to Duskendale to discuss the matter, you must argue strongly that Aerys doesn't go. When Aerys goes, it will begin in earnest the true game.'' Says Lucion.
''I see, I won't tell your mother about this. Not all of it at any rate, but I warn you now Lucion if this turns out to be inaccurate, son or no, I will not hesitate to present you to your mother for punishment.'' Tywin says.
''The future is always changing, but there are always fixed-points father.'' Lucion tells him.
''And what do we do about your sister when Aerys rejects the match as you say he will?'' Asks Tywin.
''Initially you take her to court, once the Kingswood Brotherhood is dealt with Cersei will ensure what happens to Jaime succeeds. When war breaks out, I'll have the Grey Men ferret him out of the city. As for Cersei? After your initial attempt has failed, take her to Court. I'll complain that you denied my request for Jaime to take my place at court so as to have at least one of us keeping her company at court and how only King Aerys could countermand your directive, but that the only way it would be feasible would be if Jaime joined the Kingsguard and how you'd never dare to complain or object openly. Once Jaime joins the Kingsguard you will plead illness and resign. At which point, our true plan's for Cersei begin. We have a couple of options for my sister. Riverlands, Vale, or Stormlands. I personally recommend the Vale or Riverlands, particularly the Vale. Elbert Arryn will succeed Jon Arryn eventually, and tying Cersei to Elbert means that barring the Iron Islands the Entire top half of Westeros together with the Stormlands will unite against House Targaryen with few exceptions.'' Says Lucion, and Tywin is admittedly impressed by the idea.
It's worth considering since Elbert Arryn is only a year older than Cersei and Jaime and thus two years younger than Lucion. If Jon Arryn's heir marries Cersei if this for now purely theoretical Rebellion were to happen, it would mean that House Arryn is bonded to Lannister by more than purely just virtue of friendship to Houses Stark and Baratheon and through the connection of House Stark to House Lannister.
Moreover it would increase the pressure on House Tully who would be attacked on three sides if they sided with House Targaryen. And it also meant that together with the Stormlands, they had an immeasurable strategic advantage in sheer numbers against the rest of Westeros.
''You've given me much to think about, and for that I'll allow you to marry Lyanna Stark for however Long it lasts. I'll also be indulging your desire to temporarily study at the Citadel. You have two years there before I'll recall you so that you can study under a Member of the Kingsguard as their Squire. I'll let you decide who when you return from the Citadel.'' Says Tywin, chiefly because it will likely take him two years to wrap his head around this completely.
''Thank you Father, on a side note, we should try and and keep Jaime busy, let him spend just enough time around Elia to be suitable, but keep them apart with logical reasons. Starting with fostering him at Crakehall as you planned.'' Lucion says, and Tywin will admit he believes Lucion a little bit more now because that hadn't been set in stone, it had been a single discussion with Joanna the night before.
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(POV Shift: Rhaegar Targaryen)
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Rhaegar had been alive for fourteen years, and he was growing concerned by his father's increasingly unsettling behaviour. So for that reason, Rhaegar had begun to form a group of friends. Jon Connington, Joffrey Lonmouth, and Ser Barristan and Ser Arthur were his first members. He'd let this group of friends stay unchanged for the next few years before he made another attempt to recruit someone.
He would need the support and friendship of at least two Great Houses, and befriending the Heir to Casterly Rock would be a good first step. It was inevitable that Lord Tywin would bring his eldest son to Court.
Rhaegar simply had to wait.
His only concern was that it would be too late to save his father and the Seven Kingdoms by that point. But Rhaegar would do his best to save his father, his House, and his Kingdom. He wasn't afraid of what he had to do, just the repercussions on his family and the people of his Kingdom.
Nevertheless, he'd do it, if only to ensure Aegon the Conqueror's Nightmare never came to fruition and that he died knowing he did everything within his power to ensure the prophecy never came to fruition.
Someone had to do it…might as well be him.
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(POV Shift: Lucion Lannister)
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It had been a week since the Martell's had been at Casterly Rock, and since then a pact had been made. Lucion had spend no small amount of time teasing Jaime with Prince Oberyn, but he'd also privately told Jaime he was happy for him and compared the honour of marrying the Princess of Dorne to serving in the Kingsguard, with the jest that Tyrion should take the place of a Knight and Second Son and have that distinct honor.It made Lucion sick to his stomach, as much because it was a little cruel to Tyrion because of his Dwarfism but because he was already manipulating his brother.
At any rate, there was a feast being held presently, and Lucion was seated at the high table beside his father.
This was but a first major step.
Time for the next one…
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Author's Note:
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So a lot of shit happened in this and I obviously need to address it. Firstly, I hate having to make Lucion transfer certain memories to Tywin, but I didn't know how else to seal the pact between Elia and Jaime. Plus it also makes the future game more interesting don't you all think? On a side note, We had Rhaegar join the story for the first time I think.
Another thing I'll address is the update future of this story, For this account it's by far my biggest draw. On Webnovel along I have at minimum Four Hundred and Thirty Thousand Views. But this plus the last chapter were seriously starting to become a Chore. For that reason I'm considering making two chapters once a month for this story. But that's by no means set in stone, just being realistic based on how it made me feel pushing these two out.
A Final note is that there is a Poll on m P-atreon open to paid and free subscribers that will determine who Lucion selects as their desired Kingsuard member to Squire Under. To my Patrons, please message me the votes you placed so as for me to assign it the appropriate modifier at final count. If you don't message me It gets counted at one vote. For my Tier 1 one voters which means the Donation Tier 1 and Friend Tiers, your votes count as two. For Donation Tier 2 and Honoured Friends your votes count as Three, and for the rare few who choose Tier 3 and select the Best Friend Tier Your Votes will count as a whopping Five times multiplier per vote.
I should point out that if you drop down to a lower Tier then your multipliers DO NOT Stack up upon each other, and if you do so you will automatically take the lower multiplier if you have not contacted me beforehand to register where you've voted. Additionally if you upgrade before or after registering that previous multiplier, whatever multiplier you had would automatically be replaced by the higher one, but only so long as you remain within that higher tier. If you cancel it that's one thing, but if you cancel it and re up at a lower tier before the poll has ended I will default it to that tier's associated multiplier unless you inform me beforehand either through P-atreon or Discord.
And on that note…I bid you adieu
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Thanks to Cody, Lewis Wilson, Luci alarra, Kunta, Jacob Hixson, Mitchell Howard, David Martinez Availon90, Ken Harris, Beastmode2003, and Axlii for their support on P-atreon.
The next Chapter will soon be available on my relaunched and rebuilt P-atreon, to access simply search the following link, but without the dash between the P and A, Two tiers with the same benefits but different contexts, and a third tier with a special and limited time token attached. The chapters on P-atreon will be published here and others when the chapters following them are done and dusted and ready to publish over here on this site:
p-atreon.com/TheRagFromTheCragCorner22