138- Politics above all.

~~~Third Person, Tenth Moon, 277 AC~~~

~~~Casterly Rock, Westerland~~~

Amid a world where there wasn't some glimmer of events that stirred people's passion constantly, whether it was some Olympics, Malls, the Internet, or even television; tournaments, feasts, banquets, and hunts you have grabbed all the attention, both great and small, lords and little people alike.

And Tywin Lannister had offered that, and not just for a week or two, but for two full bloody moons, it would no doubt go down in history as the most extensive tournament and feast in Westeros, something Tywin would no doubt be proud of, because for someone who didn't lack gold, carrying the baton of good feasts and tournaments, something even the crown lacked, would make his pride soar even higher.

Two moons later, the celebrations were over, and the streets of Lannisport, which had once been crowded with merchants, guards, travelers, wandering knights, and with luck, the occasional Xandarian with his trademark braids with bells. Now they were desolate, with only the flow of people and merchants that had been customary to see before the wedding celebration.

Many of the visiting lords had departed over the past two days, the first being the party of Doran Martell and his family, followed by the Lord of Storm's End, with them followed by lesser lords, such as the Hightowers, the Royces, and the Blackwoods.

Once the wedding took place, exactly five days ago, Azrael and Valka began to spend more time in the Dothraki camp, because Azrael and his advisors who had traveled with him had to prepare everything for the Horde's return journey to Xandar, while Azrael prepared a mock-up plans of how Moat Cailin would be repaired and the construction of the Canal, things he wanted to do before leaving Westeros, or at least the renovation of Moat Cailin.

While this was going on, Tywin occupied his time enjoying himself with Janna as much as he could (besides Tyrion). Because he would have to return to King's Landing for his duties as Hand of the King, he tried to appreciate as much time with Janna and Tyrion as possible. As for Jaime and Cersei, it wouldn't make much difference, since he would take Cersei to the capital with him. And Jaime would be adopted.

Today was another one of those days when Tywin occupied for himself, and the view on one of the great balconies of the Rock was evidence of that, on the balcony capable of holding at least five elephants without worry, the ruling family of Westerland was enjoying themselves, and for the first time in many years, it was complete.

The table was not rectangular, though it was evident who had more power than the other just by looking at the size of each other's corresponding seats. Tywin has by far the most comfortable, largest, and widest backed chair, followed by Janna's, then Kevan, Tygett, Gerion, and Genna, and lastly; Cersei and Jaime.

As for Tyrion, he was sitting on Janna's lap, while the lady of Casterly Rock fed fruit directly into his mouth, this was something new, since Tywin was never pleased to share with his family, let alone Tyrion. Preferring to eat alone.

But now, Tywin seemed more... Human, more father than Hand of the King, more brother than Lord, it was a somewhat surprising change for all, but a welcome one, for they had no doubt forgotten when they had last seen such a thing.

"Cersei will travel with me to the capital, she's not going since... Jaime is growing up, it's time he made a name for himself, he will be taken in by Lord Sumner Crakehall as his squire and raised there for at least four years, as for Tyrion, he will have to stay with Janna, he is too young for such long journeys or to be taken in by any lord, and he is interested in books from what I can see, no doubt his new... The status will bring blessings to his training."

Cersei and Jaime looked at each other on the spot, faces stunned and defeated by the news, the idea of parting from their other 'half' presented a bad omen for their 'union', something they had had since the womb they shared. Tywin's siblings, on the other hand, agreed with the idea, Cersei was already betrothed, so their departure to King's Landing would be more to accompany their father than to seek suitors.

As for Jaime, he was already at the age to be a squire, with eleven onomastics, he was ready to learn from a Knight and set out on his way with the sword.

While everyone was happy, or to a lesser amount; satisfied, Janna was ecstatic, not because of her husband's departure to the other side of the realm, but because his departure would give her complete control over the Rock, something she more than anything aspired to, as a woman who loved control, to be running a fortress-like Casterly Rock was ecstatic for her.

At that moment, an uninvited guest arrived on the balcony, which caused Tywin to wipe his serene expression from his face, to opt for a stoic and cold state, "My Lord Hand, sorry for the inconvenience and interruption, but you must know something important."

Lord Varys had arrived on the scene, wearing a gray robe with long sleeves where he hid his hands, with a powdered face and a pleasant smell of lavender, however, the man's visit only made Tywin irritated. But since duty came before many things, he reluctantly rose from his seat and began to walk with Varys until they reached a secluded section in a hallway overlooking the Dothraki camp.

"What is the important thing you have to share, Lord Varys?", Tywin asked, eager to get back to his family, but apparently, the gods had other plans, "alarming news from three parts of the realm, my lord," Varys remarked, not leaving his calm tone.

"And?" Tywin said somewhat irritated, not having time to beat around the bush.

"The Iron Islands rise once more, they have a massive fleet ready, and knowing their ancient usages, I don't think it's for trade and fishing," Varys dropped the bombshell, and Tywin's somewhat calm demeanor was lost, replaced by a calculating and cold countenance.

"Victarion Greyjoy and his brother Aeron have each mobilized their fleets around Pyke and Harlaw, and I must warn that, if my estimates prove correct, then Lannisport will be an assertive target, specifically; the fleet stationed at Lannisport."

This caused Tywin's frown to deepen even further, as he clenched his jaw. "Does Aerys know about this?" Tywin asked, his mind working on plans that could bring the 'possible' Greyjoy rebellion to an end long before it began.

"Not yet. I was hoping to tell you first and then meet at King's Landing," Varys said modestly. Pulling his arms out of the sleeves of his tunic, he held out a sealed letter to Tywin: "This came from the Reach, signed by Lord Mace Tyrell himself."

A grimace was the only response Tywin gave, taking the letter and breaking the seal, then reading its contents.

"Hahahahaha, is this real?" Tywin asked confused and mocking, but seeing Varys not reacting, he sighed, "The fool is stupider than I first thought if he decides to continue with this circus, Aerys is stable now, but it only takes a spark for it to explode, Aerys already brings bad history with the Tyrells, and if Mace goes through with this, then he can prepare for the annihilation of his house."

"My little birds claim that Lady Olenna is being held in her chambers, has no access to her children, and, is watched daily, so bringing Mace to his senses with the help of the Queen of Thorns will not bring promising success." Varys continued his report, "Another matter of interest besides the Reach's refusal to sell grain, is Duskendale."

This intrigued Tywin, since as far as he understood, nothing relevant was happening in the Crown Lands, "Lord Denys Darklyn has refused to pay taxes for the last two moons, not only that, but he is asking for a new charter for the city, equal or better than the one given to Dorne a century ago, Lord Denys mentions that it is to improve some rights of his citizens under trade and that until the king gives him that, he will not pay taxes again."

"I will meet with Aerys immediately, this issue must be dealt with as soon as possible, with the Reach refusing to sell grain, we cannot face any more rebellion in the realm, thank you, Lord Varys," Tywin assured Varys, willing to act quickly before things escalated to unnecessary trouble, such looking like he would have to return to King's Landing sooner rather than later.