The Old Lion and the Stag

Harrenhal]

"Lord Petyr Baelish."

Tywin rose his head and stood to welcome the Master of Coin whom strolled in and gave a bow.

"My Lord. I bring good news and report from your sons." His eyebrow rose in curiosity at the mention of Loren and Tyrion, Baelish took a seat on his right.

"Girl, fetch Baelish some drink. So, where have you come from?" He asked the upstart who smiled widely and past him a letter with the Tyrell Rose on it.

"From the late King Renly's camp. His assassination caused a stir and I quickly made my leave swiftly. The Tyrell's send there greetings and apologies for betraying the crown." He scoffed at the apology which was written by Mace, fancy words for the greater patriarch of the family that was made during the War of Conquest. Renly's death has caused the Tyrells pause and is forcing them to reconsider their loyalties, but why should he allow such a thing and bring a traitors house to his grandson.

"The Tyrells turned their backs on my grandson for a chance to get blood on the Iron Throne. Tell me, why should I forgive their actions?" He asked the man in front of him who looked unsure of what to say, then the man's face became bright with a smile that could stretch far and wide.

"You need not forgive, nor forget. Have them pay after this war is over and Joffrey falls into their power, you only need to marry Margaery to Joffrey." The words finally came out, marriage? Yes, the Fool of Highgarden makes his ambitions to make his daughter a Queen known to few but those few took notice of it, him being one of them.

He sat there and contemplated on the matter. If he refuses then the Warden of the South will look for another to support, perhaps Robb? Or Stannis, Maybe even the last Targaryen's across the Narrow Sea. The upside to this is having 50,000 men added to the crowns own forces and the food stores that come with it, the might of the west and south is a powerful alliance and it's one he couldn't possibly afford to lose. He stood to his feet and looked into Petyr Baelish's eyes, responded to the offer.

"Very well, see it is done. What about Loren and Tyrion?" He changed the subject, thinking on his second and third born son. Its been several weeks since he had sent Loren with his half of the army to defend King's Landing since his other son had brought that whore to the city as well, he should make a point once more when he is finished here. Baelish took a deep breath before speaking.

"Last I heard was that Loren gathered the forces of the Crownlands, the city is now 10,000 strong, he also sent 2,000 to siege Dragonstone and take Stannis whilst he struck at Renly, though I don't know if he had succeeded in the attempt but your son is you at heart, he's a thinker. As for Tyrion, he had acquired the allegiance of Dorne with a marriage pact between Myrcella and Prince Trystane Martell, along with having hill tribesmen harry the lines of Stannis throughout the Kingswood, other accomplishments being another 500 men to the Watch that is made up of the homeless, thieves, and other miscreants." Baelish summarized and Tywin nodded at the end, he is both proud and disappointed by all of this, but that can wait to debrief with Loren.

[The Baratheon Fleet]

Stannis gritted his teeth as he read the letter received by none other than Tywin's youngest cub. He had played a cowards trick and attacked his home whilst he was gone and took his family and other supporters hostage, in the letter it said that his wife was beheaded and the remains await him to try at the gate of the Red Keep. The boy is confident and that confidence will be his downfall.

His advisers are mixed about what's to be done. Davos and others fear for Shireen's life like himself, though its mostly for House Baratheon's longevity, he and her are the last besides Roberts bastard children, he was going to make a command to put his daughter on the Iron Throne if he should fall in battle, no matter what the cost. He waited for some time before deciding on going the route he is, he is going to save his daughter and take his throne from the pretenders.

For that he brought the priestess with him, Davos advised against this but if the woman's power can save Shireen then so be it.

Two days. Two days it will be before attacking King's Landing with his forces, or what he has. In the night Lord Valeryon and Sunglass retreated back to their homes once getting wind that Dragonstone was taken from him, another thing he must correct once he takes what is his by steel and fury. The Young Lion thinks himself clever but that cleverness will get him killed.

"Soon my King. Soon you will be sitting on the Iron Throne." The woman said beside him and for a split moment, he was reminded of how he got here.

Renly. His little brother had named himself King and he couldn't stand the challenge. He sailed forth with his host to win or lose against the younger brother, but Melisandre had a plan and he consented the assassination of his brother through black magic. Soon Storm's End fell as well and he re-gathered the forces and set sail once more, whilst half went on land.

"Just make sure your god helps, otherwise I have been a fool to let you come." He snapped in a monotone voice. The woman merely smiled and went away.

He sighed and looked into the sea before him, seeing the sunset. He is ready.

[The Red Keep]

"No! I forbid it!"

Loren rubbed his face in annoyance as his sister demanded and ranted about a decision that he wasn't even apart of.

It was during the council meeting, Joffrey declared his intention to be in the battle against Stannis. He was surprised but agreed, the Kings attendance will help moral despite there being enough. Tyrion and Pycelle and Damon agreed, Varys kept silent and Cersei was tremendously against the decree but her son said that he was King, and a King can do what they want.

As apart from this as it may be, his sister automatically blamed him and Tyrion for the decision. In fact, the second son of Tywin would rather have the boy far from the battle lest his idiocy rises and messes the formations. As for himself, he doesn't care at all and will continue to plan the Mud Gates defense for the upcoming attack by Stannis.

He will be the first to admit his confidence is soaring. He was rather stupid in taunting Stannis to come at him, if he had threatened Shireen's life then the man might have backed off but it's too late for regrets, I guess I will have to deal with him Was the thought that ran through his head. He sighed and stood to his feet from the desk and momentarily stopped Cersei's ranting.

"I said I had no knowledge of Joffrey's intent, maybe he just wants to have a part in the battle." He tried to explain to his elder sibling who didn't look the least bit convinced by him.

"You want my son. My eldest boy, to go and die on the battlefield? Is that it?" He felt like he was talking to a brick wall as his sister tried to accuse him of trying to get the King is bad.

"What would I gain?, Tell me that. Tommen would then sit the Iron Throne and father would be his Hand, I would be put where my talents see fit. Joffrey will be fine, he will have the best armor and steel, and his Kingsguard will be there to protect him." He started and for a moment his sister seemed to be calm, but pride reared its ugly mug and she glared at him with fury.

"If anything happens to him, anything at all. You will be sorry, a Lannister Always Pays Her Debts." She left with their families unofficial motto ringing through the chamber, while he basked in the silence once again and returned to his work.

As he was finishing up some documents, his mind went to his new ward, Princess Shireen was not so quiet as he thought when her mother was disposed of. He has Wilhelm looking after her in the Tower of the Hand and had the girl socialize amongst the other prisoners, Sansa and others. Cersei had claimed authority over the girl but he shut that idea down right away and had the girl under his care. Right now she isn't all that valuable since Stannis is still coming but once he is defeated, she can be a powerful pawn for whoever will rule the Stormlands, in the name of the crown of course.

It was midday when he decided to stroll the gardens for a bit and to get away from a still angry elder sibling. Along with his walk, he came across a peculiar sight, Lady Sansa on her knees and before an old white stump. He stood and watched for some time as she prayed to her fathers gods, he never understood the Old Gods as he was brought under the Seven and not too soon his mother had died and father started preaching about none of them, he believes but doesn't quite like them anymore and he will be one to agree. The Old Gods and the New are shit.

Over the weeks he had been fixated slightly, maybe its the hair or her predicament. She is trapped in a position where she can not escape, having to play along and survive on her own. He can't say that he can compare besides the abandonment side of things, he was young when all but Tyrion left him with father and even Tyrion would take any chance to leave fathers glaring eyes, all whilst he was left to be taught the way of ruling a kingdom despite his fathers obvious obsession for Jaime to take over once he dies.

He was done watching so he left the girl to her loneliness. His next destination was to go and see what needs to be done, overall he is incredibly bored today.

[Harrenhal]

Arya watched Tywin Lannister ride out of the ancient and ruined gate with his generals. Her nervousness grew as soon after the rest of their men began leaving, she needs to leave with the others and leave right now.

And back with the Old Lion himself. He rallied his cavalry, close to 8,000 strong and would make a hard march to King's Landing to aid in the defense. Gregor will have the rest and hold the position in the Riverlands whilst he is gone. Lord Baelish left several hours before and to rally the Tyrell forces which were still at full marching formation, even now the man told him they are close to the capital. He will do what he can and defend King's Landing. He can only depend on Loren and Tyrion to hold off Stannis until he arrives.