- 281 AC -
- Storm's End -
(3rd Person POV)
On the clean and beautiful streets of Storm's End's town, a tall man walks down the streets. He is not in a hurry, but his steps are controlled and focused. Like a predator, he moves through the large town without trouble as everyone he comes across makes way for him.
The reason for this is the powerful aura of the man. He was dressed in a black tuxedo. His jacket had silk peak lapels, matching trousers, a white wing-collared dinner shirt, and a black bow tie. He wears a matching black waistcoat with a horseshoe neckline. He didn't look like someone from the current time in Westeros. He rather looked like a gentleman from the future time or ... a gangster.
It was a strange sight. The man was simply taking a walk but the other people walking on the side, no matter if they are male or female, or how old they are, all of them suddenly freeze for an instant. The man was just taking a walk.
To put a good example would be to paint a picture of the savannah. A young impala is getting around alone in the savannah and all of a sudden ... the unfortunate impala comes across a young cheetah. The fastest of the fast creature on land who can dash up to 70 miles per hour at his top speed, within only four seconds.
What would anyone do in that situation? The only option would be to escape as it is the speciality of the impala and move in a zig-zag pattern. However ... the little impala doesn't run. The misfortune that fell on him, this desperate situation makes his boy cringe in fear and he can't even make a single step. But the cheetah is not interested in hunting him and when eventually he's out of range ... he finally starts running away.
What was happening here in the crowd of Storm's End was exactly the same phenomenon. Something extraordinary that this man possesses, that's in a different league from ordinary people. His fighting skills? His spiritual power? His physical strength? His presence? Or all of the above? He made a complete stranger cringe in fear. A man who had just walked passed them had just seen him for the first time, who might or might not have heard of his name ... or knowing the amazing stories about him. The 60 trillion cells of every person in the crowd reacted before they could realise and moved to the side.
Most of course knew this man, Robert Baratheon. The mighty stag of Storm's End and the Stormlands.
.
Robert moved through the crowd at a moderate pace. He was not in a hurry but neither did he want to waste time. Stannis had already set off to Harrenhal where he would wait for Robert. Robert had something to do still before he could leave Storm's End. Their parents, Steffon and Cassana would not follow them to Harrenhal. The shame King Aerys brought them was still lingering in the back of their minds. A lot has happened since that day and even if almost everyone had no idea, House Baratheon was most likely the most powerful one in all of Westeros.
Robert had changed over the years. The moment when his parents were shamed in front of the entire court and his almost-betrothed Elia Martell was taken, he had dropped the 'child act' and began playing the game for real. What that meant ... we shall see, but the list he had of the people who crossed him and House Baratheon was being taken care of ... slowly.
He finally reached the building he wanted to and entered. It was an unassuming building with a nice restaurant inside. Without saying anything, Robert moved to the back and then descended into the cellar. He walked through the door and then reached a dark room. Three people were waiting for him there, Thomas and Arthur Shelby and a man who was seated on a single chair, bound and with a piece of cloth in his mouth.
"Thommy, Arthur.", Robert greeted the two men.
"Robert. We found him like you said, about to send a raven to King's Landing. Seems like you were right about his 'loyalties' being fickle. So far so good, the Spider has swallowed everything you wanted.", Thomas told Robert who nodded his head.
"Good. Now, Rodrick ... it seems we have much to discuss.", Robert says and slowly takes off his coat.
"Please please please *sob sob* ... I swear I had to do it, Robert I-"
*Smack*
"Shut yer mouth you bloody cunt.", Arthur says after smacking Rodrick across the face.
*Sob Sob Sob*
"You know, Rodrick, I know this might appear as unfair since I not only allowed you to spy on me, but I also manipulated you into doing it. But I never forced you to do anything. it was your choice and greed that dictated your actions and now ... you pay the price. I would have just killed you after you served our purpose, but sadly, you still know things that might be useful to us.", Robert says after he has prepared for the torture session.
He takes the second chair and pulls it closer. He then moves to the table next to them holding a series of tools that are intended for torture and takes something akin to a screwdriver.
Rodrick is sobbing and crying in the background but none of the men care. They have long learned that you don't cross Robert Baratheon, or you pay the price.
"You know when I started this ... all of this. Storm's End, the Peaky Blinders, I believed in something. I believed in a great rise to power and influence. I never really believed in loyalty. At least not the one outside of my family. But here we are, and I'm left wondering if it ever mattered. If you ever cared about anything other than yourself."
Robert takes a step closer and looks Rodrick in the eyes.
"Did you have a choice? Do any of us have choices? You chose greed over loyalty, selfishness over brotherhood. Short-term rewards over the long-term ones. And for what? A few more coins in your pocket? A bit more power?
Truth is, I thought it mattered. I thought that loyalty mattered. But does it? Bullocks! Not as much as your greed mattered. The irony of it all is that we aren't here at this moment, at this time, because we are free. You're here because you're not free."
Robert sits down in front of Rodrick.
"Now ... why don't you tell me what you know, Rodrick?"
"..."
.
.
- A few hours later -
Robert was outside the building with Thomas, while Arthur took care of the body.
"So anything new?"
"No. He didn't know anything and what he did know, was false information. The Spider made sure to hide his tracks well, but not well enough to not be noticed by us."
"Then why torture him?"
"It's a matter of principle. Besides, he might have known something. I wanted to know what he thought he knew."
"Then is it happening soon?", Thomas asks Robert.
Thomas knew about some of Robert's plans. He was the most important leader of the Peaky Blinders, after Robert and Stannis. But Stannis didn't really bother with the Blinders that much. He had administrative things to do. Thomas was responsible for the Blinders in all of Westeros' cities.
"Most likely. From what I can tell, the tourney will be a big step in setting everything up. The fuse is already lit. One small spark and everything explodes into thousands of pieces."
"And you will make sure it does?"
"Aye, I will make sure it does. I swore it the day, Father returned from King's Landing. I would take everything from them and slowly bleed them out until they had nothing left except their lives. And then ... I will take that as well."
"Is that hate talking?"
"Fury, my friend. That is fury. No one can take anything from me or touch my family. Should that happen, he shouldn't be surprised if my full anger hits him with the force of a Warhammer. I chose the slow approach this time. It is just more satisfying this way. The time is now, we are more than prepared for what is likely to come."
"I'll take your word for it, Robert. So when are you leaving?", Thomas asks.
"Now. I am already late. I better get things going, otherwise, it will be hard to register for the melee, which I will win of course.", Robert says with a smile.
"Of course. I've seen what you did to the boulder and that was only you using your fists. I dread what you can do with a weapon. Nevertheless, I wish you luck my friend."
"Thank you."
.
Robert had left everything in the capable hands of Mary. Storm's End has transformed from a rather backwards, run-down big village, to a beautiful city beyond compare in Westeros.
[Picture]
The walls were up to five times thicker and sturdier than before, offering protection against all kinds of attacks and sieges. The houses and buildings in general looked much more beautiful than before. All of them had a similar theme to them. A lot of money flowed into the construction of roads, the expansion and improvement of the docks, the creation of bigger and faster ships, the establishment of trade routes with Essos and even the creation of many fields where food was planted.
Robert had thought about the future and what he was certain would happen. After the humiliation of the King, Robert planned far into the future and knew that it was not only a good idea but a necessity to plant food and hold animals in case of a siege. Robert told Stannis that day, that it was time for a regime change and he meant that like he said it. A regime change would come and he had made sure of it.
He played the Game of Thrones on multiple fronts and was crushing the opposition devastatingly.
One of the things he did at first, was taking care of all the children and homeless in and around Storm's End. He knew that every child could be a spy for Varys in the future, so it had to be done. He took care of them and created orphanages and schools to teach them and make them functioning members of society in Storm's End. He was a manipulative bastard, but not a complete asshole, so he didn't create doctrines or something like that.
He taught them in earnest and allowed them to choose their futures on their own.
Funnily enough, not one of the children left Storm's End after growing up and finishing their education. Some of them, the girls among them would either become seamstresses or work in the restaurants or hotels, which were introduced. The men would either go and become sailors, merchants, construction workers, architects or even join the Peaky Blinders. There were also quite a few women who joined the Peaky Blinders or other jobs, but to introduce change would take time. So while Robert was a supporter of gender equality, he didn't bother pushing things. If it happened, it happened.
Due to this education system and the fact that the children decided to work in Storm's End, the city prospered. The economy of House Baratheon and Storm's End, changed from good, to inconceivable in a matter of years. And it will only continue this way. Not all of the children were working or finished with school. Some were very young when Robert started his work. But most of them were finished already.
All of the foreign kids, Varys forced to work for him, were actually loyal to him already and he only allowed things to appear the way they did. If he 'found' all the spies in his ranks, it would be suspicious and that wasn't something he wanted right now. Soon, a few things would come to light, but only when he decided it was time to do so.
.
Right now, Robert was riding towards Harrenhal, ready for what the future would bring. He had prepared the armour he created over the years. The Battleaxe and the Warhammer were hanging over his shoulder.
[Picture]
It was time to bash some heads in. And Robert was eager to teach some humility to the arrogant pieces of shit.
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Entendi
Capítulo 37: Tourney at Harrenhal III
2- 281 AC -
(Elia Martell POV)
I look out of the window from my room in the Red Keep. For over 3 years now, I have known this view and the smell it brings with it and I hate it. There is a deep-rooted sadness that has been my companion ever since my happiness was ripped away from me and my life as I knew and loved it ended. Not only was Mother killed to grant me the happiness I wanted, but the ones I loved were taken from me as well. My brother Oberyn, Doran and Robert.
The deep sadness I felt made way for joy when I realised what was going on. I was given a present, from the one I loved most. To think that I, Elia Martell, Princess of Dorne would ever fall in love like this, is inconceivable. When I found out about the present, Robert left me with, for a short moment I found my happiness again, only for it to be replaced with fear and worry for my babe.
It was in grave danger, should it ever be revealed. I didn't care about my life, as it ended the day I was imprisoned in this shithole. I asked Doran to arrange for the marriage to take place sooner than planned. I took all chance of doing something about the marriage away from Robert. His letters showed his hurt and it broke my heart, but no one could know.
1"Ma Ma look, Aegon can fly."
I look around and see Rhaenys running around holding Aegon in her arms. She is already so strong at close to 4 name days. She has a remarkable inheritance and will surely grow to be amazing. I can finally imagine what Robert was like when he was a child. Poor Steffon and Cassana had to have their hands full, just like I do.
1There is not one moment where Rhaenys sits still. She is always doing something and running around. Her mind is as bright as her father's and I'm sure she understands more than she lets on. So many times, she was able to lift my spirit when I was depressed, just like right now.
"That is impressive, dear. But would you be so kind as to let Aegon down? He seems to be sick.", I smile at my precious.
"Aye.", she says unknowingly.
Her speech pattern has begun to change slightly and I spent quite some time teaching her how to speak properly when someone can hear it.
"Oh, Ma I found another one. Look!", Rhaenys says and shows me a small parcel, about as big as two hands.
This has been happening for years now. Every once in a while, Rhaenys would find a hidden parcel and inside there were small presents hidden, which would please a child. Rhaenys loves to look for them and is always very happy when she finds them.
"Did you find another one?", another voice is heard suddenly.
Both Rhaenys and I look towards the door, where the beautiful Cersei Lannister has just entered.
She was growing into a breathtaking beauty and she was not even 16 name days old. She had begun to develop in the right places, giving her a curved figure that the men were already salivating about.
[Picture]
26I might have influenced her a bit, seeing all of that skin she was showing. If her father knew, he would explode, no doubt. But in these dark times, she was the most unlikely friend I could have hoped for.
That's right, a Lannister and a Martell became friends. Our bond only grew stronger over our 'relationship' with Robert. I understood that she was infatuated with him for a while now. But she didn't realise it fully. I am happy for her. She deserves Robert.
She is not how I imagined the daughter of Tywin Lannister would be. She was much more mature than her age indicated. She was smart, but not as sly as she thought she was. I taught her a few things and told her about the time I spent with Robert. I was amused when she told me, what sort of women, Robert liked.
Her intentions were clear, but I was happy for her. Happy that she would have the chance to marry him, as soon as her Father opened his eyes. We developed a deep friendship and I started to tell her some of my secrets until even my most hidden secret was revealed.
Cersei found out that Rhaenys wasn't Rhaegar's daughter. And she was very quick to figure out whose daughter she was. When I asked her how she figured it out, she said that it was Rhaenys' behaviour and the way she smiled and had a deep look in her eyes, that reminded her of Robert. I was petrified, but she assured me that she wouldn't tell a soul. She would rather die than see something happen to Rhaenys.
"Aunt, Cersei!!", Rhaenys shouts and runs towards her, hugging her legs.
"Are you excited?", Cersei asks.
I am pulled out of my thoughts as Cersei takes Rhaenys into her arms. She has known about the little presents for a while now and is always just as interested to see what is inside as Rhaenys.
"Yes. What do you think it will be this time?", Rhaenys asks.
"Well, why don't you find out?", Cersei says and pats her back.
"Aye! Come Aegon, let's go.", Rhaenys says and takes Aegon with her, leaving us alone.
.
"How are you feeling, Elia? Excited to see him again after these years?", Cersei asks me after we are alone in the room.
„Very. It has been far too long already. I miss him dearly."
"You are a smart woman, Elia. You will find a solution, I'm sure. You already did for the most unpleasant things.", Cersei says and smiles mysteriously.
"What are you talking about?", I feign ignorance.
„Come now, Elia. We both know that you also find some of those presents every once in a while. Isn't that right?", she asks with a cat-like smile.
„You truly are a lion. How do you know about that, anyway?"
"You are my friend. I know about that great anger and hate that has started to make you bitter. And I know the smell of those flowers … what are they called again, the ones that makes you see things that aren't true? … Hmm, I don't remember … hallucino-„
1"Alright alright. Stop it. You know what would happen if it came out. I would be burnt alive and so would Rhaenys."
"What about Aegon?"
"What about him?"
"You truly changed, Elia. I remember a time when a random child, even if it wasn't yours, would have gotten your sympathy. But now you have grown cold, like my father."
"Tywin Lannister understands the dangers the game brings with it. I would have cut my throat if Rhaegar had ever touched me. There is only one and all the others will never get that."
4"I understand, Elia. I understand perfectly. Picking a random infant from the streets was a smart move on your part. I do wonder how you got the Grand Maester Pycelle to agree to this. He had to have known all the time. What about those tests and the babe-belly?"
7"He did know. But being threatened with death and torture is enough to silence him. Then there was the massive amounts of blackmail. He will never say anything.", I tell her.
7…
"What's wrong, Cersei?", I see her being in thought for a while and ask her.
"I just thought … I never told anyone about this ... I ... when I was 10 name days old ... my father hosted a grand tourney to honour the birth of Prince Viserys Targaryen and to welcome King Aerys II Targaryen to the Westerlands. I was excited because it was said the Crown Prince, your husband Rhaegar would attend. When I saw Rhaegar Targaryen for the first time, I thought he was the most beautiful man I had ever seen.
Interestingly enough, I still think that today. But unlike back then, I now know that beauty in a man is not the best thing to have. There is something more important and also more stimulating than beauty. Now, I think that women should be beautiful and not men. It gives men a weak feeling.
I understand now, that I had the best option in front of me the entire time, but instead of seeing it that way, I was sad when I wasn't betrothed to Rhaegar. I still remember the shame I felt of being called the daughter of a servant, when aunt Genna told me about it. I actually cried. Haha …"
"What happened then?"
"Well, before I could embarrass myself, Mother told me to go and find Robert and show him around Lannisport. Father was holding a tourney in honour of Prince Viserys' birth, and he asked the King on the last day before the celebratory feast."
"Your mother is a wise woman. I would like to meet her one day."
"On the same day, I had visited a witch and asked about my future, hoping she would tell me I would be Queen and that the King would love me and we would have children.", Cersei sighs.
„And what did she tell you?"
"She told me some terrible things. On one hand, I would be Queen, but on the other hand, I would suffer greatly."
2"What? Do you remember the words she said?", I ask her. Now I am interested.
"'Will I be happy in my marriage?', I asked her.
'Start it will with joy and laughter, the pained tears and screams come after, continuing this cycle until, eventually adapt you will. Tenderness and care as well as pleasure, violence and death in equal measure.'
2That's what she said to me."
"Truly? How ... interesting ... ... ha ... haha ... hahahahahahahahahaha ...", I start to laugh.
I can't stop laughing after I realise what the words could mean.
2"Why are you laughing? This is no joking matter.", Cersei looks angry.
"Oh, Cersei. Unlike you, I have had this experience already. But I'm sure you will soon realise the truth of the words yourself. I am happy for you."
"...What are you talking about? I don't understand anything."
"Don't worry about it. In the future, you will understand and let me tell you, it is nothing to be afraid of. I think the witch might have been on to something."
1"I don't think so. After that, I asked her about my husband and after looking into the sky for a while, she started to scream in pain and blood started to flow out of her eyes and mouth. It was a gruesome scene."
2"Truly? That is indeed surprising. So what happened after that?"
"After that, I ran out of the tent as fast as possible. I was really scared. But after that, as if it was destiny, I ran into Robert."
"Really? That does indeed seem like destiny. How interesting. So he came to the tourney but was too late?"
"No, he arrived after being thrown out of Winterfell. He had a disagreement with Lord Rickard Stark apparently it was about Lyanna Stark whom he taught how to use a bow and arrow. Robert told Rickard that he couldn't understand the problem of letting a noble lady learn how to fight."
"Haha, that's so much like him. The smartest man in the room, but sometimes far too dense. Although he claims that he's not."
I sigh and think about the time he came to Sunspear and tricked me into getting on board his ship at night. I was so angry that he managed to do that to me and I embarrassed myself. But now I wish I could go back to that room and wait for him to come and get me.
"I would also like to go to Harrenhal. Too bad that I can't.", Cersei sighs.
„And Tywin didn't relent when you asked him?"
"No, he doesn't concern himself with the opinions of sheep, he said. I fear it will be a long time until I get to see Robert again. Make sure to tell me everything when you get back."
1"I will, Cersei. I promise."
___________________________________________________
For all those who called him a cuck. Elia's arc and her future were already set in stone when I decided who would be the FML. It was never going to be Elia. You would have just had to wait for a few chapters and then things would have been known.
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