4th Month of 287 A.C. Casterly Rock
Ser Jaime Lannister
He truly did not miss living in King's Landing or the Red Keep. Being away from the secrets and the treachery was good for him, he no longer felt as if he was contaminating himself in the base deceit that was second nature to so many people at court. Casterly Rock was a much purer environment filled with people who genuinely cared for one another and were more than willing to see the good of the people put before some vague concept. It was refreshing for Jaime and not having the confines of the Kingsguard vows had allowed him to truly feel as if he were living up to his knightly vows. Going around the Westerlands speaking with the smallfolk and then lords discussing their issues and their concerns and doing his part to rectify them had given him a sense of true purpose.
It helped he supposed that being back at the Rock meant that he was with his family. Tyrion was nearly a man grown and was a fountain of knowledge and wit, someone whom Jaime relied on somewhat to aid him in the more mundane matters of life at the Rock. His brother truly did have a head for numbers and politics. Ashara was also a great help for Jaime, he was his rock, someone whom he could share his deepest darkest fears and worries with and someone with whom he could share the joys of life with. She was his everything, he truly felt love with her, not the poison that he had felt with Cersei. Their son Arthur was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. With his dark brown hair and green eyes, he was like an treasure, and Jaime intended to make sure that his son never knew any of the worries or fears that he had as a child. Arthur would know just how loved he was from the very beginning.
That was why the news that his goodbrother and his former mentor had brought from the capital was so worrying. "The Lord Regent wishes for our son to come to King's Landing? But why?" Jaime asks.
Ser Arthur looks at him and then says. "He wishes for the King to know his future Lord Paramounts. To foster better relations between the crown and the different kingdoms. To prevent something like the rebellion happening again."
Jaime and Ashara share a look and then Jaime says. "I can understand that reasoning. But must our son go to King's Landing now? He is but a few moons old and I would rather he know his family first."
Ser Arthur nods. "The Lord Regent understands that. That is why he is merely asking that your son come to King's Landing when he is around eight namedays old. Thus giving you the perfect chance to spend some time with your son and for there to be a chance for the King to get to know the future Lord of the Rock as well."
Jaime looks at his wife and Ashara speaks then. "But is such a thing necessary? Our son will always be loyal to the throne. As will we, the Lord Regent and the King do not need to fear us causing any trouble."
There is genuine fear in his wife's voice and Jaime takes her hand trying to soothe her, whilst her brother responds. "It is not a case of your son being used as a tool against you Ashara. The Lord Regent merely wishes for his grandson the King to know some children his own age."
Ashara speaks once more. "And yet there are plenty of people that are of age with the king who are already at court. Loras Tyrell, Jasper Arryn and many more according to the letters you yourself have sent. Why does the Lord Regent wish for our son to go as well? What purpose could it serve?"
Jaime looks at Ser Arthur, and sees that the sword of the morning is growing impatient with Ashara's questioning. Still the man speaks in response. "As I said Ashara, the Lord Regent merely wishes for the king to have some company and your son will be future heir of the Rock. It does make sense for him to come to King's Landing to know his king. Not now but in the future."
Arthur looks at him imploringly and Jaime speaks up. "It does make sense Ashara my love. Our son would know the king and might become friends with him. That means there is less suspicion cast on us regardless on whatever my father does. It is a way to ensure we are safe. Furthermore, I was a squire at the age of eight. It will be good for our son."
His wife looks at him somewhat pleadingly as well. "But, eight is so young. And I still do not see the point in sending him then as the King already has companions."
Jaime looks at his goodbrother then and can see that there is something close to exasperation on his face. He quickly speaks up. "We still have time to think on the matter do we not Ser Arthur? The Lord Regent is not expecting an immediate response is he?"
Thankfully his goodbrother nods. "Yes you do Ser Jaime. The Lord Regent will only expect an answer by the end of the moon."
Jaime nods gratefully and then asks his goodbrother. "Now I believe you spoke of bringing us tidings from court and elsewhere as well. We would hear them." He squeezes his wife's hand then.
Ser Arthur takes up the thread of the conversation then and says. "Yes, there has been good tidings from King's Landing with regards to the war for the Stepstones. The islands have been brought under control of the throne. Tyrosh has joined an alliance with the throne to ensure better trading links and to control any possible aggression from Myr. Whilst Lys has become a protectorate under the protection of the throne as well. It seems the Lord Regent is looking to increase the Iron Throne's presence in Essos."
Ashara speaks then her voice somewhat calmer. "That is good. At least it means there is less risk of pirates plaguing the eastern coasts now. Though I do wonder where the Lord Regent's ambition shall go next."
Ser Arthur looks somewhat uncomfortable at the question and Jaime suspects the man knows something. Not wanting the silence that has come about to last longer Jaime asks a question he has been wanting to know the answer to. "How have Ser Mark, Ser Rolland and Ser Jon been doing as sworn brothers Ser Arthur?"
His former sworn brother looks at him with an expression bordering on amusement. "They have all done well. Ser Mark is a fine swordsman and a great knight. Whilst Ser Rolland and Ser Jon earned much acclaim for themselves fighting in the Stepstones and in Lys. They are all good swordsmen and deserving of the white cloak." A silence follows this and then Ser Arthur stretches and says. "Forgive me, but the journey was long and tiring and I fear I have not quite managed to recover from fatigue." He stands then and Jaime calls for Ser Belladhor to show his former mentor to his rooms.
Once his former mentor is out of the room Ashara turns to him and says. "You cannot be seriously considering sending our son to King's Landing? I had thought you were against such a thing?"
Jaime sighs and says softly. "I do not know anymore Ashara my love. On the one hand I do not want our son to grow up in the snake pit, but on the other I can see the benefits of having our son be friends with the king."
"And what if he is not friends with the king? Then he will be all alone and friendless in a place far from home. Would you want such a fate for our child" his wife asks.
Jaime runs a hand through his hair then and sighs. A knock on the door signals the arrival of his sister and her husband, whom had been pestering Jaime to meet with them over some matter or the other. He calls for them to enter, kisses his wife's hand and then asks his sister who looks beautiful as always and her cunt of a husband with his black hair and green eyes to sit down. "You asked to meet with myself and my wife. I would hear what you wish to speak of."
His sister speaks first leaning forward exposing the top of her dress. "We wish to speak of the matter of Castamere and Lannisport."
Jaime sighs. "Not this matter again. Cersei, for the last time, the Lord Regent made it clear that you and your husband are to live in Castamere. It has been redone and is perfectly liveable that you have stayed at the Rock since your son's birth is somewhat excusable. But now that you have been deemed fit to travel I suggest you leave as soon as possible."
His goodbrother speaks then his voice soft as silk. "But Ser Jaime, that then leaves Lannisport without a defender. And considering that the position has not been left vacant since the times of Lord Jason Lannister, surely that must be a concern."
Jaime sighs then and says. "Ser Gerion has been named to that position by myself with consent from Lord Tywin. There is no need for you to be overly concerned with the place. Your duty is to make Castamere a castle and a place to live again."
His sister speaks then her tone angry. "You are a fool if you believe uncle Gerion will hold Lannisport better than Tybolt could. Our uncle has not the patience for such things, he would rather go sailing than do anything worthwhile. If it were Uncle Kevan I could understand but Uncle Kevan died with the Ironborn and uncle Tygett is dealing with his issues at Feastfires. Tybolt is the only one suitable for the role."
Jaime is surprised by just how calm Ashara is being in all of this, usually she would be clawing at Cersei. But her thoughts seem to be elsewhere and Jaime merely says. "Orders are orders. You and Tybolt are to go to Castamere and Uncle Gerion will take command of the city. Perhaps he will do a better job than your own father did Tybolt."
The insult is unintentional but the man bristles all the same. "My father died doing what he was tasked with doing Jaime. Whilst you broke the only vow you ever swore that meant anything."
Jaime looks at the man anger showing through in his eyes and in his speech. "I have made other vows since then have upheld them all. Regardless Aerys was a mad man who would have turned us all to ash had I not done what I did. Now either speak of something else or leave."
A silence follows that and then his sister speaks. "We were wondering if you would consider sending Arthur to foster with us at Castamere. It would do well for him to know his cousin Joffrey, and to strengthen family ties."
Jaime is about to respond when Ashara speaks then her tone biting. "No, absolutely not. I will not allow my son away from his home so that you might corrupt his mind Cersei. Arthur remains here, and if anything your son should come here as is only proper."
Cersei's lip curls in disgust then. "Pathetic. It would do your son as heir to the Rock good to know his future bannermen. Especially as we shall be his most important one. Not giving him that opportunity would be a crime and something father would not approve of."
"Your father was many things but I do not think anyone would say some of his moves did you any good Cersei. Robert Baratheon being the prime example." His wife snaps back.
Cersei looks as if she has been slapped and in the midst of her sputtering Jaime looks at his goodbrother and says. "I think you should take my sister back to your chambers Lord Tybolt and remember what I said."
The man nods and helps Cersei stand but before they leave she looks at him and Ashara and snarls. "You shall know the true wrath of a lion before I am gone."