(Author's Note:)
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Small time-skip in this chapter, just forewarning you.
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(Lord Osric Stark, Heir to Winterfell POV)
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The order for the King was complete.
Eight Swords, one for the King, and seven for the Kingsguard. He inscribed a special something on the blade for Barristan. The blade would find it's way back to Barristan one way or another. The rest of the Blades would become useless when Stark blood was shed in their presence. The Swords were linked by a binding spell, so if one became useless, they all would.
All except for Ser Barristans. Even if Barristan returned it, it would still find its way back to Barristan. Such was the power of the inscriptions and the elements used to bind them. As one, the blades given to Westerlands Houses would shatter as well for that matter.
His gift for House Tyrell was also finished. A Sword for the Lord, the Heir, Ser Garlan, and Ser Loras. Twin Stiletto's in the style of Myr for the Lady Margaery. He and Ser Garlan had decided that they'd ride out for Highgarden ahead of the royal party. Osric would take Balerion with him, and aside from Garlan, he'd also be accompanied by Waymar, Torrhen, Smalljon, Harry, Dacey, and Larence. A small contingent of Stark Guards would also follow them.
He wasn't just bringing Dacey to continue to foster relations between her and Waymar, he was doing it for Lady Olenna. If her reaction to Brienne was any indication, the She-Bear's daughter would find herself a fast favorite of Lady Olenna.
''You ladies ready? I want to ride.'' Smalljon called out as Osric left the Forge. He handed two of the Swords to Garlan.
''Dark thorn and Steel Thorn.'' He told him, before placing the other two on Balerions saddle. The saddle wasn't perfect, but it was best that could be done on short notice. ''Do you final checks girls, I'm going to say goodbye to Bran one last time.'' He told everybody.
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(POV Shift: Lady Catelyn Stark, Lady of Winterfell)
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''Mother?'' She felt some warmth as Osric placed his hand on her shoulder.
''Osric, you're leaving?'' It was a silly question.
''Momentarily, but I wanted to say goodbye to Bran before I did, and to give you something.'' He placed a dagger into her hand, a stiletto really.
''Why are you giving this to me?'' She asked him.
''I don't think he fell. I think he was pushed. Hopefully I'm overthinking things, but on the off chance I'm not… then whatever Brandon saw might be enough to try and silence him more permanently since falling clearly didn't kill him. I know you, you'll not leave his side. Do not tell anyone about the knife. Keep it in you sleave at all times. It will save you and Bran if I'm right. Let us hope I'm not.'' She did not want to even think about the fact that Bran might have been pushed.
She watched as her eldest approached his brother and pulled him close.
She heard him whisper a prayer, before kissing Bran's forehead.
''Rest well little brother, Winter is Coming. Winter is coming, and we need every Stark we can get.'' He touched her shoulder as he passed, squeezing it reassuringly.
''My Lord, forgive me, I did not know you were present.'' She heard Luwin's voice.
''I'm just leaving. Robb is Lord Stark until I return. Make sure she eats, and has proper hydration. We all need our strength.'' She heard him tell Luwin, and she didn't have the heart or energy to snort at it. He wasn't as stoic as he liked to let people believe.
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(Time-Skip: 25 Days Later)
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(POV Shift: Lord Willas Tyrell, Heir to Highgarden)
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The sound of wood on cold, hard mable echoed as he walked as best he could to the Courtyard. He'd been alerted of riders coming towards Highgarden. Riders bearing the banners of Houses Tyrell, Royce, Karstark, Mormont, Bracken, Hornwood, and Stark.
Which meant that Garlan was returning and he wasn't coming back alone. Which unfortunately for Father's ambitions meant the King had betrothed his son to Lady Sansa, and it also meant that the rumours around the young Lord Stark were likely true. He'd informed grandmother and father that they were about to make themselves presentable to Garlan and the young Heir to Winterfell.
Time to see just how much stock they should put in rumours.
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Shock rippled through everyone present as men and women atop huge wolves followed after Garlan. Father didn't quite seem to know what to think, neither did he to be honest. Their scouts hadn't reported such a thing, no doubt they needed to have words with their scouts. Glancing at Margaery, he smiled lightly at the look in her eye as she took in the man who might very well soon be her husband.
''Father.'' Garlan bowed his head.
''Welcome home Garlan, it does my heart good to see you home safe.'' Father greeted before embracing Garlan, and Willas had no doubt that grandmother would give him hell for that.
''Allow me to present Lord Osric Stark, son and heir of Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, and his companions, Torrhen Karstark, Jon Umber, Waymar Royce, Larence Snow, Harry Rivers, and Lady Dacey Mormont.'' Garlan said as the man on the largest wolf disounted and grabbed two swords from his wolf.
''On behalf of my house I present to you these two blades, made of the same steel that shattered House Starks Valyrian Steel Sword in two. Hellebore and High Marshal. High Marshal is to be wielded by the Lord of House Tyrell from now until the end of days, Hellebore will be wielded by the heir.'' Lord Stark said, presenting blades to father and him both.
''It's light as a feath.'' He noted.
''That's a result of the special alloy I created. Hits like a dragon and weighs less than a feather. I also made swords for Ser Garlan and Ser Loras, consider it a bridal gift. I also bear a letter from my father, and King Robert. The King was quite specific, it is to be read in the presence of Lady Olenna.'' Ah, the King suspected Grandmother was behind Garlan's presence, or the offer.
''Follow me young lord, we'll take you to the great hall, and give you bread and salt, then we'll go see my mother.'' At least father didn't need to be reminded.
''Uncle, please have Lord Osric's companions settled, while we go see grandmother.'' Willas gave the order to Uncle Garth, knowing Father wouldn't.
''Of course, nephew, follow me, my lords.''
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(POV Shift: Lady Olenna Tyrell, Queen of Thorns)
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She pursed her lips as she mulled over Garlan's words, glanced at the four swords, and re-read the King and Lord Staark's letter. The letter was an offer of marriage between Lord Stark's son and heir and Margaery, which also bore the King's signature and personal seal. This was not something they could dismiss out of turn. Especially since said son and heir hand delivered the message himself.
Garlan had mentioned the King had struck an alliance between his house and the Starks.
Margaery would not be Queen.
But this presented an opportunity. Prince Joffrey would marry Lady Sansa. If Willas married well, then their next attempt carried greater chance of success. Provided Lord Osric could influence his younger sister to promote the match.
It's unfortunate, but it's not an unreasonable compromise.
What she found problematic was the King and Lord Stark making the offer. It was one thing to have Lord Eddard making it, but the King as well made refusing it impossible. Because to refuse would hurt their chances of a Tyrell Queen.
''What do you think, Willas?'' She asked her favorite grandson.
''It's a good match, with an old and respectable family. Maybe not the most wealthy, but the Starks are the oldest family in Westeros, and their name carries weight. Lord Osric is capable of making swords better than Valyrian Steel. That's something we cannot ignore. If Margaery marries him, it might pass down to their children, and that means we can potentially foster such a child and use them to make our own such blades. Additionally, this offer is made by Lord Stark with the King's Authority and signature. Accepting it improves our standing with the King, and it makes an ally of Lord Stark, giving us more leverage and allies at court.'' She smiled and nodded approvingly.
''So, do we accept it?'' Mace interrupted.
''I don't see how we can't father, if we don't, someone else will, someone maybe not so good for our interests. Someone on our southern border.'' Garlan spoke up, and she nodded. That was a concern. If Prince Doran made an offer for his princess to marry the boy, it was a serious problem, she had no desire to see the Martell's acquire more power, and steel better than Valyrian Steel was not something she wanted to see in Martell hands.
''Where is Margaery?'' She asked.
''Walking the gardens with Lord Osric.'' Willas spoke up. ''Whatever our decision, fostering a relationship couldn't hurt.'' She nodded approvingly.
''Excellent, have them brought here, I think it's time we give the boy his rose.'' She smirked at the sour look on Alerie's face at her jape.
Hightowers…
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(POV Shift: Lady Margaery Tyrell)
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It was admittedly disappointing not to have a chance to become Queen. But she wasn't going to not take advantage of making Willas's own children succeed. To that end, the bargain was struck. House Tyrell, for the first time in history, would marry into House Stark. Her husband-to-be was handsome enough, and he was kind to her, so far, she could make something of this.
''I wish to be married sooner rather than later. My house has a saying: there must always be a Stark in Winterfell. With my father going south, I must return soon. Ideally with a wife. My mother needs all the joy she can get right now.'' That was strange.
''Meaning what?'' Her curiosity got the better of her.
''My brother Brandon, he loves to climb. He's never fallen, ever. Until three days before we set out from Winterfell. We don't know if he'll wake up and honestly I'm hoping a wedding will cheer my mother up.'' That was a nice thing to know.
''No need to rush boy, you'll marry Margaery in good time.'' Grandmother spoke up.
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(Author's Note:)
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Special thanks to my old friend HK-47 Fanfiction, who gave me the ideas for two of the Sword names from his hospital bed in Barcelona. I'll see you when you return to NZ, you prick. Here's hoping you still have all your bits.
On a serious note, someone commented recently. I won't say who and what about, but the gist is I've been rushing. I'm going to attribute that to my concussion. So going forward, chapter by chapter, I'll consciously begin trying to slow things down. Anyways not a whole lot of other stuff to discuss. See you guys next chapter.
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