;; a hero of crag

where and when: in the personal chambers of theo westerling inside of the crag. he is hosting his cousins, the rowans, within the crag as they travel into the westerlands for the celebration of arthur lannister.

the arrival of the rowans into the crag was call for a celebration. his mother, miray rowan, was excited beyond compare to get to see her family again and to host them in her home. in the years since his father’s death it felt like it was so much lighter within the halls of the crag. or at least it felt that way to him. 

after celebratory evening spending dinner together, almost everyone had retired back to their respected chambers. but theo was thankful his cousin had agreed to meet with him afterwards. there was much that the two of them needed to discuss, things he wished to clear up or understand better and others he just needed advice for.

“i am glad you are here cousin. it’s been too long since you have gotten to visit us here. it’s all my sisters have been talking about for days and days getting to see everyone” he smiled. of course now tirius was here and there were certain changes that had happened. big changes in tirius’ life that theo was no so sure how to bring up. afte rall he wasn’t even sure if his cousin wished to speak about it at all, but then perhaps it was best they did. instead theo thought it might just be best to ask. at least his family knew he was never a man gifted with charisma and the ease that came with speaking. “i....um...how have you been tirius?” he finally asked, figuring getting straight to it was better than dancing around it all.

"Thank you for hosting us, the King allowed for a brief detour. I informed him the children would like to stay here and I thank you for allowing them to be here. I would prefer they spend their time here among our own verses in Casterly. No offense to your King or Queen, I just know Tahir is looking for a fight. Better to be among his own."

“i think it will be good for them to stay here. tahir can spend some time with his cousins and others his age. no need for him to be with the rest of the kingdoms just yet.” theo understood what it was like being a boy at that age, and he believed that staying in the crag with his cousin and the other children of the local lords would be beneficial. at least to be around others who understood him instead of those who might question him. best for tirius not to have to deal with so many fights.

theo had heard of the troubles in tirius’s marriage. he knew of the bickering and fights, but this seemed to be on a whole other level. he could remember the uproar amongst his aunt and his mother when tirius first married. they had all wished for tirius to change his mind, some trying to be happy for him, but others fearing the writing on the wall. she wasn’t accepted, and that was a hard place to begin a new life from.

“i never wish to disparage your marriage, cousin, you know this. i know there was a time when you both cared for one another, but this is for the best. for you and for the children,” theo said, looking over at tirius. he wished he had better words to say, a better way to express his thoughts. they had known each other for years; tirius would understand that his lack of words did not constitute a lack of care. “when does the high septon not make things difficult?” he grumbled, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of his drink. “no offense, given. i know the reach still follows his guidance, but i cannot for the life of me understand why. the man is a fool. corrupted and foolish.” he said. “what trouble could he be giving you? i’d think he would want to please the lords he still has within the reach.”

the room was warm with the glow of the hearth, shadows dancing on the stone walls. theo’s gaze moved to the window, where the night sky stretched vast and unending. the flickering light seemed to soften the tension in the air, though the weight of their conversation remained.

theo turned his attention back to tirius, his expression one of earnest concern. “perhaps, with time, things will settle” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “but until then, you must do what is best for your family. you will navigate these challenges you always have. we all know you are stubborn enough to.” he said with a hint of a teasing smile.

Frankly, Rhea did not have much faith regarding the sort of plays the people of the West could put on stage. Knowing the uptight and pious ways of the Westerlanders, the play was likely going to be more like a sept-going experience than seeing the unabashed merriment or tragic heights she was used to seeing in her own realm. The lady gave it a shot, nonetheless, appreciating some of the leisure time she got. Places like this one were good places to listen, too.

It was an unfortunate situation, really, to find herself in this realm out of all the others. The Mistress of Whispers did not have a friendly past with the lot, and neither did them with her for what they had accused her of. The last individuals she wished to run into were Tyland's posse or any of the heroes who arose from the Sack of Lannisport. Her luck was abysmal. Theomore Westerling happened to belong to both groups.

“For fuck's sake...” the lady muttered under her breath as she saw the man walk into the same row she was. First call had not even been given, so she was going to be subjected to such awkward company for a bit before the distraction on the stage began.

this was a time of celebration within the westerlands, a joyous occasion marking the arrival of a future king. the announcement of an heir ensured the lannister legacy, silencing any murmurs of discontent among the lords. and this celebration was a moment to demonstrate the strength and unity of the westerlands to the other kingdoms. participation in the festivities, especially by members of the council, was crucial to emphasize this strength. and in midst of this busy time, theo found himself with a rare moment of leisure, choosing to spend the evening at the theatre.

the theatre buzzed with anticipation, the elegant décor glowing under the soft light of chandeliers. theo's gaze momentarily drifted over the audience, taking in the blend of nobility gathered for the evening's entertainment. his two sisters, brimming with excitement, were to accompany him. they quickly mingled with other ladies the moment they arrived at theatre, leaving theo to make his way to their seats alone. as he approached, he paused, recognizing the woman seated next to him immediately. the half-pirate, who somehow retained her position at court despite the downfall of her mother’s islands. he had half-expected the rose king to seize the opportunity to remove her from the main court, despite their familial ties.

nevertheless, theo remained a gentleman. "lady tarly," he greeted with a respectful bow of his head. rather than taking his seat beside her, he maintained a polite distance, it would be appropriate to sit down next since she was unaccompanied by her husband. he would have to wait for his sister to return before he would. "i am glad to see members of the reach court enjoying the theatre here. i know the reach hosts many plays and performances. unfortunately, i have not had the pleasure of attending any there" he remarked, his tone cordial and warm.

she stood in the corner of the courtyard of the red keep where they had agreed to meet. the old maester of house locke had accompanied her on the journey to the crownlands. he served as her chaperone and was reading a book on a nearby bench. it all felt so strange, so rushed. feray knew that her parents wished for her to return home with a good candidate for a betrothal. it was no secret that after the death of her brothers, the future of house locke suddenly seemed perilous. if she was to die, there would be no direct heirs left. she was in need of a husband, in need of children. she had refrained from telling her parents what the late maester had once told her. she did not tell them that she could not promise them another heir even if she was to marry.

feray plucked a leaf from a bush and nervously tore it into small pieces. while her parents would secure the final match, they had tasked her with finding a lord of the old way that she found agreeable enough to marry. and to determine whether someone was agreeable, she had no choice but to speak with them first. two meetings had been arranged before she left for king's landing. this was to be her first one. gods, she wished that her parents were there. they knew the right questions to ask. when she saw the maester look up from his book, she turned around to see a man approaching. they had met before briefly though she did not believe they had ever spoken beyond a greeting.

"lord westerling," she greeted with a polite smile as she saw him approaching. "as salamu alaykum. i hope you have settled in well in king's landing."

it had been years since he last laid eyes on the youngest of the locke household. theo could vaguely recall glimpses of her from gatherings past, her image fading ever so slightly. yet, when the proposal of their meeting arose, he acquiesced, partly out of familial obligation and partly out of curiosity. he couldn't deny the subtle pressure from his mother, who undoubtedly saw this as an opportunity for an advantageous match. a woman from the old way, with a household of her own and a good family. and he was a man who was very much in need of a wife so it seemed smart that they should at least meet.

approaching the designated meeting spot, theo maintained his composed demeanor, though inwardly, his thoughts quickly were swirling. was this truly the girl he vaguely remembered? she appeared so….. youth. like a child still. almost too young for the weight of marriage considerations. it was akin to gazing upon his own sister, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her circumstances. nevertheless, he greeted her with a polite nod "wa alaikum assalam."

"i find myself adjusting quite well, thank you," he replied, his voice carrying a measured tone. "the king has extended his hospitality graciously to all those from the westerlands. and you? the journey from the north is indeed lengthy."

even further away was the westerlands and his home in the crag. could someone bear to be away from their home? as they conversed, theo couldn't help but think about the contrast between her distant home in the north and the bustling court of the lion. how could she reconcile the two worlds, separated by vast distances and cultures? the notion of uprooting oneself from familiar surroundings seemed daunting, especially for one so young. it made little sense to him. but he wished to be polite. after all she was so young and seemed so eager to please her guardians. he did not want to disappoint her.

"would you care to stroll through the garden with me?" he suggested, offering a gentle smile. "perhaps you could share more about yourself and your interests”

Oh, no.

"Theo!" His normally deep voice was an octave higher. From drink, or panic, he couldn't tell. Nicholas' mother, Lady Cordelia Lannister formerly of Willow Wood, was no natural born lioness. Yet, that did not stop her. She was on a hunt. "Hide me."

Her prey? Always her Nicky Darling -- but now, she'd taken the hunt onto entirely new terrain. The Riverlands. It was there that impending engagement was to be announced, which was doomed to completely expand the playing field.

The marriage playing field. Nicholas had let slip to Lady Cordelia that he'd spoken about marriage to Tyland. He'd doomed himself.

“Nicky Darling! My darling Nicky!” His mothers voice, light as a lark and as happy as a cat with cream. Sing song, it carried above the crowd. “Here, my lady, he’s just over — ” Her voice gone a moment, then back,“-- oh, where’d he go? He’s normally very punctual, I prom…” then fading out into another part of the giant feast hall.

He ducked behind the Westerling lord, scooping a glass of whiskey off the table and knocking it back. Theo’s body did not hide Nicholas’s large frame, but he remained crouched. Then, as he stood again and peaked around Theo, he began rushing over his words — too much whiskey and an unforeseen adversary in his own mother. They planned this, they must have. She, and his father Lord Tysen. That’s why he hadn’t attended — so that Nicholas wouldn’t run to him for cover.

"Theo, our mothers -- my mother found your mother, and they are planning.” He gushed, wide eyed. “Your mother told my mother. About dinner. They want to have a dinner. Similar to Lady Marbrand’s. A small feast, tomorrow night. Seven Hells, help me.” He grabs him by the shoulder, and shakes him. "They are going to send invitations." He releases him, downing another whiskey, and running his hands through his golden hair.

the night had been quiet. until he saw the large form of his friend hurrying over to his side, surprised how dexterous he moved for a man of his large size. there was a half hearted attempt for him to hide behind theo that he brushed off with a laugh knowing how ridiculous it looked. “a dinner?” theo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “i am blaming you for this one. you opened up your mouth about looking for someone and now my mother is going to start up about all of this again.” he sighed. his mother's insistence on his imminent marriage was not merely a suggestion; it was a command. if he dallied much longer, he knew the reins would be taken from him, and the ceremony would be arranged without his active involvement. he was not opposed to the thoughts of marriage, he did wish to be married. he did wish to start a family but the thought of having to court someone right now just was the last thing on his mind.

there was too much work to be done and not enough time to stop and try to arrange himself in something. perhaps he could just marry a stranger but even that didnt feel right. he knew he drove his mother crazy with how indecisive he was about all of this. and now it seemed she found an ally to rally for their sons marriages with nickys mother

“do you want your mother simply to arrange it? i am sure she would be more than happy to do that for you. just show up on the day and make her happy.” he said as he waved off a servant who tried to come to offer him a drink. he rarely drank, and he made a very conscious effort not to drink while visiting a foreign kingdom. he liked to keep his wits about himself and he never felt the need to drink to access. unless offered by the host he was content to stick to anything else. “it’s a small court nicky you are going to run into her sooner or later. you better have a plan ready for it.” he advised, delivering a hearty clap to nicky's shoulder. a helpful smile played on his lips as he continued, “maybe tell her you were chatting with another lady which is why you didnt see her.”

in the craggy embrace of the mountains, an awe-inspiring revelation had come to light. a wonder concealed in plain sight, concealed by the veils of time and overgrowth. how had these secrets endured, nestled amid soil and entwined vines? how had this treasure trove evaded the notice of his father, or perhaps his father had been aware of its existence, but had chosen to keep it veiled for reasons known only to him? but what reason would he have had for that?

the day theomore was summoned to the grand chamber felt like crossing a threshold into another realm entirely. few structures had endured the relentless march of time and conflict from the ancient times. those remaining, alien in their design, had always intrigued him. before the towering entrance, he was an ant gazing up at a creation crafted by the divine. bizarre etchings adorned the stones, cryptic symbols that whispered of the enigmatic past—profound truths waiting to be unraveled.

the unearthing of the colossal lion’s eye diamond cemented their suspicion that they were onto something monumental. weeks unfurled like a tapestry as a sprawling mining camp emerged, a hive of activity. yet, the camp saw not only miners but also scholars from across the westerlands, all lured by the siren call of the enigmatic chambers. these scholars sought to tease apart the mystery, to navigate the labyrinthine corridors that lay ahead.

it was no surprise that eren marband, the hand of the king, journeyed to the site himself. his demeanor, always still, a large difference amidst the tumultuous currents of council affairs. marband’s intelligent mind had been evident to theomore since childhood, observing the world through the lens of the marband’s astute perceptions. such insight was a key asset, one befitting a monarch’s trusted advisor. quickly, marband had enacted reform throughout the westerlands, guiding them into a new era.

and now, the discovery at hand could very well lead them closer to a sought-after peace and the acknowledgment of the changing tide that was inevitable.

news swiftly reached theomore that lord marband had arrived at their encampment. stepping out from one of the sprawling tents, he greeted the hand of the king with a respectful bow of his head.. “welcome, lord marband. i am relieved to see you’ve arrived safely,” theomore’s voice carried respect and warmth. an invitation extended, his hand gestured for marband to follow him within the tent. “a brief pause here, and then i shall guide you further.”

leading the way to a table, theomore directed marband’s attention to a partially drawn map. “our historians and lead miners are of the belief that these chambers delve deep into the heart of the mountains. the duration of this journey into the unknown remains uncertain,” he articulated, his finger tracing the map’s markings. “in the first chamber, we unearthed the diamond,” he noted, emphasizing the stone’s location. a smile unfurled as he indicated another area on the map, where the nascent outlines of a new chamber were materializing. “your timing proves serendipitous. we have just cleared the passage to explore this recent discovery.” motioning toward the burgeoning chamber’s sketch, he concluded, “you’ll stand among the first to bear witness.”

.

“My lord.”

Eren spoke to him with a briefly distracted tone as he looked at the opening to the great discovery. It was wonderful to see what was being in the Westerlands and to be part of it. There was something stunning about waking up day to day with news from a new Kingdom. To watching it rise from where it was once buried by those who came took their crowns away. No longer would they have to bend their knees for their who didn’t serve the needs, interests, and desires of those from the West. Lannister. The name would be synomous with ruling. Kingship. Discovery. He looked toward Theomore, a hero of the West he was called by many and Eren saw no reason to doubt it. No reason to question. Poking holes was the behavior of traitors unless, of course, the King wanted questions to be answered.

As they reached the table, he put his attention on the painted map and leaned over it, his hands folded behind his back. “I’ve heard tales of their being cities beneath our feet.” Tales he once believed were for children and now those beliefs appeared to be incorrect and when it came to history Eren almost always enjoyed being wrong. There was so much they didn’t know and often historical discovery only led men to ask more and look for more and that would only do them well. Knowledge was lost, ways to forge strong steel, armor, and different medicines. There was much forgotten in the coming of the andals, Marbrands settled away in Ashemark and following the lead of their Kings turned liege lords.

“The diamond, I’m sure there is more. I’ve heard many tales of what can be discovered through mining these lands. More than gold is here for every mine that produced gold there were once that produced silver, and even more with nothing and yet they continued to dig. And how.”

Eren didn’t often express his interest so openly when speaking with someone, he didn’t mind having this conversation with Theomore. They were of the same and he was almost certain of their kinship though, the lord found there were many days when he needed to turn to his auntie and have her whisper their family trees connected and whether it took root or if only branches brushed over each other.

“Outstanding work, my lord.”

At the mention he would be among the first to view this new passage Eren contained his excitement. He swallowed it down and thanked the Gods his face didn’t betray him. Though, the hint of a smile threatened to appeared.

as they stood before the table, bathed in the dim glow of the  torches, theomore observed eren's genuine fascination with the map. he could not wait to show him the inside of the chambers.  the ancient engravings and cryptic symbols came to life once more in  the flickering light after being hidden in the dark for so many years. it was a sight that was sure to stir the heart of any lord of the westerlands.

"thank you, my lord. it has been a great honor to get to lead this expedition" theomore replied, his tone carrying the weight of genuine gratitude. "this discovery has surpassed our expectations. the cities beneath our feet are not just a myth but becoming more and more of a reality, and each chamber we unveil holds the promise of uncovering the very soul of our history."

the smallest hint of a smile of the hand of the king’s face was enough to reassure theo that he was in the right company for this journey. with a gesture, theomore led the way towards where the chambers lie.

the door, long shrouded in the secrecy of ages, emerged from the rubble and vines like a ghost from the past. its surface, engraved with intricate patterns that seemed to whisper tales of an ancient realm, now stood exposed to the world once more. the door itself was a colossal slab of stone almost taller than either man themselves, weathered and worn, yet retaining an otherworldly beauty. a mosaic of an ancient craftsmanship adorned its surface, depicting scenes of an era long since faded from memory. 

beyond the threshold lay a towering chamber hidden into the very belly of the moutain, its walls adorned with ancient runes that shimmered in the torchlight. massive pillars of stone rose like sentinels, supporting the weight of the mountain above. the air was thick with the scent of earth and history. "over here is where the diamond and several other atifcates were located" theo said leading the man over towards a small alter of sorts. strange carving marked along the stone still being reveleaed to them.

"and here is the next chamber" he said, motioning over towards the unexplored room. torch in hand theo ventured inside. the ceiling soared to unseen heights, disappearing into the darkness above. as the two men stepped into the vastness of the chamber, the air seemed to hum with a silent song

THE HELLS ARE EMPTY: FOR THE DEVILS ARE HERE. this post consists of both the immediate actions taken by king tyland lannister following the high septon's apprehending of the westerland septons, as well as events which take place two weeks later. // @arronlannister , @erenmarbrand , @theowesterling , @nicholaslannisters , @leolefford , @leanderlefford , @alaynefarman

the immediate actions taken:

it is lord leander lefford, as master of whispers, who first hears of contact being made with the septons of the west from the high septon of the starry sept. he relays his concerns in a private audience between king tyland lannister, and the hand of the king, lord eren marbrand.

an emergency small council meeting is called once it is confirmed the septons went to meet the high septon. this act in itself instantly denounced them within the court of the west; branding them traitors. lord theomore westerling conveys this message to the high septon, which is not given a response.

it is made clear that these septons are to be expected to be returned to the court of the west, to be tried by the laws of their anointed king. lord leo lefford and lord nicholas lannister were scheduled to see the high septon within the hallowed halls of the starry sept to ensure this was understood, and return with the septons. instead, they walked in on a service denouncing the faith of the west, king tyland lannister...and saw the westerland septons. both the lords leave oldtown.

THE COURT OF THE WEST DO NOT LEAVE HIGHGARDEN ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE. there are discussions between king tyland and king cedric regarding the actions taken, and the response.

actions taken two weeks later: INSIDE THE STARRY.

lady alayne farman is just another worshipper within the starry sept, veil over her head. she can hear the preaching of the high septon, the hymns, and smoke. she was dressed simply. none know it is her. there are large amounts of crowds within the starry sept as the crowds come to see the high septon: praising his actions for cleansing the city of the whores.

lord theomore westerling is seen in the alcoves of the starry sept, within the shadows, in a discussion with a member of the most devout who belonged to the old way. he is not armed, as is expected within the starry sept. none notice lady farman moving to leave the starry sept.

there is the sound of bells ringing in the distance as the choir boys hand out bread and red wine to the masses who have come to worship. those same innocent hands having already accepted the threatening, suffocating coin of lord adrian serrett. one of the faithful who take the drink is septa lyra, one of the high septon's closest associates.

the high septon continues to talk over the sounds of the congregation. none notice doors opening as the coughing begins. none notice the presence of lord eren marbrand stalking down the aisle. "do not drink that." they were supposed to drink it. it was the plan. the sounds of the coughing became louder, the looks of panic in the eyes of the westerland septons and the innocent congregation as blood seeped from the corner of their mouths. "you have POISONED your congregation to have them repent for their continued loyalty to king tyland of the west. their KING."

there is the attempted denial of the septons of the west. they had remained true to the high septon.; they had betrayed tyland lannister. only, how could they deny it with blood seeping from their mouths? their throats closing up? septa lyra looks toward androw, eyes wide in panic. she foams at the mouth. "holy father..." her body hits marble.

actions taken two weeks later: OUTSIDE THE STARRY.

there is a large number of men of approximately seventy troops on the steps outside of the starry sept, leading all the way down into the courtyard. they originally claimed they were hunting, and were in oldtown to stock up supplies and move forward. now, they claim to have come to collect the westerland septons. those within the group include lord theomore westerling, who has taken his place atop a horse with a grim face. lord adrian serrett. the lefford twins. nicholas lannister. lady alayne farman alongside prince arron lannister. the executioner, lord aslan marbrand.

king tyland lannister himself is at the front of the group of men, eyes fixed upon the doors of the starry. this had been rehearsed. they all knew what was coming next.

the hand of the king emerges: lord eren marbrand proclaims loudly, in a voice that indicated actual grief and shock, that the high septon has murdered holy men within his own halls. poisoned. there is an audible shock amongst the troops of the westerlands and the smallfolk, hands coming over their mouths. for murder to occur within the starry sept? such a sacred building? "bless the septons, sir!" came the cries of the smallfolk, some removing the hats on their head out of respect.

"you will not move us until we have been given our dead." came the words of the westerland men to the members of the faith militant: given so they can string the bodies of traitors up from the walls of lannisport. when violence broke out upon removing to leave, it came swift: there was the screaming of smallfolk, the clash of metal against metal. the sounds of bodies hitting the stone steps with a crunch.

"not within the walls." came the words of the lion king the hour before. the dire warning was no violence would cross to occur within the walls of the starry sept. and as he watched blood seep down the steps, not a inch of blood was spilled within the starry itself.

The smallfolk were abuzz regarding the holy discovery. Some taking to the streets to use the chance to declare Tyland Lannister the true voice of the Gods. They talked of the true landing in Westeros. Declared it different. And while they sounded half mad, it was the intensity with which they spoke that gave him hope for the King’s reformation. Great change was in the air. And for everyone hanged farmers with blasphemer poorly spelled on their chests there were people taking part in services, continuing with their day as if nothing was wrong, as if nothing happened. Those were the people doing things the best way. They were carrying on with their lives understanding that the powers that be were moving the pieces and they should focus on life absent war.

As he travelled to the Crag, he read over his histories for the west between his stops. The words written by men far more learned than he, men who were for a scholarly life. How he wished he stayed to witness the great discovery. The Lion’s Eye, a massive yellow diamond. A flawless diamond found in a forgotten place, cut expertly in a time where men shattered diamond. Was it before or after the loss of great knowledge? In the coming of the Andals with their conquests and setting around the hills and mountains of Ashemark until it reached his ancestors. What had been lost? How deep would the caves and channels run?

“I’m going to speak with the Master of Laws. Make sure camp is set up and the men are well rested. I don’t know how long we will be here.” Eren’s voice trailed off as he stared at the entrance to the great stone structure. Architecture he’d only seen in certain books and drawings. Stories of Andalos. He walked up closer.

the day theomore was summoned to the grand chamber felt like crossing a threshold into another realm entirely. few structures had endured the relentless march of time and conflict from the ancient times. those remaining, alien in their design, had always intrigued him. before the towering entrance, he was an ant gazing up at a creation crafted by the divine. bizarre etchings adorned the stones, cryptic symbols that whispered of the enigmatic past—profound truths waiting to be unraveled.

the unearthing of the colossal lion's eye diamond cemented their suspicion that they were onto something monumental. weeks unfurled like a tapestry as a sprawling mining camp emerged, a hive of activity. yet, the camp saw not only miners but also scholars from across the westerlands, all lured by the siren call of the enigmatic chambers. these scholars sought to tease apart the mystery, to navigate the labyrinthine corridors that lay ahead.

it was no surprise that eren marband, the hand of the king, journeyed to the site himself. his demeanor, always still, a large difference amidst the tumultuous currents of council affairs. marband's intelligent mind had been evident to theomore since childhood, observing the world through the lens of the marband's astute perceptions. such insight was a key asset, one befitting a monarch's trusted advisor. quickly, marband had enacted reform throughout the westerlands, guiding them into a new era.

and now, the discovery at hand could very well lead them closer to a sought-after peace and the acknowledgment of the changing tide that was inevitable.

news swiftly reached theomore that lord marband had arrived at their encampment. stepping out from one of the sprawling tents, he greeted the hand of the king with a respectful bow of his head.. "welcome, lord marband. i am relieved to see you've arrived safely," theomore's voice carried respect and warmth. an invitation extended, his hand gestured for marband to follow him within the tent. "a brief pause here, and then i shall guide you further."

unlike times of war where drastic measures could be taken the two of them needed to plan this carefully if they were to do something back against the high septon. while all those under the lannister rule should already be ready for the shift away from the high septon, the small folks in other kingdoms would not take so kindly to it nor some of their rulers. and if they were to continue their alliances they needed to be sure to maintain that relationship.

"lord rowan is my cousin, i am sure he will be willing to receive my warning better than others coming to speak with him. while he is a faithful man, he understands the separation the high septon has in our courts. i will arrange to speak with him first thing in our visit to the reach.” after so much time spent together as younger men, as fellow soldiers and commanders on the battlefield, and now together in this court, theomore understood how the king may act. he knew the frustrations the man must be facing now with a peasant septon stepping up to challenge a king like him. it did not take a northern seer to see how this may end.

“i may still have a connection to a septon or two within the most devout, some from the old way. perhaps they can give me some insight to this new high septon.”

♔

and he noted that the master of laws brought forward a solid, strong point; there were connections that continued needing watering and tending to, reaping and sowing what was owed. and he believed it was what was owed, for the lion king would seek to rip each of the reach's goods from the root time and time again for the shame that was garland hightower's first marriage. 

in that, the reach had developed a toxic alliance, one which the lannisters continued demanding repayment in a variety of forms of however and whatever benefited them best."the matter requires urgency. any conversations can be had in person, but initial contact needs to be made in this very moment." 

all he knew about lord rowan was his family's prestigious background, a clean reputation, a family worthy of a match with the prince of the westerlands. and yet still, he was mindful of the isuse and differences regarding faith. could it come up as a problem? would he paint the septon as he truly is?

"you are free to utilise whatever connections you have, and report back to your king and council of everything you find. nothing is to be regarded as unimportant." 

theomore was a little surprised by his king’s next question however. he had not thought of mining in a long time. “untapped i would say. my father shut down the efforts within our mines after my brother died. he disbanded most of the workers and the resources within the crag. i never understood why but i had assumed it was grief. or maybe just laziness. who knows. but i have wished to continue our efforts once again.”

The engagement was new, and Aurelia was still getting used to the fact that for all intents and purposes she was bound to this man who she’d barely ever talked to. From what she’d heard of Theomore Westerling he was a good man, and from the brief exchanges that they’d had before the connection of their betrothal had ever been formed, she was thankful that he was the man who had been chosen for her, hoping that their marriage would be a good one. 

Waiting for the intent eyes to move away from them, she turned to Theo and gave him a soft smile. “We’ve met a few times but I do not know if you remember, as they were just brief greetings and exchanges when you were really there to speak to my brother, your grace.” she said, allowing her eyes to flutter up to meet his as she poured him a cup of tea. It wasn’t the most passionate meeting, not one that you read about in books where a couple falls madly in love and gets married in the heat of the moment, but it was the reality of how many marriages happened, and Aurelia didn’t mind, she just hoped that Theo would feel comfortable around her. 

“Do you… have anything you wish to know? If we are to be married it can’t hurt to know a little more about each other, don’t you think?” she asked, giving him as much time and space as he needed, sure that all of this was probably as foreign to him as it was to her. 

since then it seemed a thousand things had gotten in his way. and now he sat across from his new fiance, trying to gather the pieces in his mind of how this happened. how honored he was to marry a daughter of the great serrett house but also now the sister of their great queen.

theo knew well that their chaperon was not far away from them, making sure all was well between the still unmarried man and woman. not that theo minded too much. he wanted to ensure there was nothing that could be spread about them. no rumors to be spoken off at all. no reason to doubt this union. 

“of course i remember you lady serrett. i believe we also shared a dance or two at someone’s wedding…or was it a birthday. they all seem to blend together at times it seems. but i do remember you.” he smiled at her taking the tea that she poured for him with a thanks. he was doing his best not to let his nerves show through. gods he did not want to mess this up. “there is much i wish to know about you and i am sure much you wish to know about me as well. i know of your family but now much about you. tell me of silverhill.”

the new master of laws morning had been busy indeed. the first thing theomore had received that morning was the announcement from this high septon. if one could even call him that, with that whispered suspicions of how he ascended to the glass crown so quickly. especially after the death of the previous high septon. it did not sit well with him. he missed the days when the high septon kept out of the politics of the other regions. but it seemed this man was insistent on sticking his nose in where it did not belong. it was bold of him to strike out against the lion king when he only had the glass crown for such a short time. he wondered what his cousins in the reach would think of such things. but for now his mind stayed focused on the westerlands. he awaited the time until he was called into an audience with the king.

“your grace.” he said, giving a bow of his head as he walked inside. he was not surprised to see some of the other courtiers around. some there to actually be useful, others there trying to climb their way into the good graces of the king. “i believe i do know what you have. i have spent my morning reading over the ridiculous letter from the high septon. he’s already interfering with a king’s marriage. he’s getting bold, very quick.”

♔

and they were words that he had already known and established, words that did not necessarily come at a surprise to him. this fiend within the walls of oldtown was beginning to gain a sense of power, however fleeting it must be, and it was enough of a slight for tyland lannister to consider the man a direct opponent. "too bold. too quick." his words came with a sense of finality dripping from them, as though there was no way his opinion or, more importantly, his judgement could be swayed regarding the nature of the man and the lines he had crossed.

"lord rowan is my cousin, i am sure he will be willing to receive my warning better than others coming to speak with him. while he is a faithful man, he understands the separation the high septon has in our courts. i will arrange to speak with him first thing in our visit to the reach." after so much time spent together as younger men, as fellow soldiers and commanders on the battlefield, and now together in this court, theomore understood how the king may act. he knew the frustrations the man must be facing now with a peasant septon stepping up to challenge a king like him. it did not take a northern seer to see how this may end.

"i may still have a connection to a septon or two within the most devout, some from the old way. perhaps they can give me some insight to this new high septon."