10th Month of 288 A.C. Riverrun
Lady Lyarra Stark
Winter always made travel long and difficult, the snow on the ground was close to her knees, and though she was not a tall woman she could truly understand just how difficult it was to travel. It seemed as was always the case, the further north they went, the deeper and thicker the snow got. And of course, these southerners were always complaining about the snow and the difficulties of dealing with it. Truth be told, Lyarra had grown somewhat bored with hearing their complaints, travelling with some other fifty retainers was also something that she had not known whether she was happy with or not, that half of them were northmen was a good thing, but the southerners were the ones slowing the party down. That combined with the fact that they had to travel in a wheelhouse to ensure that Jonothor and his two companions did not grow ill, was what was slowing them down truly.
The journey had been made bearable Lyarra supposed because of just how curious and entranced by everything Jonothor and his friends were. Her grandson was five namedays old now, and was always asking questions, constantly wanting to know more about everything and everyone. In that way he reminded her somewhat of Benjen at that age, and sometimes Lyarra's heart would ache at the thought that her own daughter, Jonothor's mother would never get to help in raising her son. Her grandson's two companions were marked contrasts to one another and Jonothor. Loras Tyrell the youngest son of Mace Tyrell was a brash child, always doing things that made Lyarra's heart leap into her mouth, and she would often have to scold him, or the boy's aunt Mina would have to as well. He was a good child, but sometimes Lyarra wished he was not with them, so often would he get the others to do things that they would never normally do. And then there was Lord Harwyn Greyjoy the four year old Lord of the Iron Islands, as the youngest of the group, Lord Harwyn was also the quietest. Rarely saying anything, but always watching with his eyes wide, he was a sweet child even if he rarely spoke. The boy's mother was a intelligent girl as well and she seemed to get the most out of her son. As for the boy's guardian, Ser Harras Harlaw was a quiet man but Lyarra did not trust him.
Arriving at Riverrun had put her mind somewhat at ease as well, the castle was not as big as Winterfell but it was homely. And Hoster Tully was a jovial man, who Lyarra now knew could never sit still, they had been in Riverrun for some four days now, and the man was always doing something or asking them to do something along with him. His son Edmure was a nice fellow if a bit out there somewhat, and then there were the other members of Riverrun, the legendary Blackfish was as stout and stubborn as always, his wife Jayne Bracken a sweet girl with a bit of fire to her their children were delightful as well. Then there were the man's squires, Patrek Mallister was a brash lad, Perwyn Frey quiet and reserved, Marq Piper was brash as well, and then there was Lymond Goodbrook who was somewhere in between. Asha Greyjoy she had seen very little of, apart from when she played with her nephew.
Right now though, such observations would not do her much good, for she had asked to speak with Lord Hoster about somethings the man had discussed with Rickard, and upon arriving at Riverrun she had given the man a letter writ in her own husband's hand. Of course after four days the man had finally agreed to meet with her in private and so here she was. Lord Hoster was looking at her intently, his hands steepled together. Lyarra took a sip of water and then said. "Lord Hoster I thank you for your hospitality and the services you and your family have offered us during our stay here. I know it must not be easy hosting so many people, and I promise we shall not be here for much longer. But there is of course the matter of my husband's letter to discuss with you."
Lord Hoster nods. "Thank you, and it has been no trouble at all housing you all. His Grace is a most charming young man, and his companions have added some life to this old and dreary castle. But of course the matter of your husband's letter." The man pauses a moment and then says. "I have considered what the lord regent has said, and asked, and I find that I agree with him. Something must be done about the old lion, but the question is what exactly can be done without alerting too much suspicion."
Lyarra nods. "My husband has said that the Dornish are desperate to have Tywin Lannister to themselves, and that this patience they have shown is slowly running thin. And yet with the growing tensions within the realm, it might be best to have the man life for a little while longer as we wait to see how things go with this new religious sect."
"Aye, that could well be the smartest course of action to go with. Tywin Lannister is many things, but he is useful when it comes to talking down to the Faith. For too long we have sat by and allowed their corruption to go by unchecked. This new sect has provided just the impetus to scare them into consideration. Though the High Septon's call to arms for many houses is cause for concern." The man responds.
"I have been meaning to ask you about that my lord. We received word in King's Landing that Lords Bracken, Deddings and Charlton had all answered the High Septon's call and were mustering arms. I had thought you would have done something to dissuade them from doing such a thing?" Lyarra asks.
Lord Hoster sighs. "I have been doing my utmost to try and ensure nothing goes wrong with them. But Jonos Bracken is a stubborn man, and with my goodsister being his daughter he feels he can get away with somethings. As for Deddings and Charlton I have reminded them of what happens to those who break away from Riverrun's direction. They are now merely working to undermine Bracken on my direction."
"And how long will it take before this succeeds in bringing Bracken back into the fold. I am sure I do not need to remind you just how damaging having Bracken fighting for the High Septon could be." Lyarra states.
The Lord of Riverrun is silent considering his response, before he does eventually say. "Not too long, already overtures are being made to remind the man of what the High Septon cost him when he was a young man. Soon enough the man will fall back into line and the High Septon shall lose what support he has here in the Riverlands."
Lyarra nods and then says. "And what of the man Causter?"
The Lord of Riverrun does not ask what she means he merely states. "He is getting enough support to pose a serious challenge to the established faith here. And we now have a member of the Most Devout on board. Soon enough the High Septon shall fall from favour here." The man pauses a moment and then asks. "And how is the Lord Regent getting on?"
Lyarra is silent a moment and then responds. "He is doing well. He wished to come as well, but there is much that needs to be done in King's Landing, which requires his presence. And so I have come in his stead."
Lord Hoster nods at that and then turns the conversation to the true nature of this visit. "Now, your husband did mention maintaining the promises made during and after the rebellion. I wish to discuss some solutions I have thought of." Lyarra is silent a moment and then nods. "Lord Tywin is no fool, his actions regarding the city watch and some of the more prominent members at court show that. He is slowly trying to engage more members of the crownlands and make them sympathetic to his own side and cause. Whilst the man is a good politician, he is a destabilizing influence on the realm and the alliance which one the throne. Asking Prince Oberyn to do the deed himself would be too obvious and would lead to much anger in the Westerlands. That is something that must be avoided. Therefore, I suggest using someone who would not be brought into as much scrutiny to do the deed."
Lyarra considers this and then enquires. "Who would you suggest my lord?"
"The same man whom is doing the deeds of Causter, has reason enough to resent the Lannisters for the insults they dealt him long ago. That the High Septon is some sort of kin to Tywin Lannister should be enough incentive for him to deal with both men." Hoster responds.
Lyarra nods. "It does make sense and would take much of the heat away from Prince Oberyn, but would Lord Tywin not suspect that something is afoot?"
Lord Hoster smiles then. "He shall suspect but what he suspects and what he knows are no longer as direct as one might think. There are many ways that this can be done my lady. And I assure you that once it is done, Tywin Lannister shall not be a problem anymore."
Lyarra merely nods. "Now what of Asha Greyjoy?"
"What of her my lady?" Lord Hoster asks.
"Do not play coy with me my lord, it does not become you." Lyarra says teasingly. "We both know you volunteered to have Asha Greyjoy foster here in Riverrun in an attempt to marry her to your own son. I note that such a thing has not seemingly happened yet. And I was wondering why that is?"
The Lord of Riverrun smiles bashfully before responding. "I admit that was my plan, but it seems my son and the lady Asha do not truly wish to know one another on more than a friendly level. It seems she is more taken with the Mallister heir."
Lyarra takes note of this and then asks. "And surely this is something that could be used for the benefit of the Riverlands. Seagard is often the place that the Ironborn attack first if they ever look to invade. With Lord Harwyn fostering in King's Landing, and his uncle fostering in Winterfell. And now this, the Ironborn will have little reason to attack the western coast of Westeros ever again."
The Lord of Riverrun nods. "That is very true my lady. And yet with the Ironborn one never truly knows what they might do. Rodrik Harlaw is a sensible man, and yet the rest of the Ironborn lords I know clamour for war and a return to their old ways. Something is brewing on the islands, but I am not sure what it is."
Lyarra looks at the man then. "And you believe that Asha Greyjoy might be doing something that could well be used against the riverlands in the future?"
"I would certainly not discount it. The Greyjoys are cunning, but whether or not they are willing to risk going completely for war I am not sure anymore. Regardless, I know that Patrek Mallister and Asha Greyjoy will be wed before the moon is over." Lord Hoster responds.
"And what of your own son my lord?" Lyarra asks.
The Lord of Riverrun is silent and thoughtful at this and then after a long moment he says. "I have received an offer from Stafford Lannister. He wishes to tie our two houses closer together. If all goes well in King's Landing, I shall have a foot in the West before the year ends."