ASOIAF: The Red Lion and the Crazy Child

Gwayne dismantled the horse, extending her hand to help Olivia. She accepted the gesture, going down gently. The sound of both boots echoed in the stone yard while the guards kept their vigilas and the servants were rushing through, carrying wood and water to the kitchen. The two entered the gates of the castle side by side, a vision that seemed carefully ethereal. The light of the twilight golden the stone walls, casting long shadows while the air cooled with the arrival of the night. Among them, conversation flowed with naturality, accompanied by laughs and grace. In the salon, Lord Luwyn raised the look of a pile of letters and maps, spread over the table. When you saw them both, your eyes were narrowed down in approval. He stood up with a warm expression and walked to them.

- Ser Gwayne, Olivia - said he, the voice loaded by the grave tone. - It's good to see them, they arrived at the right time. Olivia kept her chin up, but there was a slight blush on her cheeks. Gwayne, in turn, leaned his head, a smile contained. — the ride was productive, my lord. – He looked at Olivia for an instant before adding: – And pleasant, no doubt. Lord Luwyn crossed his arms, his eyes, assessing them as a proud father. — whatever the ride brought, I hope he continues to prosper. – he said he, indicating them to advance. At the entrance of the hall, where the torches light was already beginning to dominate the environment. Lord Luwyn stopped a few steps from them, his hands crossed behind his back, and his eyes evaluating both with a mix of authority and expectation.

Sor Gwayne, we have matters to attend to. — Your voice was firm, but there was a deliberately soft tone when you return to Olivia. – Daughter, go give the joy of your future husband and your sisters. She must be anxious to get to know her better. Olivia raised her eyebrows for a moment, but she didn't move a muscle. His eyes searched Gwayne's, as if he expected him to take the initiative to answer. For a brief moment, the salon seemed to dive into a disturbing silence, broken only by Gwayne, his voice cut the air like the wire of a blade. - If you don't mind, Lord Luwyn, we'll be one in a few nights. i want her to stay by my side. There was a hardness controlled in your tone, and your face remained impassable. Olivia, when she heard that, she allowed herself a slight smile, short, but enough for Gwayne to notice. Lord Luwyn stood still for an instant, the semicerated eyes while pondering the answer. At last, he shoulders. — all right. — His voice sounded almost resigned, but there was a slight trace of hidden approval under the surface. He turned, leaving them alone while walking to the table high on the staircase, where his vassals awaited his attention. In the salon, Olivia and Gwayne switched an accomplice look before they moved on. By achieving the estate table, Lord Luwyn didn't waste time with unnecessary cordialities. His face was serious, and his hands rested on the heavy oak table, full of scrolls and maps that detailed the lands of the West. In the room, Lord Luwyn's knights and Sor Luwyn and Ser Lymond were gathered, standing aligned around the main table. Among them, there were some gentlemen of smaller houses who had recently declared their loyalty to the ancient lords of Castamere.

The Lords of Boyle and Waterford had arrived shortly after the Roxtons, bringing with them words of support and loyalty promises. Other houses were still expected, but the growing presence of flags in the castle courtyards was enough to suggest that something significant was in progress. At the end of the estate, near the highest window, was Lord Wulf, accompanied by his wife Brianna and his eldest son Gunnar. He didn't move to greet Gwayne closely, but he leaned his head on a friendly gesture. — who we're inviting to the wedding, for our cause? Gwayne recognized the gesture from a distance, but his attention soon turned to the presents at the table. He took a step forward, his boots beating on the stone floor, and he raised his voice, making sure everyone heard him clearly:

- Lord Roland Crackenhall. - His voice carried a tone of unquestionable authority, and the looks turned to him. The statement went on in the air, heavy, as if it was more than just a compliment. It was a declaration of trust. Lord Luwyn narrowed his eyes, watching Gwayne for a moment before speaking. Ser Lymond laughed, the loud and rough sound resonating in the salon, calling everyone's attention, I've wanted to reunite this wandering boar! – exclamated, leaning forward, with the elbows supported on the table. – I'll send a raven to the Golden Tooth. If Roland Crackenhall is still alive, he'll be there.

Some of the men around the table laughed along with him, but others kept their serious expressions. Was it then that one of Lord Luwyn's vassals, a thin man with gray hair, spoke of the back of the room: The Crackenhall will support us? The murmur ceased immediately. Lord Luwyn raised his eyes on the man, frowning his forehead before returning his look at Gwayne. - Are the Crackenhall trusted? All eyes in the room were now fixed at Gwayne, who remained silent for an instant, considering his answer. — He shares my blood from them. – He interrupted Ser Lymond, his calm voice, but firm. – Roland Crackenhall won't betray us. But as for supporting us... He had Jaime Lannister as his squire, that's very difficult to ignore, he's a proud man, but he acts fairly, he won't stand against us if he can avoid it, but that doesn't mean his support. Lord Luwyn passed his hand through the short, thoughtful beard. Before he could answer, he diverted the subject, moving to another sensitive point. Your granddaughter is still promised to Ser Humpfrey, who serves the self-proclaimed King Stannis. — continued Luwyn, for Ser Lymond. His expression hardened for a moment, but he continued. — anyway, that can be repaired. If Humpfrey is no longer useful or viable, we'll give her hand to another knight in the house. There are more loyal and closer to us who could consolidate important alliances.

The silence that followed was heavy, interrupted just by the wood snapping on the torches. Lord Luwyn's words had been direct. Gwayne, however, raised his eyes at him, the serious expression. — may he be a man who respects her, my lord. Fragile Alliances don't reinforce themselves with forced marriage. i will not tolerate my cousin be treated that way. The Lord finally gave a slight wave, turning his attention to the maps on the table Lord Wulf, who observed everything carefully, changed the direction of conversation.

- Can we expect some support from another reach house? Luwyn hesitated, tambling his fingers on the map ahead of him. — The Costayne said he, with a slight indecision. — But his dominion is in the south of Campina, near Arvue, far too useful in the short term. Besides, they owe the Tyrell obedience, and there's no guarantee that they'll follow us against their lords. And the Tyrrell by chance are not your lords too? My armies didn't move far from my goal.

Gwayne was impressed with Lord Luwyn, I didn't see him as a pragmatic man. Before I could continue, the sound of steps and the gate ranger caught everyone's attention in the room. The men at the table turned, interrupting their conversations. The young heir to one of the smallest houses in the region, just entered the salon. He was accompanied by two knights. The boy was tall and strong, suiting a clean quota of clean mesh, but with recent use signals. Her golden hair shone under the light of torches, and her green eyes had a confident, almost arrogant glow. He seemed oblivious to the weight of the conversation interrupted by his arrival, entering as if it was already expected.

Lord Luwyn raised an eyebrow, evaluating the newcomer, but it was the man by your side who immediately attracted the looks. – Who is this that brings with you, Alys? – asked Gwayne, with a tone that mesclated curiosity. Alys, still a little panting for the trip, he did a brief reverence before he answered. – My lord, this is Be Reynard Wythers. He's the commander of the House Rotherly army, came to help me discuss matters of our interest. The name ripped off some murmurs from the knights present, and Gwayne observed the man with renewed attention. Wythers was a known name, associated with a line of loyal knights, but not particularly influential.

Reynard, however, didn't seem like a man who allowed to be underestimated. He advanced, making a short and safe reverence, his fixed eyes at Ser Lymond. My lord, I bring words of my lord, but also warning. He will continue with caution what is decided here. He doesn't soften his words and forgive my delay - said Alys, making a brief reverence, his polite tone, but firm. Gwayne smiled at him and went to his meeting, pressing his shoulder with camaraderie before guiding him to the table. — This is Alys Rotherly, son of the Lord of Rotherly. He's our blood. The compliments were brief, formal, but unheatful. The room was loaded with tension, and the men present were more concerned about the issues in discussion than with presentations. It was then that one of Lord Luwyn's vassals, a man with thick beard, rose up, his voice loaded with skepticism. And what are the plans to take down the power of Lannister? – exclamated him, exclamated him, crossing his arms. – We are not fools, we know that his forces overcome ours in number and resources. What makes us believe we can face them? The salon was silent for a moment, but another man, thinner and penetrating eyes, asked an even more direct question: And what prevents us from being crushed before we even consolidate our alliances? We're surrounded. One wrong move, and the Tyrell or the Lannisters will march against us. The murmurs began to grow among the presents. It was clear that skepticism and fear were hovering over everyone.

The Lannisters are powerful, yes, but their power is not absolute. Your forces are spread on multiple front, Stannis eagerly guardes them to confront and Renly is on his way, and the Stark in the north. Lord Luwyn took a break, sweeping the room with the look. — our goal isn't to face the Lannister directly in an open war, but to ensure our right. We start here, with rings. The corpulent man who spoke first narrowed his eyes, still suspicious. — and what do you suggest as first step, being Gwayne? He pointed at the map on the table. First, we consolidate our power, if we act now, we'll have a chance to turn the tide before they realize what's happening.

Lord Luwyn remained silent for a moment, the evident doubt in his look. When you finally spoke, it was with a serious voice, but loaded with interest. — what are the plans to take Castamere? Gwayne didn't hesitate. He stood calmly, heading to the center of the room where the big map was. With a precise movement, he took a piece of wood in the shape of a crimson lion and put it over Sarsfield's territory, on a line of border that marked the Lannister's range. Our plan isn't to take down the Lannister at once. Don't expect a direct attack on Casterly Rock or Lannisporto, because that would take more time and more blood than we can spend immediately. Gwayne spoke firmly, your eyes sweeping the presents. – Let's take Sarsfield first. Then Castamere. The strategy will be to involve the Lannisters everywhere. While the North will be pressured by Stark wolves, the South will be affected by the roses of Up Garden, and the east will be occupied by Lord Stannis. He looked at each of the gentlemen and knights around the table, making sure everyone understood the magnitude of what was being proposed. The Lannisters will have no time or resources to properly react to all these fronts. They will be with their divided forces, and soon, they will no longer have the strength to protect even their own castles. Gwayne continued, their tone inflexible. – And when the castles fall, we will negotiate the favorable terms with the Iron Throne. Whether King Joffrey or anyone else who meets on the throne, we'll have a strong enough position to impose our conditions. Lord Wulf was the first to break silence, his deep, full voice of authority. The Sarsfield Castle shouldn't be easy to take. Gwayne turned to him, a solved expression on his face. I think it'll be extremely easy, but I won't force anyone to follow me, if you want another proof of our chance of victory, I will take the Sarsfield castle with only the men of my grandfather's house. – said Gwayne, looking at Lymond.

Brianna buffed. – obviously we'll be after you, Gwayne. – exclamated her. He smiled at her before he continued - we have a man inside the castle, and the Sarsfield army left with Jaime. They fell easily and then Castamere. Don't underestimate the effect of a victory against them. When we take the first castle, we have to buy as much time to prevent this from becoming knowledge of everyone, the news can spread quickly, we have to avoid that. Gwayne looked at the presents, his trust firm as a wall.

Lord Luwyn, still watching the map, finally spoke.

- Very well, Ser Gwayne. i see you have a clear plan. But remember, in times like this, trust is as important as the sword. The men I brought will go with you, they were men of the Reyne house after the wedding. The silence fell on the table once more, but this time, it was a silence of understanding. At the end of the meeting, Ser Lymond gave the order for the night's banquet to begin. At night, the great salon was lit by torches and candelables, the tables extended across the room, full of roasted meat, fresh bread and wine. The music of lire and flutes filled the air, creating an atmosphere of celebration. Ser Gwayne and Lady Olivia were sitting at the center of the estate, the highlighting place, looking over the room full of nobles and knights. Olivia was radiant, a soft smile on her lips, with her perfectly tidy black hair, and a red dress that made her shine under the light of candles. At his side, Gwayne was more serious, but equally imposing, his dark suit enhancing his position as leader. Lord Luwyn and Ser Lymond occupied the edge of the estate, both with a majestic posture, watching their vassals and allies while the other gentlemen and gentlemen settled around, with Patrick and Wulf accompanying Seriously Lymond, in a distinct corner, while the Gudrunn took a whole table, as if it was a small army of their own house.

Campina's knights, local villages and other influential figures, like merchants, were spread across the salon. The banquet didn't have the luxury that the big houses banquets used to flaunt, but food was fed up, with roasted meat, fresh bread, cheese and wine that flowed without stopping, making you gentlemen get fed up without restrictions. The banquet followed in the night, with the glasses always full and the conversations becoming warmer and warmer.

The night advanced and the banquet began to lose its energy. Lady Olivia, sitting next to Gwayne, seemed calm, with her hand resting on his, while the other one continued to pinch the diverse dishes that were brought by servants. Gwayne, more contained, observed the room, attentive to the gestures and words of his allies. As the banquet came to an end, the environment became more relaxed and the salon began to empty. Drunk knights went out, staggering from one side to the other, laughing and speaking out loud, some even barely getting balanced while crossing the castle to take the paths that would take them to the village inn. The castle seemed quieter every minute it passed. Gwayne had the desire to accompany her future wife to the room, but her sisters kidnapped her from her arms and took her down the stairs by letting her smile. He walked to the outside of the castle, where the fresh air of the night involved him. He watched the drunks who still circulated through the courtyard, going and going without a direction, their laughs and voices in high tone contrasting with the quietness that was slaughtered over the internal corridors. The night fell heavy, wrapped in a veil of pale stars and a shy moon who barely dared to castle its light on the towers of the castle. Cerella crossed the gates with measured steps, her purple wool cape dancing to the cold wind. — a beautiful night. — reflected her, her voice almost lost in the murmur of the sheep. Carefully, he fell down and put a small wooden chest, spent on the edges, but still solid. Here's what you asked for. – Your words sounded calm.

On the other side, in the shadow of a twisted tree, Gwayne remained on his back, his hands hidden in the folds of the mantle. Thank you, Ciry. — said he didn't turn around. Cerella leaned her head, her face marked by a curiosity she couldn't hide. It's definitely not for Olivia. The question went in the air, heavy as the silence of the storm that was approaching. Gwayne turned around then, his eyes found hers. — for someone important. — said he, before pulling her into a hug, his strong arms but suits around her. After that, Cerella came in. Gwayne spotted them at a distance: old Darwin, with his posture curved by the weight of the years, but still strong and hard and Daeron by his side. Without hesitation, Gwayne put the chest between his arm and rushed the step, but they were far away, almost swallowed by the brum that started climbing off the dusty road.

- Daeron! Luckily, he heard. He stopped, hesitated, and then he walked back towards Gwayne. — Thri told me about Valysar... – he said, his voice almost a whisper. Gwayne laughed, an unexpected and light sound, which seemed to contrast with the weight of those words. — of course she would tell, so what do you think of me now? – asked Gwayne, leaning a little closer, the eyes fixed on the young as if looking for an honest answer. Daeron swung his head slowly, diverting the look at the horizon covered by clouds. i don't believe it. The silence has returned to them, heavy as an iron chain. The wind blew again, taking with you a handful of sand, but not the void that hovered between them. — but it's true what she said. — the words came out of her mouth without emotion, as dry as the wind that whistled amongst the stones. — I killed each one of them. He let the words hover in the air before proceeding, the darkest tone. — would have been brutalized, taken on the next ship of slaves that apported, chained and undressed of any dignity. The cripples? These would be killed, discarded as useless cattle. He took a break, a slight tremor on his hands, but he did recovered quickly. — if I didn't give the order, someone else would. Someone less careful, more cruel.

After finishing, Gwayne lifted his head and sighed, slowly advancing out of the village, while Daeron was watching him from behind, he was planning to get his horse in the stable, but he had so many things on his head that he decided to walk to have time to think about everything. It started raining during the course, falling small drops in his dresses, he advanced into the forest, into the cave, he came to fulfill his promise. He walked between the trees and the accidental route, putting his cape already soaked to protect himself from the rain. But he didn't have to go to the cave to find her, she was waiting among the trees that marked the end of the lake, with a smile of relief. - You came!

A monstrous moose came out of the trees, Gwayne coveted not only Hel in his human form, but imagined that creature helping him in the battles, how desperate his enemies would escape to see her. It was a vision he would like to see one day. — I came to honor the promise I made that morning, I will remain alive, and I will distance his loneliness. I brought something for you, one day you'll have to follow me out of these trees, and you can't walk without clothes on the halls of my castle. The beautiful face hidden by the darkness below where the moose should be the head of the moose, the face gave a wide smile, and the monstrous head of the moose shaped in its direction. Gwayne dimmed her, releasing a weird smile.

So, Hel finally came out in her most beautiful form. — I imagined I couldn't walk without clothes between you men, but human clothes are weird for me, I don't need them. – said she, stretching her fingers making her big boobs squeezed between her arms. Gwayne showed his noble clothes of his cousin Cerella, Hel reacted with extreme curiosity and strangeness. They're very... know that your present is worth more than any gold piece that's in my cave, because I was given by a living person, someone with whom to share my awake time with. Gwayne helped her dress the rich clothes like Hel was a child, she didn't know where to get in exactly. After that, Gwayne looked at her with admiration. Cerella's clothes were very fair in Hel's body, she was bigger than most women, just smaller than Brianna.

- Sorry, my cousin's not that big. But it'll serve for now. — It's weird, I'll be used to it, but if you like it, I like it too, the important thing is now I have a way to go to you, when you need me, my first present. - She said, removing the clothes again, and guarding the trunk he brought. Gwayne hugged her and briefly felt her thoughts disappear, was dominated by a peace that never felt before. "she causes me this? ""thought him." Gwayne felt their strong fingers go through their cuts, felt their nails sprinkle even through their thick clothes, but he didn't feel pain.

Gwayne smiled at her, pushing her face away and instinctively touched her breasts, touching with her thumbs slippery nipples. Hel smiled. "Gwayne, Gwayne, muttered her, with the sweet voice. "" Follow me..." She dived into the river, Gwayne soon felt her tranquility be disturbed again by thoughts, plans and promises. She didn't submerge, he dived behind her, spotting her in the light water, Hel swam into the background, where a pile of the thousands of white stones crammed into a wall in the corner, Hel shook her hand and the stones quickly came out of her way, revealing a hole.

She signal stopped him to follow him, and so he did, down to a depth of 15 metres, he went into the hole and after following a metre upward exit, going out in a cave with white cast walls, it would be completely dark if Hel wasn't there, it was a cave in the shape of a circle, with entrances on the walls to other wings, in the middle of a huge statue of Hel, the Moose. Gwayne felt it getting dry quickly, and a heat restored his body temperature. Hel knelt in front of the statue and then sat down if in the corner, the doors without doors weren't as enlightened as this room. It's you, Hel... the mermaids built, you asked me why I put the bodies in the trees... - Yes. That much of corpse would attract sea worms, so I put them in the trees, you were there, sleeping helpless. Sea worms are butchers, different from mermaids. "The mermaids of the West — Gwayne soon thought about the books that were very famous in this region, the mermaids of Casterly rock.""" He didn't believe it before, but after all this, the creature that chases Aerea, Hel and good... Snarks. — He laughed briefly.

Gwayne sat down if she was with me all night... yeah, but I couldn't stop the creature following him in dreams... Gwayne felt if again relieved near her, felt her eyelids give in, an impossible sleep to resist, but he did. – Don't resist, my good Gwayne. Sleep, I'll be here when you wake up.

Gwayne lay near her, he felt an inexplicable peace at this moment, felt nothing, didn't think about his war plans, didn't feel sad about things in the past, he was happy. She was getting sleepy, felt safe near her. Hel watched him lying next door, with a smile that would be considered scary in other people, but his pretty face didn't let it be anything less than charming, she seemed extremely happy with his company. – You're not gonna sleep? – asked him, with the sleepy voice. – lf I sleep, I can wake up and you won't be here. — I won't go away. — lt be that fear of me, Gwayne. I fear waking up and having nothing that reminds me of you in this world, who knows when I'll wake up if I go back to sleep, my goal would be lost.

- I can wake you up. - He said, with a nice smile. - I know you can, but for now, let me enjoy this moment, having someone alive and breathing on my side is something I never felt. It makes me feel... Human. She said, varying between the expressions of happiness and melancholy. She reacted surprised and smiled. Gwayne led her head towards her chest, but she wanted to look if she had a face, so she kept her eyes fixed and elevated until he fell asleep.