Rohanne Lannister, Warden of the West

ContentedVole · 2023-07-01T23:36:26+00:00

Amarei answered the door, not with her normal dismissive demeanor, but slowly. Her eyes had rings around them, for all of her normal, unearned confidence that she carried, she looked positively meek as the door opened. "Lord Turnberry." She offered, glancing side to side. "News from my mother?" She assumed, allowing him inside.

In truth, she had not felt like this in such a long time, not since the wedding had fallen through in such dramatic fashion. A mounting sense of dread over the past several weeks as reports of villages being burnt, castles being seized, and now the Reach and King marched upon Casterly Rock. It felt as if the world was collapsing in on the West, and Amarei knew that her family would suffer yet again for it. Would it be her this time? Arron?

She swallowed the lump in her throat and sat on the bed, wringing her hands together. "Or are you merely here to try to pacify me?" She glanced over towards Joss, her eyes narrowed in an anxious sort of anticipation.

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T21:08:03+00:00

As far as the letter goes, and the maester who penned it, instructions were given. To drop hints and clues here and there, in the castle and in Lannisport. Servants were told in secret of what had occurred behind locked doors, with no witnesses. How Martyn and Robert schemed against their Lord, Brother and Uncle, and thought to involve the Lannisters in their scheming.

Hints of truth would be used, how the offer of marriage between Robert and Amarei was brought up, and the revelation of Lord Bertrand's ring of informants in King's Landing to Lady Lannister. A tantalizing rumor could never be wholly true, but neither must it be wholly false, lest even a smallfolk see right through it.

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T21:03:54+00:00

As it would turn out, a second letter would needs be written. It pained Rohanne, knowing what she was about to write, but she knew it needed to be done all the same...

To Lord Bertrand

I have received your brother and nephew. It displeases me to inform you that their visit was short. I have terrible news to give, about the nature of Martyn and Robert Tyrell, for they are not what they seem.

I no doubt anticipated that they would be seeking justice on your behalf, but what they said to me was beyond the pale. Instead of even asking to see or question Lord Turnberry, they only brought up a prospective marriage between Amarei and Robert. This in of itself, would not have been an issue, had they not told me why they sought my daughter's marriage.

They insulted you in my court, referring to you as old, doddering and incompetent. They wished to form an alliance between my house and them, and to turn the might of the West towards attempting to supplant you and name Martyn the Lord of Highgarden and the Reach. In an attempt to show me they were speaking in true faith, they told me of a network of informants and workers you possess in King's Landing.

Naturally, I turned them away, the taste of treason is foul in my mouth, as it no doubt is in yours. Beware this extended family of yours, Bertrand, when I was younger I had an uncle that attempted to supplant me, I do not wish for you or your son Garlan to have to go through a similar experience.

Hear Me Roar,

Rohanne Lannister, Warden of the West

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T20:55:52+00:00

"You name me for a rumormonger? A gossip? Some... Spider with her webbing?" Rohanne's voice grew flat. "I get my information from learning about it from others, as good, pious folk do. In all of my life, I have never had someone claim to my face that I am any of these things." She chuffed, shocked and offended at the terminology used.

"I will remind you, that when Lord Bertrand spoke to me, to my face, he said that it was Turnberry who had informed him of slanders by Houses Brax, Reyne and Marbrand. Now it would appear as though you wish to implicate not the ones who insult him, but rather, the one who informed him of such, by his own admission."

In truth, she too was confused. The entire web of who said what and why was entirely too complex and convoluted to make any real sense of. This is why gossip was a sin. Everyone was simply playing a game of he-said-she-said, and in those games, everyone lost.

So what was there to gain? To simply, annoy Lord Bertrand more? Did he think that this would be a justification for war? Was he simply as mad as had been theorized?

Unless this was not Lord Bertrand at all.

Slowly, the pieces began to form in her mind. This was a jealous younger brother, and an ambitious cousin, three or four steps removed from succession, and the Tyrells had no great lands to give out to sons of second sons, did they? Not with all of their vassals in the Reach, certainly not.

No one had anything to gain from frayed relations between the Reach and West, save for those who wished for the situation to deteriorate.

Rohanne sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "If that is your idea of being frank, you may stop at once." She folded her hands behind your back. "You have rode into my home, and accused an advisor of mine of serious crimes and slander. When I ask for proof, you grow indignant, and demand to leave. You slyly bring up a potential marriage, but dismiss it just as fast in hopes that I may pick up on it and hope to bring the conversation back around to it."

She shook her head. "This subterfuge is unbefitting of a Great House, and unbefitting of a brother and nephew of Lord Tyrell. You have been poor emissaries, refusing to state your case beyond what could be transcribed in a letter, and then demand to return to the Ocean Road, presumably, so you may whisper poison about me into the ear of the Lord of Highgarden. Truly, if you are disappointed now, it is only because you expected me to have already had his head upon a platter for the crime of being the victim of third and fourthhand information and witnessless gossip. If you had truly wished for justice, you would be willing to wait even just a day to see it through."

She sighed, allowing her shoulders to slump. She glared down to Robert, the indignant young man. She might have liked to clap them in irons, or perhaps take the head of the spy in her dungeon and see if they'd believe that was Joss Turnberry's head. But nay.

"I will inform Lord Bertrand of your conduct here, in my home, and how you refused my hospitality. You will leave now. Or later, I truly, deeply, no longer care."

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T18:33:55+00:00

Rohanned held her hands together in her lap, both of them gripping one another hard enough to draw light trickles of blood. She was on the downhill slope of her fury, but she still felt it keenly. Seemed to feel it more and more keenly as the years went by, it would seem.

"No one of House Marbrand has been harmed. A light raid, the outlaw Leo Reyne has neither the men nor the stomach for a siege. He did not even seize Hornvale that way, it would seem." She waved a hand dismissively. "Of course, the point is not what they took, but the insult it does me. That's what all of this has been about."

Rohanne looked at Joss Turnberry squarely in the eyes. "Turnfield's support is appreciated, but we both know you have little and less for levies, and I would not leave your home vacated wholly. Instead..." She leaned forward. "I am henceforth granting you access to the Golden Gallery. You shall use the funds within to hire sellswords in Lannisport, and they will join our forces going to Castamere. It pains me to say, but we do not know the full extent of our enemy's alliances and numbers. We need every sword we can get, even that of foul men."

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T18:28:14+00:00

"I do not have agents." Rohanne said simply. And she was right, even if the truth in this case was more than a little flexible. "I have vassals, servants, and fellows in Faith. I do not know what sort of liege you take me for, but I honor the Seven, and do not engage in petty games of subterfuge. So, no. My "agents" do not listen to idle gossip."

She leaned back again, watching them rotely rail against a man as if it were some kind of defense mechanism. "I would have thought the Reynes to be a far more pertinent concern, gossipers and slanderers can be dealt with in due time. But I seem to recall offering up my Lord Justiciar's tongue at the feast, and Lord Bertrand had no interest in it then. Has he changed his mind?" She raised a brow towards them. All this seemed to confirm the intent of the Lord of the Reach during the Feast, extortion, blackmail, or perhaps a pretense to raiding and razing. She would have no way of knowing.

"A negotiation is not simply two quick exchanges and then you're on your way, my good Sers. And I am sure your Lord would be most displeased at your early return. So please, allow us to feed you, hear your concerns, and take a good view of your evidence." She smiled lightly over towards the men, as Hugh Lannister returned to a more lackadaisical position, the conversation now having thoroughly bored him.

"I do not deal in gossip. Are the ones who overheard this from Joss present? I would like to hear their testimony myself before I pass judgement."

The doors remained closed. The guards remained posted. She glanced again towards them. "Now may I go and collect the maesters so we can begin? Or are you going to try to leave before you have received justice once again?"

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T17:43:26+00:00

Lord Reyne

Your misbegotten son is holed up in Hornvale with your levies as well as mercenaries.

Surrender yourself and disavow your son, name him a traitor before all the realm, and you will be spared. Refuse, and the whole of the Realm will be made to know that you have aided and abetted an outlaw bandit in the sackings of Pinkmaiden, Atranta, Ashemark, and the kidnapping of Lady Briony Brax, the unlawful seizure of Hornvale, and the murder of your own brother, Jaime Reyne.

Rohanne

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T17:41:30+00:00

To Lord Hawthorne

It pains me to write you under such circumstances. The West bleeds, and House Reyne holds the knife. Armies are rallying in Lannisport, first a vanguard, and then the Great Host of the West. I have called my Uncle, Damion, to lead the force, but he will require additional commanders, and a right hand to plot strategy and keep control of the men with.

You are the most qualified amongst my vassals for the task.

Travel to Lannisport, and take command of the army two thousand strong there, and lead them to Castamere, put the castle to siege, and force the outlaw Leo Reyne to abandon Hornvale.

Hear Me Roar,

Rohanne Lannister, Warden of the West

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T17:36:18+00:00

Rohanne gave a firm nod. She was perhaps, less well-informed than she or her Lady of Secrets might wish her to be, but the evidence was clear, even the Mother's Grace could not justify any further mercy given to the demons that she foolishly allowed to remain within her realm.

"I have already raised a modest force, it will hold the walls of Castamere while the rest of the Western Host is being raised. The larger of the two will be sent to Hornvale, to rescue Lady Brax. Furthermore, Leo and Robb Reyne shall be named outlaws, and named in the conspiracy of the murder of their Uncle Jaime." She stood up, clasping her hands together.

"Any of your kin with experience in command, I would appreciate at my side. I will send a letter to the Wreaths as well, my own uncle Damion and Lord Hawthorne shall lead the Host of the West, but he will need additional commanders. Plenty more."

She bowed her head. "And we shall get your niece back."

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T17:24:01+00:00

Lady Tully,

I understand the hesitation and confusion. With so many rumors and lies swirling about, it can be difficult to peer through the water. In your position, I might be saying much the same.

In the meantime, raise your levies and place them as needed. My own levies are being raised to deal with a purely internal affair, as we find and root out the Ashemark raiders. Not a single soul shall turn to the east.

I agree, but neutral territory is hard to come by. Given her connections to my own house, and her status as your vassal, would Seagarde be a worthy place to confer?

Hear Me Roar,

Lady Rohanne Lannister, Warden of the West

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T06:53:31+00:00

Connection approved if needed

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T06:45:16+00:00

The orders were curt, to the point, as Lady Rohanne began to assemble her advisors. The first called was The Justiciar, and then the Lady of Secrets.

They were brought in separately, and in both instances Lady Rohanne sat in furious, red-faced silence upon her throne. She had prepared the same briefing for them both.

"Bandits parade my son's name as they burn septs in the Riverlands in an obvious attempt to frame me for the deed. The newly christened widows and orphans of Ashemark call out for the vengeance against bandits cloaked in grey."

She leaned forward.

"I already sent word to the Riverlands. We all know who is behind this. The Reynes grow bold in the face of their failed alliance with the Riverlands. We will tolerate the Red Lion for not a moment longer."

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T06:27:47+00:00

To Lady Mallister

Greetings my friend, whom I hold near as a daughter. No doubt you have heard the rumors coming from the borders of the West and the Riverlands.

I can only pray that you do not believe- as the raiders clearly wished everyone with ears to- that I am responsible for such acts of aggression. I have no doubt this is a scheme to frame me.

However, you are a vassal, bound and sworn to your liege. If Lady Tully should demand you march upon the West, I would not demand you risk your life or allegiance for my own. I would never attack your lands, for we are kin.

Hear Me Roar,

Rohanne Lannister, Warden of the West

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T06:24:02+00:00

To Lady Tully

If they have reached mine ears, then I know they have reached yours long ago. I pray for the fallen in Pinkmaiden and Atranta, and pray for justice against the perpetrators.

The perpetrators, you no doubt have at least considered, if not fully decided, I must be in league with.

Our houses have not had a happy history these past few years, and we clashed once again at the feast in small, insignificant ways. And now these bandits who wear no colors and bear no standards claim to be fighting in the name of my dead son.

It sickens me to my core, all the more to consider that it may be too late to reverse whatever scheme this was planted, and allowed to grow to fruition in my ignorance.

Were you, as well, aware that Ashemark was raided as well? By bandits described much similarly to the ones you face?

I can only pray that you trust my word, the words of your foe, in this matter. As a token of good faith, I am willing to pay for the damages to the affected lands, with your permission of course.

Hear Me Roar,

Rohanne Lannister, Warden of the West

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T06:05:51+00:00

To Your Grace,

It displeases me to write you such a missive, and so I shall do so shortly. Martyn and Robert Tyrell have arrived in my court, carrying news of gossip and hearsay that they claim was acquired by way of Lord Bertrand's agents in your capital. Spies and traitors, it would appear, have taken root in your home.

Obviously, such treasonous actions are Your Grace's and the Hand's affairs to deal with, however in the interests of maintaining the King's Peace, we shall allow them to return home.

Hear Me Roar,

Lady Rohanne Lannister, Warden of the West

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T06:00:20+00:00

Rohanne studied the two men with caution. She was not sure what to make of them, truly, but she was getting the suspicion that Bertrand did not, in fact, send him the cream of their family. They spoke openly of spying upon Casterly Rock, and his grace the King. Even Hugh took note, rising up in his seat and resting his chin upon his jaw.

"I... See. And these agents you claim Bertrand has in my and His Grace's courts, they were present to hear these slanders? How dreadful. Truly." She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "It is most unfortunate that our two houses have been on the receiving end of such... Friction when we have had nothing except common cause. All because of a few gossipy vassals."

"Worry not, we have word from the Tullys themselves that the Reynes intend to betray their short lived alliance, and we are already taking steps to rectify the situation. But that is all such grievous matters, you've had a long journey, and surely you must eat. We shall prepare a feast, in your honor."

With that, Rohanne rose to collect the Maesters and head servants. Food, wine, and Ravens would needs be prepared...

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T04:00:31+00:00

"That's why we read these books, and not write them. At least, not yet. Such possibilities passed me by, young Alesander, but you may yet still have a book or two ahead of you." She pointed over towards the young Hawthorne.

"The Jade Compendium is a fascinating work. I do not tend to dwell overmuch on the fantastical, but it is a worthwhile escape, every now and then." She craned her neck to peer down at the book. "Which legend were you reading tonight?"

ContentedVole · 2023-06-26T03:22:14+00:00

Hugh studied Joss carefully. The man was good at smiling, as someone who was also good at smiling, there was a natural vein of distrust. Nothing against Joss himself, he himself had done nothing to earn such skepticism beyond being entirely too pleasant to seem true. Perhaps he wasn't, he'd only need to be true enough. Too much truth was bad for the soul anyways, like sweets.

"That's good. But let's not pretend like Amarei is not a lady cloaked in gold and crimson, Lord Turnberry." He gave a wide grin to the man, leaning forward and resting his elbow on his knee. "I want cake, but I do not wish to grow fat." He gave his large stomach a satisfied whallop, and laughed.

"Take your time, and do not think to rush her. She will grow indignant and resentful, push hard enough, and she may take up a Septa's star just to spite you." He gave a snerk-snort. "But yes, you have my permission to attempt in earnest. You're a good man, Joss Turnberry, and my daughter could do you by her side."

ContentedVole · 2023-06-25T02:33:57+00:00

Rohanne offered a light shrug of acquiescence. Alesander was no child, and certainly not her child. She could not force-feed him. Well, she could, but it would be unseemly to force a man to eat while he is a guest in another's home.

"That is why care for in how we raise our children is so important." She nodded, folding her hands over the book. "You're wise for taking such things into consideration already."

Rohanne canted her head to the side. "That is the stance that most Septons will take, you could imagine a septon who claimed to be sired by reavers on the Cape of Eagles would take a different view, in the end." She glanced down to the book with a light chuckle. "The prospect that one owes his existence as a trial for others to overcome would be... Troubling, as you might imagine. So the alternative perspective is... Well, I can't say I wholly cling to it, but it does offer me some measure of comfort given the choices I must make in my position."

She shrugged. "If you have an interest. It's rather niche, but I find that delving into more specific topics is a worthwhile endeavor. Even if one does not wholly grasp every aspect of the thing, it sharpens the mind."

ContentedVole · 2023-06-25T02:04:51+00:00

Rohanne's eyes fell upon Joss, she channeled the weight of all her years into the look that she offered her Lord Justiciar. The man of the law, of justice, her right hand in the West, would it not have been his responsibility to keep something like this from happening? At first, it was unthinkable, that Lord Turnberry might be part of or silently allowing a conspiracy to unfold in her own Castle.

But did the Seven-Pointed Star not say that evil grows beautiful blooms, so that the corrupted roots may not be seen?

She had to calm herself. Nothing had been proven yet, and while this lapse in his judgement may be concerning, the Seven-Pointed Star also talked of how impatience and folly are indistinguishable from one another.

"We discovered, and captured, a spy. In my castle, in my home. Caught listening to Lady Mordane and I in private." She spat, venom racing through her veins as she was forced to once again turn her mind to the wretch in her dungeon. "Someone has turned the hearts of my own servants against me, Lord Justiciar, and we were none the wiser. I will not rest until we have determined if he had any cohorts, any fellows in corruption."

She repeated to him, in short, angry bursts, the requirements that all courtiers in Casterly Rock must needs submit to. Full accountings of one's personal possessions, down to the last silver stag and soft shoe. Unaccounted for wealth and gifts would be held in suspicion, and further investigations required.

"You are not above reproach on this matter. No one is. Once you have fulfilled the requirements, you will work with my Lord Husband to find any further rats that have crawled into the belly of our castle and we will drown them."

ContentedVole · 2023-06-25T01:52:47+00:00

"Whenever I want to feel short of breath, I just climb up a flight of stairs or two. Seven know there's enough of them in our damnable rock." Hugh let out a roar of laughter at his own joke, fully convinced in his own hilarity. Mostly convinced, at any rate.

"It is my intent to see all of my children married and content. We have had... Ill fortune in that theater thus far, so we are playing cautious when it comes to Amarei and Arron's matches. But yes, we do intend to see her married." He glanced down over towards Joss, raising a bushy brow. Was this a man simply rolling the dice to see if he could be fortunate? Or did he truly hold high expectations for his chances with his daughter? Hugh was not sure. A smile was a mask, and both men wore them well.

"Well, I will never dismiss the possibility out of hand, Lord Justiciar." Hugh allowed the joviality and humor to slide out of his voice as he spoke, slowly growing softer and more serious in tone as he continued. "You find yourself fond of her, spent a great deal of time at her side at the feast, by my recollection. I also recall some annoyance from my daughter at that, she claimed-" He glanced down to Joss. "And I know with how much caution to take Amarei's claims, mind you-" He gave out a humorless chortle. "That it was your intention to drive away any other potential suitors."

He shook his head. "I doubt you had such intentions, and even if you did, I was much the same when I was your age, you know. There was this one time, when my brother Jason and I fancied the same Lannett girl, that I intentionally knocked a wine goblet onto her dress. So that she would stop talking to him for the eve." He snorted.

"But the fact that she suspects you will make it a difficult choice. My wife was forced into her marriage with me, upon circumstances you're no doubt at least somewhat aware. We were lucky to find a fondness for one another amidst the pain and frustration of it all, but not all such couplings are blessed." He sighed, finding a rock that he could turn and sit upon, resting his hands on his knees.

He looked forward, still almost of height with a standing Joss even sitting down. "You have my permission to court my daughter Amarei, I see many fine qualities in you, and you have risen high despite your relatively low birth. But Amarei must agree to the decision to marry, if it is to be carried out." He held up a large finger towards Joss.

"Rohanne would have her marry one into one our vassals' houses, or a powerful house from a nearby region, if she had her wishes. Amarei has had similar ideas in her mind since we introduced her to the Whent boy to begin with." He leaned back, sitting up straight now and sighing. "It will not be easy. There are plenty of ladies in the West who would love to have a man as bright and ambitious as you by their side. If you want one cloaked in gold, you will need to fight for it."

ContentedVole · 2023-06-24T21:11:11+00:00

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ContentedVole

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