Lord's Council

[Lord Gaspard Yronwood]

"Lord Marbrand! It pleases me to see you here! We had only just begun the meeting when you and His Excellency arrived. I believe I should paraphrase my opening speech and state that we had gathered to discuss the parts of the Riverlands that we took in battle sanctioned by the Seven. Since the River Houses are still quite rebellious and even partially exterminated, there is no reason to give up those areas. Now when I started this venture, my lord, I did not know what your reaction would be to your father's..." It took him five seconds to find the least offensive way to say it... "Acquiesence to Rodrik's demands. From your entrance, I garner we are now under his authority."

"But my lord, if we remind Rodrick of our allegiance, I and many others believe we can ensure that this war, this massive dedication of lives and resources was not in vain! There are many good and loyal Western houses, kniughtly houses that have spilt much blood for hundreds of generations of Lannisters. The Cleganes, the Paynes, the Brooms, dozens that are capable of governing these new territories and provide a new, more effective buffer zone against our enemies. The Riverlords will fight to protect their territory, but so what... they are traitors to the stag, so it should be no great ordeal for him to think of it as... as pest control, sire."

He then sat back down.

[Lord Lester Merryweather]

Lyn shifted in his seat when he heard his house mentioned

[Lord Harold Kenning]

Harold remained quiet throughout the ordeal. However, he had bowed his head in silent respect as his Lord Lannister entered the room, while spareing the Lord Marbrand a quick glance; He had met the man in passing during his travel to Casterly Rock, but other than that knew him not.

He allowed Lord Lefford to talk, knowing his "honey" was more important than Harold's usual "vinegar". And besides, he would like to see just How this new Lord of Casterly Rock would act...

[Erik]

While the others speak, Tyberion makes his way around the table to sit in the throne. Once Lefford is done, he replies, "Lord Lefford, I think I speak for all the others here when I say that we would all be better off if you said more with fewer words. But that is neither here nor there. As for the business at hand: I will do all I can to hold onto the land we have bled for."

"That said," He continues, speaking slowly and deliberately, "My father bent his knees to Rodrick, and I shall follow his example. Whether our cause was just or unjust is irrelevant. All that matters is that we cannot stand alone, not now."

"That said, Lefford, how in the hell did you possibly think it was a wise idea to mass-produce a letter full of flagrant insults to our king?"

[Lord Gaspard Yronwood]

"...which king, sire?" There were a lot of insults in that letter.

[Erik]

"Rodrick, third of his name, you pompous fool. I hope you realize that, if I want the West to come out of this with a damn thing to its name, I've got to make an example of you."

[Lord Gaspard Yronwood]

"We were still at war with him when that statement was released. Cedric might've knelt, but you, my lord, had not given a proper response. There is nothing unusual about saying mean and tawdry things about the enemy, sire. If you wish me to join the line of lords and knights waiting to kiss his feet, then I will. You are lord of the Westerlands, not Rodrick..."

[Erik]

"I certainly am. You, on the other hand, are not, nor is any other man here. You had best remember that." Tyberion shrugs. "I shall see what Rodrick would like done with you. Until then, Lefford, consider yourself on house arrest. Any attempt to leave your house's lands...well, it would not be a wise choice."

[Lord Gaspard Yronwood]

The old man sighed and stood... "Of course, sire. If I may be so bold to inquire, have you sent proper word to Rodrick of our new allegiance yet?"

[Lord Lester Merryweather]

"I am sorry to interrupt." said Lyn "But this is not what lord Martyn promised. What was promised was keeping what we conquered, honors for the Westerlands. He didn't talk about insulting kings. If this is the game you played, lord Lefford, it is a game without honor."

[Lord Gaspard Yronwood]

"Ser Lyn is right, your grace. These men don't care about Rodrick's ego. Will you swear to fight for what is ours?"

[Erik]

"I shall ever work to better the West, and that will have to do. I don't see how a fight could possibly go in our favor, however. Do we want to be carved up, as the Reach was, as the Riverlands are now? That is all that could come of it."

Tyberion waves his hand, as if to banish away the thought, and continues, "On to other matters. I intend to make Ser Rhyan Myatt the Lord of Riverrun. Is there any opposition?"

[Lord Gaspard Yronwood]

"None, my lord. No knight served us better in the war than Ser Rhyin. Well, save perhaps Prestor and Banefort, but they are already lords."

Martyn was curious to know what sort of reaction Tyberion might have if he learned his mentor was willingly involved in the assassination attempt on Cedric. Blackmail would be a handy tool in the new Westerlands...

[Erik]

"Good. So, is there any other business? I'll be making for King's Landing as soon as possible, to answer the Deer's summons. I'm sure you won't mind a few guests for the night, though, Lefford?"

[Lord Gaspard Yronwood]

"Not at all, sire. I had planned room and board for a larger assortment of malcontents and traitors but alas..." He snapped his fingers. "I was foiled by your hold on their hearts. Curse you, Tyberion. Curse you.", smiled Lefford as he called for drink and food while the rooms were prepared.