[b]The King's Chambers[/b]

Jon arched an eyebrow at Lysara and it was Daenerys who spoke, "My, you are a pretty one. And it is clear that the blood of Valyria flows in both of your veins. If what I have heard is true, your mother was of the venerable House Rogare. Hmm, I believe a use can be found for you. Just as your brother has a place in court, so shall you. If you consent, I will gladly take you on as a handmaiden to my daughter Baella. And as for you Seran, you have something of a reputation in Essos. It seems to me that you will be most valuable in the Stepstone campaign. You both may also prove useful when we must treat with the Triarchy." Daenerys scrutinized both of them with her violet eyes and seemed to be satisfied with what she saw. She gestured to Taria, "Your Lord Father has been a faithful friend, and you have proven your troth on the battlefield today. I would be honored if you accompanied my son on his mission. As a Greyjoy, your nautical know-how will surely come in useful." 

Jon turned his attention to Ellion and Merebelle and favored them with a nod, "The ship will only be able to carry a limited number of passengers. The vessel will be light and fast, as speed and stealth are of the utmost importance. Assemble a handful of fellow Reachman warriors, stalwart men that you can trust to be both effective and discreet. Choose wisely. You will arrive in the islands well before the main invasion and the company will have no support until then." He turned to Jenn and Mable, "The same goes for you. Pick a small group of men who will serve best, as we cannot fit so many on the vessel. And as for you Steffon, it is your prerogative to lead your men into battle but you must take pains to ensure that whomever you leave in command at the Twins is competent and reliable should your cousin attack once more." 

Daenerys continued, "These monsters were clearly in league with the rebels. Part of your objective will be to ascertain their true origin and the nature of their alliance with these upstarts. It is also clear that magic had a strong hand in this attack. As such, I have arranged for an expert to accompany you on the mission. They will meet with you at the docks." 

Jon smiled at Ser Aerion, "From the moment you set foot in the city, you have shown yourself to be a true knight. I have complete faith in your ability to act chivalrously and honorably. As for your comrades, the return of their ancestral lands was the least we could have done. If all goes well in our campaigns, the other members of your band will have a home again as well. And you yourself will be honored appropriately. I grant your request. As soon as this meeting is concluded, you will remain and I will call on my daughter to attend us so that we may discuss whatever it is you wish to discuss." 

Daenerys hid a smile as Arak came barging in, "Please do not be so shaken. You have nothing to fear. It is simply our wish for you to accompany our son and our nephew on a sensitive mission." 

After several more moments of discourse, Jon nodded to all, "I thank you all for your valor and loyalty. It is comforting to know that the realm has such true friends in these troubled times. The ship will be ready to depart within the week. Take this time to say your farewells, prepare your equipment, and enjoy what relaxation or entertainment you can procure before it departs. Ser Aerion you may stay. The rest of you will have the freedom of the castle to do as you please. Our own wedding festivities are being cut short but there will be no shortage of wine, food, and company for the duration and the city will keep celebrating despite these troubles. Please enjoy yourselves. For soon, the war begins." 

Jon dismissed them all and waited for Ser Aerion to speak his peace. 

[b]Tower of the Hand[/b]

Tyrion smiled at Mychel, "It is increasingly evident that you were wasted cloistered away in the Eyrie, Ser. You have the makings of a magnificent Lord within you. It is true that the Mountain King will be nigh impossible to placate, but the effort must be made all the same, if only so I can get a measure of the man. But your suggestion to court the lower clans has weight. We will be going to these clans to learn as much as we can and to make deals if we can. If we cannot persuade them to set aside their blades, it will still be useful to gain intelligence and sow the seeds of rebellion among them. Luckily we both have experience in dealing with their kind. I understand you've already gained the loyalty of a few clans, perhaps a few of them can accompany our delegation. You know the Vale, tell me, are there any other lords who may be useful as delegates or knights who will be useful if negotiations are not so smooth?" 

They discussed the mission at length for quite some time, making arrangements and plans before finally Tyrion dismissed the two of them and Mychel and Artys were free to prepare themselves for the journey ahead. 

[b]The Red Keep[/b]

The clean-up efforts in the castle continued as bodies were dragged away, either to burials in the case of those loyal to the crown or to pyres for the rebels and beasts. A large triage tent had been erected in the courtyard, and the wounded were being ministered to by a small army of healers of all stripe. Despite the somber duties, the mood of the castle was strangely energetic. It had been twenty-five years since the realm had been at war. Many of the young lords and knights saw the coming battles as opportunities for high honor and glory. It was no matter that some men-at-arms had died in the attack. The nobility had covered itself in glory and many were hungry for more while others thirsted for justice or vengeance. The wedding festivities may have been officially over but the guests preparing for war had set up their own impromptu festivities. Many still feasted in the Great Hall or danced in the ballroom to the tune of musicians while others viciously trained at arms in preparation for the hostilities. Still others took the time to be with their families for they knew they would soon part. It was a chance for the warriors of Westeros to settle affairs and grab a last measure of enjoyment or relaxation before the battles began. Meanwhile the schemers and plotters of King's Landing planted the seeds of their great schemes as they always did.