King's Landing

After the eventful boat trip, Alerie had retreated to her own quarters, already beginning to take in the effect of what had actually happened. After all, much had been said and done, and it had been a lot to take in. She knew precisely what Lysara was now, that madness that drove her wasn't Lyseni, it was madness, to Alerie at least. It was almost completely blind luck she wasn't dead, and the fact she was in a cell was probably for her own good, Alerie thought, brushing the dark red hair from her face, as she lay down. She sighed, hearing a knock, standing and walking to the door. She peeked through, seeing a Tyrell soldier, alongside the only Amber Redwyne that Alerie had as a handmaiden. She had come to talk. About time.

Opening the door, she let Amber in, looking across with a grimace, though knowing she was here.
"You made it. Good." Alerie's tone was not warm, or inviting. It was hard, cold, and professional. Cutting like a thorn into a person's side, as she shut the door solidly, walking further in.

"I take it you're on board with what I suggested." Alerie asked, a closed question however this was.
"Yes...but I'm uncomfortable. You're asking me to go to my father and ask a lot." Amber replied, a little worried, in the tone of her vioce.

"...and if you don't do it, I'll out you for what you are. Unloyal, and chasing lowborns. No need to be in the service of me when you have some rosy little chase to go on." Alerie was harsh and brutal in her phrasing, as she sat on the bed, sighing.

"But you are on board. Good. I expect you don't need to know the ins and outs. The ships will be dealt with through a couple of courtiers I work with. You remember what I told you...it's two galleys worth. You'll send them to the Bay of Dragons, to the Isle of Cedars. The southern shore, there's an encampment there. Your part is merely to convince him. You won't accompany it. The men will have their orders, and they will have come from an unknown source. They will fly no banners, and given that the sea passage is relatively defended, they should be fine to pass by Old Valyria too. They'll do their job, because there will be paid mercenaries amongst them. And once it's done, I'll make sure you get married to a well to do Knight. You'll never have an issue in the rest of your life. But make a mistake. And believe me. You'll find things women don't often talk about becoming your immenent problem. Are we understood?" Alerie was not unresolving, or unkempt. She'd told bits of the plan in parts, but if she ran out of the room and someone told someone else, there was nothing to comprimise on. 

Her father being someone who had a lot of contacts, actually piecing together this idea was not as insane as Alerie had first thought it to be. After all, it had some merit in what potential lay in the bottom of it, even if the actual work lay thousands of leagues away from King's Landing, and was internal to her. The ships would bring the mercenaries there, and the encampment was one that Alerie had heard rumours of in what they had to offer, of something that recent events in King's Landing had brought to her attention. All Amber knew, she was getting a few boats and taking the sails away. A mere minor inconvenience to Lord Redwyne, they were galleys, and would be basically able to defend themselves, and carry the men of coin that Alerie had to execute the task. Amber's use wasn't finished yet, Alerie knew as much as that promise came, there was more to do. Amber was still in debt, even if she wouldn't think much of it. And she still had a role to play.

"Understood, my Lady." 

"Good. I imagine you can be quite convincing sometimes. It'd help now. Now. I need you to do my hair for me, and have a look at the back of my dress. Let me get the stool." Alerie added, as Amber nodded, understood that she served this woman, and well, didn't want to continue to get on her bad side. Sitting down, Alerie set her dress wide, as she let Amber grab a few implements, a brush and a fine comb, looking on into the mirror.

"Take a few of the curls out, Amber. I may have someone to impress." She stared into the mirror, the mirror's glance displaying a woman who was the kind, warm, spirited and gentle Lady of the court. But what she was doing, well, it was not only wrong, but it was something that would change the very ground that the Tyrells held. If Willas didn't know the world that was coming and had already changed, nor did Ellion, nor Merlin, she certainly did. 

On the windowsill, a small white gull, one of the hundreds who flocked to the Red Keep and its scraps during the day pecked at the window. It's black beady eyes roved around the room, apparently not finding any food and the gull took flight again. 

---------

And Alerie did look fine, her dark red hair cut shorter, the curls that went past her shoulders trimmed down, far more elegant and brushed, only barely past her neck, a little brushing past her face, albeit it was well kept and Amber, despite being close to tears and fright, had done a good job. The green and gold dress hugged her petite form, as she headed out again, and back to the Rose Garden, accompanied by Megga and Amber, going to the Pavillion, holding conversation with the two, it looking like a fine day after all. She had to talk about potential suitors after all, and introduce them more at balls. That and just enjoy the quiet day, before she would let them go for a few hours. Megga enjoyed the harp particularly, that much Alerie knew, and she was loyal enough to Alerie that she let her play on her own time.

The three ladies soon saw another young trio approach. Tom Lannister, the Young Lion and heir to Casterly Rock approached, wearing a fine crimson doublet with a cloth-of-gold half-cape over one shoulder and a gilded lionhead rapier at his side. His twin brothers Tywin and Tytos flanked him. Tom smiled at Alerie, bowing low in sync with his brothers and producing a rose with a flourish from behind his back. Tom smiled, "Good afternoon Alerie. I wanted to thank you for being there with my sister and to make sure that you fared well after the unfortunate... episode that occured." 

The rose was golden, as gold as Tom's hair, "A rare bloom. I had to send all the way back near Lannisport for it. But I thought a gold rose for the Lady Tyrell was only appropriate." Tom passed the rose to Alerie, letting their fingers touch as he did and favoring her hand with a kiss before standing straight and smiling at her, his eyes glinting. His eyes were like his grandfather's, green with glints of gold. Tom smiled at her companions, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure. Surely this is an auspicious day, to meet three beautiful women at once." 

Alerie caught sight of the trio of Lannisters, the main soldier of the three being Tom Lannister, the other two, Tytos and Tywin, standing tall and protective. Wherever he went, Alerie felt those two followed suit out of boredom, and it made her chuckle, as she watched him draw the rose. She took the rose tightly in her hand, barely fazed by it's touch, bare in her hand as she gently stroked the petals, aware of the prickly surface and absolutely content. 
"My fine Ser." She blushed almost as red as her hair, clutching the rose, tight and close to her chest, as she giggled.
"You're unlucky to know that I know this came from a little closer than Lannisport, Tom Lannister. But I do appreciate the gesture. A golden rose is not easy to find." She gently brushed up close, standing on her toes as she took the kiss, her own golden and brown eyes glinting back, as she looked back at her handmaidens, who were watching on intently.

"I haven't had the pleasure of introducing them. This is Amber Redwyne, and Megga. My loyal handmaidens. Two fine ladies of the Reach." Alerie said, as she looked down at his blade in it's sheath, stroking the lion's head.
"Hair to match your sigil's. My, you really are a Lannister. The blood of lions in your veins runs strong. And rather hansome." Alerie said, giggling, as she took his hand, looking back at Megga and Amber.

"I'll let you two enjoy the afternoon a little. Come back to my quarters later tonight." She said to them both, as she looked back at Tom.
"Shall I show you the flowers of the Rose Garden, just myself and you?" Alerie said, realizing the innuendo of what she'd just said. Ah.
"I mean....well. I just want to go there alone with you is all. Lots of nice flowers there you might know about." And with it, Alerie giggled, her warm touch against his hand, holding tight.

Tom grinned, "Indeed, golden roses are rare. And I was blessed enough to find two." He held Alerie's hand softly, doing an admirable job of suppresing a blush as she stroked the hilt of his sword, "Lions have their harsh beauty it is true, but roses are sweet, soft, and beautiful." He grinned somewhat mischeviously then, "With some thorns of course." He nodded to each of the girls, smiling at them, "Charmed. These are my brothers, Tywin and Tytos." 

Tom laughed minutely, eyes flashing in delight, "It sounds like a lovely time Alerie. And I'll make sure your friends do not go unescorted." Tywin and Tytos picked up his meaning and both young Lannisters, identical in comeliness and grace, took the arm of each lady and lead them off, chatting pleasantly. Tom held onto Alerie's hand and let her lead them around the gardens, "It is a beautiful garden, but if the stories are true, it pales in comparison to your familiy's displays at Highgarden. I hear it's the largest, most expansive collection of blooms in the Seven Kingdoms. I would like to see it someday." 

Amber nodded, looking up at Tom, smiling.
"Indeed we do. Every Tyrell spends a good amount of their childhood there. Looking at all the flowers. From poisonous to fruitful. All sorts. We have to be careful of the foreign plants the most, they want to eat everything else in it's path." Alerie commented, leading them through the various sections, enjoying it as she rested her head against his shoulder a little, looking up at the Lannister.

"Your sister as a Princess to be, and you as the future Lord of the Westerlands. You Lions are lucky. The Gods do favour you, it seems. And maybe me to catch a glimpse of you." Alerie gently teased, as they continued walking, further along the garden, the distant waves audible in the harbour. She knew she was swinging herself back, like a pendulum to make sure she had her heart on Tom, this felt a little more natural than it did with Jahaerys. A little fake then, this felt more close to her heart's home. He was exactly what any woman would lust over, and given Alerie didn't look at Jahaerys and feel head over heels, Tom felt instead like he was that Knight that was precicely that. 

"If you wish it, I can accompany you in King's Landing. Stay close with you. I know when a man feels that way towards a woman. The way you've been looking at me. The things your sister told me...you really don't hide it. But that's absolutely fine by me." Alerie said, looking to Tom, a grin on her face, as she hugged him close, sighing.
"Besides...I think you know what my tells are." 

Tom's heart was running a mile a minute, thumping like a drum in his chest. He didn't show it, but Alerie's presence had a dramatic effect on him. He was enthralled with her presence and it took every ounce of self-control he had not to show his nervousness. Tom played it all off well, replying, "It is I who is lucky to have glimpsed you. For all the wondrous flowers here in the gardens and even back in your home, I wager you are the loveliest and most enchanting of them all. Even more so, since there is only one of you." 

This time he did blush a little and the young knight said, "You read me like a book Alerie. Indeed, I am very fond of you. I would like us to be companions very much." He looked at her, meeting her eyes again, "And I had hoped you felt the same." Tom stopped them in the middle of a secluded corner, holding both of her hands in his and stepping close to her. He was a head taller and he ran his hand through her hair as he said, "I am the heir to Casterly Rock. The future Warden of the West. In time, the uncle to a king. Father has already lined up a veritable army of potential brides for me. Ladies from all seven kingdoms. He even talked of betrothing me to Baella. But none of them compare to you, Alerie. It is you who I would take to wife, to have us be a gold lion and a gold rose together. If you would have me." It was not a formal proposal, no that would be saved for some magnificent banquet or party, after the consent of both of their fathers. 

But for all intents and purposes, it was one, and Tom still went down to one knee, a necklace of gold and emerald in his outstretched hands, this one made of golden rosevines with a golden lion and a garland of flowers adorning it's mane, roaring into the air. 

Alerie only looked on, speechless for a moment, as she took her hans out, taking the golden and emerald necklace, as she stood in front of Tom, barely able to contain herself.
"Tom you....by the Seven....it's beautiful. It's....magnificent. You know that us.....us together, it will not be easy. In our own Houses, I know how it is.... But Tom....I don't care. Hell to those who say otherwise. I want you...to be by the Lion." And with it, she took the necklace gently, stowing it past her hair and around her neck, letting it slip down, sitting gently and brightly on her neck. She pulled him almost up off his feet, letting him come into her arms, kissing him profusely, her warm body and top gently rubbing up against him, as she looked into his eyes, her vision utterly focussed on him, enthralled and totally in lust with this moment, as she eased out.
"My father gave his blessing. As did your sister. I can't hide anymore....I don't want any Targaryen, or Reachman, or anyone else. I want you, Tom Lannister." And with it, she kissed him again, feeling natural as she did, wrapping up against him tight, totally in that moment.
"We should take this elsewhere...just in case they see."

Tom was indescribably happy, her acceptance of his affection making him feel as if he were like a bird in the sky, free and unbound. He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her eagerly, pouring everything he couldn't say in words with his lips. Eventually Tom nodded, "It will be difficult. Your people and mine will not be happy. Many lords will not be pleased I spurned their sisters, daughters, or nieces. But to hell with all of them. I am Tommen Lannister, you are Alerie Tyrell. Together we will face everything that opposes us, and conquer it. I will get my father's blessing. We can make the announcement soon, perhaps the ceremony can be held when my uncle Jaime and the rest return from the Stepstones. But for now, it's just me and you." He kissed her again, this one softly, patiently. 

Tom looked around, "You may be right. But where should we go?" He held onto her hand, and in that moment he would have gone anywhere with her, to Highgarden or Casterly Rock, even the Smoking Sea or the coast of Sothoryos. 

Alerie giggled, shaking her head, as she looked back up.
"I can just see your imagination running. Don't overthink it, my beautiful Lion....anyway, I was thinking....my quarters would be a good start." Alerie chuckled, her laugh pleasant and unrestricted, it was organic and not stopped short, as she knew that Tom would probably get the point she was getting at.
"Perhaps we shall see. But come with me. We can catch up with the rest later."  

Tom took her hand and the two ran off, eager and in love, future rulers but still young and full of life. Winter was coming, but for now everything looked bright. 

------------------------------

The Spine, Red Mountains

The fighting had been bloody, and the next two castles had fallen, with a hard push, the sight of arrows, shields, dead bodies and blood running down the side of the mountain in the early morning sun. The sun had risen higher and higher, and the assaults had been relentless.

Small streams that started on the ridges had blood seep slowly, their clear texture running over the sandstone, bleached in a thin stain of red redder than the sandstone it lay on, boots marching, soldiers clanging swords on shields. The ridge had widened, and there was no real stop to the fighting that had gone on. Garlan had kept back in the rear echelons, while he led Ned Dayne command the front once again, though Garlan kept close to see what was going on. The command had been firm, and whatever they had, he had kept close and reinforced where needs be. There was a lull in the fighting for now, but they were moving onto the next fortification, and looking to secure the ridge. The Green Hand Knights were around Garlan's position, alongside a few numbers of armoured Tyrell troops, and archers following close, alongside some mercenary javelin-throwers and peltasts. He saw the Florent Knight come over, one of his Lieutenants in the force, as he stopped to hear him.

"I could use some mulled wine right now...don't you think, commander?" Merrell Florent said in his pensive mood, his armor still stained with fresh blood and signs of struggle that had happened. He himself had exerted quite a considerable amount of effort reigning his men, even though he didn't show it. Curt, clear commands, without hints of a raging voice. Experienced and methodical, Merrell seemed to irradiate a surreal tranquility even amidst the battle. His own men also had made a couple of jokes that he probably had gone ummarried for so long if he applied the same fervour to love than to do battle. But there had been little chastising from his part, just a warning of staying sharp for the battles to come.

He had approached Garlan Tyrell after the battle, figuring that the cornerstone of such army, and leader of the Green Knights could certainly use some...tranquility. But would he relax in presence of a Florent? His tantrum with Brightwater still raged. Maybe if he shared his knowledge gained in the Arbor...

"I'd rather keep sober. It's too early in the morning, Merrell. Wine isn't always the answer. Though after this...it bloody well will be." Garlan added, looking ahead into the distance, further along the ridgeline, the Tyrell green and gold, with mixed yellow and black, with a few golden and brown colours amongst them,  

"How's your forces holding up? We've gone through a lot of shit. We've got a few more castles to grab. Once this ridge is secure...there won't be anywhere we can't see or hit." 

"Morale is holding up, although the injuries are starting to weigh. We are not unscathed. I've told those injuried to not force themselves and preserve strength. This kind of war isn't going to be fast nor clean, with so many forts." Merrell Florent mumbled, as he stirred his horse."Although, the ridge we can take. I intend to send the zealots of that priestess cousin of mine as first wave. They are eager to prove their faith. If they fail, R'hllor voices will be silent in the reach. If they take it, they'll suffer losses aswell. They'll do." He added, still in his neutral tone of the gruesome deed. He never raised or inflected his voice, nor his temper flared. His eyes were set on the ridge. "The needs of the many must be met." He added, 
taking a sip from his wineskin.

"The war isn't going to win itself if we speak like that, I'm afraid. We must sweep, clear and eliminate while we have momentum. Our forces are thinning on this castle, and we have to at least keep the image that we have the force majure. We can make the final push on the one after." Garlan said, wiping the dirt from his face with his gauntleted hand, looking to Merrell.
"Send them forth then. But don't comprimise that line. Ned has the vanguard, you have the flank, and I have the other commanders maintaining their end. This castle, we can repeat the same. We've got a good supply of arrows, so we can shower them in arrows, and then use our ligher infantry to rush the walls, the Knights charging the flanks and stopping their cutoff. The sun is going to get warmer and warmer, so faster we have this done, the less we have to die standing in fucking plate." He added, putting his hand over his eyes, to block the bright sun.

"Fort's the same. Walls are half falling apart. Good garrison, a few Scorpions. Not fun for anyone. Anyone apart from scattered groups. So same plan. Take the point Merrell, in your formation on the flank. Let's open some more souls." 

"Aye commander." Merrell droned, his sight impassive. [i]You just want to get me shot instead, don't you, Tyrell[/i]. He added mentally, as he spurred his horse to meet with the troop.

Ahead the last waycastle loomed, the air charged with tension as the royalists continued their march forward, expecting massive resistance at this last gate before the summit itself. The royal forces stretched in a long line after them, with the base of the mountain and three waycastles already taken, the Spine was on the brink of falling. With the Spine under control, the Red Mountains were that much closer to being back in the throne's auspices. But it would not be easy. 

(Collabs with [@MrDidact][@AtomicNut].)