[center][h2]The first Green Loyalists[/h2][/center] Collab with [@MrDidact] [@bloonewb] [@raknarion] (thanks guys!)

[i] Daughter, I've failed to secure House Roxton. The Ring is procrastinating and Ser Frados as the young Lady's castellan has lost much of late. I fear my efforts in the Reach would bear more fruit were the Hightower army to accompany me but it would lose my my advantage of anonymity.  
 
 That being said, House Shermer was more fruitful and their force gathers  to march to Kings Landing with all their strength.
 
 I have acquired the services of a Knight named Ser Roger Corne who pledges his sword to Aegon. A hedge Knight to be sure yet he claimes he's the surest sword in the Reach. He travels with us. 
 
 I must needs return to Kings Landing; I cannot  be sure those with whom I have treated will not inform our enemies of my whereabouts. My last hope is to call in on the Footlys of Tumbleton or else take the Roseroad straight through the Kingswood, my tail between my legs. I can only hope our other envoys have had more success. 
 
 I hope to be home within the fortnight. 
 
 Father.[/i]
 
 Alicent was grateful Ser Otto was making his way home, it had been noble to personally treat with a smattering of Reachmen but a vain hope if House Tyrell did not bestir itself. Perhaps Daeron would fare better. She was acting as Hand in Ser Otto's stead, eager to keep busy in these uncertain times. Her daughter, Helaena and the children were her chief companions but she'd be passing happy once everyone was safely back upon the three hills. 

She was tired and this business with Aegon's coronation and the coming storm made her feel all of her years. A grandmother. When had that happened? What had become of her youth? [i]All's you got's yer cunny, girl![/i] The crone's voice came unbidden to her ears again. She'd used her womanhood when she'd had need and become Queen and now Queen Mother- acting as hand to her son, the King in her father's stead. There was scarce any higher she might rise yet all those trappings of power were threatened by her infernal stepdaughter and brother-in-law. 

Daemon. It made her smile to think whatever Rhaenyra had; [i]she'd[/i] had him first. Not that Viserys ever discovered that truth. Lucky he'd always been a sound sleeper, they'd woken half of King's Landing that night with her screams...

Now, though, she'd sooner have his head on a platter and her son safe in his office. 

The open window of father's solar in the Red Keep let a chill in that told her summer was done. There'd even been frost on the rooftops across the city these past two mornings and she'd ordered the rushes changed in her bedchamber because they were half rotten with damp. She felt half eaten with mildew herself, the gardens had sprouted ugly patches of fungus and there was an earthy smell emanating from the Godswood that made her feel unclean when she passed. 

She longed for a bath. Maybe she'd have Valanna arrange one for this evening. The Velaryon girl had become close to the Queen mother though there were those who urged caution as the girl's uncle was the first to throw in with the Blacks. Small surprise that had been. Alicent was less worried; Daemon had killed the girl's husband, Vaemond and she clearly despised him for it; besides, the girl would comb the Queen's hair - she was hardly privy to small council meetings and Alicent knew better than to discuss affairs of state with the staff.

"Val, sweetling? I'd like to wear the rich, green samite this morning. Lord Crakehall has come and I would recieve him swiftly." With esteemed Westermen rallying to our cause, it may encourage Houses of similar standing to follow suit. I would reward this man." She thought aloud. It would be a clear message to bestow some reward upon Crakehall who had traversed the continent to bend the knee... 

The girl's face was a scarred horror and Alicent had mastered the art of looking past the girl rather than be seen to stare in mild disgust. 

Valanna nodded, reaching for the dress and deftly changing the Queen Mother's current outfit and exchanging to the elegant gown. Her face had been branded by King Viserys, for her husband's so-called treason, marring what had once been a beautiful face with classic Valyrian features. Her voice however still flowed as smoothly and softly as it always had, "Of course, your grace." 

Valanna stepped behind her, helping Alicent change and said, "It seemed likely the Westermen would rally to Aegon's cause. Lord Jason is a firm supporter of the crown, and the Lannisters have always held tight control over their bannermen. I believe we can rely on the Westermen to be united. That should swing some of the undecided Reach Lords, if both Oldtown and Casterly Rock support the King." Ever since she lost her beauty, she had had to adapt. And now Valanna was much more savvy than most thought. 

"What do you think Lord Crakehall deserves?" 

Alicent liked Val's directness. She'd spent all her adult life at court and she was glad of a break from heirs and graces where two women grown could speak plainly. "I think I shall judge that upon meeting the man. It is said he has ever misliked his wife but that's not uncommon!" It was true. For highborn folk, marriage was a contract and about land, money, power... Love could come later or no. So long as everyone did their duty... She'd done hers. 

"Tell me of Vaemond, sweetling. Was he a kindly husband?" She took the girl's hands in her old, beginning to wrinkle ones. Valanna had never opened up to the Queen Mother about him, save describing her grief after Daemon slew him. Alicent felt she ought to learn more about her confidente. 

Valanna looked down, reluctant to speak but she met Alicent's eyes. She didn't cry, the tears having long since been exhausted, "He was, your grace. He was kindly, and chivalrous, and brave." She didn't mention that he was also her brother, that was common knowledge as was the custom for the Valyrian houses. She continued, "Corlys wanted to marry Vaemond and I off to different houses to cement alliances. But he convinced our uncle to give his blessing to our union, for love. We went sailing many times, and every time he went off to campaign against pirates and sellswords, he brought back a gift. When he went to war with Daemon and Corlys in the Stepstones, he brought me back this necklace." 

She indicated the necklace hanging around her neck, gold with a pearl hanging from it, she smiled as she remembered the lively man, "But he was foolish. And called Rhaenyra's sons bastards. He wanted to make me Lady of Driftmark. And Daemon and Rhaenyra killed him." She didn't remind Alicent of how her husband had branded her and cut out her brother Matarys' tongue and her brother Gaemon's hand, and all the other mutilations he visited upon their family for Vaemond's foolishness. That was common knowledge as well. 

A faint smile played upon Alicent's lips. [i]There's always so much she leaves unsaid[/i] she thought. "It's good to remember the man as he was, Val. I know my late husband dealt cruelly with you and your kin but when I think of him, I recall him reading stories to my children, feeding me fruit in the Kingswood... Our wedding day. You've lost much, but there are memories they cannot take from you." She ran her fingers across the unscarred cheek of her handmaiden and sighed. "Best not keep Lord Crakehall waiting any longer..."  An odd thought came unbidden to her. "Tell me, Val, what do you know of House Farwynd?" It was past surprising that when flicking through her missives in her father's office, she'd had word from a House Farwynd of Lonely Light declaring for Aegon. She was sure that was some distant House of the Sunset Sea and couldn't decide whether the letter had been in jest.

Valanna walked at Alicen't flank as they went to the throne room, "Yes your grace. The king was a complicated man. But I understand what he did. Vaemond was warned. Rest assured, Matarys, Gaemon, and I all remain committed to the true king." When the question of House Farwynd came up, she quirked an eyebrow, "Farwynd... one of the Ironborn houses if I am correct. They have several branches throughout the islands, and they hold the westernmost castle in the country, the Lonely Light. A queer folk, even by Ironborn standards, isolated. And if they are considered queer by a race of raiders, robbers, and rapers, well then they must be quite strange. Other than that, I know little." 

Eventually the two of them reached the throne room, most of the court already assembled in the gallery, the small council, what remained of it in the city, seated near the throne. Valanna bowed to Alicent and took her place off to the side of the dais, with the other royal attendents. Lord Crakehall awaited them. 

Alicent laughed at the girl's description of House Farwynd. "Some offers are best ignored, I think!" She chuckled. "They'll be pledging Aegon swords in Yeen next!" She joked. Yeen was a place she'd heard existed but believed it a dead city in a far-off land. Crakehall awaited and she greeted the travel-weary Westerman with a cordial acknowledgement. "Lord Ralf, it is my very great pleasure to receive you. I trust you've had bread and salt? Kings Landing welcomes you and your men, I hope your journey has been without trouble?" She took her seat at the head of the table and bid Ralf to sit opposite. He was an older man, past the prime of his youth but not unhandsome for his travels. She thought him the sort of man who would serve Aegon well.

As the Queen and her Companion entered the room, Ralf was one of the first to stand at attention, bringing his right hand banging onto his chest and bows. Offering a glance towards his fellow Westerlands nobles, making sure that they paid their respects as well. As the bowing ends, he begins to speak with a voice far deeper and direct than the usual Westerland lord usually spoke. "My Queen, it is our pleasure to be given the honour of having an audience with you, and the court. King's Landing have spoilt us with more than bread and salt. The journey was long, aye, but the The Gold Road proved to be peaceful and filled with merry folk." As the Queen gestures him to sit, he offers a curtly nod and takes a seat at the opposite side of the table. "The Lords of the Westerlands are most eager to pledge our loyalty to the True King of Westeros, Aegon Targaryen, and are at his service. He needs only to say the word and we will be at his side." Ralf shoots another glance at his fellow lords, seeing that they nod and murmur in agreement. 

Alicent was smiling despite herself, he seemed so eager and keen, his lustre carried to her. In the corner of her eye, Lord Banefort sat at the table's corner, his cowl hiding his expression. Doubtless he'd be edgy and distant as was his wont. "My son will be delighted to add your brave forces to our own. Whilst we hope for peace, we regrettably fear Rhaenyra and Daemon's tempestuous natures." She smiled at that. "We have the law of Westeros on our side as set out in the Great Council of 101AC and Gods be good, Aegon's wisdom to guide us through these uncertain times. I would be honoured if you would accept quarters in the Red Keep itself. We would offer you a seat on my son's, your King's War Council and the Title of 'Master At Arms' for your unwavering loyalty and immediate support of the true King." As she spoke the words, Lord Banefort's cowl inclined slightly as though he were becoming more brooding and edgy.

For a moment, Alicent could clearly see that Lord Ralf was taken by suprise by this sudden offer of authority, but he quickly recuperated and offered a reply. "My Queen, you and King Aegon are too kind, but I shall accept the offer gladly! To be able to Serve The King in such a compacity is an honour beyond a doubt." As Ralf accepted the offer, a choir of applause comes from the lords of the Westerlands, clearly pleased to see one of theirs being given a position of such power. The Lord Crakehall didn't offer them a third glance however. "I shall attend my duties at once when the audience are finished. I shan't fail either The King or you, 'tis I swear before The Seven!" 

[i]Had she been too bold?[/i] She wondered. Father would be back in half a moon's turn and what would he make of her new appointment? "Rest assured, Lord Crakehall, it is we who are honoured. Though whilst I make the offer, it is in my father's office. He is currently..." She thought a moment, "Away from the city, but upon his return it is he who you must convince of your credentials!" She smiled a disarming smile. "I would be honoured if once you and your men are rested, if you would join me as my personal guest at dinner this evening. I would hear your ideas for the organisation of our forces in defence of Aegon's throne?" She made it business but was sure it would be pleasure to receive Lord Crakehall in any capacity. 

"I'll have words with your father when he returns, and I will assure him that a man of Crakehall is the one for the position." As the offer of dinner comes up, he begins to feel the hollow feeling that emitted from his stomach. Ralf had hardly eaten that day. "I'll scribble down some potential plans for the defence of King Aegon's throne and join you with an empty and a merry belly for dinner! " A smile appears upon Ralf's face as he accepts the dinner invitation. 

The other Westermen spoke up, introducing themselves to the Queen Mother and making their presence known. All the great lords and renowned knights of the West were there, a fine company of chivalry. Lord Jason Lannister was not present at the moment, but his strength was well represented in his bannermen and retainers. There was one odd man out however, a man from the Reach, who had distanced himself from his own family. All eyes soon fell on this lone knight.

"Ser Jon, House of Roxton, at His Grace's service now and forever," he said, stepping out of the crowd and taking a knee. He stood, and drew his sword. It shone silver in the bright torchlight. "I am truly sorry I cannot offer the services of my rightful blade, Orphan-Maker. Unfortunately, it was not given to its rightful owner, but rather passed through deceit to my fiendish cousin. Rest assured, I am a trained knight, proficient in the arts of war, and do not require Valyrian steel to cut my mark into the enemies of the crown." He returned to his kneeling position, eyes positively glowing with zeal.

Valanna eyed the young knight with appreciation. The man was tall, muscled, and handsome. But a tad young for her taste. There were women at court who chased after the strapping young knights, but she was not among them. That didn't mean she couldn't appreciate him however. That was the best she could do for almost anyone after all, her face the way it was. He was definitely easier on the eyes than Lord Crakehall. Strong and tall as well, but uglier than sin, and as hairy as the boar on his sigil. All of this she kept to herself, and she continued to watch. 

Roxton? What had her father's letter said of Roxton? [i] Daughter, I've failed to secure House Roxton. The Ring is procrastinating and Ser Frados as the young Lady's castellan has lost much of late...[/i] This was no Frados, though. Jon Roxton was here despite the position of neutrality taken by his kin. That was bold. Mayhaps this man ought to be known as 'Bold Jon Roxton' she mused. 

"Ser Jon, you honour your King with your presence. I would be much obliged if my daughter, Queen Helaena and my grandchildren had the service of a bold knight to shield them from any coming dangers... The sort of loyalty only the Reach can inspire." She smiled, the bird was limed.

"I thank you profusely. Such a privilege I cannot refuse. I swear by my blood I will defend them to their enemies' dying breath!" Jon said, nearly shouting. He looked up, and there was no doubt that a great anger lurked within him. "Let not my unfaithful cousin sour your opinion of House Roxton. He is weak, and when time comes, I would be more than happy to risk even the ire of the gods to honor His Grace by defeating that disease that plagues my rightful seat!" He bowed one last time and stepped back into the crowd.

Alicent was taken aback by this man's passion. He was howling about kinslaying when all she'd wanted was a cheap babysitter. "Ser Roxton, I vow that you shall always have a place at my home and at my table and that I shall ask no service of you that might bring you dishonour. I swear it by the old gods and the New." He might be somewhat rough around the edges but he'd doubtless fight like a terrier to protect her family and that was well and good. 

Later, after Valanna had drawn her a bath, she felt the stresses and struggles of acting as Hand ebb away. She let her blonde hair, streaked with greys, loose of its tight braid and sank into the hot waters. The Westermen had cheered her, she felt safer and with Bold Jon, she had vouchsafed Helaena and the babes. Not that they were babes anymore in truth. But she was glad of their protection nontheless. As she let her weary eyes close, the image of Lord Crakehall's handsome, weathered face came unbidden to the forefront of her mind. He'd looked at her not as a subject ought to look upon a Queen, but how a man might look upon a maid. She hadn't had that look in long years but for her age, she wasn't uncomely herself. She decided Val might need to take especial care in dressing her again for dinner...