(Olenna Tyrell, Highgarden)
"MOTHER, HE'S A DEMON!"
Olenna observed her son coolly, his shout ringing through her ears and causing no small amount of headaches.
The servants around them are staring everywhere and anywhere they can, trying to hide themselves from her sight.
"W-we can't let him get away with this…" His anger tapered off at the end, as he felt the judgmental gaze of his family around him.
Willas, the sweet child dared not look at his father, preferring to absently stroke his pet. Olenna on the other hand had no such issue, looking at the oaf with nothing but contempt and disgust.
Alerie shared the same feelings as she did, but chose not to dignify her husband with a response, preferring not to interact with her failure of a husband.
"Pray tell, how exactly do you want to stop the King, you fat Oaf?" Her scathing words sent her fool of a son reeling, cutting the wind off his sails.
If he wasn't so rotund, she might have felt pity, "I-I thought you had a plan?" He stammered out.
"I-I… I… Speak straight, you barrel of a man, do you want to see us all perish alongside you? The fucking King can travel whole kingdoms in just a moment, for all we know he could be right here, listening in to your treason."
That was enough to turn her son pale as a sheet, his eyes popping out of their sockets. His legs trembled in fright and his hands visibly shaking.
It would have been quite amusing to see, if not for the fact that she was unsure if her words were true or not. The death of those pompous Arryns snuffing what little confidence she retained in dealing with Mudd.
"Father isn't thinking straight, grandmother. It is unheard of for a single man to have such powers, even among the most powerful sorcerers in the past who lacked such means." Willas tried to mediate between them.
Waving the skittish servants away, "The man hasn't thought straight since he wetted his cock in that vapid whore. All bluster, no power." Alerie stated plainly as if she wasn't describing her husband.
Good, get rid of these eavesdropping rats, she would need to deal with them later. At least the ones whose loyalty was questionable.
"W-Why I never…" Before Mace could start defending himself against his significant other, Olenna interrupted what would no doubt prove a fruitless argument.
"Yes, Yes. He has powers never seen before, no doubt surpassing that whoremonger Greenhand himself, but that's hardly a reason to go against him."
Alerie nodded approvingly towards her, and Olenna had to stop herself from slapping the woman back to the Seven Hells, where she likely spawned from. This girl has gotten way too ahead of herself since she threw away her disguise, something Olenna wished would return so that she could have her peace once more.
Willas appeared to be conflicted about the description of their shared ancestor, a man who sired a majority of the noble houses of the Reach all by himself.
In a sense, she wasn't wrong in her declaration.
When nearly a whole Kingdom descends from you, you could hardly be described as virtuous and upright, and considering the brutal nature of the first men in the previous eras, one need not be a genius to realize the implications of how that came about.
Oh, the Starks liked to play the noble and honorable lot, but anyone who looked at their past knew just how ruthless those hypocrites tended to be.
As much as the Reach liked to prattle about Greenhand, the legendary man was no saint and he lacked self-restraint with the amount of children he had. Unfortunately, the Andals of old saw no problem in worshipping the man and directly absorbed his legend into their own.
Realizing they were going off-topic, "Perhaps we should send a representative to the Crown, showing sincerity to his Majesty should avoid ruffling any feathers." Willas suggested, bypassing his father's authority, who was still shaking in fear like a maiden about to lose her virginity.
Good, the lad was showing her oaf of a son what a true lord should look like, thinking with the brain he inherited from her rather than with his emotions.
"Your aunt already sold herself to the Crown, House Tyrell has long since jumped to the King's ship long ago, lad. You can thank your father for that, for all the good it has done." That didn't stop Olenna from denying his suggestion.
Willas meant well. Yet, sending another representative was pointless, at least Margaery and Janna stayed the King's hand for now. Hells, if she could, she would have already sent Mina too, regardless of her marriage with Paxter.
Maybe her eldest daughter would have ranked higher among the King's lovers.
Alerie visibly frowned at the mention of her friend, "Mother, Janna only meant to improve His Majesty's opinion of us, don't degrade her contribution like that."
The audacity of this bitch.
Showing an amicable smile that was authentic as Mace's military exploits, "Yes, Yes. The girl has done well, she has brought glory to House Tyrell by opening her legs to a man who couldn't care less." Olenna spat out.
Yes, she understood her daughter's actions, but couldn't she at least have become his primary lover? For god's sake, the girl wasn't at the bottom of the King's lovers only because of that haughty bitch Cersei.
She didn't need to glance at her grandson to know that he wanted nothing to do with this conversation, whereas his mother looked ready to blow a gasket.
"I would appreciate you not describing my lover like that, you old hag." A new voice interrupted the two, momentarily breaking the hostility between the two women.
"Who? What?" Mace shouted out in fear, his soul nearly leaving his body once he found the unexpected guest.
The speaker was a handsome man, with messy brown locks and piercing sage eyes that looked mighty displeased with her.
Well if this wasn't awkward, then she'd eat her fucking shoe.
"You fucking idiots." Another voice spoke.
'When the fuck did Gormon appear!'
…
(Gormon Tyrell)
As a member of a Great House and the uncle of a living Lord Paramount, Gormon had always enjoyed privileges beyond anyone in his station.
His status alone made it so that the Citadel had to take his opinions seriously, or at the least consider his words.
It was a given that once that schemer Pycelle died, he would have risen to Grand Maester, easily taking his position within the Small Council and raising his family's status even higher.
House Tyrell was no longer the weak figurehead it had been since Aegon's Conquest, its influence and power easily cowing the lesser Houses of the Reach and forcing the major ones to take them seriously.
Unfortunately, who would have expected the mad prince and his father, the rebellion, and the conquest to all occur one after the other, destroying his hopes of rising to prominence within the rest of the kingdoms?
Yet, as one opportunity is forsaken, another will appear shortly after.
His Majesty, King Erlend had suggested the creation of an Academy within the Capital, one housing some of the most brilliant minds in Westeros and whose contribution would not only benefit the nobility but also the gentry and talented commoners.
Ensuring that Westeros would finally overtake its counterparts in terms of intellectual talent and development in the coming future.
It was an ambitious goal that threatened to upend the current social order, as they moved to a more merit-based system. Yet, it was one keenly felt by the Maesters, many of whom were second sons, commoners, and those of lower standing.
This was a chance to increase their influence and power, sponsored by none other than the Crown itself. It was one where their graduates would not be permanently tied to a single noble House, and forced into a vow of celibacy that many didn't even follow.
Sure, some were allowed to leave the order if they had no desire to become Maesters, but that was mainly only for the nobles and their ilk.
The Maesters Order was a chance to rise, giving an individual great influence over noble Houses, but it was also a chain, keeping its brightest minds incapable of developing advancements further than the great powers that be desired.
Gormon was unique in that he shared a perspective from both spectrums and thus understood the terrible potential this new academy held. An educational institution not bound by the limitations that forced his order to stagnate and one where he would play a foundational role in its creation.
It was the responsibility of the older generation to teach so that the younger could swim to new heights. So was it a surprise that he eagerly accepted the King's offer?
Principal Gormon, as his King called him, was someone who future generations could only look up to in awe and respect for the opportunity he helped pave for them.
This was greater than anything a Grand Maester could ever achieve, Marwyn could have that honorary position, for his chance would ensure his name would be engraved in the history books, far better than an eccentric magician anyway.
"Gormon, what the hell have you been up to?" His good sister snapped at him, momentarily distracted by his appearance.
His liege decided to answer for the older man, "Gormon here is a valued member of the Royal Court, one whose contribution has greatly exceeded all of you combined."
The veneer of politeness was gone, the Conqueror caring not a wit for showing courtly manners to figures who had been insulting him only a few moments ago.
That left his 'good-sister' speechless, a nearly unheard-of event. One that brought him great pleasure.
With newfound confidence, "Come now Olenna, after what you did to poor Luthor, did you think I would become one of your creatures?" He asked though he didn't expect an answer from the old hag.
Not like he cared for his half-wit brother, the man was foolish enough to be led by his cock after all, he deserved to rot in the Seven Hells for daring to trust this poisonous viper.
Little Willas decided to intervene, likely not wanting to destroy House Tyrell's image in front of the King. "Great-Uncle, I'm sure this is a misunderstanding." The young lad said.
Fat chance, King Erlend had never had the best impression of their House, and his Oaf of a nephew had only made it worse. If it wasn't for him, Janna, and Margaery, there was no doubt that their House wouldn't last for too long.
"Your Majesty, I assure you, Mace's words are not something we agree with. I sincerely believe that the man has already gone half-mad. Perhaps it's time he steps down so that Willas can prove his loyalty." The Hightower girl said earnestly.
Both her son and Olenna stared incredulously at the woman, unable to believe she would say such things to the King himself. Gormon nodded approvingly at the girl, while she was no Malora, she had some skill.
Shame she was a Hightower.
His liege's lips visibly twitched at her outrageous words, "Quite bold, your son is still here after all." He pointed out.
Giving her son a stern glare, "I am confident that Willas is more than ready, and he understands the importance of taking charge." She insisted, not backing down at all.
Neither said a word after that, letting the Tyrell Heir decide for himself.
Gormon stroked his beard in interest, curious how young Willas would react. This was the chance the lad needed to prove himself to the King.
He didn't forget the scheming bitch and glanced at her. Olenna who had been sidelined had an ugly look on her face, the Tyrell Matriarch true to her wit, was instantly aware that this was a deliberate move by Alerie to force independence on her son, ensuring that the Redwyne hag would have limited influence over him.
The potential to become greater than 'Longthorn' himself, was what Gormon saw in the young heir. Perhaps the crotchety bastard Randyll had seen the same thing, which would explain his agreement with the betrothal.
As for poor Mace. The man had already fainted, unable to stomach the realization that he'd insulted the King to his face.
Either way, his fate was already sealed. For King, Erlend was not a forgiving man.
…
(Erlend Mudd)
Gaining the loyalty of Gormon might have been one of his most interesting decisions.
The brother of the late Tyrell patriarch was one of the most knowledgeable Maesters around, with a political acumen that wasn't to be underestimated, and a perceived unshakable loyalty to his House giving him an unprecedented insight into one of the most dangerous women in Westeros.
Imprints were valuable, that could not be denied, but having a human spy was no less important.
Initially, it was mainly to keep an eye on Olenna and her machinations, as she lost trust in her daughter and granddaughter respectively. Yet now, it served him well in dividing the House that maintained its influence and power through its blood relations and schemes.
Willas, despite his loyalty and affection to his grandmother, was always going to put House Tyrell's interests over his emotions.
This was a boy willing to marry Sansa, just because it would allow the Tyrells to potentially claim the North, knowing full well that it would put him in the crosshairs of someone like Tywin.
Oh sure, he had the protection of his grandmother, but as shown today, she was not invincible, and there were chinks in that heavy-plated armor that could prove fatal.
"Will the boy not feel resentful about what is to happen to Mace?" Gormon asked curiously.
"Have faith in his intelligence, Gormon. I have no interest in killing off the fat oaf, or his scheming mother. They are valuable in keeping the Reach just the way I like it." Erlend said absently.
Stroking his beard, "I see. Perhaps you could have young Margaery visit Highgarden, Willas was always partial to her over his brothers. Seeing her happy and content should help push him to remain in line." Gormon suggested.
"Hmm, that's a great suggestion. It could also serve as a reward to Alerie for her role in all of this."
Giving him a dry look, "You could accept her advances if you wish to reward her." The old Tyrell said blandly.
Erlend's lips twitched at that, he didn't know how to react to the fact that the man was essentially advising him to cuck his nephew or the fact that Malora would likely support it unconditionally.
His eccentric lover would no doubt use it to make fun of her sister when they met again.
Deciding to shift his focus to other matters, he skimmed over the recent reports from Osgrey. It looked like the common folk in the Northern reach were quite receptive to alterations in the faith's doctrines. Something that would be invaluable to the anticipated reformation.
Already, many of the Most Devout had begun the official transformation of the faith. Helped greatly by his charms, memory modifications, and of course the Maiden.
If before those Septas she visited were to be considered heretics and witches, now they were gazed at with awe and reverence.
Sure he had to get rid of a few unruly elements, but it was an ongoing process. This great change would be no less impactful than the first council of Nicaea of his old world.
Admittedly, it wasn't going to occur overnight, instead, it would be a slow and gradual process. At least till he successfully got rid of the Night King, publicly and in full view of his vassals.
Yes, Erlend fully intended to use that fight as the stage where his godhood would be announced, better yet if it came from the mouth of the blue popsicle himself.
There was no need to waste such a beneficial opportunity by offing him discreetly, the more visual it was, the more impactful it would be to further his ambitions.
Nothing screamed power more than killing off a being that has dominated this continent's myths and legends.