Realistic or Modern It’s Just a Game... IC

Earlier that day...

The fair had been going on in the church since mid-morning, with stalls, games and raffles taking place for the fundraiser Nathaniel Stark had arranged. Nathan wasn't exactly a religious man, but this seemed to be this particular community's favourite place to get together for this kind of event, especially in winter when the park was out of the question. There would be members of the press present as well as members of the public. Nathan's adviser had told the man to give a good speech as the Mayoral election campaigns were due to kick off. Nathan had hopped up onto the stage to make a speech to the public.

"I'm honoured to see so many people have been able to attend today. The proceeds and donations received from this event will all go directly into the funds for the families of our fallen soldiers," Nathan loudly and confidently spoke. He briefly placed his hands to his chest, signalling towards his heart. "As many of you by now know, this is a cause that's very important to me. I was one of the lucky ones who fought in the war and returned only injured. I might not have thought so when I was having bullets pulled out of my leg," he said, lightly chuckling before his expression turned solemn and sincere. "No, I really was fortunate. I returned home injured, but I learned my comrades; men whom I had grown close to, had perished on the battlefield. I had friends, right here in New York, who never came home."

Nathan looked out to the crowd and fixed his eyes on a familiar woman who stood close to her young daughters. He regarded the family with a single nod. He then shifted his focus back onto the crowd. "I saw women who had lost their husbands in the war were no longer to afford the very basics to survive and take care of their children. I couldn't stand by and watch our people struggle in that way." Nathan outstretched his arms to gesture to everyone present. "That's why you are all here today. We're here to pay our respects to the men who died fighting for our country, and to show the loved ones they left behind that we care. We are the people of New York City and we stand together. Whether rich or poor, our voices must be heard." Nathan dipped his head before giving a wave to the crowd. "Thank you all for your generosity today," he concluded.

As the crowd applauded and the festivities continued, Nathan stepped down from the stage and headed away from the crowd where his adviser had been observing. "Well done, Mr. Stark. You played it well up there," the man informed him, patting him on the back. It was clear in the adviser's voice that he was congratulating Nathan on putting on a good act. "We'll be calling you Mayor before long."

"I wasn't playing any games. Those families need those donations to get by," Nathan corrected him, clearly annoyed by the assumption. "My family was doing this kind of work long before I had an election in my sights. Don't confuse me for the men you have worked with in the past. There will be no dirty tactics from me."


Location: The Stark House, 6pm
After leaving the church, Nathan had headed to Wall Street for drinks with a few business associates before heading home. There was a cold wind and a light snow in the air, which did nothing to sour the man's walk home. He'd never minded the winter, so the weather many would find bitter had little effect on the eldest Stark sibling. As he walked up the driveway, he looked to see his car still parked up and collecting snowflakes as he'd left it that morning. He used his car when needed, but some days he favoured walking as he never took for granted being able to do so. However, by the time he reached the front door, he was ready to sit and rest. He barely needed to use any form of painkillers these days, choosing to grin and bear any discomfort in his leg as much as possible.

"I'm home!" Nathan called out once he entered the house. He hung up his coat and hat, then removed his boots before heading into the large lounge to see if anyone was present. He loosened his tie before sitting down in his armchair and raising his feet on the footstool.


NanLia

Imogen was planning on going to her brother Baylor's house today. She was sure that she left her lucky necklace there. It was her good luck charm and she always took it with her to auditions. It definitely worked, or at least Imogen thought so. She had an audition tomorrow and she wanted her necklace with her. With it, Imogen was sure she would get the part. She spent quite a lot of time at her brother's house, and it was very possible she had left it there.

Her apartment was not that far away from her brother's mansion. It was less than a ten minute walk. She left her apartment and began walking to her brother's house. She was dressed for the weather. She was wearing nude tights under her white skirt, that was paired with a navy blouse and white scarf. Her shoes were white as well. On top of it all, she was wearing a fashionable white coat. Her hair was done up in a faux bob. She hasn't cut it because she tried to emulate her idol, Mary Pickford. She reached her brother's house. She knocked quickly before going inside.

"Hello!" Imogen called, in a sing-song voice. She began walking through the house, acting almost like she lived there. She went upstairs and checked through most of the doors. When she had finally found them, they were in the library. "Baylor! Selene! Hello, darlings! I've lost my lucky necklace. You know the one. The one with sterling silver heart pendant? I can't seem to find it. I swear, I'd loose my head if it weren't attached."

Richard Lannister

Location: Richard Lannister’s homestead
Interactions:
ReverseTex

Richard's days have never differed from each other, sharing a myriad of monotonous activities taking place amidst a sombre office. He would wake up as early as 5 o'clock, put on his formal attire lacking even a single dusty or greasy spot, and enter his chambers where the fates of numerous Manhattan labourers and dependant businessmen were decided with the strict pragmatism and benefits in mind. He would sit on his brown office chair and enrich the family by signing a stack of papers an ordinary American worker would condemn. He never smiled whilst performing his duties; he never allowed himself to be distracted lest he allows a calamity to happen. His sheer dedication to the arts of trade and deal seemingly could turn the clock forward, preserving the old man's sanity for as long as there were papers on the desk in need of thorough examination.

Luckily for Austyn, Richard remembered the appointment he himself had scheduled. He did not appear exasperated, only satisfied to see his potential albeit ardent successor arrive on time, unlike his other two children, one of whom had a solid chance to be proclaimed a Mayor of the great and awful metropolis that New York City was. He removed the round glasses of his and put the pen away, ready to engage in a conversation now that his workplace was clean.
"Come in," he said in a rather commanding tone he was known for.

Austyn did not see a single noteworthy thing in Richard's office with the sole exception of the infamous lion painted on the floor and dating back to the days before the young lad was even conceived. A fairly spacious room with a couple of bookshelves all occupied by strictly organised books, albums and documents of old, a window with a stained glass panel, and a wide desk at which Richard sat and watched his youngest son with no noticeable interest.
"Greetings," he said as he put an empty glass on the desk. "I'm afraid your siblings have forgotten about the importance of arriving on time. But, the meeting has to take place," he sighed. "What news have you got this time, Austyn? I trust you have seen enough valuable patrons."

"Oh, Mr. Hemingway. Do stop, you'll make me ruin my make-up if you keep making me laugh," Catherine said, wiping the stray tear from the corner of her eye which had formed from her hysterics. The laughter was all false, of course. She'd mastered the art of pretending to find the jokes of unfunny men amusing. Mr Hemingway was particularly boring and tedious. However, he had just purchased one of her fully trained, older horses. He'd paid above the odds for the black beauty, but all it took was a few flutters of her eyelashes, some brief moments of physical contact squeezing his shoulder and knowing exactly when to laugh at his attempts at humour. This customer was an easy one. She was certain she could get more out of him, but could she really bear to see more of this dull, middle-aged gentleman? "You know, it seems awful far for you to be travelling so far to see your dear old mother, every day. If you call into the office sometime this week, we have a couple of fabulous ground floor apartments your sweet mother would adore and she'd be much closer to you." Catherine suddenly placed her hand on the man's shoulder and gasped as she made out like an exciting idea had suddenly hit her. "If you call ahead we can discuss it over lunch. You can keep me company so I don't have to eat and drink alone!" she enthusiastically suggested. A few drinks and flirtations, she was sure that was all it would take.

Once the man had agreed and left to load his new horse into the trailer, Catherine turned around and rolled her eyes. What a foolish waste of space he was, but he was a wealthy and eager fool, so it was too good an opportunity to pass up on. In all honestly, some of her laughter had been real. She'd found the idiotic man amusing in all the wrong ways. A smile crossed her face as she silently congratulated herself on another job well done.

When she entered her father's home, Catherine removed her fur-collared coat and hung it up on one of the coat-hooks. Her long satin dress was elegant but pretty conservative compared to the dresses she would wear out to parties or dates. She liked to find a balance with her work outfits; something which not only made her physically appealing to the male clients but also didn't undermine her worth as a businesswoman. The heels of her shoes could be heard tapping along the floor as she approached her father's office. She opened the door and entered the room.

"Well, this looks like an enthralling meeting," she remarked. "Good evening, dear father," she greeted him with a respectful nod. She then looked to Austyn and smiled. "Ah, my sweet Austy!" she said, wrapping her arm around him and briefly pulling him in close. Her younger brother was quiet and shy, so she always made a point of trying to coax him out of his shell.

ReverseTex Troldmand

The day had worn slowly away with no special significance from any other. Lenora was in high spirits, as usual, and there was a happy, rosy glow of effort to her face and a shine to her blue eyes. A few of her dark, curly strands of hair had fallen from the style they were pinned into. The rest of her mane was straining to find the same freedom.

The phonograph in the lounge of the Stark home was churning out a lively tune, one perfect for the task at hand. Lenora was facing Evelyn, holding on to her as they practiced the Fox Trot, one of the more recent dances that had caught on like wildfire. Evelyn Stark was her closest companion of a few years now, though they had seemingly always known each other. These days, it was an odd thing indeed to find them not at each other's side. Lenora had been close with the Stark children from a very young age. Their home felt as much hers as the one that belonged to her family. The floor beneath her stockinged step was one she was used to treading upon.

A misstep, an odd sort of twist, and their swaying ceased, breaking apart. She almost toppled over, though she remained on her feet, finding her balance again easily enough. Lenora laughed, a bubbling, bell-like sound, bending with it for a moment before straightening up to her full height once more. She shook her head, looking to her friend in a playfully accusatory manner. She thought she heard another voice call out from somewhere else in the house, but she wasn't sure.

"Eve, I am the man in the dance, you must stop trying to lead me. I am five and a half inches taller than you, no matter what you prefer to believe. You must resign to it, or we will never get the hang of this!" Her words were intertwined with giggles, marked with joyful exasperation. "You have seen this done before. I know you have."

Lenora looked away from her friend as Nathaniel entered the room, though the light in her eyes did not dim, yet perhaps turn softer. She felt oddly unprepared for his arrival, though it was nonsense. She greeted him with a smile, her eyes falling slightly demurely. She unconsciously brushed the few free strands of her hair from her face. It should have been easy, though awareness brought complications. All things were clearer these days. It had been forced into the light of her mind by circumstance, where hidden things were bared.

Recovering from this slight lapse in thought, she came back to herself, setting her hands upon her hips. She narrowed her eyes at Evelyn playfully.

"Nathan, your sister and I are having a row." She looked to him, where he was reclined in the armchair. She knew his days were trying, and she figured the diversion from the chaos of the goings-on might do him good. Though she did wish to inquire after his day, she resisted. Campaigning for Mayor was no stroll in the park, she knew, but Nathan was made of stronger stuff. She had no doubt of his eminent success, no matter what underhand dealings the Lannisters had in store. Nathaniel was meant to hold such a position, suited to by nature. He was the voice of the people, and there was no confusing him with the 'Gilded Lion' himself, Frederick Lannister, providence and all. Just the thought almost caused her form to tense, her teeth to set on edge.

Her House was a humble one these days, yet it hadn't always been so. At one point, the support of a Baratheon had meant something. Lenora liked to believe it was still so.

Though she knew Nathan could handle the strain, she allowed herself to worry as she was prone to, here and there. Her eyes briefly flitted to his leg, where his war injury lay. Her gaze did not linger. It was too quick to catch. A nurse's instinct, perhaps, or something more. Nora wondered if it was troubling him or acting up as of late. It brought old memories to her mind. She pushed them to the side.

"Is it that famous Stark stubbornness, Eve? Or do you just enjoy quarreling with me?" Her smile was fixed on the shorter girl now, and she raised an eyebrow - a playful challenge.

-
"For once in your life, Payne, could you keep your nose clean? Huh? For me?" As the other man began to stammer on, Frederick snapped his fingers before his face, silencing him and drawing his full attention. "Hey, focus. Don't talk. Listen to what I'm saying." His tone was level and relaxed on the surface, though it barely concealed the edge beneath.

The sharp line of Frederick's shoulders were bunched close in the cold, under the thick, dark fabric of his coat. The weather didn't suit him. It was drawing him into a fouler mood than he might've felt otherwise. His emerald eyes shifted from beneath the brim of his hat, not settling anywhere for very long, as if he were uncomfortable, though the stability in his frame suggested otherwise. He drew a long drag from the lit cigarette in his left hand, exhaling ghosts into the frigid air, before dropping it to the asphalt and putting it out with his heel.

They stood in a back alley of some far cry joint. The light was fading, and that, unlike the cold, suited Frederick just fine. Evening was his noon.

"What's your job, Payne? Do you need reminding?"

"N-No, Freddie, I-I"

"Because sometimes it seems that way. It sometimes seems that you do, in fact, need reminding. This isn't the first time you've heard this, "keep your nose clean" shtick, and by all accounts, I think you're lucky that I'm tired of reminding you. Think of that, Payne. You: a pretty lucky guy. Yeah, you can laugh. It's funny."

Frederick slowly continued to grind down on the spent cigarette under his heel, his eyes fixed on the asphalt as the man before him gave a nervous, hare-brained laugh.

"No bumps in the road. No more. You get information. You don't give it. This is your last chance, Payne. Next time, it won't be me that you've gotta answer to. At this point, you should know that I'm the least of your worries." He spoke quietly now, his words phrased like an admittance, and perhaps it was.

He didn't look up, not even as the man thanked him. He was on his way, leaving him behind.

It wasn't even his jurisdiction anyway. Frederick was a shining figurehead for the Lannister's surface life. Spotless, non-reprehensible. Despite this, he had made something of a habit of secretly supervising the underground and trying to set some of their informants straight before Austyn caught wind of any negligence. His brother wasn't so merciful.

Frederick was going to be late. He knew it, but he didn't let it trouble him too much. It wasn't the first time. He would endure any abrasive words from his father. It was inevitable either way. It wasn't as if praise was much of a compelling possibility.

He was silent on the drive to his family estate. He resisted the urge to light another cigarette. The winter air was bitter enough on its own.

Pulling up and parking next to his brother's Lannister-crimson box on wheels, Frederick removed his hat, running his hands through his gold locks, closing his eyes for a moment as if in preparation. He wondered what his father wanted to speak of. Whatever it was, Frederick was dreading it.

He often wondered if it had all been inevitable: his running for Mayor, and against Nathaniel Stark no less. Fate was funny, yet perhaps that wasn't entirely the cause. Did his father have children with this in mind? It would've been easier to believe than picturing his father being enthused at the idea of a loving family. Carrying on his legacy, building on his empire seemed a more safe bet for motivation. He sighed. His thoughts weren't always so bitter. In truth, he was procrastinating. He just didn't want to step through those doors. Of course, he hadn't wanted to run for Mayor either, yet here he was.

Entering the house, Frederick could already hear Cathy gushing from upstairs. A bit of a smile worked onto his face. He hung up his coat and his hat, the warmth of his father's home enveloping him. That, at least, was a relief.

He made his way upstairs to his father's office, not bothering to knock.

"Sorry I'm late, I got... caught up." He gave a sheepish smile that wasn't truly forced. His true nature was cheerful, yet it was harder to come to these days. He met his father's eye for only a moment.

He amusedly beheld Catherine and Austyn, the former seeming to be pinning the other in a show of affection. He was fond of his siblings in truth, though Cathy more so had his heart, at least most of the time.

"If I had known such pleasant greetings were going to be given, I might have come sooner."

"Oh, Baylor, you're a lifesaver!" Imogen said as she breathed a sigh of relief. She put the necklace on. She was sure that if she put it in her purse or coat pocket, she'd forget where she put it. Imogen had a tendency to be forgetful, her mind always running a thousand miles a minute. "Thank you, darling!"

"Bye, Selene," Imogen said, sounding confused. She waved a little as her sister walked off. Imogen was a little bit confused by the way Selene was acting. She didn't know what she had just walked in on. She knew that she wasn't her full sister, but she had always regarded her as a sister. She looked over to her brother. "Care to tell me what I missed?"

ReverseTex sprouhtt

Location: Stark Residence
Interactions: Nathanial Misty Gray Lenora Rhaine Evelyn deer
Elizabeth's eyes opened slowly to look stare directly at the elaborate wooden dresser covered in silver trinkets and baubles; some hair pins, brushes, jewelry of all sorts. Her eyes brows knitted into a frown as she tried to understand what had roused her. The cacophony of noise erupted again and the confusion passed swiftly. Willie, her two year old son, screamed in delight a high pitched shrill cry that was soon followed by the patter of his small feet down the hall and into her room. She watched, un-moving, as the boy came around the corner swiftly ducking behind the open door and keeping still. Soon the sound of a second pair of feet -much larger than those of her child- came running down the hall, a harsh whisper in an Irish lit: "Billie!" the hired nanny called, pausing in the doorway and looking around the room for the boy. "Billie git yerself from this room this instant. Yer mama is restin!" Beth watched with a bemused smile as the boy peeked around the door at his nanny before squealing when she saw him; he attempted to duck away again but the woman caught him by the warm and dragged him free.

Once more Willie howled in delight, Beth always found his laughter contagious, much like that of his late father. She watched him struggle for freedom, giggling at the game before she sighed. "It's alright Nanny Tess," She called, both heads whipped to face her. "I'm awake now, thank you." She smiled to the nanny whom looked petrified, no matter how many time Beth reassured the woman she could do no wrong Tess still walked on egg shells. The nanny released Willie, nodding her head and briskly exiting the room to attend to the remainder of her duties. Beth turned onto her side and opened her arms to her son, delighted to watch him beam his adorable grin and run at her.


After some time, a little struggle and a game of Willie trying to pull Beth from bed, she managed to get to her feet once more, hand resting on her swollen belly. She had never thought a second child would be far more cumbersome than the first but somehow she felt she had been suffering for months. No doubt a great deal of her discomfort and depression was attributed to the loss of her husband; she was thankful to have the family that she did. After Nathaniel insistence she had returned home with her son, while the Mormont family had been kind to her and forgiving in her lapses she and Willie had been alone in her and James' home. It had been a great relief being home, after a few days it was like old times again for her, Nathan always caring and protective and Evelyn forever playful and loving. Even Lenora was a dream to be around.

She carried Willie down the stairs, setting him free as they reached the bottom. "Go see." She said with a smile, hearing the music and laughter from the other room. Willie tore down the hall with another shrill cry of laughter as Beth followed behind at a far slower and more manageable pace.

Richard Lannister

As soon as the clock reached the scheduled hour, Richard tinkled the glass to gain everybody's attention in a matter of a couple of taps. The moment the younger Lannisters were all quiet and listening, the patriarch of House Lannister looked at his eldest son -- Frederick -- and spoke with a proud tone every father mastered one way or another.
"Firstly, we must all congratulate Frederick on the progress he has made to gain even more voices," he stood up, approached Frederick and shook his hand, letting out a faint smile of pride before heading back to his desk and taking a seat.

"But, we mustn't sit back until Frederick overpowers the Stark lad," he folded his arms across his chest.
"And, we mustn't sit back and let our competitors snatch enough property to pose a threat to our industrial empire. Thanks to my dear Catherine, we have seized the last chunk of free land in the entire East Manhattan," he was now looking at Cat, just as pleased.
"But our enemies do not live in the East," he said as he took a city plan out of the drawer and unfolded it.

The plan contained a plethora of various marks and notes written next to the streets that bothered Richard the most. Undoubtedly, the island of Manhattan encompassed the vast majority of the said scribbles; it was split in two -- one half belonging to the House of Lannister, and another belonging to the House of Stark. The dividing lines were surprisingly precise -- most likely compiled by the paid spies of Arryns.

"Now that the Starks are attempting to gain political power, our influence and demesne are at stake. If they succeed, my children, we will lose our holdings one by one the moment our clients complain about our business. To counter such a scenario, I have put together a sophisticated plan," he slid his finger across the contested western borders. "We will acquire the western property house by house, encourage the Arryns to spy on the foes, occupy the streets frequently used by the family, and initiate a series of tragic accidents. The Starks will be kept unaware of the operation. Frederick will promise to suppress terrorism and gain public support," the old man sighed. "The Board is happy to expand."

ReverseTex Misty Gray Rhaine

Nathaniel looked on as Lenora danced with his sister, Evelyn. He briefly met her eyes and sent a warm, slightly amused smile to the woman he had known for quite some time. It wasn't rare for her to be over at the Starks large house. If anything, he'd be concerned if he didn't see her around the place often enough. He was about to reach for the newspaper that was sat on the coffee table, but Lenora addressed him. He clasped his hands together and continued to casually sit back as he listened to her explain she was having a row with Evelyn. He let out a light chuckle at the situation and sent a fond smile to the two women. "What could you two possibly be quarrelling about now?" he asked, raising a playfully curious eyebrow. "We Starks may be stubborn, but none more so than Evelyn herself. Good luck with that!" he said, teasing his sister.

When Lenora focused her attention back on Evelyn, Nathan allowed his gaze to linger on the Baratheon lady for a short time. His fondness for her had done nothing but grow since his time fighting in the war. He'd kept the letters his family had sent him when he was away fighting. He'd certainly kept the letters Lenora had sent him. Whilst Grace, his girlfriend at the time, had been busy seeing another man and planning to leave him, Lenora had cared enough to send him letters. The letters were never anything deep, they were little updates on her life and small titbits that always kept him amused when reading. It hadn't been until he'd returned home to recover and Grace had left him that he realised how much he truly cherished those letters Lenora had sent. How he would like to tell her now how much she really meant to him.

Nathan was snapped out of his thoughts when his small nephew came pounding into the lounge. A wide smile crossed the man's face and he reached out to swipe Willie up into the air. "I've got you now, kiddo!" he happily told the boy before releasing him back to run wild. He would never stop feeling sad about his brother-in-law's death. Elizabeth had been left without a husband and her children without a father. One before even being born. He looked up to Elizabeth and sent her a warm smile. "Are you well, Beth?" he asked her. He was proud of Elizabeth for picking herself back up and continuing to do her valuable charity work. Even more so, he was proud of her abilities as a mother despite losing James. He couldn't help but think it made his own stresses and worries pale in comparison.

Rhaine NanLia deer

Catherine turned her attention to Frederick when he entered the room. A smirk grew on her face when he mentioned he should have arrived sooner for a pleasant greeting. "Well, Mister Mayor, I'm afraid I've used all of my loving greetings up on Austy. You'll just have to deal with with the leftovers," she teased him.

Before she had chance to ask about Frederick's day, their father used his glass to get their attention so the meeting could start. Catherine observed with a straight face as her father spoke of Frederick's progress and shook his hand. She too smiled, always proud of her family. When overpowering Nathaniel Stark was mentioned, she couldn't help but smirk. She'd observed and even spoken directly with the man on occasion. She'd learned some time back that he wasn't like most of the men she had manipulated in the past. He seemed incorruptible and she hated that. Surely the man had a dark side or a weakness she could play on. As backward as it sounded, she didn't trust good people. She couldn't comprehend the idea that a wealthy man with at least some power didn't have something to hide. Nobody in this city could get by being so honest.

Catherine smiled as her father thanked her for helping the family to obtain more land. It was always good to be acknowledged for her hard work and she believed the praise was well earned.

With mention of the consequences should the Starks gain political power, Catherine's jaw tightened. Her frustration was soon eased when her father said he'd formed a plan. A small smile formed on her lips as he explained they would acquire western properties and her smile became more prominent with mention of tragic accidents. "Accidents, you say? Do enlighten me, father," she requested, clearly drawn in by such an idea.

Troldmand ReverseTex Rhaine

Elizabeth laughed and smiled seeing Willie squee in delight as his uncle caught him up from his path through the lounge. She slowly shook her head idly wondering where the child got as much energy as he did. She leaned down to plant a kiss on Nathaniel's cheek. "I am, thank you." She said quietly, nodding to the girls before taking a seat on the settee opposite Nathaniel. Typically she would act far more proper but as the day drew nearer to welcoming her new child into the world she felt less and less lady-like. She promptly shifted positions on the would be sofa, enough so that she could tuck her legs up beside her. She watched as Willie started to 'dance' to the music, though it couldn't be called more than spinning in one spot until he was dizzy and fell over in a fit of laughter. "How was your event this morning? Everything go smoothly?" She asked with true curiosity. "I wanted to attend and I'm sorry I didn't; the sheer thought of eating anything made me ill. I had to ask Nanny Tess to watch Willie for this this morning until just now."
Misty Gray Rhaine deer

Richard Lannister

The moment Austyn spoke out in a disrespectful, even threating tone, Richard raised his eyebrows and glared at the young Lannister -- mesmerised and angered. For a brief moment, all the guests were quiet as the grave, astonished by Austyn's sudden and blatant performance amidst an ongoing discussion. The old lion left his desk and approached his youngest child obviously unfamiliar with the principles of mutual respect. However, he dared not to show even a glimpse of emotion; he was displeased, but all his feelings at that moment remained inside of his enigmatic mind to inflict uncertainty and indecisiveness.
"You will bring back your kinsman Lila once required. This is an invaluable opportunity for a man of your echelon," he said and hustled the lad away from his desk before returning to his chair.
"I trust this is your last performance. I will not tolerate another one."

Richard sighed and faced the Lannisters once more, resuming the meeting. He was glad both Catherine and Frederick displayed interest in the planned operation as risky as it was; he was happy to answer the raised questions. Frederick was the first in line.
Arryns had never been particularly loyal or virtuous, preferring to side with the most convincing of partners or remain neutral until the right time comes. But, every family man in New York City knew well that the Lannisters always pay their debts regardless of their magnitude, one way or another. The fuller your wallet, the easier it was to persuade the right people to do the right things. The Arryns -- in Richard's eyes -- were no different.
"Their minds are an enigma -- I have no doubts. Just like all men and women inhabiting this cesspool, however, they will prove short-sighted if they refuse my offer. Even if we fail to form an alliance, I will allure their spies with a coin or two. We've already received a detailed plan. I doubt they will ignore such a beneficial proposal."

Then, he recalled Catherine's sincere request. Her prominent indifference towards the rival family and obvious intrigue would surely come in handy later. He knew she would be an essential asset to initiate the operation, as her charmful wits alone had encouraged the last competitors in the East to give up and sell the last of their possessions to R&S. He was not sure what kind of tragic accidents would bring an end to the Starks efficiently. Richard smirked and concluded.
"Be creative, my dear. The goal is not only to dispose of the Starks but also to convince the locals Nathaniel is an ineffective leader, whereas Frederick is decisive and unyielding. Bogus clans, armed madmen, faulty engines -- everything to rally the people behind us."

ReverseTex Misty Gray Rhaine

Richard Lannister

For the first time in a long while, Richard was truly infuriated by his youngest child gifted with the worst demeanour a Lannister could possibly have. That child lacked respect, decency and patience, and had just displayed his true colours in front of the entire family. A disgrace that murdered Richard's beloved who suffered to let him live and returned the favor by humiliating the old lion. So he thought. And yet, he remained cold on the outside, watching Austyn as he spoke out and left the office in haste. From that point onwards, the old lion would be much more cautious at all times whilst his own son was nearby, no matter the potential drawbacks. Paranoia and hatred or not, he desired not to perish under fishy circumstances one fateful evening or night.
"A true Baratheon child," he mumbled once Austyn was nowhere to be seen.

Then there was a call. Baylor Arryn was eager to propose a deal of some sorts to Frederick, and threatened the old lion by promising to contact Nathaniel Stark if the Lannisters choose to ignore him. What a delusional bunch, thought the old lion as he picked up the phone, they have the audacity to feign powerful whilst speaking to a member of the richest family in all of New York City. Austyn's outbursts had clearly affected his way of thinking that monotonous day. Nevertheless, he braced himself and calmed down just a bit to sound ordinary.
"Good evening, Baylor, I'm glad you've called us. As a matter of fact, we were about to contact you," he said in a somewhat friendly tone. "I will gladly hand the phone to Frederick, hold on," he gestured for his aspiring protege Frederick to replace him.
"This is Baylor Arryn. Think twice, answer once," he said softly to prevent Baylor from catching his provocative advice.

While Frederick and Baylor were engaged in a conversation, quite exasperated and worried Richard approached Catherine. The meeting was nearing its end, but the old man had to make a request of his own before he could finish it. He looked the lady right in the eyes, as if he was about to share the terrible truth.
"I suggest you start with the western outskirts. The coast is poor and the suburbs are dangerous until we eliminate the Stark loyalists. No one knows how many radicals can dwell on those muddy streets. Speaking of the radicals," he put his hand on Catherine's shoulder, still maintaining an eye contact.
"I want you to keep an eye on this enraged clown Austyn lest he attempts something stupid. His impulsiveness may slow the operation down if left unchecked."

ReverseTex Rhaine Misty Gray

"Of course, I will, darling," said Imogen with a soft smile and a sigh. "I'll see what I can do, and see if there's anything I can do to cheer her up. I'll help her to see a joke. Goodbye, and good luck with your meeting."

Imogen blew her brother a kiss and left the manor. She had no idea what on earth Selene and Baylor had talked about, but her sister was upset, and Imogen was determined to fix that. She loved Selene, and even if the two weren't fully related, she had never seen her as anything other than a sister. She would gladly do the sisterly thing and try to cheer Selene up. She walked back to her apartment and wrote a note to her sister, inviting her out on a little girl's night. She walked outside and sound some neighborhood children. She recalled how an old beau she had and remembered how he told her as a child, he would make a little extra money by running letters for people. She thought she would try it out.

She summoned one of the children over and told him where to go. She handed him the letter and fifty cents and sent him off to her sister's. She was determined to make Selene feel like one of the family.

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