Black Rains [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

The rain fell around the boots of white wood as they pulled into the docks by Eastmarch. The woman commander, Lady and Captain Alysanne Farman, stood at the bow of one ship dressed in the blue and silver of the Fair Isles. She was pragmatic enough not to be in a dress, but in pants and a tunic. A silver fur was also draped around her. The cold was bitter, but that was no surprise considering how far north they were.


The long summer had ended.


She heard the gangplank lowered, and turned from her place to descend down it. “Lord Grant!” She called to her second-in-command. The man in blue was quickly at her side, and he took the red-head’s arm as she descended onto the docks. “Did you decide whom you trust most to stay with the ships and some of our crew?”


“I did. I think the young Ser Swendel is ambitious enough to be trusted with the opportunity to prove himself, and he has his own ravens that he brought along,” the graying lord answered the acting liege-lady. “We’ll take his son along, of course, as a squire to me.”


“Of course,” hostages were useful. Though there didn’t seem much a point to betray them, there were no more kings vying for power in Westeros, one could never be too careful.


A graying man greeted them as they walked onto solid land, “Good evening, Lady Farman. My name is Kevan Lannister,” he said calmly, introducing himself with all the poise one had come to expect from a Lannister, “Quarters have been prepared for you to stay the night here. If—”


“Let Lord Grant take my quarters,” she answered, interrupting the man. “I’d prefer to ride on to Castle Black with a few of my men. Lord Grant can summarize everything as well as I can about what has been brought, how many men, how much food, and how many ships,” he knew all of that as well as she did.


Kevan appeared momentarily baffled. “Lady Farman, you are not needed at Castle Black. The ships of the Fair Isles are needed as support around the North.”


“And the ships will stay here, to fall under the control of Ser Swendel,” the woman answered, eyes calm, “I was informed that all those with Valyrian steel were needed at the front lines, as were all capable men. The Fair Isles has an army, as well as a navy, Lord Lannister,” she smiled kindly, “we used it to storm the Iron Borns, if you’ll recall, and from them we have Valyrian steel.”


She motioned back to the white ships, “More men are needed on the lines than on the ships to deal with these Others. A skeleton crew should be enough to combat them with ranged fire, and to go south for supplies.”


Kevan seemed to consider what was said, but then shook his head. All those with Valyrian steel had been asked for, and he didn’t need to be told twice how difficult it was to separate someone from a sword like that. They became family heirlooms. “All right, we’ll have horses prepared for you, and how many men?”


“Ten ought to be enough,” she answered him.


So it was that ten horses, all black like the Watch, were saddled and prepared for the sea farers. No guide was necessary, as the horses only needed to follow the length of the wall to get to Castle Black.


The fires of those at Castle Black were obvious long before they reached the castle proper. In fact, the tents of thousands of men, mercenaries and the many, proper bannermen of Westeros, were encountered before the Castle was seen by dawn.


The red-head, so called Alysanne, dismounted as they came upon the golden tents of the Lannister forces. ‘Where to begin?’ She cast her eyes about and caught sight of a metallic glint. She followed it and found the sun playing off a golden hand. There was no mistaking who that was, and she motioned for the others to dismount and follow, which they all did easily.


Quite a few of her men just wanted to fall asleep, among them Swendel's fourteen year old son, but they trudged along after her, clomping through the mud that the rain had created.


“Ser Jaime Lannister?” The woman called out to him, making it a question, just in case she was wrong in his identity. She made a mental note that even if it was him, that she would not harm him. She would not make this a genocide, the way Tywin had--even if she knew hurting his son would likely hurt him more than his own death. She wondered if Tywin yet was feeling the agony of no heirs and no family. To deprive him of that hope would, indeed, be delicious.


'No....' She chastised.

 

[Jack Rhode]

"Yes that would be me, and you are?" The man turned around, revealing himself to be Ser Jaime Lannister. "Ah I see, Captain Alysanne Farman, hailing from the Fair Isles, it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." Jaime responded in a distant, yet firm tone. The men in the tent all looked up at the woman, one man approached and stood next to Jaime. "It appears our long-awaited reinforcements have finally arrived." Jaime added.


He put his golden hand on the man's shoulder and introduced him. "Captain Farman, this is Commander Richter Lionheart of the Serpent's Fang mercenary corps. They are currently enlisted as members of the front line Swordsman Corps." The man, revealed to be Richter, stepped forth and greeted the Captain.


"It is an honor to finally meet you, 'Capitan'. Several of my men have served along side you and I hear nothing but praise from them. Hopefully with these reinforcements we can finally put a dent in the enemy's forces." He took a step back next to Jaime. "On second thought, it is rather late to talk strategy. I can see the weariness on your men's face. Perhaps it is best to talk about this after a good night's rest?" Richter smiled, the condition of his men and of those around him were always a top priority.

 

[Lucyfer]

Jaime Lannister himself, the one-armed Kingsguard, sworn to chastity and all that jazz. What an honor indeed. He was able to recognize her, no doubt by the colors she wore and the fact she was one of the few women leading men. She wasn’t the only one, but it was still a rarity. At his announcement, others looked up.


A mercenary, of all people, approached. She arched an eyebrow, but then nodded as the name was given. The mercenary was a stark contrast to Jaime's golden nature, being dark of hair and broader. She might have mistaken him for a Clegane if she hadn't heard the rumors about how much more they towered over the Lannisters. This man wasn't quite that tall, “Ah, Commander Lionheart,” she returned, “I’ve heard of you from your own men. It is good to finally meet you.” Mercenaries weren’t top on her list of trustworthy individuals, but the Lannisters had sent them along as reinforcements anyway. She’d thought it an insult, even though the men had done their job well.


In truth, she had no complaints about them. No doubt, the Lannister’s had paid them well. When he mentioned how late it was, Alysanne couldn’t help but chuckle, “I believe you must have stayed up as long as I did,” she cast her gaze up, “for it is dawn now, not night. Night is a long way’s off. I’d prefer to stay up until that hour, but my men are free to rest,” she would rather have the same schedule as the leaders, which she imagined meant early rising.


She had thought that was why Jaime was up, and this commander, until he spoke about how late it was. Clearly, he let time get away from him. “Where should my men find tents to rest in, Ser or Commander?” She inquired of them, “I do not believe our own supplies will arrive until tomorrow. Lord Grant has a much larger force to move, but I wanted to report to Lord Tywin Lannister first about our arrival so that there need not be any delays.”


Not that Tywin was expecting actual people from the Fair Isles, if Kevan was anything to go off of. She found it strange that Jaime knew, but guessed that Kevan might have sent a raven on.

 

[Jack Rhode]

"Very well then, if you're men would follow this young fellow here they will be accommodated." Richter pointed at one of his men, gesturing the people behind her to follow him. "As for speaking with Lord Lannister..." , Richter added, "The plan was to meet up at dawn to come up with some sort of plan but..."


Jaime interrupted, "My Lord was not expecting you to arrive so soon Captain, but I feel we shouldn't waste time with such trivia. Commander, escort the Captain to the war room, I will join you and the others shorty." With that he stepped out of the tent, leaving the two behind.


"Now what could he be up to?" Richter shrugged, seeing that he was given an order. Jaime and Richter had served together for quite some time, becoming friends in the process. "Captain, if you could please follow me to the war room, you'd be introduced to Lord Lannister in no time." He gestured, heading outside the tent.

 

[Lucyfer]

The mercenaries were clearly given a position of trust that Alysanne considered unnatural, but questioning it in this moment would not be to her benefit. She gave a nod to the young Swendel, and the others went after the boy, following after the man that had been gestured to.


Commander Lionheart was given orders by Jaime to take her to Tywin, again showing the trust that the man had for the mercenaries. It seemed Tywin was, actually, expecting her—just not this early. ‘All right. Why?’ Perhaps he knew she had Valyrian steel. It wasn’t a secret, but it also wasn’t news she had expected to travel to Tywin’s ears.


“I’m sure Ser Lannister has important business this early,” it was just a bit before dawn. They had ridden through the night. She assumed that meant Tywin was expecting her the next dawn, and not this one. That would make sense, that’s when Grant and the others would be arriving if they made good pace.


She would follow after Lord Lionheart, and inquire, “What have you all seen so far, here?” She wasn’t sure if they’d yet moved to engage, “Have you seen the Others?” Stories meant to scare children. To think they were real was almost as impossible as the thought of dragons still living, yet she knew that was true, too.

 

[Jack Rhode]

"Those blasted snow demons... we have encountered them only a few instances now..." Lionheart continued to ride as the first beams of sunlight began to shine from the horizon. "We have sent a few number of scouting parties in order to achieve some sort of battlefield awareness..." He added, getting closer to Castle Black. "Most of the men return, covered in ice and reporting that the unlucky few are carried away by giant spiders and tall men with giant swords."


"They have been waiting for these scouts, they are planning something I'm sure of it. From what I can tell, they are only a few miles away from the Wall itself, hiding in the snow and ice. The actual estimate for their numbers is unknown, but I believe the time for a counter-offensive is nigh." They finally arrived at Castle Black, which was being used by Tywin Lannister to command the forces.


The commander hid it, but he was optimistic about her arrival. The forces at the Wall needed to launch a full offensive, and if the White Walkers are planning some sort of attack, they needed to act quickly.

 

[Lucyfer]

So, they were real. Alysanne listened to what the Commander had to report. If the stories of them held water, they were likely taking the scouts to become part of their own army of the dead. The way it was sounding, though, her boats might be very useful. They could go around the North and try to scout without ever leaving the sea.


Of course, that might turn out very badly. She didn’t know what the Others were capable of. “If we don’t know their numbers, do we even know where to strike?” It sounded like scouts had returned, but no estimates? That didn’t sound right. They couldn’t do an offensive if they didn’t know where to set up.


Right now it was sounding like defense was the most important route, since they didn’t have enough information to secure a campsite beyond the wall.


They drew closer to Castle Black, and the colors here became more mixed. Lannister Gold was still a common sight, but it seemed other houses were represented—one or two tents, no doubt the leaders were close to Tywin. That wasn’t the interesting thing, though. Wildlings were here, as well, and a white wolf walked among them, taller than any wolf she’d ever seen. There also appeared to be giants closer to the wall, though they looked quite uncomfortable. Mammoths, too, were present.


It was almost as awe-inspiring as the thought of dragons.

 

[Jack Rhode]

The Commander dismounted and took a quick glance at his surroundings, making sure everything was in order. "Now if you would be kind enough to follow me..." Lionheart stated as he began to walk towards the castle and into the halls. All types of men were rushing about, carrying weapons, maps, food, etc. A young man appeared next to the Commander, asking him about meeting.


"A man like you shouldn't worry about such things. Go get some rest, you need it." The Commander told the young soldier, giving him a firm bump on the shoulder and gesturing him to leave. It was evident that the so called "Lionheart" worried much about his men. He didn't want to send them to scout beyond the walls with no real strategy, but he did what needed to be done.


He pushed open a set of large doors to reveal the war room. A large table stood at the middle with a large map of the land. Smaller sheets of paper were scattered about, and sturdy seats were placed around the table. Richter took a long look around the room, Tywin Lannister had not appeared yet.

 

[Lucyfer]

The dark-haired Commander Richter was not like other mercenaries that Alysanne had encountered. They were usually gruff, and a bit more joking. This one was almost like a knight was supposed to be. The care he had for his men suggested their bond was not one of mutual interest in money alone. It made him an interesting figure, and likely, a dangerous one.


It wasn’t money that kept him in service to the Lannisters. An act against them would be taken personally.


Not that Alysanne was foolish enough to think of striking Tywin Lannister down in Castle Black that very second. That would have too many negative repercussions for the Fair Isles, who knew of her true identity. When Alysanne took him down, it would be with poison, or in the midst of a chaotic battle, assuming Tywin road out and fought.


The war room was as she expected. There were maps, and little figurines. Lady Farman recognized her own figures were on the map, but too far out. She walked forward and without hesitation, adjusted the pieces. She moved the largest of the Farman pieces to Castle Black, letting a red nail rest atop it for a few seconds as she assessed all the other houses put there. Then, she moved the others to Eastmarch. “How did you come into service with the Lannisters, Commander Lionheart?” Alysanne inquired, deciding this was now an important story since this man would stand in her way of taking what she wanted.


‘Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.’

 

[Jack Rhode]

"How I first met them? Ha... well where to begin..." Richter let out a small chuckle and sat on an empty seat. resting his elbow on an empty spot on the table. "The Battle of the Green Fork..." He explains, sighing deeply. "We were hired to help flank the enemy's positions in Riverrrun. After that it was the Battle of the Whispering Wood, a complete slaughter. Once he knew defeat was inevitable, Commander Lannister ordered me to cover a retreat. A very few amount escaped that bloodbath, but I tried my damnedest to save more lives."


Lionheart stood up and stared at the ceiling. "After that I was to report to Lord Tywin. He commended me for my efforts and put me in charge of the Swordsman Corps, leading the frontal the assault for the now successful conquest. Later I was reunited with Jaime, but he had lost his hand and was badly beaten. The both of used this anger to pave way for the House of Lannister's victory."


The Commander sighed once again. "There were close battles, we almost lost our lives. But in the end I am here, I survived to tell the tale." He sat back down, crossing his arms and looking up at the Captain.

 

[Lucyfer]

The mercenary had been with the Lannisters for most of the war, then. No wonder he had such close ties to them. The Lady did not sit down, but she found she appreciated that the Commander did. Somehow, it fit better in her head for a mercenary would do—sit before being instructed it was all right.


It also told of how deep his ties to the Lannisters went, that he was comfortable to so casually take a seat at the table. ‘Will he rise the instant Tywin walks in?’ Now that would be interesting to see, regardless of the action. It would speak a lot about the relationship. “I am pleased that you are here to tell the tale, and hopefully you shall be there to tell the tale to your children and grandchildren,” she gave him a smile, and glanced down to figure out which were the mercenary pieces.


She imagined they were the ones that had the sword and snakes.


“Sounds like you’re well on your way to a Lordship, Commander Lionheart,” like others who did well, “Perhaps he’ll give you Castamere. It held a good gold mine, once.” The Westerlands always had a lot of gold, but without the Castamere mines functioning, quite a bit of it was lost. It would be sane to one day reopen the mines. Tywin wouldn’t let it remain a tomb forever. No, he’d probably delight in disturbing the resting place of the Reynes, one day. “What did you do before you got in with the Lannisters?”

 

[Jack Rhode]

"Haha Castamere? My my, I don't think I'm cut out for that type of position." The mercenary chuckled and smiled. "Before the Lannisters my life consisted of traveling from town to town, literally scraping the bottom of the barrel to survive. My parents were peasants, they died when I was a simple teenager." The smile disappeared from his face. "I don't remember all that much, those days passed by like wind."


Richter closed his eyes and tried his best to remember the times of his youth, but those days were gone. "It doesn't matter now. I am who I am now and I am here." He rested his hand on his palm. "What about you Captain? You seem like you have a tale of your own to tell". Richter smiled and he lokked up at the Captain once again.

 

[Lucyfer]

‘No, you really aren’t.’ Alysanne kept that comment to herself, and smiled at the mercenary’s attempt at humility. She placed her hands on the table and leaned forward, towards the man. He had come from nothing, it seemed. Others had come from nothing and been rewarded. The man, Bronn, had been like him—a mercenary who was now a lord in the Westerlands. “You never know, Lionheart,” she said. “The nobility are dying every day. There’s a chance you’ll move up, if you survive.”


He’d never have to worry about food again. He asked about her, and Alysanne chuckled. “I came from the Fair Isles. There isn’t all that much to say. The Isles are a paradise,” that much was accurate. “I was the youngest of three children,” actually, she wasn’t, but that wasn’t the point, “My sister was friends with Cersei Lannister,” more like a hostage of Tywin, “and my brother is now Lord Farman of the Isles. He and I used to play at war together, but he only ever played. That’s why I’m here, and why I have this.”


She straightened up, and then pulled the red blade from the sheathe on her hip. She held it out, not as an offer for him to take, but so he could see it.


Sebaston wouldn’t have dreamt of taking it from her anyway, “Valyrian steel. Red Rain. It was with the Iron Borns, but, we both know what happened to them.” Destroyed. Destroyed all the more when she took this blade in her hand and heard its history from the stuttering mouth of Lord Drumm. He had not died well. “I didn’t plan to play at war. I was going to be a proper lady,” her tone gave it away that such words were a lie, “I was even married to Morgan Banefort,” not anymore, of course.

 

[Jack Rhode]

"Marriage? Wasn't expecting a woman of you stature to dwaddle in such affairs." Richter stated, as the doors of the room swung open once again and there stood Lord Tywin Lannister along side Jaime. The rest of the lords and commanders followed behind them as they entered the room. Tywin sat at the "top" of the table, giving him a clear view of of the others sitting down. "You should sit down here, Captain." Richter explained, pointing to the seat next to him.


When everyone was seated, silence enveloped the room. Lord Tywin began to tap on the table with his right hand, leaning back slightly. "Captain Farman..." He addressed, looking directly at the woman at the table. "I received word that you arrived earlier than expected, yet the rest of the supportive forces have not arrived. Am I correct?" Tywin asked in a cold distant tone, expecting a swift response.

 

[Lucyfer]

“Marriage is a requirement for women of my stature,” Alysanne found herself saying. A woman of her age needed to be married. It was how the game of politics was played. The fact that she wasn’t was still problematic, but after his war she’d likely be considered ‘decent enough’, despite being a divorcee.


After all, now her barrenness was in question.


The sound of footsteps came, and Alysanne sheathed her blade and moved as the commander suggested. In walked Jaime, alongside his father, the golden lion who was now more silver than gold. ‘Time to see what you’re made of.’ There was no question that Tywin was a genius of war. He had to be, to do so much, and starting at so young an age. He would have only grown more intelligence.


No greetings were given as all the lords settled in. Among them was Morgan Banefort. He was, after all, a lord of the Westerlands. Those would be expected here. There were also those of High Garden in attendance, a few of the faces were vaguely familiar to her.


She was addressed first. Not unexpected. She was the new one here. “You are correct, Lord Lannister,” she answered him just as swiftly as expected. “They will arrive tomorrow morning.” It took more time to move more troops and supplies, after all. However, the slower trip would also mean they’d be more rested and capable.

 

[Jack Rhode]

"Very well, I believe you have already been acquainted with Commander Lionheart." Tywin turned his head slightly, facing Richter. "Yes my lord, I have done my best to fill her in on the situation however, I fear there is not much to go on. The white ones wait for scouting parties, that is uncertain, but their exact numbers are unknown. From what I can tell, only a few dozen wait in ambush, using the weather and their 'magic' to their advantage. Ser Jaime has proposed a plan, however..." Richter explained with a strong tone and serious look.


Jaime continued on from Richter's report, "We believe that we can trick the Others into a trap. We send a small scout group, comprised of some of our best men to ensure their survival. Commander Lionheart has volunteered to lead this small group. The essential part of the plan is to use Captain Farman's ships to send a large force. This force would wait until the white ones begin their attack on the scouts, then they charge in and take them out." Jaime added, rearranging the various pieces on the map, simulating the strategy, and then turning to Richter.


"It is entirely a risk, however. If our estimates are wrong, we could be sending them in to a slaughter. But the longer we wait, the longer we give the devils more time to plan out a devastating attack on the wall." The Commander looked down at map, scratching his head at the idea. "However, I will gladly lead my men in this operation if you wish us to do so my Lord." He looked back up at Tywin.


"Simplistic indeed, anything to add Captain Farman?" Tywin asked, seemingly amused by the plan but retaining a cold tone in his voice. He picked up the small piece representing Richter and held it tightly in his hand.

 

[Lucyfer]

Alysanne listened to the plan unfold around her, remaining composed as she observed the intelligence and thought that went into the plan. There was likely no need to mention the crew Jaime led would need to stay near the coast, if he expected the troops on the ships to be able to reach him. The true details were likely things to discuss Jaime himself, to make sure he had a way to send a signal to the ships regardless.


‘Wildfire.’


Alysanne let her thoughts of signals cease when Tywin spoke to her directly. Still cold, despite his amusement at the simplistic plan. Calculating. She wondered if he was much different when he cut down Reynard. “I have heard that the Others cannot be harmed by anything but Valyrian steel and dragon glass,” she stayed on topic, “Have any other weaknesses been discovered, Lord Lannister, and is there enough dragon glass weapons to equip my forces?” The Fair Isles didn’t exactly have much in the way of dragon glass, and she was the only one among them with Valyrian steel. “The plan that Ser Jaime and Commander Lionheart have proposed is good, but it will not succeed if equipment to harm the Others is scarce.”


She didn’t expect there was enough Valyrian steel to go around, though. At this table, she only knew of Jaime Lannister having it, but he didn’t appear to be wearing such a blade.

 

[Jack Rhode]

"We have indeed obtained enough dragon glass weaponry for this operation. However, until I receive word of the men I sent to Dragonstone island, this is all we have for now." Jaime explained, "As for Valyrian steel, Brightroar has resurfaced... Commander Lionheart has also sent a small group to confirm this, but we cannot wait. Hope that it is true, and that the sword will arrive soon." The whole room looked up at Jaime. The lost Valyrian sword of the House Lannister had been found. It seemed like a dream, but after running into the White Walkers, everyone began to believe in everything.


Tywin leaned in forward and slammed the small piece in his hands onto the map, beyond the Wall. "This is a crucial point of this new war, this 'War of the Wall'. I will tolerate no mistakes. If any little detail is missed, it could cost us all our lives." He stood up straight, placing his hands behind his back. "Captain Farman, Commander Lionheart, and Ser Jaime will be in charge of this operation. However, we must wait until the rest of the reinforcements. Captain, these two men have put their faith in you, do not make me regret letting them do so." Tywin explained, gesturing for everyone to arise.

 

[Lucyfer]

Brightroar.


The name caused Alysanne’s lips to twitch, caught between wanting to laugh and wanting to scream. How dare Brightroar be found? The urge to sabotage it arriving was strong, but she just took a deep breath to calm herself.


The steel was necessary. She would kill Tywin, but not sabotage the mission. The Others were a threat to everyone.


A piece was put in its place, decisions made. People began to rise on his direction, and despite herself, Alysanne found herself doing so as well. “I understand, Lord Lannister.” Tywin’s reputation preceded him. If Alysanne failed, it would be best to also die beyond the Wall. She let her gaze shift to Jaime and the Commander Lionheart, “I believe that we have more to discuss, and I need to send a raven back to tell my crew to stay at Eastmarch.”


They were only going to be heading back to the ships anyway. Best not to waste their time coming here, when they could be preparing to sail and embark again. She would have the supplies sent here, of course, but the ships would only get North by staying at Eastmarch.

 

[Jack Rhode]

"The both of us will remain here." Jaime explained as the rest of the people in the room began to exit. "We need to go over troop rotations for today's defense. The white ones haven't done anything to drastic, but it does not hurt to be cautious." He added as he looked back down at the map, shifting and switching pieces.


Jaime knew that his father had placed great trust in him. He would try his best in the upcoming operation but more pressing matters needed to be attended to.


Richter walked towards Alysanne and stated, "Once you are done sending the word to your men, we can discuss more here." Richter gave a quick smile and walked towards the table, to the side opposite of Jaime. They began to discuss the status of their men's morale, something which concerned Richter deeply.

 

[Lucyfer]

Alysanne understood, and bowed out, quickly exiting the castle and heading on to another building after asking for directions to find the crows. A nice man named Samuel offered her the directions she needed, and told her where to find pen and paper as well. The white wolf she’d seen earlier seemed to be trailing after the portly Crow, which seemed odd, but she didn’t question it.


Business took precedence.


Alysanne wrote her letter quickly, informing them of the plot in brief, and then tying it to a raven’s leg to send it on to Eastmarch. It would be addressed to Lord Grant, though she imagined Kevan Lannister would get his hands on it first. Either way, it would get to Lord Grant, and hopefully before he set out for Castle Black.


As soon as that was done, the woman jogged back to the Castle, wanting to get out of the cold as quickly as she could. She’d never known cold like this before, and preferred the Castle with its fire and warmth.


She returned to the room where she’d left Richter and Jaime and stepped quietly so as not to interrupt their discussion. She’d slip in and lean against the wall to give them space and time to finish their conversation about the situation at Castle Black itself, and their own troops. ‘Morale would be problematic against these things….’

 

[Jack Rhode]

"Very well then.. Captain, I remember you had an important matter to discuss with us." Jaime proclaimed, stepping away from the table and looking at her. "If it is about the operation, then we should get rid of all doubt before it is too late. I don't want to head into danger with regret clouding our minds." Jaime explained, glancing back at Richter.


"It is a rather simple plan, he was the one who suggested it after all." Richter replied in a cheerful manner, pointing at Jaime who appeared to be amused by the comment. "Back to the topic at hand, what is it you want to discuss, Captain?" Richter asked, looking away from the table and taking a step closer to her.

 

[Lucyfer]

An eyebrow arched when she was quickly invited back into the conversation. She hadn’t said that she had anything important to say. Alysanne supposed it could be assumed easily enough, though. “I was curious as to how you intended to signal the ships from the shore, Ser Jaime. I need to know what to look for,” since the commander made it clear that the plan was made by the golden boy, she addressed him.


The way it was phrased, it sounded like scouts were only running into a few Others at a time, not entire armies. She wouldn’t question numbers, though. She would assume that Jaime knew how to bring out several of the Others and their wights. “I understand my role—have my men join you on the shore, but I have two concerns. The first is simply if this is worth it. If a large group of Others has not yet been encountered, I would like to know how you are so confident that we will be able to ambush one,” she held up one finger.


She raised a second, “Then, I would like to know how you all intend to remain safe until those on the ships can join you. You mentioned a trap, so I would like to know the details of it," she said, explained, "It takes time to get into the smaller row boats, with many men, and get them to shore—and then trek across that distance to reach your group. I understand you would prefer my crew to wait until the Others have engaged you, but I hope your plan was to send a signal before that engagement so that my men will able to get to you all before you’re massacred.”


She was hoping that Jaime didn’t intend to engage the Others until the Farman groups were in position. Signaling would be difficult to make sure the Others didn’t notice, but she had to hear what the full plan was.


She wasn’t going to fail Tywin, not when this was her easy way to impress him—bring home his Golden Boy, and then keep scoring victories.

 

[Jack Rhode]

"In the last scout party I sent out, I issued one of the men a horn forged from dragon glass. At first, I was not sure whether this was a good idea or not. However, I needed to know if it would work or not." Richter explained, taking a seat once again. "The survivors were able to escape using the horn. When it is sounded, it stuns the white ones. They cover their ears and shut their eyes, swinging about frantically." He then mimicked blowing into a horn using his hands.


"I wanted to keep this a secret in order to avoid the others calling me a madman if it seemed too irrational. I intend to arm everyone in my squad with these horns, and at the right time, sound them to signal your force. That is the first signal. Once we are in combat, we will sound the horns again to use against them. That's your second signal. In other words, hurry once you hear it a second time. We only have enough of these horns for me squad so once you have arrived we will focus on sounding them, ensuring an advantage." Richter concluded, then stood up and walked towards the back of the room.


He reached into a small chest and pulled out one of the said horns. It's shape resembled that of a mammoth tusk , only smaller and able to be carried by one man. It featured an engraving of a dragon breathing fire, referencing the material it is made from. Richter then handed it to the Captain.

 

[Lucyfer]

Alysanne was actually impressed with the thought that went into this plan. A smile came to her lips, and she stepped away from the wall. She laughed, just a bit, as the commander mimed the horn-blowing action. Some of the tension faded from her posture, despite the presence of Jaime. “Well, well, no wonder they keep you around.”


A chest was opened, and she took the horn in hand, examining it, turning it over. There were the unnecessary details of the dragon, but she rather liked it all the same. “You know, they say there’s a horn that can tame dragons. The Greyjoys supposedly had it. I’ll have to check the stash again,” she hadn’t cared for much that had been taken from the Iron Borns. Just Red Rain. “Not of use to us now, but it would be good if the Silver Queen ever comes this way.”


Alysanne offered the horn back to him, not expecting it was hers to keep, “When should the dragon glass weapons be arriving? I would like to know how long I have to prepare before our venture further North, and also," she glanced between them, "is taking prisoners something we wish to consider, or not at all?" It might be pointless, but the Others weren't considered stupid. Inhuman, magical, and powerful, but not stupid.