GOT: House Redwyne

The morning sun shone brightly over the Arbor, casting long shadows across the vineyards and sparkling off the blue waters of the surrounding sea. The island was a jewel of the Reach, a place of beauty and prosperity, but beneath its serene surface, the wheels of power were turning. House Redwyne, now fortified by its alliance with the Iron Bank, was preparing for its next move in the intricate game of Westerosi politics.

Paxter Redwyne stood in the garden of the keep, his thoughts heavy as he surveyed the land that had been his family's seat for generations. The recent discovery of the ancient pact with the Valyrians had set his mind racing, and while the details were still unclear, Paxter knew that it could hold the key to unlocking even greater power for his house.

As he walked among the grapevines, Paxter was joined by Lady Mina, who had been overseeing the preparations for a major feast to celebrate their recent victories and the alliance with the Iron Bank. The feast would be attended by lords and ladies from across the Reach, as well as representatives from the Free Cities, eager to discuss new trade opportunities.

"You seem deep in thought," Mina observed as she fell into step beside him. "Worried about the feast?"

Paxter shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "The feast will go well. I'm more concerned with what comes after. Our alliance with the Iron Bank has opened many doors, but it's also put us on a path that could be fraught with danger. The more I think about our history with the Valyrians, the more I wonder if we're missing something—something that could give us an edge."

Mina nodded thoughtfully. "The Valyrians were more than just dragonlords; they were masters of magic and knowledge. If our ancestors were involved in a pact with them, it could be a source of great power—or great peril."

"Exactly," Paxter replied. "I want to ensure that we're prepared for whatever comes next. The Reach is secure, but we can't afford to rest on our laurels. The War of the Five Kings is still raging, and alliances are shifting constantly. We need to be ready to adapt, to seize opportunities as they arise."

Mina glanced at him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you thinking about expanding our influence even further? Beyond the Reach?"

Paxter met her gaze, his expression serious. "Yes. The Tyrells may rule the Reach, but with Margaery's marriage to Joffrey Baratheon, their attention is increasingly focused on King's Landing. That leaves an opening—an opportunity for us to consolidate our power here and position ourselves as the true masters of the region."

Mina considered his words, her mind racing through the implications. "If we're going to do that, we'll need more than just ships and soldiers. We'll need allies, powerful ones. And we'll need to make sure that our position in the Reach is unassailable."

"That's where the Iron Bank comes in," Paxter said. "Their resources will allow us to strengthen our fleet, expand our trade routes, and build new alliances. But we also need to ensure that the other houses in the Reach see us as more than just vassals of the Tyrells. We need to show them that House Redwyne is a force to be reckoned with."

Mina's eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and caution. "You're talking about a power shift—something that could upset the balance in the Reach. It's risky, but if we play our cards right, it could be the beginning of something much greater."

Paxter nodded, his resolve strengthening. "We've always been tied to the Tyrells, and that's served us well. But the time may come when we need to stand on our own. If we can position ourselves as the true power in the Reach, we could shape the future of this region—and beyond."

As they continued to walk, the sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention. Ser Martyn Harte, ever vigilant, strode toward them, his expression serious.

"My lord, my lady," he greeted them with a bow. "The guests are beginning to arrive for the feast. I've stationed guards at all the entrances, and the kitchens are preparing the final dishes."

"Thank you, Martyn," Paxter said, glancing back toward the keep. "Everything is in place?"

"Yes, my lord," Martyn confirmed. "But there's something else. We've received word that a representative of House Tyrell will be attending the feast. It seems they're interested in discussing our recent dealings with the Iron Bank."

Paxter exchanged a look with Mina, both of them understanding the significance of this news. The Tyrells had always kept a close eye on the Redwynes, and now that House Redwyne was rising in power, it was only natural that they would seek to reaffirm their hold over the Arbor.

"Interesting," Paxter murmured. "We'll need to be careful with how we handle this. The Tyrells have been good allies, but we can't allow them to see us as a threat—at least, not yet."

Mina nodded in agreement. "We'll tread lightly, but we can also use this opportunity to gauge their intentions. If they're concerned about our growing influence, it means we're on the right path."

As they made their way back to the keep, Paxter couldn't help but think about the history between the Redwynes and the Tyrells. The two houses had been intertwined for generations, their fates linked by marriage and mutual interests. But Paxter knew that alliances could shift, and loyalty could be tested. The time might come when House Redwyne would need to carve its own path, separate from the Tyrells.

The feast was a grand affair, with the great hall filled with the lords and ladies of the Reach, as well as merchants and emissaries from the Free Cities. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, spiced wine, and the sound of laughter and conversation. The musicians played lively tunes, and the tables were laden with the finest dishes the Arbor had to offer.

Paxter and Mina took their places at the high table, greeting their guests with smiles and pleasantries. But beneath the surface, Paxter was acutely aware of the political undertones that ran through the evening. The representative from House Tyrell, a shrewd and silver-tongued lord named Garreth, was seated nearby, his eyes constantly assessing the room and the people in it.

As the feast progressed, Garreth made his way to Paxter's side, offering a warm smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Lord Redwyne, it's always a pleasure to visit the Arbor. Your hospitality is unmatched, as always."

Paxter returned the smile, though he remained guarded. "Lord Garreth, you honor us with your presence. I trust that all is well in Highgarden?"

Garreth inclined his head. "Indeed, though the times are uncertain. The War of the Five Kings has left the realm in chaos, and House Tyrell is working tirelessly to ensure the stability of the Reach. It's good to know that we can count on the strength and loyalty of our allies."

Paxter sensed the underlying message in Garreth's words—House Tyrell was watching, and they expected House Redwyne to remain firmly in their camp. But Paxter had no intention of revealing his hand just yet.

"House Redwyne has always been loyal to Highgarden," Paxter replied smoothly. "We share the same interests—the prosperity and security of the Reach."

Garreth nodded, but his gaze remained sharp. "And your recent alliance with the Iron Bank? That's an impressive achievement. It's not every day that a house of the Reach forms such a partnership with Braavos. I imagine it opens up many opportunities for you."

Paxter met Garreth's gaze evenly. "It does. The Iron Bank is a powerful ally, and their support will allow us to expand our trade routes and strengthen our position in the Reach. But rest assured, our loyalty to House Tyrell remains unwavering."

Garreth smiled again, but Paxter could see the calculation in his eyes. "I'm glad to hear it, Lord Redwyne. The Tyrells value their allies, and we're always willing to support those who support us."

As Garreth moved on to speak with other guests, Paxter felt a sense of satisfaction. The Tyrells were watching, but they hadn't yet realized the full extent of House Redwyne's ambitions. There would come a time when Paxter would need to make his move, but for now, he was content to let the seeds of power take root.

As the feast continued, Paxter's thoughts turned once more to the ancient pact with the Valyrians. The history of House Redwyne was rich with secrets and connections, and Paxter was determined to uncover them all. The Tyrells, the Valyrians, the Iron Bank—each piece of the puzzle was falling into place, and Paxter knew that he was on the verge of something truly great.

The game of thrones was a dangerous one, but Paxter Redwyne was ready to play it to the end. And when the time came, he would ensure that House Redwyne emerged victorious, their power unchallenged, their legacy secure.

As the night wore on and the guests began to depart, Paxter stood with Mina at the entrance to the great hall, bidding their guests farewell. The night had been a success, but Paxter knew that the true work was just beginning.

House Redwyne was rising, and nothing would stand in their way.