GOT: House Redwyne

The sky over the Arbor was a deep shade of gray, the promise of rain hanging in the air as the winds swept in from the Narrow Sea. The mood within the walls of House Redwyne's keep matched the weather—heavy with tension and the sense that something significant was on the horizon. Paxter Redwyne stood at the window of his solar, staring out at the churning waves below, his thoughts swirling like the storm clouds gathering above.

It had been weeks since his visit to Highgarden, and the words of Lady Olenna Tyrell still echoed in his mind. The Tyrells were powerful allies, but they were also formidable opponents if crossed. Paxter knew that he needed to navigate the coming days with the utmost care, ensuring that House Redwyne remained a trusted vassal while quietly laying the groundwork for their own ambitions.

The door to the solar creaked open, and Lady Mina entered, her presence a calming force amidst the storm brewing both outside and within Paxter's thoughts. She approached him quietly, sensing the weight of the decisions he had been grappling with since their return from Highgarden.

"Paxter," she began softly, her voice breaking through the silence. "You've been brooding since we returned. What's troubling you?"

Paxter turned to face her, his expression conflicted. "It's not so much trouble as it is anticipation, Mina. The Tyrells are watching us closely. Lady Olenna made it clear that they value our loyalty, but she also warned me not to overstep. We're at a crossroads, and every move we make from here on out must be calculated carefully."

Mina nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. "We've done well to solidify our position, especially with the Iron Bank at our side. But I sense that you're worried about more than just the Tyrells."

Paxter sighed, running a hand through his hair as he considered how best to express the unease gnawing at him. "The world is changing, Mina. The War of the Five Kings has left Westeros in turmoil, and we're seeing alliances shift, power structures weaken, and new threats emerge. The Tyrells have always been our protectors, but what happens if they fall? Or worse, if they decide that House Redwyne's ambitions pose a threat to their own?"

Mina's gaze was steady as she met his eyes. "You're thinking about what happens after Lady Olenna is gone, aren't you? When the Tyrells may no longer have the same hold over the Reach."

Paxter nodded, his expression grim. "Exactly. Lady Olenna is the lynchpin holding the Tyrells' power together. But she's not young, and the moment she's gone, the stability of the Reach could be threatened. The Tarlys are already growing in influence, and if they're given control of the Reach, House Redwyne could find itself in a very different position."

Mina frowned at the mention of the Tarlys. Randyll Tarly was a formidable military commander, known for his loyalty to House Tyrell, but also for his ambition. If the Tarlys were to rise in the Reach, they could challenge the Redwynes' power, especially given their stronghold at Horn Hill.

"We'll need to be prepared for that possibility," Mina said, her tone thoughtful. "But we must tread carefully. For now, our loyalty to the Tyrells is what keeps us secure. Any move we make toward greater power must be done quietly, without drawing attention."

Paxter nodded, grateful as always for Mina's counsel. "You're right. We can't afford to make enemies of the Tyrells—not while Lady Olenna is still alive. But we also need to position ourselves for the future, so that when the time comes, House Redwyne can stand on its own."

As they continued to discuss their strategy, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Ser Martyn Harte entered, his expression one of concern.

"My lord, my lady," Martyn began, bowing slightly. "We've received troubling news. There are reports that the Tarlys are mobilizing their forces. It seems they've been given new orders from Highgarden—likely to secure the Reach in the event that the war spreads further south."

Paxter's eyes narrowed as he absorbed this information. The Tyrells had always relied on the Tarlys for military support, but this sudden mobilization suggested that they were preparing for something significant.

"Do we know the nature of their orders?" Paxter asked, his mind already racing through the possible implications.

Martyn shook his head. "Not yet, my lord. Our sources are still trying to gather more information. But it's clear that the Tarlys are positioning themselves for a larger role in the Reach. We should be cautious."

Paxter exchanged a look with Mina, both of them understanding the potential danger this posed. If the Tarlys were being groomed for a more prominent role in the Reach, it could spell trouble for House Redwyne's long-term plans.

"Keep a close eye on their movements, Martyn," Paxter ordered. "We need to know what they're planning—and how it might affect us."

Martyn nodded, his expression grim. "I'll see to it, my lord."

As Martyn left the solar, Paxter felt a sense of urgency building within him. The Tarlys were a threat, but they were also a reminder that the Reach was a volatile region, where power could shift at any moment. If House Redwyne was to survive and thrive, they needed to be ready for whatever came next.

Turning back to Mina, Paxter spoke with renewed determination. "We need to accelerate our plans. The Tyrells are still our allies, but we can't rely on them forever. We need to strengthen our own position in the Reach, forge new alliances, and ensure that when the time comes, House Redwyne can stand on its own."

Mina nodded, her eyes reflecting the same resolve. "We'll need to be discreet, but I believe we can do it. We've already proven ourselves capable of maneuvering through difficult situations. This will be no different."

Paxter smiled, though it was a smile tinged with the weight of responsibility. "No, it won't. But we must be patient, and we must be smart. We'll continue to support the Tyrells as we've always done, but we'll also begin laying the groundwork for our own future—one where House Redwyne can claim its rightful place among the great houses of Westeros."

As the storm clouds outside began to darken and the first drops of rain splattered against the window, Paxter knew that the storm brewing within the Reach would soon break. But he also knew that House Redwyne was ready to face it.

The seeds of power had been planted, and Paxter was determined to see them grow—no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

The game of thrones was entering a new phase, and Paxter Redwyne was ready to play his part, with his eyes firmly set on the future of his house and the legacy he would leave behind.