Chapter 26 (Revamped)

(Elia Martell, Firmridge)

The day had finally arrived. Servants moved frantically as they prepared for the Great Council.

She was walking with Rhaelle, Rhae holding her hands while Dany lay in her mother's arms. No one outside of the House Mudd and Oberyn's close party was aware of their presence or survival.

Erlend had planned to introduce them during the Great Council.

She pondered her talk with Oberyn from last night, understandably her brother worried about what Erlend intended to do to her and Rhaenys.

---

(Flashback; Entry)

No words were exchanged as both walked into an empty chamber.

Oberyn had wanted to have a private talk with her, far from prying eyes. She had a fair idea of what he might want to talk about.

Seating themselves on the chairs, "Elia, are you alright?" He was the first to break the silence that had enveloped the room since they entered.

Elia rolled her eyes at his actions, as he did his best to keep her in his sight. Afraid that she would disappear if he averted his eyes for a second.

"I'm fine, Oberyn." She confirmed, "How is Doran?" She asked, wanting to know more about her estranged brother.

"The gout has left him in terrible shape, your 'death' hasn't helped, it seems like he has aged decades if I were, to be honest." He responded somberly, there was an uneasy tilt to his tone, and she could feel some guilt washing out of him. 

She'd need to look into that later.

"Rhaenys looked happy in his arms, far better than she ever did near the silver-haired cunt." He pointed out.

She could feel the confusion in his head, it was obvious to everyone that Erlend intended to conquer Westeros. Rhaenys would be a threat to his reign and Elia would've agreed had she not experienced what she had with him.

Erlend was an ambitious man, there was no denying it. But he cared greatly for his family and she knew for a fact that he considered her and Rhae part of that family. Even the ever-so-distant Rhaella and Baby Dany were included as such.

She had nothing to fear from her lover, that she was sure of.

His expression changed, "Do you feel safe here?" He asked, looking apprehensive.

"Does the sun rise from the east?" She answered.

There was an incredulous look on his face at her response before it turned into a reminiscent smile. Oberyn understood the meaning, letting out a sigh of relief, the tension that had been in him since he entered the solar dissipating.

"No matter what, Dorne is always behind you, we will protect you and Rhaenys," Oberyn reassured her, despite knowing she was safe, he was still worried for her. It warmed her heart, even though she was older, Oberyn had always tried his best to act as the older brother.

"I appreciate that, Oby." She acknowledged his statement but knew it was unnecessary.

"Now then my dear Sister, how was he bed?" He teased much to her exasperation, how he ever expected to become the 'mature' one between them, she had no idea.

(Flashback; Exit)

---

Oberyn had teased her about her relationship with Erlend relentlessly after that, Ellaria was of no help either, her brother's paramour boldly suggesting that she recommend them to her lover.

While Erlend might be interested in tasting Ellaria, she heavily doubted he'd be willing to try anything with Oberyn. Her man loved the female body too much to bother looking at the same sex.

… 

Now she stood silent as she and Rhaella waited for the signal, requesting their presence.

To say she was nervous would be an understatement.

While there were still a few Targaryen loyalists here and there. Not to mention Dorne who would throw themselves behind her cause.

The same could not be said about the rest of the lords, they did not want a Targaryen revival. The House of Dragons had completely shattered what level of faith remained thanks to her late father-in-law's actions.

Perhaps this was one of the reasons Oberyn hadn't bothered to push for Rhaenys claim. Her brother, while passionate, was not stupid, pushing Rhaenys claim would put her life in danger, something he wasn't exactly keen on.

As the signal came, they entered the Hall, all eyes shifted towards them. 

Rhaenys fidgeted at the sudden attention, clearly not liking it, yet she did her best to stand firm.

"What's she doing here?"

"I thought they were dead."

"Fucking King Scab couldn't do one job right."

"Who's that in Queen Rhaella's arms?"

"Dornish Slut."

"..."

She could see the confused looks of many lords, as gasps and exclamations could be heard throughout the Great Hall. 

There was a thunderous expression in many, particularly from the North. Benjen Stark for his part looked sour, though he made no move, as the rest of his lords and ladies began cursing and swearing.

Her People for their part looked pleasantly surprised by her appearance. Though they chose to remain where they were and not cause a fuss. Something she suspected Oberyn had a hand in.

…

Olenna Tyrell frowned at the appearance of the new threats to her house, the presence of their former Overlords admittedly unnerved her.

They would need a strong king to hold the shambles that was Westeros together, a strong and able-bodied one to rally behind, one her daughter would make a fantastic queen to, and Erlend Mudd was that King. 

The Dornish girl would have to go, she was a liability, and if the Dornish were of any indication, it was likely she had no good feelings for House Tyrell.

…

Mace Tyrell was sputtering in shock and disbelief, whilst his mother pursed her lips at their entry. No doubt some of her plans had been ruined by Elia and Rhaella's presence. Something Elia took delight in.

…

Stannis Baratheon's expression became grim at the appearance of the Targaryen remnants, he was somewhat unwilling to bow down to the Mudd Head but could be convinced to do so if the situation necessitated it.

On the other hand, he would never agree to bow to the House that he held responsible for the death of his family and people. 

His wife gripped his hands, holding their son in her arms with visible worry.

…

Tyrion Lannister watched the spectacle occurring within the Great Hall with fascination. Instead of the snide comments and disgruntled looks, he was used to receiving, people were now looking at him with respect and deference, it was quite the change. 

Uncle Kevin had been unable to come, his health not allowing for it, thus it was decided that Aunt Genna, Uncle Gerion, and Cersei would heed the summons with him.

…

Genna Lannister for her part simply raised an eyebrow, more focused on keeping the excited Lord of the Rock calm. Her niece on the other hand, well if looks could kill then Elia would be dead many times over. The vapid girl is still holding a grudge against the princess it seems.

…

Cersei Lannister's eyes wandered as she looked for one specific person, the man had brown hair and captivating chocolate eyes. She had caught sight of him in the corridors once, he wasn't inhumanely beautiful like Rhaeger or dashing like Jaime, but there was a rugged charm about him that intrigued her and seemed to pull her in. 

Aunt Genna said that she would be his queen, and she couldn't but anticipate what would come with their union. That little monster could have the Rock, she would be queen. Still, despite staring wherever she could for her future husband, he had yet to make his presence known in the Hall, but that didn't stop her from sending harsh looks at the Dornish harlot every once in a while.

…

Just as the murmurs and mutterings were beginning to pick up, a smartly looking man cleared his throat, the herald She realized. "Presenting Lord Erlend Mudd, Lord Paramount of the Rivers and the Hills, Lord Paramount of the Vale of Arryn, Lord of Firmridge, Lord of the Twilight Isles, Guardian of High Heart, and Lord Protector of the Narrow Sea." He announced.

The herald's voice boomed through the Great Hall, his words cutting through the murmurs and curses that had dominated the Hall since the Targaryen's entrance.

She was amused by the ridiculous amount of titles Erlend held, a subtle jab at all the pomp most lords insisted upon. By declaring himself Lord Paramount of the Rivers and the Hills and Lord Protector of the Narrow Sea, he'd effectively confirmed the dissolution of the Crownlands. Something that quite definitely worried the former Crown Lords who had no clue what he intended to do with them.

Elia's heart skipped a beat as she lay her eyes on her lover in all his glory.

Erlend Mudd wore a red-brown tunic, with a breastplate that was decorated with a crown glistening with green emeralds. It was a mix of practicality and indulgence, the striking item on him that stood out the most on him was the ancestral blade of House Mudd.

Ardent, a magical blade said to be made of a similar metal that Dawn was forged off. It was the very same blade that Aryan 'the Dragonslayer' was rumored to have used when he killed the last dragonlords and their feared mounts.

If rumors were to be believed then the blade was imbued with the rage of a hundred dragons, Elia had no idea if that was true but it did not take away from its majesty.

As he moved to the throne, his brown orbs met her own and for a moment she saw them soften. Her lover rarely showed any form of weakness in public, yet the fact that he was willing to do so here to reassure her, warmed her heart.

He looked like a King, yet the lack of a crown made it feel like an incomplete tapestry.

The Conqueror reborn many called him, though she scoffed at such titles, he did not need to emulate anyone for he was more than impressive enough as himself.

The Great Hall quieted as her lover reminded them of the reason they were here in the first place.

Erlend looked as a King should, seating himself on a throne made of dark stone, he made for a rather imposing figure. A regal aura surrounded him, drawing all eyes towards him.

Inwardly Elia frowned in displeasure as observed the golden lioness, staring star-struck at Erlend; it was the same look she gave Rhaeger, though more intense.

Choosing to ignore the poisonous bitch for now, she and Rhaenys made their way to the seats next to Erlend. Rhaella followed behind, though more sedately, not wanting to disturb her daughter.

She noticed that the Household Guards quickly positioned themselves in a protective ring around them. Even the Dornish lords had been seated close to the throne as a further measure of protection against any brave fool. They'd have to go through Mudd loyalists and fiery dornishmen if they wanted to get anywhere near her family.

Erlend sent a comforting look towards Rhaenys before turning to the herald and motioning him to begin. "You Stand in attendance of the Great Council of Firmridge under the purview of Lord Erlend Mudd. If you would Kindly declare your representatives for your Kingdom, do so now." said the Herald.

The rest of the Lords looked baffled at the Herald's words. Having assumed they would be able to jump right at the issue.

"..."

There was a look of discomfort on everyone's faces, with only the Erlend's primary vassals looking unsurprised by this, probably thanks to Lord Yohn and Lord Jason having already forewarned them.

The Vale and Riverlands under Erlend didn't need to declare a representative, though the other kingdoms would have to.

She noticed two admittedly beautiful redheads who, like Cersei, had their attention primarily on Erlend. Catelyn and Lysa Tully, who she knew were the two other lovers Erlend had.

There was also a Visenya who Erlend remained silent about, she had a vague idea of who that was, but she respected his silence, confident he would eventually tell her.

It was admittedly unnerving the way the younger Tully sister stared at Erlend, the sheer intensity and devotion she held for Erlend made the fire that ran through her brother and his lover pale in comparison.

Catelyn was far better controlled than her sister, there was no denying the affection in her eyes for Erlend. That was the look of a woman in love, a look she was more than familiar with, considering she held it herself.

The confusion wouldn't remain for long as a slight man among the Stormlords rose, he looked quite out of place among all the lords, though that didn't stop him from clearing his throat and catching everyone's attention. "Attending this Council on behalf of the Stormlands is Stannis Baratheon, Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and Lord Storm's End." He declared.

Stannis for his part merely nodded at the announcement, seeming relieved to get all over and done with.

It wouldn't take long for the followers of the other Great lords to join in, first was Gerion Lannister, who announced his nephew's titles, followed by Rodrik Ryswell, Paxter Redwyne, and Harmen Uller who did the same.

The only kingdom not in attendance was the Iron Islands, though no one seemed to care about them. She suspected that if they came anywhere near Erlend's domain, there was little chance they'd leave it alive.

Erlend stood up from his throne as his presence seemed to fill the room.

"Now that we've gotten over with all the pomp, I have vital news that needs to be announced," Erlend stated, his voice carried through the whole Hall.

All of the Lords and Ladies present looked vigil, wondering what he would say.

Elia knew he would reveal the truth behind the rebellion, something she both dreaded and hoped would occur. At least it would make sure some of the more ambitious lords would stay their hands, as support for the House of the Dragon withered away.

Honestly, she would be happy to name Rhaenys a Martell and enjoy her life with Erlend, yet as usual the Game of Thrones would not let go of her that easily. A mockery that took the lives of both the victors and the defeated. 

While she knew her brother was regretful of what had occurred, it wouldn't surprise her that after a few years, his ambitions would rear their ugly head again. Her brother took after their mother too much for him to stay still.

No, Rhaenys would be far safer as Queen Consort to the future King, she had faith that any son raised by Erlend would be leagues better than a Targaryen one.

"It pertains to the rebellion and the truth that had been shrouded from you." He continued.

Now he truly held everyone's attention, as all souls within this Hall looked at him, even the younger ones went silent as they all waited for what he had to say.

"It all starts with a Prince stumbling upon a supposed prophecy…"

…

(Erlend Mudd, Firmridge)

"You insolent cur!"

Erlend watched exasperatedly as yet another lord dodged a slap that came for his face by his lady wife. The man even smiled at her playfully, only to receive a slap from her other hand across his face. 

"Should've seen that coming." Muttered the Lord.

"The Targaryens were good Kings!!" Screamed his wife.

"Good kings?! Give a single Targaryen King that hasn't messed up?"

"Jaehaerys The Conciliator."

"He spat on the succession laws."

"Visery the First."

"He also spat on the succession laws."

"Daeron the Young Dragon."

"He trusted the Dornish."

"..."

That ironically earned him several aye's of agreement by the marcher lords, though he took no notice of it as the wife tried to hit her husband again. A well-known Targaryen sympathizer, she looked positively shaking with rage and Erlend felt just a little pity for the man.

'Well, he's not sleeping in his chambers tonight. A lot of people won't be sleeping next to their spouses tonight.'

'How the hell did their marriage survive the rebellion?'

Oh yeah, divorce still wasn't an actual thing. Sure annulment existed, but it was rarely put to use, the stigma that followed it wasn't worth it in the eyes of most of the nobility.

At most once a son was born, the couple would simply move to different parts of a castle and rarely meet or take heed of each other outside of formal occasions.

It had been like this since he completed his revelations of the true causes of the war and the mad plot spun by Rhaeger to fulfill his prophecy.

His mad father and predictable cousin made it all too easy for him.

Rhaella and Elia both looked shocked when it was revealed the full plot made by Rhaeger, as he had always intended for a war to occur to fulfill the whole 'salt and smoke' bullshit.

They knew he was obsessed with getting a third child, hence his seduction of Lyanna Stark. The war was something they always assumed to be an indirect cause due to factors out of his control.

After the first signs of violence, his men had moved to put a stop to it but Erlend had signaled for them to let it be. He doubted anyone would be killed since all weapons had been removed from this Great Hall, excluding his men. 

The fights began with lords and their wives, then friend against friend, and so on. As for why no one was worried about him just slaughtering them all, well they held a lot of faith in guest rights, it was one of the reasons the Red Wedding was so successful, despite the inherent distrust most lords held for House Frey in canon.

As for why he allowed this, it was mainly to cool tempers, then again he couldn't deny the fact that he found it slightly amusing. Still, he kept his features calm and steady, no need to aggravate those present.

An emotionally exhausted person tended to be more pliant and agreeable, something he would benefit from soon enough.

He could hear the lords and ladies whispering different things. Many, especially the former Rebels looked vindicated, whilst the Royalists looked furious. Though was rather hypocritical of them considering they tended to go to war with each other for pettiest reasons.

These fools wouldn't have lifted a hand against Aerys if he hadn't gone to the extremes he had, the same could be said about Rhaeger, who many here believed had the sun shined out of his ass.

It wasn't to say Westerosi was more prone to being stupid compared to people from his past life. Old man knows how many lackwits existed in his previous life that would make Hodor look positively intelligent.

It was just that unless it directly affected them or put them in danger, then they simply wouldn't care.

Aery's executing a Lord Paramount and his heir without proper justification or trial meant he could do so to just about every other lord, something that remained a key factor for the rebellion.

There was also the fact that his cousin Elbert the heir of the Vale had been killed. Combined with the rest of the Lordling's deaths and Lyanna's supposed abduction, well that was something they simply couldn't ignore.

His Uncle Jon wasn't just fighting to protect his wards, the man was also seeking vengeance for the death of his nephew and son in all but name.

…

As things began to calm down between those present, Stannis Baratheon was the first to rise.

"I would like to ask how you came about this information, Lord Erlend?" Stannis stared at him. The man looked haggard at the fact that his brother had been played like a fool. That his Kingdom suffered for no reason but to satisfy the whims of a mad prince.

Erlend noticed that the lords and ladies within the Great Hall all looked interested from where he got this information. It was not from Rhaella or Elia who hadn't hidden their surprise at the latter revelations.

"Through Lady Lyanna Stark… Early on my Uncle requested my help in locating her." Jon Arryn did no such thing, His Uncle had been struggling to get Hoster to agree to an alliance.

Interestingly enough, what finally drew Hoster into the rebellion was the fear of what Aerys would do to House Tully considering Catelyn had been betrothed to Brandon. That alongside the betrothal agreements laid out for marriage after the war and the facts that some of the Riverlords who had begun to poison the King's ears against him had forced him onto Robert's side.

While he had little trust in the Late Lord Trout, his position was hardly enviable at the time.

Ah… he was losing himself in his thoughts again. "My men successfully managed to find Lady Lyanna after the 'Burning of King's Landing, where many of the parchments you now hold were found".

The mention of the 'Burning' definitely made them uncomfortable, at least his answer satisfied Stannis who returned to his place.

After that many more questions began appearing, each he answered to his best ability. While some of the answers didn't fully satisfy those present, it had to do for now.

As the final questions rolled. "With that, the matter of the cause of the rebellion is now concluded." Authority laced his tone. 

Many were looking at him with awe and respect, his aura and the runes were working their magic slowly.

"We will continue onto the next issue at hand within a few moments, you may take a short break." He ended.

Immediately discussions began between the various nobles in the room. Many hushed conversations and arguments could be heard.

Not minding them much, he turned his head and saw the worried look in Elia's eyes, "Erlend, why didn't you tell me about this before?" She asked, looking troubled. Rhaella also leaned in, wanting an answer to it.

"So that you aren't saddled with Rhaeger's madness if it was apparent to the lords and Ladies here that you already knew, they'd bay for your heads" He whispered back to her.

Her eyes widened in understanding, Rhaella herself wasn't any better. Their honest reactions to Rhaegers plot made sure that those present knew they had no hand in the plot. Sure they'd still be shadowed by their relations to the mad duo, but at least they weren't going to be considered active participants.

While Erlend could protect them, it would become a stain on his reign and would make the lords more resistant to accepting him as their liege. No reason to let problems arise if he could just nip it in the bud.

The grateful look they both sent him, showed their agreement in his decision.

…

As the break ended, his Uncle cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention.

"Moving on to the next issue at hand, the future of Westeros…" Erlend said gravely.

"We refuse to crown the Targaryens again." Stannis showed no hesitation in voicing the thoughts of the majority. The roars of approval and agreement certainly didn't help matters.

The only ones silent were the Crownlords, some of the Reachmen, and the Dornish. Though none spoke in opposition to his statement.

Finally, one of the lords of the Narrow Sea stepped, he wore a sea-green coat emblazoned with a silver seahorse. "What will happen to House Targaryen?" He asked, looking rather uneasy.

"They will remain under protection. Any attack on them will be considered an attack on me," Erlend responded coolly. The man sighed in relief at his reply, more than likely that was Monford Velaryon he thought.

The rest of the Hall looked disgruntled at that announcement but chose to remain silent. It wasn't like Erlend had declared he'd crown the Targaryens which was a relief to them.

The next person to stand up was Lord Eon Hunter, this was a man who was half crippled by the Gout, yet he still made it to the summons, Erlend wondered how Doran would react to that.

"MY LORDS!" The Hall went quiet at the Old Man's roar, Erlend was frankly astonished he could even speak. 

"Here's what I think." He said standing proud, despite his near-crippled state, his son Gilwood looked near delirious at his father's actions. "Haven't we had enough of that wretched dynasty, who have consistently spawned mad men and tyrants!"

Raising his cane he pointed it towards Erlend. "There sits the only man I intend to bend my knee to. The true King… THE YOUNG CONQUEROR!" This drew cheers from nearly all that were present, only the North, Stormlands, and the Dornish remained silent, observing the situation.

Eon moved to kneel in front of him "My King" he said hoarsely.

Yohn was the next to speak up. "A King worth serving." Moving to kneel alongside the old Hunter.

"A Conqueror twice proven!" Jason Mallister voiced, placing himself next to Bronze Yohn. 

Like a deck of cards, the rest of the Riverlords and Valemen followed suit. Tully, Ryger, Blackwood, Bracken, Piper, Templeton, Egen, Grafton, Corbary, Redfort, and Melcom declared their Erlend King and swore their loyalty. These houses showed no hesitation in declaring for him. 

Even the newly sworn houses he'd poached from the reach declared for him.

Not wanting to be seen as traitors and under severe pressure from the rest of their fellows, House Darry, Mooton, Belmore, and Waynwood knelt and swore oaths of loyalty. 

Erlend wasn't blind to the uneasiness they all felt, while they hid it well from the rest of the Hall, he could sense it using his Aura. He'd have to deal with it later on, for now though, he'd let it go.

It didn't stop there as Ser Baelor 'Brightsmile' went to his knees and declared on behalf of his father "House Hightower swears to remain Steadfast to the King!"

That was all the Reachlords needed as Mathis Rowan and Desmond Osgrey, not wanting to be outdone by the Hightowers, did the same.

Mace Tyrell beat them all ironically enough, "House Tyrell will remain faithful and true to House Mudd, we shall strive to be its most dependable vassal!" he proclaimed rather grandly.

Randyll Tarly snorted at Mace's words, "House Tarly swears its allegiance to House Mudd." As simple as it could be, Erlend had more faith in grizzled veteran loyalty than he ever would for the Tyrell rose.

This was the man who remained steady against an off-her rocker's Mother of Dragons if he can remain loyal to Cersei despite that. Then Erlend trusted him to do the same for himself.

Any man who can boldly stand against a dragon had his respect.

…

(Stannis Baratheon, Firmridge)

Stannis Baratheon was a stoic man, a hard man who was rarely phased by anything, his stand against the immeasurably overwhelming Tyrell siege had shown that.

But this… this was something that stumped him, his fellow Stormlords weren't any better as they witnessed the rise of a new King so suddenly.

All of them were aware of the now King Erlend's ambitions, it wasn't a particularly shocking revelation to them. The Mudds had the blood of Kings, Great Lords, and Emperors in their veins. 

Most houses that had even a speck of that legacy would seek the same goal.

What he hadn't expected of the Mudd Head, was how blatant about it he was, and to think it would be the most silent of Erlend's vassals to kick this off. That old man looked ready to keel over dead.

Locking eyes with Benjen Stark, there was a visible shock in them as well, the two sharing understanding worry within their gaze.

Sending a glance to Oberyn Martell, all he could see was amusement in his eyes. The Red Viper knew this would happen, he realized. Giving him a wink, the Prince of Dorne rose and headed towards the Mudd, trailing behind him were the Dornish nobility who had resigned looks on their faces.

'He Means to Swear Loyalty too'

With an ostentatious bow, "On Behalf of my Brother the Ruling Prince of Dorne, Doran Martell. Dorne is yours, your grace." the Prince of Dorne said.

The Dornish lords followed suit, though some were disgruntled by the decision, they swore their oaths all the same. Erlend was not dallying, confirming House Martell's position as Princes of Dorne, not having to do so for the Tyrells since he'd already declared them overlords of the Reach long before this farce of a Council started.

He turned his attention to the lions to see what they would do, and much to his dismay he found out almost immediately. The littlest lion, after a hushed conversation with Lady Genna, rushed in front of the throne, his vassals hot on his heels.

The already sworn men made way for the Westermen, as they each knelt and gave their oaths. Erlend for his part did not create much of a fuss and like the Martells also confirmed House Lannister's position.

Rhaella and Elia for their part sent suspicious glances towards the Lions but kept their peace. There was no love lost between the two Houses.

The sworn did not remain silent for long.

"FOR THE KING, FOR HOUSE MUDD!" 

Their roars rang through the hall.

"LONG LIVE THE KING!"

The voices were likely being carried by the wind to the camp city outside the fortress walls.

"LONG MAY HE REIGN!"