Chapter 12 (Revamped)

Note: Catelyn and Lysa will be OOC, changes will be made for the sake of Redheads, and there will be fluff, you've been warned.

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(Erlend Mudd, Riverrun)

When you think of fantasy castles, Riverrun is one that often comes to mind, it's a strong three-sided castle while being only a tenth the size of Harrenhal, its aura was more homely if one had to describe it.

Harrenhal on the other hand had a generally grim and accursed aura about it, as if those that died during the conquest sought to bring down those who willingly inhabited it.

The contrast was rather remarkable, to Erlend it appeared as if the two castles showed two vastly extreme sides of the same kingdom.

Riverrun had sluice gates that could be opened to fill a wide moat during a siege, leaving the castle surrounded by water on all three sides, and turning it into an Island. Making it a hassle to take for besiegers.

The castle has red sandstone walls, and its battlements were crenelated with arrow loops that gave it an vantage point by which it could shoot down invaders. Its towers command the opposite shores, while the keep is located within the castle walls and its castle door was made of heavy redwood.

Like the castle itself, the keep is triangular, the Lord's solar also being the same, and within it was a triangular balcony. Frankly, no one knew if this was due to the preference of the architect or the Tully that commissioned it, but it gave it a unique flair.

During a siege, should Riverrun be properly garrisoned and supplied, it is estimated that it could hold for as long as two years, similar to the Twins ironically enough. This was proven by the fact that the castle had never fallen by storm, only surrendering after its liege was captured in battle or due to betrayal.

Though that mattered little to Erlend as he and his entourage were allowed in with no issues, the Tully sisters had no interest in going through a prolonged siege for an already obvious outcome.

Erlend himself rode calmly into the keep as he was welcomed into the seat of trouts, making him the first Mudd to ever enter the castle, for the Tullies were mere knights during the reign of Tristifer 'the Hammer'.

As for why his ancestor hadn't visited this seat after his marriage to Celia, it was mostly out of paranoia, what with the relationship between the Targaryens and the Mudds being rather tense at the time.

Despite the apparent calmness he showed outwardly, he and his men remained vigilant for any sudden move, it would be the height of foolishness to blindly trust the Tully sisters. 

Many a River King had perished due to trust, and Erlend refused to meet the same fate, even if it was impossible to kill him through normal means, that didn't mean his companions wouldn't be at risk.

…

(Lysa Tully, Riverrun)

Lysa stood in awe as she watched the procession enter the gate of Riverrun, the banners of a golden crown studded with emeralds on a red-brown field flew proudly for all to see. It easily spoke of a history that withstood the ages, where her house had been that of knights and lords, House Mudd's legacy despite their tumultuous past easily outshined her own.

The knights that surrounded Lord Mudd looked far too grim, yet they carried a sense of strength she had only seen within her Uncle Brynden. She had heard tales of their skill and valor that shined brightly in both Essos and Westeros; these were the men who had guarded and protected the Mudds for centuries.

It was as if the tales she and her sister used to tell themselves as children had come alive all of a sudden.

She watched as her sister greeted the young Lord and the King in all but name. A Tully and Mudd exchanging pleasantries for the first time since the marriage between her kin Celia and Lord Erlend's forbearer Tristifer.

Lord Erlend was a handsome man, his distant valyrian heritage showed but was not as exaggerated as Prince Rhaeger's had been. His coloring easily denotes his first men's heritage, with brown hair, and captivating chocolate brown eyes that drew her in. 

Lysa, despite knowing how precarious the situation was, couldn't help but stare at the young lord, who made her former infatuation with Petyr look like a common street rat. He wore a dark cloak that was lined with silvery gold, she assumed it was made out of silk, though she was unsure of that.

Thankfully, she did not have to speak, as Catelyn was the one expected to converse, she feared she would embarrass herself otherwise.

"My Lord, it's a pleasure to have you in Riverrun." Catelyn bowed as was appropriate, despite her nervousness, she acted the perfect Lady in front of their soon-to-be liege lord. 

Lysa couldn't help but show a relieved smile at Catelyn's actions, it was best they avoided offending Lord Erlend, and years of dealing with the River Lords had made Catelyn perfect that particular art out of necessity. 

Erlend took Catelyn's hand, and kissed it "It's my pleasure to be here, Lady Catelyn. I have heard tales of you and your sister's beauty. Though I cannot help but admit that it has been severely understated." Catelyn kept a straight face, her cheeks showing only a hint of pinkness. 

Lysa on the other hand was blushing fiercely at the compliment, having not expected it as she was used to being ignored, it only became worse when he kissed her hand while keeping his gaze on her.

When he let her hand go, allowing her to regain her composure, Erlend took the time to look at Riverrun with an admiring gaze.

Erlend's features then turned sheepish. "I do apologize for taking so long to get here, there were quite a few pests that needed to be taken care of."

"It's perfectly reasonable My Lord, we could not dream of taking too much of your time."

"Come now Lady Catelyn, it would be highly disrespectful of me not to visit House Tully."

"Thank you, my Lord, your words are highly appreciated." Catelyn looked somewhat taken aback as she hesitated a bit before saying "Perhaps we can converse more after the feast that is to be held in your honor." 

Before they could continue their conversation, one of the Bannermen approached Lord Erlend, his voice was soft, so she was unable to hear anything. If the steely look that appeared on Lord Erlend's face was anything to go by, it would not be one of good tidings.

Still, he managed to get ahold of himself, as turned back to both Lysa and Catelyn, his expression warm.

"Is anything of the matter my Lord?" Lysa couldn't help but ask.

"Nothing to worry about Lady Lysa, merely a minor concern, it would be Ill-mannered of me to ruin the mood."

Nodding her head at the answer and choosing to move on "We'd love to take you on a tour of Riverrun my Lord, the godswood is rather gorgeous at this time of the year."

"My thanks Lady Lysa, I would be delighted to tour this lovely castle with you." Erlend intertwined his hand with hers, much to her surprise.

Seeing Lysa's current posture with Erlend, Catelyn didn't hesitate to intertwine her hand with Erlends free hand "I would also be delighted to show you around my Lord."

Though not before sending a discrete glare toward Lysa, much to Lysa's confusion.

…

(Erlend Mudd, Riverrun)

It had been a few weeks since he'd appeared in Riverrun, with his stay being quite interesting, to say the least.

For whatever reason, the Tully sisters had chosen to compete for his attention, much to his exasperation and the amusement of his guard.

Still, it was rather pleasant, for the past few years he'd either been laying waste to Dothraki hosts or engaging in battles with pirates that were more brave than him. There had been little time where he could relax and just unwind, something he could do now that he'd achieved one of his key goals.

Oh, don't get him wrong, he would spend time relaxing with Senya whenever he had the chance, but they were far fewer than either of the two would like. Which was why he looked forward to it so much. 

Just as he was reminiscing the past few weeks, a spiked mace suddenly came his way, only to be blocked by Ardent.

The clash made quite the sight as Erlend dodged and parried any attacks coming his way and his opponent was becoming more visibly frustrated as they failed to penetrate his defenses. 

With no hesitation Erlend began to take control, forcing his opponent back. Choosing to start his offense as his opponent struggled to keep up. 

The fight came to an end when Ardent cut through the mace and Erlend used the surprise to kick the man roughly, sending him to his knees.

"Do you yield, Ser?"

"I do my Lord, it's been an honor." Ser Desmond Grell, Riverrun's master-at-arms said.

Helping Ser Desmond up to his feet, Erlend patted the old knight on the back to show no hard feelings about the outcome of the Duel, with the old knight graciously nodding.

A Similar scene came to Erlends mind…

Erlends attack was blocked by a swing from Lorimas's wooden sword, the young boy only smiled before attempting a spin with another swing. Lorimas remained calm as he moved to block it, only for Erlend to reverse the direction of his attack, unfortunately for Erlend, his sudden move had been expected as Lorimas continued to block and parry each attack until he finally knocked the sword out of his hand.

This event strangely reminded him of that situation, where he was powerless against his Uncle and every attack he would make could easily be countered by what seemed like invincible swordsmen at the time.

Truly he'd come quite far from the inexperienced boy who wanted to play at being a knight.

He looked at the rest of the courtyard, gesturing for the other knights to make their move.

He smiled as another Knight moved towards him, this time it was Ser Robin Ryger, the Captain of the Tully guard, a well-known and tenacious fighter.

"Ser Robin," Erlend said with a respectful nod.

"Lord Erlend." the Tully knight responded.

The two swordsmen circled each other, waiting for the other to make a move. Ryger made the first strike, fully intent on making this quick, as he knew prolonging this fight would set the odds in Erlend's favor. The strike was easily blocked as their blades continued to strike each other, neither was able to make headway, Ryger showed his skill and speed despite his large size.

Erlend didn't hesitate, moving faster he forced the Captain back not falling for the feint Ryger made, instead sending a swift kick to the knight's leg catching him by surprise. 

Going limp from the attack, Ryger couldn't stop Erlend from moving in for the kill. Deftly disarming the man, Erlend held Ardent to his throat, forcing him to yield.

"I yield my Lord, victory is yours." Ser Robin said.

"A pleasure Ser Robin." Receiving a pleased smile in return.

His strength had significantly increased as well, which allowed him to better incorporate hand-to-hand combat into his style. The best way to describe his current physical strength would be that it had surpassed the physical limit that a human could achieve, at least those of this world.

Memories came to his mind as he contemplated the steps taken to achieve it.

------

(Flashback; Entry)

A young boy barely in his 13th name's day stood as he inspected the ritual circle in front of him. The drawn circle had thirteen sections, each marked with a symbol that signified a specific rune that had been carved using the blood of an animal that could represent it.

- Wisdom, the blood of a lizard lion (Crocodile).

- Insight, the blood of a White Raven.

- Spirit, the blood of a Direwolf.

- Communication, the blood of a Leviathan (Whale).

- Patience, the blood of the Old Men of the River (Turtle).

- Lust, the blood of a Basilisk.

- Power, the blood of a Dragon.

- Purity, the blood of a Unicorn.

- Strength, the blood of a Griffin.

- Wealth, the blood of a Zorse (Horse).

- Luck, the blood of a Little Valyrian (Lemur).

- Death, the blood of a Manticore (Scorpion).

- Renewal, the blood of a Fyrewyrm (Worm).

Of course, the ritual circle itself was made out of the grounded bones of dragons that his ancestor had slayed, giving it even more of a magical effect as it connected to the concept of conquest.

The ritual itself was both simple and complex, a juxtaposition you could say. Once all the proper reagents were gathered and placed in their proper position. The ritualist had to lie in the center of the ritual circle. Then, one by one each rune would be infused with their magic in a specific order. 

Mind, body, and magic would all be affected by the ritual and the ritualist had to stay awake through it all, as their body itself was altered. Should the ritualist lose consciousness at the wrong time, then the backlash would at best cripple them or at worst, cause inconceivable damage to their soul.

It had taken years of planning and expensive purchases that would've bankrupted minor houses to get his hand on the blood of each animal that he had to personally kill to invoke the right of conquest. The ritual itself was something he found in the library within Summerswind Manor and had been gifted to an ancestor of his during the second exile.

Members of House Mudd had long since dabbled in rituals and runes, more out of necessity than any actual desire, Summerwind Manor was a clear example of that.

Granted, Erlend had taken the ritual further than any Mudd before him, 13 runes were unheard of and would have killed anyone else, but Erlend had adaptability and was willing to take the risk. The usual number of runes being used was 1 such as the one done by Edger 'the Spirited' or the greatest number undertaken before Erlend whichwas 3 as done by Aryan 'The Dragonslayer'.

Otherwise, he'd have to wait years for his body to do so naturally and would only be able to achieve one-tenth of what the ritual could give. Poisoning one's self gradually and backbreaking exercises could only do so much.

As he lay down within the circle, he could only lament the pain he would go through.

'The Things I Do for Power'

(Flashback; Exit)

------

Shaking his head, Erlend looked around the courtyard, seeing no one stepping up, then again he'd been beating every single challenger and even took on several at a time.

The Tully men-at-arms had been itching to challenge him since Catelyn had sworn fealty to him and House Mudd, his conquest so far had impressed upon them his leadership skills and not his physical ones.

Now that he'd hammered it into their minds, he could finally relax a bit. While enjoying the attention of the Tully sisters. Who happened to be watching him beat their garrison's arses.

Sending a wink their way, Erlend turned his attention towards his guards, who'd been itching for their turns.

"Nicely done my Lord," Raymond spoke up.

"Care to show our hosts the skills of the vaunted Banners," Erlend said.

"Of course my Lord," Raymond nodded.

Erlend couldn't help but laugh at Raymond's stern yet proud tone, before lunging at his guard and starting his duels anew.

…

(Catelyn Tully, Riverrun)

The past few weeks had been some of the most peculiar in her life, not since her mother's death had she felt such a sudden shift in the air around her. Riverrun had somehow come alive from the melancholy that had spread since her brother's death.

She couldn't help but smile at the man to whom she owed this change, Erlend. She found herself around him whenever she wasn't administrating her fiefdom. Constantly telling him stories of her childhood and listening to his own. She gave him all she could about the history of her house and Riverrun. 

He listened aptly to all of them, and much to her surprise she realized that Erlend was quite interested in the history of the Riverlands and the Houses that ruled it. 

There were times he sat there listening to her opinions and thoughts on both the present Lords and those belonging to the past. Learning about the rise of the ill-fated royal houses, the numerous civil wars, the squabbling between petty kings, and the rebellions led against tyrants ranging from Storm Kings, Gardeners, Lions, and Reavers.

At other times they would discuss the actions of their predecessors, and how different things would've gone if they had taken an alternate approach. How they could've done better and what they did well.

It became increasingly difficult for her not to admire the handsome young Lord. She had been quite taken with him when she first laid her eyes on him. Making the fierce Brandon and the dour Eddard pale in comparison, something she couldn't help but inwardly think.

What genuinely raised her opinion of him was his intellect, while he had an impressive physique, it was his intelligence that piqued her interest. After all, it wasn't all that hard to find a martial man in Westeros, but one that thought things through and used his mind was rare, and no she didn't mean the old geezers in their fancy towers.

Their conversations had spanned numerous topics, such as the history of both their houses, plans to ensure the Riverlands thrived, and changed for the better. 

The more they spent time with each other the more she found herself enamored with the young Mudd.

The Lady of the Riverrun's eyes stared at the courtyard as Erlend fought his Guards in a deadly dance of steel, never faltering once. Of course, how could she forget that he certainly was easy on the eyes?

"Catelyn!" She turned to see her sister calling her.

"Lysa, what is it?" While her tone wasn't harsh, there was some steel in it, as she narrowed her eyes at her sister.

They had both known Catelyn's plan concerning Erlend, yet the little witch dared to try and turn his attention to herself.

Lysa even had the audacity to feign confusion when Catelyn reprimanded her.

While she had not been worried about Lysa stimulating his intellectual interest, that didn't mean she couldn't try other less subtle methods to gain his attention, much to Catelyn's annoyance.

She had tried the same with Petyr, though that ended up in smoke, she had no clue what happened between the two, but the sheer vitriol in her sister's eyes when their former foster brother was mentioned was enough to send shivers down her spine.

"Ser Utherydes requested for you, something about the latest deserters being caught," Lysa said.

"I see, I'll head there immediately." Not before sending a quick glare at her sister who didn't even bother to hide her smirk as she headed straight to watch Erlend.

'I need to make a move fast, before Lysa does something foolish' Not willing to allow her sister to get one over her, not when it came to Erlend.

…

(Lorimas Mudd, Gates of the Moon)

"Lord Mudd, Welcome to the Gates of the Moon." Ser Nestor nodded his head respectfully.

Beside him little Mya holding a large bouquet, a large toothy grin on her face. Lormias wouldn't admit it but he found the sight adorable. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, why couldn't Erlend ever act as adorably when he was a child?

Bending down, he took the offered bouquet, staring at it thoughtfully before grabbing Mya giving her a fierce hug, and mussing her hair into an unkempt mess.

The little girl squealed in shock and joy as her adoptive father proceeded to swing her in circles.

They were interrupted by an amused cough from Nestor "I hate to interrupt this moment my Lord, but Lady Dalia is waiting for you.". Freezing Lorimas in his tracks.

"Wait… Dalia's here." The pale look in Lormias's eye told Nestor all he needed to know about who ran the relationship between the two.

"Indeed, I assumed Lord Erlend would have informed you." The little shit, for 2 decades he'd raised him and this is how he repaid him, by throwing him to wolves, Lorimas cursed inwardly.

"Come on Daddy, Mommy said she had a special surprise for you." Ah, he could melt from the sweetness of her tone, on one hand from Mya's tone his wife had certainly been taken by the little child, on the other hand, he couldn't help but start sweating, wondering what he brought upon himself.

Think of the Devil and they shall appear, a soft yet frightening voice spoke up "Indeed my Dear Husband, I have quite the surprise planned, after all, it wouldn't be fair if you're the only one giving them…"

Lorimas slowly turned and stared at the beautiful form of his beloved wife, while her smile was warm, her eyes sent shivers down his spine.

He could only say one thing "Shit."

"Shit!" Little Mya immediately parroted.

"Mercy…" Lormias squeaked.

…

(Lysa Tully, Riverrun)

"The smallfolk have taken quite a liking to you." She spoke with a coy tone.

"Perhaps, though they might just be glad the war is at an end." Erlend hummed noncommittally.

"Perhaps, but I am inclined to believe they can judge your character quite well."

The both of them had been riding through the wilderness around Riverrun, occasionally making stops through the various minor settlements close by.

She had taken advantage of the fact that her Sister would be busy with the administrative portion and had convinced Erlend to take a ride with her. The mere thought of one-upping Catelyn had brought no small joy to her.

While she loved her sister dearly, she couldn't help but take immense satisfaction from beating her prim and proper sister. 

Despite understanding the fact that Catelyn had been forced to grow up prematurely thanks to their mother's death, that didn't change the fact that bouts of jealousy would occasionally overtake Lysa.

It was hard not to when everyone always talked about Catelyn this and Catelyn that, how great she was at this, or how she was the perfect lady, it would grate on anyone's nerves when you're constantly compared to your sibling.

They continued to ride until they finally made it back to Riverrun, their guards only a distance away from them. Throughout the ride, she and Erlend would have small talk, make jokes, or simply be at ease with each other's presence.

Lysa certainly hoped they did, having come to genuinely like the young Lord, as they spent more time with each other these past few weeks, she didn't want to lose out on the chance of being with someone like him.

Not after the Petyr fiasco, the little weasel dared to consistently call out Catelyn's name while he was professing his 'love' for her, even after she intended to give her maidenhood to him. After the drunkard had the audacity to call her Catelyn for the 3rd time as he approached her, she had enough and called the guards to throw him out of her room before they could go any further.

It was in the following days, she would realize how much the little shit had been using her and her family to raise himself, while that was to be expected of a minor noble, it didn't make it any less painful considering their shared childhood.

Her father hadn't taken kindly to his ward attempting to get handsy with his youngest daughter and an apparent attempt to seduce his eldest. It didn't help Petyr when he tried to duel Brandon Stark for Catelyn's hand.

That was the last straw on her father's patience, he forcefully ended Petyr's wardship and had Uncle Brynden escort the little shit back to the shithole that was his home.

Lysa for her part had to deal with vicious rumors and whispers of her being a harlot, no doubt petty vengeance from Petyr for her role in having him thrown out. This ironically brought her and Catelyn closer, though there was no doubt between the two that Lysa fully intended to pursue Erlend.

As she stared at the broad back of the man she quickly found herself falling for, plans amongst plans ran amok within her mind, all centered around getting his attention solely for herself.

She deserved a bit of happiness after the nonsense she had to deal with, and gods be damned she would get it.