Crimson Dawn

To the naked eye Castamere doesn't seem like much, just two squat towere flanking a gatehouse with a modest keep behind it. To those who did not know it it seemed a holding fit only for a landed knight. But the visible parts of Castamere were only the entrance to the real heart of the Castle.

The visible part was reserved only for guests, most never knowing that beneath them was a maze of caverns and tunnels from when Castamere was but a mine. Once all the gold and silver ran dry these very same tunnels and Caverns were hollowed out into a network of halls within halls. They also had galleries, storerooms, graneries, barracks, kitchens, armory, crypts, stables and even a library. The only way into the heart of castamere is three winding narrow paths. All easily defended with deadfalls, pits, murder holes, arrowslits and false paths.

It was here that the lord of the Castle subsided. Roger Reyne, the Red Lion overlooked the sparing yard as a young boy trained against the master of arms. was [anting heavily and his body was drenched in sweat, but he remained determined even receiving a good number of blows.

Roger smiled at his son, though still a boy of 8, Roderick was strapping and athletic already showing potential as a swordsman. But he was also a spirited individual and has caused his family endless headaches. If not kept busy he often led his younger kin into various forms of mischief

Swift, strong and willful, Roger Reyne was a renowned warrior. A veteran of the Peake Uprising and the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion, he was considered the deadliest swordsman in the Westerlands and few outside could match him. So he more than earned his title as The Red Lion of Castamere.

Roger touched the hilt of his sword, Red Rain. Since House Lannister lost it's own sword Brightroar, Red Rain became the sole Valyrian sword in the Westerlands. He looked back down at the boy as he sparred and smiled knowing that their family heirloom would pass to a worthy hand.

"He has your courage brother," a voice said behind him, Roger to see his younger brother Raynald stepped behind him.

Roger may have been the Lord of House Reyne but Raynald was the brains behind the House. Charismatic and cunning, Raynald managed the finances and politics of Castamere, earning the Reynes many friends and increasing Castamere's income three fold. Because of this Roger was willing to take his brother's advise.

"But your cunning," Roger replied, "He will make a fine lord one day."

Raynald chuckled, "yes a fine lord indeed." He turned, "but he can be so much more."

Roger cocked his eyebrow and Raynald continued, "walk with me, I have an idea if you wouldn't mind lending me your ear."

Roger's eyes narrowed suspiciously, "very well brother but tread lightly." He followed his younger brother asn they walked along the halls.

Raynald nodded, "I would recommend sending the boy to Casterly Rock for fostering."

Roger stared at his brother in disbelief. "You would have me send my firstborn to be cared for by that weakling ilk?!"

Raynald remained calm and continued, "whatever you may think of Tytos, House Lannister is still has influence it would be good to get close to them again. We prospered when our dear sister was Lady of Casterly Rock. By fostering Roderick there we can gain it back again."

"Tytos' wife Jeyne will defy it though," Roger pointed out. 'She would never accept the nephew of her most bitter rival."

"Jeyne Marbrand is irrelevant," Raynald waved off, "Tytos can be swayed easily enough and once he is convinced there will be little Lady Jeyne can do about it. She has proven unable to reign in her husband, besides there is one more benefit to this idea." Roger looked unconvinced and Raynald continued. "As he is fostered with time, patience and pruning we can get him together with Genna Lannister

Roger' eyes lit up and a smile spread across his face, "yes I see it now. My son married to the Laughing Lion's golden daughter."

"And the closer he gets to the daughter, the closer he gets to Casterly Rock," Raynald continued. "Where a woman failed a boy will succeed."

Roger shook his head, "Ellyn should have known better than to go after such a weak willed fool like Tytos," he declared. "Had she been more careful and smarter about her position she would not have lost her place at Casterly Rock." Roger rubbed his chin in thought, "there is still the tension between our houses. How do you intent to smooth things over?"

Raynald spread his arms out, "by repaying our debts to the Lannisters of course."

Roger's eyes widened in shock and rage, "repay all of it? That's over a million gold dragons!"

"A relatively small price to pay for a sign of good faith and to prove the Lannisters of our loyalty."

"What of our sister," Roger asked, "she too has racked up a hefty debt."

"Pay that one too," Raynald declared, "that way we will own the Tarbecks in every way."

"And we will have that fat little fool eating out of the palm of our hands," Roger grinned. "So what do you propose we do in the meantime while Roderick is at the Rock."

Raynald shrugged, "In the mean time keep building our power, buying out lesser lords and knights and bringing them into our service. We should also send men across the west to 'deal' with these robber knights and outlaws.

"The word 'deal' being loosely used," Roger noted it in Raynard's voice.

Raynard shrugged, "well we could kill them or we could conscript them. When we capture them and we will, we shall give them a choice. Serve us in Battle or serve us on the chopping block. This would not only swell our reputation but our army as well."

"What if he refuses?" Roger asked.

"He won't" Raynald said confidently, "he has never refused us a loan in the past he most certainly will not refuse taking in our heir."

Roger rubbed his chin before his lips curled into a smile and nodded, "so be it." Both men headed back to the courtyard and turned their attention back to the boy that would make their ambitions a reality.

Later that night after dining with his family, Roger entered his chambers and sat at the hearth his eyes staring into the flames and his mind deep in thought. After what seemed like hours, The Red Lion sat himself at a desk and began to write. Once he was finished he turned to his castellan, "have Roderick brought to my solar when his lessons are complete for the day."

The Castellan bowed, ''yes my lord." and turned to relay the order to the Master at Arms.

It was late in the afternoon when Roderick came into Roger's solar to find his father and uncle waiting for him. Roger was busy writing a letter, "you wanted to see me father" the boy asked.

Roger looked up from the letter, "yes, have a seat my boy." Roderick took a seat and waited patiently for his father to finish. Once the letter was done and sealed with the red lion Roger handed it to a maester. With that settled Roger turned back to the 8 year old.

"You summoned me father?" The boy asked.

Roger nodded, "yes I have something important to discuss with you." Roderick listened intently as his father continued. In a few days we will be leaving for Casterly Rock."

The mention of the Rock caused the boy's eyes to brighten. He had heard tales of Casterly Rock, a castle second only to Harrenhal in size and boasted to be impregnable. Roderick could barely contain his excitement but a look from his father kept him in check. "Why are you bringing me to the Rock Father?"

"Because you will be living under Lannister for a few years" Roger replied.

The realization of his father's words dawned on him, "I-I won't be living here anymore?"

"Fostering is a common practice throughout the seven kingdoms," Roger said sternly. "The Lannisters are our liegelords and the richest house in Westeros." Sensing his son's uncertainty, Roger got up and got down on one knee so that he was at eye level with his son."

"Roderick not many children are given such an opportunity, this is one you would be a fool to waste. Are you a fool?"

The boy shook his head "no father."

RogeRaynald stepped up ans placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, "remember to behave yourself during your time there, Raynald insisted, that means no climbing , riding or causing mischief." Roderick looked down dissappointed, he knew fromm hisuncle's tone how serious he was. " You must ensured good relations with our overlords Roderick," Raynald continued. "Try to befriend Lord Tytos' son Tywin, he will be the Lord of the Rock one day but most important do not do any to incure the wrath of Lady Jayne. You are aware of her hatred for your aunt?" The boy nodded and Raynald continued. "this is your duty nephew this is what we have been preparing you for. Do you understand?"

Roderick thought for a moment before nodding, "I do father, I promise I'll make you proud."

Casterly Rock

Tytos studied the letter carefully looking over again and again, "the Red Lion is certainly resolute," Tytos mused.

"Are you seriously considering this,"

"I don't see why not," Tytos replied, "Great Houses often take wards all the time

"Why them?" she asked. "Why the Reynes of all houses? Why not the Baneforts or the Crackhalls or the Leffords."

"They're our most powerful Vassals, Jeyne," Tytos reasoned. "I know there is bad blood between you and lady Tarbeck but Ellyn Reyne is gone now and we must put all that behind us."

"BEHIND US?" Jeyne shrieked. "Have you forgotten what that Reyne whore tried to do to you?"

Tytos looked at his wife with saddened eyes, "I can never forget Jeyne."

"Then why are we even discussing this?"

"If I refuse it would offend them, and I don't wish to offend the Red Lion. You say house Reyne is a rival, by bringing them into the fold we make them an ally instead of an enemy. My father often told me to keep our friends close and our enemies closer. Lord Roger is ready to begin repaying the loans he extracted, it only seems right that we give him the opportunity."

"And you believe him," Jeyne asked in exasperation, "Reynes only care about Reynes."

He sighed and took her hand, "give the boy a chance Jeyne, he has done us no wrong, give him a chance."

Jeyne sighed and looked at her husband, "that doesn't mean I have to like it," she said. "I can only hope you are making the right decision for once. But be warned I will be keeping a close eye on our guest."

Tytos nodded, "thank you Jeyne, I can expect nothing less my love." He kissed her cheek and she departed. Now that his wife had consented it was time to tell his children

Finally the door opened and his three eldest children walked in. All three shared the Lannister traits of Gold hair and green eyes. The eldest Tywin was mature beyond his years he took everything seriously and rarely made trouble. His second son kevan was a clear follower since he always did so with Tywin and did everything Tywin asked of him without question. Finally there was Gemma, pretty sweet and a bit of a flirt, she had a fitting name since she was the gem of his world.

"Ah my children," he said as he patted Tywin and Kevan on the head before kissing Gemma's forehead.

Tywin Lannister, sat stiffly on a chair in his Father's chambers with him were his younger siblings Kevan and Gemma. This was an unusual occurance, Their father hardly ever summoned them to do anything so the fact that he was doing this meant that it must be important.

"Why have you summoned us Father," Tywin asked matter-of-factly.

"Because I have some important news to tell the three of you," Tytos replied. "We are to foster a member of one of our own bannermen," Tytos declared. "This will strengthen our house and Hopefully secure a great alliance in the future.

"Who is it then?" Tywin asked.

Tytos smiled, "Roderick of House Reyne."

Tywin nodded in acceptance, House Reyne was the strongest banner of House Lannister. Their wealth, power and prestige second only to their own. It also helped that Roderick was the Heir to Castamere."

Tytos stared his children down, "Now listen carefully, Roderick is a guest in our halls and I want you to treat him with the respect deserving of a noble guest, so no causing any strife. His gaze turned to Tywin to emphasis this.

Tywin and his siblings nodded to show they understood, Tytos was not a man of anger but the stern tone indicated how serious he took this. A rare thing for his father to be so firm. Still he knew about the Reynes the family that brought his mother such ire. He will not deliberately cause strife but he had no intention on befriending the heir to Castamere.