The Second Coming Of Joanna

1. Joanna

JOANNA I

Casterly Rock stood several feet tall and was built sturdy enough to withstand time itself. It had outlasted her ancestors and will, without a doubt, outlast her too. That's why Father is obsessed with the legacy of House Lannister, is how she would find herself excusing his harsh behavior during her more reflective moments.

Keeps, lands and castles were still left standing once the people living inside them perished. Even Harrenhall, the fortress burnt by Aegon I the Conqueror with dragon fire, had endured whereas its habitats had not.

The breeze wisped past her hair as she stood on the walls of the Rock, overlooking the sea, a sea that was reflected in Joanna's own eyes.

Before she could ponder over things further, her musings got interrupted by one of her servants.

"A raven, my lady Lannister." the man said, extending the golden tube that undoubtedly contained a letter, bowing his head as he did so.

Joanna turned away from the sea, accepting the tube and pulling out the paper, unrolling it swiftly. She recognized her father's handwriting immediately even if the golden lion sigil were to be missing. Her eyes quickly scan it.

《 My dearest daughter,

It seems like the time has come for you to join the war, in spite of my efforts to  keep you away from it but I am afraid your sister and nephew have left me with no choice. I need trusted eyes and a capable hand — both of which you have — in King's Landing lest we risk losing. I cannot count on Jaime, who is being held prisoner and I cannot count on Cersei to keep her son in line.

Which is why I am entrusting it to you. And, regretfully, to your younger brother. Tyrion will join you in two weeks' time from the moment I send you the letter, so I imagine he would have already arrived by the time this reaches you. He is to act as Hand of the King in my stead. Make sure he doesn't fail at it. And Joanna...

Do not let them kill a lioness of Casterly Rock, for I shall rain the entire wrath of the West upon them, see how much their gods help them then. Safe travels, child. Until we meet again.

Your lord father,

Tywin》

Joanna rolls back the parchment, tucking it next to the sword at her side while her guard asks. "Troubled news, my lady?"

"Oh no, not at all." she looks up with a smile. "In fact, I rejoice in them, Ser Trant." Her eyes crinkle at the corners, the sea still reflecting in them.

"Prepare fifty men, I am taking them with me on my way to King's Landing. Let the closest to us know of my departure and tell the rest you know nothing. My aunt Genna will rule the Rock in my place from the moment my feet make it past the gates."

"Yes, Lady Lannister."

                               *~*

She makes it to King's Landing two days after her brother Tyrion has already arrived and seized control of the capital, her white horse stepping through the large doors and further into the throne room, much to everyone's surprise.

Tyrion's eyebrows nearly reach his hairline though his eyes are lit up regardless. It's Joffrey who speaks up first, however, from where he is seated on the Iron Throne.