GOT: House Redwyne

The sun had fully risen by the time Paxter Redwyne and his forces returned to the Arbor. The victory at Bitterbridge had been hard-fought, and the toll was evident in the weary faces of his soldiers. But there was also a sense of triumph in the air, the knowledge that they had achieved something remarkable. The Gold Bank's stranglehold on the Reach had been broken, and House Redwyne had emerged victorious.

As Paxter dismounted his horse in the courtyard of the keep, he was met by Lady Mina, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and pride. She had been waiting for him, overseeing the preparations for their return and ensuring that the wounded were cared for.

"You did it," Mina said softly, her voice filled with emotion as she approached him. "You won."

Paxter took her hands in his, feeling the warmth of her touch soothe the exhaustion that weighed heavily on him. "We won," he corrected gently. "It was a victory for all of us—our soldiers, our people. But there's still much to be done."

Mina nodded, understanding the weight of his words. The battle might be over, but the repercussions of their victory would ripple through the Reach and beyond. The Gold Bank's defeat had left a power vacuum, and it was up to House Redwyne to navigate the challenges that lay ahead.

As they walked together toward the keep, Paxter's thoughts turned to the next steps. The war had solidified their position in the Reach, but he knew that to secure their future, they needed more than just military strength. They needed alliances—strategic partnerships that would bolster their influence and ensure their place among the great houses of Westeros.

One such opportunity lay with the Iron Bank of Braavos. Throughout the conflict, Paxter had been mindful of the Iron Bank's interest in the Reach. The Iron Bank was a formidable institution, known for its wealth and its ability to influence the outcome of wars and power struggles across the known world. An alliance with the Iron Bank could provide House Redwyne with the resources and backing needed to expand their trade and influence, not just in Westeros, but in the Free Cities as well.

After ensuring that the soldiers were properly cared for and the wounded were tended to, Paxter called a council meeting. Lady Mina, Ser Martyn Harte, Maester Ferris, and a few other trusted advisors gathered in the war room, the weight of their recent victory still fresh in their minds.

"The Gold Bank has been defeated," Paxter began, his voice steady as he addressed the group. "But our work is far from over. We've secured the Reach, but we need to ensure that our victory is lasting. To do that, we need allies—powerful allies who can help us solidify our position and expand our influence."

Ser Martyn nodded in agreement. "The Iron Bank of Braavos has been watching the situation closely. They're known for backing winners, and we've just proven that we're a force to be reckoned with. If we can secure their support, it would give us a significant advantage."

Lady Mina added, "An alliance with the Iron Bank would also open up new opportunities for trade and commerce, not just in Westeros, but in the Free Cities. We could expand our reach far beyond the Arbor, establishing House Redwyne as a major player on the global stage."

Paxter turned to Maester Ferris, who had been quietly studying the maps and documents spread out on the table. "Ferris, what do we know about the Iron Bank's current interests in the Reach?"

Ferris looked up, his expression thoughtful. "The Iron Bank has always been pragmatic in its dealings. They're interested in stability and profit, and they're willing to back anyone who can provide both. The Gold Bank's defeat has created uncertainty in the region, and the Iron Bank will be looking for a new partner to ensure their investments are secure. If we approach them with the right proposal, I believe they would be open to an alliance."

Paxter considered Ferris's words carefully. The Iron Bank was known for its ruthless efficiency and its willingness to do whatever it took to protect its interests. An alliance with them could be incredibly beneficial, but it would also require careful negotiation and a clear understanding of what each side stood to gain.

"I'll need to travel to Braavos," Paxter said, his decision made. "This is too important to leave to emissaries. I'll meet with the representatives of the Iron Bank myself and negotiate the terms of our alliance."

Mina's eyes widened slightly at his announcement, but she quickly composed herself. "It's a bold move, Paxter. But I agree—it's the right one. The Iron Bank will respect you more if you handle this personally."

Ser Martyn looked concerned, but he nodded in support. "We'll hold the fort here while you're away, my lord. But be careful—Braavos is a different world from the Reach, and the Iron Bank is not to be underestimated."

Paxter gave a small smile, appreciating their support and concern. "I know, Martyn. But we've come this far by being bold, by taking risks when others hesitated. This is the next step in securing our future."

The preparations for Paxter's journey were swift. He would take a small, trusted retinue with him, including Maester Ferris to assist with the negotiations. The voyage to Braavos would be long, but Paxter was confident that it would be worth it. The Iron Bank was a powerful ally, and if he could secure their support, House Redwyne would be unstoppable.

As the ship set sail from the Arbor, Paxter stood on the deck, gazing out at the horizon. The waters of the Narrow Sea stretched before him, leading to the distant shores of Braavos—a city known for its wealth, its secrets, and its formidable bank.

The journey gave Paxter time to reflect on all that had happened. The war with the Gold Bank had tested him in ways he hadn't anticipated, pushing him to embrace the shadows and use every tool at his disposal. But it had also shown him the strength of his house, the loyalty of his people, and the power of a well-executed strategy.

When they finally arrived in Braavos, the city was as impressive as Paxter had imagined. The Titan of Braavos loomed over the harbor, a colossal statue that served as both a symbol of the city's power and a warning to those who would challenge it. The canals and streets of the city were bustling with activity, a testament to Braavos's status as a center of trade and commerce.

Paxter and his retinue were escorted to the Iron Bank's imposing headquarters, a grand building that exuded wealth and authority. Inside, they were met by representatives of the bank—men and women who were as sharp and calculating as any warrior on the battlefield.

The negotiations were intense, with both sides carefully weighing their words and their offers. The Iron Bank was intrigued by the idea of partnering with House Redwyne, recognizing the potential for profit in the Reach and beyond. But they were also cautious, knowing that alliances could shift as quickly as the tides.

Paxter presented his case with confidence, outlining the benefits of an alliance between House Redwyne and the Iron Bank. He spoke of the stability they could bring to the Reach, the opportunities for trade expansion, and the mutual benefits of a long-term partnership.

The representatives listened carefully, their expressions inscrutable as they weighed his words. But Paxter could see that they were interested, that they recognized the potential in what he was offering.

After hours of discussion, a tentative agreement was reached. The Iron Bank would become a minority shareholder in the new financial institution that would rise from the ashes of the Gold Bank, with House Redwyne retaining control. In return, the Iron Bank would provide financial backing, resources, and support to help House Redwyne expand its influence in the Reach and the Free Cities.

It was a strategic alliance that would benefit both sides, and Paxter knew that it was a significant step forward for his house. The Iron Bank was a powerful ally, and with their support, House Redwyne could achieve greatness.

As the meeting concluded and the terms were finalized, Paxter felt a sense of satisfaction. The journey to Braavos had been worth it, and the alliance he had secured would ensure that House Redwyne remained a dominant force in Westeros.

As he left the Iron Bank's headquarters and stepped out into the bustling streets of Braavos, Paxter allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection. The future was uncertain, but he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. House Redwyne had risen to power, and with the Iron Bank at their side, they would continue to rise.

The game of thrones was far from over, but Paxter Redwyne had proven that he was a player to be reckoned with. And with the Iron Bank as their ally, House Redwyne was poised to shape the future of Westeros and beyond.